Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm opens
INDIAN Hotels Company’s (IHCL) iconic brand, Taj, has announced the opening of its third Taj branded hotel in the UAE. The resort offers 325 elegantly styled rooms and suites, an array of culinary experiences and holistic wellness at the award winning Jiva spa, replete with a private beach and the longest pool in Palm Jumeirah. Guests can embark on a sensorial culinary journey across the resort’s many dining options, fine dining at Varq, a unique gastropub experience at the Roaring Rabbit; Arabesque atmosphere at Raia, the rooftop bar & lounge; Palm Kitchen, which brings alive the flavours of international fare; or The Coast, a beachside bistro offering coastal delicacies.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “This opening is in line with our strong focus to be present in global growth markets. With the addition of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, IHCL expands to strengthen its footprint in Dubai. We are honoured to partner with the Arenco Group to bring Taj’s signature hospitality to Palm Jumeirah, one of the world’s most exciting destinations.”
IHCL’s fourth Taj hotel in the UAE is under development.
Accor claims new Sofitel property in Madinah
ACCOR brings its first Sofitel property in the Holy City of Madinah, scheduled to open in 2023. With plans to revamp and rebrand under the Sofitel marque next year, the hotel will continue to operate under white label while it undergoes a comprehensive renovation. The hotel boasts a landmark location in the centre of Madinah, a short walk from the northern entrance of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The property features 469 keys, including the most luxurious suite in Madinah, two- and three-bedroom suites, three dining outlets, an executive lounge, two meeting rooms and a fitness centre with a gym.
“The hotel is another great addition to our luxury portfolio in the Kingdom and the region overall,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “The new Sofitel Madinah is set to become the ultimate choice for travellers, including those partaking in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, that are looking for luxurious hospitality while being strategically located, minutes away from key Holy landmarks.” Accor currently operate 40 properties (14,660 keys) in Saudi Arabia with a pipeline of 42 properties (10,864 keys).
JW Marriott to debut in Riyadh
THE highly anticipated JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh will make its debut in Riyadh’s new commercial and business district early Q2 of 2022. On King Fahad Road, and just a five-minute drive from King Abdullah Financial District, the landmark hotel will add to the skyline of the city, spanning 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites. World-class dining outlets will include the highly anticipated JW Steakhouse – along with exceptional facilities spanning business, wellness and more.
Another key Marriott International property set to open in the Saudi capital this year is the St. Regis Riyadh, located at the entrance of the Diplomatic Quarter and featuring 83 rooms and suites.
Four Seasons to open in Diriyah
FOUR SEASONS HOTELS AND RESORTS and Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the developers of the Diriyah master plan, announce plans for Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia will include approximately 150 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, expansive meeting and event spaces, a wellness spa with seven treatment rooms and a fitness centre, as well as two outdoor pools with private cabanas. The Hotel will also offer four culinary outlets, including a poolside restaurant and sunset lounge.
The area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif, the valley and lush palm groves of Wadi Hanifah, and will soon include the Diriyah development – an acclaimed project that pays homage to the history of Saudi Arabia. Located 15 minutes from the centre of Riyadh, Diriyah will comprise 13 unique districts inclusive of residences, hospitality offerings, office space, retail, museums, cultural institutions, outdoor attractions and more. The development is a key driver of the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030.