AFTER only a few months since refurbishments began, the Al Raha Beach Hotel is entering the new season with a flurry of distinctive new facilities coming online. The resort will now progress to its final stage of renovation with the extension of 144 rooms, expected to be complete by June 2012. The resort will also enhance its dining experience by adding three new specialty restaurants and upgrade its spa as well as improving the landscaping around the swimming pool and La Piscine restaurant.

Rima Rawass, group marketing manager for Danat Hotels & Resorts says, “The main swimming pool and beach are now open while the landscaped gardens, kid’s pool and new 900 m stretch of white sandy beach will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy both an invigorating and relaxing experience.”

The extension of the rooms is connected to the existing building but will extend perpendicular to the waterfront, maximising guestroom views.

“While work is taking place, we were absolutely keen to ensure maximum comfort for our guests and the hotel team will endeavour to minimise inconvenience and any possible disturbance. Our guests’ best interests are our top priority,” she adds.

Diners will also be pleased that Al Raha Beach Hotel’s already excellent culinary offering will be enhanced by the opening of a new outlet with outdoor terrace providing dramatic views of the luscious landscaped gardens and sapphire sea. The new outlet has been designed to offer a full experience within its three open kitchens, a sushi bar, Asian restaurant and a Teppanyaki grill. A second lounge named Havana59 Bar will open in a location overlooking the garden, pool and the Arabian Gulf.

The Dh200 million ($54 million) extension of Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi is scheduled for a second-quarter completion.

The National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels is also looking forward to signing more hotels under DH&R brand and working on developing new brands under Danat umbrella, with a target to add two more properties before the end of 2012.

Rawass adds, “At ATM we are going to meet travel agencies, DMCs and tour operators for the leisure business / inbound to Abu Dhabi and discuss room rates that we would offer our European guests as well as meet new TPIs to broaden our online GDS channels.

“At ATM we will meet all our partners based in UK and will discuss any additional services they may provide us and any additional business opportunity for our hotels,” she adds.