(MENAFN Press) Landmark Properties in Abu Dhabi and Doha will Set New Standard of Luxury in the Region
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates “ 8 April 2012 “ Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) continues the dynamic global growth of its ultra-luxury St. Regis brand, with the opening of three new hotels and resorts in the Middle East this year “ The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Doha and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Offering a new standard of luxury in the region, St. Regis will showcase these three iconic properties at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM), from April 30 “ May 3, 2012.
"Abu Dhabi is one of the world's economic hubs and Doha has emerged as a dynamic cultural centre in the region, so naturally both cities have become a new 'must' on today's global Grand Tour; and St. Regis is uniquely positioned to cater to the needs of today's global travellers, offering bespoke luxury informed by the brand's unique legacy," says Paul James, Global Brand Leader of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts "We are looking forward to introducing the three St. Regis hotels debuting this year in the Middle East to our trade partners at the Arabian Travel Market."
Beginning in the early 18th century, each generation of affluence went on a Grand Tour through Europe to collect experiences and culture. Subsequently, today's elite communities travel to Old World cities including London and Rome in addition to new world hotspots as diverse as Bal Harbour, Shenzhen and Abu Dhabi. As a hotel brand created for a new generation of luxury travelers, St. Regis is building on its portfolio of existing iconic hotels with destinations at the heart of the Global Grand Tour itinerary, amplifying John Jacob Astor IV's vision to create 'the finest hotel in the world' with each new addition.
The St. Regis brand's aggressive growth in the Middle East and Africa will continue this year with the upcoming debut of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort. Additionally St. Regis will debut in Egypt with The St. Regis Cairo in 2014as well as in Jordan with The St. Regis Amman and The Residences at The St. Regis Amman in 2015. Starwood currently operates nearly 50 hotels in the Middle East and continues to strengthen its long-established position in the Middle East as one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the region. By 2015, the Middle East will become the second region, after North America, to operate all nine of Starwood's world-class brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft and Element - further reinforcing the company's commitment to the region.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Representing the brand's debut in the Middle East region, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi opened in December of 2011 and is located on the pristine white natural beaches of Saadiyat, a short 10-minute drive from the city center and a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Designed by award-winning architects Woods-Bagot, Johannesburg-based Northpoint Architects and renowned interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort incorporates a blend of Mediterranean and Arabic influences creating a unique and exciting address. Each of the 377 luxurious guest rooms and suites feature private terraces offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Ranging from intimate to extravagant, guests can choose from a variety of elegant suites including the lavishly-appointed two-story Royal Suite. The resort also features seven distinctive venues, including 55&5th, The Grill it's signature restaurant, Abu Dhabi's largest spa “ Iridium Spa, a 3500sqm state-of-the-art gym called the St. Regis Athletic Club and a large banqueting facility “ The Regal Ballroom - that includes a 3000sqm ballroom. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort,also offers 33 St. Regis branded villas, 259 St. Regis branded residences and a high-end retail and entertainment complex named 'The Collection,' including shops and restaurants, which will become fully operational in stages throughout 2012.
The St. Regis Doha
The St. Regis Doha has positioned itself as a landmark in Qatar after its recent opening in March 2012. The hotel offers 336 luxurious guest rooms including 70 suites - all offering sea views and custom-made furnishings. An entire floor is dedicated to meeting facilities including a 1,850-square-meter grand ballroom, a VIP suite and four meeting rooms “ all filled with natural daylight. The hotel features the widest dining selection within a hotel in Qatar with 10 distinctive culinary and lounge experiences, including two Gordon Ramsay restaurants and Hakkasan, as well as the first Jazz at Lincoln Center club outside of the United States. In addition, The St. Regis Doha offers 16,000 square meters of leisure facilities including a Remde Spa, a private beach, 10 exclusive beachfront cabanas with private Jacuzzis, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, delivering the ultimate blend of sophistication and relaxation.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Scheduled to open in September 2012, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is part of Nation Towers, the iconic two-tower mixed-use development which will encompass 60 retail shops within Nation Galleria. Located within the 33rd and 49th floors of one tower, the hotel's 283 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites, will offer captivating views of the Arabian Gulf. Hotel guests and local residents will enjoy the wide range of culinary and luxury leisure facilities between the ground and 3rd floor of the hotel. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will feature 11 distinctive food and beverage venues including Rhodes 44 “ a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes. The hotel will offer more than 4,800 square metres of meeting and event space and over 3,000 square metres of dedicated health club facilities, including a Remde Spa, two outdoor swimming pools and the first Hommage Grooming Atelier in Abu Dhabi. Guests will also enjoy private access to the hotel's Nation Riviera Beach Club.
Following in the tradition of the St. Regis brand's legendary New York hotel, St. Regis properties in the region will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.
