New hotels to try in the Middle East
Ras Al Khaimah
Luxury hospitality brand Anantara has opened a beachside resort in the United Arab Emirates. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah is located on a private peninsula of golden sand and mangroves, with views over the Arabian Gulf. The dramatic Hajar mountains rise up behind the resort.
The property boasts UAE’s first over-water villas, featuring outdoor decks and private plunge pools and a reserved cabana on the private beach.
Villa guests can also enjoy a dedicated Villa Host service.
Facilities run to six restaurants and bars including signature restaurant Mekong, the Mediterranean-inspired Beach House, all-day dining at Sea Breeze, as well as a deli, pool bar and lobby lounge.
Amenities include a variety of watersports, infinity pool, fitness centre overlooking the mangroves, padel court, yoga pavilion and kids’ and teens’ clubs. A menu of excursions is offered by the resort, such as hiking on nearby Jebel Jais, UAE’s highest mountain, kayaking the surrounding mangroves (home to flamingos and herons), sunset cruising on the Arabian Gulf, hot-air ballooning over the desert and visiting an Emirati pearl farm.
The property is a one-hour drive from Dubai airport.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has welcomed a Mandarin Oriental property this month with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh.
This is the brand’s debut in the country and to mark the occasion the launch was held in the presence of Saudi royalty and senior Mandarin Oriental Group representatives.
The property is a rebranding of the glamorous Al Faisaliah Hotel, one of Riyadh’s most prestigious addresses. The hotel is in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping, business and tourist areas and surrounded by the Al Faisaliah Tower and Al Faisaliah Mall.
Several new room and suite categories have been added in the north building of the hotel, including a 265 sqm Royal Suite and an opulent Executive Corner Suite. All accommodation comes with a 24-hour butler service.
There are no fewer than nine dining spaces, as well as a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, fitness centre, tennis court and 16m pool with waterfalls, steam baths and Finnish-style saunas.
“We’re honoured to continue Al Faisaliah Hotel’s legacy as an iconic hotel and lifestyle destination,” said hotel general manager, Richard Johnson. “Our mission is to bring the exceptional to life, putting our guests right in the heart of luxury, business, prime dining and exploration, complete with the impeccable service that Mandarin Oriental is known for.”
Dubai
The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel, has opened in Downtown Dubai. The Foster + Partners-designed, 30-storey property features a central podium, Lana Promenade, for shops and restaurants and a stunning infinity roof pool with views over the city and desert.
The 225-room hotel has eight dining spaces and will be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE; the spa is slated to open in April.
Rooms feature outdoor terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the sweeping views. The Lana’s five signature suites offer duplex layouts, double-height corner living rooms and outdoor terraces on both levels. The opulent Marina Royal Suite features a balcony that runs the length of the building with views of the Burj Khalifa.
The Lana is located in the heart of the city on the Marasi Bay Marina. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall and a 20-minute drive from Dubai airport.
The Lana is the tenth Dorchester Collection hotel and is the first opening for the group in more than a decade.
“The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design and superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” said Dorchester Collection president Christopher Cowdray.
