St. Regis Hotels and Resorts has announced its debut in Dubai with the opening of The St. Regis Dubai. Owned by Al Habtoor Group, the hotel introduces bespoke hospitality, eight culinary venues, the first Iridium Spa in Dubai, a fleet of Bentleys as well as the first Bentley Suite in the Middle East which will be unveiled in early 2016.
The hotel is located within the Al Habtoor City. As the newest address on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Habtoor City will feature two other Starwood hotels under W Hotels and Westin brands, three residential towers, and a water-themed show by Dragone. The development is minutes away from attractions such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, with a 20-minute drive to Dubai International Airport and 40-minute drive to Al Maktoum International Airport.
“We are proud to partner with Al Habtoor Group and to launch Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the region as we open the first of three hotels in this prestigious development,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The entry of our ultra-luxury St. Regis brand in this important market strengthens Starwood’s presence in the United Arab Emirates as we remain on track to double our portfolio in the region by 2019,” he added.
Jim Petrus, global brand leader for St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, said, “The unveiling of The St. Regis Dubai marks an important milestone for the brand as we rapidly grow our profile in the Middle East. This important debut represents our fourth property in the region since the opening of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi almost four years ago, and with The St. Regis Dubai, we are thrilled to be able to offer the renowned St. Regis experience to the region’s luxury travelers.”
The French beaux-arts architecture and neo-classical interiors of The St. Regis Dubai pay homage to The St. Regis New York, the brand’s original hotel which opened in 1904 in New York.
The hotel features 234 guestrooms, including 52 suites, each offering a bright ambience with details such as chandeliers, marble bathrooms and signature St. Regis beds. Spanning 913sqm, the three-bedroom, two-story Royal Suite is located in the central dome of the building, featuring a rooftop plunge pool, vast living room with a dining room, study and lounge areas.
The hotel’s custom-designed one-bedroom Bentley Suite, inspired by craftsmanship of the Bentley Mulsanne, is the first of its kind in the Middle East. All guests at The St. Regis Dubai will experience renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing customisation at each stay according to specific guest tastes and preferences.
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman, Al Habtoor Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to open The St. Regis Dubai, the first hotel within Al Habtoor City. It is the beginning of a new era on this historic site. The St. Regis name, renowned for its rich heritage and traditions, will undoubtedly complement the traditions and modernity of Dubai. We look forward to welcoming our first guests, and seeing the city buzzing with activity.”
Brasserie Quartier serves French favourites. J&G Steakhouse offers a collection of steakhouse classics. The Roof Gardens is an intimate outdoor venue with cabanas for in-house guests. Cafe Fleuri is reminiscent of a 1930s Parisien cafe while Le Patio evokes idyllic moments in a courtyard cafe surrounded by olive trees.
Following the tradition of the Bloody Mary cocktail, which was first created at The St. Regis New York, the St. Regis Bar offers the Golden Mary, a sweet and savory cocktail made with yellow tomato juice with gold leaf accents. In The Champagne Lounge, sommeliers perform the St. Regis evening ritual of champagne sabering. Guests can enjoy the signature St. Regis afternoon tea at Sidra alongside the views of landscaped gardens.
The Iridium Spa consists of six treatment rooms, two hammams and separate female and male wet areas with steam room and sauna. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness centre, two rooftop swimming pools and a private helipad. The hotel offers facilities for occasions including weddings and roundtable meetings, including the 800-square-metre Astor Ballroom, six meeting rooms and landscaped gardens for al fresco events.
The St. Regis brand made its debut in the Middle East in 2011 with The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, growing its portfolio in the Middle East with The St. Regis Doha, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, and now, The St. Regis Dubai. The brand will enter Jordan with The St. Regis Amman in 2016, and will open in 2018 its first polo resort.
