AccorHotels signed a management agreement with Dubai-based master developer, Nakheel, for the expansion of AccorHotels renowned luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
The agreement, recognised by Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah and Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of AccorHotels at a signing ceremony at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes (France).
Set to open in 2021, PALM 360 will be the first beachside resort for Raffles in Dubai and the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah. At almost 260m high, PALM360 will offer unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf coastline, and Dubai skyline. Its centrepiece will be a 155m long sky pool, connecting the towers 170m above the ground.
The hotel component will offer 125 hotel rooms and suites, whilst the 359 branded residences including 16 branded penthouses that will each have their own private infinity pool, gym, and cinema will be available for purchase. Residence owners will be able to enjoy Raffles services including concierge, private transportation, and in-residence dining. They will also enjoy global VVIP status through an exclusive Ownership Benefits Program.
The hotel and residential complex will feature a host of high-end dining outlets, including two rooftop restaurants commanding sweeping views and a waterside restaurant in a poolside and beachside setting. A speciality restaurant will provide a venue for lavish culinary presentations throughout the day and a specially-designed lobby lounge will serve top-flight fare in luxurious surroundings.
Following the signing, Lootah said: We are committed to playing a key role in realising the Government of Dubais vision by continuing to deliver unique, landmark projects that reinforce Dubais position as a world-class destination for living, business, leisure and tourism.
Palm Jumeirah has quickly evolved into one of the most sought-after addresses in the world, offering the ultimate in luxury living and leisure. PALM360 will further enhance the islands global appeal, which already attracts millions of visitors each year. We are delighted to partner with AccorHotels for this awe-inspiring development that will take our rapidly-growing hospitality portfolio to new heights, and become the luxury destination of choice for discerning travellers the world over.
Bazin commented: Todays announcement in collaboration with Nakheel marks the much-anticipated expansion of one of our most illustrious luxury brands as well as a new momentum in our great partnership relation with chairman Ali Rashid Lootah whom I would like to thank for his support and confidence. The development of
Raffles The Palm Dubai Hotel and Raffles Residences PALM360 not only cements our luxury portfolio on a landmark leisure destination but also demonstrates our dedication to developing the most distinct hospitality concepts.
The resort will feature high-quality, well-equipped fitness and wellbeing facilities at the Raffles Spa, Health Club, and tennis court. The hotel and branded residences will also feature a fully-supervised childrens club to complement its leisure offering.
PALM360 joins 16 other hotels that form part of Nakheels $1.3bn hospitality expansion programme that is set to deliver close to 6,000 rooms and hotel apartments across Dubai. The first two hotels, at Dragon Mart and Ibn Battuta Mall, opened last year, with the rest under construction or development.