The growth of the hospitality sector shows no signs of slowing down, and we’re eagerly awaiting the opening of these phenomenal destinations later this year.
Shebara, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
When you find out that the architect behind Dubai’s extraordinary Museum of the Future (Shaun Killa) is also responsible for Shebara it’s no wonder... The resort is comprised of stainless-steel pods that reflect the blues of the sky and sea, making them look like elusive mirages bobbing over the water. Located on Sheybarah Island, 45 minutes from the mainland, the resort’s 73 keys include beach villas in addition to the aquatic orbs. The island has a 30 to 40 metre reef drop-off close to the beach, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. Shebara will open in summer 2024 and is the first resort to be owned and operated by Red Sea Global.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat, Oman
The highly popular Nikki Beach brand will make its debut in Muscat, Oman later this year. Of course, the resort will include the beach club and three signature Nikki Beach restaurants: Café Nikki, Escape and Soul Lounge. The property will have three swimming pools and pool bar, Nikki Spa, Tone Gym, and a marina that is expected to be popular with the region’s yachting community. The contemporary design features two hotel wings with 140 rooms and 30 villas with private pools. All the rooms and villas have full marina and beach views, and a central pool flows effortlessly through the entire resort. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat is set to open in Q4 2024.
Earth Shore Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Earth Hotels dubs its brand as ‘the new breed of hospitality.’ Earth Shore Marjan Island promises a 360-degree lifestyle offering where you can relax with a spa day or yoga session, socialise at the beach bar or party through to the early hours. Accommodation styles include resort rooms, cabanas and duplex sky suites, all of which have been designed from a sustainable and experiential perspective. The dining concepts are focused around locally sourced ingredients, including an on-site vegetable garden. After the Marjan Island destination opens later in 2024, more Earth Hotels are expected to open in Abu Dhabi Mangroves, Jeddah and Riyadh.
Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island
Just a 20-minute boat ride from the Southern tip of Bahrain mainland, Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island is a boutique-style hotel with 102 keys, including 24 overwater villas. The resort is part of the Mantis Group, founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner. The brand is owned by hospitality group Accor and this will be the first Mantis location to open in the Middle East. Recognised by UNESCO for its migratory birds and vibrant coral reefs, the Hawar islands offer nature-focused activities like birdwatching and snorkelling. Hawar Resort, built in partnership with Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, will also give guests the chance to see Arabian oryx, sand gazelles and Arabian horses. Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island is expected to open in September 2024.
To discover more of the latest trends in the world of hospitality and foodservice, visit Gulfhost from 5 – 7 November at Dubai World Trade Centre.
