If you’re one of those luxury travellers who likes to stay ahead of the curve, then you’ll be excited to hear about some new hotel openings in the Middle East set for 2022. These breathtaking properties are sure to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with exquisite décor, top-notch amenities and world-class service. So if you’re looking to book your next luxury getaway, make sure to add these properties to your list!
New Luxury Hotels in Dubai, 2022
Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences, Dubai
Opening in September 2022, Atlantis, The Royal, will be a landmark destination at The Palm Jumeirah, where the sea meets the sky, combining the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf with the contemporary skyline Dubai is known for. The resort surges 43 storeys high and is close to the magnificent Atlantis, The Palm.
The Atlantis The Royal will feature classic designs, creating a contrast with Dubai’s otherwise rapidly and constantly changing architecture. The interiors focus on a refined and timeless look, modernizing the traditional. The hotel will have 795 ocean themed rooms, paired with a breath-taking view of the Arabian Gulf and some with their own private infinity pools.
The new luxury hotel in Dubai will be home to 17 world-class restaurants, ensuring that your dining is as pleasant as your stay. Celebrity chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Gastón Acurio, and the Ling Ling restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine with 180-degree panoramic views of Dubai, will make for an exquisite gastronomic experience.
With an emphasis on wellness, the resort will have a 3,000 sqm spa facility inspired by natural elements such as air, water and the earth. In addition, 6 Hammam Sensorium, 17 treatment rooms, a styling salon, indoor and outdoor fitness space will help guests relax and rejuvenate holistically.
Unparalleled luxury and sustainability go hand in hand at Atlantis. The hotel balances the three dimensions of sustainable development, tirelessly work to reduce their carbon footprint, and house 65000 marine animals as part of their animal welfare program.
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Location: Nasimi Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
The Taj Group’s 3rd hotel in Dubai, Taj Exotica Spa and Resort, is set to open to guests in March 2022. Located in The Palm Jumeirah, the most exclusive part of the Emirate, the resort will be the first beachfront hotel of the Taj group. The existing Taj Hotels in Dubai include Taj Dubai in Downtown Dubai and Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
The eight-storey building will feature 325 sea view or Palm view rooms. Opulence being the trademark of Taj accommodation, the rooms will offer a spacious and comfortable stay, along with gorgeous views of the beach. The resort will also feature the signature Jiva Grande Spa, a trademark of Taj, the first in the United Arab Emirates.
The dining options include an Italian restaurant, a gastropub, a signature Indian speciality restaurant, Moroccan and Andalusian cuisine. In addition, guests get to experience hand-crafted cocktails, whiskey tasting or enjoy their drinks while relaxing at the picturesque poolside or beach bars.
With its own 230 sqm private beach, the resort offers relaxation and entertainment opportunities for all. The Jiva Grande Spa helps create a restorative atmosphere for the guests on their vacation. Scuba diving, snorkelling, and parasailing, along with Yoga, 24-hour gym, evening sundowners, the fantastic kids’ club, will make it one of the best hotels to stay at in Dubai.
Location: East Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
New Luxury Hotel in Oman, 2022
Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Oman
Set to open in March 2022, the Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a luxury waterfront resort that can be found nestled in the cove of Bandar Jissah, between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. It is the first Jumeirah hotel in Oman.
The building is designed to make guests feel more connected to the environment of Muscat Bay. The resort has 206 rooms that offer unparalleled elegance with terrific ocean views. The accommodation mirrors the lifestyle of the Omanis. The Jebel (mountain-living) rooms are on the top level, Bustan (oasis-living) in the middle and Shat’ee (beach-living) is closest to the sea.
A balanced mix of the traditional and contemporary describes the dining options at Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Whether it is their international restaurant Peridot with chef Claudio Dieli, or their patisserie serving Arabic coffee and local delicacies, the dining experience is made extraordinary with the local flavours.
In addition to world-class accommodation, the hotel includes the renowned Talise Spa, offering wellness treatments for those looking to unwind during the hot afternoons. For outdoor sports, guests can enjoy the beautiful coastline through a dive centre and other watersports. The archaeological ruins surrounding the hotel provide real connections to the story of Oman. Immerse yourself in variations of the local experience, the history and the hospitality amid uninterrupted views of Oman Gulf and Al Hajar Mountains.
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Location: Saraya Bandar Jissah Wadi Al Kabir Muscat OM, 117, Oman
New Luxury Hotel in Kuwait, 2022
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
Waldorf Astoria will debut in Kuwait in fall 2022. Located in the Avenues Mall, which encompasses 1,100 shops, an amusement park, cinema, restaurants, and cafes, guests are simply 10 minutes away from Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Kuwait International Airport.
The hotel is a reflection of the local history. The location of the fascinating Failaka Island, close to Kuwait City, is home to the legend of Icarus. Icarus represents the guests’ cravings for escapism. The interior has been elegantly designed to reflect the cultural history of Kuwait with more traditional accents. The accommodation includes 200 rooms that range from King Deluxe Room, King Ikaros Room to Family Deluxe Rooms.
Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria New York’s famed restaurant, makes its way to Kuwait, offering an ideal place for fine dining and drinks. ROKA Kuwait offers contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine that uses hot charcoal to grill food. The hotel also hosts poolside restaurants, offering delicacies and greenery in one combined relaxing dining experience.
The astounding 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa makes guests feel thoroughly relaxed, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and with a sense of tranquillity. The Waldorf Astoria SPA features eight treatment rooms, 3 Hammam and 2 Vitality pools. Other amenities such as a personal concierge, fitness centre, business centre with meeting rooms make it a comfortable and unforgettable stay for everyone.
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Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Rd, Al Andalous, 92000, Kuwait
New Luxury Hotels in Saudi Arabia, 2022
Nobu Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
After much anticipation, the Nobu Hotel is set to open in Riyadh in early 2022, bringing its Japanese heritage to Saudi Arabia and mixing it with the local culture. Located in Riyadh downtown, this hotel is going to be among the first five-star luxury boutique hotels in Saudi Arabia.
The 23 storeyed, glass panelled building showcases the arabesque architecture, with subtle hints of the Nobu’s traditional Japanese legacy. The structure includes innovative printed, layered glass, which works as a highly reflective façade that balances privacy and exposure.
Custom furnished with subtle Japanese and regional influences, the 119 rooms are visually stunning but also state of the art and thoughtfully equipped. All these spaces have their own unique design identity, along with the common theme of contemporary and unscripted elegance.
Read More: Red Sea & Saudi Arabia, The Next Buzzing Cruise Destination
The Nobu restaurant is characteristic in its contrasting warm and cool tones and framed by two Japanese gardens. A sizeable wooden fish structure is the primary design feature of the restaurant, along with living flora for centrepieces, giving the whole craftsmanship a Japanese touch.
Six well-appointed meeting rooms, beautifully crafted ballrooms to host large and exclusive gatherings are also part of this hotel, making it one of the best places to stay at. Minimalist design and finishes offer the opportunity to customize based on your needs.
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Location: King Fahd Rd, Al Anoud Tower 2, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Banyan Tree Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
Opening in the third quarter of the year, Banyan Tree Al Ula is set in the Ashar Valley, near the city of Al Ula in the Madinah province. The first Banyan Tree resort in Saudi Arabia, Banyan Tree Al Ula is located in an eco-tourism region, only a short flight away from Jeddah or Riyadh.
The resort’s architecture is inspired by the Nabataean nomads and therefore follows a tented structure with a neutral colour palette that seamlessly mingles with the Ashar Valley backdrop. It allows guests to view the stunning landscapes created by nature while also ensuring shelter. The accommodation includes one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools.
Food at the resort serves as another medium to give guests a look into the local Arabian culture. The signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, brings authentic Thai flavour with an innovative twist to the table. The Alban is an all-day restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. The traditional Banyan Tree spa, in-room dining, and a fitness centre are other amenities that ensure a comfortable stay.
The aim here is to bring one closer to what Al Ula offers in terms of its culture. Hegra, a well-known site in Al Ula, is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. This 52-hectare ancient city boasts of more than 100 well-preserved tombs.
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Location: Tabuk Road, Wadi Ashar, P.O. Box 5734 – 6387, Al Ula 43563, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
New Luxury Hotel in Turkey, 2022
The Peninsula, Istanbul
Opening in 2022, The Peninsula is located in Istanbul’s historic Karaköy district, situated on the banks of the stunning River Bosphorus. The hotel will be within walking distance to many of Istanbul’s most spectacular historic landmarks, such as Galata Tower, Galata Bridge and the famous Sultanahmet District.
With 177 rooms and suites, the guests will get majestic views of the awe-inspiring river right from their rooms. The architecture and the interiors will follow a classical style, much like the historic city itself. Green, lush gardens and swimming pools will offer a chance to bask in the city’s glory and relax.
Istanbul’s Galata district
A perfect blend of East and West, guests get to indulge in local and international cuisines from a vast choice of excellent restaurants. And for a feel of the traditional, the ancient Turkish tradition of hammam steam baths at the decadent spa transports you to a much more serene space.
The Peninsula Istanbul also features a one-storey shopping arcade, with nine retail shops providing over 750 sqm shopping spaces to guests. Located on the prestigious jewellery aisle of The Peninsula Hotel, these luxury stores offer exquisite shopping with unparalleled hotel experiences.
Location: Kemankeş Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey
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© This article was first published online in Jan 2022 – World Travel Magazine.