AJMAN Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort opened its doors last month reinforcing The Luxury Collection’s global growth, which remains on track to exceed 90 hotels by 2016.
The property, which is Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ first in the emirate, is inspired by contemporary Arabian elegance, and features 205 rooms and suites with sea and city views. It offers a host of leisure facilities including a spa, outdoor swimming pool and water sport activities, and kid’s club, as well as fully equipped meeting facilities and a ballroom.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ajman’s Crown Prince HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi said that the launch aligned perfectly with Ajman’s remarkable development and the emirate’s overall vision “to be a key player within the tourism sector in the UAE”.
CONVENIENT LOCATION
Ajman is located on the western coast of the UAE, a short distance away from Dubai, offering an accessible retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, according to general manager Michele Frignani.
“It is also in close proximity to Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah as well as all major international airports, and offers an enchanting coastal sanctuary for international visitors and an accessible weekend retreat for local residents,” he says. “We benefit from a coastline that stretches over 200 km from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. Ajman Saray is located on a pristine natural stretch of the Ajman Coast, with white sandy beaches next to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, and we are excited about the opportunity to introduce our guests to the natural beauty of Ajman.”
Ajman Saray is the third Luxury Collection property in the UAE joining the Grosvenor House in Dubai and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.
“I am excited about introducing Ajman to the rest of the world, particularly to our neighbours in Dubai, and through our luxury hotel we hope to help position Ajman as a distinguished destination for Arabian hospitality. We are looking forward to welcoming a range of visitors to Ajman Saray from local residents, our neighbouring emirates as well as international travellers from Russia, Germany and the UK.
“Additionally, our meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) as well as leisure facilities cater to incentive groups and families alike,” he adds.
FIRST TRIP TO ITB
“Following the successful launch of Ajman Saray, we are looking forward to participating at ITB Berlin,” says Frignani.
“Germany is one of our key feeder markets and I believe that ITB Berlin is a great opportunity to further define the positioning of the resort as the first beach side Luxury Collection Resort in the Middle East.
“Our team is working very closely with the Ajman tourist board to develop bespoke packages for our guests such as daytrips to the fish market as well as to the historic Ajman Museum, supporting local tourism within the emirate while giving our guests the true experience of Arabian hospitality.”
The luxury hotel market is continuing to grow in Ajman as the emirate strengthens is position as a destination for both business and leisure travellers. “From 2009 to 2013 alone the number of occupied hotel rooms in the emirate more than tripled and hotel revenue has grown at an average annual rate of 14 per cent,” the general manager says. “This is an ideal time for The Luxury Collection to enter the emirate as part of our global expansion strategy and together with the Ajman tourism board we look forward to positioning the emirate as the destination for authentic Arabian hospitality.”
By Rashi Sen