This April, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, UAE, will begin an expansion project that will increase the total number of guest rooms and include the addition of several new restaurant concepts. The project is expected to be completed in early 2012.
The beachfront resort currently features 138 sea-view guest rooms over seven floors. Spearheaded by Dubai-based architectural firm Rice Perry Ellis, there are plans to build an adjacent wing to house an additional 163 guest rooms, bringing the total number to 301. Of these, 18 are designated as suites including two Royal Suites, each providing more than 180 sq m of space and offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf.
All guest rooms will be equipped with the finest bedding experience, state-of-the-art technology including wireless and wired internet access, iPod docking stations, flat screen televisions and DVD players as standard to enable guests to both work and relax in their rooms. Located on the third floor of the new wing will be The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, offering six complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and dedicated multi-lingual concierge service.
“This major project is part of our goal to meet our guests’ requirements in the coming years,” says general manager Andrew Nasskau. “Since the resort’s opening 11 years ago, our number of guests has increased annually and, with the development of The Walk and Dubai Marina, we are predicting even higher visitor interest in The Ritz-Carlton at the completion of this expansion programme.”
As the new wing is located away from the resort’s guest rooms and recreational facilities such as the spa and swimming pools, Nasskau believes the impact will be minimal. “All our rooms and suites will still be occupied for the next two years and the only areas that will be closed are La Baie, the spa pool and the garden in front of the new wing,” he explained.
To capitalise on the requirements of corporate travellers, the resort will boast sizeable meeting and function space to include an 800-sq-m grand ballroom which is divisible by six, a boardroom and three multi-purpose function rooms.
Culinary offerings will be enhanced by the 10 new private dining rooms within an enclosed solarium in the Italian specialty restaurant Splendido and the signature restaurant La Baie will be revitalised by a new concept and a larger dining space. During the day, sun-worshippers will be able to enjoy the fresh look of the Pool Bar and Grill Pavilion.
The new wing will feature the resort’s famed landscaped gardens including new outdoor swimming pools and a terrace. A 2,020-sq-m spa and fitness centre, with separate entries for men and women, will showcase a fully equipped gymnasium, beauty salon and 13 private treatment rooms.