AccorHotels, a leading travel and lifestyle group, has signed a management agreement with leading Dubai-based master eveloper Nakheel for the expansion of its renowned luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

As per the deal, the duo will open Palm360, a two-tower development on the world famous Palm Jumeirah comprising the Raffles The Palm Dubai Hotel and Raffles Residences Palm360.

The management agreement was inked by Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah and AccorHotels chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin on the sidelines of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes (France).

Set to open in 2021, the Palm 360 will be the first beachside resort for Raffles in Dubai and the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah, said a statement from Nakheel.

At almost 260-m-high, Palm 360 will offer unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, the spectacular Arabian Gulf coastline and Dubai skyline. Its centrepiece will be a 155-m-long sky pool, connecting the towers 170 m above the ground, from where guests can also enjoy stunning, uninterrupted views from a unique vantage point, it stated.

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’ legendary services, including concierge, private transportation and in-residence dining. They will also enjoy global VVIP status through an exclusive Ownership Benefits Program, said the Dubai developer in the statement.

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 spectacular 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, it stated.

Following the signing, Lootah said: "We are committed to playing a key role in realising the Dubai government’s vision by continuing to deliver unique, landmark projects that reinforce the emirate’s 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," he noted.

"Palm 360 will further enhance the island’s 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," he added.

Located on Palm Jumeirah’s 11-km crescent Boardwalk, Palm 360 is close to upcoming attractions such as The Palm Promenade, The Pointe and Nakheel Mall, with Dubai’s key business and leisure hubs within easy reach.

The luxury property will offer guests a distinct resort feel with direct private beach access, a specialised private beach club along with thoughtful, personal and discreet service synonymous with the Raffles brand.    

Palm 360 joins 16 other hotels that form part of Nakheel’s $1.3-billion 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.  

Bazin said this announcement in collaboration with Nakheel marks the much-anticipated expansion of one of the most illustrious luxury brands of Accor.

"The development of Raffles The Palm Dubai Hotel and Raffles Residences Palm 360 not only cements our luxury portfolio on a landmark leisure destination but also demonstrates our dedication to developing the most distinct hospitality concepts," he stated.

Bazin pointed out that Raffles was a brand synonymous with legendary levels of service combined with enchanting design and amenities.

"These qualities have made the Raffles brand successful as Raffles Dubai celebrates 10 years since opening its doors and welcoming its very first guests. Meanwhile Raffles Singapore, will reopen this summer after an extensive refurbishment to celebrate its 130th anniversary," he noted.

"Drawing on this timeless essence and history, we are confident that Raffles The Palm Dubai will also become a remarkable addition to the Raffles collection and a must-visit property in global travel," he added.-TradeArabia News Service