Luxury residential and hospitality property developer Seven Tides has confirmed Barceló Hotel Group as the new operator of its five-star Dukes Dubai, located on the west trunk of Palm Jumeirah.

The hotel will be rebranded Dukes Dubai – A Royal Hideaway Hotel and will become the first property in the region under the Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts brand which features unique and exclusive destination hotels connected with art and culture as well as authenticity, detail and discretion.

The Spanish hospitality group assumed operations of the Palm Jumeirah hotel following the signing of a management agreement on January 26 in Dubai between Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO of Seven Tides and Jaime Buxó, chief development officer, Barceló Hotel Group – and in the presence of Goulam Amarsy, CEO of Barceló Gulf, partner of Barceló Hotel Group in the GCC.

Commenting on the new agreement, bin Sulayem said: “Barceló Hotel Group were appointed to manage Dukes Dubai because it is a dynamic and flexible hospitality company, operating 249 hotels across 22 countries, with a wealth of experience, running luxury international resorts and most importantly, fulfilling guest expectations.

“The Barceló Group also has its own wholesale and retail travel division incorporating 700 travel agencies on four continents, so we are also confident that they will be able to develop new niche markets for Dukes Dubai, as well as optimise our position in the key international markets,” added bin Sulayem.

Founded in 1931, Barceló Hotel Group is the third largest chain in Spain and the 29th largest at international level. It currently operates 54,000 rooms in 22 countries worldwide.

As well as the Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts brand, the Spanish hospitality group also oversees operations of three other major brands: Barceló Hotels & Resorts, which features city hotels and resorts that are committed to innovation and creativity as well as local culture; Occidental Hotels & Resorts, which place an emphasis on tranquility and comfort; and Allegro Hotels, which are aimed at younger travellers encompassing urban hotels and resorts in popular destinations.

Buxó said: “Our partnership with Seven Tides further reinforces our growth strategy to expand our footprint across the UAE and indeed the Middle East over the next five years."

“The hotel is a stunning addition to Barceló’s growing luxury portfolio. Guests will experience first-class service coupled with exceptional facilities and vibrant surroundings on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, all making for a truly memorable stay,” he said.

Delivering an upscale blend of cosmopolitan luxury twinned with tradition, Dukes Dubai comprises 279 guestrooms including 64 stylish suites and a women-only Duchess Floor plus 287 fully furnished hotel apartments.

The property offers contemporary leisure, conference and entertainment facilities including a stunning private beach, indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool and state-of-the-art gym as well as six distinctive dining experiences. - TradeArabia News Service