Starwood opening The Luxury Collection hotel in UAE

from today's STR Hospitality news (3/3):

The Luxury Collection® Announces Landmark Entry into the United Arab Emirates with the Opening of a Luxury Collection Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah


"NEW YORK | Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the entry of The Luxury Collection® in Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Under a long-term agreement with Saraya Islands, PJSC., the hotel will be operated under the Luxury Collection brand within the Saraya Islands, a distinguished mixed-use destination in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah between the Hajjar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf. The Luxury Collection Resort is expected to open in 2011." ...

"The hotel’s 300 lavishly decorated guestrooms will include 40 suites, all with breathtaking views and the latest modern conveniences. It will serve a variety of international culinary options at its six food and beverages outlets, including two specialty restaurants, and offer approximately 43,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. The Luxury Collection Resort will provide guests with an exceptional level of service, a majestic ambience and exquisite oceanfront dining options. Guests can take a refreshing swim in the pool, play an invigorating game of tennis, indulge themselves with a soothing spa treatment or simply enjoy the sun along the hotel’s beautifully landscaped property, which includes a private stretch of pristine beachfront.

Saraya Islands, the luxurious mixed-use destination, is conveniently located fifteen minutes from Ras Al Khaimah’s international airport. The Luxury Collection Resort will occupy a prime spot in Saraya Islands. Within this destination, guests will have access to upscale shops, restaurants, entertainment outlets, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a water amusement park and three miles of sandy beaches." ...

for the complete story

“It is only right and in sync with our strategy to partner with the best in the tourism field for Saraya