If you keep up with the over-the-top hotel scene in Dubai, then you know that Mandarin Oriental has had a luxury project in the works since 2014. An urban resort called Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Beach, Dubai is under construction on the beach with an expected opening at the end of 2018. Expect swank villas equipped with their own infinity pools and private swim platforms to jump directly in the Gulf.
Now the Hong Kong-based hospitality company has announced a second yet-to-be-named luxury hotel project in Dubai; this complementary hotel will be located downtown on Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the Al Wasl Tower. Slated to open in 2020, the hotel will be housed inside the 63-story, mixed-use skyscraper designed as a “vertical urban environment” by the Amsterdam-based UN Studio. The 300-meter tower will also be occupied by 144 Residences at Mandarin Oriental (on the top floors). With their own private access, these luxury residences will be privy to Mandarin Oriental hotel services.
The 257 guest rooms will take up floors 16 to 38 in the tower. Facilities will include extensive banquet space, a two-story Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and a bevy of yet-unnamed destination dining venues helmed by celebrity chefs. These offerings will include a rooftop sky lounge, cigar room, poolside bar, and Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. In a city already known for top-notch spas, Mandarin Oriental hopes to up the ante with a sprawling wellness facility equipped with 12 treatment rooms, a fitness center, vitality pools, heat and water circuits, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Mandarin Oriental currently operates 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries; the next hotel opening will be in Doha.