Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group, both parts of Accor, have inked a deal with Dubai Holding to launch a luxury lifestyle experience in Dubai. To be located on Bluewaters Dubai, the multi-staged development will welcome new brands in the Emirates, beginning with the opening of Banyan Tree Dubai in November.
Dubai Holding is a global investment company with assets worth AED130 billion ($35.38 billion). The company has been delivering hospitality and entertainment experiences in Dubai and other locations through the group’s companies, which own and manage multiple hospitality assets, F&B concepts and leisure attractions. The group has five companies with a portfolio of 10 business districts, 20 retail destinations and 15 residential communities. The group has joint ventures and partnerships with Brookfield, Emaar and others.
On Wednesday, Accor Chairman & CEO SĂ©bastien Bazin signed the agreement with Amit Kaushal, Group CEO of Dubai Holding.
Banyan Tree Dubai is the first of many more projects involving Accor’s brands in the pipeline to further develop and grow the company’s presence in Dubai and globally, Bazin said.
Banyan Tree Dubai is located in Bluewaters Dubai, a waterfront, lifestyle destination including several hospitality, residential, lifestyle, leisure and entertainment offerings and over 150 retail and dining concepts.
“Bluewaters has always been a destination for major projects that redefine luxury and cement Dubai as a global beacon of the tourism industry. Our collaboration with market leaders like Accor, Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group marks an important milestone in our ongoing journey of elevating the rich hospitality landscape in Dubai,” said Kaushal. “The breadth and excellence of hospitality experiences in the Emirate is an inspiration for the industry worldwide, and we are confident that the relaunch of this unique resort will enrich that even further. In line with our vision of operating For the Good of Tomorrow, we will continue to unlock opportunities that strengthen the position of Dubai as a leader in the global hospitality sector and a major tourism hub.”
BANYAN TREE DUBAI
Banyan Tree Dubai will be housed in the former Caesars Palace Dubai and follow a phased stage of renovations. The repositioned property will have 179 rooms, which includes 30 suites and a new four-bedroom villa with its own private entrance, pool and beach.
One of the main areas of the hotel will be its wellness spaces. The Banyan Tree Spa will feature its own reception, gym, relaxation area, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, F&B area, private mini rainforests, treatment rooms and hydrotherapy pools.
Besides the wellness offerings, the resort will have five restaurants and bars, each being curated through a partnership between Carte Blanched (Ennismore’s in-house F&B concept studio) and Banyan Tree Group.
The resort will also feature 96 private residences consisting of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units with a separate lobby and outdoor pool. Residents will be able to access the resort’s facilities.
As part of the long-term partnership between Accor, Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore, Banyan Tree Dubai will be co-operated by Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore. Similar operational models had been implemented at Banyan Tree La Cigale Doha, Qatar and Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
Ennismore is a global collection of brands and was formed as a joint venture in 2021, with Accor holding the majority shareholding. Lifestyle and leisure are the two fastest-growing segments in Ennismore. Currently, the company has 140 operational hotels under 18 brands, 160 more in the pipeline and over 300 restaurants and bars. The company aims to open around 20 hotels this year.
Ennismore also has eight branded residences, with 20 in its global pipeline.
In the Middle East, the company continues to grow its current portfolio of 28 operational properties, with a pipeline of 38 hotels to be opened under brands like 25hours, SLS, Mondrian and Rixos.
Founded in 2008, the Banyan Tree Group currently operates 70 hotels under 10 brands in 17 countries, with 50 more properties in the pipeline.