Leading UAE developer Kleindienst Group has announced that work is in full swing on its latest luxury property, Marbella Hotel, that will offer 191 apartments, suites and ‘caves’ within The Heart of Europe – the $5-billion prime hospitality and second home destination amid The World islands in Dubai.

The Heart of Europe’s Marbella enclave promises the best of Spanish hospitality in addition to a carefully curated experience enabling guests and home owners to sample the same vibrancy, warmth, flavours and sounds of that region…without the inconvenience of a flight out of Dubai, says the developer.

Marbella is a cherished stylish Costa del Sol town in a coastal region of Spain that draws millions of tourists.

Taking more than just inspiration from the Spanish hotspot, clocks will be set to the time in Spain and front-of-house staff will be fluent in Spanish, says the developer. Euros will be the official currency at Marbella Hotel where guests can savour a sustainably-controlled European climate and engage with Spanish-speaking staff amid a whirlwind of Spanish food, music and language lessons, alongside a sumptuous Moorish spa experience.

Of the Marbella Hotel’s 191 keys, 140 will be upscale hotel apartments, each with a viewing deck and up to 47 sq m of space. Guests can also choose from 48 deluxe five-star cuevas – meaning caves – with sizes up to 60 sq m, plus three super-luxury ‘fisherman house’ suites, comprising a generous 250 sq m and a large viewing deck.

Six food and beverage outlets will serve guests, among them a restaurant with an exuberant live Flamenco show and a rooftop pool club bar and restaurant with stunning views of the Dubai skyline.

Other attractions include a dedicated swimming pool, Puerto Banús beach and pool club, a private pool for suite guests, and La Cala beach where the latest water sports will provide thrills above and below the waves, it states.

Group Chairman Josef Kleindienst says: “The development of Marbella Hotel adheres to our unparalleled vision to bring the best of European experiences to visitors, right here in Dubai.

“Construction of the project will be completed by the end of 2022 and is being financed by Kleindienst Group’s own resources, thus reflecting the financial strength of the company and our ability to complete the entire project by 2022-23.”

“Each day that passes witnesses further progress on a journey towards a dynamic destination the world will be talking about – and everyone will want to see for themselves,” he adds.

Construction of Marbella Hotel began in earnest with the completion of ground waterproofing works,  marking the start of the development’s Phase Two that will deliver 2,000 units.

According to him, 15 innovative hotels and resorts are fast evolving at The Heart of Europe. They will bring more than 4,000 hospitality units, catering to regional and international tourists alongside a feast of festivals, organic, authentic cuisine and cultural treats in an easy-to-reach Middle East year-round sunshine location.

Marbella apartments are not yet on sale to international investors, but Kleindienst says their construction further confirms the significant momentum towards completion of this world-class destination.

Representing a built-up area of 20,881 sq m, the Marbella property is strategically located on Main Europe – largest of the destination’s six contrasting islands – within walking distance of the Rainy Street, an innovative zone that will shower on demand to lower the temperature during hotter days, and a snow plaza, one of the many firsts earmarking The Heart of Europe for global recognition.

The hotel also lies close to two other upscale hospitality landmarks already nearing completion: Portofino, the region’s first family-dedicated hotel, and the Côte d’Azur resort. All will be served by the sprawling Rainbow Beach, a 700-m stretch of white sand fringing the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Another star attraction at Marbella Hotel will be the region’s first Moorish spa. “Powered by the rich Arab spa heritage of Andalusia dating back to the eighth century, carefully researched design and architectural details will recreate the healing and serene ambiance of ancient Al Ándalus,” states Kleindienst.

Incense-scented air will drift over temperature regulated pools flanked by atmospheric candles and lanterns, tiled walls and arches – a calming combination that made historic Arabian spas, or hammams, havens for relaxed conversation and inner peace. Guests will utilise massage and treatments rooms, the hammam and sauna, scented showers and a relaxation/silent room, beside services ranging from aromatherapy, therapeutic and relaxing massages and wraps to steam baths and seaweed therapy, he adds.