SNAGGING, testing and commissioning of the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems are currently under way at the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah, which is set to open its doors in the first quarter of next year.
Part of the Al Hamra Village, the Waldorf Astoria is being developed by Al Hamra Group and will be managed by Hilton Worldwide, the luxury brand of landmark hotels.
The stunning sea-side hotel is the first Waldorf branded property in the UAE and is part of a mixed-use development that includes Al Hamra Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course, Al Hamra Mall, Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, and a convention centre with capacity for 1,000 people. The development also includes The Royal Breeze Residences.
“We are currently at the final completion stage,” says Benoy Kurien, general manager of Al Hamra Real Estate Development, who indicates that the groundbreaking for the complex was done in March 2005.
The building complex is divided into eight parts, with parts five to eight having been completed in 2009. These comprise a mix of residential and hotel apartments, which are currently being operated by Casa Hotels.
The Waldorf Astoria, which announced that it was coming to the region in December 2010, will manage the remaining portion of the building – parts one to four – which make up the hotel. Construction work on this portion, which is currently in its final stages, is due for completion next month (December 15).
“The Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah will be the first Waldorf branded property in the UAE and is scheduled for opening in the first quarter of 2013,” says Mark Hawkes, group chief financial officer, Al Hamra Group. “Each Waldorf Astoria property offers a singular and timeless experience and in the case of the Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah, the hotel has been designed as a majestic palace with interiors planned to create a warm and Arabesque feel.
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The Waldorf Astoria ... opens doors next year. |
“The Waldorf Astoria will offer guests state-of-the-art facilities including luxurious rooms and suites, access to a 600-m private beach, three outdoor swimming pools, and a choice of eight restaurants and lounges, of which a number will offer unique fine dining experiences. A bespoke spa experience will also be available.”
Located over a 120,000-sq-m site at the beachfront of Al Hamra Village, the hotel has a built-up area of 95,000 sq m. The building is divided into four parts that sit on a common single-level basement, with the first three parts rising up to 10 floors and the fourth part soaring up to 23 floors.
The hotel consists of 327 rooms and 21 suites located on levels one to 23 of the development. On the ground floor of the hotel are some of the restaurants including an all-day dining area, a grill, tea and sheesha, as well as a front lounge and retails shops. A Japanese restaurant, cigar lounge, business centre and meeting rooms are on the first floor, while an Arabic restaurant and Miraj bar are located on the 16th and 17th floor respectively.
The building is served by nine lifts – two of which rise from the basement level – that provide access to the various levels of the hotel.
“The building has been designed to address sustainability issues and appropriate materials and techniques have been used to achieve the goals,” said Kurien.
The complex sits on deep foundations featuring piles while the superstructure comprises flat slabs and post-tensioned beams.
For the flooring, high quality marble, porcelain tiles, parquet and carpets have been used on different parts of the building to suit the design. The external façade of the building is based on the modern Arabic-style concept and features natural stone, moulding foam with acrylic paint and a curtain-wall, which are all enhanced by golden domes on the roof.
Commenting on some of the striking features of the project, Kurien says: “The grand entrance, large atrium, iconic Waldorf clock, peacock alley, a large fountain, luxury rooms and suites, the variety of restaurants and lounge and outdoor dining seating will all offer a unique experience to guests. The hotel also features excellent landscaped areas, which include the beach in front of the swimming pools, the pool restaurant, many gazebos and lounges.”
The Al Hamra Village is a master-planned development that is looking to make new inroads in the fields of hospitality and leisure in the emirate.
Commenting on the concept behind developing the project, Hawkes says: “Al Hamra Group’s objective has been to create an integrated lifestyle development in Ras Al Khaimah to support the emirate’s vision of growth and expansion. This has provided the increasing population and visitors to Ras Al Khaimah with various residential options, along with international leisure facilities.”
Apart from Waldorf Astoria, the Al Hamra Fort Hotel is in the process of being renovated and will reopen as a Hilton Resort property soon. Also, while master-planning new additions to the Al Hamra Village, the developer is looking at expanding the Al Hamra Mall to include a number of additional attractions such as a children’s entertainment venue and a multi-screen cinema complex.