Following the success of its partnership with Al Jaber Establishment and Tourism Development and Investment Company in Dubai, Shangri-La, the Hong Kong-based and Singapore-owned hotel and resort company is to open its first Abu Dhabi property in February 2007. Called the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, the 21-acre (8.5 hectare) development includes a luxury hotel, serviced apartments and deluxe villas, complemented by dining, entertainment, retail and recreational facilities.
Designed by architect Northpoint of Johannesburg (South Africa), it faces a 1,000-metre-long (3,300 foot) private beach. The luxury hotel is ten minutes from the airport; 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi Corniche and five minutes from the new Convention Centre. Dubai”s Jeremiah beach area is a little over 40 minutes away down a fine dual carriageway.
All accommodation will feature sea views, including the 214 guestrooms with room sizes over 45 square metres (484 square feet), 161 studio to four-guestroom serviced apartments, and seven four to six-guestroom deluxe villas. Each villa will have its own private swimming pool. Dining choices will include a poolside bar, lobby lounge, all-day dining coffee shop, and restaurants serving French, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.
A lively souk (Arabian marketplace) will be a centre for dining and colourful shopping activity. Recreational facilities will include CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, health club, five outdoor swimming pools and water sports. A 700-metre-long (2,296 feet) waterway with ”abras” (Arab gondolas) will transport guests on its meandering pathway through the property. Meeting and banqueting facilities are also provided.