Starwood debuts in Ajman

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc today announces its debut in Ajman with the opening of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in the UAE where it now operates 23 hotels and resorts, including three under The Luxury Collection brand.

“We are proud to celebrate the milestone opening of Ajman Saray, which marks Starwood’s entry into Ajman in the UAE,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “As Ajman is emerging quickly as a luxury destination for business and leisure travellers, we are thrilled to introduce The Luxury Collection brand to the Emirate.”

“Ajman Saray also marks the first of 10 Luxury Collection hotels opening around the world in the next 12 months,” continued Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide. “As our portfolio grows and the nature of our guests becomes more global, it is exciting to offer our guests access to exceptional and indigenous experiences in both established markets like Dubai and emerging destinations like Ajman.”

Idyllically situated along a natural stretch of pristine beach a short distance from Dubai and Sharjah international airports, Ajman Saray features 205 guestrooms and suites with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. The exquisite Royal Suite, for instance, boasts an expansive private terrace with lofty sea views. Spanning 193 square metres, this presidential suite offers a luxurious living room with Arabian-inspired patterns, a separate bedroom, dining room, private study and a spa treatment room. Throughout the hotel, the refined palatial Arabian architecture and interior design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Emirate brought to life through Mashrabiya motifs and intricate Zellij tiles as well as lush courtyards, tranquil oases and cooling fountains.

Ajman Saray features five restaurants and lounges, each offering a distinct epicurean experience. This includes Mejhana, a specialty restaurant focused on authentic Middle Eastern delicacies and Safi Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary seafood restaurant with views of the pool and gardens. Located at the heart of the resort, Al Shorfa provides an ideal space to mix and meet for breakfast while Escape, an equestrian-inspired lounge, is perfect for just that. Vista, the resort’s all-day dining venue, serves Mediterranean cuisine with live cooking stations, while Bab Al Bahar beach bar and grill offers a relaxed ambiance with a DJ playing in the evenings.

An ideal destination for business travellers and families alike, Ajman Saray offers a range of leisure and meeting facilities. The UAE’s first GOCO Spa provides the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation and features 17 treatment rooms across 1,250 square metres. Other leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and private white sandy beach, as well as a range of water sport activities, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a dedicated children’s club. Spanning nearly 1,000 square metres, the meeting and event space includes six meeting rooms and an opulent ballroom, ideal for corporate events and opulent weddings.

Starwood in the Middle East

Starwood currently operates four Luxury Collection properties in the Middle East, including Ajman Saray, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Grosvenor House in Dubai and Sheraton Kuwait. Starwood has a portfolio of nearly 50 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and has plans to further expand its footprint in the region with a pipeline of over 35 hotels due to open by 2017.