And they didn’t just open a string of 50-room boutique hotels. The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, for example, comprises no less than five towers – three residential, one commercial, and one for the hotel – comprising 382 rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences and a host of conference and leisure facilities. The group also opened in 2011 in Dubai, Shanghai and Frankfurt, as well as two resorts in the Maldives.
The group has announced plans for properties in Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Dubai and Mallorca to open in the coming six months, as well as a third property in London – Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living. It also announced at 2011’s International Luxury Travel Mart that will take over management of Rome’s famous Grand Hotel Via Veneto as of this month, and re-brand as Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto.
What the brand may be lacking in heritage values – commonly associated with the older great hotel brands of the world – it is certainly making up for in aggressive and exciting development, and will be again one to watch in 2012.
Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Whilst the Hyatt Capital Gate offers 189 five-star rooms, the latest Abu Dhabi landmark may more frequently be referred to as the hotel that leans at a greater degree than Italy’s tower of Pisa – a record breaking 18 degrees. The Hyatt occupies floors 18-33 of the structure and features the Rayana Spa; a ‘sky-spa’ perched on the 19th floor, along with a suspended outdoor pool and whirlpool.
Kempinski Das Tirol, Kitzbühel
Its first in Austria, Kempinski Hotels has opened doors on the Kempinski Das Tirol, the only five-star-hotel in Kitzbühel that has direct access to the slopes. The hotel comprises 118 rooms, 29 suites and one Penthouse, constructed utilising alpine materials, natural wood and leather.
Hotel Castello di Casole, Tuscany
Castello di Casole is a 4,200-acre private estate turned residential resort community, which has most recently launched a luxury hotel within its restored castle. The hotel offers 41 luxurious hotel suites, incorporating wood-beamed ceilings, stonewalls and hand-plastered finishes. Guests will also enjoy over 100 acres of vineyards and olive groves, a game reserve, a state-of-the-art wellness centre and restaurant, as well as an entire Tuscan hill town within the estate.
Hotel de l’Opera, Hanoi
A member of Accor’s MGallery collection, Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi has made its debut with 107 guestrooms, blending French décor with a vibrant colour palette, wood floors, Asian textiles, and silks. Amenities include two restaurants, one bar, an indoor pool with open-air terrace, a day spa, gym, and business centre. The hotel’s ample meeting spaces are designed to evoke images of a French salon.
Jumeriah Vittaveli, Maldives
The ultra luxury Jumeirah Vittaveli was the second Jumeirah property to open in the Maldives in 2011. Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, the resort offers 91 villa-suites, all with their own spacious private pool, alongside three restaurants, a bar, a 1080 m2 Talise Spa and comprehensive facilities for young children and teenagers.
St. Regis, Shenzhen
St. Regis has opened its doors as the brand’s tallest hotel in Shenzhen, designed by architect Sir Terry Farrell. The luxury property occupies the top 28 floors of a 100-story building, incorporating 297 guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and iPad2 remote controls to manage amenities. The 96th-floor is home to the St Regis Bar and Drawing Room, with a sky-high wine bar Decanter on the top floor and a penthouse-level whiskey and cigar bar.
