Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is growing its Middle Eastern portfolio after announcing

plans to open the first resort on the World Islands giga-project in Dubai.

The World Islands is a man-made archipelago located four kilometres off the coast of Dubai featuring 300 islands constructed into the shape of six continents on a world map which can be seen from space – a project overseen by Dubai development company Nakheel.

Named Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, the resort will be the first hotel in the South American continent of the development.

Anantara World Islands is owned by luxury real estate and hospitality developer Seven Tides Limited and holding company with a portfolio of high-end properties, including Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.

The new island resort will be dedicated to the resort and feature 70 keys comprising suites, beach and pool villas.

Villas will have a private pool, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach. Flora and fauna will be abundant throughout the resort to help create a retreat from the city immersed in nature.

In-room signature Anantara spa treatments, a gym and a kid’s club will also be part of the new resort's amenities.

Anantara is set to reveal more details about the resort’s wellness concept and facilities in the coming weeks.

Guests will be offered access to two dining options and a bar with impressive panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, parent company of Anantara, commented: “Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort will be the first hotel to open on this archipelago, offering guests a truly memorable escape just off the coast of Dubai.

“Showcasing Anantara’s authentic luxury while maintaining a tropical island vibe, the resort is a unique proposition for this location. Guests will be able to experience the wonder of Dubai and the ambience of an island sanctuary, all in this stunning new Anantara resort.”

Anantara already operates nine hotels and resorts in the region – including six in the UAE – with the newest island retreat currently in the final stages of development and due to launch in Q4 of 2021.

The new resort will be joined by the upcoming US$5bn (€4.3bn, £3.6bn) mega-resort project, The Heart of Europe, claimed to feature the world’s first floating underwater spa as well as 15 unique hotels and resorts spread across six islands designed to showcase European culture, heritage and lifestyle.