Thailand-based hotel operator Minor Hotels has signed a management deal for a new beachfront spa resort in the Arab Emirate of Sharjah.

The 233-key luxury property, set to open in 2020, will be owned jointly by Sharjah-based property firms Basma Group and ARADA.

Minor has signed an agreement with the owners to operate the resort under its Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas brand.

Facilities will include a large spa with separate male and female areas – including treatment rooms – restaurants and event spaces. While exact details are yet to be confirmed, the spa is likely to combine Eastern Asian treatments with traditional Middle Eastern influences.

The deal is part of Minor’s plans to grow the Anantara brand across Asia and the Middle East. Earlier this year, Minor opened two Anantara resorts in Oman, one in China and revealed plans for a Anantara waterfront resort in Zanzibar.

“There is a huge opportunity within the luxury segment in this fast-growing destination and we are confident that Anantara will be well received within the market,” said William E. Heinecke, founder and chair of Minor International.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, added: "Anantara is well established in the Middle East and adding a resort in Sharjah is a great opportunity to extend the brand in the region."

Minor launched Anantara in 2001 and there are currently 39 properties in 12 countries operating under the brand. As well as the Sharjah project, Minor has Anantara properties under development in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Morocco.