Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of the first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East with the opening of the highly anticipated St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. Owned by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the resort is located on Saadiyat Island, a short 10-minute drive from the city centre and a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tourism Development & Investment Company as we launch the St. Regis brand in the Middle East with the opening of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The opening of this hotel is an iconic addition to the St. Regis brand’s impressive global portfolio which has nearly tripled in just five years. Almost 30% of the brand’s global growth is focused in the Middle East underlining our commitment to the region and growing the brand in emerging destinations around the world.”

Nabil Al Kendi, Chief Development Officer of TDIC said: “We are delighted to partner with Starwood to debut the first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East. TDIC continues to be instrumental in the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry by bringing leading hospitality brands to the emirate, and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will be key in attracting tourists to Abu Dhabi.”

“We are thrilled to debut The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort as the first of three St. Regis hotels due to open this year in the Middle East,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “As one of the world’s economic hubs, Abu Dhabi has become a new ‘must’ on the travel itineraries, and St. Regis is inimitably positioned to cater to the needs of these global travellers, offering bespoke luxury informed by the brand’s unique legacy.”

Designed by award-winning architects Woods-Bagot, Johannesburg-based Northpoint Architects, and renowned interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi incorporates a blend of Mediterranean and Arabic influences creating a unique and exciting address. Each of the 377 luxurious guest rooms and suites feature private terraces offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Ranging from intimate to extravagant, guests can choose from a variety of elegant suites including the lavishly-appointed two-story Royal Suite. This 2,000 square-metre Royal Suite features private lift access, five bedrooms, a private pool and a spacious ocean-facing terrace.

Luxury Accommodations & Service
Poised to be Abu Dhabi’s first true luxury-leisure haven, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is located on the pristine white natural beaches of Saadiyat and is framed by the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by legendary golfer Gary Player. The resort also offers 33 St. Regis branded villas, 259 St. Regis branded residences and a high-end retail and entertainment complex named ‘The Collection,’ including shops and restaurants, which will become fully operational in stages throughout 2012.

Following in the tradition of the St. Regis brand’s legendary New York hotel, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi features the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including Signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences
Featuring seven distinctive food and beverage venues, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi offers guests both indoor and alfresco dining options with beach-inspired décor and captivating ocean views of the Arabian Gulf.

55&5th The Grill, the resort’s signature restaurant is a classic grill and lounge inspired by the address of the original St. Regis New York. Sontaya is a culinary mosaic of Southeast Asia with floating, glass-walled pavilions set amidst interconnected ponds and pools. Olea, the Mediterranean influenced venue is the resort’s all-day dining venue with indoor and alfresco options. Turquoiz, which will open later this year, is the resort’s beach restaurant and terrace offering a variety of freshly prepared seafood as well as a selection of light snacks in a vibrant setting. The Manhattan Lounge is inspired by the timeless customs and signature beverages reflecting New York’s elite society while The Drawing Room, the lobby lounge, celebrates the signature St. Regis Tea Ritual and offers a unique selection of beverages and snacks. And last but not least, is Sucré, the resort’s pastry shop that promises a seduction of the senses with handmade chocolates, delightful pastries and bespoke cakes.

St. Regis’ Exclusive Iridium Spa, Athletic Club & Children’s Club
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi features the region’s first Iridium Spa, featuring 12 treatment rooms and three individually designed luxurious spa suites - Moroccan, Thai and Contemporary - each with private terraces and pools. Blending traditional remedies with modern technologies, the 3,500 square metre spa offers the brand’s signature and customised therapies including Thai and Balinese speciality treatments.

The resort also offers extensive leisure facilities for families including the athletic club, which offers 3,500 square metres of ultra-modern equipment, two tennis courts, two squash courts and five pools including a 25-metre indoor lap pool. The Sandcastle Club, the dedicated children’s club, caters to children ages 1 to 12 years old and offers both indoor and outdoor activities including an outdoor pool and access to the resort’s beach.

Elevating Business Meetings & Special Events
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi offers extensive meeting, events and conference facilities including Abu Dhabi’s largest ballroom, The Regal Ballroom, as well as four meeting rooms and a business centre. The 3,000 square-metre Regal Ballroom is fully equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment and also features an outdoor terrace with seaside views, making it the perfect place to host a large private function or smaller, more intimate events. The Regal Ballroom also has a dedicated bridal arrival area complemented by a separate bridal salon with dressing and grooming areas.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi is now accepting reservations, including group arrivals and event bookings. Rooms start from AED1,300++ ($353++) per room per night. For further information and bookings, call The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi on +971 2 498 8888 or email at reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com or visit www.stregis.com/saadiyatisland. >

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