The Dubai street where it rains all year will be extended to 1 km to completely surround a new resort. The Marbella Resort, set to be finished in 2026, will also feature a snow plaza and coral reefs.
Located on the World Islands, accessible only by private yacht, the Dh1 billion five-star hotel will draw inspiration from the Spanish resort town of Marbella. Once completed, it will be surrounded by half a million square meters of coral reefs, home to over 30 types of fish. Guests can enjoy snowfall year-round in the snow plaza.
The developers claim the resort will be one of the first hotels with private coral reefs for its guests. Visitors can snorkel and dive among the reefs, attracting various marine species like angelfish, anemonefish, lionfish, and green turtles, as part of the broader coral reef plan for The Heart of Europe.
The Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts, is being developed by the Kleindienst Group, the main developer behind The Heart of Europe.
“We envisioned a destination that provides a unique cultural escape with experiences that are authentically Spanish, right here in Dubai,” said Josef Kleindienst, Chairman of Kleindienst Group.
“We are committed to making our projects environmentally friendly, using solar power and policies aimed at zero discharge of microplastics."
The developer opened its French-themed resort Côte d’Azur last year, divided into four parts representing four French cities - Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St Tropez. The hotel will neighbor the upcoming Marbella Resort. The Heart of Europe also hosts Honeymoon Island, where guests can stay in floating seahorse villas.
Visitors to the Marbella Resort Hotel can choose from suites, chalets, or cabanas facing the sea, snow plaza, or raining street. The beachside destination will also offer beach parties, water sports, and open-air sea-breeze restaurants. According to the developers, there will be six restaurants serving authentic European cuisine.
The 150-room luxury hotel will also have gardens, sunken courtyards, citrus, and olive groves to add a touch of Andalusia.
