Jumeirah has announced the closure of Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa for complete redevelopment. The resort is expected to re-open with an increased number of suites in the last quarter of 2007.

Formerly known as the Hilton Beach Club, operations started back in 1980 when it provided club and beach facilities for residents and guests of the World Trade Centre Hotel & Residences, and beach club memberships for Dubai residents.

The property commenced operations as a fully fledged resort in 1995 when the 50 suite hotel was opened, and Jumeirah assumed management in August 2000.

Simon Venison, General Manager of Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa said: ‘Jumeirah would like to thank our guests of the resort, who come from all over the world, many of whom stay frequently. We would also like to particularly thank our Dubai based club members for their custom over the years’.

He added: ‘We of course understand that our members and guests are disappointed by the news that the resort will close, but closure is necessary for us to develop the full potential of this unique location, and to create a comprehensive new resort product that will contribute to the future growth of tourism in Dubai’

‘We would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the colleagues who have worked in the hotel since its opening and who have contributed to making it such a great success.’

The property will re-open late 2007 as a 141 all-suite boutique resort set amidst lush, green tropical gardens and will feature Polynesian style suites as well as a series of spectacular water bungalows and beachfront suites. In addition, the resort will feature a purpose built island spa, 6 restaurants and bars as well as an infinity pool overlooking the clear azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Jumeirah confirmed that the hotel will close on January 11th 2007 and all staff have been offered alternative positions within Jumeirah for the closure period.

Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Dubai based luxury international hospitality group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

The group’s activities are however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as one of the premier water parks outside of North America and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the region’s only third level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Jumeirah has also expanded internationally and manages the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London’s Belgravia.

Building on this success, Jumeirah has become a member of Dubai Holding, a collection of leading Dubai based businesses and projects, in a step that aims to initiate a new phase of growth and development for the group.

As of January 15th 2006, Jumeirah has assumed management of the Essex House, one of New York’s most prominent hotels.
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