Minor Hotel Group continues expansion in the UAE

Minor Hotel Group - Jebel Dhanna project
719 363 Daniel Fountain
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Minor Hotel Groups has announced it will be adding to its 145-property portfolio with the addition of two new hotels in the UAE; Anantara Jebel Dhanna and AVANI Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhbai. Development is set to begin shortly and both are scheduled to open in 2018. Aecom has been appointed as the lead architecture and interior design consultant for the project.

Jebel Dhanna is located along the coastal area of the Al Gharbia region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, close to the ferry departure point for Sir Bani Yas Island. Anantara Jebel Dhanna Villas will have a total of 60 keys across three villa types: 20 One-Bedroom Villas, 38 Two-Bedroom Villas and two impressive Three-Bedroom Villas. The new Anantara will offer two restaurants and a pool bar, a gym, a swimming pool and an Anantara Spa.

The neighbouring AVANI Jebel Dhanna Hotel will have 230 keys across two different room types: 170 Deluxe Rooms and 60 Superior Rooms including a kitchenette. Facilities at the AVANI will include multiple dining options, a gym and a swimming pool. Shared facilities will include flexible meeting and banqueting space, a kid’s club and outdoor recreation areas.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “Minor Hotel Group is already well established in Abu Dhabi through our existing Anantara portfolio in the city, desert and on Sir Bani Yas Island and we are excited to today announce the first AVANI in Abu Dhabi, to be developed alongside what will be our sixth Anantara. We are looking forward to partnering with Dhabi Contracting in this exciting new project.”

Daniel Fountain / 06.04.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

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