Wooing the well-heeled.

IN LINE with its vision of creating world-class tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is set to take luxurious hospitality to new levels with two stunning developments that are scheduled to open their doors shortly

The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort which is in the last lap of completion and the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara which is eyeing an early 2012 launch are the new leisure hotspots that are set to redefine opulent living in terms of breathtaking locations, stunning designs and first-rate facilities. What is particularly attractive about these developments is that the design has focused on drawing upon and building on their settings natural attractions the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, with the sea and golf course and the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, with the mangroves

The projects are among a series of hospitality projects that TDIC, a master-developer of major tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, is gearing to launch in the emirate, primarily on Saadiyat Island, in Abu Dhabi City and the Western Region. Other developments under construction include The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa in Abu Dhabi City (opening this month), the Saadiyat Beach Villas Jawarher Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island; and the Desert Islands projects including Al Sahel Lodge, Al Yamm Lodge, Desert Islands Conference Centre, Desert Islands Water Sports Centre and Sir Bani Yas Stables, all in the Western Region. St Regis The iconic St Regis brand is set to make its Middle East debut with the launch of the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, this month. St Regis will also be owner and developer TDICs second hospitality venture at the Saadiyat Islands, following the opening in September of the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is flanked by the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, which was designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, and a 9-km pristine beach, views to which have been fully exploited

The entrance to the resort is a prologue to what the visitor can expect to experience: a tree-lined boulevard leads the visitor to a roundabout filled with exotic plants, and then to the exclusive main entrance, which comes complete with a stylish marquee and a water fountain

On the opposite side of the site, there is a separate entrance for the conference centre and meeting room facilities. The development has a luxurious resort atmosphere in a magical location, with visitors enjoying access to the shell-covered beach, and the azure blue water within close proximity to the city of Abu Dhabi, says Jaymes Pawluk, assistant development manager of TDIC

The hotel has 377 rooms and suites, all with private balconies, offering spectacular ocean views. They range from Superior rooms at 55 sq m with a 10-sq-m balcony to …