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Jumeirah launches environmental initiative with a new plastic-free lifestyle resort in Abu Dhabi
By Michelle Johnson | 23 May 2018 | Culture, Travel
The luxury brand will open a plastic-free resort next to one of Abu Dhabi’s most protected Saadiyat Island beaches
* Jumeirah Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island
Luxury hotel brand Jumeirah has announced it will open a new beachfront resort on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island in November as part of the company's renewed commitment to the environment. In a world first for Jumeirah, the resort will partner with Trust Your Water, an organisation that'll ensure the property is free from single use plastics from the moment it opens in November 2018.
Located on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, the resort will overlook 400m of protected sand dunes, home to native flora and fauna; wildlife including gazelles, grey heron and flamingos; and the nesting grounds of endangered Hawksbill turtles. On land, guests will have the opportunity to discover the rich ecosystems of the island, while out at sea bottle-nose dolphins and humpback whales can be spotted at certain times of the year.
Despite the fact it's still in development, the resort has already been granted the region's Pearl Certification for its eco-friendly development – an incredible accomplishment.
"This resort is a place like no other, located footsteps from one of the most beautiful protected beaches in the Arabian Gulf," said the resort's general manager, Linda Griffin. "Every aspect of the resort's design and intended guest experience has been influence by the beauty of this location. Guests can embrace sunrise yoga, find a secluded spot to watch the sunset, or relax in one of three infinity swimming pools that merge into the sand dunes. This will be island life at its best." >>
* Jumeirah Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island
Speaking of the plastic-free initiative, Griffin added: "The resort's design was heavily influenced by the need to minimise impact to the island's habitats, including the Saadiyat Beach dune ecosystem, its native flair and fauna and the nesting of endangered turtles. So, it is natural that we also minimise the impact of guests by eliminating single-use plastic bottles and plastic straws."
The property features 293 rooms including eight villas with private pools, 64 suites and six panoramic suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the ocean. The spa, a highlight of the hotel, is designed to enrich the body and mind. It's centred around a grand Moroccan Hammam where therapists carry out a centuries-old traditional cleansing ritual, and features 14 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, a salt room and Arabic rasul room. The property will also be home to eight restaurants and bars, offering cuisine inspired by flavours stretching from the Levant to Italy.
Just as the emirate's Yas Island has become synonymous with world class entertainment – including the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Saadiyat Island is becoming a hot cultural destination, with developments including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Monument and Louvre Abu Dhabi all based on Saadiyat.
This is the first of Jumeirah's proposed environmentally-friendly resorts, and will soon be followed by a new desert resort. Located a 45-minute drive into the desert, Al Wathba Desert Resort will offer guests the opportunity to experience Bedouin living at its finest, with 90 hotel rooms, 13 villas, and premium facilities set against the backdrop of pristine sand dunes.