Emaar Properties, in partnership with Armani SpA, has unveiled Armani Residences in Marassi, Emaar’s flagship resort development in Egypt.
Personally designed by fashion icon Giorgio Armani, this will be the first villa offering under the Armani Residences collaboration.
Taking the ‘Live with Armani’ philosophy to Egypt, the Armani Residences, Marassi will be set on the Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, one of the most picturesque and historic beaches in the country, said a statement.
This exclusive destination will be a distinctive Mediterranean lifestyle experience that builds on the maiden beachfront ambience of the location and offers connoisseurs from around the world the opportunity to experience Armani’s style of understated elegance and simplicity, it said.
The resort-style residences featuring a combination of stacked villas and three- and four-bedroom villas, all facing the Mediterranean Sea, will be an integral part of Marassi, the EGP9.92 billion ($1.74 billion) master-planned community developed by Emaar Misr, the wholly-owned country subsidiary of Emaar.
Spread across 1,544 acres of tourist land, Marassi is an all-year round destination and enjoys the unique location advantage of being in the best stretch of beach on the North Coast. The 6.25 million sq m gated community has premier leisure amenities including a world-class beach resort, a vibrant town centre, marina, golf course and hotels set amidst lush greenery and lagoons.
Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “Armani Residences, Marassi blends the advantages of a spectacular location with the world’s most elegant and refined home designs. Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay is a historic Mediterranean beach destination where Emaar Misr, through Marassi, is bringing in a new lifestyle. Armani Residences will be a superior value addition to Marassi, as these elegant homes have the personal touch of Giorgio Armani.”
Armani said: “While designing the Armani Residences, Marassi I integrated several elements that capture the serenity and calm of beachfront living. I was also keen to present residents with personalised living spaces that conveyed the comfort, simplicity and understated elegance - cornerstones of the Armani Residences offering.”
In designing the Armani Residences, Marassi, Armani responds to the equitable climate and location advantage by creating classical spaces qualified by space, light and structural order, said the statement. Cutting away from confusing stylistic notions, the architecture of the homes are based on the functionality and aesthetics of volume, light and surface. As a lifestyle experience, this translates to living in close harmony with nature by maximising the benefits of the beachfront ambience.
Sameh Muhtadi, chief executive officer, Emaar Misr for Development SAE, said: “Marassi has several distinctive features that make it a prized resort development including one of the region’s largest Marinas. A beach club and hotel are already operational and work on the resort is progressing ahead of schedule. The Armani Residences at Marassi will further build its appeal as an unparalleled Mediterranean destination on par with Greek, Italian or French beach resorts.”
The villa sizes range from 250 to 500 sq m with each unit featuring a private pool. Common area amenities include retail outlets, boardwalk lounge, health club, reflective pool, resort club, screening room, swimming pools and pool deck. There will be designated reception and drop-off points for the convenience of residents and guests.
The furnishing and bespoke finishes of all homes are master-designed by Mr Armani himself. An exclusive range of Armani/Casa home furnishings – a variant of which is used at Armani Residences, Burj Dubai – will give elegant sophistication to the residences. These exclusive residences will also feature automated systems for security, temperature and drapery control, lighting and air-conditioning.
Following roadshows in several international markets, the world’s first Armani Residences located in the iconic Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, were launched end 2007 to overwhelming international investor response. The Marassi homes will also be promoted internationally, thus adding more appeal to Egypt as a resort investment destination.
Emaar is also developing the Armani Hotel Dubai – one of the first to be opened as part of the collaboration between Emaar and Giorgio Armani SpA – also to be situated in Burj Dubai. Several Armani Hotels and Armani Residences are being planned in the world’s most prominent international cities.
Marassi, two hours by road from Cairo, is accessible from the Burj El Arab and El Alamein airports, both offering direct connections to major European and Middle Eastern cities. -TradeArabia News Service