Saraya Islands, a luxurious mixed-use resort destination in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has signed an agreement with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces to operate a Taj resort in its property.

The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa will be one of six world class 5-Stars hotels in the Saraya Islands.

The hotel will include 180 guestrooms including suites, 30 bungalows, 2 restaurants, conference facilities, spa and health club, as well as other amenities and facilities that serve all the luxurious comforts that people aspire when staying in a hotel.

The first phase of the Saraya Islands project is expected to open in 2011, said a Saraya official.

The agreement was signed by Mahdhar Al Tamimi, general manager of Saraya Islands, and Raymond N. Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, which owns and operates 78 Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces across the world.

“In our partnership with one of the most renowned hospitality providers in the world, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, we welcome their long standing global expertise that the Taj Exotica brand brings to Ras Al Khaimah in general, and to our customers in particular. Saraya Islands’ destination will provide all its investors and customers with a state-of-the-art offerings and differentiation.” said Al Tamimi.

Bickson said the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa hotels had gained recognition for its luxurious offerings including an elevated degree of service, outstanding food, unique spa concept and chic design.

“Leisure and hospitality in this region is growing exponentially and in line with our strategic intent, it is important for Taj Hotels to be present in this region, which is rapidly developing into a tourism hub of the future,” he added.

Saraya Islands has a unique strategic position between the desert and the mountains, located between the majestic range of Hajjar Mountains and the azure sea of the Arabian Gulf.

The project is composed of four islands and a main village, occupying 5.5  kilometres of long natural island, together forming a lagoon framed by the islands and its corresponding mainland site of sixteen hectares, creating two different waterfront situations on the Ras Al Khaimah coast.-TradeArabia News Service