Work is underway to realise a new Rixos resort in Dubai following a partnership between UAE-based real estate developer Nakheel and Excelsior Real Estate.

Set back in a secluded cove with direct access to a 700-metre beach, Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences will be home to a range of beachfront accommodation and residences as well as a signature Rixos spa and fitness centre, infinity pools and communal residential lounges.

Part of the Accor portfolio, Rixos is an operating brand designed to draw on 'traditional Turkish hospitality and provide a unique spa experience'.

At the heart of each Rixos hotel is a wellness and spa centre with an authentic Turkish hammam, offering a spa treatment, menu and atmosphere inspired by traditional Turkish healing traditions.

The brand has 32 hotels spread throughout Montenegro, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Croatia, Qatar, Russia and Kazakhstan, in addition to a development pipeline of 12 properties.

Nakheel explained that the new Rixos resort will open as part of its mixed-use development project called Dubai Islands.

Made up of five islands, the cluster will eventually accommodate more than 80 resorts and hotels, including luxury and wellness resorts, boutique, family and eco-conscious hotels.

Rasha Hasan, CCO at Nakheel, said: "We’re committed to redefining waterfront living in Dubai and launching a project that will enhance the lives of citizens, residents and visitors of Dubai.

“By bringing the world-renowned Rixos brand to Dubai Islands, we’re creating an exclusive family-friendly living environment that offers waterfront luxury living with a metropolitan feel."

More from Nakheel

Nakheel is best known as the mastermind behind the vast man-made archipelago off Dubai’s coastline, including The Palm Islands, The Universe and The World Islands.

Nakheel first began creating the islands 20 years ago by dredging marine sand. However, even after completing the three destinations in 2008, the project has remained largely under-developed and has been plagued with many problems such as the financial crisis, a global pandemic, rising sea levels and more.

The Palm is the most well-known and successful of the three areas and is home to a host is luxury apartments, businesses and hotels and spas operated by major global brands including Anantara, Fairmont, St.Regis, Kempinski, Rixos, Sofitel, The Langham, One&Only, Jumeirah and many more.

Anantara was one of the first to open a location within the World Islands archipelago in 2021.

This project is made up of 300 islands constructed into the shape of six continents on a world map that is visible from space.

Austrian developer The Kleindienst Group is also using the destination to realise its US$5bn (€4.6m, £3.9m) mega-resort project, The Heart of Europe. The group is gradually launching each of its 16 hotels and is aiming to complete all work by 2026.