Feb. 1, 2007 -- Jumeirah, the fast growing Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed to manage the first new luxury resort to be built in Bermuda in 35 years, pending approval by government agencies.

The Jumeirah Southlands Resort will raise global awareness of Jumeirah as it brings a new standard of luxury resort experience to one of the most enduringly popular vacation destinations in the Americas.

Announcing the management agreement in Bermuda, Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, said, "Bermuda is one of the most enduringly popular luxury leisure destinations in the Americas. The standards and expectations set by the tourism industry and government are beyond compare and we are privileged to be appointed to manage this resort. Jumeirah hotels and resorts are distinguished by their innovation, exceptional standards of service and amenities, and their global respect. All of these factors were taken into consideration in deciding to join Southlands in this extraordinary opportunity."

"Jumeirah Southlands will be an exceptional resort by any standards, fully competitive with the very finest in the world. For the North American market, it represents a unique new choice for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind, top-of-the-line resort experience," said Frank van der Post, Senior Vice President of the Americas for Jumeirah. He added that construction will begin as soon as the Special Development order and the appropriate building permits are issued.

Speaking for the resort's Bermudian owners, Craig Christensen said, "Jumeirah Southlands will be one of the most exciting resorts in the world. Because we are fully committed to making this a resort all Bermuda can be proud of and will benefit from, we have gone to extremes to seek out the most innovative architects, the very finest designers working in the global resort industry and what we believe to be the world's best hotel company."

Situated on 37 acres of natural beauty on Bermuda's prestigious South Shore, Jumeirah Southlands will have 300 spacious balcony suites, including 17 incomparable two-story suites built into beach cliffs, as well as five restaurants and bars, a nightclub and outdoor entertainment space, a complete spa, over 1,700 feet of beach, numerous pools, an executive conference center and an equestrian center. There will also be a collection of luxury boutiques on-property. Approximately half the accommodations will be offered for fractional Vacation Residence ownership.

Seamlessly incorporated into nature by the extensive use of glass and seemingly endless vistas are a series of dramatically 21st century structures, stairways and open plazas that encompass the suites, ridge-top town houses overlooking the ocean, restaurants and other public areas. The resort will be ideally located 15 minutes from Hamilton, Bermuda's capital and 30 minutes from the airport.

Copyright (c) 2007, Middle East and North Africa Business Report, Amman, Jordan

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