A spectacular slice of Spanish hospitality is taking shape just off the shores of Dubai as construction of the Marbella Hotel powers ahead within The Heart of Europe – the US$5 billion prime hospitality and second home destination amid The World islands.

Kleindienst Group, master developer of the industry-leading sustainable mega-project, confirms its latest luxury property will offer 191 apartments, suites and ‘caves’ when completed next year, underpinned by an authentic experience that celebrates its European namesake.

Marbella is a cherished stylish Costa del Sol town in a coastal region of Spain that draws millions of tourists. The Heart of Europe’s Marbella enclave promises a carefully curated experience emabling guests and home owners to sample the same vibrancy, warmth, flavours and sounds of that region…without the inconvenience of a flight out of Dubai.

Taking more than just inspiration from the Spanish hotspot, clocks will be set to the time in Spain, front of house staff will be fluent in Spanish – and they’ll even accept the Euro as payment currency.

Six exciting food and beverage outlets will serve guests, among them a restaurant with an exuberant live Flamenco show and a rooftop pool club bar and restaurant with stunning views of the Dubai skyline. Other attractions include a dedicated swimming pool, Puerto Banús beach and pool club, a private pool for suite guests, and La Cala beach where the latest water sports will provide thrills above and below the waves.

Of the Marbella Hotel’s 191 keys, 140 will be upscale hotel apartments, each with viewing deck and up to 47 square metres (505.90 square feet) of space.

Guests will also choose from 48 deluxe five-star cuevas – meaning caves – with sizes ranging up to 60 square metres (645.83 square feet), plus three super-luxury ‘fisherman house’ suites, comprising a generous 250 square metres (2,690.98 square feet) and a large viewing deck.

Much like a vacation within Spain, Marbella Hotel customers will be able to acquire new skills in a Spanish language class and cookery school, learn Flamenco or test their palate in the winery and tasting facilities. They can even pose beside Spanish olive trees aged 100-1,500 years, painstakingly re-homed from Andalusia.

Fifteen innovative hotels and resorts are fast evolving at The Heart of Europe. They will bring more than 4,000 hospitality units, catering to regional and international tourists alongside a feast of festivals, organic, authentic cuisine and cultural treats in an easy-to-reach Middle East year-round sunshine location.

Construction of Marbella Hotel began in earnest with completion of ground waterproofing works and marks the start of the epic development’s Phase II, that will deliver 2,000 units.

Marbella apartments are not yet on sale to international investors, but Josef Kleindienst, Chairman of Kleindienst Group, says their construction further confirms the significant momentum towards completion of this world-class destination.

“The development of Marbella Hotel adheres to our unparalleled vision to bring the best of European experiences to visitors, right here in Dubai,” he says.

“Construction of the project will be completed by the end of 2022 and is being financed by Kleindienst Group’s own resources, thus reflecting the financial strength of the company and our ability to complete the entire project by 2022-23.”

Mr Kleindienst adds: “Each day that passes witnesses further progress on a journey towards to a dynamic destination the world will be talking about – and everyone will want to see for themselves.”

Representing a built-up area of 20,881 square metres (224,761 square feet), the Marbella property is strategically located on Main Europe – largest of the destination’s six contrasting islands – within walking distance of future Instagram favourites the Rainy Street, an innovative zone that will shower on demand to lower the temperature during hotter days, and a snow plaza, one of the many firsts earmarking The Heart of Europe for global recognition.

The hotel also lies close to two other upscale hospitality landmarks already nearing completion; Portofino – the region’s first family-dedicated hotel – and the unmistakable Côte d’Azur resort. All will be served by the sprawling Rainbow Beach, a 700m stretch of white sand fringing the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Marbella Hotel will be home to the region’s first Moorish spa.

Powered by rich Arab spa heritage of Andalusia dating back to the eighth century, carefully researched design and architectural details will recreate the healing and serene ambiance of ancient Al Ándalus.

Incense-scented air will drift over temperature regulated pools flanked by atmospheric candles and lanterns, tiled walls and arches – a calming combination that made historic Arabic spas, or hammams, havens for relaxed conversation and inner peace. Guests will utilise massage and treatments rooms, the hammam and sauna, scented showers and a relaxation/silent room, beside services ranging from aromatherapy, therapeutic and relaxing massages and wraps to steam baths and seaweed therapy.

Marbella Arabic Spa’s therapeutic and health benefits are being engineered to be wide-ranging and holistic – a true exploration of a new world of therapy, relaxation and harmony that calls upon a scientific combination of heat, massage and aromatherapy to maximise the physical and mental benefits of relaxing. These are said to promote sleep quality or weight loss if indulged before bedtime, due to the effects of increased body temperature, improved blood flow and enhanced relaxation.

For those who prefer to relax on their feet, Marbella will host a calendar of exuberant Spanish-themed cultural events.

Seven festivals a year will bring the best of cultural tradition to The Heart of Europe, transporting visitors to Spain’s true spirit courtesy of some of the original fiestas and carnivals for which the nation is celebrated.

Already vying for future attention is a contest to decide the world’s best Flamenco dancer, and Tamborrada major drum parade for which Basque country city San Sebastian is rightly famed. An event inspired by the Feria de Sevilla – the most celebrated week of revelry in Spain – promises to be a highlight filled with all-night Flamenco dancing, horseback riding, flower-decked coaches and street dances.

Old will meet new, and tradition will blend harmoniously with modern culture and comforts in this tantalizing take on Marbella, explains Josef Kleindienst.

“We will offer a memorable experience rooted in Spanish and Moorish culture, architecture, authentic gastronomy and wellness,” he says.

“Marbella Hotel will deliver a dynamic combination accompanied by the unmistakable music and dance that make Spain an indelible country from which we’ve drawn the greatest elements for our destination vision.”

Mr Kleindienst adds: “There is no disputing The Heart of Europe will be unlike any other place…yet knowingly familiar. It will be a Europe outside the continent of Europe and will enable tourists from near and far to experience the best of European culture, cuisine and environment, but in the Arab world.”

Construction at The Heart of Europe has been happening at a tangible pace, in spite of the pandemic. Kleindienst will fully deliver all three phases of its paradise second home, vacation and staycation destination, including boutique hotels and private residential properties, by 2023.

Keeping The Heart of Europe green

Just 4km from the Dubai mainland, visitors and guests will access The Heart of Europe via sustainably-operated ferry, water taxi, sail boat, seaplane or helicopter, as well as a frequent shuttle service with assigned pick-up points. On arrival club cars, boats and abra will provide island accessibility alongside clearly sign-posted walking routes.

With sustainability at its core, The Heart of Europe will see the development of more than 500,000 square metres of coral reefs.

The destination will also deploy sustainable landscaping that will be pesticide free, fungicide free and nourished with recycled water. THOE will remain car free, use clean energy and will offer sustainable water transportation.

The Heart of Europe is committed to deliver exceptional experiential journeys through innovative services, events, entertainment, design and technology.