Jumeirah opens above-sea ‘Ocean Pearls’

Designed to make visitors feel as if they are in the middle of the ocean, the new villas sit on platforms suspended directly above the water, nearly a kilometer offshore from the main resort.

The cluster of villas is connected by a decking walkway, which allows residents to easily access the shared infinity pool, bar, seafood restaurant, elevated library and spa treatment rooms, which are also suspended above the water.

The villas measure 270 square meters or 340 square meters and each offers a deck at the rear overlooking the water, complete with a sunken bathtub and steps down, allowing for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

The Ocean Pearls also offer a 24-hour butler service, on hand to make sure that the journey goes as smoothly as possible.

The luxury property is the latest from ambitious Dubai-based group Jumeirah, which is set to double the number of hotels it runs in the next 14 months as it grows to compete with luxury brands such as Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons.

Openings over the next year include Kuwait, Majorca, and Azerbaijan.