Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah is to undergo a AED 10 million (US$ 2.7 million) refurbishment to transform the property into an official spa destination.

Patrick Antaki, general manager of Le Meridien Al Aqah, said the project had been planned for some time but was likely to be realised during the course of the next year.

“This project was planned from before the downturn, although in some ways it’s good it’s coming to fruition now because contractor prices are cheaper,” he said. He added that he hoped once the project was completed, the economic situation would have improved, further supporting the investment.

The hotel already operates a three-room spa, which from this week onwards will be overhauling its products with a range from French company Phytomer. The range is based on materials derived from the sea. “This new range is really in keeping with our location and the activities we offer,” explained Davina Patel, spa manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah.

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Spa offerings will form part of the value packages put together by the hotel to attract more guests. “People are slightly more conservative in their spending now, so we’re coming up with new value packages,” said Antaki. He said that as a result of reducing rates by around 35%, the hotel was now enjoying almost 95% occupancy.

Antaki also suggested that the new Dubai-Fujairah highway, currently under construction, would have a moderate boost effect on the number of weekend visitors from Dubai, who form a significant chunk of the 30% of guests who visit from the UAE. “The highway will definitely encourage more residents to visit, and they form part of our strong weekend market,” said Antaki.