Wynn Al Marjan Island, set to open in early 2027 on the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE, has released the 'first-look images' of some of the guest accommodation specifically designed for the landmark destination resort, writes Stanley Szecowka.
A further glimpse of what is in store for bookers and their customers was unveiled during an exclusive media trip to sister property Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, in the gaming capital of the USA.
According to folk law 'What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas' and that appears to be the case when it comes to revealing what's fully on the cards in the Arabian Gulf in less than a couple of years' time as part of an $3.8 billion investment.
Early look at what's to come
Company executives are confident they will play a winning hand (or should it be a Wynn-ing hand) when the fine details with the regulatory body are agreed upon and sanctioned and, in the meantime, they are happy to tease what's to come with an early look at the 'bespoke creative approach' shaping a selection of the resort's 1,530 rooms, suites and villas.
Created and designed by Wynn Design & Development, an award-winning in-house section behind the brand's global portfolio, each choice, it says, reflects the 'elegance intentionality synonymous with the brand's experience'.
The Resort King room features a unique, dedicated entry vestibule that separates the sleeping quarters from the corridor - a departure from the typical open-plan layout seen in many contemporary resorts. This deliberate design enhances guest privacy and reinforces the room's residential feel.
When room service calls or a delivery is made, they will not be able to ogle the bedroom let alone the occupant, thus avoiding the infringement of any cultural norms.
Rooted in Wynn language
"Designing Wynn Al Marjan Island meant honouring a remarkable legacy while building something entirely distinctive for this region," said Todd Avery-Lenahan, President & Chief Creative Officer of Wynn Design & Development. "These rooms are rooted in the language of Wynn but reinterpreted for this oceanfront experience. They're a beautiful expression of form and function influenced by Ras Al Khaimah's natural beauty."
Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. Arched forms, reflective surfaces and layered textures define a sculptural aesthetic inspired by the region's artistic and cultural heritage, with nods to the elegance and detailing of 18th- and 19th-century design.
The interiors express Wynn's signature design philosophy described as 'elevated, intuitive and emotionally resonant'. Custom lighting and mirrored accents echo the rhythm of the sea, described in a press release as 'calm, curated and deeply felt'.
Warm tones evoke a strong sense of place, while bathrooms with double vanities, walk-in showers and freestanding soaking tubs extend the retreat into every corner.
Glorious gold
A mock-up of a range of rooms, entrances and corridors, to exact and specific detail, has been created in Vegas with a 'no photos' policy and, as the description above outlines, get ready for glorious gold and plush, sandy carpets with an intricate henna-like design element.
The dapper-looking Lenahan, sporting a brown jacket handkerchief matching his shoes, has also been globally shopping for artworks to strategically place around the RAK space and, having seen a selection, be prepared to be impressed by acclaimed pieces by world renowned artists and a few fresh names too.
The actual works and their creators will no doubt be announced with a later press release alongside details of some of the additional sizzling suites.
Although he walked the press party through the Enclave Suites during the trip, the company is 'not announcing' them until mid-May.
"We would appreciate it if you could kindly hold off on sharing any Enclave content until closer to the embargo date," the media trip organiser requested, as 'What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas' played its hand again.
However, for the record, the new RAK resort will be set across more than 60 hectares.
Range of restaurants
Wynn Al Marjan Island will also showcase 24 restaurants offering fine, casual and social dining, a five-star spa, a Shopping Parterre highlighting world-class designer boutiques, an expansive pool-scape of 12 pools surrounded by well-appointed cabanas and lush gardens, a private deep-water marina accommodating luxury vessels up to 75 metres, 420 metres of private white-sand beach and signature Wynn entertainment.
Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah aims to be a magnet for 'ultra-high net-worth' customers and attract tourists from across the globe after securing its gaming licence from UAE authorities, as reported by the UAE English language daily newspaper, The National.
The regulator has still to outline exactly what games will be allowed and who can venture inside that specific space.
Currently, the gaming area will be out of bounds for Emiratis although it may be open to the nationals of neighbouring Gulf states, depending, of course, on another pending decision by the regulator.
Inside, all efforts will be made to ensure the feel and look is as far away from the black and white movie clichéd smoky, dimly-lit space; this is going to be 'bright and light' apparently. But whether that goes down well with visiting traditionalists, only time will tell.
Gaming area design
The gaming area, the visiting media members heard, will not be as brazenly 'in your face' as Vegas, with jingling machines and card and gaming tables put out of the direct gaze of guests and visitors by subtle design elements, so those uncomfortable with the idea, can still enjoy the stunning rooms, fabulous fare and entertainment elements.
And, when it comes to exquisite fine food, exceptional customer care and sensational stage shows, Wynn really knows how to entertain.
The attention to detail is astonishing, from the flower arranging to the award-winning in-house baked bagels to the uplifting, singalong and foot tapping crafted background music played across the venue.
The Wynn-ing machine is on its way, with a personal touch like no other.
Michael Weaver, Chief Communications and Brand Officer, Wynn Resorts, said it would be a 'bespoke experience, tailor-made for the UAE and the region'. It will be an exquisite experience in March 2027, he added.
Resort ambassadors state the obvious at every opportunity, oft-teary eyed with broken voices, that their workforce gets joy every day simply from seeing the hotel's guests with 'a smile on their faces'.
It happens to be true at Wynn where it is easy to find second generation staff members with a decade or more of experience with relatives on the payroll in different sections across the property. It's a real family affair.
So, what inspires the loyalty? It appears that during the Covid-19 pandemic the staff received full paid leave with their likely tips added on for good measure.
The finance chief reckoned the company would go bankrupt within six months but fortunately the hotels reopened in three.
Everyone turned up for duty on day one, whereas other properties who had laid off staff were left scrambling to recruit.
One driver even told a customer that he would 'take a bullet' for the management, probably never a truer term of endearment from a US perspective.
In Vegas, beneath the tables, bars, bedrooms, shops and spas and beyond the eyesight of regular guests and visitors lies a hidden city for the workers to ensure the baking is done, the flowers are stored and placed in vases and displays and the staff members are fed and well catered for.
Colours and themes are consistent and every section has an expert (or more) from award-winning chefs perfecting the art of pastries to pasta making, to chocolatiers and florists, who ensure the world on top is fabulous in every detail.
They exude passion by the bucket load and the finishing touches are a combination of elegance, extravagance and excellence, all rolled into one.
So get ready to enjoy the ride, construction is on schedule for an early 2027 opening. The dice have been thrown. - TradeArabia News Service
