Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc has announced plans to build a St Regis hotel in Bahrain. It will be located on a reclaimed island facing Manama's city centre.
Scheduled to open in 2011, the 300-room hotel, the owners say, will introduce an "unrivalled dimension of luxury and bespoke service at one of the world's best addresses".
Ross Klein, president of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group, said: "We define St Regis by our guests and the experiences and services they demand and expect. Nothing less than an unrivalled dimension of luxury and bespoke service - from arrival to departure, and beyond - will do."
He added that Bahrain engages visitors with its "eclectic mix" of mosques, markets, skyscrapers and other attractions which will create a "richly-textured cosmopolitan setting perfect for our global St Regis guests".
He added: "From Bahrain to Buenos Aires, Mexico City to Macau, St Regis is committed to designing custom-tailored guest experiences in the best addresses around the world."
Reachable via two access roads, the reclaimed island will be located just to the west of Reef Island and less than a mile north of Seef, the capital's bustling, commercial district. It will also be just a 15-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport.
The St Regis Bahrain will offer a range of facilities including four restaurants, a large spa and more than 3,000 square feet of meeting and conference space.
Following in the tradition of the legendary St Regis Hotel, New York, The St Regis Bahrain aims to offer a "sophisticated, seductive ambience", enhanced by meticulous design touches, fresh flower arrangements, exquisite cuisine and the renowned 'St Regis Butler Service'.
"Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences," a spokesman said.
"We are thrilled to introduce St Regis to Bahrain following the recent announcement of the St Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar and The St Regis Cairo, Egypt," added Roeland Vos, president Europe, Africa and Middle East.
"The signing of The St Regis Bahrain is another sign of Starwood's commitment to develop all its brands in the fast-growing Middle East region, offering opportunities for guests and visitors to experience a new level of luxury, elegance and service."