Why are integrated hospitality resorts so popular with luxury property buyers?

Among the many options available to buyers, I’ve noticed that integrated hospitality resorts are gaining popularity, especially among luxury property buyers.

Integrated hospitality resorts combine hotel accommodation and residential living, along with a range of amenities and services, such as retail spaces, dining options, spas and recreation facilities. Such resorts provide an all-encompassing experience for residents, with everything they need available on site – a very appealing premise for those seeking a luxury lifestyle.  

Integrated hospitality resorts are designed to provide an immersive and holistic living experience, catering to residents’ every need. These resorts are typically located in prime locations, such as beachfronts or other scenic locales, and offer luxurious villas, apartments, and penthouses that boast the latest in architectural design, technology, and sustainability.

You may have been following the mega-resort development in Ras Al Khaimah, where US-based Wynn Resorts is opening a multi-billion-dollar resort, in its first foray into the region.

Due to open in 2026, this integrated, multipurpose resort represents the largest-of-its-kind foreign direct investment in Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

The resort plan includes a 1,000-room luxury hotel, upmarket shopping, more than 10 restaurants and lounges and extensive entertainment choices, including the region’s first gaming area. While details are still unveiling, I expect luxurious apartments and villa to be a key part of the mega development.

There are, of course, many reasons why integrated resorts have become a popular choice among luxury property buyers in Dubai, and I’ve been looking into a few.

Firstly, they offer a high level of convenience and comfort to residents. Everything they might need is within walking distance, from upmarket restaurants to luxury shopping outlets, and high-end recreational facilities.

Investors – especially those from other places – feel reassured by brand familiarity. There’s a level of service, of quality, and of attention to detail that we all come to know and expect from certain brands in the hospitality sector. Many of us have a favourite brand, like Waldorf Astoria or Anantara, for example.

Secondly, integrated hospitality resorts offer a unique lifestyle experience that can’t be found in more traditional residential buildings. The resort atmosphere is designed to cater to the needs of residents, but it also delivers a sense of community and exclusivity.

From spaces to hold private events and parties, to exclusive access to poolside areas, spas, gyms and the like, these resorts strive to create an aspirational lifestyle with widespread appeal.

Next, it’s worth noting that integrated hospitality resorts offer high rental returns and capital appreciation potential. These properties are in high demand among tourists, and the high-quality amenities and services attract premium rental rates.

And of course, Dubai’s real estate market is known for its capital appreciation potential, making integrated hospitality resorts an attractive investment option for luxury property buyers.

There is a shortage of luxury properties across Dubai’s residential districts. A luxury property can take a long time to build, and such new builds are often bespoke, and built on demand.

Purchasing a resort property – or investing in a ‘share’ of an integrated resort property – is clearly a quicker, but reliable and trustworthy way of investing in a piece of Dubai and the UAE’s very limited luxury market.

These resorts also offer a range of benefits and privileges to residents, such as access to exclusive events, discounts at retail outlets, and VIP treatment at the resort’s amenities. Such added benefits enhance the lifestyle experience for residents, making it a highly attractive option for luxury property buyers in Dubai.

It’s clear that integrated hospitality resorts are an increasingly popular option for luxury property buyers in Dubai, thanks to the lifestyle experience they offer, the convenience and comfort they provide, potentially high rental returns and capital appreciation potential, and the benefits and privileges available to residents.