Why luxury homebuyers are turning towards resort living 

Anyone familiar with the UAE will know that it is now typical for residential developments to feature amenities such as swimming pools and gyms. Given that quality of life is a major drawcard when it comes to persuading people to relocate, put down roots and invest in our nation’s property market, this is hardly surprising. 

What I find interesting is how this trend is evolving within the luxury real estate space. For many years, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) have expected the aforementioned amenities to come as standard. But today, increasing numbers of premium property investors are demanding homes that offer more than just bricks and mortar. They are buying into a specific lifestyle. 

More and more, wealthy buyers are looking for an oasis away from their hectic professional lives – communities where every day feels like a holiday. It’s for this reason my sister and I co-founded Amali Properties, a premium real estate outfit that is making luxury resort living a reality in the UAE. 

So, what is resort living and why is it capturing the attention of HNWIs? 

An island paradise 

Amali Properties has secured two plots within The World, which will be amalgamated to create Amali Island, Dubai. With stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, this one-of-a-kind development will become home to an exclusive community of more than 20 ultra-luxury villas. 

Amali Island will feature direct beach access for all units. In my opinion, this is the epitome of luxury resort living – perfect for those early morning swims or serene evening strolls. Meanwhile, more adventurous residents who prefer adrenaline-filled downtime will be able to take advantage of water sports facilities right on their doorstep. 

We are all used to making the most of the coast while on holiday, but the ability to incorporate an island lifestyle into your daily routine is a major selling point for luxury homebuyers. Imagine wrapping up a busy day of meetings in the city before enjoying a boat ride home to your front door. This is what resort living is all about. 

Holidaying while at home 

Amali Island will feature a selection of ultra-luxury villas designed by internationally renowned architects, ELASTIC. Structured to include expansive spaces similar to round within high-end resorts, these stunning homes will feature majestic rooftops, outdoor firepits, jacuzzis and enchanting water channels that invite residents to step outside and immerse themselves in nature. 

Double-height glass surfaces will tower from floor to ceiling, framing breathtaking ocean views. Large-scale private pools will enable residents to enjoy a resort-style experience without leaving their homes. Each villa will feature an accompanying pavilion, and individual cabanas will be included along the coastal edges of front-facing units, offering a space to unwind while taking in the spectacular Dubai skyline. 

Put simply, Amali Island will be unlike any other residential project, creating the atmosphere of an everlasting vacation. 

A sense of community 

An opulent built environment is essential but not sufficient for resort living. The world’s best luxury resorts are those that manage to build a sense of community, offering a combination of services, activities and events in which guests can participate at will. With more than 20 ultra-luxury villas nestled between the bustling city of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, Amali Island possesses all the elements necessary to create an idyllic community. 

The development will be home to shared open spaces and social venues, which will help build a sense of community and neighbourliness that is often lacking in standard residential projects. Taking its cue from luxury resorts, Amali Island will also feature plenty of amenities and activities for kids, ensuring parents have an opportunity to unwind together while their children embark on their own adventures. 

Amali Island’s Club House, whose architectural design is inspired by the ombú tree, will act as a luxury hub for the community. Grand canopies will provide shaded areas for lounging and dining, while open-air spaces will allow for uninterrupted ocean views. The facility will also feature semi-circular gathering spaces, which will be surrounded by lush greenery to create a secluded and intimate setting for socialising and events. 

In my capacity as Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, I oversee a range of high-end hospitality destinations, from DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts and Paramount Hotel Midtown in the UAE to our upcoming Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef Resort in the Maldives. My experience in this space is proving invaluable as my colleagues and I at Amali Properties work to make year-round luxury resort living a reality for UAE homebuyers. 

With Amali Island, we are creating a realm of coastal splendour where luxury knows no bounds and your vacation never has to end.