Introduction
In January 2006, the Foundation Stone of Saraya Aqaba Real Estate Project was laid marking the beginning of construction of this $600 million development. Encompassing 610 thousand square meters and scheduled for completion in 2009, Saraya Aqaba will add a luxurious world-class resort to the Nabatean city of Aqaba.
Set amid the northern shores of the Red Sea and the foothills of the Aqaba Rum Mountains, Saraya Aqaba offers a timeless appeal in an unforgettable and serene setting. Fashioned as an ancient Arabic city, Saraya Aqaba provides its residents and visitors with lavish accommodation and an old souk alongside a range of entertainment and dining venues. Its themed environment conjures a glimpse of the old city while providing modern lifestyle conveniences all encircling a 1.5km man made lagoon and at the heart of Aqaba.
Saraya has consistently sought to preserve the environmental balance in Aqaba and with this in mind Saraya Aqaba residences have been named to reflect the region's birdlife. Al Hassoon Grand Villas, Al Bulbul and Al Hijil Villas and Al Khudairy and Al Carawan apartments are some of the names that capture the appeal of owning a Saraya Aqaba home. Residences feature sumptuous interiors designed by KCA International Interior Designs to complement their spectacular setting. KCA have a long history of culturally sensitive designs and play a key role in the appeal of Saraya Aqaba homes.
Deluxe hotel accommodation is provided by Saraya partners Jumeirah and Starwood who will cater to guests’ every whim and desire. Jumeirah, the world renowned hospitality group that operates and manages the most luxurious and innovative properties in the world, will be operating three of the six 5-star hotels, the exclusive water park, as well as directing their vast hospitality management experience to the Grand Villas and Villas. In addition, two 5-star hotels will be operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc under their "Luxury Collection" brand.
In order to bring prospective owners closer to their dream, Saraya Aqaba and the Arab Bank recently agreed that the Arab Bank will be the 'official bank of choice' for residents. Among its many services it will provide preferential financing agreements to include grace periods of up to 36 months and inclusive life and property insurance.
The exclusive design and build contractors for Saraya Aqaba is Saudi Oger Ltd, ensuring the delivery of the highest specifications and construction standards.
Moreover, Asteco the Dubai-based company, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, will act as the sole sales agent for the residential component of Saraya Aqaba.
General Manager of Saraya Aqaba, Dr. Khalid Wazani said "Saraya Aqaba provides the highest standards of luxury and comfort for residents and guests. We have selected an excellent location and chosen strong partners to help us develop a unique world-class resort which will become a premiere destination for business people, visitors and residents alike."
Saraya Aqaba Grand Villas
Nestled within the western part of Saraya Aqaba’s integrated community and overlooking the Saraya Lagoon are Al Hassoon Grand Villas. As unique and beautiful as their namesakes, Al Hassoon Grand Villas are managed by Saraya partners Jumeirah to bring the highest standards of luxury and indulgence to their owners.
Designed in a style reminiscent of historic Middle Eastern neighborhoods, the Grand Villas feature traditional architecture, gardens, shaded walkways and arched gateways. Inventive designs provide residents with an opportunity to escape the routine of daily life by blending a serene setting with a lavish and opulent environment.
Al Hassoon Grand Villas are organized around a cascading waterway lined with landscaped gardens. Private swimming pools and outdoor seating areas form relaxing semi-private retreats while stone footpaths link each Grand Villa to an exclusive private beach along the shores of Saraya lagoon. This natural environment is has been enhanced through the use of natural woods, stones and indigenous flora to provide the aromas and colors to delight the senses.
Covering approximately area of 730 square meters, the Grand Villas are luxurious, spacious and include a traditional Majlis as well as open terraces with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and resort. These elegant retreats capture the essence of historic Middle Eastern style and provide a haven of tranquility for residents. In every design the importance of traditional craftsmanship and regional skills has been recognized, enhanced and updated to successfully create an authentic environment and atmosphere.
The character of Al Hassoon Grand Villas can be described as warm and appealing blending the natural attractions of Aqaba with the history, culture and style of the Middle East.
Saraya Aqaba Villas
Homes in Saraya Aqaba are part of an integrated community, sitting within a themed and planned environment, offering privacy, luxury and security and overlooking the Saraya Lagoon.
Located in the western part of the resort in a serene and low density setting, Al Bulbul and Al Hijil Villas are adjacent to the Grand Villas and the three exclusive Jumeirah luxury hotels. Harmoniously placed within the collection of semi private and private gardens, Al Bulbul and Al Hijil Villas span over 340 sqm each and feature traditional architecture; shaded walkways, arched gateways and open areas are used to conjure up the spirit of historical Aqaba.
Abundant foliage assures peace and privacy for owners in their private gardens featuring luxury appointed decking. While private pools, and larger swimming pools, provide a modern touch for the exclusive use of Villa residents and their guests.
The opulence is continued inside the Villas where the fine attention to detail is apparent in the luxuriously appointed interiors. Managed by Jumeirah, Al Bulbul and Al Hijil Villas provide a tranquil setting for luxurious and lavish living while capturing the essence of historic Middle Eastern heritage.
Grand Villas and Villas Interior Designs
Jordan's treasures of Petra, Jerash and the Dead Sea, to name but a few, have enchanted visitors for centuries and helped to form Middle Eastern history and culture. Saraya Aqaba’s interior designers, KCA International, drew on these many sources of inspiration for their exotic and timeless designs.
Established since 1988, KCA International Interior Designers have its headquarters in London with an international staff composed of talented designers from varied cultural backgrounds. These global credentials include Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeriah and Intercontinental London while KCA are currently designing hotels for Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. KCA have been instrumental in the successful completion of several projects where sensitivity to local cultures has been an important consideration and this has been a key attraction for Saraya.
The rich history of Jordan has been bought to bear on the unique and harmonious environment within a Saraya Aqaba home while each residential zone of Saraya Aqaba has been given its own unique exclusive identity. The importance of traditional craftsmanship and regional skills has been reflected, enhanced and blended into a modern environment. Saraya Aqaba has used the most authentic ingredients to successfully create a genuinely original setting and ambience.
Rich and intricate patterns of geometry derived from Middle Eastern culture are skillfully integrated into the various aspects of the villas’ interiors including floors, fabrics, and carpets. The various textures and colors of the fabrics and soft furnishings enrich the overall experience of luxury and relaxation.
The furnished Grand Villas consist of traditional stones amalgamates with marble and colorful mosaics. Handcrafted wooden mashrabiyas, plaster and gypsum cornices and arches are reflected in the architectural and decorative features. Rich and intricate themes from Middle Eastern culture are woven into the floors, fabrics and carpets. A blend of textures and colors is used to create a dynamic personality and character.
Accommodation spaces are cleverly and comfortably designed to reflect the mixture of secluded and open spaces, while there are many of the formal and informal arrangements that can be typically found in the traditional Middle Eastern house. The interplay of water and light are also of paramount importance to the interior decoration as these elements are close to the hearts of the people of the Middle East.
All these features combine and interlock to create a dynamic and special enclave of a comfortable home which is filled with a great sense of identity, character and personality.
Future Plans for Saraya Aqaba’s Residences
The detailed plans of the townhouses and apartments with their distinctive features are currently being finalized. Saraya will disclose the complete description of the exterior and interior designs of townhouses and apartments in due course.
