Jumeirah Group has revealed it is to expand its presence in the Americas with the management of a luxury spa resort in Bermuda.

According to the Dubai-based group, its new Jumeirah Southlands Resort is the first resort to be built in Bermuda in 35 years.

Situated in 37 acres along Bermuda’s South Shore, Jumeirah Southlands will boast 300 balcony suites, a large spa, restaurants and bars, a nightclub, swimming pools, conference amenities and an equestrian centre.

Executive chair of Jumeirah, Gerald Lawless, said: “Bermuda is one of the most enduringly popular destinations in the Americas. The expectations set up by the tourism industry and government are beyond compare and we are privileged to be able to manage this resort.”

Pending approval from government agencies, the Southlands resort will open in mid-2008 and play a key part in the group’s plans to grow its international portfolio of hotels and resorts to a total of 40 by the end of 2009.