Marriott International is to operate a new Polynesian-themed family hotel being developed as part of the AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.1bn, £1.7bn) theme park project in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, set to open in 2016.

The 503-bedroom Lapita Hotel – which will be the first Autograph Collection hotel in the Middle East – will offer accommodation to visitors of the development, which is backed by Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as part of plans to bring 20 million visitors to Dubai on an annual basis by 2020 – the year the city will host the 2020 World Expo.

The hotel will be constructed in the first phase of the project, which will also comprise the Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai attractions. Dubai Parks and Resorts, a subsidiary of development company Meraas Holding, is behind development of the project, which is also going by the same name. Two further theme parks are planned during the second phase of development and these will be an as-of-yet unnamed marine park and a safari park.

Construction on the hotel began in February and details of the hotel’s spa will be available in approximately six months. John Rees, area director of operations in the Middle East and Africa for Marriott International, told Spa Opportunities that while no specifics have been decided upon at this stage, “the footprint space for the spa will be elaborate for this project and it will follow the Saray spa concept. The project team are in discussions with interior designers and architects to finalise the feel and look of the spa.”

The hotel will draw inspiration from Polynesian tropical landscapes, featuring Polynesian flowers, lagoon-style pools, themed activities and dining options.

“Along with our operating partners, Marriott International, we have conceptualised a hotel that is certain to resonate with travellers and residents looking for a weekend or a weeklong getaway,” said Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi. “With its unique components for the entire family, we are confident Lapita’s distinctive experience will set a new global benchmark in the hospitality domain. The property will particularly help us target visitors to Dubai Parks and Resorts and eventually contribute to the destination’s tourist footfall.”