Image: The Yhi Spa's planned Vascular Path

Meliá Hotels and Resorts, the Spain-based hospitality group, has announced its debut in the United Arab Emirates with the soft launch of the new 164-bedroom Meliá Dubai hotel.

Located in the centre of Bur Dubai, the Marco Mangili-designed property is to open in two phases and includes the Titanic by Marco Pierre White restaurant offering European cuisine.

The second phase will add the group's signature Yhi Spa concept to the hotel, with six single treatment cabins, one double treatment cabin and a vascular path among its facilities.

Turkish and Moroccan baths; a water circuit; and men's and women's saunas will also form part of the Yhi Spa, along with a spa boutique and an area for Garra Rufa Fish therapy.

Meliá Dubai general manager Gilles Longuet said: "Over time, the two ancient cultures of Arabic and Spanish have traded language, architecture and heritage.

"As Meliá opens its doors in the heart of historic Dubai, Spanish hospitality comes to the Middle East. In a sense, Meliá Dubai is home."

Details: www.solmelia.com