Luxury resort operator Mövenpick has launched the Beach Resort Al Khobar in eastern Saudi Arabia.

The resort is the ninth hotel to be opened by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Saudi Arabia and offers 36 three-bedroom duplex villas - including two Royal Villas each with a spacious majlis - a spa and fitness centre, two restaurants, a free-form swimming pool and private beach.

The resorts Retreat Wellness Center & Spa features separate treatment rooms for men and women and offers a range of beauty treatments, massages, aromatherapy and reflexology.

Facilities include a sauna, steam rooms, a fitness area with modern gym equipment and serene relaxation areas.

The resort will be marketed primarily as a family resort, with children-specific facilities such as a separate private pool area and a supervised Kids Club.

The opening of Al Khobar is part of Mövenpick's ambitious roll out plan which currently includes 30 properties.

Among the development pipeline are four projects in Dubai; three projects in Abu Dhabi; and hotels in Shanghai, China; Ankara, Turkey and Dharamshala, India.