The world's first refrigerated beach will be created next to the new AED2.3bn (£406m, 438m euro, US$626m) Palazzo Versace Dubai resort in the United Arab Emirates.

The Sunday Times reported that a network of pipes will run beneath the beach containing a coolant to absorb the heat from the surface so that guests can avoid having to walk across hot sand. Located on the edge of Dubai creek, the hotel's swimming pool will also be refrigerated, while giant blowers could be installed to create a gentle breeze effect over the beach.

According to the newspaper, the founder and president of Palazzo Versace, Soheil Abedian, said that the scheme could be designed in an environmentally sustainable way. "We will suck the heat out of the sand to keep it cool enough to lie on. This is the kind of luxury that top people want," he said.

Other facilities at the 5.5-hectare (13.6-acre) development include 215 hotel suites and 169 private residences as well as restaurants and a large day spa. The Salus Per Aquum spa will offer a wide range of therapies including massages, body wraps and sea salt body treatments. The spa's design will be similar to its sister facility at the flagship Palazzo Versace Gold Coast property in Australia.