MSpa International – operator of the Mandara and Anantara resort brands – is to manage two luxury resorts in Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates.

MSpa International, whose parent company is Minor International, will manage both resorts as part of its luxury Mandara resort and spa portfolio.

The first property is the Desert Islands Resort and Spa. It will be the centre of the Sir Bani Yas island experience, a former Royal eco-resort situated off Abu Dhabi’s western coastline.

The 64-bedroom Desert Islands spa will combine locally influenced and Thai treatments as well as two swimming pools. The resort is scheduled for a soft opening in the second quarter of 2009.

The second resort is planned for the Liwa district in Arabia’s Empty Quarter (Rub Al-Khali).

Located amidst sand dunes and styled as a desert retreat, the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab has been designed to mimic a desert fortress and will boast a luxury health-orientated spa. It is also scheduled to open in 2009.