Jumeirah has opened a new cluster of ‘water villas’, dubbed ‘Ocean Pearls’, at its all-suite Jumeirah Dhevanafushi hotel in the Maldives.

Designed to make visitors feel as if they are in the middle of the ocean, the new villas sit on platforms suspended directly above the water, nearly a kilometer offshore from the main resort.

The cluster of villas is connected by a decking walkway, which allows residents to easily access the shared infinity pool, bar, seafood restaurant, elevated library and spa treatment rooms, which are also suspended above the water.

Dubai-based luxury hotel chain Jumeirah has opened its first property in mainland Europe.

The brand, which operates several high-profile properties in the Middle East including the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the ‘seven star’ Burj Al Arab,

Jumeirah welcomed its first guests to its new Frankfurt property August 1, ahead of the official opening in September.

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company, announces the soft opening of its first five-star luxury hotel in China at the Himalayas Centre in Pudong, Shanghai.

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai features 401 contemporary Chinese-style guestrooms, including 62 suites and residences, four restaurants and lounges, a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor swimming pool.

The hotel also offers extensive meeting, conference and event facilities, including two grand ballrooms and a 5,000m2 rooftop Infinity Garden.

Dubai hotel group Jumeirah is to launch a “contemporary lifestyle” brand globally later this year, the company announced April 28.

The new brand, to be named VENU Hotels, will be launched later in 2010, with Jumeirah saying that it is in “advanced stages of negotiations” with developers about properties in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

VENU hotels will be five-star hotels with strong local roots, says Jumeirah, designed for “for those who seek a sophisticated immersion in the destination.”