Above: An artist’s impression of the hotel and its private beach.

The Ritz-Carlton is set to bring a touch of the Venetian Renaissance to the United Arab Emirates later this year with the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Inspired by 15th to early 17th century architecture, the hotel’s 447 guest rooms and suites, and 85 private villas will be set in a crescent around landscaped gardens and a 1,500-square-meter swimming pool.

The one and two-bedroom villas, ranging from 90 to 130 square meters, feature terraces and a dedicated butler service. After enjoying uninterrupted views of the Grand Mosque, guests can dine in one of the three signature restaurants designed by Japanese interior designer Super Potato and unwind in the 2,000-square-meter stand-alone spa, which offers 15 private treatment rooms as well as outdoor plunge pools and a private beach.

The hotel will also feature the Ritz-Carlton Club, a special floor only accessible via a private elevator.