FACT visited the party island’s hotel – and found that the hype is real.
The energy is electric. Lights are blaring. I’m sipping Champagne on my hotel balcony, overlooking the crowds, colour and chaos of Ushuaïa Ibiza with DJs Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. Suddenly, a plane roars overhead, flying into the airport just a few kilometres away, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Welcome to the newly opened The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel in Spain – a bold, brazen brand set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates.
The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences is scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in 2027. Ahead of its debut, FACT was invited to experience its sister property on the party island of Ibiza. The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel debuted earlier this year and has already made its mark.
When we landed, posters plastered across the airport featured global acts, from Armin van Buuren to Calvin Harris, all set to perform at the hotel’s legendary open-air club, Ushuaïa. The visit offered a first taste of the brand’s vision: immersive luxury, high-energy experiences, and an atmosphere that blurs the line between hotel and headliners.
Behind the brand
Created by the UAE’s Almal Real Estate Development, The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences in Ras Al Khaimah has attracted $100 million in investments. The hotel will be run by a Spanish hotel operator, Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotels and Residences. The Spanish hotel operator has more than 50 years of hospitality experience, and manages 40 hotels in seven countries. As the name suggests, the brand was born with the aim of offering the unexpected.
Dmytro Starovoitov, Founder of Almal Real Estate Development, explained: “Our new development embodies Almal’s commitment to delivering unmatched luxury and sophistication in the realm of hospitality and entertainment. We are excited to bring The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and The Unexpected Al Marjan Residencies to the UAE, unveiling a groundbreaking hospitality concept with unparalleled experiences.”
Making rooms
The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences in Ras Al Khaimah will be home to 422 guestrooms and suites. Each room and residence will boast uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel is home to 181 rooms with fun and funky names, from the Don’t Be Shy to Fashion Victim. We checked into the Anything Can Happen Suite, which had a stage view, perfect for pre- or post-parties.
Decked out with full-length mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bold palette of crisp white and red-hot accents, the sprawling suite was designed to impress. It featured magnum-sized mixers, countertop bar seating, a speaker to kick off the party, and a toiletry bag that’s perfectly on point, with earplugs in case the party goes on longer than you do.
The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences facilities will include a health club and spa, and all possible pools imaginable, from plunge pools to rooftop pools. The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel facilities include a gym, a beach and a swimming pool at the heart of the development.
Dazzling designs
The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences look set to be an architectural spectacle. Conceived by the Design and Architecture Bureau, the property features undulating curves inspired by both ocean and sound waves. Blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings, the design will also incorporate state-of-the-art lighting elements, including LED archways and illuminated hanging fabrics.
The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel was designed by the Spanish studio, U Interior Design. With its sleek lines, bold colours, and high-quality materials, it knows how to make a statement. The hotel’s name is emblazoned in big, bright letters alongside its iconic bird logo, while colourful climbing sculptures of plants weave their way up the exterior wall.
Eat, sip, rave, repeat
The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotels and Residences will feature a range of restaurants and bars. While the full line-up has yet to be announced, offerings will include all-day dining with an outdoor terrace, a beach club, a rooftop restaurant and bar, a lobby bar, and a two-level outdoor bar. Guests can also enjoy the Oyster Terrace with its elevated deck, as well as The Unexpected Pool Area.
The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel offers a variety of dining destinations, each with its own distinct vibe. At the heart of the venue is The Beach, an all-day dining venue brimming with buffets, live cooking stations, and fresh flavours – don’t miss the seafood. For those who want to sip in style, The Oyster Bar and Caviar Bar by the pool serves up ceviche, nigiri, tiradito and more. Minami is a lively Japanese restaurant with Mediterranean touches, where guests can enjoy the theatrical flair of live teppanyaki cooking at the counter.
FACT visited Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen on opening night. This marks the restaurant’s first location in Europe, as it already has branches in Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington DC, and was previously in Dubai. The menu features signature dishes, including the chef’s classic Beef Wellington – one of the best we’ve ever tasted.
Gordon said: “With its incredible energy, vibrant nightlife, and world-class cuisine, Ibiza is the perfect destination to deliver this one-of-a-kind experience. I can’t wait to introduce a whole new level of dining to the island, offering Ibiza locals and international visitors something truly special. Expect a mix of delicious food and cocktails, exceptional entertainment, and the unforgettable atmosphere that has made Hell’s Kitchen the global sensation it is.”
The Unexpected: whether you’re in Ibiza or Ras Al Khaimah, looks set to be plush, playful and packed with personality. In the meantime, you can enjoy the Ushuaïa experience in the UAE at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, which has hosted everyone from Adriatique and Ants to Michael Bibi and Calvin Harris.
Expect the unexpected.
GO: Visit www.theunexpectedhotels.com for more information.
Images