Wynn Al Marjan Island President On What UAE's First Integrated Resort Has In Store For Indian Travellers

For many Indians, the UAE is often their first international destination, thanks to its short flight time and excellent connectivity from both metro cities and Tier II markets. Yet, for most travellers, a UAE holiday is almost synonymous with Dubai, often accompanied by a day trip to Abu Dhabi. That perception, however, is set to change. 

In 2027, all eyes will be on Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's northernmost emirate, as it prepares to welcome the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island. Marking Wynn Resorts' first venture in the Middle East, the integrated luxury resort promises many firsts in the region.

Spread across a private island, Wynn Al Marjan Island is envisioned as a self-contained luxury destination featuring elegant suites, 22 restaurants and lounges, a 900-seat theatre, 12 swimming pools, a world-class spa, marina, retail promenade, beach club, and a host of immersive entertainment experiences, including the Middle East's first-ever casino.

Following the success of resorts in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston, Wynn Resorts is bringing its signature blend of luxury, design, entertainment, and service to the UAE. But in a region already home to some of the world's most glamorous hotels and resorts, what will make Wynn Al Marjan Island stand apart? 

Robb Report India speaks with Max Tappeiner, President of Wynn Al Marjan Island, about what affluent and multi-generational Indian families can expect from the resort on the scale of a destination.

RR: In a market like the UAE—where luxury is already the norm—how does Wynn define and elevate “luxury” in 2026?

MT: At Wynn, luxury is a collection of experiences, not a label. It is the experience of being in a thoughtfully designed setting, where a guest room doesn't feel like a hotel but rather an elevated version of their dream home. There is no "off the shelf." Every furnishing is bespoke. No request is too great, and certainly no detail too small. In this region, guests already expect the finest materials and the grandest spaces, so that is merely our starting point. What we add is the artistry, the obsession with craft, and the layers that turn a stay into a memory.

RR: The UAE is a preferred destination for Indian families. How are you curating experiences that resonate across generations—from younger travellers to legacy family groups?

MT: What makes Wynn Al Marjan Island different is that it has been conceived as a place of fun, glamour, and genuine excitement, not just a beautiful place to sleep. Start with 12 pools, each offering a completely different experience — from serene, adults-only retreats on the east side to a lively family poolscape with a splash pad toward the west, and a beach club on a 420-meter private white sand beach. Then there is a 900-person capacity theater with a bespoke show, a 12,000-square-meter shopping parterre filled with the world's most coveted labels, and a 98-berth deep-water marina. I could go on. This is a resort where a guest can arrive and never need to leave — because every possible mood, moment, and occasion has been considered.

RR: For India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals, what will the “hotel within a hotel” concept at Wynn offer in terms of exclusivity and privacy? 

MT: Enclave is the pinnacle of what we offer — a destination within the destination. All 313 Enclave accommodations are suites, positioned on the uppermost level of our tower, which is 352 meters to the tip of the spire. Guests have their own private entrance and check-in, plus access to exclusive amenities including the Enclave pool and gardens, a private beach, beach butler service, and bespoke dining experiences. There are only 15 suites per floor, ensuring a level of privacy and recognition that is simply not possible in a conventional hotel. 

RR: Wynn is globally celebrated for its culinary excellence. What can Indian guests expect from the dining landscape at Al Marjan Island? 

MT: Dining is central to the Wynn experience, and at Wynn Al Marjan Island, we are creating one of the most compelling culinary destinations in the region. We have 22 restaurants and lounges, including an elegant steakhouse by Alain Ducasse, his first-ever concept of this kind, and Wynn’s second outpost of Delilah, the popular supper club from our Las Vegas sister resort. But what truly sets our culinary offering apart is the depth. We have planned dining experiences to satisfy every taste, mood, and craving, from authentic Lebanese fare and Eastern Asian cuisine to an intimate Indo-Persian restaurant. An upscale Food Hall has also been designed to offer global cuisine and family-friendly dining. 

Our banquet team includes more than 90 chefs and service staff, with dedicated specialists in Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and Western cuisines. Dietary requirements, including halal, vegetarian, vegan, and Jain, are accommodated as standard. Wynn Al Marjan Island will also be home to a beautifully appointed Indian Brasserie.

RR: India is one of the fastest-growing luxury travel markets globally. What role do Indian travellers play in Wynn Al Marjan Island’s long-term vision? 

Max Tappeiner: India is a critically important market for us. Indian travellers are at an inflection point where their hierarchy of needs is driven by personalisation, curation, and experiential depth. The integrated resort experience resonates strongly with them because it delivers every dimension of escape, from entertainment, family, beach, dining, retail, and wellness, all within one destination. Multi-generational travel is a major driver, and our accommodation mix, culinary depth, and family-friendly infrastructure are designed with this in mind. We are building relationships with travel advisors, wedding planners, and airline partners across key metro cities as well as growing markets like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The proximity — RAK is a short flight from all major Indian cities — makes this a natural fit.