Luxury hotel group Jumeirah has set out plans for an ambitious expansion which will see it enter three new markets during 2018.

Jumeirah will open five new resorts during the year, including its first properties in Bahrain, Indonesia and Oman – signalling the group’s intention to enter emerging tourism markets with its luxury offering.

The five properties, each featuring large spas, are Jumeirah Royal Saray, Bahrain; Jumeirah Sa’adiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; Jumeirah Bali, Indonesia; Jumeirah Nanjing, China; and Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Oman.

One of the first properties to launch will be Jumeirah Muscat Bay, located in the cove of Bandar Jissah, near Qantab.

The development will include a 1,200sq m (12,920sq ft) Talise Spa, a dive centre, sports and leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and cafes, and a kids club.

The resort will also include conference and banquet facilities to cater for Oman’s growing attraction as a destination for conferences, meetings and large-scale events.

The resort forms part of a larger development that includes 300 high-end residential townhouses and villas.

“We're confident of continuing our success story in new markets in 2018,” said Linda Lewis, Jumeirah’s vice-president of global sales for Middle East, Africa and South Asia and Asia Pacific.

“We believe our strength lies in our ability to understand the needs of our guests and in creating bespoke luxury inspired by Arabic hospitality and charm.”

The announcement follows a year of growth for the Dubai-based Jumeirah. The company – part of global investment giant Dubai Holding – announced a five per cent increase in the number of room nights for the year, compared to 2016 figures.

Commenting on the company's growth, Lewis said: “We continue to strengthen its position as one of the most successful, UAE home-grown brands on a global scale.

“Our strong performance in 2017 is evidence of our robust and forward-looking business strategy.”