Work begins on $220m Halong Star

The event was marked by a soil turning ceremony at the project's 125 hectare site, attended by dignitaries from the UAE and Vietnam, including Nguyen Quang Khai, Vietnam Ambassador for the UAE and political leaders of the country's Quang Ninh province.

Halong Star, announced in September this year, is a joint venture between Limitless, Phuong Hung Joint Stock Company and International Property Investment Partners LLC. The project will include the area's first five-star hotel, conference facilities, high-end residential units and recreational, cultural and education amenities, all with extensive views of Halong Bay - a UNESCO-sanctioned world heritage site.

Speaking in Halong Bay, Saeed Ahmed Saeed, CEO of Limitless, said:

"Halong Star is our first international project to break ground. Today marks the beginning of a development that will fulfil Halong Bay's massive demand for high-end tourist and residential facilities, especially those with views. I am honoured that Limitless is to play such a major role in enhancing this beautiful part of the world."

The start of the work on Halong Star comes just two days after Limitless celebrated the official launch of its regional operations for SE Asia, based out of Singapore.

Saeed Ahmed Saeed said: "Limitless was established with the aim of capitalising on Dubai's real estate experience by developing distinctive projects around the world. SE Asia is a strong market for us: Halong Star is one of many Limitless projects in the pipeline for the region."

The Halong Star master plan includes:

• a 250-room 5-star hotel, with 500-seater conference;
• a 100-room luxury boutique hotel, with its own spa and wellness centre;
• 36 high-end serviced villas, and a further 190 top-end villas;
• 85 luxury townhouses;
• 114 apartments;
• retail and commercial space;
• a cultural arts village; and
• a commercial hospitality school

Limitless will engage world-class architects to draw on traditional Vietnamese, French Colonial and modern Asian design characteristics for the hotel and residential elements of Halong Star. In addition, grounds will be heavily landscaped, featuring lakes and tropical gardens to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

The project is expected to be completed over five years.