On the International Women’s Day Accor & She is Arab Partner to Advance Women’s Leadership Development across MENA

The partnership will drive the dialogue around women’s economic empowerment and advancing gender balance in the workplace through various events and professional development sessions in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE.

Accor Middle East & Africa announce the launch of a partnership with She is Arab, the first dedicated global speakers’ platform for Arab women designed to elevate female leadership development and to drive women’s economic empowerment and advancement in the workplace.

As part of the partnership, a series of dialogues and discussions will roll out throughout the year in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, including panels, round tables, fireside chats, in addition to training and coaching sessions focused on leadership skills, public speaking, personal branding and media interaction. These events will tackle topics including the changing nature of leadership, navigating through workplace culture, achieving work life balance, and advocating workplace policies to ensure equal opportunities for women.

Fairmont Amman

Fairmont Amman

Accor’s own international RiiSE network co-chaired by Maud Bailly, Chief Digital Officer and John Ozinga, CEO Accor Invest, comprises of both men and women, as denoted by the double ‘ii’, who are all committed to the values of knowledge sharing through mentoring programmes, solidarity, and combating stereotypes and discrimination, as well as promoting female talent to positions of leadership.

Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa said: “The region today accounts for almost 30% of the Group’s global RiiSE network of close to 30,000 employees from 4,900-plus hotels in 111 countries. Male and female talent from Accor’s hotels in Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate RiiSE membership in the region. We are thrilled to join hands with She Is Arab, further cementing our commitment to continuous narrative around gender equality, with the aim of achieving actionable outcomes.”

Fairmont Nile City

Fairmont Nile City

Speaking on the partnership, Noha Hefny, Co-founder, She is Arab said: “We are delighted to partner with Accor in the Middle East and Africa. We consider this collaboration a testament to Accor’s commitment to social responsibility and its strong support for women-led startups. With the growing momentum and strength of the She is Arab network; we believe our synergies and common values reinforce our shared commitment to women empowerment and gender parity in the MENA region. We are excited to discover the opportunities that the future holds for both of our organizations.”

Based on their common vision and commitment to advancing gender equality (SDG5), both organizations aim to highlight the importance of networking, peer to peer support networks, leadership and participation of women to be active contributors in the region’s economy. The partnership also aims to help in the exchange of experiences and knowledge to advance women’s leadership across various sectors. Events will also focus on extending mentorship to younger women and emerging leaders and inspiring them through awareness raising sessions and sharing success stories of role models.

Through their collaboration, Accor and She is Arab aim to inspire and celebrate women in the region and encourage them to build their skills. In doing so, they will demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving impact and change for women and the advancement of UN SDG5 (gender equality).

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Accor to Spearhead Lifestyle Hospitality Trend in Saudi Arabia With Dynamic Brands and New Experiences

Group to highlight its pivotal role in driving kingdom’s hotel landscape transformation at upcoming saudi arabian hospitality investment conference (SHIC) 2020.

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, will highlight its role as a pioneer of new lifestyle experiences in Saudi Arabia at the second Saudi Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), which takes place this week (January 21-22) in Riyadh.

The Group, which is already the leading operator in the kingdom with 36 properties (close to 14,000 rooms) and 45 more in the pipeline, will outline its plans to introduce new hospitality concepts and dynamic brands that will set new trends in Saudi Arabia.

From exclusive tented camps, conservation-led projects, all-inclusive resorts and extended-stay and branded residences to cutting-edge dining, wellness, adventure and entertainment experiences that are new to Saudi Arabia, Accor will emphasise how its investment in the country’s future goes beyond hotel development and supports Vision 2030’s goals of transforming the kingdom into an exceptional destination.

“SHIC’s theme, ‘Transform Tomorrow’, could not be more apt for Accor as we look to leverage our unrivalled portfolio of diverse brands and spearhead new lifestyle experiences that showcase and preserve the very best of Saudi Arabia,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa.

“As a key stakeholder in Vision 2030 and the kingdom’s leading operator, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in the hospitality sector, opening the eyes of the world to all that Saudi Arabia has to offer, from its stunning landscapes and heritage sites to its modern cities and world-class attractions and destinations.”shaden-mgallery-al-ula-suite-room-2-copy

Accor is one of the most established hospitality developers and partners in Saudi Arabia where it has operated properties for more than 30 years and has built on this expertise and experience with ground-breaking projects.

For two consecutive years, the Group has been selected by the Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU) as the exclusive hospitality partner for the Winter at Tantora festival in AlUla, operating the Ashar Camp, featuring 27 tented rooms, 5 villas and 54 RV (Recreational Vehicle) camps at the multi-faceted cultural event, which this year runs until March 7.

Accor is also the first international operator to takeover and manage Shaden Resort Al Ula under MGallery at the kingdom’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a brand defined by its unique guest experiences with local essence and an authentic story, MGallery is the perfect fit for the heritage destination and the tent-like resort will offer a range of Eco-tourism, adventure, wellness and cultural activities.

Similar projects are in negotiation for properties to be managed under Mantis, the luxury Eco-focused brand in which Accor has a 50% stake. As a leading conservation-led hospitality company renowned for its tented accommodation concepts and commitment to preserving the communities, wildlife and the environment, Mantis has strong potential in the kingdom.

Discussions are also under way to debut exclusive and all-inclusive luxury entertainment resorts in Saudi Arabia under Turkish brand Rixos, another hospitality company in which Accor has invested. The concept has already proven an overwhelming success in the UAE and with Rixos known for its events, shows and concerts, Accor is highlighting the range of new experiences the brand can offer discerning visitors to the country.

As the leading operator of branded and extended-stay residences in the Middle East, Accor is carving a niche with these sought-after products in Saudi Arabia, with Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences set to open in Riyadh this year as the Group’s first luxury long-stay apartment property in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Dhahran in the Eastern Province is the chosen destination for the global debut of Accor’s new Novotel Living brand, with the upscale serviced apartment property co-located with a Novotel hotel in the landmark KFUPM Business Park project.

Accor has also signed an agreement to manage Novotel Residences Thakher City in Makkah, building on its presence as the largest operator in the Holy Cities with 11 hotels (9,661 rooms) and eight more (4,534 rooms) pipelined, dominated by its premium and luxury brands.

In 2019, Accor’s properties in Makkah and Madinah welcomed almost four million guests, with market research commissioned by the Group revealing an increase in the number of affluent Muslims in the UK, France, Canada and the US visiting the cities. The first-of-its-kind Holy Cities Insight Report also found the UK Muslim market had particularly strong awareness of Accor’s brands in both holy destinations.

To support its activities in the Holy Cities and to enhance the visitor experience, the Group recently unveiled dedicated pilgrim resources, including a new website providing an end-to-end booking journey in English and Arabic, as well as relevant content, tailored packages and itineraries and essential information.

Mark Willis will be discussing these and other developments at SHIC, joining his industry peers at two sessions: ‘Leaders’ Perspective – transform tomorrow and building from the group up’ and the Student Session entitled ‘Innovation and Sustainable tourism in Eco Lodging and How Accor and Mantis are working together to transform the sector’ where he will be joined by Mantis Collection CEO and globally renowned conservationist, Paul Gardiner.

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Accor Partners with Bulldozer Group to Unlock more ‘limitless’ Experiences in the UAE

Collaboration with nightlife and restaurant specialist amplifies group’s new lifestyle loyalty programme.

ALL – ACCOR LIVE LIMITLESS

Accor, a world leading augmented hospitality group, has partnered with UAE entertainment giant, Bulldozer Group, to unlock more exclusive and dynamic experiences for members of its newly launched lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless.

The collaboration builds on Accor’s ambition to become a lifestyle enabler, with Bulldozer Group famed for its portfolio of original nightlife venues and award-winning restaurants, including Gaia, Scalini and Shanghai Me as well as state-of-the-art productions and cutting-edge events through BASE Dubai that are setting regional and global trends.

Following the deal between the two leading lifestyle brands, ALL – Accor Live Limitless members will be offered privileges at most Bulldozer Group venues and restaurants, including BASE Dubai, an immersive open-air super club that regularly plays host to A-list celebrities from superstar DJs such as Black Coffee to performing artists including Jason Derulo, Tyga and Trey Songz. Backstage passes and meet-and-greets with artists are also up for grabs as part of partnership benefits.base-2

Diamond members will also be entitled to receive special benefits at Bulldozer Group restaurants with the choice of premium dining experiences including Shanghai Me, Scalini and Gaia.

The exclusive privileges don’t end there; during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place every November, Accor will host an exclusive F1 party and other exciting hospitality events for ALL members on Bulldozer Group’s sought-after terrace which is located at the heart of the action – overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit.

“As an operator of dynamic nightlife venues and restaurants with a distinctive atmosphere, the Bulldozer Group is the perfect fit for Accor and what it has set out to achieve with ALL – Accor Live Limitless,” said Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer, Accor Middle East & Africa.

“Our ultimate ambition is to offer our loyal customers limitless experiences, not only in travel, but in life, and the unique benefits and privileges this partnership delivers – from F1 parties with unrivalled racetrack views and backstage passes at A-lister gigs to once-in-a-lifetime meetings with headline acts from around the world – brings this aspiration alive.”

Evgeny Kuzin, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Bulldozer Group said, “a limitless lifestyle is an important part of our core culture, an ideology that we promote and facilitate for all of our clients, and one of my personal values, so we are excited to work with Accor on such an incredible programme. This partnership provides a wonderful opportunity to share our values and expertise, and we are proud to be able to provide exquisite experiences for Accor members.”

The recent launch of ALL – Accor Limitless Live marked a milestone in the evolution of Accor by merging its distribution platform (Accorhotels.com) with its loyalty programme (Le Club AccorHotels) to create a single global gateway for customers and giving them access to the world of Accor. gaia

It not only offers members benefits across Accor’s entire ecosystem of 35-plus brands, but ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that go beyond hotel stays, made possible through significant partnerships with global names in entertainment, dining and sports – the passion points Group research identified resonated most with its loyalty members.

‘Our customers are eager to experience more culinary and nightlife benefits with our new loyalty program. This regional partnership reflects our elevated ambition to provide limitless access to our best members, both day and night, with leading UAE operators’ said Sezgin.

The agreement with Bulldozer Group, negotiated by Accor Middle East & Africa, builds on momentum of headline-grabbing partnerships the Group has already forged for ALL – Accor Live Limitless with AEG, IMG and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG).

Earlier this year, Accor extended its relationship with the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, AEG, beyond the Accor Arena in Paris to include additional premium venues and offering more than 60,000 tickets and private suites for loyalty members in Latin America, Asia and Europe. It also secured a multi-year partnership agreement with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG), with ALL named Principal Partner and official jersey sponsor, and signed a deal with sports, events, media, fashion and immersive food experiences specialist, IMG, giving ALL members access to chef masterclasses, culinary encounters and from 2020, selected Taste Festivals around the world.

The Bulldozer Group partnership significantly boosts the range of diverse ALL member events in the Middle East and Africa, complementing upcoming calendar highlights that include the International Film Festival Marrakech (late November/early December) where official partner, Sofitel Marrakech, will stage the star-studded event’s opening gala party and the Mubadala Tennis World Championship in Abu Dhabi (December), offering immersive experiences that will range from tennis star meet and greets to VIP lounge access.

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A Magical Winter at The Savoy, London

The Savoy, a Fairmont managed  hotel is the only luxury hotel situated on the River Thames; it is perfectly placed in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Covent Garden, a luxury global and independent shopping destination, is just steps away, as are the theatres and restaurants of the West End. Other renowned London landmarks, museums and galleries, and the ultimate designer shopping destinations of Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Chelsea are all a short taxi or boat ride away.deluxe-king-room

At the forefront of the luxury hotel scene for almost 130 years, The Savoy is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveller. The Royal Suite and Savoy Suite, both boast private bars, space to entertain, and unrivalled floor to ceiling views of the river, offering a level of accommodation that meets the desire to ‘live in the space as if living at home’. All other rooms and suites celebrate The Savoy’s dual historical influence with either Edwardian or Art Deco design. Guests residing in one of the suites are looked after by the Savoy Butlers, who perfectly combine the eloquent service of a traditional English butler with the more modern approach of a personal assistant.london-landscape

Located within The Savoy are some of the most well known restaurants in London.The historic Simpson’s in the Strand offers a reimagined Bill of Fare celebrating British classics, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill presents a British grill menu with a French touch, and Kaspar’s at The Savoy features seasonal seafood and grill dishes.

With exceptional service at the heart of everything, a Savoy experience is built on memories created and stories told across the generations. You don’t just stay at The Savoy, The Savoy stays with you.simpsons-grand-divan

Reserve your stay at The Savoy

London is an amazing city to discover with your children, and The Savoy provides the perfect setting from where to explore the capital in style.

Treat your children to the luxury of The Savoy experience with 50% off a second room, complimentary breakfast, children’s meals and a family pass to the London Aquarium.

This offer is valid until 20 December 2019. Terms & Conditions apply.indoor-swimming-pool

Offer includes:

  • Accommodation in a Deluxe King Room or above for two nights or more
  • 50% off children’s room*
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Complimentary meals for children under 5 and children of 12 years and under receive 50% off the children’s menu
  • Connecting rooms subject to availability
  • Family amenities available upon request** and include:
    • Kaspar the Cat plush toys
    • Savoy themed colouring/activity books and coloured pencil sets
    • Nintendo Wii systems
    • Child size clothes hangers
    • Children’s bathrobes and slippers
    • Children’s bath products, bath amenities
    • Rollaway beds
    • Bed side rails
    • Baby cots, baby bathtubs, bottle warmers and sterilizers
    • Baby prams/strollers and highchairs

savoy-exteriorTerms & conditions

Offer subject to availability, blackout dates apply. The second room is applicable to families with children 18 years and under only. Minimum stay of 2 nights. Maximum 2-3 children in each room, depending on room and bed type. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/vouchers/loyalty programmes. Rates are subject to local taxes and service charges. Cancellations must be made 7 days prior to arrival. A 1 night charge will apply to cancellations made less than 7 days prior to arrival.

*50% off will be applied to the room with the lowest rate.

**Family amenities available upon request and subject to availability.

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Accor raises its first Novotel flag in UAE’s culture capital Sharjah

Novotel sharjah expo centre opens as emirate’s new hub for business, leisure, MEETINGS and wellness.

Dubai October 1st, 2019: Accor has opened the doors to its first Novotel property in Sharjah, introducing the midscale brand’s signature relaxed and lively hospitality concept in one of the UAE’s fastest-growing destinations.

The 200-key Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, which is owned by and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and United Investment Group, boasts a prime city location, next to the convention and exhibition centre and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overlooking the Al Khan Lagoon, and close to major leisure attractions. Dubai and Sharjah international airports are less than 20 minutes away.

With modern facilities, intuitive services and a natural and contemporary design that maximises guest comfort and social spaces, the property is set to make its mark as a business, leisure, meetings and wellness hub for savvy travellers and the local community.

“The opening of Novotel’s first property in Sharjah is perfect timing, with industry and tourism in the emirate – the UAE’s third largest economy and culture capital – growing at a rapid rate,” said Marc Descrozaille, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Accor.

“It marks an exciting milestone for the brand in a destination with strong demand for high-quality midscale hospitality concepts that offer travellers and the local community a convenient and stylish place to meet, socialise, relax and achieve that all-important work-life balance.”

Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre features 200 rooms and suites with lagoon views, including Executive Suites designed for business travellers and family rooms that can accommodate two adults and two children, with complimentary breakfast for children under 16 years of age.

The wellness offering spans a spa, outdoor swimming pool with terrace overlooking the lagoon, a gym with cardio and resistance equipment, male and female saunas and the choice of well-balanced contemporary cuisine options from the property’s three F&B outlets – the Tahi Arabic restaurant serving Middle Eastern specialties, all-day buffet-style dining venue and 24-hour coffee shop in the lobby.

For executive travellers, two high-tech meeting rooms accommodate up to 55 guests, complemented by a business centre with support team, while families with young children will appreciate the kids’ corner and the property’s proximity to major attractions including Sharjah Aquarium, Qanat Al Qasba, Khalid Lagoon Corniche, Al Majaz Waterfront, Mamzar beach park and Sharjah Heritage Museum.

His Excellency Abdalla Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah, said that “the hotel is within the Chamber’s vision to create an environment conducive to supporting the exhibitions and conferences industry and the outcome of a strategic partnership between the Chamber and Accor. Having hotels built to international standards positively impacts exhibitions and conferences and all other events related to Expo Centre Sharjah, a key center for attracting diverse events in the region.”  

Al Owais added that “the positive cooperation that has produced the hotel will be the catalyst for more joint cooperation in the future.”  

“I am delighted to officially open the doors to one of Sharjah’s most hotly-anticipated properties, based on its desirable city location and raft of customer-intuitive facilities that enhance the emirate’s growing reputation as a destination for business, families and culture,” said General Manager Ayman Hassan.

“With its modern and flexible venues and public spaces, dynamic yet effortlessly casual atmosphere and innovative experiences that promote wellbeing, I am certain our guests will feel comfortable and at home during their visit or stay.”

Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is Accor’s second hotel in the emirate where it already operates the ibis Styles Sharjah and expands the group’s network of Novotel properties in the UAE to five, with its sixth, Novotel Bur Dubai also on track to open this year.

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Naif AlRajhi Investment and Accor Debut Fairmont Luxury Serviced Residences in the Middle East

Naif Alrajhi Investment company and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announce a global first – the debut of a standalone luxury serviced residence with the signing of the Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh, 10th September, 2019 –  Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Riyadh is set to open in 2020. The project will feature 249 serviced residences featuring one, two and three-bedroom units and 4-bedroom penthouses, with ample space and maximize comfort.

Naif Saleh Alrajhi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naif Alrajhi Investment commented: “Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Riyadh symbolizes the start of an important and fruitful relationship with Accor. We are delighted to partner with Accor, and their unparalleled presence in Saudi Arabia, to further expand and diversify our real estate portfolio through the launch of the region’s first standalone Fairmont serviced residences. We are confident that the property will become an unforgettable, landmark luxury destination in the Kingdom through its services, dining options and bespoke amenities.”

Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer at Accor Middle East and Africa, said: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone for Fairmont, with the launch of the brand’s first standalone luxury extended stay property in the world. The announcement also marks the beginning of a new relationship with Naif Alrajhi Investment, with whom we share a unique vision to redefine luxury extended stay in the Kingdom.”dsc_8318-2-edit-copy

Ideally situated between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street, the property offers business and leisure guests the luxury facilities and services with close proximity to several up-and-coming high-profile developments both commercial and medical, and easy access to King Khalid International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District.

Guests and residents will have the opportunity to indulge in world-class food and beverage options at the all-day dining restaurant and lobby lounge. To further accentuate the luxury extended stay elements on offer, the development will feature an extensive food and beverage plaza with three specialty dining concepts that enters the Saudi markets for the first time. The luxury extended stay project will also include exclusive amenities for guests to create memorable moments, including a dedicated cinema room, lounge and kid’s play area.

For guests focused on wellness and rejuvenation, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences will feature a health club including sauna and steam rooms for both men and women, in addition to tranquil pools located on the 35th floor offering breathtaking views of Riyadh in a dramatic setting.

Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences joins an iconic and celebrated portfolio of over 75 Fairmont properties globally including The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Fairmont Jakarta, Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai. Fairmont Riyadh Serviced Residences will complement the recently opened Fairmont Riyadh, expanding the luxury brand’s footprint within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Designed by Nikken Sekkei, a world-renowned Tokyo-based architect, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Riyadh, incorporates a modern and eclectic design aesthetic. The facade of the tower is layered with paneling and a structured central pattern, allowing the property to stand out as an iconic landmark in the capital city skyline.

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Accor Opens: Novotel Bur Dubai in Healthcare City

Novotel Bur Dubai will be the first 4-star midscale hotel in Healthcare City and expands Accor’s portfolio to 58 hotels in the UAE.

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, is bolstering its portfolio in the United Arab Emirates to 58 hotels with the opening of the all-new Novotel Bur Dubai in Healthcare City.

Novotel, a brand renowned for its natural and intuitive design and relaxed and lively spaces, has opened its doors in the vibrant Healthcare City area of Dubai. With an ideal location just a short distance from Dubai Creek and within walking distance of Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station, Novotel Bur Dubai will also offer guests a shuttle service to the city’s world-renowned shopping malls, beaches and tourist destinations.

We are dedicated to providing guests with a modern, full-service hospitality that centres on individualised and personalised guest experiences. Together with our friendly and passionate team, we look forward to making sure that every guest enjoys our unique approach to hospitality” expressed Bruno Fisher, General Manager of Novotel Bur Dubai. novotel-bur-dubai-superior-suite-one-bedroom-2-copy

Novotel Bur Dubai features 219 rooms and suites, along with a wide range of wellness facilities and leisure activities, including a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool and massage treatments. It will also be the only Novotel in the United Arab Emirates with an outdoor jacuzzi, which can be found on the private balcony of the Executive Suite.

The newly opened property is set to become a go-to destination for a variety of travellers, offering modern and stylish rooms, as well as carefully curated F&B options focusing on health and wellness – appealing to both residents and visitors alike.

With a 24-hour reception and intuitive technology that offers online check-in and express check-out, guests can save time and enjoy their stay more. Also available is a currency exchange, concierge, and laundry, along with state-of-the-art guest and business services, as well as accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

Novotel Bur Dubai offers specially designed rooms for guests with physical disabilities (People of Determination) as well as interconnecting family-friendly rooms. One of the highlights is the stylish Executive Suite, with balcony seating, an outdoor Jacuzzi and impressive views of Dubai’s world-famous skyline.

Food and beverage offerings at Novotel Bur Dubai tie in seamlessly with the Healthcare City community by focusing on health and wellness, with nutrition and vibrant ingredients playing a main role. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy outdoor seating, with views of the Dubai skyline, at the rooftop pool bar.

Special opening rates, starting from AED 250 per room, per night – including complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi – are available for stays from August 1st to 31st, 2019. Bookings can be made by calling +971 4 871 6600 or emailing ha3S9@accor.com, using the code ‘DHCC’.

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Accor & GFH Announce iconic Raffles brand in Bahrain following landmark agreement for ultra-luxury retreat

Hospitality group partners with GFH in the kingdom to launch Raffles Bahrain – an exclusive Oasis in Manama.

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, is set to debut the iconic Raffles brand in Bahrain after signing a milestone agreement with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to manage the Kingdom’s first ultra-luxurious retreat.

The management agreement for Raffles Bahrain marks the start of a growing partnership between the two entities and consolidates Accor’s presence in the Kingdom where it currently operates six properties.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is renowned for bringing old world elegance, first class travel experiences and genuine charm to the world’s most fascinating cities and desirable holiday hot spots since 1887. Raffles Bahrain will continue this legacy with a landmark takeover of the Al Areen Palace & Spa. This highly anticipated private resort features 78 pool villas as well as the region’s largest spa and hydrotherapy facility and landscaping inspired by the Arabian palace gardens. Major enhancements will transform the property into an exclusive and opulent oasis that immerses guests in Raffles’ bespoke well-being experiences.

“We are delighted to partner with GFH Financial Group, one of the leading investment houses in the Gulf region, to debut the Raffles brand in Bahrain, a destination which has emerged as a sophisticated option for discerning travellers from the Gulf and all over the world,” said Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Middle East & Africa.accor-gfh-image-1-copy

“This continued growth signals a remarkable new chapter in the success story of Raffles, a revered global luxury brand with an illustrious history and a reputation for extraordinary properties in the world’s best cities and most sought after resort locales; the Kingdom is a natural fit for the exclusive Arabia-meets-Asia palatial retreat experience that we have planned.” Hisham Al Rayes, CEO, GFH, said: “It is a privilege to forge a long-term partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with an unrivalled portfolio of brands. Launching the globally-revered luxury brand Raffles is a major achievement for Bahrain, elevating its status as a lifestyle destination and significantly enhancing GFH’s fast-growing collection of prestigious real estate projects.”

Major enhancements will transform the property into an exclusive oasis for the well-travelled, promising guests hand-crafted personalised experiences, with a focus on health and well-being, thoughtful and discreet service, unparalleled culinary expertise and an ambiance of timeless elegance for which the Raffles brand is globally renowned.

Following its takeover of Al Areen Palace & Spa, Accor will conduct an extensive refurbishment program with a view to repositioning the property as the ultimate luxury retreat, complemented by its proximity to major venues and attractions including Bahrain International F1 Circuit, the new Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre, Al Areen Wildlife Reserve, Bahrain Sailing Club and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark.

Property enhancements attuned to Raffles brand standards will include the refurbishment of the 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas, which feature open-air swimming and jet pools, and converting its four F&B outlets to six.

With guest fitness and well-being central to the Raffles experience, the resort’s 10,000 sqm spa and hydrotherapy area, one of the Middle East’s largest and featuring 16 spa pavilions, the world’s first garden hammam and a hydrothermal garden, will be renovated and upgraded. Moreover, extensive health facilities including separate male and female gymnasiums, the kids’ club and indoor and outdoor swimming pools will see uplift and refurbishment.

Raffles Bahrain will also introduce signature wellness experiences to the Kingdom, including Raffles Sleep Rituals, designed to help guests unwind, get a peaceful night’s rest and wake up feeling refreshed and part of the brand’s well-being strategy. Once renovations are complete, the property will then be re-launched as Raffles Bahrain – a luxurious, all-pool-villa retreat in a serene location, complemented by the legendary Raffles service.

Bahrain-headquartered GFH is a renowned financial group in the GCC with a diversified offering. Accor is currently discussing further opportunities to manage the entity’s multiple upcoming hospitality projects in the region and internationally.

Raffles Bahrain joins a collection of 14 properties across 12 countries, with a carefully curated list of distinguished addresses in leading markets around the world. With a storied history spanning more than 130 years, Raffles is currently experiencing a renaissance, with a robust project pipeline that will see the portfolio add an additional eight hotels over the next few years.

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Accor bolsters its Jordan portfolio with the opening of Mövenpick Hotel Amman

Group takes over existing hotel in the Kingdom’s thriving capital, growing its footprint in the country to nine properties strong.

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, has strengthened its portfolio in Jordan to nine properties with the opening of the Mövenpick Hotel Amman today.

It follows the Group’s takeover and re-brand of an existing 218-key property in the Kingdom’s vibrant capital, which has undergone a refurbishment in line with Mövenpick brand standards and premium hospitality offering and is now welcoming guests.

Mövenpick Hotel Amman – the Swiss brand’s first property in the capital and its sixth in Jordan – is strategically located in the west of the city, close to the central business district, popular shopping malls and major cultural attractions including the Citadel, Temple of Hercules, Roman Amphitheatre and the Royal Automobile Museum. Queen Alia International Airport is located just 30 minutes away.

Following the property’s reflag to Mövenpick, a brand that resonates in Jordan due to its strong market presence, it is expected to become a destination for meetings and events, leisure and dining in the heart of the capital, popular with residents and visitors alike.

VIP & Executive Floor Lounge

VIP & Executive Floor Lounge

“Raising the first Mövenpick flag in Amman marks a milestone for the brand in the country where its Middle East growth story began and today operates six high-profile properties across Aqaba, Petra and the Dead Sea,” said Michael Nugent, Vice President Operations Levant & Pakistan, Accor.

“The new hotel not only complements these popular resorts, but Accor’s three additional properties in the capital, across the Fairmont, Le Grand – soon to be reflagged to Sofitel, and Ibis brands, provides business and leisure travellers with even more choice of quality accommodation options in the capital, from midscale to luxury.”

Mövenpick Hotel Amman features 218 rooms and suites and an extensive range of facilities including four restaurants, seven meeting rooms and a grand ballroom accommodating up to 1,200 people, an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room and an executive floor and lounge.

A highlight of the accommodation offering is the spectacular top-floor presidential suite with a balcony featuring a Jacuzzi and stunning city skyline views. Later this year, guests staying at the property can also earn benefits as part of Accor’s loyalty programme.

Reinforcing its commitment to the Jordan market, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in Jordan underwent major upgrade of the 6,000 sqm flagship Zara Spa Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea along with the launch of the new Zara Spa at Mövenpick Resort Petra to follow this summer.

An enhanced restaurant offering at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Aqaba, to include the award-winning Red Sea Grill, as well as the reopening of Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel in Petra following a comprehensive refurbishment of the fortress-style property overlooking the Rift Valley completes the brand’s significant portfolio improvements in the kingdom.

Accor’s three additional properties in its growing Jordan portfolio include Fairmont Amman, which opened in 2017 as the first Fairmont property in the country, Le Grand Amman – another re-branding of a landmark hotel that will soon become Sofitel Amman following comprehensive refurbishment – and Hotel Ibis Amman.

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