Accor to debut Raffles brand in Bahrain

MANAMA: Hospitality group Accor is set to debut the iconic Raffles brand in Bahrain after signing an 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 Bahrain will take over the Al Areen Palace and Spa, a private resort that features 78 pool villas as well as the region’s largest spa and hydrotherapy facility and landscaping inspired by Arabian palace gardens.

Accor said enhancements will be made to the property to provide Raffles’ “bespoke well-being experiences”.

“We are delighted to partner with GFH Financial Group 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 Accor Middle East and Africa chief executive Mark Willis.

GFH CEO Hisham Al Rayes said: “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.”

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 adding two food and beverage outlets to the property taking the total to six.

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 gymnasia, children’s club and indoor and outdoor swimming pools will see uplift and refurbishment.

Raffles Bahrain will also introduce signature wellness experiences, including Raffles Sleep Rituals.

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.

Raffles Bahrain joins a collection of 14 properties across 12 countries, with a robust project pipeline that will see the portfolio add an additional eight hotels over the next few years.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/569608