Accor hospitality group has signed an agreement with GFH Financial Group to debut the Raffles brand in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Raffles Bahrain, an ultra-luxury retreat located in Manama, will take over Al Areen Palace & Spa. The private resort features 78 pool villas as well as the region’s largest spa and hydrotherapy facility. Landscaping is inspired by the Arabian palace’s gardens.
Accor currently operates six properties in Bahrain. “We’re 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,” says Mark Willis, chief executive officer at Accor Middle East & Africa.
“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,” he adds.
Following its takeover of Al Areen Palace & Spa, Accor will conduct an extensive refurbishment programme with the aim of re-positioning the property as the ultimate luxury retreat.
Property enhancements attuned to Raffles brand standards 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.
The resort’s 10,000 sqm spa and hydrotherapy area, one of the Middle East’s largest featuring 16 spa pavilions, as well as the world’s first garden hammam and a hydrothermal garden, will be renovated and upgraded.
Moreover, health facilities including separate male and female gymnasiums, a kids’ club, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools which will also be refurbished. Raffles Bahrain will also introduce signature wellness experiences to the Kingdom, including Raffles Sleep Rituals.
