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BAHRAIN’S buoyant hospitality sector received another boost this week with news that an ‘ultra-luxury’ new One&Only resort is to be opened in Seef and will begin welcoming guests in 2016.
Kerzner International Holdings Limited, which through its subsidiaries, is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts and luxury hotels, has entered into an agreement with Sevens Holding, a diverse company catering to different segments in the private sector including hospitality and real estate, to develop and operate it.
With approximately 150 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as villas and estates, world-class dining and retail options, plus a One&Only Spa, the resort aims to become a destination for both business and leisure. The price of the project has not been revealed.
The property will be strategically located in Seef, on the northwestern coast of Bahrain, and will command an enviable private beachfront. In addition, the resort will boast extensive meeting facilities with easy accessibility.
“I am thrilled we are able to partner with Sevens Holding to develop this world-class destination. More and more visitors are discovering Bahrain for both leisure and business and I’m looking forward to introducing the resort to our loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike,” said Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International. “The beachfront location is remarkable and I am very confident that the resort will define ultra-luxury in Bahrain.”
Like all properties within the One&Only collection, One&Only Bahrain will place an emphasis on privacy with a variety of accommodation, including exclusive luxury villas and secluded estates aimed at attracting large families.
The resort promises to evoke a ‘sense of place’, showcasing Bahrain’s rich history and reflecting the local culture with a design appeal to attract the contemporary traveller seeking ultimate luxury.
The resort will also be home to a variety of boutiques from the world’s leading brands, offering the very latest in retail indulgence, its developers say. A signature of One&Only, this resort will offer innovative programming for families with children whilst carefully preserving space for adults-only as well. Guests will also have access to a host of sporting and entertainment facilities on-site.
Set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, the company’s eight current properties include the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas; One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; One&Only Cape Town in South Africa and One&Only Hayman Island on The Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
One&Only has also announced plans to develop a resort in Sanya, China, as well as One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, the first property for the collection in Europe.
Wolfgang Puck concepts in Bahrain
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay aims to entice diners with the addition of three concepts by the iconic, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, below.
The hospitality giant will extend its long-standing relationship with Wolfgang and the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group with the opening of two signature restaurants and a new bar & lounge: CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Re Asian Cuisine / Wolfgang Puck and Blue Moon Lounge / Wolfgang Puck.
“The Middle East had been an area of great interest for us for quite some time,” said Mr Puck, 65, an Austrian-born American restaurateur and occasional actor. Wolfgang Puck restaurants, catering services, cookbooks and licensed products are run by his various companies.
“We opened in Dubai last spring and we are really excited to expand in the region with the opening of two restaurants and our new signature lounge concept. As always for our group, it comes down to the right timing and the right partner. We knew Four Seasons would be the perfect address for us in Bahrain Bay,” he added.
Finishing work is continuing on site at Bahrain Bay.
