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One&Only, amongst the world’s most renowned resort names, will not be opening in Bahrain as planned … but another high-profile hospitality leader will be coming to the kingdom in its place.
Dubai Holding and Sevens Holding have signed a management agreement for Jumeirah Group to operate a luxury hotel in Bahrain. The hotel, with 167 guest rooms, will be called Jumeirah Royal Saray - Bahrain, and it is scheduled to open on February 27, 2018.
The move comes shortly after One&Only started telling customers it no longer had plans to develop a ‘world-class destination’ with a beachfront location in Seef. Parent company Kerzner International Holdings Limited and Sevens Holding first announced an agreement to develop and operate the resort to ‘define ultra-luxury in Bahrain’ back in 2014 with a proposed opening date of last year.
At the time, One&Only had eight properties around the world including the Maldives, Mauritius, the Bahamas, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and another in neighbouring Dubai. This week its global reservations office said it had been ‘mutually agreed’ with the owner that the resort would not open as a One&Only.
“At One&Only, we have become known for the ultimate ultra-luxury resort experience. Our guests pay a premium to experience the very best resort inclusive of quality, design and experience. We understand that the owner is seeking a new operator and we will extend all reasonable support to the owner and new operator to ensure a smooth transition,” the spokesman added. “That’s the only information that we have right now.”
Although limited, that information appears to be a little dated … as does the Sevens Holding website which still suggests One&Only is ‘coming soon’ and its Facebook page which stated it was accepting reservations.
An agreement signed earlier this month marks Jumeirah Group’s entry into the Bahrain hospitality market which it considers to be a ‘strategic milestone’ for the luxury hospitality brand.
The Jumeirah Royal Saray, located on the Bahrain shoreline in a premium beach front position, will include two Royal Suites amongst the rooms, as well as a variety of dining and recreational choices, plus a state-of-the-art health club and spa.
In a statement, the move was described as an ‘important addition’ to the Jumeirah Group portfolio and in line with the group’s expansion plan across the Gulf region. Jumeirah Group currently operates 20 hotels in nine destinations, managing more than 6,000 hotel rooms and suites.
The opening of Jumeirah Royal Saray - Bahrain demonstrates the group’s focus on ‘accelerated growth’ and its continued drive to export its ‘unique brand of hospitality’ internationally.
Edris AlRafi, CEO of Dubai Holding, said: “We have been looking to bring Jumeirah to Bahrain for a number of years and we are delighted to partner with Sevens Holding for Jumeirah Royal Saray - Bahrain.
“This signing is a significant landmark in achieving our strategic expansion goals worldwide, and this elegant hotel will be an excellent addition to the Jumeirah Group portfolio. We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests from the local community, as well as introducing this stunning destination to international travellers.”
Sevens Holding was established in 2011 to cater to the different segments of the private sector and to ‘tap the opportunities that arise through the vital industries’ of the kingdom.
It consists of three divisions focusing on real estate, hospitality and transportation.
Sevens Holding appears more than delighted with the new partnership and has good reason to be, although neither party will add to the press statement issued.
Jumeirah Group is also regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious hotel groups and operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts of distinctive design, including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. As well as in Dubai, its portfolio extends globally with hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Frankfurt, Mallorca, London, Maldives and Shanghai.
It was also named the Middle East’s ‘Leading Luxury Hotel Brand 2017’ at the World Travel Awards and has won numerous awards and accolades.
Mohamed Al Kayed, CEO of Sevens Holding, said: “We are excited about our partnership with Jumeirah Group and are confident that the group’s global track record of outstanding hospitality, together with our local market expertise will further enrich the regional luxury hospitality market at large.
“The Bahraini tourism industry is increasingly growing, with rising inflows of business and leisure travellers visiting the kingdom on an annual basis.”
The resort, close to the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, will also be home to retail boutiques selling products by leading brands, it has been reported. Building work was continuing apace this week on construction of The Boulevard Seef close by.
