A quick roundup of global hospitality news:
IHG SIGNS FIRST VOCO RESORT IN MEA: IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Akam Al Rajhi, a joint venture between AkamAlRajhi and Al Rajhi Saudi groups, to grow its presence in the MEA region and diversify their portfolio. After opening voco hotels across the UAE and KSA, the new signing will see the opening of the first voco resort in the region and cater to the leisure demand on Egypt’s North Coast. Slated to open in December 2026, the 300-key voco North Coast in Egypt will comprise low-rise buildings, townhouses and chalets on a beachfront location. As part of the DOSE Village North Coast gated community, the resort will be located on the front row of the development featuring 360 degrees of beach view. The resort will include artificial lakes, a pool, a health club, a spa, a shopping mall, running and biking tracks, a waterpark, 1,375 square meters of event spaces and several dining options. Currently, IHG operates seven hotels in Egypt and has 15 in the development pipeline.
SIX SENSES TO OPEN RESORT IN SAUDI ARABIA: Six Senses has unveiled Six Senses Amaala along Amaala’s Triple Bay area in Saudi Arabia. Designed by architects U + A and interiors by Studio Carter, the 64-room property consists of six suites, 30 villas and 25 branded residences. The residences will range from three to six bedrooms. The resort will offer panoramic views across the Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea. Six Senses Amaala will offer a spa (comprising a cryotherapy chamber, thermal areas, herbal steam rooms, salt rooms, ice baths and salt rooms), a children’s club, prayer rooms, lounges and a signature restaurant. The hotel will open as part of the first phase of the Triple Bay development. Currently, Six Senses has 22 properties across 18 countries, with 41 more in its pipeline.
RCU BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON RESORT, SUMMIT CENTER: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has started the construction of its Sharaan Resort and International Summit Centre in AlUla. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the project will be built into the mountains of Sharaan Nature Reserve and aims to meet sustainability goals in the construction phase and resort operations. RCU has signed an agreement with French engineering firm Bouygues Construction to manage the resort’s construction through a joint venture with Almabani, a Saudi Arabia-based engineering company. The project is being led by RCU’s development and construction sector, with consultation from Canadian company WSP and program management support from Saudi company Jasara. The luxury resort will feature 38 suites, a spa and wellness center, a sports center, a kids club, a business center, an all-day dining restaurant and a signature fine-dining restaurant. The Sharaan International Summit Centre will be located on an adjacent mountain and will have 13 hospitality pavilions and two private villas, totaling 53 keys.
MARRIOTT TO DEBUT ALOFT IN SINGAPORE: Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with Hiap Hoe Ltd. through HH Properties Pte. Ltd. to introduce the Aloft Hotels brand to Singapore. Following conversion, the 785-room Aloft Singapore Novena is expected to open in Q3 2023, marking Singapore’s first Aloft hotel and the largest Aloft hotel globally. The hotel will have two towers and will be located in Zhongshan Park, a mixed-use development. While Singapore-headquartered DP Architects designed the hotel’s exteriors, the interiors were designed by KKS International. The hotel includes an outdoor pool, a gym, event spaces and two restaurants. Aloft Singapore Novena will be Marriott’s 14th hotel in Singapore.
CAPTION BY HYATT TO OPEN IN SYDNEY: Hyatt Hotels Corp. has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management and related agreements with LFG Property Pty Ltd. to open a Caption by Hyatt Hotel in Sydney. Scheduled to be completed in early 2025, this will be Caption by Hyatt’s first property in Australia. Located in Haymarket, the hotel will offer 174 rooms. The purpose-built hotel is now under construction, with GCCV architects developing the concept, Mitchell & Eades leading the interior design and Hickory Group building the hotel. The hotel will feature Talk Shop, an F&B concept that is a welcome area and all-day lounge, which also serves as a workspace, coffee shop, grab-and-go artisanal market, eatery and cocktail bar.