KSL Capital Partners has acquired a majority interest in Italy-based Sereno Hotels through an affiliate. Founded by the Contreras family more than 20 years, Sereno owns and operates the ultra-luxury hotel Il Sereno, located on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, and its sister property, Le Sereno, on the beach at Grand Cul de Sac on the island of St. Barthelemy.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Contreras family will remain major investors in the business, and Sereno’s existing team will continue to deliver their service. Sereno’s Founder and CEO, Luis Contreras, will continue to lead the company.
KSL and Contreras’ joint vision will help develop some new small and uber-luxurious hotels at locations with “remarkable design, meticulous detail, and casual yet professional, bespoke services,” Contreras said.
“Sereno Hotels is, at heart, a family company. Collaborating with KSL empowers us to accelerate our scale whilst upholding the ideals and standards that have contributed to our success. With KSL’s strategic advice and financial support, we aim to offer our guests, and our team, exciting new experiences and prospects,” Contreras said.
Sereno Hotels is the creator, owner and operator of the award-winning properties in Italy. Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola led the design and interiors of Il Sereno at Lake Como. Both properties offer an intimate size of rooms and suites, iconic views and large villas adjacent to the hotels.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Luis and the Contreras family for the next journey of growth for this remarkable business. At KSL, we seek to invest in the unforgettable to create the enduring, something which is core to Sereno’s mission,” said Martin Edsinger, principal at KSL Capital Partners. “What Luis and his family have created is unparalleled, and we could not be more excited about what the future will bring for Sereno and to work with a partner that shares our vision and values.”
Headquartered in Denver, KSL has raised more than $21 billion of capital in both equity, credit and tactical opportunity funds since 2005. The firm’s portfolio presently comprises some premier properties, like Soneva in the Maldives, Beaumier in Europe and Baillie Lodges in Australia.