Rocco Forte expands into the Middle East and other international hotel news

Rocco Forte expands into the Middle East
The Rocco Forte Collection will expand into the Middle East after signing a contract to manage a new property in Abu Dhabi. The luxury hotel brand has joined forces with developer Al Farida Investments to manage a new 282-room five-star development. Facilities at the 12-floor hotel, due to open in 2010, will include a swimming pool, 500sq m health club and spa as well as a choice of bars and restaurants and extensive conference facilities.  

Radisson to add resort in Ukraine
Rezidor Hotel Group has unveiled plans for a new Radisson Resort in Alushta in the eastern European country of Ukraine. The first unit of the property – a 63-room building – will open at the end of March, while a second unit will be new built and open in 2010. This will comprise 150-rooms, two indoor restaurants, one outdoor grill, one lobby lounge bar, eight meeting rooms, a multi-functional conference hall and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.  

Hyatt to launch five-star hotel in Goa
DB Realty has tied up with Hyatt International to manage and market a five-star property it is due to launch in Goa. The domestic real estate fund is investing around $80 million in the project, which is expected to finish by Spring 2009. Once completed, Hyatt Goa will be the first five star hotel with Hyatt International’s Grand Hyatt brand name, outside Mumbai.  

Carlson to expand in the Philippines
Carlson Hotels has signed two management contracts for two new hotels under the Regent and Radisson brands in Manila Bay, the Philippines. The hotels, due to open in 2009, will be designed by architects KKS International. The 80-suite Regent Manila Bay will offer a specialty restaurant, health centre and pool, while the 500-room Radisson Hotel Manila Bay will provide a business centre, gym, swimming pool, yoga deck, spa and extensive function facilities.

By Helen Gilbert

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