AS THE one-of-a-kind Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalasa Sea & Spa prepares to open its doors, TTN spoke to general manager Guy Poujoulat about what’s in store.
How long have you been with Sofitel and is this your first opening?
I have been with the company 16 years and this is my second opening as general manager.
When will the new property open and can you tell us about some of the unique features and services?
The hotel is due to open late January/early February 2011 and it will have a range of exciting features.
These include the Thalassa Sea & Spa which is the first of its kind in the GCC region.
The spa complex features 14 treatment rooms combining seawater hydrotherapy, massages and wellness programmes with a fitness evaluation area for tailor-made routines. There is a seawater hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, hairdresser for men and beauty salon for women, as well as a yoga studio.
We are just 30 minutes by car from the Bahrain international Airport yet removed from the bustle of city life.
Each of the 262 rooms boasts cutting-edge technology and a private balcony with sea view. The hotel has 21 Prestige Suites and six rooftop Opera Suites individually themed, with private terrace and infinity pool. The Imperial Suite, with its breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf, has a private terrace, an infinity pool and a Jacuzzi.
We also have a beach club, gym, temperature-controlled swimming pool, shaded children’s pool, sea sports equipment such as kayaks and catamarans, two tennis courts, two squash courts and a kids’ club.
The hotel boasts nine restaurants and bars offering a range of cuisines from Asian, Italian and seafood to all-day-dining, Lebanese and Persian, a tapas bar and various other venues, including belly dancing so there really is something for everyone.
Who do you anticipate being your main market?
The regional leisure market primarily from Saudi Arabia will be important as well as visitors from across the area who want to experience the thalasso therapy.
And how will be you go about attracting them?
We will have familiarisation trips with dedicated regional tour operators and travel agents dealing with spas and health spas . There will also be press trips with the help of our dedicated Sofitel PR agency
How are forward bookings looking?
Very good as far as business groups are concerned since the opening date coincides with a high demand period. For individual travellers the booking lead time is a lot shorter
Will you also be seeking to attract Mice business?
Yes indeed, along with some of the major events happening within the destination
What are the facilities available for Mice visitors?
We have a large 1,100-sq-m ballroom which can be partitioned into three as well as the foyer including the majlis area.