Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be the first of its kind when it opens in the island kingdom later this year.
The $150-million development sits on the west coast of Bahrain, on Zallaq Beach, and is surrounded by a number of magnificent landmarks such as Al Areen Wild Life Park, Bahrain International Circuit and The Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park.
The propery occupies 89,000 sq m of land with a total built area of 63,000 sq m which comprises a seven-storey, five-star luxury hotel with a total of 262 lavish sea view rooms, including 28 suites, each of which boasts cutting-edge technology and a private balcony with sea views.
The hotel has 21 prestige suites and six roof-top opera suites, each individually themed with private terrace and infinity pool.
The property is offering a wide range of cuisines from all over the world, including Lebanese, Arabic and tapas, in its five restaurants and four bars and there is the Club Millesime floor and 2,000 sq m of meeting and banquet space which can accommodate up to 1,200 persons in the 1,100-sq-m Grand Ballroom.
According to Guy Poujoulat, area general manager of the new property: “Sofitel Bahrain is the first and the only hotel in the GCC market to offer thalassa sea and spa treatments, which use sea water and the marine climate for wellbeing and remedial purposes. The spa spreads over an area of 2000 sq m on two storeys, with men’s and ladies’ services separated from each other.”
The spa complex offers 14 treatment rooms combining seawater hydrotherapy, massages, and wellness programmes. Facilities include a seawater hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater pool, saunas, steam rooms and a yoga studio and meditation area.
Poujoulat confirmed that the anticipated completion date for the project is the fourth quarter of 2010 and, once in operation, the hotel will employ more than 400 associates of different nationalities.
Sofitel is the only french luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 130 addresses in more than 50 countries.