The Rocco Forte Collection will be exhibiting at The Leading Hotels of the World Stand at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.
The company’s 13 international properties, including the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily, which reopened its doors for its first full season on March 1 after launching in August last year, are very popular with Gulf visitors, with the region ranking 10th in terms of hotel bookings from outbound travellers.
The Rocco Forte Collection’s link to the region will be strengthened with the opening of its first Middle Eastern hotel, due to launch in Abu Dhabi in autumn 2010.
The 28,000-sq-m, 281-bedroom hotel will be located in the district which is set to become the new commercial centre of the city, within easy reach of downtown Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre, the airport and Yas Island.
The new-build property will be housed in a stunning 12-floor curved glass structure designed by architect WS Atkins and Partners. Interiors are being created by Dubai-based interior design specialists KCA International under the careful guidance of Olga Polizzi, director of design for The Rocco Forte Collection.
The hotel will have a sophisticated, contemporary feel and, like all Rocco Forte Collection hotels, will reflect its location by using local artwork and Middle Eastern accents in accessories and fabrics.
The owner and developer of the hotel is Al Farida Investments, a conglomerate based in Abu Dhabi which primarily invests in hospitality and leisure, retail and real estate.
Sir Rocco Forte, chairman and CEO of The Rocco Forte Collection commented: “We have spent 12 years building our luxury hotel business in Europe and are now greatly excited about expanding into the Middle East. The opening of our new Abu Dhabi hotel will be a significant milestone for the company and we are confident that the fresh approach we will bring to the region will be welcomed by business and leisure travellers alike.”
The Abu Dhabi launch will be followed by a 146-bedroom property opening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in autumn 2011, 90 all-suite golf, spa and villa resort in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2011 and a 275-bedroom property in Cairo, Egypt, in 2013.