Hilton Worldwide today announced plans with prominent Qatar investor Al-Rayyan Hospitality to develop the biggest resort hotel of its kind in the region at Salwa Beach in Qatar.

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas will claim 104-hectares (257 acres) of prime land and coastline in the South West corner of Qatar for the introduction of an outstanding new resort destination.

Located 97km from the capital Doha, the 362-key Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, will form the centrepiece of the resort’s grand plan and will feature an abundance of amenities extending along both sides of the hotel and the full length of the shoreline earmarked for this distinctive new development.  

World class facilities will include a waterpark, a luxury marina and yacht club, a dive centre, cinemas, a wealth of premier retail shopping and numerous restaurants.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: “Combining the pleasures of an upscale retreat with the brand’s hallmarks of excellence, today’s signing of Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar is truly a landmark announcement for the Middle East and for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is an excellent example of the brand’s versatility and innovative hospitality qualities which continue to generate considerable interest from discerning investors looking for experienced, trustworthy operators with a solid reputation for delivering success.”

Facilities within Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar will instinctively match the quality and distinction of the destination itself with a profusion of services and conveniences to satisfy the most discerning guests. The resort has been carefully planned to incorporate 246 deluxe rooms in the main hotel building, including 35 elegant suites, two of which will be 1000+sq mtr presidential suites, and flanked on both sides by two small villages of family villas.

Specially designed to capture sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, one village of 32 one and two-bedroom suites will reflect authentic Arabic architecture and the second village will comprise 84 larger, more spacious villas of up to five-bedrooms.  

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar will typically boast an impressive range of amenities including a 2800 sq m health club & spa, several outdoor pools, meeting and event function space extending to over 3500 square meters and a comprehensive and imaginative choice of 13 quality restaurants, bars and lounges.   

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa, said: “We are extremely proud to introduce this landmark property, the biggest resort hotel of its kind in the region and an outstanding addition to our expanding portfolio. Today’s signing reflects Hilton Worldwide’s famous pioneering spirit as we set a new benchmark in resort accommodation in Qatar and create a new destination for the Middle East.”  

According to Ernst & Young’s (EY) latest Rapid-Growth Markets (RGM) Forecast report, growth remains robust across the GCC region, with Qatar’s economy, in particular, predicted to record the highest increase at 6 per cent.  As the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, Qatar has benefited considerably from its natural resources.
 
Mohammed Mutlaq Al-Qahtani, group executive manager of Al Rayyan Hospitality, said: “We sought an internationally recognised brand to match our strategy to create a best in class resort destination with the very best facilities and service.  Hilton Worldwide’s established global credentials makes for a compelling partnership and will help us to deliver a truly exceptional guest experience.”  - TradeArabia News Service