AccorHotels, a leading global hotel operator, has signed an agreement with Manazil Group for the Marjan Island Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE to take over the operations of the existing property from the owner and current operator.

The iconic five-star resort, which is already operational, has been renamed ‘Marjan Island Resort & Spa – Managed by AccorHotels’.

Christophe Landais, chief operating officer of AccorHotels Middle East, said: “We are pleased to partner with Manazil Group on this exciting project, which is our first property in RAK and an important addition to our growing portfolio in the region. Manazil has a strong track record within the UAE and we are delighted to be joining forces with them to establish our presence in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Abdul Mohsen Al Hammadi, CEO of Manazil Group, developer and owner of the resort, said: “I am very enthusiastic towards our new agreement with AccorHotels, which sets in motion Manazil Group’s new strategy to form a strong partnership with a highly acknowledged international hotel chain, to manage our first class resort and future hotel projects in Sharjah and Dubai.”

“I believe that after about one year of operation, the Marjan Island Resort & Spa team have all succeeded in making the resort the first family destination in Ras Al Khaimah. This success is now being coupled with AccorHotels’ expertise and will enable this distinctive resort to achieve its full potential and lay the first stone for a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration for many years to come,” he added.

Marjan Island Resort & Spa – Managed by AccorHotels will have a distinctive personality embodying quintessential Arabian hospitality, offering guests a luxury stay inspired by key characteristics of Ras Al Khaimah’s rich heritage. The hotel will respect the local culture reflecting a desire to cater for families.

Located in the southwest of Ras Al Khaimah city centre, less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, the property stands on a man-made island amongst scenic views of the Arabian Gulf coastline.

Marjan Island Resort & Spa – Managed by AccorHotels has a total of 299 keys, with various F&B outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, four specialty cuisine restaurants, a lobby café and a terrace, in addition to the signature La’mar Arabian Wellness Spa. The hotel, being equipped with a ballroom and multiple meeting rooms, can also accommodate large events and banquets.

Landais added: “The hotel’s identity and solid foundation established by its owner, Manazil Group, will be preserved. By combining its existing legacy with our global and regional management expertise, we intend to create the ultimate resort experience focused on wellness and relaxation.”

“Al Marjan Island, the first man-made island to be developed in the emirate, has rapidly risen as an important tourist destination. We look forward to supporting its evolution in line with the ambitious plans of the RAK Tourism Authority,” concluded Landais.

AccorHotels currently operates nearly 3,800 hotels worldwide including 71 hotels in the Middle East, encompassing over 17,300 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The Group has another 49 hotels under development in the region, bringing its total number of properties in operation and under development to 120 with over 30,700 rooms. – TradeArabia News Service