Assila Hotel, Jeddah’s new landmark hotel which opened last month, has appointed Harry Fernandes as the new general manager.

Fernandes is making his first appearance on behalf of the hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) being held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DICEC) till April 27.

Speaking at the event, Fernandes said: “The Arabian Travel Market is the biggest and most important event in the Middle East travel and tourism sector and therefore it is the ideal opportunity for us to showcase Assila Hotel to the global and regional travel industry, strengthen existing relationships and make new contacts.”

Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “I am delighted to take the helm as general manager of the splendid new Assila Hotel in the beautiful city of Jeddah. Assila is the first Rocco Forte hotel to open in the Middle East and I am very pleased to contribute my 14 years’ experience with Rocco Forte Hotels and Resorts to uphold the highest standards of excellence that have established Rocco Forte as one of the premier hotels brands in the world.’

Fernandes takes over from Frank Heller who was appointed as Interim GM of Assila Hotel in June 2016 to oversee the pre-opening and initial opening period, while simultaneously retaining his position as General Manager of The Charles Hotel in Munich, Germany, a position he has held since August 2007 and to which he now returns.

Fernandes started his career with the international hotel group in 2004 when he was appointed rooms division manager at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, followed by promotion to resident manager of The Balmoral in 2005. He transferred to Brown’s Hotel in London in 2012, then in 2014 was seconded as resort manager of the Verdura in Sicily, after which he rejoined The Balmoral until November 2016 when he came to Jeddah as hotel manager of Assila.

Prior to his career with Rocco Forte Hotels, Fernandes held various roles in the front office of several London properties including the Hilton Park Lane and the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

Assila Hotel occupies two towers in a prime central location on Tahlia Street, Jeddah’s most fashionable business and luxury shopping area. The hotel offers 304 deluxe rooms and suites, ranging from a full city views with a glimpse of the Red Sea beyond, to the sumptuous Royal Suite which occupies 597m2 with private elevators.

Guests have a varied choice of restaurants and other food and beverage outlets each with a unique concept developed by Lydia Forte, Restaurant and Bar Development Manager of Rocco Forte Hotels and daughter of Sir Rocco Forte. The restaurant concepts range from traditional Arabic mezze to fine dining experiences with culinary delights represented from around the world.

For exercise, workouts and relaxation after a busy day, Assila Hotel offers  a  25x5m rooftop pool, a gym with high-tech equipment, two squash courts, and a spa complete with  saunas, steam rooms, experience showers and relaxation rooms, ensuring a complete Rocco Forte Spa experience in which guests can fully indulge in the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Superbly designed for business functions and social events, Assila Hotel offers a fully equipped business center, a range of meeting rooms in different sizes and all with natural lighting, world class conference facilities, and the magnificent Assila Ballroom that has a separate entrance from the side street, a pre-Function Lounge and a VIP/Bridal Lounge. The property includes 550 parking spaces along with a Valet Parking service.

Established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a family of 11 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas. - TradeArabia News Service