Accor has announced that two new Raffles properties have been added to the group’s upcoming projects including Raffles Udaipur and Raffles Jaipur, with Raffles Bali set to open in 2020 and Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore planned for 2022.
The hotel group acquired the legendary Raffles brand in 2016 and has since announced plans to almost double the iconic collection, with recent openings including Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and Raffles Shenzhen. The group says it will grow the Raffles brand by at least 50% in Asia, while planning further flagships for Europe, the US and Middle East including Raffles London in the former War Office, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences and Raffles Palm360 Resort Hotel & Residences.
“The Raffles brand is the highest expression of luxury hospitality within the Accor portfolio and we are proud to be growing the brand through curated additions that will allow the most discerning guests to find their perfect oasis in the world’s best locations,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman & CEO Accor Asia Pacific. “Luxury travellers are increasingly seeking bespoke service, rich storytelling and a blend of history and modernity, all of which are epitomised by the Raffles brand.
“Accor is now the second largest operator of luxury hotels in the world, with over 600 luxury and premium hotels and resorts globally. We have found strong demand amongst owners and developers for the Raffles brand because it is truly one of the most illustrious hospitality brands in the world, renowned for offering guests unparalleled levels of discreet service in exceptional buildings that quickly become the epicentre of their destinations.”
Issenberg says Accor is proud and humbled to have such an iconic brand within its portfolio and is committed to protecting the integrity of the Raffles name.
“The Raffles brand belongs to only the best projects and locations so it will always remain a curated collection, but we definitely see scope for careful and considerate growth,” he said. “Importantly, the brand’s expansion signals an evolution of Accor’s network and supports our growth strategy to elevate our position in luxury hotels in key strategic locations worldwide.”
RAFFLES BALI
Located in Jimbaran Bay and perched on a hill offering unparalleled ocean views, Raffles Bali will comprise just 32 private villas, each with its own private pool, for the ultimate in luxurious seclusion. Owned by PT Jimbaran Greenhill, the resort has been designed to blend seamlessly with its tropical surrounds. Sprawling over 23 hectares in the exclusive Jimbaran area of Bali, the Raffles will bring new levels of bespoke service in a creative, seductive setting that will capture those famous Jimbaran sunsets. The resort will feature the famous Writers Bar, a luxurious Raffles Wellbeing Spa celebrating local rituals and healing treatments, and a beautiful restaurant at the heart of the resort, which will provide fresh, imaginative menus in surroundings that speak to the local Balinese architecture and traditions.
RAFFLES SENTOSA RESORT & SPA SINGAPORE
Over 135 years after the original Raffles opened its doors, the second Raffles in Singapore will be an all-villa hotel set in over 100,000 square metres of sprawling tropical gardens with views over the beautiful South China Sea. Villas will range in size from 260 square metres for the one-bedroom villas to 450 square metres for the four-bedroom villa, all with their own private pool and terrace area for the ultimate in seclusion and comfort. Facilities will include a bar, restaurants, a fitness centre, a celebrations room and two meeting rooms. Those markers that make Raffles such a legendary experience, including the famous Raffles Butlers and Raffles Spa will be signatures of the resort.
IMAGE: Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore – private pool villa