Singapore, July 11, 2019 – Since acquiring the legendary Raffles brand in 2016, Accor has announced plans to almost double the iconic collection, with recent openings including Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and Raffles Shenzhen, as well as upcoming projects including Raffles Udaipur and Raffles Jaipur. The illustrious brand is pleased to announce the addition of two new landmark projects to the pipeline with Raffles Bali set to open in 2020 and Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore planned for 2022.
With at least four hotels in the development pipeline, the Group will grow the brand by at least 50% in Asia, while planning further flagship properties in the Middle East, the US and Europe, including Raffles London in the former War Office, Raffles Palm360 Resort Hotel & Residences in Dubai and Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences. Scheduled to open in 2021, and marking the brand’s first Raffles property in North America, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences will feature 147 distinctive guest rooms and 146 exquisitely appointed branded residences in a striking new 33-story building in the heart of Boston.
“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 travelers are increasingly seeking bespoke service, rich storytelling and a blend of history and modernity, all of which are epitomized 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 epicenter 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.”
Proudly born in Singapore, Raffles has become an iconic collection of 14 timeless properties worldwide, which should reach 20 hotels by 2025. Each Raffles hotel is a special experience: warm and welcoming, generous in spirit and unique to its destination.
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.
RAFFLES UDAIPUR
Set to open in 2020, Raffles Udaipur will be the first Raffles for India. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East” Udaipur is located in the western state of Rajasthan, famous for its rich cultural heritage, lakes, temples and palaces. Raffles Udaipur will be a truly palatial hotel, occupying its own private island in the middle of picturesque Udai Sagar Lake. With 101 luxurious suites, Raffles Udaipur will feature the famous Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar, a 1,100m2 Raffles Spa, a rooftop restaurant, swimming pool and sprawling gardens. With spectacular vistas of the lake, hillside and neighboring 400-year-old temple, Raffles Udaipur will quickly become one of the most distinguished addresses in India.
RAFFLES JAIPUR
Raffles Jaipur will be one of the most exclusive Raffles in the world, with just 50 suites, all with private pools. It will be strategically located as part of the popular Golden Triangle tourist route, which includes Jaipur, New Delhi and Agra. Slated to open in 2022, it will bring new levels of discreet service and facilities to one of India’s most beautiful cities. Secluded residences and courtyards will join a larger complex that currently houses the Fairmont Jaipur to create the perfect oasis of calm with easy access to the region’s best attractions including Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal Palace.
