Resort's buyout stays a mystery

MYSTERY surrounds the identity of the new owners of one of Bahrain's premier resorts ... but The Banyan Tree says it's 'business as usual' with a few important changes.

Gulf Finance House has arranged the sale of the Banyan Tree Desert Resort & Spa, Al Areen, but all those involved are remaining tight-lipped as to who the new owner is or how much cash has changed hands.

All that has been said so far is that The Banyan Tree has been sold to a Singaporean investor and one insider told GulfWeekly: "We're not going to be releasing any further details, it is being carried out as a private transaction and the new owner will remain anonymous."

What is clear is that, contrary to earlier reports in the press, the new owner will not be taking over the running of the resort but there will be significant changes.

Vertigo, a new Oriental-style lounge and bar, will open next month and offer customers the chance to relax and enjoy a 'wide selection of premium beverages' and be entertained by 'world-class DJs'.

A statement issued this week said the resort would 'continue to be fully managed by premium hospitality developer and manager Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts'.

Area general manager Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Angsana Riads Collection Marrakech, Sami Ayari said: "The onset of our new owning company brings with it many new opportunities, some of which have already started to positively impact the business as Banyan Tree Al Areen moves from strength to strength.

"Under new ownership we are able to offer several exclusive events in the run-up to the festive season, all culminating in our deluxe New Year's Eve gala evening, ensuring that the final quarter of 2008 is set to be a fantastic one."

Just a year ago The Banyan Tree was slated in the Times newspaper of Great Britain for being boring with its alcohol-free policy being highlighted by the travel writer as one of its drawbacks.

The resort, however, has since gone on to win numerous accolades including the Gala Spa Award for Best Luxury Hotel City/Resort 2008 and mentions in Conde Nast Traveller's list of hot spas, Tatler magazine's 101 Best Spas and 101 Best Hotels and Elite Traveller's 101 Top Suites in the World.

And with the new ownership this looks set to continue.

Although abiding by the nationwide ban on alcohol sales in hotels during Ramadan the new owner has succeeded in obtaining a drinks licence.

The Banyan Tree is the first private all-pool villa resort in the Middle East boasting 78 luxuriously appointed villas each with private open-air swimming and jet pools.

It also has the region's largest spa and hydrotherapy areas, a complete body wellness centre and three international restaurants.