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Further to its milestone agreement to partner with Accor and debut the iconic Raffles brand in Bahrain, Al Areen Palace and Spa’s new General Manager Marie Berengere Chapoton takes over the reins of the property this week.
The management agreement for Raffles Bahrain marks the start of a growing partnership between the two entities and Accor’s seventh managed property in the kingdom.
Dr. Essa Faqeeh, chief executive of Al Areen Investment Company commented: “We are delighted to work with Accor Group to debut the Raffles brand in Bahrain which will be operating and managing Al Areen Palace & Spa. The kingdom is a natural fit for the exclusive Arabia-meets-Asia palatial retreat experience that we have planned.
“Recently we have added a new Convention Centre with a huge space and facilities to develop the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) business from Bahrain, GCC and create a wedding destination. In 2019 we hosted our first international Award and Conference called Top CEO with a plan to host it yearly and many other destination weddings from India. With Raffles on board, the plan is to attract more International MICE business.”
Marie, who has worked with Accor globally over the last 16 years, is expected to spearhead the transition, collaborating with the Al Areen Investment Company to rejuvenate the property.
Marie said in an interview with the GulfWeekly: “I have had the opportunity to enjoy amazing and diverse working experiences throughout the world. I have worked across brands and roles between HQ and Operations and I have always had inspiring yet loyal and passionate teams, co-workers, partners and executives. Accor Group is an amazing company to work for and invest in people. I’ve been very fortunate to work in key cities such as Paris, New York, Dallas, Milan and Rio, as well as, more exclusive destinations such as Bermuda, Hanoi, Montevideo.
“This will be my first time living and working in the Middle East with an exciting opportunity. I recognize the very high level on expectations in services we provide in our industry. When you work in the luxury industry the setting may change but the level of service and expectations must always be at the top of its game. One of values is to be adaptable and opportunities comes to people who accept new ideas, a new way of life and explore different cultures. It makes us richer, wiser and have the chance to grow personally and collectively.
“In hospitality and even more so in luxury my strong belief is that everything is about detail and providing unparalleled service to our guests. I believe I always had this commitment, and this is one of the reasons I am so passionate about our industry. Connecting and caring about our guests is the priority to build loyalty to a brand and the destination.”
Major enhancements will transform the property into an exclusive oasis for the well-travelled, promising guests hand-crafted personalised experiences, with a focus on health and well-being, thoughtful and discreet service, unparalleled culinary expertise and an ambiance of timeless elegance for which the Raffles brand is globally renowned.
Property enhancements will include the refurbishment of the 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas, which feature open-air swimming and jet pools, and adding two more culinary outlets.
With guest fitness and well-being central to the Raffles experience, the resort’s 10,000 sqm spa and hydrotherapy area, one of the Middle East’s largest and featuring 16 spa pavilions, the world’s first garden hammam and a hydrothermal garden will also be renovated and upgraded.
Marie added: “Raffles hotels are iconic properties, across the world. Our location is our uniqueness. The villa concept is very exclusive and refined which has made Al Areen Palace and Spa a unique destination for Bahrain and for the region. Investment in product, service and people will be our main focus. Renovation process will happen in phases and hotel will still be operating.
“This high-end luxury brand within Accor portfolio, will support its loyal customer as well as new potential clients, no matter which country or city: Dubai, Jeddah, Mecca, Bahrain. Raffles presence in Bahrain will be of a high importance for the country as well for the region. Guests always like to explore more and Al Areen Palace and Spa will be a perfect experience
“Raffles brand has its vision and mission across their hotel network. Every hotel has its own story to tell we strive to give our clients a remarkable and unique experience in each of the properties. The upcoming Raffles name in Bahrain will build its own identity and, of course, consolidate its partnership across the country.”
