Starwood introduces Westin to Egypt
The Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa will mark the entry of the Westin brand to the Red Sea, set to open July 2015.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced the expansion of its portfolio in Egypt with the opening of the first operating Westin Hotel in the area. The agreement with Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay marks the conversion of the existing La Residence Des Cascade to a Westin, anticipated to take place by July 2015.
“Westin is enjoying phenomenal global growth due to the success of its distinctive wellness positioning, innovating products and brand-led programs,” explained Hassan Ahdab, regional vice president of Africa & Indian Ocean at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to announce a second Westin hotel in Egypt this year and extend our collaboration with the Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay by introducing the brand to the Red Sea in 2015.”
Positioned on the highest point of the Soma Bay peninsula, the year-round resort destination in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, the hotel will offer 210 guestrooms and 39 suites, all featuring the latest in-room technology and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. The hotel will also offer seven restaurant venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, café, a bar and a lounge. Sitting adjacent to the hotel is The Cascades Spa & Thalasso Soma Bay.
Samer Yaghnam, chairman of The Cascades Hotel Company Soma Bay, stated: “We are pleased to be entering into this agreement with Starwood, with whom we’ve had a long term successful relationship through the Sheraton Soma Bay. Bringing the high quality Westin brand to this area will further enhance Soma Bay’s position as the leading resort development on the Red Sea.”
General Manager of Abu Soma Development Company, the master developer of Soma Bay, Ibrahim El Missiri concluded: “This is the beginning of the new phase of development for Soma Bay, and I look forward to many more exciting announcements in 2015.”
Starwood’s portfolio in Egypt includes 11 hotels under its Sheraton and Le Méridien brands, including Sheraton Soma Bay Resort at the Red Sea. The company will re-open Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino in 2015, following an extensive and complete renovation. Starwood will also introduce a new luxury brand into the capital with St. Regis Cairo in 2016.
