Four Seasons Hotel and Resort, Marrakech, Morocco

The Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Marrakech is a luxury five-star resort, scheduled to be opened in 2008. The complex started construction in early 2005 and will consist of the hotel and amenities as well as a series of five-star villas, some of which are to be sold to private ownership and then fully serviced by Four Seasons.

This luxury development of 40 properties will offer a choice of two- and three- bedroom ryads (townhouses) and detached three- and four- bedroom villas. Each property will feature a central courtyard and will be finished to the highest standards, offering the best in both indoor and outdoor living.

DEVELOPER

The developer of the complex is Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) who have partnered with The European Hotel Corporation (EHC) and Alliances Development Immobilier to develop the resort in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of KHI, said: "We are proud to make a significant investment in the luxury lodging market in Morocco, a well established upscale destination that has adopted a focused tourism strategy. We are particularly encouraged by the unique vision of His Majesty King Mohamed VI in positioning Morocco and Marrakech at the upper market level."

Mr. Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Office of KHI, said: "KHI managed to develop a portfolio of outstanding hotel properties that are landmarks in their host cities across the region. We are proud to have our first hotel investment in Morocco and are delighted to have formed this partnership. Together with our partners we will endeavour to create the highest quality of hotel accommodation in Marrakech. We plan to make further investments in Morocco's tourism sector in the near future."

It is expected that the hotel will be a significant addition to the luxury hotel market in the well established and high-end tourist city of Marrakech.

FINANCE

The US$116m project will include a 140-room luxury hotel and 40 ryads and villas, which will both be branded and managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts of Canada. KHI owns 78% of the project's equity and EHC and Alliance will collectively own 22% of the equity.

DEVELOPMENT SITE

The development is located on a spectacular site, nestled around the Menara Gardens and covering 15.7 hectares of mature landscape. The Menara Garden, located west of Marrakech, was created in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad ruler. A conglomeration of smaller gardens, the Menara is planted with palms and olives surrounding an artificial lake – the point of confluence of a canal system – used to irrigate the surrounding gardens and orchards.

The hotel design and layout will reflect and enhance the prominence of Morocco's heritage and architectural culture. The hotel seeks to fit into the Moroccan landscape, rather than compete with it. The guest rooms will have impressive views of the famous snow capped Atlas Mountains. Skiing is a possible leisure pursuit with a short journey from the hotel to the mountains.

HOTEL AMENITIES

The Four Seasons Hotel amenities will include a 3,000m² spa and fitness centre with special treatment rooms for massage, facials and body wraps. There will be full valet parking, concierge services and three superb restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Private owners of residences will also be able to take advantage of in-residence dining and service.

The hotel will have its own 18-hole golf course as well as a driving range. There will be full laundry and housekeeping services. The resort will also have extensive conference facilities, with a large main conference hall able to accommodate 600 delegates as well as smaller meeting rooms and a business centre with WiFi and broadband access.

CONTRACTORS

HVS International of London is providing consulting and valuation services to the hotel as it is being constructed. ReardonSmith is one of the project architect companies in the development of the hotel and residences. The company has been working on the project since 2004/2005, using a concept design for the hotel created by Hill Glazier Architects.

ReardonSmith has been contracted to continue the ongoing design of the development, which includes the palatial 140 room resort hotel. ReardonSmith has also designed 20 townhouses (Ryads) and 20 villas all set within a lavishly designed urban oasis. Assisting with the interior design of the properties is GA Design International. Hamptons International, a UK based agent, is already selling the first phase of residential properties at the Four Seasons development.

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