New hotel in Morocco redefines luxury standards with unique amenities and experience

Dubai, October 9, 2011: The Oetker Collection, one of the most prestigious European luxury hotel companies, today announced that Palais Namaskar - an iconic, one-of-a-kind luxury property strategically located in Marrakech, Morocco - is now part of its collection of masterpiece hotels.

The management contract of Palais Namaskar is a major step in the expansion strategy of Oetker Collection across Middle East & Africa. Palais Namaskar reinforces the luxury standards epitomized by Oetker Collection's masterpiece hotels and offers an unmatched hotel experience in the region.

Palais Namaskar is Oetker Collection's second hotel outside Europe, following the announcement to open Le Bristol Abu Dhabi in 2013. The hotel is located in an exquisite setting between the Atlas Mountains and the mysterious Djebilet Hills in Marrakech and is a 30-minute drive from Marrakech International Airport and just 20-minutes away from the medina Jemaa El-Fna - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel offers a picturesque setting, spreading across 40,000 square metres of scented and manicured Balinese-inspired gardens. Built with exquisite architecture with cascading water features and lakes, the hotel boasts of Feng Shui-inspired architecture with delicate touches of Moorish and the Andalusian - an idyllic mix of Oriental architecture and contemporary developments.

The agreement to manage Palais Namaskar was signed recently between Mr Philippe Soulier, Developer and Owner of Palais Namaskar, and Mr Frank Marrenbach, CEO of the Oetker Collection.

In his comments, Mr Frank Marrenbach stated: "We are very excited to add Palais Namaskar as an additional masterpiece in our exclusive collection. Palais Namaskar is an exceptional hotel that fits perfectly with our portfolio - a magical and exclusive place in Marrakech - and perfectly complements the unique heritage of Northern Africa, backed by our global luxury reputation."

He added: "Palais Namaskar is much more than a hotel, it's a destination, a vision of luxury, an authentic experience that has come to be associated with the Oetker Collection over the years. Indeed, we are thrilled to extend our world-renowned luxury standards for the first time in Africa through this modern-day Palace."

Talking about the association with Oetker Collection, Mr Philippe Soulier said: "The Oetker Collection has a proven track record in developing masterpiece hotels and we are proud that Palais Namaskar now becomes a new pearl in their beautiful collection of exceptional and highly individual luxury hotels. I am individually honoured to working with Oetker Collection to make this hotel such a unique masterpiece in the region."

Reinforcing the luxury standards of the hotel, Mr Soulier said: "Palais Namaskar is a statement of your lifestyle and a vision for luxury. My inspiration behind Palais Namaskar was to conceptualize a magical place, both to live in and share with people who want something unique to disconnect from the world and be very exclusive. I am proud to say that Palais Namaskar offers each of the above attributes."

In what can be termed as one of the unique luxury facets of Palais Namaskar is that it offers guests its own private jet service, which takes them from Casablanca Airport to the hotels in just 30 minutes. The private jet can be utilized for transfers to other Oetker Collection properties, with interiors reflecting the iconic look, feel and design of Palais Namaskar. The hotel also offers limousine transfers to guests from various parts of Morocco.

Set to open its doors in the first half of 2012, Palais Namaskar boasts 41 uniquely-designed Villas and Suites, including a host of palaces such as pool palace, mountain palace and water palace, a delectable choice of gastronomic experience at its two restaurants and a bar lounge.

Mr Samir Daqqaq, Senior Vice-President (Development) - Middle East and Africa at Oetker Collection, said: "Oetker Collection has a worldwide appeal due to its architectural legacy, classic European design, famous customer service and unmatched array of restaurants, contemporary and award winning cuisine. With Palais Namaskar, we offer the optimal mix of our reputation and the legendary Moroccan hospitality and culture, thus extending unparalleled service levels in North Africa. The private jet is a unique bespoke service suited to each guests' needs and delivered with attention to detail."

He added: "The announcement is part of our ambitious growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, which remains one of the fastest growing markets, especially in the hospitality and tourism environment. We plan approximately 10 to 15 hotels within the next 10 years in carefully selected destinations in Europe and Middle East."

Palais Namaskar also offers unequaled outdoor event and banqueting services, coupled with a 650-square metre world-class spa with two famous brands offering purity, energy and balance besides well-equipped gymnasium facilities for relaxation. In short, Palais Namaskar is a unique mix of Oriental infusions with the European ethos of Oetker Collection.

The Oetker Collection has long been associated with style, nobility and efficiency. The hotels are cultural treasures maintained for future generations to experience as each hotel is rooted in the tradition of European Grand Hotel keeping and at the same time dedicated to looking towards the future.

-Ends-

About The Oetker Collection
The Oetker Collection is the most inspiring selection of hotel masterpieces in the world. The name "Masterpiece Hotels" includes a pledge; a commitment to provide service of the highest quality, every hour of every day. The pearl as a symbol combines singularity, beauty and quality. The individual pearls combined to form a unique pearl necklace, consolidate the establishments by making a statement in harmony with nature. The Collection embraces luxury hotels including

  • Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, a unique urban oasis, set in a sprawling park

  • Hôtel Le Bristol - in the very centre of Paris just across from the Elysée Palace

  • Hôtel du Cap Eden-Roc - located on the Mediterranean at the tip of the Cap d'Antibes

  • Château Saint-Martin & Spa - located in Vence, the romantic part of Provence

  • Le Bristol Abu Dhabi *- - superbly located in the heart of Abu Dhabi       

* Opening in 2013

Each property is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique European heritage, sharing the highest level of service, exceptional and historic architecture and interiors as well as a great attention to details.

Le Bristol Abu Dhabi, also managed by the Oetker Collection, will open its doors in 2013. This 185-room hotel is set to bring a new dimension of classic European luxury and style infused with French flair to the UAE capital.

For further information, please contact Ghada Kammoun / Venkat Iyer,
BPG Public Relations, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +9714-2953456
E-mail: gkammoun@batespangulf.com / venkat@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2011