Dubai, UAE, June 7, 2009: Essque Hotels has signed its first management contract in Africa with Zalu Resort & Spa, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The Dubai-based luxury hospitality brand will manage the five-star retreat, scheduled to open in 2010, on behalf of Maisha Ltd, an Italian hotel development company.

Essque Zalu is located on Zanzibar's beautiful and unspoilt tropical east coast, the resort includes 40 ocean front suites and nine private villas, three specialty restaurants, gallery space and a branded spa.

Severino Lolli, Managing Director, Maisha Ltd and Danny Haddad, Chief Executive Officer, Essque Hotels, signed the management agreement in Zanzibar. Also present were Marco Comensoli, Group Director Development, Essque Hotels and Pietro Bercelli, Project Manager, Maisha Ltd.

"It was imperative for us to partner with a hotel operator who clearly understood our vision of creating a distinctive luxury product," said Lolli. "Essque Hotels' clear and flexible approach to development and growth strategy, combined with a 360-degree delivery of the highest standards of hospitality will position Essque Zalu as a sought after destination in Zanzibar."

"Essque is delighted to have been selected by Maisha to manage their latest hotel. This is an important endorsement of our ability to provide world class hotel management services at locations across the globe," said Haddad.

He added, "This agreement firmly establishes our credentials, and the resort will deliver on our commitment to offering individualised luxury destinations, in both emerging and established markets, for discerning individuals who value authenticity over ostentation."

-Ends-

About Essque Hotels:
Essque Hotels is a luxury hospitality brand, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Essque (pronounced 'esk') is a portfolio of uniquely crafted hotels that combine contemporary luxury and authentic destination details. With plans to establish a global presence for the brand; current development projects are located in the Middle East and Africa region, Asia, Europe and Australia.  For more information, visit www.essquehotels.com.

For further information, please contact:
Natasha Bartlett- Twivey
Director Branding & Communications
Essque Hotels
T: +971 4 383 0000
E: natasha.bartlett@essquehotels.com

Vivian Gendy
Senior Account Executive     
Weber Shandwick
T + 971 4 321 0077 Ext: 1262
E: vivian.gendy@ws-mena.com     

© Press Release 2009