Kempinski Hotels is further strengthening its foothold as the leading luxury hotelier in the Middle East and Africa region. Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group adds six exciting new destinations to its exclusive portfolio across the Middle East and Africa - each distinctive in design and appeal, but providing the same levels of luxury and exclusivity for which the Kempinski brand is renowned for.

In May this year, the 325-room Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay resort opened along Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, boasting Moorish-style architecture and a variety of leisure facilities and attractions, including an exclusive 400 metre private beach area, a massive spa and health club complex, an aqua park setting with multi-level swimming pool and a lazy river, as well as a championship golf course with breathtaking views of the Red Sea.

Designed and furnished with Oriental style and a touch of Western elegance, all guestrooms and suites are equipped with flat-screen satellite TV, individually adjustable air conditioning and marble-tiled bathrooms.

In July, another exotic destination has been added to Kempinski’s must-experience collection of hotels and resorts, The Bilila Lodge Kempinski in the Serengeti, Tanzania, which is, due to strict building controls in the National Park, would be the largest lodge ever built in the Serengeti area.

Being the only global hotel group to be permitted to set up a property in the Serengeti National Park, one of Tanzania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kempinski has successfully opened the Bilila Lodge Kempinski in one of the most important tourism and cultural landmark in the country. The prestigious opening ceremony was attended by the Tanzanian President as well as Reto Wittwer, Kempinski’s President and CEO.

p>With just 74 elegant rooms and private villas, created in a simple yet luxurious style that enhances the outstanding natural beauty of the hotel’s stunning setting, Bilila Lodge Kempinski perfectly combines the intimacy of a lodge with the facilities expected of a much larger hotel, such as an infinity pool overlooking the grasslands and an Anantara Spa. 

“An amazing property within a breathtaking destination that should be on every adventure-seeker’s must visit list, yet another example of Kempinski’s dedication to present pioneering exotic destinations. Our growing portfolio in Africa affirms our commitment not only to the expansion of Kempinski in the area, but also to the growth and development of tourism in Africa,” said Eckhardt.

Determined to put its mark in the safari industry, Kempinski partnered with strong multimedia experts and prepared a road trip to the lodge through the Serengeti uncovering fascinating landscape, extraordinary wildlife, undreamt-of adventures and fabulous scenery combined with a lavish Kempinski luxury experience. The was visually broadcasted live on the internet through a dedicated website in still and motion pictures recording this expedition in some of the richest un-walked paths of the world and has enjoyed wide viewership and amazing public response.

On the other hand, the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba in Jordan, which opened last month, boasts 201 luxury rooms and suites all with sea views, a variety of international cuisines, trendy MICE facilities and a stunning spa with a number of innovative signature treatments on the menu. “This is our third property on the golden shores and azure waters of the Red Sea after Soma Bay and Djibouti Palace Hotel, and we’re excited to welcome tourists from across the region and beyond to indulge in a new wellness experience as well as an exhilarating holiday within this historical and culturally-rich destination,” continued Eckhardt.

Aqaba offers year round sunshine and some of the best diving and coral reefs in the world. The contrast in scenery makes this city one of the most beautiful in Jordan with its mountainous backdrop and white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees. Guests can also enjoy an array of organized tours to popular tourist attractions, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Bedouin Camps.

March 2010 will see the opening of three more distinctive Kempinski properties the first of which would be Kempinski Hotel El Nil on the banks of Egypt’s Nile River in Cairo. Combining superlative facilities that include an executive club, state-of-the-art business and conference centre, Spa, outdoor swimming pool and superb dining options, the 191-key luxury hotel will prove a celebrated and rewarding expansion in Egypt for Kempinski.

Kempinski welcomes another distinctive property to its portfolio in Qatar - ‘Al Fardan Suites & Residences - Doha’; an impressive 370 serviced residences spread over 62 floors is located in the heart of Doha’s bustling central business district with stunning sea views.

“These are exciting times for Kempinski as it shows our unrelenting commitment to achieving unrivalled leadership in the hospitality within the region,” said Ulrich T. Eckhardt, President, Kempinski Hotels Middle East and Africa.

In Dubai, Kempinski Residence, Palm Jumeirah opens with 150 serviced apartments and 28 suites featuring top notch five star residence standards. The residence is the first component of a whole complex expected to open in phases during 2010 featuring a five star Kempinski Hotel, signature villas and spacious business and leisure facilities on Palm Jumeirah’s outer crest.

Ulrich Eckhardt, expressed his pride and delight that “Kempinski is making substantial growth in portfolio during tough times in this region alone, and is witnessing similar growth in other regions around the world as well. This confirms our dedication to steadily deliver luxury and quality with traditional hospitality around the world.”

Being mindful of the talent and human resources requirements on short, mid and long term, Kempinski is investing heavily on recruitment and training for its most valuable resource: its people. With 53 properties due to open worldwide between now and 2012, the company is following a two-track approach to talent and training, ensuring that existing staff are trained to the highest standards and that they are increasing their efforts in the search for new talent, identifying Kempinski’s next generation of leaders.