Hilton Worldwide is signing a management agreement to convert Hacienda La Boticaria, an Andalucian style retreat close to Seville, into a luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property.

Hilton Worldwide has already begun operating the resort, which is set to become a Waldorf Astoria in early summer 2011 and will mark the arrival of the brand in Spain.

Located in Alcala de Guadaira, what is to become Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at La Boticaria is 20 minutes from both Seville city centre and San Pablo airport, plus only a couple of hours drive from the Costa del Sol. Originally opened in 2004, the 133-room property sits in 40 acres of private land and offers a truly authentic Andalusian experience.

John Vanderslice, global head, luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at La Boticaria will be a wonderful addition to our growing brand portfolio, offering a truly unique guest experience. The property will be a warm and inviting hideaway, where guests will discover the delights of the Andalusian lifestyle while enjoying exceptional facilities, only minutes from Seville and many local attractions.

“Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts aims to provide unparalleled service and quality, building on the success of the renowned Waldorf Astoria in New York and its legacy of timeless luxury and personalized experiences.”

The hacienda contains six different private courtyard gardens of Andalucian, Egyptian and Arabian style where guests can relax in peaceful tranquillity. As a spa resort, it has one of Europe’s largest hotel spa facilities with a variety of treatment and relaxation rooms, plus several indoor and outdoor pools offering secluded comfort.

An on-site equestrian centre is home to 16 thoroughbred Spanish horses and an antique carriage museum, in celebration of the property’s early nineteenth century history, with private shows plus horse and carriage rides available. The full culinary experiences are yet to be revealed but will fully utilise the beautiful hacienda setting and celebrate the best of Spanish gastronomy.

As well as exploring the resort on foot and by horse carriage, guests will have the opportunity to discover the local area on bicycle, by luxury car or helicopter, with the property benefitting from its own helipad. Golf enthusiasts can utilise the property’s excellent driving range, in preparation for a round at the nearby Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, regarded as one Europe’s finest golf courses and previously home to the World Golf Championships.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “We are delighted to add this stunning property to our luxury portfolio. The development of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand is really gaining momentum in Europe with seven properties open or on the way in key locations, including Berlin, London and Jerusalem. We are also excited to add such a signature property in Spain, one of Europe’s most visited destinations.”

Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at La Boticaria will be the luxury brand’s fifth property to open in Europe, joining Rome Cavalieri, Trianon Palace Versailles and London Syon Park, which opens this month. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts includes more than 20 landmark destinations around the globe, each with its own story and identity and each inspired by the level of service that defined the legendary Waldorf-Astoria New York. Further European additions will appear in Berlin later this year and Jerusalem in 2012.