Hilton Worldwide yesterday announced plans with prominent Qatar investors Al Rayyan Hospitality to develop a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property at Salwa Beach in Qatar. & Resorts property at Salwa Beach in Qatar.

The development, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and a first for Qatar, will claim 104hectares (257acres) of prime land and coastline in the southwest corner of Qatar for the introduction of an outstanding new resort destination.

Located 97km from the capital Doha, the 362-key Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, will form the centrepiece of the resort’s grand plan and feature amenities extending along both sides of the hotel and the full length of the shoreline earmarked for the distinctive new development. 

World-class facilities already agreed will include a water park, a luxury marina and yacht club, a dive centre, cinemas, a wealth of premier retail shopping and numerous restaurants.

Rob Palleschi, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, described the proposed Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, as “truly a landmark announcement for the Middle East and for Hilton Hotels & Resorts”.

“The hotel is an excellent example of the brand’s versatility and innovative hospitality qualities, which continue to generate considerable interest from discerning investors looking for experienced, trustworthy operators with a solid reputation for delivering success.”

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, has been planned to incorporate 246 deluxe rooms in the main hotel building, including 35 elegant suites, two of which will be 1000+sqm presidential suites, and flanked on both sides by two small villages of family villas. 

Specially designed to capture sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, one village of 32 one- and two-bedroom suites will reflect authentic Arabic architecture and the second village will comprise 84 larger, more spacious villas of up to five-bedrooms. 

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, will typically boast of a range of amenities, including a 2,800sqm health club & spa, several outdoor pools, meeting and event function space extending to over 3,500sqm and a choice of 13 quality restaurants, bars and lounges.  

Rudi Jagersbacher, president of Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa, said: “We are extremely proud to introduce this landmark property, the biggest resort hotel of its kind in the region and an outstanding addition to our expanding portfolio. The signing reflects Hilton Worldwide’s famous pioneering spirit as we set a new benchmark in resort accommodation in Qatar and create a new destination for the Middle East.” 

Mohamed Mutlaq al-Qahtani, group executive manager of Al Rayyan Hospitality, said: “We sought an internationally recognised brand to match our strategy to create a best-in-class resort destination with the very best facilities and service. Hilton Worldwide’s established global credentials make for a compelling partnership and will help to deliver a truly exceptional guest experience.”