It is also the first hotel to be located inside a UK airport terminal.
This is the first of many YOTELs that IFA HR plans to open around the globe, through its operating company Yotel Limited. The Gatwick Airport YOTEL is located in the South Terminal and provides transiting passengers or those with early check-ins a private place to relax. Bookable from just four hours or overnight from GBP 25, YOTEL is destined to become essential to every frequent and long-haul traveller's plans.
Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director of IFA HR stated, "We're very excited about the opening of the first YOTEL. YOTEL is different from other investments we have in the hotel sector and we truly believe it represents the future. It is a brand that is going to grow exponentially in the next few years as we identify new locations and as prospective partners approach us with ideas of how YOTEL can add value to their markets."
Globally, several international locations have already been identified as prime opportunities for YOTEL including Dubai, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, New York, Russia, India, South Africa and more.
The YOTEL concept was originally developed by YO! Founder Simon Woodroffe, whose idea was to create cabins that provide a flexible and convenient first class hotel experience at an affordable price.
"In the 21st Century, luxury will be available to everyone around the globe at the right cost and this is a taste of that future," comments Woodroffe. "The cabins come with all the facilities you would expect from a traditional hotel to enable work, relaxation, sleep, refreshment and entertainment."
Gerard Greene, YOTEL CEO, said: "Our designers built upon the technology and advanced use of space seen in business class airline cabins and luxury yachts to realise the two tier YOTEL cabin system. Cabins come as 'Premium', (with a full size double bed) or 'Standard' (with a large single bed) - both with enough room for two as well as en suite bathrooms and in-cabin entertainment, he explains. "YOTEL is the prefect solution to boring and expensive hotels around the globe."
Greene added: "We've already received a lot of interest since our online booking system went live earlier this month, so travellers are encouraged to book well in advance. Travelling can be a painful experience so we are looking to make it as pleasurable as possible for YOTEL customers."
Al-Bahar concluded: "The opening of YOTEL in Gatwick Airport is the first step in an aggressive expansion plan for the brand. We foresee great interest from others in the hospitality industry and in the future hope to see a YOTEL in the majority of international cities and airports."
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IFA Hotels & Resorts announces opening of first YOTEL
- United Arab Emirates: Saturday, June 23 - 2007 at 11:07
- PRESS RELEASE
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IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) recently announced the opening of the first YOTEL in the UK, the revolutionary new hotel concept that's redefining the global hotel industry and making travel more enjoyable.
Yotel's Premium Room.
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Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News EditorSaturday, June 23 - 2007 at 11:07 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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Features within the cabins include:
• Techno wall with clothes storage, pull down working desk with UK and EU charging points, network cable socket and free Wifi and wired internet access;
• Mood lighting and luxury bedding to induce relaxation;
• Bathroom with luxury fittings including shower, bespoke revitalising body wash, hairdryer, and soft towels with a heated mirror.
• Flat screen TV system with over 60 free TV stations including Sky Sports plus on demand blockbuster and classic movies. 80 radio channels plus a jukebox with over 5,000 music tracks and a headphone jack.
• Snacks, club meals and refreshments ordered from the TV system and then delivered to your cabin, or the ability to visit 'The Galley' where the cabin crew are available 24 hours a day.
In addition - the larger Premium cabins include:
• A double bed that deploys to a couch by the touch of button (think first class private cabins on an aircraft).
• Input for your own MP3 / iPod player to play your own music choice through the TV speakers.
About YOTEL
YOTEL was created by Yo! Founder Simon Woodroffe and YOTEL CEO Gerard Greene. The idea was conceived by Simon after he was upgraded into first class on a flight. He decided to translate the language and experience of luxury airline travel and into a flexible and convenient 'first class' hotel concept at affordable prices. Gerard Greene evolved that idea into reality with YOTEL.
YOTEL will open its first two hotels inside the terminal buildings of London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports during 2007, following a majority investment by Kuwait-based IFA Hotels & Resorts. At London Heathrow, a 32-cabin YOTEL will open within Terminal 4, while at London Gatwick, a 36-cabin YOTEL will open within the South Terminal building, following an agreement with the British Airport Authorities (BAA). International locations are already under negotiation and will be announced shortly.
Simon Woodroffe is the creator of worldwide restaurant phenomenon Yo! Sushi and is a well-known entrepreneur from the UK following a stint as a "dragon" on the popular UK BBC2 television series The Dragons' Den, whereby aspiring entrepreneurs vie for support from established businesspeople.
IFA Hotels & Resorts - www.ifahotelsresorts.com
IFA Hotels & Resorts is a leader in the development of premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, the Indian Ocean region and Africa.
IFA Hotels & Resorts' activity in resort development began in the mid 80s with the acquisition and development of Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, Portugal, through United Investments Portugal, which is part of the IFA Consortium.
The grandeur of Pine Cliffs provided the ideal environment for investment in the real estate sector as well as residential homes and resort living, and thus the consortium's link with the hospitality sector developed. Today, IFA Hotels & Resorts sets the international benchmark for the development of world class integrated real estate development.
IFA Hotels & Resorts' main operating office is located in Dubai, while it's head office is in Kuwait. The company is run by Chairman and Managing Director Talal Jassim Al-Bahar along with President & COO Werner Burger and VPs in key markets across the globe including Portugal, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Lebanon, Kenya, Zanzibar and South Africa. IFA Hotels & Resorts is a specialist in resort development, and the company enjoys close links to premier hospitality operators such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, appointed to manage some of its developments both in South Africa and in Dubai.
IFA Hotels & Resorts listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in January 2006, with a market capitalisation of over US$ 1 billion. The company also listed on the South African JSE Limited (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) during 2006 with plans to list on other major exchanges in the future. In January 2007, the company invested in listed Thai developer Raimon Land.
Globally, IFA Hotels & Resorts has entered into strategic alliances and joint venture partnerships with leading companies such as Kingdom Hotel Investment Group (Saudi Arabia), Nakheel (UAE), Istithmar (UAE), United Investments (Portugal), a strategic alliance with RCI (part of the Cendant's Group), Moreland Developments (Pty) Ltd (South Africa), Boschendal Ltd. (South Africa), Raimon Land (Thailand) and most recently Ohlthaver & List (Namibia).
IFA Hotels & Resorts aims to link its resorts to new parts of the globe, such as the US, the UK, the Indian Ocean and Eastern Europe. This will offer investors and tourists access to world class facilities through a network of hotels, residential resorts, vacation and residence club destinations.
IFA Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Projects:
DUBAI
IFA Hotels & Resorts is the largest investor on The Palm Jumeirah.
• The Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort - A 400 room 5 star hotel on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah.
• The Fairmont Palm Residence - 558 luxury apartments. (www.fairmontpalmresidence.com)
• The Palm Residence - Al Nabat and Al Haseer - two shoreline residential buildings on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah, with 246 apartments.
• The Palm Golden Mile development - A joint venture project with Istithmar. A project featuring 860 luxury apartments, 19,500 sq. metres of office space and 22,000 sq. metres of retail space comprising boutique shops and restaurants, all stretching along 7.8 hectors of park land. (www.thepalmgoldenmile.com)
• Kingdom of Sheba - A 1,000 key destination on the Crescent of The Palm Jumeirah (adjacent to Atlantis) comprising residences (Balqis Residence), a Hotel (Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba), Vacation Club (Fairmont Vacation Club, Kingdom of Sheba), Private Residence Club (Fairmont Heritage Place, Kingdom of Sheba) and a souq (retail plaza) - all to be managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. (www.kingdomofsheba.com)
• Laguna Tower - A 40 storey mixed-use tower located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers, next to the Dubai Marina, comprising residential apartments and a hotel-residence managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai, in addition to retail and restaurants along the waterfront. (www.lagunatower.com)
LEBANON
• Alabadiyah Hills - A luxurious mountainside retreat in Bhamdoun, overlooking Beirut. This 7.5 hectare project will consist of high-end residential villas, townhouses and apartments, in addition to a world renowned spa and beauty clinic, which will be managed by Kempinski Hotels. (www.abadiyahhills.com)
• Four Seasons Hotel Beirut - IFA Hotels & Resorts is also a shareholder in this upcoming development.
PORTUGAL
• IFA Hotels & Resorts is the force behind the super-premium Sheraton Algarve Hotel (www.luxurycollection.com) and Pine Cliffs Resort (www.pinecliffs.com), part of Starwood's Luxury Collection.
SOUTH AFRICA
• Zimbali Coastal Resort & Zimbali Lakes Resort - IFA Hotels & Resorts owns a 50% share in the luxurious resort, a 700 hectare prime residential and resort estate located on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. (www.zimbali.co.za)
• Zimbali Lodge - IFA Hotels & Resorts owns the exclusive Zimbali Lodge, managed by Sun International Limited. (www.zimbalilodge.co.za)
• The Fairmont Zimbali - A new 154 hotel key resort, with a unique portfolio of freehold properties including 57 apartments, 17 ultra luxury villas, 20 golf chalets and 10 villas incorporated into a Fairmont Heritage Place Private Residence Club, all to be managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. (www.fairmontzimbali.com)
• Boschendal Limited - A mixed- use resort development at an historic Cape Estate. (www.boschendal.com)
KENYA
• Lonrho Hotels - IFA Hotels & Resorts is a shareholder in five Lonrho Hotels in Kenya (www.lonrhohotels.com)
ZANZIBAR
• Mövenpick Resort & Spa - Zanzibar- Located on the historic Tanzanian spice island, with joint venture partner Kingdom Hotel Investments, the new resort will be re-opened in the last quarter of 2006 and will be managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. (www.zanzibarbeachresort.com)
NAMIBIA
• IFA Hotels & Resorts formed a joint venture with Ohlthaver & List and introduced Kempinski Hotels to operate all four of the joint venture hotel properties within the Namib Sun Portfolio: The Strand Hotel, King's Den Lodge, Mokuti Lodge and a fourth hotel to be developed in Windhoek. (www.ohlthaverlist.com)
UNITED KINGDOM
• YOTEL - IFA Hotels & Resorts is the majority investor in the two YOTEL hotels in Heathrow and Gatwick. (www.yotel.com)
THAILAND
• IFA Hotels & Resorts owns approximately 24.9% of listed Thai real estate developer, Raimon Land. The Raimon Land portfolio includes: The Lofts Sathorn, The Lakes, The Legend Saladaeng, Northshore (Pattaya), Kata Gardens (Phuket), The Heights (Phuket), Northpoint (Pattaya), The Lofts Yannakart (Bangkok) and The River (Bangkok). (www.raimonland.com)
INVESTMENT AND HOSPITALITY PRODUCTS:
IFA Hotels & Resorts' programme of brand acquisition and developer partnerships will continue into the future, illustrated by the ever growing strength of its product range:
• IFA - Hotels & Resorts
• IFA - Lifestyle Membership Clubs
• IFA - Vacation Ownership
• IFA - Fractional Ownership
• IFA - Hotel Ownership
• IFA Residences
• IFA Properties
• IFA Yacht Ownership
• IFA Jet Ownership
• IFA - Travel & Tourism
This unique product range enables IFA Hotels & Resorts to continuously anticipate and deliver to the varying property investment and leisure requirements across the globe.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
• Techno wall with clothes storage, pull down working desk with UK and EU charging points, network cable socket and free Wifi and wired internet access;
• Mood lighting and luxury bedding to induce relaxation;
• Bathroom with luxury fittings including shower, bespoke revitalising body wash, hairdryer, and soft towels with a heated mirror.
• Flat screen TV system with over 60 free TV stations including Sky Sports plus on demand blockbuster and classic movies. 80 radio channels plus a jukebox with over 5,000 music tracks and a headphone jack.
• Snacks, club meals and refreshments ordered from the TV system and then delivered to your cabin, or the ability to visit 'The Galley' where the cabin crew are available 24 hours a day.
In addition - the larger Premium cabins include:
• A double bed that deploys to a couch by the touch of button (think first class private cabins on an aircraft).
• Input for your own MP3 / iPod player to play your own music choice through the TV speakers.
About YOTEL
YOTEL was created by Yo! Founder Simon Woodroffe and YOTEL CEO Gerard Greene. The idea was conceived by Simon after he was upgraded into first class on a flight. He decided to translate the language and experience of luxury airline travel and into a flexible and convenient 'first class' hotel concept at affordable prices. Gerard Greene evolved that idea into reality with YOTEL.
YOTEL will open its first two hotels inside the terminal buildings of London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports during 2007, following a majority investment by Kuwait-based IFA Hotels & Resorts. At London Heathrow, a 32-cabin YOTEL will open within Terminal 4, while at London Gatwick, a 36-cabin YOTEL will open within the South Terminal building, following an agreement with the British Airport Authorities (BAA). International locations are already under negotiation and will be announced shortly.
Simon Woodroffe is the creator of worldwide restaurant phenomenon Yo! Sushi and is a well-known entrepreneur from the UK following a stint as a "dragon" on the popular UK BBC2 television series The Dragons' Den, whereby aspiring entrepreneurs vie for support from established businesspeople.
IFA Hotels & Resorts - www.ifahotelsresorts.com
IFA Hotels & Resorts is a leader in the development of premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, the Indian Ocean region and Africa.
IFA Hotels & Resorts' activity in resort development began in the mid 80s with the acquisition and development of Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, Portugal, through United Investments Portugal, which is part of the IFA Consortium.
The grandeur of Pine Cliffs provided the ideal environment for investment in the real estate sector as well as residential homes and resort living, and thus the consortium's link with the hospitality sector developed. Today, IFA Hotels & Resorts sets the international benchmark for the development of world class integrated real estate development.
IFA Hotels & Resorts' main operating office is located in Dubai, while it's head office is in Kuwait. The company is run by Chairman and Managing Director Talal Jassim Al-Bahar along with President & COO Werner Burger and VPs in key markets across the globe including Portugal, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Lebanon, Kenya, Zanzibar and South Africa. IFA Hotels & Resorts is a specialist in resort development, and the company enjoys close links to premier hospitality operators such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, appointed to manage some of its developments both in South Africa and in Dubai.
IFA Hotels & Resorts listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in January 2006, with a market capitalisation of over US$ 1 billion. The company also listed on the South African JSE Limited (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) during 2006 with plans to list on other major exchanges in the future. In January 2007, the company invested in listed Thai developer Raimon Land.
Globally, IFA Hotels & Resorts has entered into strategic alliances and joint venture partnerships with leading companies such as Kingdom Hotel Investment Group (Saudi Arabia), Nakheel (UAE), Istithmar (UAE), United Investments (Portugal), a strategic alliance with RCI (part of the Cendant's Group), Moreland Developments (Pty) Ltd (South Africa), Boschendal Ltd. (South Africa), Raimon Land (Thailand) and most recently Ohlthaver & List (Namibia).
IFA Hotels & Resorts aims to link its resorts to new parts of the globe, such as the US, the UK, the Indian Ocean and Eastern Europe. This will offer investors and tourists access to world class facilities through a network of hotels, residential resorts, vacation and residence club destinations.
IFA Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Projects:
DUBAI
IFA Hotels & Resorts is the largest investor on The Palm Jumeirah.
• The Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort - A 400 room 5 star hotel on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah.
• The Fairmont Palm Residence - 558 luxury apartments. (www.fairmontpalmresidence.com)
• The Palm Residence - Al Nabat and Al Haseer - two shoreline residential buildings on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah, with 246 apartments.
• The Palm Golden Mile development - A joint venture project with Istithmar. A project featuring 860 luxury apartments, 19,500 sq. metres of office space and 22,000 sq. metres of retail space comprising boutique shops and restaurants, all stretching along 7.8 hectors of park land. (www.thepalmgoldenmile.com)
• Kingdom of Sheba - A 1,000 key destination on the Crescent of The Palm Jumeirah (adjacent to Atlantis) comprising residences (Balqis Residence), a Hotel (Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba), Vacation Club (Fairmont Vacation Club, Kingdom of Sheba), Private Residence Club (Fairmont Heritage Place, Kingdom of Sheba) and a souq (retail plaza) - all to be managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. (www.kingdomofsheba.com)
• Laguna Tower - A 40 storey mixed-use tower located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers, next to the Dubai Marina, comprising residential apartments and a hotel-residence managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai, in addition to retail and restaurants along the waterfront. (www.lagunatower.com)
LEBANON
• Alabadiyah Hills - A luxurious mountainside retreat in Bhamdoun, overlooking Beirut. This 7.5 hectare project will consist of high-end residential villas, townhouses and apartments, in addition to a world renowned spa and beauty clinic, which will be managed by Kempinski Hotels. (www.abadiyahhills.com)
• Four Seasons Hotel Beirut - IFA Hotels & Resorts is also a shareholder in this upcoming development.
PORTUGAL
• IFA Hotels & Resorts is the force behind the super-premium Sheraton Algarve Hotel (www.luxurycollection.com) and Pine Cliffs Resort (www.pinecliffs.com), part of Starwood's Luxury Collection.
SOUTH AFRICA
• Zimbali Coastal Resort & Zimbali Lakes Resort - IFA Hotels & Resorts owns a 50% share in the luxurious resort, a 700 hectare prime residential and resort estate located on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. (www.zimbali.co.za)
• Zimbali Lodge - IFA Hotels & Resorts owns the exclusive Zimbali Lodge, managed by Sun International Limited. (www.zimbalilodge.co.za)
• The Fairmont Zimbali - A new 154 hotel key resort, with a unique portfolio of freehold properties including 57 apartments, 17 ultra luxury villas, 20 golf chalets and 10 villas incorporated into a Fairmont Heritage Place Private Residence Club, all to be managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. (www.fairmontzimbali.com)
• Boschendal Limited - A mixed- use resort development at an historic Cape Estate. (www.boschendal.com)
KENYA
• Lonrho Hotels - IFA Hotels & Resorts is a shareholder in five Lonrho Hotels in Kenya (www.lonrhohotels.com)
ZANZIBAR
• Mövenpick Resort & Spa - Zanzibar- Located on the historic Tanzanian spice island, with joint venture partner Kingdom Hotel Investments, the new resort will be re-opened in the last quarter of 2006 and will be managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. (www.zanzibarbeachresort.com)
NAMIBIA
• IFA Hotels & Resorts formed a joint venture with Ohlthaver & List and introduced Kempinski Hotels to operate all four of the joint venture hotel properties within the Namib Sun Portfolio: The Strand Hotel, King's Den Lodge, Mokuti Lodge and a fourth hotel to be developed in Windhoek. (www.ohlthaverlist.com)
UNITED KINGDOM
• YOTEL - IFA Hotels & Resorts is the majority investor in the two YOTEL hotels in Heathrow and Gatwick. (www.yotel.com)
THAILAND
• IFA Hotels & Resorts owns approximately 24.9% of listed Thai real estate developer, Raimon Land. The Raimon Land portfolio includes: The Lofts Sathorn, The Lakes, The Legend Saladaeng, Northshore (Pattaya), Kata Gardens (Phuket), The Heights (Phuket), Northpoint (Pattaya), The Lofts Yannakart (Bangkok) and The River (Bangkok). (www.raimonland.com)
INVESTMENT AND HOSPITALITY PRODUCTS:
IFA Hotels & Resorts' programme of brand acquisition and developer partnerships will continue into the future, illustrated by the ever growing strength of its product range:
• IFA - Hotels & Resorts
• IFA - Lifestyle Membership Clubs
• IFA - Vacation Ownership
• IFA - Fractional Ownership
• IFA - Hotel Ownership
• IFA Residences
• IFA Properties
• IFA Yacht Ownership
• IFA Jet Ownership
• IFA - Travel & Tourism
This unique product range enables IFA Hotels & Resorts to continuously anticipate and deliver to the varying property investment and leisure requirements across the globe.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
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