02 Sep 2021
Tags: New Hotel, eco-tourism, Bahrain, Middle East, Accor, Sustainability, Wildlife, biodiversity
PRESS RELEASE
Accor and Edamah Introduce Mantis Brand to the Middle East with
Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island
A unique eco-tourism proposition in the region, Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island Hotel & Resort Is set to open in 2024
(London, 1 September 2021) Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has signed a deal to open a new Mantis property on Bahrain's Hawar Island, merging luxury with eco-tourism, while redefining adventure.
Mantis was founded in 2000 by global entrepreneur and conservationist Adrian Gardiner and features a diverse collection of extraordinary destinations around the globe. Since joining forces in 2018, Accor and Mantis have worked together to take on new opportunities to welcome guests in authentic curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterways while prioritising the cause of sustainability and to promote further appreciation of the natural environment across every unique destination.
The group is partnering with Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company), the real – estate arm of Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Incorporated in 2006, Edamah manages a dynamic portfolio of real estate projects within the Kingdom, ranging from commercial and retail, to leisure and hospitality.
The Mantis project will be based on Hawar Island, which is a 45-minute boat ride from the Bahrain mainland and enjoys recognition from UNESCO for its natural history. Guests will have the chance to stay in overwater villas offering direct access to the sea while experiencing superior service, quality, and the beautiful island nature.
“We are looking forward to partnering with Accor to open the first Mantis brand in Bahrain on Hawar Island and welcoming visitors from across the region with the traditional warm hospitality that Bahrain is known for”, said Edamah CEO Amin Alarrayed. “The island's pristine environment has been virtually undisturbed, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem which will appeal to nature lovers. Our aim is to showcase this natural beauty while focusing on sustainability to preserve it for future generations.”
Situated on the west coast of the Hawar Island, the property will be surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, making it one of the first such environmentally focused projects and a one-of-a-kind destination in the Middle East. Visitors will enjoy the island's biodiversity, which includes sand gazelles, Arabian oryx, multi-coloured coral reefs, and endangered dugongs. The island is also a delight for birdwatchers, attracting various migratory birds, particularly the Socotra cormorant.
Paul Gardiner, CEO of the Mantis Collection said: “I believe a new traveller is beginning to emerge, a more conscious one who is far more mindful about the well-being of the planet. Mantis is the ideal brand to support this ethos as we are all about curated destinations inspired by culture, conservation, community inclusion and sustainable adventures.”
“We are noticing that travellers are now more than ever looking for authentic experiences when traveling, while remaining conscious of the environment” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “In fact, they are becoming even more aware of the impact that an increase in tourism has on the environment and heritages sites, which puts sustainability at the centre of seasoned traveller's decision making, Mantis is the ideal brand to address these concerns.”
As it is a Mantis property, a sustainable and environmentally aware approach will be used for the development of this project to respect the unique environment in which the property will be located. Initiatives and systems will be implemented to sort waste, reuse biodegradable food waste, and reduce the use of water and energy through the latest technologies to minimise the environmental impact.
Once open, the hotel & resort will feature 72 keys, along with 5 dining concepts and extensive sports and leisure facilities, such as an Adventure Park, a tennis court, a bike track, and a waterpark. Additionally, the property will have its own helipad. The property will feature two main concepts: the beach resort, which will encompass luxury accommodation units coupled with chill out zones, bars and coffee stations, meditation spaces, and other social areas for adventure and sports enthusiasts. Guests can choose from a variety of recreational activities such as morning hikes, beach walks, outdoor beach yoga sessions, and water sports.
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For images, further press information or to organise a media visit, please contact the Spotl1ght Communications Team:
Sharon Coleshill
sharon.coleshill@spotlightcoms.com
M: +44 (0) 7810 508990
Caroline Bondy
caroline.bondy@spotlightcoms.com
M: +44 (0) 7946 519 254
Notes to Editor
Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group with luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterways experiences located across the globe. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
Acclaimed for its pioneering work in development, management, marketing, education and conservation, Mantis's business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure, which translates to one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, in a bustling city, or in the midst of a forest, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective ambition to be extraordinary; to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.
Mantis consistently curates, collects and discovers destinations and experiences that stir the soul, defy expectation and live in the heart forever. Sustainability goals are achieved through the Mantis Impact Experiences division, as well as through the Mantis and Accor foundation, Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA).
Accor has a 50% stake in Mantis, a strategic partnership that reinforces the Group's position as the industry's most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality provider of rewards, services and experiences. The partnership is complemented by Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) which aims to amplify the shared commitment of both groups in preventing the accelerating decline of Africa's wildlife and natural resources as well as supporting efforts around community engagement and upliftment.
About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company's comprehensive loyalty program ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Edamah
Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) is the real-estate arm of the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Incorporated in 2006 to manage and expand an assorted portfolio of real-estate in Bahrain, Edamah has established itself as one of the Kingdom's leading property developers. With an unwavering commitment to its founding principles of quality, efficiency and sustainability, and in line with the highest standards of transparency and corporate governance, Edamah strives to transform the Kingdom's diverse and dynamic property sector. Edamah's portfolio will also include projects in the leisure and entertainment and industrial sectors.
