With recently appointed CEO Stephen Alden at the helm, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is on track to more than double its portfolio with new outposts across the globe. Later this year, the brand will open a second hotel in Dubai (The Palm), along with Bahrain, Udaipur and Macau, while next year and beyond it will debut flagship locations in London (2022), Boston (2022), Doha (2022), Jeddah (2022) and Moscow (2023), among others.
“Raffles approaches every endeavour with the utmost thought, care and discernment; our global expansion is no exception. With our pioneering spirit, we have sought out locations where we can really bring Raffles’ gracious welcome and tradition of excellence to life,” says Alden. “Each new property is a destination in itself and we are creating places where people want to be, in tune with our guests’ contemporary lifestyles.”
2021 will see two watershed moments for the brand, which is set to make its debut in North America and the UK. Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences will be located in the heart of Boston’s most prestigious neighbourhood, while Raffles London at The OWO will be housed within the iconic Grade II* listed Old War Office building, an architectural masterpiece originally completed in 1906 that has played host to a number of world-shaping events and was formerly used as a headquarters by Winston Churchill during World War II.
Raffles Udaipur, India | Q3 2021
Bringing a newbuild site to life on a 21-acre private island in Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur will be surrounded by rolling hills and boast an unobstructed view of a nearby 400-year-old temple. The property will feature 101 guestrooms – each with its very own private pool – a spa and several F&B venues, providing guests with a rare and authentic experience of one of India’s most scenic destinations.
Raffles at Galaxy Macau, China | Q3 2021
Situated within an architectural landmark featuring a glass airbridge that connects two towers, Raffles at Galaxy Macau will comprise 450 suites inspired by the modern palazzo, with curated artworks, private pools and gardens. The property will form part of Galaxy Macau, a luxury resort offering bespoke leisure activities, on-site entertainment and a specialty restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred Japanese chef.
Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain | Q3 2021
Arriving near Bahrain’s protected wildlife park and reserve, Raffles Al Areen Palace will be home to 78 pool villas – one- and two-bedroom accommodations with living and dining areas, an office and master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms – one of the largest spas in the region and a wealth of signature experiences. The property is also set to feature a secret garden under the care of a dedicated botanist.
Raffles The Palm Dubai, UAE | Q4 2021
Accor will continue its expansion across the Middle East with the opening of the region’s first Raffles resort in Q4. The 389-key property – spread across a 100,000m2 plot on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeriah – will comprise eight F&B venues, a beach club serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a 3,000m2 spa with 23 treatments rooms and two private suites, as well as the city’s largest indoor swimming pool.
Raffles London at The OWO, UK | Q1 2022
The first of its kind in the British capital, Raffles London at The OWO will be set within a storied building that served as Winston Churchill's base during the Second World War and was the birthplace of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Many original architectural details have been preserved while allowing room for updated design elements across 125 rooms and suites, 85 residences, nine restaurants and bars, and a spa.
Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences, USA | Q1 2022
Marking the brand’s first mixed-use venture in North America, Raffles Boston will bring 147 guestrooms and 146 private residences to the city’s Back Bay neighbourhood when it lands next year. The 35-storey building will also offer six restaurant and bar venues, including a sky bar and speakeasy, as well as a three-storey sky lobby complete with a grand staircase spanning the building's 17th, 18th and 19th floors.
Raffles Doha, Qatar | TBC 2022
A cultural tribute to Qatar’s heritage, the Iconic Towers in Lusail – a representation of Qatar’s national seal – will be home to the new Raffles Doha in 2022. A lavish property with 132 suites and 49 branded apartments, the mixed-use property will feature a selection of entertainment and recreational facilities, boutique shopping and movie theatres, as well as restaurants, a cigar lounge and several meeting spaces.
Raffles Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | Q2 2022
Inspired by Saudi Arabian history and Jeddah’s old town architecture, Raffles Jeddah will comprise 181 guestrooms – including a wedding and penthouse suite – and 188 branded residences. Alongside six restaurants and lounges, there will be a library, a 1,200m2 spa with eight treatment rooms and a fitness club. The hotel’s meeting facilities include a 1,500m2 ballroom and 1,000m2 of conference space.
Raffles Moscow, Russia | TBC 2023
Becoming the first Raffles hotel in Russia when it opens its doors in 2023, Raffles Moscow will feature 153 guestrooms spread across nine floors, with many boasting views over iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin and Red Square, and a select few offering access to the hotel’s courtyard terrace. The rooms will include 20 two-bedroom suites, 19 junior suites and two presidential suites with private terraces.
