“This is a very special occasion, because since I took over as CEO of Accor South America, in October 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, I have been working with the entire team for the arrival of this moment. Today we have a milestone in the group with 400 hotels in operation, which represents what we want to leverage for the future”, says Thomas Dubaere, CEO Accor South America.
“It is the first and only hotel in Barú and the Colombian Caribbean to have LEED certification, recognized worldwide for excellence in sustainable construction. This endorsement demonstrates the hotel's commitment to being a sustainable and ecologically correct operation”, adds Dubaere.
“This project was only possible thanks to a strategic partnership with a group of Colombian businessmen and investors who saw in Barú a potential for the development of luxury tourism in the region with an avant-garde, responsible and unique project”, highlights Abel Castro, vice-president Senior President of New Business Development Accor South America.
Development in 2021
In addition to the inauguration of Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort and the surpassing of 400 hotels in South America, Accor accumulated numerous other strategic openings and achievements throughout 2021.
So far, the company has opened 20 new hotels in the region in the year, 14 of which in Brazil, with emphasis on the Ilê de Pipa MGallery Collection, in Tibau do Sul, Natal (RN); the creation of the “by Mercure” seal in the world with two openings in Brazil; the iconic Novotel Lençóis Paulista, in the interior of São Paulo; the arrival in the region of Accor's global coworking brand, WOJO; between others.
“In 2021, we have also reached a total of 11 new hotel subscriptions, which represents the addition of 1,615 rooms to our portfolio, 80% of which are franchises. With this, Accor not only accelerates its expansion plan, but also reinforces its focus on the 42K24 project, which expects to reach the milestone of 42,000 franchised hotel rooms by 2024", says Abel Castro, Senior Vice President of Development New Accor South America Businesses.
Reinforcement in the Executive Committee
For the first time after the pandemic, the Accor South America Committee – ASAC met in person in São Paulo this week to celebrate the 400 hotels in the region. In addition to the milestone and celebration, Accor also announces a reinforcement of its executive committee in the region.
Marcelo Salomão, IT Director Accor South America, and Pedro Lopes Cardoso, Purchasing Director Accor South America, will join the ASAC, along with executives Abel Castro, Andre Sena, Antonietta Varlese, Beatriz Tolezano, Fernando Viriato, Franck Pruvost, Magda Kiehl, Mauro Rial, Olivier Hick, Paulo Mancio, Philippe Trapp, Roberta Vernaglia and Thomas Dubaere
Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort
Situated on the idyllic white sandy beaches of Isla Barú, Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort has officially opened. The new hotel becomes Colombia's third Sofitel and the country's first luxury beach destination. The picturesque property tastefully blends the essence of the Caribbean with the French heritage and Sofitel DNA.
Located 25 minutes from the city of Cartagena and separated by the Canal Dique, the resort situated amidst the natural beauty and cultural richness of Isla Barú. The hotel offers 187 elegant and modern rooms - including a presidential suite and 22 luxurious suites, all with a balcony and terrace facing the Caribbean Sea.
The resort has three restaurants and seven bars, all under the culinary direction of French chef Patrice Guaus. The Calablanca Restaurant and Bar offers traditional Colombian and Mediterranean cuisine prepared with ancestral techniques and farm-to-table ingredients. Another highlight is the Humo Restaurant and Bar, for dinner only, with a robata grill concept inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Thai, French and Peruvian cuisine. Guests can also enjoy their cocktails in various social spaces around the resort. These include the lively Lobby Lounge, which offers an extensive list of classic drinks; La Pérgola, a bar with a roof terrace perfect for watching the colorful Barú sunset; and three poolside bars.
Positioned along Colombia's stunning coastline, resort guests can enjoy the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. With more than 60 coral species and an on-site nursery that grows native species and plants, Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort is committed to environmental sustainability and successfully balances its architectural design with nature.
Additional property features include an excellent spa with four cabins where guests can enjoy treatments and amenities such as a sauna, steam room and yoga room. The resort has a robust convention center with six rooms that have the latest technology to help make any meetings and events a success, while the destination's unique landscapes, white sand beaches and turquoise sea make it the perfect place to celebrate weddings. Families can also take advantage of the vibrant and fun kids' club.
A rich cultural and outdoor adventure program offered. As part of its ethos, the resort works closely with its local community to deliver a creative schedule of immersive experiences that reflect the island's unique identity and heritage, from braiding and sombrero workshops to music classes and exhibits by local artists. For the adventurous, a variety of locally curated recreational activities are offered, such as cycling, eco-walking and catamaran tours, bioluminescent plankton tours, rowing experiences, snorkelling, scuba diving and much more.