Accor, world-leading hospitality group, announces the opening of a new-built, flagship thermal resort, SPA and health center in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria carrying the Swissôtel brand. The resort will be operated by Accor in the framework of a management contract with Aqua Treatment Ad Ltd, a privately held, real estate development and investment company. The property will be open for the first guests in November 2024.
Upon completion, the development operated under the Swissôtel brand will feature 171 premium rooms and suites and one VIP villa with five bedrooms, infinity pool and jacuzzi. On the gastronomy side, the resort will offer a signature Swissôtel restaurant, an outdoor terrace, a specialty restaurant, a lounge & lobby bar, a whisky bar and game room, an executive club, a Swiss gourmet corner and a pool bar with indoor seating.
The events and conferencing area will include a 400 sqm ballroom, two medium sized meeting rooms, two boardrooms, as well as a pre-functions area and a library and business center. The resort will also feature a SPA and wellness area with fitness center, yoga room, hamam, massage rooms, saunas, beauty area, a medical clinic, and several pools with natural and thermal waters. Guests will also benefit of large outdoor parking and kids club.
In addition to its extended accommodation, MICE, SPA and leisure facilities, Swissôtel Sapareva Banya Thermal Resort, SPA and Health Center will also host a Genetic Diagnostic Center to be paired with a Retreat and Balneology center, aiming at attracting both domestic and international clientele.
The investor is Aqua Treatment Ad Ltd, a privately held, real estate development and investment company that will develop a 5* multifunctional balneology resort in Sapareva Banya.
“With over 700 natural mineral and hot water springs, Bulgaria is a spa paradise famous in Europe since ancient Roman times. An investment of the size of Swissôtel Sapareva Banya Thermal Resort, SPA and Health Center will restore the area to its ancient prestige and will place it among the top the spa and anti-ageing destinations of its kind.” stated Elena Ristavaara and Martin Marinov, representatives of Aqua Treatment Ad Ltd. “Our partnership with Accor and their remarkable Swissôtel brand is key to promoting the Kyustendil region represents as the ideal tourism destination featuring mountains, hot water springs and lush greenery.” added the investor.
“Bulgaria is a quickly developing, very attractive market in Southern-Eastern Europe, with huge potential and excellent investment opportunities. The announcement of Swissôtel Sapareva Banya Thermal Resort, SPA and Health Center strengthens Accor’s presence in the region and allows us to bring a world-class product and the ultimate service standards to the local market.” says Maria Drăgulin, Accor Development Director for Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and the Czech Republic.
There is a strong domestic demand for hospitality services, also by affluent Bulgarians, not speaking about international visitors. We feel honored that Aqua Treatment Ad Ltd has chosen Swissôtel and Accor for the management of this ambitious thermal resort project. We’re sure that Swissôtel Sapareva Banya will bring new standards to the Bulgarian “hospitality industry” a flagship hotel in the area – adds Frank Reul, Head of Development at Accor for Eastern Europe.
As a major partner, Sapareva Banya Municipality stands firmly behind the project and will support its implementation! With the construction of this most significant for the Municipality of Sapareva Banya and the region complex we will place Sapareva Banya among the leading spa resorts in Bulgaria, the Balkans and Europe. The investment will allow us to become one of the most attractive destinations in Bulgaria. We are confident that the Municipality of Sapareva Banya, the municipal administration and the Municipal Council that this most significant investment will be realized in the shortest possible time and all residents and I hope guests of the municipality will appreciate the pearl of our town. With best wishes for success, patience and a fair wind in the team's new venture - says the Mayor of Sapareva Banya Mr. Kalin Gelev.
The functional design of the project is grounded in the practiced and constantly evolving knowledge of the hospitality and wellness sector of the design team and the client. The context and identity of the design approach are drawn from the qualities of the local, historical, monastic architecture of Bulgaria rendered through the lens of contemporary, technical and material details.
The design is a collaboration between SGI Architects as the International team providing the concept design guidance and the interior design and URBA Arch as the local practice of record responsible for coordination and permitting.
Sapareva Banya is a picturesque resort town situated in western Bulgaria, Kyustendil region, one of the country’s most popular thermal SPA destinations. It is primarily known for its mineral waters’ springs and especially the hottest mineral water in Europe. Saparevian mineral water is clear, colorless with smell of hydrogen sulfide, hyper thermal with a temperature of 103°C. The city center also features the only geyser on the Balkan Peninsula that sprang forth in 1957.
In addition to its mineral springs and unique geyser, the region also boasts numerous natural and cultural attractions such as Rila Mountains Natural Park, with Musala Peak, 2925 m tall, the highest peak in Bulgaria, and the Seven Rila Lakes, one of the most visited attractions not only in Bulgaria and in the Balkan area, the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas, Rila Monastery, dating back to the 10th century, Goritsa Waterfall, Panichiste and Borovets ski resorts.
The town is approximately 60 km south from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Access to Sapareva Banya is 50 km along the A3/ No. 1 motorway that leads from Sofia to Blagoevgrad and onwards to Greece, and then a further 10 km along motorway No. 62. Access by plane is also very easy, with Sofia International Airport only 67 km away.
Swissôtel, one of the best-known Swiss brands in the world, has become synonymous with Swiss hospitality and all there is to love about Switzerland – service, style, and reliability. Featuring over 30 contemporary addresses worldwide, vitality, sustainability and a deeply rooted commitment to quality infuse the Swissôtel experience, ensuring custom environments where guests can feel at ease and recharge. Respected for its intelligent design, quality craftsmanship and mindful approach to sustainability, Swissôtel gives its guests peace of mind to explore the world, discover life’s true rewards and embrace opportunities to ‘live it well’.
A flagship thermal resort, SPA and health center, will open in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria under the Swissôtel brand
2022-06-27
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