With numerous new openings and the continuous development of the portfolio in the luxury and premium segment, the French hotel group Accor continues to expand. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Guests, for example, has opened as the largest hotel of the Accor luxury brand in Africa and the Middle East, the Mondrian brand is returning to London, SO/ Hotels & Resorts announced its first property in Moscow and MGallery is moving into Singapore with the Orchard Hills Residences.

MGallery moves into Singapore: Opening of Orchard Hills Residences planned for 2021

The MGallery Hotel Collection, a collection of more than 100 unique boutique addresses around the globe, debuts in Singapore with the planned opening of Orchard Hills Residences in the first half of 2021. The 168 serviced residences, designed by award-winning Japanese studio Nikken Sekkei, are located in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore's world-renowned shopping and business district. The exclusive residential units are part of Orchard Hills, Asia's first hotel project entirely dedicated to luxury hotel services and health and wellness treatments. Orchard Hills' design is inspired by a metaphorical climb up a mountain, expressed through water and stone features, walking paths, lush gardens and natural bamboo forests. Highlights include the world's first cantilevered pool with a see-through floor that floats more than 100 feet above the ground, and a nine-by-nine-foot digital art installation. The luxuriously appointed rooms offer exquisite interiors, featuring custom-made Giorgetti furniture and handcrafted decorative pieces from Japan. This latest addition once again reaffirms Accor's position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore, bringing the total inventory to 7,797 rooms across 30 hotels, including 3,932 luxury and premium rooms.

Rebellious luxury in the Russian capital: Accor announces the first SO/ hotel in Moscow

The young lifestyle brand SO/ from Accor sees itself as a deliberately rebellious interpretation of luxury hotels and focuses on stylish design in cooperation with renowned fashion designers, trendy events and hip destinations such as Berlin, Vienna, Bangkok, St. Petersburg and, from summer 2021, Spain with the SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa. Now Accor has announced SO/ Moscow, the brand's debut in Russia's capital, scheduled for 2023. Located in the ultra-modern premium complex "Poklonnaya 9" in one of Moscow's most prestigious neighborhoods, the exclusive and stylish property will be home to a restaurant, bars, lounge areas and coworking spaces. A spa, fitness center with a panoramic pool, yoga and functional training rooms will also be available. In addition to hotel guests, residents of the "Poklonnaya 9" apartments can also use the hotel services. The Tabanlıoğlu architectural studio is responsible for the architectural concept, which focuses on the authentic character and charm of Moscow. The hotel's public spaces and guest rooms are designed by Rockwell Group, a leading architecture and design firm based in New York. Russian fairy tales serve as a source of inspiration to create an artistic and playful design brought to life through bright colors, unique furnishings, materials and fabrics.

Mondrian brand returns to London: stylish The Curtain becomes Mondrian Shoreditch London

Accor and sbe are bringing the Mondrian brand back to London: Located in the hip Shoreditch district, the five-star boutique hotel The Curtain with 120 rooms and suites will be transformed into a Mondrian hotel in collaboration with current owner Reuben Brothers, making it the sixth hotel in the brand's portfolio. The Mondrian Shoreditch London redevelopment is scheduled for completion in spring 2021 - with ten new Mondrian properties set to open by 2022, including the Mondrian Bordeaux and Mondrian Cannes. Located in the heart of London's creative and cultural centre Shoreditch in the east of the metropolis, guests can expect, among other things, a culinary experience of a special kind: it is the first time that the world-famous chef Dani García has created a culinary highlight with sbe in London. The stylish rooftop lounge Rumpus Room, long a fixture in London's glamorous nightlife scene, will also be given a new lease of life. In addition, the Curtain Members Club will remain under its current name and continue to offer its members a comprehensive range of services.

Opening of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk: French lifestyle meets ancient Egypt

Located in close proximity to the Wafi Shopping Mall, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk now welcomes guests as the Accor luxury brand's largest hotel in Africa and the Middle East. Here, modern 'Art de Vivre' and ancient Egyptian heritage blend with the local culture of the United Arab Emirates at every turn. As such, the new flagship boasts five restaurants, including Brasserie Boulud by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud and the modern Asian restaurant & bar Taiko, the first international outpost of Taiko Amsterdam. Bijou Patisserie invites guests to enjoy afternoon tea, while The Nine pub serves British classics and Bar Soleil Pool & Lounge offers cocktails and a variety of shisha flavours. The Sofitel SPA has collaborated with renowned French beauty brand L'Occitane to create a Provence-inspired retreat with various hammams and treatment rooms. The outdoor swimming pool is shaped like an Egyptian 'key of life' and is adjacent to a series of private cabanas, two of which have their own Jacuzzi. The AstroKids Club is inspired by the French novella 'The Little Prince' and has access to various family attractions in the Wafi Mall.

Picture credits: MGallery, SO/ Moscow, Accor, The Curtain, Paul Thuysbaert