2011 marks an exciting year for Sofitel Luxury Hotels with the opening of nine new hotels around the world. During the course of the year Sofitel will launch their first property in India, three new properties under the prestigious Sofitel Legend label and unveil the second So Sofitel in Bangkok.

Sofitel currently have 120 addresses across five continents with each property offering a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”. In line with Sofitel’s luxury brand positioning they have recently introduced two new labels, Sofitel Legend and So Sofitel. Sofitel Legend properties are destinations in their own right located in exceptional historically classified buildings whilst So Sofitel encompasses boutique stylish contemporary design hotels. Sofitel’s growth in 2011 will only confirm the brand as a key player in the luxury market. Working with key designers such as Jean Nouvel and Kenzo to the refurbishing of the legendary properties, Sofitel’s newest openings promise to be some of their most interesting to date.

So Sofitel
So Sofitel properties feature trendy, resolutely contemporary boutique hotels, each blending the Sofitel art de vivre with universally recognised inspiration from fashion, art and design to express the very essence of the destination. The first location was Sofitel So Mauritius which opened in December 2010.

Bangkok (End 2011)
So Bangkok opening at the end of 2011 will be the second property within the So Sofitel label. The hotel is located in the central business area overlooking famous Lumpini Park. The hotel is innovative using four local design firms to recreate the four elements, water, earth, wood and metal throughout different sections in the hotel. The hotel’s Hi-SO Lounge, located on the roof-top will be the perfect place to relax either by the pool or on the lawn. For some serious indulgence, the property also contains a chocolate deli.

Sofitel Legend
Sofitel Legend properties are a collection of exclusive, historic hotels offering incredible services for travellers seeking the ultimate luxury travel experience.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (June 2011)
Sofitel Amsterdam the Grand, opening as a Sofitel Legend in June 2011, is centred around the city’s former Council Chamber and Chambers of Marriage. The hotel is being elegantly renovated by designer Sybille de Margerie. Renowned French Chef Aurélien Poirot, runs Bridges, one of the hotel’s most prestigious restaurants. The hotel also contains the only raw bar in Amsterdam. The hotel is within walking distance of the Van Gogh Museum, Royal Palace and Anne Frank’s House.

Aswan, Egypt (September 2011)
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan in Egypt is re-opening as a Sofitel Legend in September 2011 after over two years of renovations. It is located in the Nubian desert on the banks of the Nile. The hotel, a former Palace, is well-known internationally having appeared in many films including Agatha Christie’s ‘Death on the Nile’. The property has also housed prominent figures throughout history including former French President François Mitterand and Winston Churchill. The hotel has magnificent views over the Nile and retains its original palatial beauty with polished marble floors and high,
classic Islamic arches.

Santa Clara, Colombia (End 2011)
Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara in Colombia, opening as a Sofitel Legend at the end of 2011, was originally built as a monastery in 1621. The property is a legendary landmark within Cartagena’s walled city which is an area that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1984. The monastery was transformed by Sofitel into a luxury hotel in 1995 and is one of Colombia’s most iconic hotels. The property contains both Colonial and Republican-style architecture and historically the hotel walls acted as a
shield in ancient times.

Sofitel Expansion
Essaouira, Morocco (March 2011)
Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is the first resort to open in Mogador and Sofitel’s second property in this western coastal part of Morocco. Essaouira is an ideal location for a beach holiday and twin centre trips with nearby Marrakech. The resort, which opens in March 2011 is perfect for families and golfers. Situated in the heart of Mogador beside an international standard 18-hole golf course, designed by South African champion Gary Player, this hotel is a great escape for golfers who can stay in one of the Lacoste golf-themed villas. Families are well accommodated for with special childrens’ villas and a teens club. The hotel is elegantly designed with traditional Moroccan and modern features by Didier Gomez.

Mumbai, India (May 2011)
Sofitel Mumbai BKC, opening in May 2011, is Sofitel’s first hotel in India. Located in the centre of Mumbai, in the financial and commercial district, the hotel encompasses Sofitel’s renowned French flair and offers an innovative and refreshing addition to the city. The hotel boasts contemporary restaurants and bars as well as a So FIT gym and So SPA.

Shanghai, China (End 2011)
Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an opening at the end of 2011 is set to be one of the city’s most luxurious hotels with an iconic building design. The hotel, ideally located in the city centre stands close to the bustling Nanjing Road, the Shanghai convention centre and is only a short walk away from Shanghai’s famous waterfront, The Bund.

Sofitel are also extending their reach in the Middle East with a fifth hotel opening in Bahrain. 5 star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa opens in March 2011 and is the first hotel within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to boast a Thalassotherapy spa. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand opens towards the end of 2011. The hotel is centrally located within the vibrant city of Bangkok near to the business, commercial and entertainment areas. The hotel’s roof top club is set to be THE place to hang out in central Bangkok. Other Sofitel openings in 2011 include Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza in United Arab Emirates, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich in China, and Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa in Morocco.