The Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts debuts in Lebanon with Grand Hills

Owned by Mouawad Village Broumana Sal., Grand Hills, a Luxury Collection Resort will mark the brand's entry into Lebanon when it opens in early 2015 following a complete renovation.

The milestone opening will reinforce The Luxury Collection's global growth as the brand remains on track to surpass 100 hotels by the end of 2016.

"We are delighted to partner with Mouawad Village Broumana Sal as we introduce The Luxury Collection brand to the magnificent country of Lebanon, further strengthening Starwood's position as the world's leader in luxury hospitality," comments Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "The addition of Grand Hills to The Luxury Collection brand portfolio underlines our commitment to providing global explorers with authentic travel experiences and exceptional service."

Robert Mouawad from Mouawad Village Broumana Sal commented, "I very much look forward to having our exceptional property become part of The Luxury Collection portfolio. After considering many global hotel partners, we feel Starwood's Luxury Collection brand is the best fit for Grand Hills Hotel & Spa and in line with our vision of providing an extraordinary experience to our guests."

Currently The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 85 of the finest hotels around the world, spanning 30 countries, offering the brand's signature concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences. When the hotel debuts next year, Grand Hills will introduce extraordinary experiences and impeccable service to the most discerning global travellers.

Originally opened in 2000, Grand Hills was designed in typical Lebanese mountain resort style. Under Starwood's Luxury Collection brand, the resort will feature 115 rooms and 53 suites, as well as three restaurants and two bars. Leisure facilities at the resort will include three indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness centre and a retail gallery. Grand Hills will also offer extensive events and conference facilities including two ballrooms, an amphitheatre and six meeting rooms.

Located amidst majestic hills at 750 metres above sea level in Broumana - a lush, charming and tranquil pedestrian village to the east of Beirut, Grand Hills will offer mesmerising views of the Zaarour Mountains and Mediterranean Sea. The resort is within close proximity of the Lebanese capital's city centre, the beach and Rafic Hariri International Airport, and around an hour's drive from archaeological sites and historic cities like Baalbek, Sidon and Byblos.

Starwood Strengthens Luxury Position

In the last five years, Starwood has doubled its global luxury room count to meet growing global demand. With more than 160 luxury hotels operating under the St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W brands, Starwood has the largest footprint of luxury hotels in the industry.

"The Luxury Collection brand offers an exquisite blend of indigenous travel experiences and unparalleled service that appeals to today's luxury travellers," says Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "The addition of Grand Hills into Starwood and The Luxury Collection portfolio reinforces our continued commitment to expand our luxury portfolio throughout the Middle East with a strong focus on conversions to bring unique properties into the Starwood family that can benefit from our leading lifestyle brands and powerful global systems."

Starwood currently operates two hotels in Lebanon: Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun in Beirut and Four Points by Sheraton Bhamdoun. Grand Hills will be the company's first luxury hotel in Lebanon when it opens in 2015.