Rixos Hotels, part of the Accor portfolio, has announced a partnership with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to relaunch the Rixos Makadi Bay - Hurghada.

This agreement to manage the world's largest luxury resort in the Egyptian Riviera overlooking the Red Sea is the latest milestone to follow Accor’s acquisition of 50 per cent of the Rixos Hotels’ shares as part of its expansion strategy in the Middle East. The project, scheduled to be launched in 2020 under the title Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay, will eventually expand the existing property on the bay to feature 1,636 keys and world-class leisure and sports facilities.

“This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in Accor’s growth history, as our brand’s largest resort globally will offer a comprehensive range of facilities and dynamic entertainment experiences,” said Fattah Tamingi, founder and chairman of Rixos Hotels.

The stand-out property will boast a stunning location in a secluded bay on the Red Sea, just south of Hurghada - a global hotspot for scuba diving, family getaways and golf breaks.

New resort highlights will include individual villas, an extensive indoor and outdoor spa, fitness facilities, kids’ clubs, a waterpark, beach lounge, large conference centre, wide-ranging F&B options and an expansive entertainment area with an amphitheatre.

The resort is expected to become the preferred destination for discerning travellers and corporate group business from key source markets such as Europe and the CIS.

Tamingi added: “We are delighted to partner with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to launch this flagship project, which will set a new benchmark for luxury exclusive all-inclusive resorts in Egypt and the wider Middle East.”

The renovation project of the existing development in Makadi Bay will be phased in two stages, each spanning a year. Phase one, which will include the addition of wings and facilities to uplift the hotel in line with Rixos brand standards, is already underway.

When phase one is complete, Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay will be officially launched. It will feature 815 keys including villas, 12 F&B outlets, a beach lounge, 1,500 sqm of meeting space, a spa and wellness area covering 2,400 sqm, multiple pools, a small aquapark, kids’ clubs and expansive outdoor areas for fitness and entertainment programmes.

Phase two of the renovation plan will start as soon as the property opens its doors and will include a 23,000-sqm water park, as well as upgrades to the remaining hotel inventory.