Oetker Collection to run Morocco's Palais Namaskar

European hotel company The Oetker Collection has added the Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco to its portfolio, the company’s CEO Frank Marrenbach announced in Dubai yesterday.

The deal, which was signed with Philippe Soulier, developer and owner of Palais Namaskar, marks The Oetker Collection’s first hotel in Africa.

Marrenbach said: “Palais Namaskar is an exceptional hotel that fits perfectly with our portfolio.

“We are thrilled to extend our world-renowned luxury standards for the first time in Africa through this modern-day palace.”

Set to open in the first half of 2012, the property features 41 villas and suites, including a pool palace, mountain palace and water palace.

Guests will be offered a private-jet service from Casablanca Airport to the hotel in 30 minutes.

Samir Daqqaq, senior vice-president (development) — Middle East and Africa, Oetker Collection, commented: “With Palais Namaskar, we offer the optimal mix of our reputation and the legendary Moroccan hospitality and culture, thus extending unparalleled service levels in North Africa. The private jet is a unique bespoke service suited to each guests’ needs and delivered with attention to detail”.

He added: “The announcement is part of our ambitious growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, which remains one of the fastest growing markets, especially in the hospitality and tourism environment. We plan approximately 10 to 15 hotels within the next 10 years in carefully selected destinations in Europe and Middle East.”

The first hotel to open in the Middle East will be Le Bristol Abu Dhabi, an 185-room hotel scheduled to launch in 2013.