Raffles Rising: New Openings in China and the Maldives

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is opening two important new landmark properties: Raffles Shenzhen and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. Both hotels opened earlier this month and continue the upscale concepts that have served royalty, film stars, writers and artists.

Raffles Shenzhen brings the height of luxury and bespoke service to the shining modern metropolis of Shenzhen. An extraordinary urban oasis discreetly perched on the top floors of a 72-storey tower in the prestigious One Shenzhen Bay complex, Raffles Shenzhen is the epitome of glamour and refinement. With 168 spacious guestrooms, as well as a selection of serviced residences, well-travelled guests will be enchanted by the exquisite dining venues, spectacular views of Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong, and of course, the famous Raffles Butlers and the warm, graceful and personalized service for which they are known.

On the remote southern tip of the Maldives archipelago, Raffles MaldivesMeradhoo is as removed from the rhythm of everyday life as can be. Surrounded by crystalline Indian Ocean waters and unspoiled reefs, the resort is a rare haven of 21 island beach villas and 16 ocean overwater villas. Guests take a domestic flight and are transported by speed boat to the pristine and private oasis of Meradhoo, where they receive the gentle and intuitive attentions of the legendary Raffles Butlers, along with an exclusive Marine Butler service, Children’s Butlers and private chefs.

“The Raffles collection now includes 14 properties across 12 countries, with a carefully curated list of distinguished addresses in leading markets around the world,” said Chris Cahill, Deputy CEO, Accor. “With a storied history spanning more than 130 years, Raffles is currently experiencing a renaissance, with a robust project pipeline that will see the portfolio add an additional 8-10 hotels over the next few years.”

The properties are included as a feature of joining the Le Club loyalty plan at Accor Hotels.

New Openings at Raffles

Scheduled for opening in 2020, 101-room Raffles Udaipur will be the brand’s first hotel in India. Modeled after a palace, the hotel is set on a private island on the Udaisagar Lake.

Raffles Jaipur, set to open by 2022, is a 55-room hotel being built at Kukas in the city of Jaipur, near popular tourist destinations such as Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal palace. Secluded private residences and courtyards will join a larger complex that presently houses the Fairmont Jaipur.

Raffles The Palm Dubai, with its 125 hotel rooms and suites, will have a coveted position at the tip of the Palm archipelago, providing 360 degree views of the Jumeirah coast and the Arabian Gulf.  With planned opening in 2021, the hotel will be the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah at almost 260 meters high. The property will also offer 359 branded residences.

Scheduled to open in 2021, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences is shaped by the creative and intellectual spirit of Boston. Located in the historical heart of the city in a striking new 33-story building, the project includes 147 rooms and 146 branded residences.

Currently under development, Raffles London will reside within the Old War Office building on Whitehall. The property is being transformed into a flagship Raffles hotel featuring 125 rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and 85 private residences.

Raffles is perhaps best known by the circa 1887 Raffles Singapore, that is still in motion setting standards in luxury hospitality with private butlers, a preserved sense of style and ambience and the enduring Singapore Sling. Raffles is part of Accor, offering 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries.