Orbis – the Accor Subsidiary in Eastern Europe, Brings the Pullman Brand to Bulgaria
Main Photo: The new Pullman Okol Golf Resort – imagined
Date: October 2019
Location: Okol Lake Park, 30 KM south-east of Sofia, Bulgaria – five star
Name: Pullman Okol Golf Resort – opening TBA
No. of Keys: 149 plus 40 Pullman Living residences
Seller: TBA
Buyer: Orbis, the Accor subsidiary in Eastern Europe, has signed a management agreement for the Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa situated just 30 km southeast of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
The main investor in the project is the Bulgarian company Markan Holding AD. Currently, the company has implemented several investment projects in Bulgaria for a total value of about BGN 130 million. The backbone of the group is the construction company Markan Ltd., which was founded in 1993 and is one of the leading companies in this industry.
The company has worked on projects such as the Litex Motors plant (which now contains Germany’s VOSS) in the Bahovitsa village of Lovech, as well as the City Tower office in Macedonia’s capital Telus. In addition, Markan also worked on the construction of Bulgaria Mall and The Mall and opened Novotel Hotel in 2013.
Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, with an 18 hole golf-course – in the heartland of Okol Lake Park, Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa will also give a view at the Iskar lake. This 5-star hotel will offer 149 rooms and 40 Pullman Living branded residences along with a 4,900 m2 of luxury spa area with interior and exterior pool located at the roof-top.
Residents of the Pullman Living branded houses will enjoy all the extensive amenities of Okol Lake Park including the hotel facilities, will have access to a wide array of hospitality and residential services including concierge, in-residence dining and private transportation as well as will benefit from the Pullman operated rental program enabling them to generate rental income when not in-residence.
Nature and environmental consciousness will be some of the main traits of this resort. The Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa will also feature an attractive 1,900 sq m MICE (Meetings Incentive Conference and Events) area with a maximum capacity for 500 persons, will offer 2 world-class F&B concepts on 550 sq m area inspired by local cuisine.
“We do not hide that this project is absolutely outstanding – not just because of the unique location, the beauty of nature surrounding this place but also because we wanted to give back to the local community the deserved investment. We needed a premium, strong resort brand – like Pullman, to combine contemporary design, architecture with nature and memorable moments,” said Valentin Kanazirev, Okol Lake Park’s capital investor and visionary.
The Golf Course is designed as a high-quality 7,000-yard facility. Located 1,000 meters above sea level over an area of 650 decares in the heartland of Okol Lake Park, the Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa will feature exceptional views on the Iskar lake and Borovets ski slopes. Golfers of all levels will enjoy this unique golf course. To enhance the challenge of professional play and beginner enjoyment, 4 tee’s have been specially designed for each hole.
“Bulgaria – the same as the South Eastern Europe region, offers a totally new destinations to both business and leisure travellers. The Okol Lake Park investment project is impressive, very promising – due to its close location to the Sofia International Airport and deserves the finest, premium worldwide renowned brand. We’re really proud that Accor has been chosen to manage this exceptional resort project,” said Frank Reul, Head of Development of Accor in Eastern Europe.
The House Club is part of the 5-star Pullman Okol Resort & Spa but will be also a destination in itself with its style and identity. It is a place where golfers, residents and guests of Okol Lake Park will have the opportunity to meet, socialise and spend memorable moments. The future Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa will be a luxury resort providing complete privacy and indulgence including a high degree of personalised services.
The Group already operates two hotels in Bulgaria – the ibis Sofia and Novotel Sofia – and is about to open the very first luxury boutique hotel in Bulgaria – the MGallery in Plovdiv in March 2020.
Total Investment: €300m
THPT Comment: A seriously expansive project for this area, not to far from Sofia city centre and towards the airport…sounds great.
First Seen: Business Review EU
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