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Kuwait's IFA unveils hill resort in Lebanon

DUBAI — IFA Hotels & Resorts, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuwait's International Financial Advisors (IFA), has launched its latest branded freehold resort, Alabadiyah Hills, in Dhour Abadiyah, Lebanon.

The resort is situated between Bhamdoun and Aley, overlooking Beirut and the Mediterranean. Alabadiyah Hills will consist of 12 private villas, 33 townhouses and 220 luxury apartments, as well as a spa and other facilities.

Alabadiyah Hills resort is the latest addition to IFA's substantial portfolio of international branded resorts, spanning Europe, Middle East and Africa. This is the second development for IFA Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East after the successful launch of its luxury resort in Dubai.

IFA is known for its innovative and market leading developments that are set to change the face of resort development across the world.

The resort will be managed by Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, which acquired its first property in 1897.

"Lebanon is emerging as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, and this development comes as a timely business move to explore this market. The newly created alliance between IFA and Kempinski consolidates IFA's strategy to partner with some of the biggest and most respected names in the hospitality business. It is in line with our mission to deliver an outstanding international network of tourism and real estate opportunities to global investors," said Jassim M. Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director of IFA.

"This project with IFA creates an ideal platform for us to enter the Lebanese market, and will set the standard for future projects in the region. Kempinski is known for exceptionally high standard of quality and service, which is one of the main advantages for investors in this luxury residence who can be guaranteed five-star services all year round," said Ulrich Eckhardt, Senior Vice-President, Middle East and Africa, Kempinski.

Alabadiyah Hills will consist of private villas, townhouses, and apartments with two distinctive design styles creating the Village Residence and the Tower Residence. Most of the villas and townhouses will have their own private gardens and swimming pools with spacious layouts serving the needs of the highest individual requirements.

The Tower Residence is designed around an inner courtyard on the pinnacle of the resort and the Village Residence is nestled around the gardens and water features.

The resort will offer state-of-the-art facilities including a members-only health club, gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis court and other facilities. One of the features of the resort will be its world-renowned spa and beauty clinic where visitors can experience the latest treatments in one of the most picturesque settings in the world.

The exclusive townhouses will start from $750,000 and residences from $280,000 for the one bedroom unit to over $500,000 for the deluxe five bedroom unit and villas are priced on their specific layout and location.

The prices reflect the highest quality used in building the apartments as well as the service and facilities provided by Kempinski and the unique location of Alabadiyah Hills.

"We anticipate unprecedented demand for this development, since this is one of the first resorts in Lebanon to provide freehold residences with a luxury all-serviced product in an excellent location. The tourism industry and the Lebanese economy as a whole have maintained steady growth over the years," added Al-Bahar.

"In addition to all the services and facilities, the branded residence comes with a unique rental administration system managed by Kempinski where investors can rent out their properties on short and long-term. This gives the owner the ideal opportunity to make his property available when it is not used, to receive a return on his investment, all under the Kempinski management team," explained Werner Burger, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing IFA Hotels & Resorts.

Jassim Al-Bahar also maintained that Alabadiyah Hills is a further commitment to IFA's already substantial resort development projects throughout the world with over $1 billion investment in Dubai's Palm Jumeirah Island.

"In addition IFA has major projects in Africa, including the Zimbali Lodge in Zimbali Coastal Resort, South Africa as well as the Zanzibar Beach Hotel and Resort on the historic Tanzanian island," he added.

Furthermore IFA is presently studying projects in Mauritius and other Indian Ocean locations, in order to provide its clients and investors with a network of luxury resorts and hotels with the highest of standards and flexibility as well as excellent returns for investors, he concluded.