Tourexpi
Sofitel
is proud to announce the opening of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa,
located in West Africa’s Benin. This prestigious addition to Sofitel’s
portfolio in Africa reflects the brand’s commitment to strengthening its
presence across the continent, blending luxury with local heritage on Benin’s
scenic coastline. The hotel is set to redefine luxury hospitality in the region
while aligning with Sofitel’s dedication to cultural link and refined elegance.
“A
pioneer of French luxury hospitality for 60 years, Sofitel today embodies
refined and committed luxury, blending French elegance with a strong local
presence. I am delighted to announce the opening of this first Sofitel in
Benin, where I hope each of our guests will discover the magic of the French
art de vivre, enriched by Beninese culture. I would like to warmly thank
everyone who contributed to the opening of this flagship, which also marks our
commitment to expanding on the African continent, a market with immense
potential.” — Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems
Strategic
Development in Africa
Sofitel’s
expansion into Benin is part of the brand’s broader vision for Africa, a
continent that is undergoing rapid transformation. Africa’s urbanization rate
is the fastest in the world, with booming cities emerging as economic and
cultural hubs. By 2050, the population of Africa is projected to double to over
2.5 billion, with an increasingly youthful and dynamic workforce driving this
growth. The rise of the middle class and increasing domestic and regional
tourism highlight the continent’s vast potential for hospitality investment. As
a market leader, Sofitel remains committed to reinforcing its leadership
position across key African cities. Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa
marks the brand’s 16th hotel on the continent and sets the stage for ongoing
growth.
Cotonou:
Gateway to West Africa’s Business and Tourism Growth
Located
in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital and one of the most dynamic hubs in West
Africa, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is strategically positioned near
key landmarks, including the highly visited Esplanade of the Amazons and the
Route des Pêches. With a politically stable environment and a deep cultural
heritage, Benin is positioning itself as a major tourism and business
destination in the region, focusing on coastal and memorial tourism. As part of
the country’s broader economic strategy, the development of a national tourism
identity, “Benin: A World of Wonders,” aims to attract more international
visitors and elevate Benin on the world stage. With its proximity to the
bustling Port of Cotonou and its five-minute distance from Cotonou International
Airport, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers unparalleled convenience
for both business and leisure travelers. Set on a 29-hectare estate in lush
parkland, the hotel is a seamless blend of local Beninese culture and Sofitel’s
worldrenowned French zest.
“This
project reflects the vision of a modern and thriving Benin. As the first
five-star hotel in the country, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa embodies
luxury and refinement at every level and in every detail. A true cultural
institution, the hotel features a remarkable collection that celebrates the
richness of local arts and traditions. It is a shining example of what the
African continent has to offer today.” — Mehdi Morad, Vice-President of
Operations Africa for Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems
Unmatched
Luxury and Cultural Immersion
Guests
at Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa will enjoy a variety of premium
amenities, including five bars and restaurants offering an international
culinary journey. Each of the 198 rooms guestroom, including fourteen suites
and five duplex suites with private pools, provides stunning views of the ocean
and the vibrant cityscape. With hotel spaces progressively debuting between
September and December 2024, notable venues include: Vivo, a vibrant restaurant
serving up the rich flavours of Levantine cuisine, Corniche, the pool bar and
Mediterranean restaurant, Muse, the lobby cafe & bar, L’ami, a French-style
gastronomic bistro with Beninese influences, with a menu crafted by
Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou, and Byblos, the free minds Club offering
Asian fusion cuisine, refined cocktails and chic clubbing. Another of the
hotel’s main features is the Pavillon, which will house two cinemas operated by
Canal Olympia, a Partouche casino. The property also features a 1,000
square-meter spa in partnership with KOS Paris, offering wellness treatments
that fuse local and Parisian influences. For business travelers, the hotel
features the largest convention center in Cotonou, with nine flexible meeting
rooms. These include the Les Collines room, with a capacity of up to 400
people, and the Dôme, Cotonou’s only International Conference Centre, which has
been tastefully renovated and can accommodate 700 guests. A concierge service
and events management team will be on hand to meet guests’ needs.
“Together
with our institutional partners, we have been able to recruit 90% of our talent
from Benin. The quality and attention to detail that we have developed will
make this hotel a unique location that will contribute to strengthening the
brand internationally and promoting Benin as a prime destination.” —
Juliette Peron, General Manager of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa.
This
new flagship not only solidifies Sofitel’s reputation as a leader in luxury
hospitality in Africa but also aligns with the broader strategy of the brand’s
parent company Accor to meet the growing demands for tourism, business travel,
and infrastructure development in the region.
Image
Credit: © Sofitel
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