Luxury Turkish hotel brand Rixos Hotels, part of the Accor portfolio, has marked a major milestone in its Middle East expansion strategy after inking a deal with Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development, to manage its largest all-inclusive luxury resort on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera.

Scheduled for completion in 2020, it will be re-launched as the Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay – a 1,636-key mega-resort with world-class leisure, sports and entertainment facilities for which the Rixos brand is globally renowned, said Rixos Hotels.

 The stand-out property will boast a stunning location in a secluded bay on the Red Sea, just south of Hurghada – a global hotspot for scuba diving, family getaways and golf breaks.

 Resort highlights will include individual villas, an extensive indoor and outdoor spa, fitness facilities, kids clubs, a waterpark, beach lounge, large conference centre, wide-ranging food and beverage (F&B) options and an expansive entertainment area with an amphitheatre.

“We are delighted to partner with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to launch this flagship project, which will set a new benchmark for luxury all-inclusive all-exclusive resorts in Egypt and the wider Middle East,” said Fettah Tamince, founder and chairman of Rixos Hotels.

 Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development CEO Mahmoud El Sayed Moussa El Sharkawy said: “Our vision is to transform Makadi Bay into the leading leisure and entertainment destination on the Red Sea and in this respect, the Rixos brand, with its successful one-of-a-kind hospitality concept and proven expertise operating in Egypt’s resort market, makes strategic sense. It’s the perfect fit.”

The renovation plan of the existing development in Makadi Bay will be phased in two stages, each spanning a year, with Phase One already under way and including the addition of wings and facilities to uplift the hotel in line with Rixos brand standards.

 When Phase One is complete, Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay will be officially launched and feature 815 keys including villas, 12 F&B outlets, a beach lounge, 1,500 sq m of meeting space, a spa and wellness area covering 2,400 sq m, multiple pools, a small aqua park, kids’ clubs and expansive outdoor areas for fitness and entertainment programmes.

 Phase Two of the renovation plan will start as soon as the property opens its doors and will include a 23,000-sq-m water park, as well as upgrades to the remaining hotel inventory.