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Sofitel launches luxury hotels in Vienna, Mauritius & Cambodia

16th December 2010 Print
Sofitel Luxury Hotels

This week, Sofitel celebrates the opening of three new hotels around the world: Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom (Austria), Sofitel So Mauritius (Mauritius) and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (Cambodia).

The year has been a decidedly busy one for the brand, which is passionately and tirelessly pursuing its new position in the world of luxury. In collaboration with renowned names in design and architecture, Sofitel is committed to offering resolutely different hotels and bringing a sense of French elegance to their destinations.

SOFITEL VIENNA STEPHANSDOM: Opening on Tuesday, December 14, 2010

As the first Sofitel in Austria, Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, located along the Danube Canal will become the brand's flagship property in Europe. Using the design and architectural talents of Jean Nouvel this sleek, 18-story glass and steel structure is the very essence of 21st century style, incorporating light, space and the natural environment.

Each of the hotel's façades is a different monochrome shade, creating the effect of a life-size piece of abstract art, which constantly changes to reflect the shifting colours of the Vienna sky. The top four floors feature the hotel's glass-walled restaurant 'Le Loft' with breathtaking views of the city. The restaurant which serves French and Austrian dishes, will be overseen by three-Michelin-starred French chef Antoine Westermann.

Jean Nouvel also woked with young talented designers to enhance this contemporary art hotel, including Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist who created five colourful animated ceilings as well as a highly original kaleidoscope, on the 5th floor. Whilst landscape architect Patrick Blanc was brought on board to bring the natural environment within, resulting in a verdant living wall covered with over 20,000 species of plant.

Continuing with the theme from the exterior, each of the hotel's 182 monochromatic rooms, including 26 suites, are dressed in shades of flawless white, light grey or black from floor to ceiling, including the furniture. From the rooms overlooking the historic old town, guests can admire the spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral, which gave the hotel its name, the giant Prater Ferris wheel and the leafy Vienna Woods.

In a city marked by history, Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom stands-out as an example of the future of hotel design.

SOFITEL SO MAURITIUS: Opening on Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sofitel So, the latest brand from Sofitel Luxury Hotels, is the new vision of the company, featuring trendy, resolutely contemporary boutique hotels. Each Sofitel So blends the Sofitel art de vivre with universally recognised inspiration from fashion, art and design to express the very essence of the destination.

Sofitel So Mauritius is the result of an exceptional collaboration between two artists: Thai architect Lek Bunnag and fashion designer Kenzo Takada. These two talented minds combined their creativity to design a hotel which appeals to guests that value authenticity and refinement in a simple and natural environment.

Located on the island's less developed South Coast, the hotel offers 92 individual suites and villas carefully positioned in the natural landscape to take advantage of the lush gardens, the natural lagoon and views of the Indian Ocean with access to the resort's own beach. The suites and villas all feature private gardens and outdoor ponds or pools (for the villas), patios with outdoor showers, refined amenities and every possible comfort. The So SPA, devoted to wellness in body and mind, will offer a broad range of treatments by expert therapists using products made with locally harvested fruits and spices to revitalise and awaken the senses.

Sofitel So Mauritius will soon be followed by Sofitel So Bangkok and Sofitel So Mumbai.

SOFITEL PHNOM PENH PHOKEETHRA: Opening on Saturday, December 18, 2010 (Soft Opening)

Surrounded by gardens and set on the banks of the Bassac River, near the business and embassy district, Sofitel Phnom Penh Royal is reminiscent of a Khmer palace. It offers exceptional services not available elsewhere in Cambodia, with the ambition of becoming the country's definitive place for business meetings and retreats. The International Conference Centre is a first for the area, offering 1,800 m² of meeting space, and its ballroom is the largest and most modern ever built in Phnom Penh.

The hotel, which features 201 rooms (including 35 suites), is also set to become a luxury destination in its own right as it boasts 4 restaurants, a sports complex and clubhouse, tennis and squash courts, 2 pools and extensive lawns and gardens. The hotel will open the first So SPA in Cambodia, offering options that blend traditional Khmer treatments with innovative French-style spa care.

Having already established its presence in Cambodia with the spectacular Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Gold and Spa Resort, Sofitel is proudly expanding its presence in a rapidly blossoming country.

Discover Sofitel at: sofitel.com

Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program at: a-club.com

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Sofitel Luxury Hotels