Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announces the signing of an agreement with Select Group, an award-winning real estate development and investment firm headquartered in Dubai, to introduce Mövenpick to the United Kingdom for the first time. Expected to open in late 2027 following an extensive renovation, the 194-room resort will bring the brand’s characterful, generous hospitality to the Old Thorns Estate.
Set across more than 300 acres in the Hampshire countryside, Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns will offer a championship-level golf course, 2,500 sq.m. of conference and meeting space, four restaurants, a wellness centre with a new spa, and a ballroom accommodating over 500 event guests.
Founded in 1948, Mövenpick pioneered the Swiss restaurant scene and evolved into an international hotel brand with inventive culinary excellence at its heart. Today, that same generous and creative hospitality lives on in each of its 130+ hotels around the world, where cuisine serves as the cornerstone for fostering meaningful human connections and driving positive change. The signing marks another important step in the brand’s ongoing expansion across Europe, adding to other recent first entries in Poland, Greece and Italy, as well as more upcoming additions.
Graham Dodd, VP Development for UK & Ireland, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor said: ”Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market. Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognized for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests. The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor."
Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns is a conversion of a well-known estate, which will be fully renovated over the next two years, championing Mövenpick’s spirit of creativity and characterful hospitality. The renovation will focus on the hotel’s guestrooms, expanding wellness and leisure offerings, and elevating dining concepts with the inventive culinary spirit synonymous with the Mövenpick brand, to strengthen the resort’s position as one of southern England’s most desired destinations. The new hotel will be managed and operated by Accor under an agreement with Select Group.
Israr Liaqat, Group CEO, Select Group, commented: “This property stands as a landmark of character and opportunity. Its celebrated history aligns seamlessly with Mövenpick’s commitment to authentic experiences and Swiss-inspired hospitality. Together with our trusted and established partner, Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”
Located just one hour from London, the property sits at the heart of the British countryside, close to the popular commuter hubs of Guildford and Petersfield. Nearby attractions include The South Downs, a national trust site that sees over 18 million visitors per year, as well as the Goodwood Estate, which hosts popular annual events like The Festival of Speed and the Cowdray Park Polo Club.
The new hotel will join Accor’s portfolio of more than 200 hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 5,700+ properties worldwide.
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