Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of Grand Hills, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, a sanctuary set amid exquisite gardens in the picturesque mountain village of Broumana, Lebanon. Owned by Mouawad Village Broumana Sal., Grand Hills marks the entry of The Luxury Collection brand into Lebanon. One of the world's largest and fastest growing luxury hospitality brands, The Luxury Collection is on track to surpass 100 hotels in more than 30 countries by the end of 2015. “We are delighted to partner with Mouawad Village Broumana Sal to launch The Luxury Collection brand in Lebanon, especially in a remarkable destination like Broumana,” said Guido de Wilde, Senior Vice President, Regional Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Middle East. “With the opening of Grand Hills, we now have five Luxury Collection hotels in the Middle East and we look forward to offering global explorers new and memorable travel experiences alongside refined Lebanese hospitality.” Each of the 118 guest rooms and suites at Grand Hills is unique, with décor and handcrafted furniture inspired by the individual antiquities found behind each door. Guests will enjoy breath-taking views of the mountains, the sea, the gardens or the swimming pool from the privacy of their rooms. Spanning 4,131 square meters, the hotel's extravagant Royal Residence is the largest hotel suite in the world. The immense seven-storey mansion features five bedrooms; two private swimming pools; three residential pavilions that can also be booked as standalone villas for smaller groups; and an exquisite collection of artwork and classical-style design. The hotel also features 42 unbranded residential suites for long-staying guests. Grand Hills will be home to the first evianSPA in Lebanon, which will be unveiled early next year, providing a holistic wellness concept and unique well-being experiences based on the philosophy of the world-renowned evian natural mineral water – purity, health and youth. Spanning 1,300 square meters, the spa will offer a full range of body and facial treatments combined with multi-sensorial experiences. Facilities include 12 treatment rooms and four suites for couple massages, dedicated rooms for Balneo chromotherapy, as well as a private Jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms. Spread across 35,000 square meters, the hotel is an ideal base for those who wish to explore the coast, ski slopes or vibrant downtown Beirut – all of which are within a short drive from the hotel. A destination in itself, Grand Hills offers exclusive entertainment venues including an outdoor venue for up to 320 people and two ballrooms that are suited for celebrations and corporate events, as well as two shopping arcades. Guests at Grand Hills will be surrounded by a tasteful and eclectic selection of more than 1,200 pieces of art, sculptures, antiques and handcrafted furniture. “Grand Hills offers an elevated experience and incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and Zaarour and Sannine Mountains. We are proud to offer our guests the perfect setting for a memorable getaway with our signature Luxury Collection concierge service and refined service, complete rejuvenation at our spa, as well as impressive artwork found throughout the property,” said Giuseppe Ressa, General Manager of Grand Hills, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa. Guests can also choose from a wide range of culinary options, from Pasquale Restaurant which offers Italian-inspired fare to refined French dining at Chez Alain, there are plenty of options to suit every palate. For lighter bites, the Pool Café offers Mediterranean cuisine and for those looking for a more lively setting, Shisha Hills serves light mezze options and a variety of shisha. For memorable meetings, events and social gatherings such as weddings and parties, Grand Hills features close to 3,700 square meters of indoor and outdoor spaces including a private theatre which can accommodate 350 people. — SG