ANZ debut confirmed for Sofitel So brand

ANZ debut confirmed for Sofitel So brand
By admin


Auckland has been confirmed as the site of the Pacific region's first Sofitel So hotel, although the firm continues to search for opportunities to introduce the "designer" brand to Sydney and Melbourne.

Due to open in 2015, Sofitel So Auckland will be the fourth property for the fledgling global brand, joining the Sofitel So Bel Ombre, Sofitel So Bangkok and the Sofitel So Singapore which will open in December.

The 133-room property is owned by the CP Group which operates 11 Accor hotels in New Zealand. Estimated to cost NZ$50 million (AU$44.2m), it will feature a "design signature" by an as yet unconfirmed "famous name" from the world of fashion, art or design.

It will be the fourth Sofitel-branded hotel in New Zealand following the launch of the Sofitel Wellington in 2014.

Sofitel decided on Auckland for the Pacific launch of the new brand based on the "really successful" expansion of its network across New Zealand within the relatively uncluttered international luxury segment, according to a spokesperson. 

"We wanted to make a complete Sofitel network for New Zealand," she said.

But the introduction of the brand to Australia remains a priority, she confirmed, with the firm "actively pursuing" suitable opportunities in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Sofitel area general manager Wouter de Graff described the selection of New Zealand as the first address for the brand  in the Pacific region as an "honour".

"Sofitel's continued growth and expansion in Auckland certainly gives credit to the city's status as the Pacific's next emerging luxury travel destination," he said.

"New Zealand has always been a world-class destination, but perhaps for the first time Auckland is now truly ready to realise its true tourism potential, with continued investment in creative projects like the Sofitel So Auckland poised to redefine hospitality experiences for both local and international visitors alike."

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]