Symbolic laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in Munich!

Festive event for a groundbreaking high-rise development: Symbolic laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in Munich

  • Festivities attended by more than 200 guests and prominent representatives from politics
  • Futuristic “Martian” arrives with time capsule
  • Construction of the 4 highrise towers already in advanced stages
  • The 380 million Euro project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018

Munich, June 22, 2017 – Tomorrow starts today! The festive laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in the eastern part of the capital city of Bavaria marked the beginning of one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of Munich. Three office towers and a hotel tower will redefine the skyline of Munich and make an impressive visual statement on the main access to the district of Bogenhausen. The festive event was attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid as well as the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, the architects and others involved in the project alongside the 200 guests from both business and public administration. They accepted the invitation by developer Bayern Projekt and its investment partners Von der Heyden Group und Zurich Group Germany. The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the center of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The White Tower will be leased by the new premium hotel Hyperion and has already been completed up to the 14th floor. The highlight of the event was the „landing“ of a „Martian“, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins to be immured into the foundation stone. Sven Renz, Managing Director of Bayern Projekt GmbH during the ceremony: „As strong as the State of Bavaria, as pioneering as our capital city Munich – the Bavaria Towers will make an important contribution to shaping the new face of Munich and the entire precinct around the eastern gateway to our beautiful city. This important contribution to contemporary urban planning was always a top priority on our agenda and it is the reason why we created an architectural highlight that will make the residents of Munich proud of their city and at the same time will make the quality and standards of tomorrow available to be enjoyed by its occupiers today – in keeping with our motto ‚Tomorrow starts today‘.“

The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The 380 million Euro development at the corner of Einsteinstraße and Prinzregentenstraße is the first highrise development project to have received planning permission in Munich for many years, and only because it does not impact on the city‘s visual axis. The urban significance of the site necessitated many years of development planning with the city administration as well as an architecture tender, which saw the project being awarded to the Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos team of architects. They designed four towers with a pentagonal building shape, which will raise the benchmark in the eastern city fringe to building heights of 46 to 84 metres.

White tower leased by Hyperion Hotel
Three office towers with a total floorspace of 62,000 sqm tenanted areas and a hotel tower leased by H-Hotels‘ new premium brand Hyperion to open in October 2018. The hotel occupies the 54 metre high White Tower and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travellers – the hotel scores with its direct proximity to the Munich exhibition centre. Services geared towards business travellers, such as valet parking, business lounges featuring dedicated check-in and concierge services are among the many highlights offered by this new hotel with its 345 guest rooms. The central (neighbourhood) square will be located between the towers and bestow the entire precinct with a welcoming campus flair boasting inviting facilities and services. The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlights is complemented by 960 car spaces in two underground car parks, office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications.

Construction works progressing well
The construction works at the high-profile project are on track. Sven Renz: „We will complete the building shells for all four towers before the end of the year. Completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.“ The biggest progress has so far been made at the White Tower, with 14 of its 15 floors already completed. 8 out of a total 20 floors have been completed in the 84 metre high Sky Tower, while the Blue Tower has 12 out of 18 completed and the Star Tower 6 out of its total 9. Installation of the facade has already commenced for the lower parts of the White Tower.

Successful marketing campaign
Promising negotiations with prospective tenants interested in the prestigious office spaces at the gateway to Bogenhausen are currently underway. The attractive White Tower with its long lease to tenant H-Hotels AG has already been acquired by Swiss Life Asset Managers in the context of a forward deal. Sven Renz: „There‘s an extraordinary level of interest from prospective tenants for all available spaces and types of floor plans – from single floors to inquiries from large corporations concerning expansive accommodation for their new headquarter offices. We are not ready to disclose any names just yet, but expect to present reputable and renowned tenants in the next few months.“

The project is the brainchild of development company Bayern Projekt GmbH, who have teamed up with the investment partners Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Group Germany to bring this exciting new development to life.

Facts & Figures

Sky Tower
Height: 83,60 m
Number of floors: 20
Gross floorspace: 26.246 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 19. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 380
Certification: DGNB-Gold
Owner: Zurich Insurance plc.

Star Tower
Height: 46,10 m
Number of floors: 9
Gross floorspace: 11.908 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 8. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 140
Certification: DGNB-Gold
Owner: Zurich Insurance plc.

Blue Tower
Height: 72,30 m
Number of floors: 18
Gross floorspace: 24.347 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. upper floor
Underground car park spaces: 300
Certification: LEED-Gold
Owner: Bogenhausener Tor Immobilien GmbH

White Tower
Leased by Hyperion Hotel
Height: 53,60 m
Number of floors: 15
Gross floorspace: 15.150 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 8. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 140
Certification: LEED-Gold
Owner: Swiss Life Asset Managers

Bavaria Towers Ground Breaking – Press Release EN – 22 06 2017

Maltese company invests €154 million in Munich development project

The Valletta-based Von der Heyden Group is investing €154 million in the Bavaria Towers, a €380 million development consisting of three office towers and a hotel tower that will redefine the skyline of Munich.  Described as one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of this German city, the building will make an impressive visual statement on the main access to Munich’s eastern district of Bogenhausen. The building shells for all four towers will be finished before the end of the year, while completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.

The Von der Heyden Group also owns the IBB Hotel Collection which operates hotels in Spain, Malta, Germany and Poland. Last April, IBB announced the restoration and renovation of Senglea’s iconic Maċina Bastion to become the first exclusive Cugó Gran hotel in Malta, opening in mid-summer 2017.  IBB Plazza Merkanti in Valletta will be their second hotel in Malta when it opens its doors in January 2018. Last week, the hotel chain opened its 11th and 12th IBB Hotels in  Ingelheim and Paderborn respectively.

The Munich project consists of three office towers with a total floor space of 62,000 sqm of tenanted areas and a hotel tower leased by H-Hotels‘ new premium brand Hyperion to open in October 2018. The hotel occupies the 54 metre high White Tower, of which 14 of its 15 floors are already completed, and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travelers as it benefits from its direct proximity to the Munich exhibition centre. Services geared towards business travellers, such as valet parking, business lounges featuring dedicated check-in and concierge services are among the many highlights offered by this new hotel with its 345 guest rooms.

The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlight also includes office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. Two underground car parks offer 960 car spaces. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications. The project is the brainchild of development company Bayern Projekt GmbH, who have teamed up with the investment partners Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Group Germany to bring this exciting new development to life.

Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group, said: “The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The Bavaria Towers will be making an important contribution to contemporary urban planning as they create an architectural highlight that will make the residents of Munich proud of their city and at the same time will make the quality and standards of tomorrow available to be enjoyed by its occupiers today.”

The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the centre of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The highlight of the festive event, attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid, the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, and over 200 guests, was ‘the landing of a Martian’, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins that were immured into the foundation stone.

The IBB portfolio includes business and resort hotels in the three-, four- and five-star category. Providing leasing, management and franchise contracts and investing in attractive operator free properties, the hotel company has ambitious growth plans, focusing on the countries where it is already active.

Von der Heyden Group welcomes on board Mr Luke Coppini!

We are pleased to announce that Mr Luke Coppini has joined the Von der Heyden Group as Group Chief Financial Officer and will be appointed as a management board member of TIMAN Investments Holdings Ltd. as of the 18th of September 2017.

Luke Coppini has gained vast experience in the field of finance during the last more than 30 years of his professional career serving the last 5 years as CEO of MIDI plc., a large Maltese public Real Estate Development Company. Under Luke´s supervision as CEO, MIDI has successfully developed Q1 and Q2 residential towers as well as the T14 Office Building. Before being appointed CEO of MIDI plc., he held the position of CFO of the same company, where he had a significant role in the residential and commercial development at Tigne Point opposite of Valletta.

Prior to his time at MIDI, Luke Coppini worked at the Mizzi Organisation in executive positions.

In Von der Heyden Group, Luke Coppini will be ultimately responsible for the Group’s Financing and Financial Reporting, which also includes IBB Hotel Collection.

Mr Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza will be promoted to Senior Executive Director and will be responsible for Strategy, Investment and Controlling for the entire Group and will remain at the same time an executive board member of TIMAN Investments Holdings Ltd.

On the new appointment, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group said: ‘We are very pleased to have Luke in our team, who compliments our profile perfectly. During the last 3 years I got to know Luke as a calm and level headed professional with lots of experience in Real Estate Development, which still remains our core business.’

He went on further to thank Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza for his loyal and hard-working support during the last 11 years also in challenging times: ‘Javier and I spearheaded the Von der Heyden Group for more than 10 years together now and have weathered many storms but also celebrated great successes together. I am happy that Javier is promoted to take on Investment, Strategy and Investment Control of the entire Group.’

‘I am honoured to have been selected to form part of the executive team at Von der Heyden Group’, Mr Luke Coppini said, ‘I look forward to working in this young and dynamic group with a successful history and ambitious plans for the coming years.’

Von der Heyden Group are excited about our future, the recent 25 mln Euro bond issue on the Maltese stock exchange, which was subscribed by more than 1.300 local investors and a few institutions, has been a great support in helping Von der Heyden Group and IBB Hotel Collection to grow to spheres we have carefully analysed and prepared.

VDHG Press Release 7 07 2017

FIRST MAJOR LEASE: EGYM LEASES 6.000 SQM OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE BAVARIA TOWERS MUNICH

  • 10-year-lease agreement signed
  • High-tech company in the fitness and health business will occupy 4 floors in the Blue Tower
  • Developers currently in advanced talks to conclude further leases

A major lease has been signed for one of the most spectacular real estate projects in Munich. Bayern Projekt GmbH has concluded for the Bavaria Towers in the east of the regional capital, a long-term office lease agreement with eGym covering 6.000 sqm of office space.

The high-tech company in the fitness and health business will move its headquarters, after completion of the four-tower project end of 2018, to floors 1 to 4 of the Blue Tower belonging to investor Von der Heyden Group. The tenant has been advised by Igenus Immobilien and Bayern Projekt by Colliers International.

Sven Renz, Managing Director of the real estate developer Bayern Projekt says: ‘The Bavaria Towers are one of the most spectacular developments in recent years in Munich. With construction progressing we simultaneously see a strong demand for office space and it is with great pleasure that we can now announce the conclusion of this major lease with the innovative and successful eGym in line with our leasing strategy.’

Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group says: ‘We are delighted to welcome eGym to Bavaria Towers, after the successful complete lease-up of the White Tower to H-Hotels we are now starting to harvest the fruits after a 12-year long journey. My sincere thanks to all our consultants and in particular to Bayern Projekt.’

The conclusion of the lease comes on the back of other milestones surrounding the mega-project comprising a total of 62.000 sqm of office space in its three 46 to 84-meter office towers. For the 15.600 sqm hotel building White Tower the tenant H-Hotels recently announced that it will open Munich’s first Hyperion Hotel covering 15 floors. With the move of eGym, which through the digitalization of training facilities contributes to the optimal functioning of gyms for all user groups, the group of tenants is further expanding.

Currently Bayern Projekt is in advanced talks with various other large interested tenants. Markus Turrek, Executive Project Manager at Bayern Projekt: ‘We are convinced that in the next weeks to months further major leases can be announced.’

Bavaria Towers completed soon

The construction works on Munich’s new landmark project are progressing in line with expectations. The main construction of the buildings has been finalized and the finishes of the inner parts as well as the technical installations is in an advanced stage. Full completion of the project is expected for end of 2018. With the Bavaria Towers, one of the most important real estate developments of Munich in the last decade become a reality, that will redefine the eastern part of the city.

The 380 million Euro project at the crossroads of Einsteinstrasse and Prinzregentenstrasse is the first high-rise project in many years being developed in Munich. The initiator of the project is Bayern Projekt GmbH, which is realizing the project after more than 12 years of preparation time together with the investors Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Insurance Group Germany. The construction started two and a half years ago.

Press release – 24.04.2018

Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Malta officially opens!

IBB Hotel Collection, a subsidiary of Von der Heyden Group, an international recognised developer and investor in bespoke Hotel developments, on May 3, 2018 celebrated the opening of the legendary Macina as Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour. This signals the arrival of a new home for visitors seeking a new-world charm in one of Malta’s historical and walled cities, Senglea, which forms part of the famous three-cities opposite the capital of Valletta

The opening ceremony was held on the property’s rooftop event venue, The Sheer Bastion, which unfolds breath-taking views along with a sweep of history dating back to the 16th century and hosted many dignitaries from Malta and abroad, among others Malta’s honourable Prime Minister – Dr Joseph Muscat.

Built in 1554 by the Knights of St. John, Macina has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864.

The Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour has 21 rooms and each them has its own unique design, moulded according to the design of the bastion. The furniture is mostly modern, but there are some quirky additions – such as a basin with spectacular views overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Cugó Gran Macina is also the first member of Design Hotels in Malta – a select group of boutique and design-luxury driven hotels around the world and forms part of SPG´s worldwide loyalty program.

More information about the openning of Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour, please see with the kind courtesy of:

IBB celebrates opening of legendary Macina in a new avatar

IBB Hotel Collection, an international leader in bespoke developments, celebrated the opening of the legendary Macina as Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, signaling the arrival of a new home for visitors seeking a new-world charm in one of Malta’s historical and walled cities, Senglea.

Cugó Gran Macina is also the first member of Design Hotels in Malta. The star-studded opening ceremony was held on the property’s rooftop event venue, The Sheer Bastion, which unfolds breathtaking views along with a sweep of history dating back to the 16th century. IBB Hotel Collection Chairman Sven von der Heyden welcomed the Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat and host of dignitaries from Malta and abroad.

Sven von der Heyden said: ”We are honoured to be part of the Macina story, which historically contributed to Senglea’s title ‘Citta’ Invicta’ (Unconquered City). After 40,000 total man hours and a multimillion euro investment on restoration and rehabilitation, it is a great feeling to see such an iconic 16 th -century building come to life again for people to experience and be another step closer to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, located in Senglea’s iconic Macina Bastion, enjoyed a soft opening in December 2017 and now, after an 18-month renovation, all the 21 fully-appointed suites are open to guests. The IBB Hotel Collection, operates hotels under lease, management and franchise contracts with three different own-brands: Cugó Gran, IBB Hotel and IBB Blue Hotel.

Vladimir Saal, CEO of IBB Hotel Collection, said: “IBB opened four hotels during the last 12 months, but nothing can be compared to the passion and the attention to detail that was necessary for the opening of this new gem of our hotel collection. We are very proud of the transformation process of this important development project at Grand Harbour. Now we can fully concentrate on the opening of our new IBB Hotel Valletta Merkanti adjacent to Suq tal-Belt.”

Built in 1554, during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, Macina has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864. Today, the Cugó Gran Macina is aiming high by aspiring to be a landmark of a different class: a luxury boutique accommodation that will be a showpiece on the historic Cottonera seafront.

More than 500 invited guests peered from The Sheer Bastion which features unique panoramic views of Valletta and the Three Cities. The venue is part of the Hammett’s Collection of the eponymous Chris Hammett, a 24-time award winning restaurateur. It can host up to 1,000 guests standing or 300 seated in a spectacular setting and is likely to become Malta’s foremost destination for corporate meetings, weddings, and other celebrations.

Guests also experienced the history and transformation of the building via short films. A celebratory plaque was unveiled by the Prime Minister in the presence of Chairman, CEO and other senior IBB officials.

IBB Hotel Collection is a subsidiary of Von der Heyden Group, a Valletta-based real estate development, investment and group of hotels, with special interest in redevelopment projects.

Currently operating 11 hotels in Germany, Poland and Spain, the hotel collection has ambitious growth plans for the upcoming years.

Source: www.livenewsmalta.com

Macina officially opens as all-suite hotel

IBB Hotel Collection on Thursday celebrated the opening of the legendary Macina as Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea.

Cugó Gran Macina is also the first member of Design Hotels in Malta.

The opening ceremony was held on the property’s rooftop event venue, The Sheer Bastion, part of the Hammett’s Collection of the eponymous Chris Hammett, a 24-time award winning restaurateur.

The 16th century building required 40,000 total man hours and a multimillion euro investment on restoration and rehabilitation to turn it into a hotel offering 21 suites, which chairman Sven von Heyden said had brought it “another step closer to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site”.

Built in 1554, during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, Macina has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864.

IBB Hotel Collection is a subsidiary of Von der Heyden Group, a Valletta-based real estate development, investment and group of hotels, which is now working on the new IBB Hotel Valletta Merkanti adjacent to Suq tal-Belt.

Source: www.timesofmalta.com

Inside The New Luxury Hotel Carved Into A Senglea Bastion

Malta’s newest luxury hotel officially launched last night, and it is unlike anything the country has yet to offer – with all the opulence of a snazzy hotel but carved inside a 16th century bastion in Senglea.

The building now housing the Cugo Gran Macina hotel was built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, after whom Senglea is named. It was originally used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo onto ships docked in the Grand Harbour, and was later used as the headquarters of the Labour Party between the 1970s and the 1990s.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat gave a light-hearted nod to this part of the building’s history when launching the hotel yesterday.
“I remember I was on one of my first dates with Michelle but needed to pop down to the Macina for a brief ten-minute meeting. Michelle agreed to come down with me, probably because she didn’t have a lift, but the ten-minute meeting ended up lasting an hour if not longer,” he said. “When I told my daughters this anecdote as we passed by the Macina, they asked me why I left mummy waiting inside a stuffy old room. Well, now I can tell them that I left her waiting inside a five-star hotel.”
The hotel is the work of the IBB Hotel Collection, owned by the von der Heyden business group.

“We are honoured to be part of the Macina story, which historically contributed to Senglea’s title ‘Citta Invicta’ (Unconquered City),” IBB Hotels chairman Sven von der Heyden said. “After 40,000 man hours and a multimillion euro investment on restoration and rehabilitation, it is a great feeling to see such an iconic 16th century building come to life again for people to experience and be another step closer to being a UNESCO world heritage site.”

There are only 21 rooms in the hotel, but each one has its own unique design and is moulded according to the design of the bastion. The furniture itself is mostly modern, but there are some quirky additions – such as a basin with spectacular views overlooking the Grand Harbour. Prices range from €250 to €400 a night.
Cugo Gran Macina is also the first Maltese member of Design Hotels – a select group of boutique and design-luxury driven hotels around the world

Source: www.lovinmalta.com

Second Major Lease in the Bavaria Towers: 5,400 SQM of office space leased to high-tech giant from Silicon Valley

Bavaria Towers still on course for success: high-tech giant from Silicon Valley leases 5,400 m² office space in the Blue Tower

• 10-year lease contract with an option to lease expansion space
• Smart and rapidly expanding US-based high-tech company
• Other lease contracts in final negotiation

Bavaria Towers is one of the most spectacular real estate projects in Munich and is on course for further success: the developer Bayern Projekt GmbH has recently concluded a new long-term lease for 5,400 m² lettable area in the property complex located in the east of the state capital. The lease with a US-based high-tech giant includes an option to lease expansion space. The IT company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, one of the most important locations in the IT and high-tech sector, and will relocate its Munich office to four floors in the Blue Tower at Bavaria Towers from February 2019, with an option to lease further space. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of graphics processors and micro chipsets. The letting was brokered by Colliers International. Sven Renz, Managing Director of the developer Bayern Projekt, is excited about the deal: “The development of Bavaria Towers is one of Germany’s most visionary real estate projects under the mission statement ‘tomorrow starts today’. The fact that a high-growth high-tech company from Silicon Valley has selected the Blue Tower as the location for its Munich office is unequivocal proof of the attractiveness of the complex for the future-orientated IT sector, which lays great store by a pleasant and innovative working environment for its workforce, in view of the shortage of qualified staff.”

The new tenant in Bavaria Towers is one of the world’s leading high-tech companies, specialising in graphics processors and micro chipsets, which has recently firmly positioned itself in the fields of artificial intelligence, gaming and components for autonomous cars. The deal is the second major lease to be concluded over the last few weeks and is the most recent success story surrounding the landmark project. Bavaria Towers comprises a total of 62,000 m² lettable area in three office towers plus a hotel high-rise with 15,600 m², known as the White Tower. The buildings are between 46 m and 84 m high and are an impressive addition to the skyline of the Bavarian state capital. Bayern Projekt says that the marketing of the property is on a roll: “We have a large number of serious enquiries from tenants looking to lease our complex, and as construction progresses the project is becoming ever more visible and highly sought-after on the Munich property market. We are sure to announce further major lettings to anchor tenants over the next few weeks”, explains Markus Turrek, commercial project leader and signing officer at Bayern Projekt GmbH.

The investor Von der Heyden Group is also delighted with the current project status: “We are now on the home straight towards the completion of Bavaria Towers and the conclusion of the second major lease contract is a decisive milestone in the 12-year history of this extraordinary project”, says Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group. “We are very confident that we will let the remaining space in the upper floors during the course of the next few months and I would already like to extend my thanks on behalf of all the owners to the teams at Bayern Projekt GmbH and Colliers International Deutschland GmbH for the very successful collaboration.”

Bavaria Towers redefine Munich’s East
Building works on Munich’s new premium property are proceeding according to plan, and the internal fit-out and installation of technical building services are already at an advanced stage. The €380 million building complex at the corner of Einsteinstrasse/ Prinzregentenstrasse will not only be one of Munich’s largest development projects but will also visually redefine the eastern gateway to the city centre. The initiator of Bavaria Towers is Bayern Projekt GmbH, which is developing the project after over 10 years of preliminary works and planning together with the investors Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Gruppe Deutschland. Completion is planned for year-end 2018.

Cugo Gran, Menorca, Islas Baleares in Spain

Words by Codelia Mantsebo

Cugo Gran perfectly captures the serene style of the idyllic countryside of Menorca. Providing a sublime experience against a backdrop of immaculately manicured gardens, azure sea views and vineyards, this boutique hotel transports you to a tranquil slice of heaven as soon as you enter its traditional Menorcan wooden gates…

The cypress tree lined driveway to the hotel sets the tone for a vast landscape dotted with trees, wonderfully manicured shrubbery and panoramic Mediterranean Sea views.

Perched above elegant terraces that look out onto natural scenes, the 12 bedroom country house, which can also be rented in its entirety sleeping up to 24 guests, is dressed in chic neutral tones that make the contrasting green gardens and the blues of sky and distant sea appear all the brighter.

You won’t find avant-garde artworks or gaudy interiors here. That isn’t the focus at Cugo Gran, art pieces are outshined by some of nature’s finest work.
With a talented gardener maintaining the grounds, the estate has its own vineyard, lavender fields, orchards and vegetable gardens. Donkeys, geckos and tortoises which quietly roam the grounds add to that natural glory.

An initial glimpse of the property does not reveal its old age. After years of renovation, the 200-year-old Menorcan farmhouse was transformed into an upscale, luxury country house offering peace and tranquillity, with exceptional attention to detail – a masterclass in modern Mediterranean good taste.

Although just 15 minutes away from the airport, the atmosphere of this secluded country estate is totally serene. The sounds of landing and taking-off planes are replaced by harmonic cicada rhythm, and an air of calm peacefulness.

Harry, the general manager, greeted us upon arrival with refreshing cocktails local to Menorca – followed by slightly disappointing news that our room wasn’t quite ready yet.

It wasn’t long before we were walking though the gardens to the 26m infinity pool (which by the way, has butlers appearing every 40 minutes with chilled towels and refreshing drinks). We waited patiently while taking in the relaxing views from the sun decks.

There are seven rooms in the main building, and five in the boyera outbuildings which all have their own gated gardens. Each room is named after local areas or flowers and shrubs – beautifully decorated and full of light, with pale open wooden beams and natural wood floors.

Serenely rustic interiors lend this villa an elegant country cottage appeal. Our room, Poglia, located in the main house, offered picturesque views from the terrace. It was elegantly furnished, with crisp luxurious linens, towels and toiletries from The White Company. The refined, yet simple comforts made the perfect home from home.

While this Spanish gem has stunning scenery, it’s the attentive and enthusiastic staff that made our stay special. Nothing appeared to be too much trouble for them, and this is what truly makes Cugo Gran stand out.

They’ve mastered the right balance between giving you your space to enjoy your stay in a beautiful location, but also an unobtrusive team who’s always willing to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Each morning, we’d start our day with a lovely spread for breakfast outside, overlooking the gardens and the sea in the distance. There’s no written breakfast menu, but the kitchen was always pleased to satisfy our morning cravings.

I almost-always opted for freshly made poached eggs from the chickens they have on site, though the pancakes with strawberries freshly picked from the garden were equally delicious. If you can wake up early enough, you can see (or join) the chef collect fresh eggs, vegetables and herbs directly from the grounds.

For dinner, we enjoyed spectacular sunset views along with the freshest seasonal and local ingredients – of course, much of it sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. We ordered from the villa’s new menu, created by head chef Roberto Sarrió.

The menu featured several Menorcan dishes with a contemporary twist, including signature rice dishes such as ‘Paella with rabbit and Menorcan prawns’ – which was divine. The menu changes seasonally, but do opt for the fresh catch of the day if available – you’ll not be disappointed.

Sadly, dinner isn’t served on Mondays – but the well informed staff are very happy to recommend the best local restaurants.

The only certified 5 star Agroturismo in Menorca, Cugo Gran is so cleverly thought out, an ideal location for those with a penchant for all things natural and those wishing to escape the bustle of everyday life.

It’s hard to describe this boutique villa – but it is not easily forgotten. The birdsong, the calm breeze, the glorious scents in the air and the breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see remain so vivid in my memory.

Rooms start from €450 for a two-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Address: Cugó Gran, Camí Sa Forana s/n, 07712 Sant Climent,Maó – Mahon, Menorca, Islas Baleares, Spain
Phone: +34 671 528 958

Source: luxurylifestylemag.co.uk

Luxury Lifestyle Magazine 20 08 2018

Recruitment Day at ITS Luqa, Malta

Today, the Von der Heyden Group, IBB Hotel Collection, managing company for Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour and IBB Hammett’s Operations Ltd joined over 20 of some of Malta’s most pioneering hospitality companies in this year’s Industry – Student Meet Up held at the new Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Luqa. Amongst the different reputable organisations, Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour was the only boutique hotel in the industry hosting 21 suites, offering unique and exciting opportunities in the field of hospitality. The Von der Heyden Group, IBB Hotel Collection, Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour and IBB Hammett’s Operations Ltd look forward to proceeding further with some of Malta’s most promising talent in the industry.