DUBAI, U.A.E. and MCLEAN, Va. – 26 September 2012 - Hilton Worldwide today signed an agreement with long-standing Seychelles business partner, Allamanda Hotel Developments Ltd, for a new resort property on the island of Mahe, Seychelles.  This new signing represents the first DoubleTree by Hilton in the Indian Ocean region and Hilton Worldwide’s third Seychelles hotel. 
 
The property, formerly known as Allamanda Beach Resort & Spa, will undergo a major re-branding and refurbishment programme and will re-open as DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles-Allamanda Resort & Spa in December 2012.       
 
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe & Africa said: “Today’s announcement is another milestone in our successful 12-year partnership with Allamanda Hotel Developments and a timely opportunity to welcome our award winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Indian Ocean. The new property will perfectly complement our existing Seychelles hotels in Mahe and Silhouette Islands and add considerable value to our local resort portfolio.”
 
From its prime beach-facing location on the South East coast of Mahe, Seychelles largest and best known island, the exclusive 30-room property enjoys spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.  The hotel’s picturesque setting also boasts 2.5 hectares of scenic landscaped gardens and a signature spa perched on a large granite boulder surrounded by tropical foliage. Amenities include a restaurant and an all-day bar serving snacks as well as a stunning infinity swimming pool.   
 
Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “This latest DoubleTree by Hilton development in the Seychelles marks another exciting milestone in the ongoing global expansion of our upscale hotel brand.  The DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa is set to become an outstanding addition to this growing collection and we’re looking forward to bringing the brand’s signature combination of warm and welcoming hospitality, high standards and quality accommodation to another of the world’s most sought-after leisure destinations.”  
 
Located seven degrees south of the equator, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles enjoy stable weather conditions with little seasonality change making them a prime year-round leisure destination.  During a long and colourful history, the Seychelles Islands changed hands many times leading to a diverse cultural melting pot which resonates today in the variety of languages spoken as well as the wide range of cuisine styles on offer.   
 
DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles - Allamanda Resort & Spa will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at a fast-growing collection of more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in 23 countries, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.
 
Hussain Afeef of owners Allamanda Hotel Developments said: “We place tremendous value and appreciation on the very special business partnership we have with Hilton Worldwide. We have successfully developed a number of properties together and I am delighted that our professional and productive relationship will continue with this major announcement to bring an outstanding new brand to the local market.”

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
 
 
About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations and more than 300 hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations in 23 countries, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them.

To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travellers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels.  For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Centre at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.