Curio Collection by Hilton to debut in M’sia with Nautilus Resort Langkawi

O The resort is expected to open in 2023 with 250 rooms

KUALA LUMPUR: Hotel operator Hilton has signed a 15-year management agreement with Inspirasi Langkawi Sdn Bhd to build The Nautilus Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 250-room hotel on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia.

Targeted to launch in 2023, The Nautilus Resort is set to be the first property under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in Malaysia, and Hilton’s first property on Langkawi. The resort will join Hilton’s established portfolio of hotels in Malaysia where it currently operates 11 properties across three brands.

Curio Collection by Hilton global head Jenna Hackett said since its launch in 2014, Curio Collection by Hilton has piqued interest in the international development community for its diverse portfolio of handpicked hotels.

“From urban landmarks to beautiful beach resorts, each Curio Collection property is a one-of-akind discovery and an integral part of its destination. With Langkawi boasting South East Asia’s first Unesco Geopark and its reputation as the ultimate island escape, we are confident The Nautilus Resort will be a great addition to this popular leisure destination as well as to our collection of unique hotels and resorts,” she said in a statement.

Hilton senior vice president, development, Asia & Australasia Guy Phillips said it is always on the lookout for the right opportunity to expand its footprint across the region with the right partners.

“We are confident the resort will be top of mind for international and domestic travellers to Langkawi when it opens in 2023,” Phillips said.

Upon opening, The Nautilus Resort will feature three food and beverage outlets, including an allday dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a rooftop bar. Young travellers can spend their days in the kids’ club, while the adults relax in the pool or work out in the fitness centre. The property will also offer an events space spanning 680 square metres and a ballroom of 350 square metres.

Inspirasi Langkawi CEO Naina Mohamed Sultan Abdul Kadir said Hilton has a reputation across the industry in delivering solid performance.

“As a company, their values are aligned with ours. We are delighted to be partnering with them to launch our first internationally-branded resort in Langkawi.

“With the strength of Hilton’s commercial engine and the commitment of their team to deliver great guest experiences in their hotels, we have every reason to believe The Nautilus Resort will be well received by visitors.”

Hilton regional general manager, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam Jamie Mead said Malaysia as a market holds huge opportunities for the hotel, with 30 million international visitor arrivals anticipated by 2020.

“Aligned with this projection, we are seeing increasing interest by both international domestic visitors in secondary and tertiary locations within the market and it is exciting for us to be bringing our international hospitality standards into Langkawi. The Nautilus Resort will join our Southeast Asia portfolio as the second Curio Collection property in the region.”

The Nautilus Resort will be part of Hilton Honors, the guest-loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands.