Dubai-based luxury hospitality brand Essque Hotels has signed its first management contract in Africa with Zalu Resort and Spa, located on Zanzibar’s tropical east coast in Tanzania.

As per the agreement,  Essque will manage the five-star retreat, scheduled to open in 2010, on behalf of Maisha, an Italian hotel development company.

Essque Zalu resort includes 40 ocean front suites and nine private villas, three specialty restaurants, gallery space and a branded spa.

Severino Lolli, managing director, Maisha and Danny Haddad, chief executive officer, Essque Hotels, signed the agreement in Zanzibar in the presence of Marco Comensoli, Group director development, Essque Hotels and Pietro Bercelli, project manager, Maisha.

“It was imperative for us to partner with a hotel operator who clearly understood our vision of creating a distinctive luxury product,” said Lolli.

“Essque Hotels’ clear and flexible approach to development and growth strategy, combined with a 360-degree delivery of the highest standards of hospitality will position Essque Zalu as a sought after destination in Zanzibar,” he added.

“Essque is delighted to have been selected by Maisha to manage their latest hotel. This is an important endorsement of our ability to provide world class hotel management services at locations across the globe,” said Haddad.

"This agreement firmly establishes our credentials, and the resort will deliver on our commitment to offering individualised luxury destinations, in both emerging and established markets, for discerning individuals who value authenticity over ostentation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service