The announced joint venture between premiere hospitality brands MGM Resorts and Hakkasan heralds new opportunities for travellers, with resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Doha and Cabo San Lucas already in the works.
The new hotel management company says it aims to be the world leader in ‘experimental hospitality’ as it blends the shared legacies of social entertainment with service excellence and renowned fine dining for its new "non-gaming" establishments.
The joint venture will now develop new properties under its Bellagio, Hakkasan, MGM Grand and Skylofts brands.
Hakkasan had already started working on a new luxury resort on Dubai’s manmade Palm Jumeirah island. The beachfront hotel would have been the first hotel venture for the London-based restaurant company, but the upcoming resort will now enter the MGM Hakkasan Hospitality fold.
DOTW News spoke with new MGM Hakkasan Hospitality CEO Neil Moffitt, who also remains CEO of Hakkasan, about the formation of the new brand and what it could entail for future guests.
You have announced that you will pursue resorts in "international gateway cities" – could you specify where these developments will be?
“The group is currently in various stages of development on projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Doha and Cabo San Lucas, among others.”
“The joint venture will also include Hakkasan's previously announced project currently under development on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah - all of the hotel and resort projects currently under development by each group will be contributed to the joint venture.”
Will your new resorts seek to reflect any attributes apparent in the iconic Las Vegas establishments – despite the abscence of gaming facilities?
“Key characteristics of the brands Bellagio, Hakkasan, MGM Grand and SKYLOFTS will be present in each project, but won't be a direct replication of its Las Vegas properties.”
What other innovative attributes will the new developments boast?
“MGM Hakkasan Hospitality will boast many of the worlds’ finest hospitality brands in Bellagio, Hakkasan, MGM Grand and SKYLOFTS. In addition, the inclusion of the Hakkasan brand diversifies the portfolio by adding an upscale boutique concept to the group.”
The involvement of Hakkasan will surely promise great foodie experiences for customers? What will set apart the culinary aspects of the resorts?
“Certainly, Hakkasan Group pioneered modern Cantonese fine dining through its Michelin starred restaurants in London and this will be integral to the brands success.”