Accor to launch UK’s first Mövenpick hotel and resort

Accor is to launch its first UK hotel under Swiss hospitality brand Mövenpick with the opening of Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns in late 2027.

The Old Thorns Estate in Liphook, Hampshire will be transformed into a 194-bedroom hotel and resort with a championship golf course, 2,500 sq m of conference and meeting spaces, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, and a ballroom accommodating over 500 guests.

Renovations are expected to take place over the next two years, with a focus on improving the guestrooms and expanding the wellness, leisure and F&B offering.

The property sits in 30 acres of Hampshire countryside and was acquired by the Dubai-based real estate firm Select Group earlier this year.

It will be managed and operated by Accor under an agreement with Select Group.

Mövenpick was founded in 1948 by Swiss restaurateur Ueli Prager and has since grown into a portfolio of over 130 hotels globally in over 40 countries. Its ice cream business was acquired by Nestlé in 2003.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts was bought by Accor 2018 and is now part of its premium brand portfolio.

The signing forms part of the brand’s European expansion drive, following on from recent Mövenpick openings in Poland, Greece and Italy.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK & Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market. Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests. The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”

Israr Liaqat, group chief executive of Select Group, added: “Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”

Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns will join Accor’s existing portfolio of more than 200 hotels across the UK and Ireland.