Sardegna Resorts S.r.l., a Smeralda Holding Company wholly-owned by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has signed agreements with LVMH Hospitality Excellence to manage two of the most renowned hotels in Costa Smeralda – Hotel Romazzino and The Hotel Pitrizza.
LVMH Hospitality Excellence belongs to LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s leading luxury groups. Costa Smeralda is located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean and a popular luxury sun destination.
The LVMH brand Belmond will manage the Hotel Romazzino, which will open for the 2024 season as the Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda.
The Hotel Pitrizza will be managed by the LVMH brand Cheval Blanc. The hotel will continue to operate under its current name until 2026, when it will be rebranded as Cheval Blanc Pitrizza, Costa Smeralda, following the completion of a renovation.
Both hotels are located in the heart of Costa Smeralda. They were designed in the 1960s by the architects Luigi Vietti and Michele Busiri Vici, both of whom contributed to the development of Porto Cervo, the seaside resort that anchors the region.
Smeralda Holding Group says the changes are part of its long-term strategy to enhance and enrich Costa Smeralda as a best-in-class destination. This plan was launched in 2017 and includes tourism initiatives, the introduction of major food and beverage operators (Nikki Beach, Zuma, Novikov, Beefbar, Matshisa and more), all while aligning with the unique character and heritage of the destination.
This new partnership will aim to bring further value to the local community by bringing increased employment and development opportunities for staff. All employees will remain employed by Sardegna Resorts S.r.l., which will also retain ownership of the hotels’ property and businesses.