“In 2022, I had the privilege of visiting San Pellegrino Terme together with our partners from the Stilo Group (real estate of the Percassi Group, ed.). During that visit, I was deeply fascinated by the Grand Hotel. Its important history, extraordinary architectural beauty and unique location made a great impression on me. From that moment, I felt the need to bring the hotel back to life and restore its ancient splendor”. This is how Ebbie Khan Nakhjavani, the CEO of the Californian real estate group EKN Development – which will take care of the recovery of the Grand Hotel in San Pellegrino – describes the sensations he had when she saw, for the first time, the Art Nouveau giant of the Brembana Valley.
A true “love at first sight” that pushed the entrepreneur to make an offer to the Municipality of San Pellegrino Terme for the completion of the recovery and management of the Grand Hotel, for the next 99 years, which will thus have 118 rooms, a spa, a fine dining restaurant, luxury shops, a library bar, bowling greens and much more (HERE are the details of the project), for an investment of 64 million euros.
But the American CEO is (almost) a regular in the Brembana Valley: “I already knew the Brembana Valley from a tourism perspective before this project,” says Nakhjavani.“ I have always been fascinated by its beautiful landscapes, charming villages and the warm hospitality of the locals. The strengths of the Brembana Valley are its breathtaking natural beauty, which offers a relaxing escape and a variety of outdoor activities. Its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship further enhance its appeal, offering visitors authentic and memorable experiences. However, promoting and developing unique tourism offerings, while preserving the character of the territory, will be key. The Brembana Valley can elevate its status as a first-rate destination, both for relaxation and for excursions.”
Will nature and craftsmanship be enough to fill the luxurious rooms of the future Grand Hotel of San Pellegrino Terme, especially considering the absence of the Casino that (in the golden years of the Art Nouveau giant) brought a certain type of high-spending clientele? “Our vision,” the Californian CEO emphasizes, “ is to create a ‘global sanctuary’ that attracts visitors from every corner of the world. Our target clientele will have diverse backgrounds, but they will all share a refined appreciation for exclusivity, serenity and refinement. These guests will be looking for more than luxury accommodations; they will come for exquisite cuisine, exceptional wine and, above all, the best immersive spa experience the world has to offer. Instead of ‘a casino offering’, we are placing a strong emphasis on total wellness, where guests can rejuvenate both body and soul through a holistic approach. Harnessing the renowned therapeutic properties of San Pellegrino’s magical healing waters, we aim to attract those seeking revitalization and restoration in an environment of unparalleled elegance and tranquility.”
Will there be a direct channel between Americans/Californians and the Brembana Valley? “ We intend to promote the Grand Hotel and the Brembana Valley heavily, both to Californians and Americans. I am sure they will find much to admire in the Brembana Valley. Californians, in particular, will appreciate the contrast with their coastal and urban environments , finding a quiet refuge in the natural beauty of the area.”
The management of the Grand Hotel will be entrusted “to another company, with a strong track record in managing hotels in Italy. However, EKN Development remains actively involved in overseeing the management of its hotels after their opening. We partner with trusted management companies to ensure smooth operations, while maintaining our commitment to luxury and excellence. This approach allows us to maintain the high standards we set for each property, while leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals to deliver an exceptional guest experience.”
A truly historic moment for the entire Brembana Valley, which will also have a very important employment impact on the territory, a fact that Nakhjavani is aware of: “We will probably need something like 80-120 employees, creating job opportunities that benefit both the local community and the rest of the territory. The reopening of the Grand Hotel will truly be a historic moment and a significant boost for local and valley employment. We are committed to hiring members of the local community to contribute to the success of the hotel and to help integrate into the community. This approach will not only support the local workforce, but will also attract new families.”
And the timing? “We expect it to take three to four years from the signing of the definitive agreement with the Municipality of San Pellegrino Terme to realize our vision of the Grand Hotel. This timeline includes all phases of the project, from initial planning and design to completion of construction and final preparations. During this period, we will focus on transforming our vision into reality, ensuring that every detail is in line with our commitment to excellence. This is our first venture into the fascinating regions of Europe – underlines the CEO – EKN Development plans to expand its presence across the continent in the years to come, embracing growth and enhancing its impact with each new opportunity.
EKN Development is not new to luxury hotels, as Nakhjavani points out: “The most recent was the renovation of the Rochester Hotel Indigo, adjacent to and serving the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. With the Grand Hotel, we are embarking on our first historic renovation project. This milestone represents a significant step in our journey, combining our expertise in modern development with a deep respect for historic preservation. The restoration of the Grand Hotel will be a testament to our commitment to reviving and celebrating architectural heritage while integrating contemporary luxury and sustainability. This project will not only showcase our ability to transform historic properties, but will also set a new standard of excellence in preserving and reinventing iconic landmarks.”
Source: La Voce delle Valli
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