Lm3m upgrade for Qawra hotel

The New Dolmen Hotel, in Qawra is to be refurbished early next year in a Lm3 million project, Tumas Group managing director George Fenech said yesterday.

He said the programme would be "bridging a gap" before another major development is carried out on the property in the future.

In 2001, a major project had been proposed which involved the creation of an inlet through the central section of the hotel, a new waterfront and surrounding promenade - and Mr Fenech gave his assurances yesterday that the company was still working on it. Although there were no concrete time frames, the idea had not been shelved, he said.

Meanwhile, the resort hotel on the Qawra coastline had to be upgraded to remain a leading four-star property in the area.

The redevelopment project includes the construction of 23 seaview suites, eight superior rooms and the refurbishment of another 150 accommodation facilities.

A new penthouse suite floor is being built in a Mediterranean revival style and the rooms, each equipped with individual facilities, are being designed to enjoy the use of spacious terraces overlooking the views.

Since its humble origins in 1986, the New Dolmen Hotel has grown to incorporate 380 rooms and 47 luxury apartments, as well as the Oracle Conference Centre and the Amazonia Beach Club.

Following the refurbishment programme, it would be the hotel with the most facilities, including the casinò and a new spa which is taking over the 600 square metre leisure centre, general manager Alex Pace said.

The spa centre is being operated by Myo Ka, in collaboration with Kenzo, to provide innovative treatments based on a concept that is not only new to Malta but also to most of Europe.

Being an eco-certified hotel, there will be an element of environmental protection. Body heat sensors are being installed in rooms so that lights go out if no one is present, noise pollution is being catered for and more reverse osmosis and drainage recycling plants are being built.

Mr Fenech said the redevelopment project was expected to create countless opportunities for businesses and suppliers, boosting the country's drive to upgrade its tourism infrastructure.

Noel Agius has just been appointed business development manager to upgrade the food and beverage outlets and possibly introduce new ones.

The hotel (but not the casinò) will be shut between the beginning of January and end of February. Its doors are expected to re-open in March to welcome a number of high-profile, international conferences.

Ironically, it would be changing its name to Dolmen Resort Hotel, dropping the "New", Mr Fenech said.