Following its purchase by Dubai-based property firm Select Group earlier this year, it has been announced that Old Thorns Hotel & Resort in Hampshire is to be relaunched under the under Swiss hospitality brand Mövenpick in 2027.
Under an agreement with Select Group, the Liphook-based resort will be managed and operated by French-owned hospitality group Accor, which bought Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in 2018.
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.
The terms of the deal will see Old Thorns renamed Mövenpick Hampshire, with major renovations planned over the next two years with a focus on improving the hotel bedrooms and expanding the wellness, leisure and F&B offering.
The Old Thorns site will be Mövenpick’s first UK venue and forms part of the brand’s European expansion drive following recent openings in Poland, Greece and Italy. Mövenpick currently operates over 130 hotels around the world.
Graham Dodd, VP development for UK & Ireland 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.”
Select Group and Accor are also working on the redevelopment of The Mere hotel in Cheshire, which will relaunch as Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere in late 2026, following a multi-million pound refurbishment.