Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties, has acquired the historic Castello di Antognolla in Umbria, Italy, for $55 million, with plans to invest an additional $145 million to transform the 12th-century castle and its surrounding estate into a luxury resort. The project will be developed under Alabbar’s personal capacity and aims to establish a premier luxury destination that integrates heritage with modern hospitality and sustainability concepts.
The Castello di Antognolla development includes a 71-room hotel featuring 16 suites within the castle itself, complemented by more than 70 private luxury residences.
The resort will also encompass a 3,000 square meter wellness and longevity center, a gourmet restaurant, a culinary school, a polo club, an equestrian center, and an organic farm dedicated to producing olive oil and wine. These facilities will be set across the sprawling 560-hectare estate, which includes an existing 18-hole golf course that has been recognized with Italy’s top golf awards.
The resort is expected to join the Six Senses brand network by 2026, making it the second Six Senses location in Italy after Rome, emphasizing luxury combined with sustainability. The project targets a boost in high-end tourism in Umbria, anticipating a 15% increase in luxury visitors within three years of opening, which will benefit local sectors such as hospitality, craftsmanship, and agriculture.
Alabbar’s interest in luxury international hospitality extends beyond Italy. Earlier in 2024, he announced plans for significant investment in Madagascar’s emerging tourism sector, where he sees vast potential due to improving infrastructure and the government’s aim to attract over 500,000 tourists annually.
However, the political situation there remains uncertain following a military takeover after parliamentary actions against the sitting president.
The Italian restoration respects the castle’s architectural heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements to enhance the guest experience. The project also features eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure elements consistent with global luxury travel trends.
This new resort development confirms Mohamed Alabbar’s continued commitment to high-profile international investments beyond his regional base in the UAE and Abu Dhabi, especially through his company Eagle Hills, focusing on luxury real estate and tourism projects worldwide.
Image Credit – CNN
