The resort will be Hyatt’s second hotel in South Africa, following Hyatt Regency Johannesburg which opened in October 1995.

The M.A. Kharafi Group acquired the Oubaai site in 2000, which is situated on 263 hectares of prime real estate with sea and mountain views, with the express purpose of developing a premier luxury Golf and lifestyle estate.  In 2007 the estate was awarded the Best Resort in South Africa by the International Property Awards and best golf resort in the Southern Cape by Professional Management Review.

The M.A. Kharafi Group has invested in excess of ZAR, 650,000,000 (US$86 million) to date in the  Oubaai site, this will increase to in excess of ZAR 920,000,000 (US$115 million) upon completion of the hotel and retail complex, anticipated in 4th quarter of 2009.

Mohamed Fahmy, Managing Director of MAK Hotel Holdings, a member of the M.A.Kharafi Group, commented:

“Hyatt’s commitment to luxury and its international presence has given us the initiative to take the group on board as the hotel of choice for Oubaai. We are confident that the global travellers coming to South Africa in 2010 will be able to experience a one-of-a-kind African getaway with the availability of first-class leisure facilities.”

Hyatt Regency Oubaai will be part of the picturesque Oubaai Golf and Lifestyle Center, a 128-hectare upscale residential and golf development on the Garden Route, which extends along the Western Cape from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Overlooking the Indian Ocean on Harold’s Bay, the development will also feature Ernie Els’ first 18-hole championship golf course in South Africa and a Lifestyle Centre and Golf Academy. The resort is located just five minutes from George Airport, in an area renowned for its pristine beaches and indigenous forests and nature reserves. 

The development will also consist of residential villas and apartments and an upscale shopping centre.

Leading names for the design of the Hyatt Regency Oubaai have been selected, which include Quadtrisir Architects and Lionel Levin as the interior designer.

The development’s 18-hole links-style Ernie Els designed golf course was completed two years ago and is now fully operational. The majority of the residential and individual plots located within the development are now sold and under construction.

Additionally, a Lifestyle Centre is already under operation which encompasses, among other amenities, a sport shop, tennis court, swimming pool, squash court.

Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director of Hyatt Europe, Africa and the Middle East commented:

“South Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing holiday and business destinations with endless opportunities for visitors of all interests. 

The opening of Hyatt Regency Oubaai is part of Global Hyatt’s initiative to expand its brand in Africa. We are particularly proud to be associated with this development, in an idyllic setting overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The opening of our second property in South Africa will increase Hyatt’s presence in the region, and we look forward to welcoming our loyal guests to South Africa.”