Mantra opens first property in Asia

The Mantra Group has opened its first hotel in Asia, with the Bali resort hailed as the first step in its regional expansion.

The 172-room Mantra Nusa Dua Bali partially opened in March with the first wing of accommodation accepting guests. But now all rooms are complete, as are food and beverage outlets and leisure facilities which include a spa, fitness club, indoor and outdoor pool along with a pool bar and lounge.

The property also features conference space for up to 400 delegates with eight meeting rooms and board rooms along with a dedicated business centre.

It is the result of a partnership with MJB Hoteliers with Mantra confirming it will continue to work with MJB on further development and acquisition opportunities in Bali over the next 12 months for all three of its brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree.

“We see Indonesia as a very attractive growth destination – it is short-haul with consistent and inexpensive air access, has an attractive exchange rate and is popular with Australian and New Zealand visitors,” Mantra chief executive Bob East said.

“There is a rapidly growing Indonesian middle class with domestic touring a huge growth market and both private and public organisations are focused on infrastructure investment into transport, accommodation and event venues.”

Negotiations are currently underway on a further six hotels.

In addition, it is planning to expand into Fiji, with work on a Peppers property at Naisoso Island due to begin in 2014.