CLARK FREEPORT—The first integrated lifestyle resort by the Widus Consortium was officially unveiled through a formal gathering at the grand ballroom of Clark Marriott Hotel here on Tuesday.
Hann Resorts, a world-class international destination brand that seeks to offer guests a whole new dimension to sophisticated destinations, was presented in a black-tie affair led by Korean businessman Daesik Han, chairman of the Widus Consortium and president and CEO of Hann Development Corp., and Widus Group director Agnes “Neki” Liwanag.
“Hann Resorts has two sub-brands—the Hann Casino Resort here in Clark and the 450-hectare property in New Clark City (NCC) which is the Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort,” said Han.
“We will create a synergy effect. This property will be transformed into a genuine five-star international brand. It is going to be the first integrated resort outside Metro Manila,” he added.
The P12-billion luxury mountain resort will be located in the southernmost portion of NCC.
The development of Phase 1 will have a total investment of P5 billion which includes an 18-hole championship golf course and the development of the Angsana Hotel and the Banyan Tree Hotel—a leading global hospitality group that is rooted in the ethos of sustainability. Phase 1 is set for completion within five years.
Phase 2 includes the development of Westin and Luxury Collection by Marriott, two 18-hole championship golf courses, outdoor recreation facilities, premium villas and residences, a mixed-use commercial center, and a 10-hectare public park for a total investment of P7 billion.
According to Liwanag, Widus Hotel started operations in 2007 with only 120 hotel rooms while the casino began its operation in 2009 with 24 casino tables and 150 slot machines.
In 2019, the Clark Development Corp. recognized Widus Group as the top revenue producer as Widus Hotel continues its undeniable growth by having 233 hotel rooms, 70 casino tables and 440 slot machines and electronic table games.
Before the end of the year, it registered another 260 hotel rooms for the first five-star hotel category in north of Luzon—the Clark Marriott Hotel.
“We are currently under construction [in some areas]. There will be additional 370 hotel rooms, 200 tables to 1,000 slot machines,” Liwanag said.
“For the past 13 years, Widus has strategically evolved and changed. It will probably change the landscape of Clark, and probably even for the country,” Liwanag declared.
“Soon, we will be adding four more international hotel brands, three 18-hole championship golf courses and other luxury facilities,” she added.
The event was emceed by celebrity hosts James Deakin and Daphne Oseña-Paez while the guests were served with a six-course dinner by Clark Marriott Hotel’s executive chef Jan Broz and a soothing serenade by Asia’s harp angel, Noelle Cassandra, with an exquisite performance by Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha.
The memorandum of agreement for the Han Lux Lifestyle Resort was signed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Hann Development Corporation last October 2019.
Hann Development Corporation is a member of the Widus Consortium.
Image credits: Contributed photo