WHEN Dae Sik Han forayed into property development at Clark Freeport Zone a few years back, he must have been inspired by World War II motto—“Who Dares Wins” of the British commando force Special Air Service which took on daring missions behind enemy lines.
Years later, the Korean magnate would be reaping the benefits of this bold move with the success of Widus Hotel & Casino and Clark Marriott Hotel in helping spur growth in the industrial and tourism enclave.
Buoyed by his initial daring wins, Han has recently embarked on another bold step by expanding his recreational complex into a millionaire’s playground with the launch of the Hann Resorts, the first luxury lifestyle brand at the free port and its adjunct, New Clark City.
The newly minted master brand will be a collection of premium sub-brands—Hann Casino Resort and Hann Lux Lifestyle Resort which aims to be a game changer in the travel industry with its integrated and consummate leisure experience.
“Our vision is to raise the concept of play into a lifestyle that people would want to discover through world-class experiences,” said Hann Development Corp. President and CEO Dae Sik Han.
He noted that Hann Resorts aims to elevate the experience of play with the perfect mix of gaming, golf, nature and outdoors, entertainment and recreation in an ultraluxe resort environment north of the metropolis.
Under its “Live Bold. Play Bold” battlecry, the hotel group is embarking on an ambitious project which is valued at least P 12 billion over the next few years, the biggest single investment in the free port area.
“With Clark already drawing a lot of tourists and investors, we hope that an integrated lifestyle and leisure resort brand will further attract people and turn both Clark and New Clark City [NCC] into a bustling center for recreation and development,” he enthused.
Under the rebrand, the Widus complex will be transformed into the Hann Casino Resort comprised of Clark Marriott Hotel, Hann Casino, and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts which are targeted to be relaunched before the end of the year.
The four-star Widus Hotel and its 4,500-square-meter Las Vegas-style gaming space casino, will assume the Mercure Hotel brand after its renovation is completed in 2022. A recipient of the 2019 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice, is also a preferred venue for special events and staycations.
“Hann Resorts seeks to establish itself not only as a global destination brand for tourists, but also as a powerful master brand that has gathered together an experienced international team to help our guests playfully escape the ordinary and offer a wide range of options to live bold and play bold,” Han added.
Swissôtel is known for its contemporary touch infused with the freshness and vitality of the Alps mountains and Swiss hospitality, while Mercure reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Both brands are part of leading Accor augmented hospitality group which boasts of 5,000 hotels and residences across 110 countries.
The resort chain will also introduce to the Philippine market the Thai-based Banyan Tree Hotel, an award-winning luxury hospitality brand which pioneered the all-villa concept in the hospitality industry as a sanctuary for the senses. Another world-class brand to debut in the local scene is Angsana Hotel which exudes local chic and a family or group-oriented recreation.
The next phase of development will include the entry of Westin Hotel, a leader in wellness leisure, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott International which prides itself as the gateway to the world’s most aspirational destinations.
Golf lovers have something extra special for them with the three exciting 18-hole championship fairways Hann Lux Luxury Resort will build at the NCC in Capas, Tarlac in partnership with the world’s most prestigious developers.
The first course will be the handiwork of Nicklaus Design by legendary 18-time champion American Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus and is considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. The second will be executed by multi-titled South Korean KJ Choi who is regarded to be the most successful Asian pro player, while the third will see the artistry of the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Golf Course by the English golfer ranked as the world’s No. 1 during his heydays.
“Hann Resorts will not only bring high-end international brands to the country, but will also showcase the global Filipino lifestyle and culture,” Han concluded.
With a gung-ho vigor and winning attitude, Han’s grand undertaking will undoubtedly be another bold journey.