Crystalbrook continues its expansion across Australia's east coast.

Crystalbrook Collection, one of Australia's leading sustainable hospitality companies, today announced plans to expand its luxury east coast hotel portfolio with the acquisition of boutique Brisbane property, The Fantauzzo.

Situated beneath Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge overlooking the Howard Smith Wharves, the new contemporary hotel features 166 rooms and suites, the renowned Italian Polpetta kitchen and bar, the elevated Fiume bar along with a rooftop pool, fitness centre and meeting spaces.

The purchase from the Deague Group marks Crystalbrook's entry into the vibrant Brisbane market, and adds to its operations in Sydney, Byron Bay, Cairns, Newcastle and Port Douglas.

The Group's personality-led hotel portfolio includes Little Albion in Sydney; Byron at Byron in Byron Bay; Riley, Bailey and Flynn in Cairns and Kingsley in Newcastle. Crystalbrook also owns and operates Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook has pledged to further its expansion across Australia and is committed to celebrating the local spirit at each of its properties along with an eco-progressive approach to hospitality, which the Group terms Responsible Luxury.

Speaking on the pending acquisition, Ghassan Aboud, Owner of Crystalbrook Collection said: “Australia's east coast is unlike anything else in the world, and as a company we are pleased to be able to invest in and support the Australian tourism industry. Brisbane was the next logical step for us.”

Interim CEO and Group Director, Hotels, Geoff York said: “The Fantauzzo fits seamlessly with Crystalbrook Collection.  The hotel is unique, full of personality and we love the location in the cultural hub of Howard Smith Wharves.”

Now spanning from Tropical North Queensland to inner-city Sydney, the hospitality company entered Australia in 2017 with the purchase of Crystalbrook Station, an 85,000-acre cattle farm three-hours west of Cairns. The working farm now supplies responsibly farmed beef to Crystalbrook's hotel properties.

The official handover will occur in the first half of 2021. Upon handover the hotel will trade under Crystalbrook Collection with the official new name to be announced in the coming months.  Until the acquisition is complete, the hotel will continue normal trading under the management of Art Series Hotels (ACCOR).

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About Crystalbrook Collection

Crystalbrook Collection is one of Australia's leading sustainable and innovative independent hospitality companies. Each hotel in the portfolio carries an authentic expression of its location, a passion for responsible luxury, considered design and a twinkle of fun for a uniquely enriching experience.

Crystalbrook Collection is an Australian tourism and hospitality group. Its portfolio includes:

• Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Cairns, Queensland
• Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel, Sydney, New South Wales
• Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Byron Bay, New South Wales
• Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence, Cairns, Queensland
• Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns, Queensland – opening March 2021
• Kingsley, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Newcastle, New South Wales – opening April 2021

The Group also owns and operates a collection of ten restaurants, three spas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas along with Crystalbrook Station and its subsidiary pastoral businesses.

Mindfully Safe

Mindfully Safe was launched by Crystalbrook Collection in response to Covid-19. The programme focuses on reducing travel anxiety by providing mindfulness and meditation tools developed in partnership with mental-wellbeing group The Indigo Project. Crystalbrook will also donate $5 to mental support service Beyond Blue for every stay booked directly until the end of 2020. As part of Mindfully Safe, Crystalbrook Collection is Australia's first cash-free hospitality company. 

Learn more: crystalbrookcollection.com/mindfully-safe

Crystalbrook Collection and Ghassan Aboud Group

Crystalbrook Collection is part of Ghassan Aboud Group promoted by international entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghassan Aboud. The group is a multi-business conglomerate engaged in automobiles, real estate, hospitality, FMCG, food, retail, bespoke catering, media and logistics. In business for more than two decades, the group operates from its global headquarters in the United Arab Emirates with offices in Australia, Belgium, Jordan and Turkey.