Rocco Forte Hotels is on track to open the first of three planned luxury properties in Germany on 1 March.

Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt is built around the existing Villa Speyer and will feature extensive gardens; 163 bedrooms, including 26 suites designed by London-based Martin Mrudnizki; a colonnaded 140-capacity Italian restaurant and 80-capacity bar; seven meeting rooms and a ballroom.

The redevelopment, led by UK-base architects Porhyrius, is thought to have cost in the region of 70m euro (£48m, US$84m).

The property will also boast an 850sq m (9,150sq ft) spa set over three levels which will include a 15m indoor swimming pool with relaxation area, a sauna, Turkish steamroom, yoga studio, a 15-station gym equipped by Technogym and eight treatment rooms. The facilities will be open to both guests and members.

In September, Rocco Forte Hotels will open the Hotel de Rome in Berlin, and in spring 2007, an as yet unnamed property will open in Munich. Details: www.roccofortehotels.com