Hilton International will open its first Hilton Worldwide Resort in Evian, France, in 2006.

The five-star resort, wellness centre and spa will cost around 40m euros to complete and development has already begun at the site – which is located in the centre of Haute-Svoie and already features a 100-year-old spa.

Containing 173 rooms, the resort will be owned by the Maltese firm, Tumas Group with Hilton International providing both development and management services.

Other facilities at the resort will include two restaurants, meeting facilities, reception areas and a comprehensive wellness area which has been designed on the dual themes of water and nature.

The wellness centre will contain a full range of gym equipment and a pool plus studios for classes and therapy rooms. The centre will contain direct links to the Evian spa and springs and surrounding areas via private walkways.

Hilton said the wellness centre will be privately managed by a “prestigious, specialised brand”; more details are to be revealed soon.

There are currently 34 resorts that are operated by Hilton International, 11 by Hilton Hotels Corporation and two by Conrad across 21 countries. Details: www.hilton.com/worlwideresorts.com