The Hospitality Newsletter
Today Friday, September 4, 2026
Original finance The Hospitality Newsletter Team · ·For: Owner, Investor, GM

Evok Collection Expands Luxury Footprint in Italy and Alps

Zaka Investments advances two distinct adaptive reuse developments: Brach Roma and Nolinski Val d’Isère.

The short answer

Evok Collection and developer Zaka Investments are expanding their luxury presence with two separate projects in Italy and France. The pipeline includes the 60-room Brach Roma opening in 2027 and the 45-room Nolinski Val d’Isère launching in 2029.

5,000
square metres of space in Brach Roma
converted school building
60
guest rooms and suites at Brach Roma
45
rooms and suites at Nolinski Val d’Isère
across six floors
25
metres pool length at Brach Roma
sport and wellness club
Evok Collection Expands Luxury Footprint in Italy and Alps
Photo: Maria Laura Catalogna / Pexels

The short version

  • Zaka Investments is leading two separate luxury conversion projects for Evok Collection in Rome and Val d’Isère.
  • Brach Roma will deliver 60 rooms in a converted school near Piazza del Popolo in early 2027.
  • Nolinski Val d’Isère will add 45 alpine rooms across six floors in December 2029.

Evok Collection is widening its European footprint through two distinct property transactions: a conversion of a historic Roman school into Brach Roma, opening in early 2027, and the acquisition of a French Alpine hotel to create Nolinski Val d’Isère, opening in December 2029. Both developments are led by asset manager Zaka Investments.

How is Evok Collection executing its European expansion?

Evok Collection is expanding across Europe through separate, single-asset acquisitions managed and developed by Zaka Investments, rather than portfolio buyouts [[1], [2]]. As reported by Boutique Hotel News, Zaka Investments operates as both asset manager and developer for the luxury operator [1].

Instead of deploying a single design philosophy, the group divides its expansion between two distinct flags: Brach and Nolinski [[1], [2]]. While both projects target high-end leisure destinations, they address entirely different real estate archetypes: an urban heritage adaptive reuse in central Rome and an alpine resort overhaul in Val d’Isère [[1], [2]].

hotel indoor swimming pool lane
Photo: SHVETS production / Pexels

What are the specifications for Brach Roma?

Brach Roma will open in the first quarter of 2027 inside a converted school building spanning 5,000 square metres [2]. The property sits in Rome's historic centre, positioned close to the Tiber River and within 100 metres of Piazza del Popolo [2]. Boutique Hotel News reported that bookings are scheduled to begin in July 2026 [2].

Philippe Starck is overseeing the artistic direction and design, extending his involvement with the brand after designing Brach Paris and Brach Madrid [2]. The hotel will offer 60 guest rooms and suites, many featuring private terraces [2]. On-site facilities include an Italian bar, a restaurant, a concierge service, a rooftop venue, and a dedicated sport and wellness club anchored by a 25-metre swimming pool [2].

What are the real estate details for Nolinski Val d’Isère?

Nolinski Val d’Isère marks the brand's first mountain resort development, scheduled for completion in December 2029 following the acquisition of the former Hôtel La Savoyarde [1]. Architecture firm Le Coadic & Scotto has been appointed to direct the redesign, renewing an existing relationship with Evok Collection from prior work on Cour des Vosges in Paris and Nolinski Venezia [1].

The ski destination property will encompass 45 guest rooms and suites arranged across six floors [1]. The accommodation mix includes rooms with balconies as well as connecting family rooms [1]. Guest facilities will feature a restaurant, a bar, a dedicated kids’ club, and a spa equipped with an indoor swimming pool [1]. The French Alps debut builds upon existing Nolinski locations in Paris, Venice, and Saint-Tropez [1].

snow covered alpine ski chalet exterior
Photo: Michael Vershinin / Pexels

How do the two pipeline properties compare?

The two developments highlight separate development paths, timelines, and design partnerships across the Evok portfolio [[1], [2]].

PropertyLocationBuilding OriginKey CountLead Designer / ArchitectTarget Opening
Brach RomaRome, ItalyFormer school building (5,000 sqm)60 rooms & suitesPhilippe StarckQ1 2027
Nolinski Val d’IsèreFrench Alps, FranceFormer Hôtel La Savoyarde45 rooms & suites (6 floors)Le Coadic & ScottoDecember 2029

What architectural and brand partnerships drive these projects?

Evok Collection relies on longstanding architectural relationships to define the aesthetic profile of each sub-brand [[1], [2]]. For the Brach brand, designer Philippe Starck remains the core creative collaborator for Rome, maintaining visual consistency with the existing properties in France and Spain [2].

For the Nolinski line, architecture firm Le Coadic & Scotto handles structural redesigns [1]. The Paris-based firm previously completed Cour des Vosges in the French capital and Nolinski Venezia in Italy, making the Val d'Isère conversion their third major luxury collaboration under the developer's umbrella [1].

Reported by

This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.

Frequently asked

+When will Brach Roma open for hotel guests?

Brach Roma is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, with hotel reservations opening ahead of launch in July 2026.

+Where is Brach Roma located?

The property is located in the historic centre of Rome, close to the Tiber River and within 100 metres of Piazza del Popolo.

+Who designed Brach Roma?

Philippe Starck is directing the artistic design of Brach Roma, having previously designed the group's Brach properties in Paris and Madrid.

+When is Nolinski Val d’Isère expected to open?

The alpine property is scheduled to open in December 2029 following the redevelopment of the former Hôtel La Savoyarde.

+How many rooms will Nolinski Val d’Isère have?

Nolinski Val d’Isère will offer 45 rooms and suites across six floors, including connecting rooms for families and units with balconies.

+Who is managing the development of both Evok Collection projects?

Zaka Investments acts as the asset manager and developer for both Brach Roma and Nolinski Val d’Isère on behalf of Evok Collection.

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