Delivering exceptional luxury
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About
RBW Estates is the development arm of RBW Group, alongside RBW Design, our interior design studio. We develop and deliver hospitality, residential and mixed use property across Europe and beyond, from first site appraisal through to a project's delivery and eventual exit.
The company was founded by Stephen Cilia, who has more than twenty years of development management experience across sectors from the mid market to the very top end of luxury. Our team has since advised on and delivered high end developments with a combined value of more than £20 billion, in cities as varied as London, New York, Brussels, Bucharest and Dubai, and now in the Maldives.
Our knowledge of, and passion for, luxury experiences runs through everything we do. We bring the highest levels of expertise to every stage of the development process, bridging the exacting standards those experiences demand with the commercial realities that underpin them. We work with, represent and advise investors and owners from around the world, acting as developer, owner's representative, development manager or development advisor, depending on what each scheme needs.
Whichever role we take, the discipline is constant: rigorous underwriting, careful planning and construction management, a hands on approach from start to finish, and a refusal to let commercial pressure erode the experience a finished building is meant to deliver. It is this approach that has allowed our team to produce large scale projects within shorter programmes and lower budgets while still maximising quality.
The range runs from major mixed use schemes to individual hotels, spas, restaurants and members' clubs; new build as readily as the careful restoration of a listed building. The result is real estate built the way the best hotels are run, with real attention paid to the people who will eventually use it, not only the numbers that got it built.
“RBW Estates have mastered the art of achieving the optimal balance between Time, Budget & Value Creation.”
“I doubt you’ll find a company in the industry committed to higher standards than RBW Estates. To say their attention to detail impressed us every step of the way would be an understatement.”
Expertise
We are a developer who also carries out the roles of Owner's Representative, Development Manager or Development Advisor, guiding clients and investors from pre-development through to execution and, ultimately, exit.
With expertise across a range of luxury sectors, we assemble and lead the professional team for every development type we undertake. That gives the owners we represent peace of mind, and it delivers developments to exacting standards while maximising value and minimising cost. We work with investors to optimise the returns from the developments they are investing in, while mitigating their exposure to risk.
We can manage the entire development process from start to finish: site identification, feasibility and purchase, through design and delivery, to handover. On completion we offer a comprehensive handover and post occupancy evaluation, and can stay on to support ongoing management with the relevant teams. Our attention to detail, and our understanding of each stakeholder's objectives, is what lets us exceed expectations.
Stages
The comprehensive skills and services required to manage the complete pre-development phase, from bidding to acquisition, with a deep understanding of what markets want in cities across the globe.
Optimising every financial component of a project from start to finish, from the investment itself to every aspect of capital expenditure, to reach the best balance of value, product quality and time.
The experience, expertise and instinct to execute luxury developments in the most time and cost efficient way, from overseeing contractors to managing stakeholders, with both bespoke and turnkey solutions.
Design
Through RBW Design, our interior design studio, we also design the interiors of the places we develop and advise on, across hospitality and residential, so the brief, the budget and the finished room are held by one group from start to finish.
Where we have worked
Projects
Private & Confidential
Europe
A hospitality-led wellness resort development comprising 150+ keys and extensive wellness facilities.
Private & Confidential
Europe
A conversion of a historic building and its landscaped gardens into a 5-star luxury hotel with a wellness and longevity spa, currently in planning.
A selection of the projects our team has led, advised on or delivered, shown as a record of the experience RBW Estates is built on. Select any project to see more.
MaldivesLagoon IslandA luxury hotel resort and beach club in the Maldives.View project
Brussels, BelgiumCorinthia Grand Hotel AstoriaRegenerating the former grande dame of Belgium’s hotels.View project
Bucharest, RomaniaCorinthia Grand Hotel BoulevardRestoring one of Bucharest’s oldest hotels.View project
Bucharest, RomaniaSwissotel BucharestA newly built 27 floor hotel and residences tower in Bucharest.View project
London, United KingdomThe Corinthia Hotel LondonRestoring a historic icon, whilst setting a global benchmark in luxury.View project
London, United KingdomESPA Life LondonA multi award winning spa connected to The Corinthia Hotel London.View project
Whitehall, London10 Whitehall PlaceLuxury residences located in one of London’s most sought after locations.View project
Belgravia, London1 BelgraviaTransforming an internationally recognised Grade II listed building.View project
Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, LondonCanadian EmbassyRedeveloping London’s most prestigious address.View project
Tower Hill, City of London10 Trinity SquareRedeveloping the former Port of London Authority building.View project
Outer LondonMembers’ wellness hotelA luxury destination for enhanced health and wellbeing.View project
Whitehall, LondonOld War OfficeA remarkable blend of luxury, class and heritage.View project
The Mall, LondonAdmiralty ArchRedefining one of London’s most iconic landmarks.View project
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPrivate members’ hotel, DubaiA quintessentially English experience in the heart of Dubai.View project
Flatiron District, New YorkPrivate members’ hotel, New YorkBringing new levels of luxury to Fifth Avenue, New York.View project
Mayfair, LondonOswald’sCreating the finest space to house the finest wines.View project
LondonUltimate garageDesigning a luxury automotive technology showcase.View project
Press
“To have been able to do this in the current financial climate was frankly, extraordinary and it makes us proud to know, every time we visit the hotel, that we have been fortunate enough to be involved. The outcome of Corinthia and Ardmore’s combined efforts are self evidently outstanding.”
“This seven storey pile in Whitehall has been returned to its former life as a grand hotel. Its inviting mix of the classic and the contemporary is heralded by a 1,001-crystal baccarat chandelier exploding above the lobby.”
“As five-star hotels go, the Corinthia is a formidable achievement, indisputably a contender that the likes of the Connaught, the Dorchester and, indeed, the Savoy will find themselves reckoning with.”
“Corinthia Hotel London, is what heaven should be like if ones lucky enough to get there.”
“If your trip to London doesn’t involve staying at Buckingham Palace, then the Corinthia London might just be the next best place.”
“I was amazed with the scale and complexity the renovation. Some of the work has been ingenious and I could hardly believe that the entire internal structure of the building could be removed and rebuilt without removing the façade. The management and organisation of such was most impressive even by military standards.”
“The sunken sauna is a design masterpiece, boxed in glass, with a snow hollow within reach. You could easily while away a whole day in the various water and plunge pools with hydro jets and state-of-the-art Jacuzzi beds. The only downside? Having to leave and go back to the real world.”
“How ridiculously pretty. Even if you live in London, check-in.”
“There are some of the best suites in the city, complete with turrets and balconies.”
On Oswald’s: “The best place to drink wine in London”
Comments on projects our team has delivered, as published on our previous website.
Awards won by our projects
Founder
Founder, RBW Group
Stephen founded the RBW Group of companies, including RBW Estates and RBW Design, on more than 20 years of development management experience, spanning residential, hotel, food & beverage and spa projects across low to high-end markets, with a particular specialism in luxury experience.
He has advised on and delivered a combined value of over £20 billion of high-end developments internationally, in locations as diverse as London, New York, Brussels, Dubai and the Maldives. The largest single project he has delivered stands at close to £800 million; the largest he has advised on exceeds £5 billion. He also oversaw the creation of one of Europe's largest award-winning wellness spas.
Behind him, a small, senior team of development, investment and delivery specialists carries every project from site identification through to handover, working as owner representatives, development managers or development consultants depending on what a scheme demands.
“We bring the same standard to every stage of the process: the commercial discipline a project needs, applied without losing sight of the experience it's built to deliver.”
Contact
Maldives
Maldives luxury hotel resort and beach club
RBW Estates was appointed to lead the development of luxury resorts in the Maldives.
The scheme comprises two different resorts within the same lagoon, a first of its kind. The resorts potentially consist of over 200 villas, pools and beaches spread across three reclaimed islands, and include a range of facilities such as nine restaurants, a holistic spa and water sports centres.
The resorts are just a 15 minute boat ride from the international airport.
Brussels, Belgium
Corinthia Hotels
RBW Estates was appointed as Development Manager to deliver Belgium’s ultimate luxury 5 star hotel and spa: the full regeneration of what was renowned globally as the Grand Hotel Astoria, the former grande dame of Belgium’s hotels, originally built in 1909.
The property’s listed facade and ground floor were restored, while the rest of the building was extensively refurbished and in parts rebuilt to accommodate 126 bedrooms, including 36 suites, as well as dining options, meeting rooms and what is the city’s largest luxury hotel spa. The hotel reopened as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria in 2024.
Perfectly situated on the historic Rue Royale, just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage listed Grand-Place, the hotel is the ideal location for both business and leisure guests to make the most of vibrant city life. Whilst still in the pre-construction phase, the regeneration was awarded the Creative Spark by the Top Hotel World Tour, a European award for its planning, foresight and architectural integrity.
Bucharest, Romania
Corinthia Hotels
RBW Estates was appointed by Niro Investment Group to lead the development of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Boulevard, a scheme of over 8,500 sqm with 30 luxury suites, meeting rooms, a Grand ballroom, restaurants, bars and a spa.
Located in the heart of Bucharest, at the crossroads of Calea Victoriei and Elisabeta Boulevard, the building of the oldest hotel in Bucharest was built in 1867 and is listed by the Ministry of Culture among the A-Class Historic and Architectural Monuments. Throughout history the former Grand Hotel du Boulevard has been the epicentre of socially fashionable activity.
The building was refurbished to meet the standards of the international luxury hotel group Corinthia.
Bucharest, Romania
Accor Hotel Group
RBW Estates was appointed on behalf of Niro Investment Group to lead the development of Swissotel Bucharest, a newly built tower of over 30,000 sqm spread across 27 floors.
The hotel and residences comprise 200 rooms and 24 apartments, the largest hotel conference hall in Bucharest at 546 sqm with a capacity of 455 people, five separate meeting rooms, and a spa and wellness centre on the 22nd floor including a swimming pool. Restaurants in the lobby and on the rooftop offer panoramic city views. The hotel is served by 207 parking spaces, of which 193 are underground.
Located on Expoziției Boulevard, the building is only 10 minutes’ drive from Henri Coandă International Airport and close to many businesses’ headquarters, including Romexpo, the largest exhibition and event centre in Romania.
London, United Kingdom
The Corinthia Hotel, Spa and Residences are located in Central London, on the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place. Originally built as the 800 bedroom, 420,000 sq ft Metropole Hotel in 1886, its close location to British Government administration in Whitehall and the Palace of Westminster meant that it was commandeered in both the First and Second World Wars. After the Second World War it was leased by the Ministry of Defence and used as government offices until it was declared surplus to requirements and sold by the Crown Estate in 2007.
Our founder, Stephen Cilia, led the development of this historic building on behalf of the Corinthia Group, transforming an extremely challenging former Ministry of Defence building into a flagship, award winning hotel, spa and residence for the group. It comprises the world renowned 5 star, 296 bedroom Corinthia London hotel, a 30,000 sq ft spa and 12 high end luxury apartments.
The development has achieved numerous awards, including being listed in the top 10 hotels in the world, with best suite and best spa worldwide. It has also been recognised from a development perspective, setting global benchmarks in delivering a high end luxury product below benchmark costs and within 24 months, while still setting new standards in quality and attention to detail.
Our passion was to create exquisite spaces for people to marvel at, yet feel completely comfortable and at ease. This transformation was achieved while working in harmony with, and respecting, the building’s history and character.
“RBW Estates have mastered the art of achieving the optimal balance between Time, Budget & Value Creation.”
Corinthia Hotels
London, United Kingdom
A new take on ‘me time’
Covering a total of 3,300 square metres, ESPA Life is a luxurious haven of indulgence, featuring every conceivable facility one would hope to find. The Italian marble and polished chrome upper floors feel light and airy, while underneath, as you descend, it becomes darker and more masculine. Curved lacquered walls create a wave effect reflecting the flow of energy, and flickering fires. It is no wonder ESPA Life is considered London’s most exclusive and luxurious spa experience.
Stephen led the development of the multi award winning spa, working closely with ESPA Life and the design team to create unparalleled relaxation in this global flagship destination of 3,300 square metres, making it one of the largest spas in Europe.
Spread over four floors, the spa offers 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite and sleep pods. On the renowned Thermal Floor, guests enjoy the indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna with 360 degree views, ice fountain and marble heated loungers. Above the dramatic Thermal Floor is the 24/7 Technogym, which features the latest fitness equipment and an experienced team of personal trainers offering a best in class health and wellbeing experience.
Our passion and attention to detail shine through in every feature, ensuring the most exquisite and tranquil space in which to relax and enjoy some ‘me time’.
“Delivering ESPA Life from start to finish was a career highlight, this truly is luxury executed on a different level.”
Stephen Cilia, RBW Estates
Whitehall, London
Another level in living
This grand building, previously owned by the United Kingdom’s Crown Estate, is now the prestigious setting for a unique collection of private residences. Situated near the River Thames, the Ministries of State and the official home of the British Prime Minister, 10 Whitehall Place offers a lifestyle designed for the world’s most discerning residents.
10 Whitehall Place was built in 1914 as a grand Italianate government building for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It was from this building that Winston Churchill announced rationing during the Second World War, Margaret Thatcher conducted her ‘cod wars’ with Iceland and Edwina Currie caused controversy in 1988 over salmonella in eggs.
Stephen led the development and coordinated world class designers and craftsmen to create eleven palatial apartments and a magnificent penthouse. Along with the prestigious address, voluminous space and uncompromising quality, the residences also offer access to a spa, restaurants and 24/7 room service.
“I am a firm believer that creativity takes courage. 10 Whitehall Place embodies this courage.”
Stephen Cilia, RBW Estates
Belgravia, London
1 Belgravia, located on the edge of the conservation area that bears its name, is recognised throughout Europe as the largest and best preserved urban Regency estate, a period noted for its elegance in fine arts and architecture.
One of the last remaining freehold island sites in Westminster, this stunningly beautiful Grade II listed building has the potential to be transformed into a best in class 5 star hotel and spa with a myriad of amenities.
Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London
Macdonald House is a seven storey building in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, that is part of the High Commission of Canada in London. It hosts the trade and administrative sections of the High Commission, as well as the High Commissioner’s official residence. In 1936 the former buildings on this site were demolished as part of a redevelopment scheme led by the Duke of Westminster. The current building occupies numbers 1 to 3 on the eastern side of the square.
RBW Estates created the concept for the ultimate in luxury living at London’s most prestigious address, with 30 luxury apartments and spa and swimming pool facilities, while retaining and restoring the original facade.
Tower Hill, City of London
10 Trinity Square is a Grade II listed building overlooking the River Thames at Tower Hill, in the south eastern corner of the City of London. Built in the Beaux Arts style, it is best known as the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority.
Badly damaged by enemy bombing during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in the 1970s with a functional rectangular office block occupying the central part of the building. RBW Estates brought its exacting standards and advised the client on design, budget and contractor selection to convert the former Port of London Authority building into a luxury 120 bedroom hotel with spa, restaurant, fitness club and swimming pool, alongside 37 private residences and a private members’ club.
Outer London
This ancient family home, built in the 1770s, stands today amongst the grandest of private country houses in the south of England. Sitting in the centre of a magnificent 130 acre park, it boasted a 10 acre lake created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the celebrated eighteenth century royal landscape designer.
In our role as Pre-development Manager we not only helped carry out the due diligence on the property, but we led the design to create the concept for the world’s leading medical and wellness private members’ club.
Membership provides more than just pioneering facilities. It grants an exclusive private haven for rest and relaxation, as well as complete wellbeing care and support. With a strong focus on preventative medicine, assessed through regular health evaluations and individually tailored programmes, it enables members to have total control over their health and wellbeing.
Whitehall, London
RBW Estates led the bid process for the transformation of London’s Old War Office. We assembled a consortium of investors and banks to fund the proposed acquisition from the government, as well as assembling the professional team to redevelop the site into a mixed use scheme of a 100 room 5 star luxury hotel and spa, together with 70 luxury residences and underground parking.
During the government bid process, special care was taken to ensure the development was in harmony with both its unique location and its equally unique history. Working closely with the Ministry of Defence, the Metropolitan Police and English Heritage, we ensured minimal impact on those affected and, most importantly, that security remained uncompromised throughout.
The Mall, London
Admiralty Arch is a landmark building in London which incorporates an archway providing road and pedestrian access between The Mall, which extends to the south west, and Trafalgar Square to the north east. Commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, and designed by Aston Webb, it is now a Grade I listed building. In the past it served as the residence of the First Sea Lord and was used by the Admiralty.
RBW Estates carried out due diligence and feasibility studies on behalf of potential investors who wished to transform the 15,000 sqm office building into a 17,000 sqm 5 star luxury hotel. The vision was to convert the landmark building into a 100 bedroom 5 star hotel and spa, with restaurants benefiting from views of Buckingham Palace, and with residences serviced by the hotel.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
RBW Estates led the pre-development of this private members’ club, designed to be quintessentially English, with a focus on comfort and centred around a courtyard garden.
Fifty two spacious suites with balconies overlook the courtyard garden, spanning the four floors of the club. Served by a 100 cover ground floor restaurant, private dining areas offer a luxurious Mediterranean menu, while spa facilities provide relaxing treatment rooms and heat experiences. With a swimming pool, a gymnasium and a rooftop restaurant, we ensured this private club exceeded all expectations of luxury.
Flatiron District, New York
Bringing our expertise in private members’ clubs to New York, RBW Estates led the negotiation and successful acquisition, and the pre-development, of this incredible property in a prime location in the Flatiron District, between Union Square and Fifth Avenue.
This unique building offers over 50 feet of frontage and a century old stone facade, which would be retained due to its historic value while the development expands from 4,000 to 6,000 square metres of space, creating a luxury mix of restaurants, rooftop bars, a garden courtyard, a library and luxury suites.
Mayfair, London
Oswald’s, on Mayfair’s prestigious Albemarle Street, was created by the same owner as London’s most exclusive private members’ club, 5 Hertford Street. This private members’ club not only serves exquisite food but also has a focus on providing the finest wines at retail prices, with dedicated storage space for private collections.
On Oswald’s: “The best place to drink wine in London”
GQ
London
This 3,000 square metre, 100 car showroom showcases the wide variety of technology found within Formula 1 garages. It will be a truly remarkable space, tailor made for a private client to store their car collection, comprising some of the rarest classic and hyper cars on the planet.