Our Story
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) was founded in 2011 by Antonio Gonzalez and Ahmad Hafez, driven by a shared vision to create distinctive hospitality experiences worldwide through a diverse portfolio of concepts. From the outset, SHG established itself as an industry pioneer, delivering exceptional experiences and contributing to the evolution of the global hospitality landscape.
The Group’s early portfolio included Spanish dining concepts such as Tapeo and El Sur, alongside signature venues like Rare, Chic, Regina, and Story, each designed to deliver memorable guest experiences.
In 2016, SHG expanded into the daylife segment with the launch of Azure Beach, followed by DRIFT Dubai in 2017. The momentum continued in 2018 with the opening of the flagship nightclub Stage in Dubai. That same year marked the beginning of SHG’s international expansion, with new openings in Kuwait, Bahrain, and further developments across the United Arab Emirates.
Building on this growth, SHG introduced new brands in 2019, including Mood Lounge, while entering key international markets such as the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2021, the Group significantly expanded its portfolio with the launch of 10 new brands, including SUSHISAMBA and AURA Skypool, alongside the opening of its first hotel in Bodrum under the METT Hotels & Resorts brand, bringing the total portfolio to over 30 properties.
The Group continued its expansion in 2022 with the launch of DREAM and Garden of Dream, followed by L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, Attiko, and the highly anticipated Mott 32.
SHG has since strengthened its position as a global leader in hospitality management, expanding its footprint across hotels, resorts, and lifestyle-driven concepts. In 2024, the Group acquired a majority stake in Maximal Concepts Holding, one of Asia’s most awarded hospitality groups, extending its presence into key markets including the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Continuing its growth trajectory, SHG has expanded across Europe with a new wave of lifestyle-led concepts and hotels tailored to diverse markets. The launch of SACHI in London and Milan, alongside the opening of SUSHISAMBA Milan and the establishment of a new headquarters in Barcelona, marks a defining chapter in the Group’s European journey. Further expansion into key destinations such as Ibiza, Montenegro, and Lisbon, combined with the acquisition of Solutions Group, a leading UAE-born operator with a strong portfolio spanning nightlife, dining, and entertainment, has reinforced SHG’s scale, diversification, and relevance in cities shaping the future of global hospitality.
Today, SHG’s global footprint spans 111 properties across 26 countries, reflecting its continued ambition to redefine hospitality on an international scale.
