Comprising 220 villas, the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa will sprawl over 52 acres of powdery white sands and abundant tropical vegetation on Medhafushi which is nestled within the unspoilt Noonu Atoll. 
 
Traditional Maldivian architecture and materials are used to dramatic effect to create luxurious villas for discerning travelers. The resort will offer a range of room options, from beach villas that open onto private shores and are surrounded by rich tropical foliage, to over-water villas with private whirlpools and sundecks from which guests can take in uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean. 
 
Four unique restaurants will enable guests to embark on an epicurean journey during their stay. From an alfresco restaurant with live stations and grills serving freshly caught seafood to a fine dining restaurant blending local and international flavours. A selection of distinctive bars and an over water wine cellar will allow guests to unwind with beverages and watch the famous Maldivian sunsets. 
 
A stunning spa sanctuary with 21 private spa pavilions will be complemented by a fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and a range of water sport activities, while book lovers can curl up at the resort library and Internet cafe. 
 
Famed for its beautiful and rare underwater reefs, warm water temperatures and high visibility, the Maldives enjoys a reputation as one of the best diving destinations in the world. The Hilton Maldives will have a diving centre on property to enable guests to learn to scuba dive with qualified trainers as well as enable dive enthusiasts to make the most of their experience of the house reef and crystal clear waters of Noonu Atoll. Over 30 dive sites are available to explore within an hour from the island, all with an abundance of marine life and a rich variety of colourful corals.
 
"We're thrilled to welcome the Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa to our portfolio," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president - Brand Management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "This beautiful location, coupled with our unique brand of Hilton hospitality is sure to make this hotel a favorite among the world's travellers."

Located approximately 60 kilometres north of Malé International Airport, the resort is easily accessed by a 45-minute seaplane flight. 
 
The management contract will further enhance Hilton Hotels� presence in the Maldivian archipelago, where the company will have several of its Hilton Family of Hotels Brands. The Hilton Maldives will build on the success of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island which opened in 1997 (originally as a Hilton hotel before being rebranded to the Conrad in 2007). The Doubletree by Hilton Malé is also scheduled to open in the Republic�s capital, Malé, in 2011. 
 
About Sun Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Sun Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. has a portfolio of products including the highly successful Sun Travels & Tours, one of the most established and respected tour operators in the Maldives; and the Sun International Diving School, which was created for providing safe, professional, and exiting diving in one of the most sought after diving destinations in the world. 

The company currently owns and operates over 500 beds in the Maldives and enjoys strong ties with the resort owners and tour operators worldwide. In addition to the Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort in Noonu Atoll, its collection of exclusive resorts include Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in South Nilandhe Atoll; Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in South Male Atoll; and The Beach House, a luxury resort in Manafaru. The company also owns a luxury cruiser Sunset Queen.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in 77 countries, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide.  The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations�, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Home2 Suites by Hilton�, the Waldorf AstoriaTM, Waldorf Astoria Collection� and Denizen� Hotels. 
 
The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton�s philosophy that, �It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.�  The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®.    The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com.

Faith Thoms, Communications Director � Asia Pacific
Tel: +65 6833 9762
Email: [email protected]