WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Oct. 17, 2005 -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today the first St. Regis Resort in French Polynesia. Currently under construction and scheduled to open in April 2006, St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora is owned by prominent real estate developer Louis Wane who also owns three other hotels managed by Starwood in the region. St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora will feature 101 luxury overwater and beach villas, including the ultra-luxe Royal Suite - at more than 8,000 square feet it will debut as the largest suite in French Polynesia. At a cost of more than $1 million per bungalow to develop and construct, this resort will introduce unmatched luxury in South Pacific. 

"We are thrilled to be working with Louis Wane on this amazing project in one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking the ultimate vacation," said Ted Darnall, President of Starwood's Real Estate Group. "St. Regis is among the world's most revered luxury hotel brands with 10 award-winning properties around the globe and this property will stand among the finest resorts in the world." 

St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora will be Starwood's fourth managed property in French Polynesia, working with owner, Louis Wane who also owns Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa and Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, a Luxury Collection Hotel. 

St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora is a magnificent 44 acre resort with panoramic scenes of lush unspoiled surroundings, including views fronting the main island of Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu, a natural sculpture that towers majestically over the island, and Tahaa and Raiatea, remote islands on the horizon. Elegantly appointed accommodations will attract discriminating travelers from around the world seeking St. Regis' distinctive service and amenities, including the brand's signature St. Regis butler service. 

Protected by a unique, self-contained saltwater lagoons, the property is exquisitely designed with interiors of rich, exotic woods from around the world in its one, two and three-bedroom over-water and beach villas. There are a total of eight luxury overwater villas with private Jacuzzis on expansive outdoor decks. There are also five two-bedroom overwater villas which have private swimming pools built over the lagoon - a first in French Polynesia. Nestled on the gentle sands of the beach are 11 one-bedroom beach villas, also with private outdoor Jacuzzis and two two-bedroom villas each with private swimming pools. Set on a secluded cove on the beach's pristine white sand, the Royal Suite is more than 8,000 square feet, featuring three bedrooms, a private swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. 

Because of its unusual range of spacious accommodations, St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora is well-suited for a romantic getaway and family travelers alike. 

Guests will enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor dining options, including a signature overwater fine dining restaurant with breathtaking views of a colorful array of fish and manta rays swimming in the lagoon below. The resort will feature a main pool with a swim-up bar and a romantic adult pool that offers private day-beds. Additional water activities include unparalleled reef fishing, deep sea fishing and the only catch & release fly fishing in a stocked lagoon on the island. 

An additional unique feature of this resort is the "hoa" that provides fresh deep ocean water to the lagoon. A "hoa" is a Tahitian inlet that utilizes the ocean tides and currents. This manmade "hoa" replenishes fresh nutrients to sustain the abundant variety of colorful, exotic native fish and stingrays. The 12,000 square-foot world-class spa is located on an island in the lagoon and will offer Tahitian and Balinese treatments using natural herbs and extracts from the island for an unforgettable, sensual experience. 

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts includes the most celebrated properties in the world. As the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in San Francisco (November 2005), Fort Lauderdale (2006), Anguilla (2007), Mexico City (2007), Singapore (2007), Deer Valley, UT (2008), and Bal Harbour, FL (2008).

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. 

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Meg Byrne, 212/339-6734
[email protected]