NEW YORK, Jun
11, 2012--On the heels of the International Luxury Travel Market
(ILTM) Asia, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts announces plans
to continue its growth momentum globally with the debut of ten hotels
and resorts in vibrant gateway cities and exotic resort destinations
including Shanghai and Sanya in China, Jaipur and Chennai in India, the
Blue Mountains in Australia as well as Koh Samui, Thailand and Jakarta,
Indonesia. With this milestone, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Inc. (NYSE: HOT) continues to stand out as the world's leader in luxury
hospitality, with more hotels in more markets than any competitor in
the luxury segment, offering guests exceptional service levels and
luxury experiences in a wide range of destinations across the globe.
The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 of the world's
finest hotels and resorts in 30 countries around the world with new
construction and conversion properties that span China, India,
Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. Offering the brand's signature
Luxury Collection Concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous
cultural experiences, these spectacular new hotels join the brand's
distinguished portfolio as portals for guests to discover each
destination.
"This is a milestone for The Luxury Collection as we open ten new
hotels and resorts - the most of any year in the brand's history," says
Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection
Hotels & Resorts. "As a new generation of global affluent travelers
emerge, we are strategically growing our portfolio beyond the
traditional luxury grid and in diverse destinations, like China's
Hainan Island and India's Chennai, that have become important hubs for
business and leisure."
The Luxury Collection Expands
its Portfolio in China
The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya will debut in
August 2012 as the brand's first resort in China, situated on the
idyllic and intimate beachfront of Hainan Island. Surrounded by
tropical gardens and lush forested hills on the South China Sea, The
Royal Begonia will offer authentic and exceptional experiences that
promise to exceed the most savvy global travelers' expectations. All
142 guest rooms in the seaside retreat blend European elegance with
local inspiration and open onto a large balcony, offering unobstructed
views of the oceanfront or tropical gardens. Eighteen luxury villas
each will feature a private pool, courtyard gardens, sophisticated
interiors and high-tech amenities.
In September 2012, Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel,
Shanghai will open in one of the most historic and romantic areas of
Shanghai. The 171-room residential-style hotel is situated on the
tree-lined Hengshan Road, drawing inspiration from the area's rich
heritage, updated with contemporary designer flourishes. The exquisite
interior design was created by renowned-design duo Yabu Pushelberg,
offering an ambiance of distinguished opulence. Italy-based Mario
Botta, known for the iconic San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and
Seoul's Samsung Museum of Art, led the architecture and design of the
exteriors.
The Royal Begonia in Sanya and Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai will join
The Hongta Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai, which became
part of the portfolio earlier this year. The hotel, formerly The St.
Regis Shanghai, will undergo a meticulous renovation of $20 million to
be completed in phases over the next two years, reaffirming the hotel's
position as Shanghai's premier luxury destination. Previously named
among the top hotels on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List and one of the
top business hotels in Travel + Leisure, the hotel is celebrated for
its unique ability to marry tradition and modernity through its
authentic architecture and high standards of refined service. The hotel
will continue to feature the 328 sumptuously appointed guest rooms and
suites, the award winning Danieli's Restaurant and a luxurious spa with
customized treatments with local ingredients and therapies.
Looking ahead, The Castle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian set in a
striking castle design overlooking Xinghai Bay, Northern China's
financial and tourism capital, is scheduled to open in 2014. The 1958,
a Luxury Collection Hotel, Suzhou will debut in July 2015.
The Luxury Collection Opens its
Tenth Hotel in India
The Luxury Collection will reach ten hotels in India this August with
the debut of ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai,
making India the brand's second largest market behind only the United
States. Situated in the city of Chennai, the capital of cultural and
economic activity in Southern India, ITC Grand Chola has been built to
recall the grandeur of a golden era in Indian history. The magnificent
edifice consists of three separate wings which house one of the largest
banquet and exhibition spaces in the country, a sprawling 27,000 square
foot luxury retail center and spectacular recreational facilities,
including the WelcomArt Gallery, which boasts an impressive collection
from some of the most renowned artists in India.
ITC Grand Chola will join nine celebrated and iconic properties that
span all of India: from the cosmopolitan south Mumbai's ITC Grand
Central to the elegant ITC Maratha at North Mumbai, from Agra's regal
ITC Mughal steps away from the Taj Majal to the iconic ITC Maurya
situated in the exclusive diplomatic enclave of New Delhi and the ITC
Rajputana, Jaipur, which joined The Luxury Collection recently in
November 2011.
The Luxury Collection Debuts
Second Hotel in Indonesia
Located in the heart of Indonesia's capital and situated at Jalan
Thamrin, one of the most prestigious addresses in the city, Keraton at
The Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jakarta opened in April 2012
joining The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali as the
brand's second hotel in Indonesia. Keraton at The Plaza is a distinct
and intimate luxury hotel offering a unique, modern interpretation of
the rich Indonesian culture. Connoting 'palace' in Javanese, Keraton at
The Plaza features an intimate 140 sumptuously appointed guest rooms
and suites, each a haven of Javanese luxury with floor-to-ceiling
windows and state of the art in-room technology.
The Sarasvati, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali is scheduled to open in
January 2014 as an intimate 64 room resort overlooking the crystalline
Indian Ocean on a pristine beach, offering complete serenity and
indigenous experiences.
The Luxury Collection Grows
Portfolio in Thailand
On the heels of the debut of Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort
& Spa, Phuket in November 2011, The Luxury Collection has announced
that Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Koh Samui will
be the brand's third property in Thailand opening in December 2012.
Vana Belle Resort & Spa is an 80-room retreat situated on the Gulf
of Thailand and fringed by verdant surroundings. A majestic tropical
haven located approximately 50 miles off the eastern coast of Southern
Thailand, Koh Samui's ivory beaches are peppered with characteristic
coconut trees and bordered by sparkling turquoise waters; and the
resort is poised to redefine luxury for the region.
The Luxury Collection Debuts in
Australia
This February, Starwood introduced The Luxury Collection
brand to Australia with the signings of two renowned resorts with a
rich heritage: Lilianfels and Echoes, both Luxury Collection Resorts in
the Blue Mountains, Australia.
Lilianfels is the former residence of New South Wale's Chief of
Justice, dating back to 1889 and now features 85 guest rooms and
suites, two restaurants, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a
floodlit tennis court and an impressive luxury spa. Lilianfels was
named the Leading Resort in Australia by World Travel Awards in
addition to being honored on Travel & Leisure's Top Five Resorts in
the Oceana region in 2011.
Adjacent to Lilianfels, Echoes is a former retreat for a renowned
Australian writer Thomas Keneally. Perched at the very edge of the
Jamison Valley at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains, the resort offers
guests an intimate experience with 14 contemporary-designed rooms and
suites featuring an uninterrupted and panoramic view of the National
Park. Refined facilities include award-winning Echoes Restaurant, the
private spa and sauna.
About The Luxury Collection
Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection(R) is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering
unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories.
For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the
world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort
is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the
destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor,
spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern
conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience.
Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe's
most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection
brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest
hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and
spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection
includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest
expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while
celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All
of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally
recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information,
please visit www.luxurycollection.com
About Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading
hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,103 properties in
nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed
properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and
franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following
internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury
Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four
Points(R) by Sheraton, Aloft(R), and ElementSM. The Company boasts one
of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest
(SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room
upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns
Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class
vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access
to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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