The Royal Begonia Marks the First Luxury Collection Resort in
China, a Reflection of the Brand’s Remarkable Growth in Asia Pacific
SANYA, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 18, 2012--
The Luxury Collection, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
(NYSE: HOT), today unveils The Royal Begonia, A Luxury Collection
Resort, celebrating the brand’s eagerly anticipated arrival in Sanya.
Located on the southern tropical island of Hainan, The Royal Begonia
joins the legendary Astor Hotel in Tianjin and The Hongta Hotel in
Shanghai as the first Luxury Collection resort in China. With this
opening, The Luxury Collection brand continues its growth momentum
globally with the debut of ten hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific this
year alone, including Shanghai, Jaipur and Chennai in India, the Blue
Mountains, Australia as well as Koh Samui, Thailand and Jakarta,
Indonesia.
“The debut of The Royal Begonia on China’s Hainan Island marks a true
milestone for The Luxury Collection as we continue our journey to open a
record number of hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific by the end of this
year,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury
Collection Hotels & Resorts. “As the itinerary of global travelers
evolves well beyond the traditional luxury grid, we are thrilled to
debut this jewel on the South China Sea as the latest must-visit
destination.”
“Haitang Bay has been designated by China as a ‘National Coast’ for
development as a world-class leisure destination, and Starwood is at the
forefront of this exciting new era for tourism in China,” said Qian Jin,
President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Greater China. “As the newest
member of The Luxury Collection brand, The Royal Begonia is an inspiring
addition for well-travelled global explorers seeking unique and
enriching experiences.”
The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 of the world’s
finest hotels around the world, spanning 30 countries. In Asia Pacific,
with 17 hotels in operation and 11 hotels in the pipeline, The Luxury
Collection continues to offer the brand’s signature concierge service,
luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences. These spectacular
hotels join the brand’s distinguished portfolio as portals for guests to
discover new and exciting destinations throughout the region.
Occupying an idyllic 370-metre beachfront location on Haitang Bay, The
Royal Begonia features 142 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 18
private villas nestled on the sparkling ivory beaches of the
southeastern coast of Hainan Island. The resort overlooks the sapphire
South China Sea with to the north, majestic mountains and verdant
rainforests, setting an indelible scene. Guest rooms are a stylish blend
of European elegance and local inspiration with natural and soft color
palettes, custom-designed furniture, and sophisticated interiors to
create a sense of relaxed opulence. The Luxury Collection Hotels &
Resorts signature Luxury Collection Concierge service provides 24-hour
care to guests, including Luggage Liaison, a luggage storage and
unpacking/packing service, and News Paper Direct, a
print-on-demand service covering over 600 global newspapers.
The hotel’s Abel TOUCH Spa is a serene oasis of relaxation that exudes
refinement and local character, with 21 treatment rooms for pampering
and well-being, using natural herbal beauty products, acupressure, and
indigenous treatments made from tropical fruits. The Royal Begonia
offers an incredible variety of culinary experiences including The
Begonia, the signature restaurant offering all-day dining with
creative Italian-Californian cuisine; the elegant Spanish-themed Buganvillas
Lobby Bar which showcases an exquisite wine selection and creative
cocktails; as well as Bayview Lounge, featuring the finest
cognac, wines, and cigars with sweeping sea views.
The Royal Begonia curates one-of-a-kind travel excursions for guests,
immersing them in local cultural experiences, specially crafted to
provide an unforgettable experience for those who are seeking a tropical
idyll with unparalleled five-star service, and soak in the cultural
flavor of local villages. The ‘Indigenous Discovery’ concept is
headlined by an exclusive introduction to indigenous tribes. Guests
discover the authentic lifestyle of the Li minority tribe on a guided
tour of Binlang village, learning to weave local fabrics, observing the
brewing process for Shanlan rice wine, and watching traditional bamboo
dancing.
Outings can also be arranged to a ‘floating restaurant’ on nearby
Coconut Island that specializes in freshly caught seafood. Other
enchanting experiences include boating adventures to Wuzhizhou Island,
one of the area’s top diving spots; cooking classes that highlight local
Hainanese delights; and yacht cruises that can be specially tailored for
sunset jaunts, wedding receptions, or photo shoots. Local culture is
also on display at the resort’s own art gallery, with a showcase of
traditional and modern Chinese art, sculpture, and pottery.
Situated about 35 kilometers from the main international airport in
Sanya, The Royal Begonia is conveniently located in one of Hainan’s two
main cities. Hainan offers visitors white sand beaches, verdant
mountains, and rugged coastlines framing the South China Sea. It has
long been home to the Li and Miao minorities, who continue to live and
thrive on the island.
The Royal Begonia is owned by Long-Island Travel Industry Co., Ltd, a
subsidiary of China Sigma Co., Ltd.
For more information on The Royal Begonia, Sanya, a Luxury Collection
Resort, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/royalbegonia.
About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® 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 décor,
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 80 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
(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events
to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the
forward-looking statements are made. These risks and uncertainties are
presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can
give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results
and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.)
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Media:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Katie
Roberts, +1 212-380-4049
katie.roberts@starwoodhotels.com