The Royal Begonia Marks the First Luxury Collection Resort in China, a Reflection of the Brand's Remarkable Growth in Asia Pacific
SANYA, China, Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Luxury Collection, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), 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 beachfront Abel TOUCH Spa 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.)
