The Luxury Collection plans 10 new hotels

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence globally with the debut of ten hotels in key locations. New resorts are planned in 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 will offer more hotels in more markets than its competitors in the luxury segment. “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 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. New hotels planned The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya will debut in August 2012 as the brand’s first resort in China, situated on the beachfront of Hainan Island. In September 2012, Twelve at Hengshan 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 2011.