Luxury Collection Debuts in Mauritius
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces the entry of The Luxury Collection in Mauritius, a tropical, island nation off the east coast of Africa. Under a long-term agreement with Blue Ocean Park Limited, The Luxury Collection brand will manage The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa, a 193-room resort property on the glorious northwest coast of Mauritius in Balaclava on Turtle Bay. With an anticipated opening scheduled for the first half of 2008, The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa will offer guests the exceptional level of service, magnificent d'ecor and exquisite dining in a spectacular ocean-front setting.
"We define The Luxury Collection by our guests and the experiences and services they demand and expect. Nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "This magical island destination surrounded by the dazzling waters of the Indian Ocean creates the perfect setting for our latest addition to The Luxury Collection."
The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa will feature 193 lavishly decorated guestrooms including 20 suites and two presidential villas as well as more than 4,500 square feet of functional meeting space. Located on 20 acres of breathtaking beach-front property, The Luxury Collection's latest resort will offer a variety of exotic regional and international cuisine options with three world-class restaurants. Guests will also be able to enjoy the pool or pamper themselves with a rich array of treatments at the hotel's luxury spa, while the children may delight at the kid's club.
"We are delighted to bring the Luxury Collection brand to Mauritius, an idyllic, island destination where our discerning guests will be treated to an exclusive resort experience enhanced by unparalleled service, breathtaking water views, and a wealth of dining options," said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "Fully deserving of our Luxury Collection brand, The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa will undoubtedly be one of the most sought after resorts in the world. This agreement also demonstrates the trust and confidence Blue Ocean Park Ltd. has shown in The Luxury Collection."
In Mauritius, Starwood already operates the Le Meridien Isle Maurice, a 265-room resort hotel, located three miles north of the Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa, also on the northwest coast of the island.
"Following the success Starwood has demonstrated with our current resort in Mauritius, Le Merdien Isle Maurice, we are proud to be working again with Starwood, this time with its Luxury Collection brand," said Mr. Ashok Uttamchandani, Chairman of Blue Ocean Park Ltd. "Taking into account its global reach and market leadership, we believe the choice to partner with the Luxury Collection brand is the right one and we look forward to growing our relationship with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Mauritius and elsewhere."
Blue Ocean Park Ltd is controlled by B K Trading Limited, a Mauritian company and Mr. Hakam Masani who also control Sagar Hotels & Resorts Limited (owner of the 265-room Le Meridien Hotel Ile Maurice, Mauritius). B K Trading Limited has been a prominent player in the Mauritian hotel industry for over seven years and is fully owned by Mr. Ashok Uttamchandani and family. Mr. Uttamchandani has been involved in the real estate business for more than 30 years in Dubai and owns Rocky Real Estate LLC, a company established in Dubai. Rocky Real Estate is specialized in real estate management and investment in leasehold and freehold properties in Dubai.
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