Featured in this Asia Pacific Hospitality Newsletter - Week Ending 17 September 2004
Amara to develop boutique resort on Sentosa Island
Sofitel Melbourne to embark on renovation
Hilton International to manage a hotel in Xiamen
Courtyard sets to open in Nanchang in 2006
Grand Mercure Broadbeach to undergo renovation
Starwood to embarks on extensive renovation in Fiji
Renaissance Seoul undergoes Refurbishment
Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore launches new rooms


Amara to develop boutique resort on Sentosa Island Return to Headlines
Amara Holdings Limited announced that the Group’s Hospitality Division will be developing its first boutique resort on Sentosa Island. Amara Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amara Sentosa Investments Pte Ltd, inked this S$60 million investment with Sentosa Leisure Group to re-develop a 2.1 hectare parcel of land that includes four old colonial buildings. To be located in the central lush green zone of Sentosa Island, the 125-room Amara Sentosa will be positioned as a deluxe property and is targeted to be officially opened by 2007. Currently, Amara manages hotels in the Singapore Central Business District; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Chengdu, China; and another hotel that’s under development in Shanghai.

Sofitel Melbourne to embark on renovation Return to Headlines
Sofitel Melbourne is set to embark on an A$18.5 million renovation. The 11-month project will start in October 2004, and will involve one entire floor (rooms, lift lobby and corridors) being upgraded each month. This also includes the re-design of the 50th floor, which will feature 10 suites, an executive lounge and health and wellbeing suite.

Hilton International to manage a hotel in Xiamen Return to Headlines
Hilton International has signed an agreement with property developer Xiamen Vast Art Industries Co Ltd. to manage a hotel in Xiamen, China. The 30-storey Hilton Xiamen will be Hilton’s eighth property in China when it opens at the end of 2006. The hotel, which covers 4,800 square metres of land, will comprise 410 rooms, 4 food and beverage outlets and 11 function rooms.

Courtyard sets to open in Nanchang in 2006 Return to Headlines
Marriott International signed an agreement with Nanchang Hongjin Real Estate Development Co Ltd. to manage a hotel under its Courtyard brand in 2006. The Courtyard by Marriott Nanchang will comprise 247 rooms, 2 food and beverage outlets and a total 540 square metres of function space.

Grand Mercure Broadbeach to undergo renovation Return to Headlines
Grand Mercure Broadbeach, Gold Coast will undergo an extensive A$20 million upgrade of the hotel and retail complex. Owned by Thakral Holdings, the hotel will be re-branded as the Sofitel Gold Coast after completing the renovation in March 2005. The renovations will include all guestrooms and public areas, including function rooms, café and lounge bar.

Starwood to embarks on extensive renovation in Fiji Return to Headlines
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has announced a US$22 million refurbishment program that will commence soon at the Sheraton Resorts Denarau Island complex in Fiji. The complex consists of the Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas and the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club. The refurbishment program will commence in the first quarter of 2005 with the renovation and conversion of Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort to a Westin Resort. The Sheraton Fiji Resort that will start the renovation of its guestrooms, grand ballroom and general facilities in mid 2005 with a completion date of July 2006.

Renaissance Seoul undergoes Refurbishment Return to Headlines
Renaissance Seoul is undergoing a transformation with a major lobby refurbishment and three new innovative restaurant concepts, due for completion in October 2004. The three restaurant concepts will include Manhattan Grill (the American steakhouse), Café Elysee (all day dining buffet) and The Bakery.

Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore launches new rooms Return to Headlines
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore has added 38 rooms to its room inventory, increasing the total number of rooms and suites available at the hotel to 520. During the recent expansion all corporate suites (1 bedroom suites) on the 12th and 13th floors were converted to two deluxe rooms each.

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