NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

On the heels of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts announces plans to continue its growth momentum globally with the debut of ten hotels and resorts in vibrant 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 Inc. (HOT) continues to stand out as the worlds leader in luxury hospitality, with more hotels in more markets than any competitor in the luxury segment, offering guests exceptional service levels and luxury experiences in a wide range of destinations across the globe.

The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 of the worlds finest hotels and resorts in 30 countries around the world with new construction and conversion properties that span China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. Offering the brands signature Luxury Collection Concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences, these spectacular new hotels join the brands distinguished portfolio as portals for guests to discover each destination.

This is a milestone for The Luxury Collection as we open ten new hotels and resorts the most of any year in the brands 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 Chinas Hainan Island and Indias Chennai, that have become important hubs for business and leisure.

The Luxury Collection Expands its Portfolio in China

The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya will debut in August 2012 as the brands first resort in China, situated on the idyllic and intimate beachfront of Hainan Island. Surrounded by tropical gardens and lush forested hills on the South China Sea, The Royal Begonia will offer authentic and exceptional experiences that promise to exceed the most savvy global travelers expectations. All 142 guest rooms in the seaside retreat blend European elegance with local inspiration and open onto a large balcony, offering unobstructed views of the oceanfront or tropical gardens. Eighteen luxury villas each will feature a private pool, courtyard gardens, sophisticated interiors and high-tech amenities.

In September 2012, Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai 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, drawing inspiration from the areas rich heritage, updated with contemporary designer flourishes. The exquisite interior design was created by renowned-design duo Yabu Pushelberg, offering an ambiance of distinguished opulence. Italy-based Mario Botta, known for the iconic San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Seouls Samsung Museum of Art, led the architecture and design of the exteriors.

The Royal Begonia in Sanya and Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai will join The Hongta Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai, which became part of the portfolio earlier this year. The hotel, formerly The St. Regis Shanghai, will undergo a meticulous renovation of $20 million to be completed in phases over the next two years, reaffirming the hotels position as Shanghais premier luxury destination. Previously named among the top hotels on Conde Nast Travelers Gold List and one of the top business hotels in Travel + Leisure, the hotel is celebrated for its unique ability to marry tradition and modernity through its authentic architecture and high standards of refined service. The hotel will continue to feature the 328 sumptuously appointed guest rooms and suites, the award winning Danielis Restaurant and a luxurious spa with customized treatments with local ingredients and therapies.

Looking ahead, The Castle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian set in a striking castle design overlooking Xinghai Bay, Northern Chinas financial and tourism capital, is scheduled to open in 2014. The 1958, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Suzhou will debut in July 2015.

The Luxury Collection Opens its Tenth Hotel in India

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The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Continues Remarkable Global Growth Illustrative of New Luxury Travel Trends