The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, continues its presence and expansion into China with the 2008 opening of its first resort, situated on an exclusive site along the South China Sea.The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, with expansive views of Yalong Bay, in HainanProvince, will include 451 rooms, suites, and private villas, as well as a30,000 square foot spa, the largest and most lavish in the region.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai are twoof Asia’s most award-winning hotels. In addition to Sanya, they will bejoined by five other properties now under construction in China, including:Beijing, Financial Street (2006), Beijing (at China Central Place, 2007),Guangzhou (2007), Shenzhen (2008), and Hong Kong-Kowloon (2009). China JinMao Group, Ltd. will be the owners of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya.

“China continues to enhance its reputation as a desirable destination forexploration by the world’s most sophisticated leisure travelers. Sanya,with its tropical climate, pristine beaches, and array of unique and exoticnatural attractions is an exciting new location for The Ritz-Carlton HotelCompany to continue its growth in the country,” said Simon F. Cooper,president and chief operating officer.

“The extensive conference facilitiesplanned for this resort should also attract significant meetings andincentive customers,” he predicted.

Situated at the southern-most tip of Hainan Island, Sanya lies in thesouthern valley of the Wuzhi Valley Mountains.

Known for its temperate weather, lush tropical forests, and miles of secluded beaches, Sanya ishome to attractions including the Nantian Hot Springs, Monkey Island, andthe Nanshan Caves.

The area also includes four championship-caliber golfcourses, and was a stop on the 2006 European tour.

Architects WAT. & G. plan a U-shaped design for The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya,with two wings housing guest rooms of 600 square feet, the largest of anyhotel in the destination.

Guests seeking the ultimate in exclusivity canreserve one of 35 spacious villas, each with an individual plunge pool.Those reserving The Ritz-Carlton Club level accommodations will enjoy theirown lounge area with frequent food and beverage presentations throughoutthe day.

Three restaurants, and a poolside bar and grill area will all offer scenicviews of the lagoon or the beach. Recreational choices will include tennis,swimming pools, a full-service fitness center, and a signature Ritz KidsClub for the younger resort guests. The stylish spa will be distinguishedby an aquatonic-swimming pool, plus 20 private rooms offering a menu ofregional and international therapies and beauty treatments, from massagesto facials.

For meetings, conferences and special social events, The Ritz-Carlton,Sanya will provide 17,600 square feet of flexible space. A ballroom of10,000 square feet is divisible by four, with five smaller rooms also anoption for planners. A wedding chapel, on the grounds of the resort, willbe the backdrop for intimate, waterfront ceremonies.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., (USA) currentlyoperates 61 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East andAfrica. Over 20 projects are under development around the globe with hotelopenings planned for Moscow, Ireland, and two in Beijing over the nextyear. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earnedthe prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizesoutstanding customer service.
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