Park Plaza hotels, part of
Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, is pleased to announce plans to
open the Park Plaza Resort Nakha Island, just off the East Coast of Phuket,
Thailand.  The resort, due to open in early 2004, is the brand`s first hotel
in Thailand.
“The addition of the Park Plaza Resort Nakha Island-Phuket is an important
landmark in terms of expansion within the Asia-Pacific region,” said Jetse
Pottinga, executive vice president for Park Hospitality, parent organization
of Park Plaza hotels.  “The resort will also be a benchmark for Park Plaza
in terms of resort accommodation, an area that we are planning to expand
throughout Asia.”
This exclusive development will consist of 99 newly built deluxe guestrooms
that will be housed in authentic Thai-style villas.  The focus of the resort
will be to provide guests with an unencumbered sense of tranquility and
serenity in an idyllic tropical village setting.  Facilities will include a
Wellness Center and Health Spa, focused on a variety of holistic offerings
and indulgences for both body and soul.
Park Plaza Resort Nakha Island-Phuket, is designed around a traditional Thai
village theme with walkways along shaded elevated wooden decking, linking
the resort`s facilities.  The reception pavilion will have open sea views
and an outlook over the infinity edge swimming pool, to the magnificent
limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.  The resort`s restaurant choices will
also follow the well-being and healthy lifestyle concept, without
restricting the dining experience.  The use of the abundant local seafood,
fresh produce and local Thai cuisine influences will further enhance the
experience.
The resort is accessed via a short drive from Phuket International Airport
and then a comfortable transfer by boat from either Boat Lagoon or Po Bay to
the resort`s private jetty.
Nestled on a gently sloping hillside of Nakha Island, the resort is fronted
by a white sand beach.  Leisure activities will be plentiful and include
traditional water sports, as well as a serene relaxation center offering
discreet meditation areas, reading rooms for that favorite book or quiet
moments in your private tropical oasis.
Park Hospitality is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader
in hospitality
services, encompassing more than 1,635 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise
ship operations in 82
countries.  In addition to Park Plaza, specific brands include: Regent
International Hotels;
Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; Park Inn
hotels, Radisson Seven
Seas Cruises; T.G.I. Friday`s; Pick Up Stix; and Provisions, a worldwide
procurement company.
Park Hospitality works closely with global partners to build the brand
internationally.
Park Plaza Hotels Europe owns and operates Park Plaza hotels in Europe, the
Middle East and
Africa.  Park Plaza Asia Pacific is the exclusive master franchisor of Park
Plaza hotels in 35
South Pacific and Southeast Asian countries.  Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels
operates the extensive
network of Park Plaza hotels and resorts across India.  AFM Hospitality
Corporation is the
master franchisor for Park Plaza across Canada.
Reservations for Park Plaza hotels can be made through the web site at
http://www.parkplaza.com, through your travel consultant or by calling the
toll-free reservation
line in North America at:  800-814-7000.

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