Adding to its collection of five hotels and six resorts located across Asia, YTL Hotels, a Malaysian conglomerate, announced plans to expand its current portfolio to include the MUSE in Saint-Tropez, France, and the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China.

MUSE, opening July 2010, sits in the gorgeous sun-drenched Provencal landscape on Ramatuelle ‘Route des Plages’, mere minutes away from the Place des Lices. This intimate retreat will feature 15 elegant suites, all with gardens and of which 10 have a private pool. Incorporating the very best of France from custom-made furniture designed by Henryot especially for the MUSE, to the fabrics selected from the Parisian house Pierre Frey. All amenities have been created exclusively for the hotel in Grasse – the fine-fragrance capital of the world, and will be showcased in the Spa and suites. The ‘M’ restaurant will feature the talents of renowned Executive Chef Nicolas le Toumelin and chef Clement Bruno. A beautifully designed outdoor ‘MUSE eco-spa’, an outdoor games room complete with ‘open-air’ screening room will compliment the grounds of the MUSE.

The treasured South building of the legendary Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China along the Bund is the soon-to-be-unveiled Swatch Art Peace Hotel. An absolute sensory feast of visuals, this beauty will feature 7 exclusive suites of imaginative and pioneering design, paired with 18 tailor-made atelier rooms for internationally acclaimed artists to live and work. The ground floor will showcase dedicated boutique space for prestigious timepieces by Swatch Group. An art gallery will adorn the first floor and award winning restaurant Shook! will serve eclectic selection of gastronomy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel is scheduled to open early 2011.

With the appointment of James McBride as President of YTL Hotels last July, the expansion plan is in line with YTL Hotels’ vision to bolster its global operations and enhance its existing collection of hotels and resorts.

‘We are excited and very enthusiastic with our expansion plans. As a company with a strong financial disposition despite the recent economic meltdown, YTL Hotels seized the chance with acquisition and expansion opportunities’ said McBride. ‘The locations of these new hotels and resorts were thoughtfully chosen, so we could integrate the local environment and culture seamlessly into our existing portfolio, bringing out the best of each destination.’

Other new developments include Pulau Gaya and Pulau Tiga in Borneo.  A deluxe rainforest family resort looking out to Mount Kinabalu, Pulau Gaya is surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, sheltered coral reefs and protected mangroves. Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this adventure packed resort will integrate elements of traditional Sabahan (native of Sabah) architecture and feature 132 spacious stand alone hill and sea-front villas and a unique spa village. About 48 kilometers south of Kota Kinabalu lies Pulau Tiga. Famed for its volcanic mud pools, exotic wildlife, coral reefs and protected marine life, Pulau Tiga is a haven for nature, adventure and water enthusiasts. This intimate hideaway will feature 65 sea-front luxury one and two bedroom villas, each with private plunge pools. Both resorts in Borneo will open 2011.