Starwood Hotels Strengthens Its Presence in New Caledonia

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(News Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide)

(SINGAPORE) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT) reinforces its leadership position in New Caledonia, announcing the signing of an agreement with a subsidiary of Societé des Hotels de Noumea to manage a new-build Sheraton resort.  At the same time, Starwood announces the extension of the management contracts of two existing Le Meridien resorts in New Caledonia.  Sheraton New Caledonia Bourail Resort & Spa will welcome guests in 2013 while the 2 Le Meridien resorts will continue to offer a European flair and sophisticated environment designed for the creative guests.
 
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Societé des Hotels de Noumea," said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. "We would like to thank the owner for their continued confidence in Starwood and our brands.  This extended partnership also means that Starwood is the only international premier operator in New Caledonia.  We are proud to be able to continue to help further develop tourism here, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and untouched islands of the world."
 
"Sheraton is a favorite hotel brand among travelers, whether it be for business or leisure. With its expansion into New Caledonia, we look forward to sharing one of the best resort experiences in the world with travelers in a warm and welcoming setting at Sheraton."
 
Scheduled to open in 2013, Sheraton New Caledonia Bourail Resort & Spa, the first international upper upscale resort in Bourail, will be located on the Mainland within an exclusive site called Gouaro Deva, in the district of Bourail.  Gouaro Deva has about 13 kilometers of white sand beach and a UNESCO listed lagoon and reef.  Guests at the Sheraton resort can enjoy various water sports activities on the 850 meters long of white sand beach and the crystal clear blue water lagoon. The resort is about 1.5 hours by car to Tontouta International Airport and 2 hours by car to Noumea town centre. A local airport is in discussion to increase the accessibility of the area.
 
This new-build Sheraton resort will offer 180 rooms including 60 bungalows, extensive food & beverage facilities, a health club and spa with 6 treatment rooms, swimming pool, kids' club, fitness center, business center and more than 300 square meter of meeting space.  The resort will also feature "Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft", a unique lobby lounge that is both a physical and a virtual space where guests can socialize, work and stay connected by using complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations. video-chats, televisions and daily newspapers.
 
Adjacent to the resort will be a new 18-hole golf course and activity centre offering horse riding, hiking, quad biking, and so on.
 

Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Ile des Pins

Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Iles des Pins will both undergo an extensive renovation throughout the hotel, including the rooms and public areas such as lobby, restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers and spa. The design and style of the refurbishment will reflect Le Meridien's positioning of chic and contemporary with a selective mix of local materials, furnishings and artefacts to showcase the local culture and heritage.
 
"New Caledonia is known to offer 'a French way of life in the South Pacific', and is a perfect fit with the Le Meridien brand," remarked Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Pacific region.  "With the renovation in place, the resorts will be in line with the new Le Méridien brand positioning and provide a curated experience enhanced by an atmosphere of European refinement."
 
Located on the Mainland and directly on the beach, the 245-room Le Meridien Nouméa is just a few minutes away from the capital, while the exclusive 39-room Le Méridien Ile des Pins is located on the exclusive Island of Pines at the countries southern tip.
 
About New Caledonia

Part of the French Republic, New Caledonia is the third largest island in the Pacific Region, after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, measuring 500 km long and 50 km wide. It is located in southern Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, about 1,500 km from Australia, 1,700 km from New Zealand, 5,000 km from Tahiti, 10,000 km from the West Coast of the USA and 20,000 km from France. It comprises of a mainland and several smaller islands with a population of about 250,000 with most living on the mainland which is the richest area of New Caledonia.

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