Anantara Brand Expands into China with First Resort

Building upon the presence of its existing Anantara Spas in China, Anantara Sanya will further complement the brands growing network of luxury hotels and spas throughout Asia and beyond.

Occupying a tranquil section of beach on the serene Luhuitou Peninsula, Xiaodonghai, on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island in south China, Anantara Sanya will comprise 128 guestrooms and 20 pool villas within a luxury boutique property designed by GLC Enterprises LLC and owned by Sanya Luhuitou Tourism Development Co., Ltd. The topographic attractions of this destination abound as the Luhuitou peninsula is flanked by two beaches, Xiaodonghai Bay and Luhuitou Bay, and boasts a coastline stretch of over 1000 metres. The renowned Sanya tourism attraction, Luhuitou Park, is located on the hill overlooking the peninsula and provides a setting for 1000 year old romantic fables as well as panoramic views of the vast sea, the rolling mountains and Sanya city, which is only 3 km away.

In 2008 Sanya ranked sixth in China's tourism revenue growth with an annualised rate of 14%, highlighting significant domestic and global reach for the destination. More broadly, the Anantara group is also planning several more Anantara resorts anticipated to open in China over the next few years.

William E. Heinecke, CEO of Minor International, owners of the Anantara brand, comments, "It is an honour to be launching our first resort in China, as it is evidence of our growing international presence in upmarket destinations both in China and beyond. It is our strong intention to provide guests with a unique collection of resort experiences in the world's most sought after destinations, unified by Anantara's philosophy for passionate, authentic exploration. We look forward to realising this aspirational promise at Anantara Sanya and for all forthcoming openings, with the imminent signing ceremony in Shanghai being testament to our global expansion of luxury resorts."

This latest move illustrates Anantara's sound progress in developing at least five new properties in the next two years and up to 40 resorts in Asia, Africa and the Middle East over the next 10 years.

Anantara recently received a number of top awards in key publications, with both Anantara Phuket and Anantara Desert Islands being named amongst the world's hottest hotels in the annual Condé Nast Traveller "2009 Hot List", the definitive guide to the hottest new hotels in the world. In addition, the July edition of Travel + Leisure USA named Anantara Dhigu, Maldives the "World's Best" resort in the Maldives and Anantara Golden Triangle ranked in the Top 10 hotels in Asia.

For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', which symbolizes this sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality is at the core of the Anantara experience.

Anantara Resorts are currently located in the seaside town of Hua Hin and on Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Golden Triangle in the country's north. In the world-renowned destination of the Maldives, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli are a 30-minute boat ride from the capital Male. Anantara Seminyak debuted in April 2008 in the most fashionable district of Bali – the Island of the Gods. Late 2008 saw the opening of Anantara Phuket, situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach, Thailand, followed by Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and Anantara Si Kao which lies on the secluded Changlang Beach area south of Krabi, Thailand. The newest member of the Anantara family opened its doors in April 2009, Anantara Baan Rajprasong in Bangkok is the first serviced suites property for the Anantara group.