LUX* Resorts & Hotels Reveals Expansion Plans, in the Maldives, Reunion Island, China, and the UAE

Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, comments on the group's developments: “Once again, we are experiencing exciting times at LUX* Resorts & Hotels. With four new properties scheduled for opening by 2017, and the remaking of LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, the group is progressing well towards our international development ambitions.”

A second resort along the LUX* Tea Horse Road, Yunnan, China is opening in December 2015.

The second boutique hotel along the LUX* Tea Horse Road circuit is set on the edge of the Yangze river and is located in the core of the sun-drenched valley of Benzilan in the Yunnan province of China. The LUX* Tea Horse Road links Benzilan to its sister property in Lijiang, with a carefully defined route that follows the original path of the ancient trade route.

LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan welcomes travellers making their way to the sacred glaciers of the Meili Snow Mountains to a pristine, Tibetan-inspired 30 rooms mountain-retreat hotel offering unparalleled views of the snow-capped peaks of Baima Snow Mountains, surrounded by tranquil Tibetan villages at the shores of the Yangtze River.

A second LUX* Resort in Reunion Island is opening during the second half of 2016.

LUX* Sud Sauvage located in the “green corridor”, referred to as the island's best kept secret, on the stunning Côte Sauvage, and just a short distance from La Fournaise volcano.

The exciting resort concept is based on private villas, each with their own pools, offering total peace and privacy. LUX* Sud Sauvage will be an eco-resort nestled in lush tropical greenery, set to welcome discerning travellers in search of authenticity, un-pretentious luxury and charm. The resort's landscape boasts over 8 hectares of tropical gardens for guests to lose themselves in local and exotic fauna including rare, protected orchid species.

A second LUX* villa only Resort in the Maldives is opening during the second half of 2016.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, this ultra-modern luxury island resort will comprise of spectacular private villas perched above crystal waters, each with their own private pool, breezy in-outdoor living spaces and wraparound decking. Less than an hour away by speedboat from Malé and the international airport, LUX* North Malé Atoll is only 31 nautical miles (56 kilometres) north of the capital of the Maldives.

Miaja Design Group took architectural charge of the hotel design, using hand-polished woods and other natural materials, along-side ample glass to allow natural light to flood in. With the idyllic location amid an unexplored reef teeming with extraordinary sea life, LUX* North Malé Atoll takes its style cues and interior design from the nautical world. An on-site environmentally conscious marine biology centre will invite guests to discover all that nature has to flaunt in that part of the world.

Beachside Luxury at LUX* Al Zorah, U.A.E. is opening late 2016.

LUX* Al Zorah will be LUX* Resorts & Hotels' first venture into the Middle East. This sleek destination resort is an easy 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Designed with a blend of modern Arabian grandeur and signature LUX* simplicity by esteemed hotel architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the 191 rooms, suites and private villas guarantee guests contemporary glamour on the Arabian Gulf.

Al Zorah is a bio-diverse coastal oasis, and home to around 60 bird species (including the extraordinary pale pink flamingo). Twelve kilometres of silky sandy beach surround the resort, offering a wealth of outdoor-adventure possibilities, and plenty to tempt guests outside their sumptuous accommodations – diving, boating, kite surfing, fly boarding, and teeing off at the Jack Niklaus signature 18-hole golf course are all on the agenda. In addition, LUX* will manage 60 branded luxury residences that will enjoy all of the resorts facilities.

A fresh new look for LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Launching the new Signature Water villas with pools as part of phase 1, this December 2015.

LUX* South Ari Atoll (formerly known as LUX* Maldives) will launch the ultimate overwater love retreats, each with a private pool.

The private villas and suspended infinity pools blend contemporary flair with cabana charm. LUX* South Ari Atoll enlisted the expertise of award-winning design practice P49 DEESIGN, to inject new life into the resort. The new Signature Water Villas were conceived with love in mind, giving an entirely new meaning to ‘romantic breaks'. The unique directional architecture means that these hideaways will not only look chic and progressive, but will feel relaxed, serene and ever so romantic.

In addition to the LUX* ‘Sleep Tight' bed guests will love the couples rain-showers, unique ‘loveseats' and overhanging ‘love nests' that float in the air over the lagoon. A magical hang out for couples to luxuriate in complete privacy and seclusion. Subaquatic explorers can take one step from the villa's balcony directly into the shallow lagoon waters of the protected reef, which is considered the only one in the world with a year-round presence of friendly whale sharks.

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