Le Meridien Returns to Koh Samui Island with the Opening of Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

By: Starwood Hotels & Resorts | 1 Shares 67 Reads

KOH SAMUI, Thailand, Nov 10, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the opening of Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa, the brand's seventh hotel in Thailand. Located on an idyllic stretch of exclusive Lamai Beach with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand, Le Méridien Koh Samui has been designed with Feng Shui principles in mind, creating a place that preserves beauty, celebrates history and culture, enhances prosperity, and creates physical and spiritual happiness. This elemental principle is woven throughout the resort's buildings, amenities and offerings in a timeless chic way.

"Since Starwood acquired Le Méridien six years ago, the brand has undergone a full re-launch, including a comprehensive portfolio consolidation as well as the re-development of brand strategy, marketing approach and service culture training," said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide. "In this new era for Le Méridien, we are proud to celebrate our return to Koh Samui Island with the opening of Le Meridien Koh Samui."

Inspired by Koh Samui's timeless beauty and diverse cultural influences, Le Méridien Koh Samui is a place where comfort and curiosity intersect. Situated at the beachfront, the resort features an intimate selection of 77 stylish suites and villas arranged in the footprint of a traditional Asian seaside village. Le Méridien Koh Samui also features: Latest Recipe, Le Méridien brand's signature all-day dining venue, situated over the oceanfront pool with unlimited views that brings together local Thai and Western Cuisine; Le Méridien Hub with a chic lobby lounge bar Latitude 9, whichoffers a great selection of coffees in partnership with illy caffè during the day and chilled drinks at night, overlooking the resort's Feng Shui water feature; the poolside Plunge Bar, a stylish oasis offering fresh island fare tropical beverages; The Spa at Le Méridien Koh Samui, offering private suites and a holistic mix of ancient and modern treatments; an oceanfront infinity pool and expansive deck; and state-of-the-art fitness center, offering daily Yoga and Pilates classes in addition to a wide range of water sports. A main focal point of the resort is a 224-meter floating dock over the Gulf of Thailand, a unique and inspired venue for private dinners, celebratory cocktail parties, and intimate receptions.

The New Perspective upon Arrival

As part of the signature Le Méridien arrival experience, Le Méridien Koh Samui features "The Sampan's Diary," a custom artwork that leads the guest to the hotel's front entrance. The long, multidimensional piece is a poem painted with Chinese characters on cobblestones that tells the story of a Chinese migrant's journey to a faraway land. Running parallel, a 32-meter elevated and LED-illuminated resin panel strip is engraved with 'Inner Waves 01', an artwork contribution from LM100 artist Hisham Bharoocha. The resort's UNLOCK Art keycards, which are artist-designed and offer access to the guestroom as well as to a Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural center, have been created by LM100 members including Baroocha, writer Sam Samore, and Chinese artist Yan Lei. The keycards grant guests preferred access to one of Koh Samui's most treasured cultural institutions - the Nakari-Huathanin Shrine, built at the turn of the 18th century. Hotel guests are invited to the Le Méridien Hub to celebrate the end of each day Thai style, with the release of Khom Loys, or "bags of luck," that lift into the night sky elevated by light and the good wishes of guests.

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa is offering opening rates from THB4399+++, including breakfast for two daily. The opening offer is available for stays through to 31 March 2012 and to be booked by 31 December 2011. For reservations and more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com/kohsamui.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Media:
Megan Lechich // PR Consulting
T: +1 212-228-8181
E: megan@prconsulting.net

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