Adding to its collection of five hotels and six resorts located across Asia, YTL Hotels, a Malaysian conglomerate, plans to expand its current portfolio to include the MUSE in Saint-Tropez, France, and the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China. The MUSE, opening in June 2010, sits in the Provencal landscape on Ramatuelle "Route des Plages," minutes away from the Place des Lices. The retreat will feature 14 suites, all with gardens and nine with private pools. 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 Executive Chef Nicolas le Toumelin and Chef Clement Bruno. An outdoor MUSE eco-spa, an outdoorgames room complete with open-air screening room will compliment the grounds of the MUSE.
The South building of the Peace Hotel in Shanghai, along the Bund, is the soon-to-be-unveiled Swatch Art Peace Hotel. It will feature seven exclusive suites, paired with 18 atelier rooms for internationally acclaimed artists to live and work. The ground floor will showcase dedicated boutique space for timepieces by Swatch Group. An art gallery will adorn the first floor and the restaurant Shook! will serve an eclectic selection of gastronomy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel is also scheduled to open in June.
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. "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 beaches, sheltered coral reefs and protected mangroves. Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the resort will integrate elements of traditional Sabahan (native of Sabah) architecture and feature 132 stand-alone hill and sea-front villas and a spa village. About 29 miles south of Kota Kinabalu lies Pulau Tiga. Known 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 resort will feature 65 sea-front luxury one and two bedroom villas, each with private plunge pools. Both resorts in Borneo will open 2011. For more information, visit www.ytlhotels.com.
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