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Keep an Eye on Four Seasons as They Expand in Asia

With 70 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and more than 20 properties in development, the high-end hotel chain is busy expanding its presence around the globe, including Asia, with several new openings slated for the coming months.

The words Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com) are synonymous with luxury, beauty and great service. With 70 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and more than 20 properties in development, the high-end hotel chain is busy expanding its presence around the globe, including Asia, with several new openings slated for the coming months.

Of the 20 some Four Seasons (FS) properties in Asia and the Pacific region, rates can vary quite dramatically. According to a company spokesman, the best value can generally be found at the Four Seasons in Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai and Sydney, for instance, where room rates can dip as low as about $200 a night. In comparison, prices can be three times that and more at other FS hotels in Asian urban destinations like Hong Kong, Tokyo and Mumbai, and in places such as the Maldives and Langkawi.

In the spirit of every little discount helps, through December 17, 2006, receive a $250 resort credit with stays of four nights or more at the following FS resorts in Asia: Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives; Chang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand; Langkawi in Malaysia; and Sayan and Jimbaran Bay, in Bali. Refer to Resorts of Asia in the room reservation details when booking online.

Other current promotions include "buy three nights, get the fourth free" at the FS in Chang Mai (through Sept 30); Langkawi (Sept 1 - Oct 31); Shanghai (through Aug 31); and Sydney (through Dec 30).

Here's a look at the new and up and coming Four Seasons hotels in the Asia/Pacific region.

The Maldives

By year-end, two new Four Season properties will open in the Maldives, an island nation made up of nearly 30 atolls (coral islands surrounding lagoons) in the Indian Ocean, south of India's Lakshadweep islands about 435 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. The beaches of the Maldives are straight out of central casting with silky white sand and excellent diving opportunities.

Kuda Huraa Four Seasons

Truly a private island retreat, this hotel is located on the Male Atoll, a 25-minute speed boat ride from the Male International Airport. This new resort, which replaces the Four Seasons hotel that was destroyed by the Tsunami in 2004, has a full-service PADI diving center and a range of watersports. Thatched roofed water bungalows stretching out over the lagoon atop stilts, beach bungalows lining the beach and the choice of three open-air dining venues all come together to create a beautifully rustic ambience. It's only fitting that the spa is so secluded -- it's tucked away on its own tiny islet a short boat ride away. Thatched spa pavilions are open air and built over the water, so you can hear, see and smell the sea while enjoying Asian-inspired treatments. Reservations are confirmed for visits starting Sept 15, 2006.

Landaa Giraavaru Four Seasons

This wonderfully remote property is on the Baa Atoll and to get there, guests hop on a sea plane from Male for a scenic ride to the hotel. Spacious thatched beach and water villas are clustered around private pools and lush gardens. The four restaurants include two on the lagoon serving Italian and authentic Arabian cuisines. The hotel's spa focuses on Ayurveda and yoga, and each open-air treatment pavilion has a private relaxation area, plunge pool, steam and outdoor shower. Reservations are confirmed for arrivals from Nov 1, 2006.

At both hotels, children under age 12 stay in their parent's rooms for free and with advance notice, babysitting can be arranged at an hourly fee. Special amenities for kids include child-size bathrobes, children's menus, complimentary baby and children's toiletries, and the use of cribs and/or rollaway bed(s) at no extra charge. The Landaa property also has a teen center, with a badminton court, pool table, mini football, dart boards, PlayStation, jukebox, board games and magazines.

Thailand

Four Seasons Ko Samui

Set along the northwestern tip of Samui, this hotel opens in early 2007 and will be the fourth Four Seasons in Thailand. All of the new resort's 60 villas have their own spacious deck and plunge pool, plus you'll find a western and Thai restaurant, five spa pavilions and a pool. The property will also have 15 residences for guests looking for a fully equipped home along with the traditional Four Seasons service and amenities.

Four Seasons Bangkok

A multi-million dollar renovation that is slated to wrap up this fall has made this attractive hotel even better. Known for its traditional Thai architectural style that incorporates the use of hardwoods and fabrics in warms colors, as well as its stunning hand-painted silk ceiling and wall murals, the resort's rooms have been refreshed with rich new textures and hues that blend perfectly with the hotel's classic style. For example, Khaki and cream shagreen inspired wall-coverings and Thai silk draperies in the rooms have been dramatically blended with dark rich timbers and striking color schemes.

India

Four Seasons Mumbai

The first Four Seasons in India will open its doors at the beginning of the year in Mumbai, in the city's emerging Worli district. Sleek and modern, the hotel will blend into the evolving Mumbai cityscape and be centrally located and accessible to both the international and domestic airports to the North, and the financial district to the South. Elegant rooms have an Indian flavor with wood paneled walls and rich fabrics; many will have views of the Arabian Sea. Hotel amenities include restaurants, pools, an Aryurveda spa and as a special convenience, a fleet of 20 Mercedes Benz S-class sedans.

China

The fourth Four Seasons hotel in China, Hotel Shanghai at Pudong, will join the existing Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai (opened in 2002), as the second property in this growing, global city. Located on Century Boulevard, the Hotel will offer 190 rooms and suites and 60 residences, along with restaurants, a spa and meeting space. The target opening date is early 2009.

Four Seasons Hotel Macau will have 400 hotel rooms and up to 600 serviced vacation suites. Multiple dining venues, spa, meeting space, and extensive shopping are among the amenities. Located on the Cotai Strip in "Asia's Las Vegas," the project is being developed by Las Vegas Sands Corp, which will also manage the casino within the Hotel. Estimated opening date is late 2007.

Taiwan

Four Seasons Hotel Taipei will be located in the Hsin Yi District, where Taipei's newest shopping and office buildings surround the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 (named for the number of floors). The Hotel will offer 275 rooms and suites, plus 50 serviced apartments catering to business travelers. The Hotel is expected to open in 2009.

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