The Luxury Collection Opens Vana Belle Koh Samui

Koh Samui (Thailand) – February 8, 2013 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui. This newly built resort joins Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and The Naka Island Resort & Spa in Phuket as The Luxury Collection brand’s third hotel in Thailand. Growing its portfolio to 20 distinctive properties in Asia Pacific and over 85 properties worldwide, The Luxury Collection continues to lengthen its lead as a leader in luxury hospitality with plans to debut in exotic destinations around the world, including The Castle Hotel in Dalian, China; Palacio del Inka in Cusco, Peru; and the Ajman Palace in the United Arab Emirates.

“We are thrilled to debut Vana Belle as part of The Luxury Collection, offering our global guests access to exceptional and indigenous experiences delivered with the personalized service they have come to expect from this brand,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide. “With the region’s unmatched natural surroundings, intimate atmosphere and welcoming Thai hospitality, Koh Samui is certainly one of the world’s most coveted destinations, and Vana Belle is poised to become Thailand’s most idyllic address.”

Vana Belle is located 80 kilometers off of Thailand’s southern coast in Koh Samui, in an unspoiled corner of the world, known for its borderless ivory beaches and pristine waters. The unrivalled resort features 80 magnificently appointed Pool Suites and Pool Villas, with expansive outdoor spaces, breathtaking views and the utmost privacy. Inspired by the Thai definition meaning ‘beautiful forest’, Vana Belle is enveloped in lush foliage and tucked away in the white sand cove of Chaweng Noi Beach.

Escape into Luxury Accommodations & Spa Indulgence

The first Luxury Collection property on Koh Samui, Vana Belle offers accommodations with a selection of stunning guest suites and villas, ranging from 86 square meters to 211 square meters. The architecture and design of the 80 guest suites and villas reflect the rich and indigenous local culture and feature views of the tropical gardens or the cerulean waters. Additionally, each appointed suite and villa offers a private plush pool and balcony along with luxury amenities, including the option for guests to be welcomed with personalized in-room check in.

As an extension of the resort’s luxurious accommodations, Vana Spa is designed to rejuvenate and restore and features relaxation areas, steam facilities, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center and four treatment rooms. Vana Spa also offers a comprehensive menu of locally-inspired experiences and signature treatments in a refined sanctuary of discreet luxury.

Epicurean Excellence

Thai cuisine and other flavors of the region are showcased at the resort’s two restaurants and lobby lounge. The resort’s signature restaurant, Kiree, is a contemporary indoor/outdoor venue with ocean views, offering a savory journey with epicurean influences of Southern Thai dishes. Panali is Vana Belle’s poolside restaurant serving international favorites, where guests can enjoy daily fresh picked seafood for barbeque, Thai and much more.

The intimate Lobby Lounge is an open air bar overlooking a grove of palm trees parallel to the Gulf of Thailand – the perfect setting to relax while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and selections from an extensive whiskey menu along with delectable nibbles from the kitchen.

Exceptional Locale & The Luxury Collection Concierge

Located on Thailand’s southern coast near the Samui International Airport, Vana Belle offers convenient access to the island’s remarkable recreation and cultural treasures. The Gulf of Thailand offers an abundance of world-class snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful sea life. Inland, guests have the opportunity to hike through lush rainforests through waterfalls and natural bathing pools. For a more personal cultural experience, the resort offers Thai cooking classes, poolside Yoga classes, and guided explorations of natural treasures such as Big Buddha, the Hin Ta – Hin Yai rock formations and elephant trekking through the jungle.

Vana Belle also introduces the brand’s signature Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, offering the most discerning global travelers an extraordinary experience and impeccable service. The concierge provides guests recommendations to discover and experience Koh Samui in an authentic and indigenous way.

For more information on Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/vanabelle.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 85 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,134 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands.

Media Contact:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Katie Roberts
+1 212-380-4049
katie.roberts@starwoodhotels.com