WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's most romantic
destination becomes home to a luxurious new resort this month when the
Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa opens in French Polynesia Oct. 15. This
exotic, 106-unit resort is the second of three exclusive properties to be
managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Earlier this year, the
Sheraton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete was added to the company's portfolio, and, in
2002, a lavish resort and spa will open on Bora Bora.
"With its spectacular setting, accommodations and amenities, the Sheraton
Moorea sets a new benchmark in French Polynesia, and gives us an incomparable
hotel in one of the world's most desirable destinations," says Ted Darnall,
president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Sheraton's parent
company. "With the debut of this magnificent, air-conditioned resort and spa,
we are taking island accommodations to a new level while offering our Starwood
Preferred Guests the ultimate 'rewards' destination."
Set on a private, 10-acre lagoon surrounded by pristine white beaches and
volcanic peaks, the Sheraton Moorea features authentic-looking, thatched roof
bungalows that blend island ambiance with creature comforts for an experience
unparalleled in the islands. Guests can enjoy the island's unspoiled natural
beauty without giving up the pampering found in the world's best hotels.
Accommodations combine the natural beauty of native materials with the most
contemporary of amenities, including remote control color satellite television
with CNN and HBO, and direct-dial telephones with computer data ports.
No expense was spared by the Societe des Hotels Tahitiens S.A., the owners
of the elegant, new property. Reflecting the island's French Polynesian
heritage, rooms feature teakwood floors and spacious bathrooms with the finest
French fixtures and cast-iron, claw-footed bathtubs where guests can soak
while gazing out to the crystal clear lagoon or turquoise sea beyond.
According to folklore, Moorea is known as the "island of love," and the
Sheraton's over-water bungalows certainly exemplify romance. In fact, of the
106 rooms at the resort, 57 are surrounded by water and connected by winding,
wooden walkways. These romantic "island on an island" over-water rooms are
especially popular with honeymooners, who can watch jewel-colored tropical sea
life from their rooms, thanks to a strategically placed glass floor panel.
In addition to the over-water bungalows, there are beach bungalows, garden
bungalows and family units in the resort's lush, aromatic gardens, all with
top-of-the-line furnishings and appointments.
Holistic healing is emphasized at the Sheraton Moorea's Mandara spa.
Guests can take advantage of a Polynesian massage with oil (at the spa or in
their rooms), natural facial treatments, foot reflexology and body scrubs.
Massages with Tahitian oils can be arranged on private bungalow decks, and a
honeymooners massage for two can be booked upon request. Mandara, the
world-renowned spa operator, will also be offering spa services at the
Sheraton Hotel Tahiti.
The Sheraton Moorea offers a variety of facilities and activities
including an outdoor infinity pool that literally drops into the lagoon, a
fitness club, tennis, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving and
yachting. Exploring the underwater world at a "motu" or separate island is
easy, thanks to the snorkeling equipment available to guests in their rooms,
free of charge.
Resort services include a business center, gift boutique with pearl shop,
currency exchange, laundry and same-day dry cleaning, as well as babysitting
services and facilities for the disabled. Rental cars are available for
guests wanting to create a personalized sightseeing itinerary.
Reflecting the eclectic and sophisticated tastes of globe-trotting
travelers, Sheraton Moorea's two restaurants focus on authentic Polynesian and
French cuisine and feature tropical fruits, garden-fresh legumes and freshly
caught fish.
The Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is the sister property of the
famed Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, located just five minutes from the heart of
downtown Papeete. This newly built property opened in 1999.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is one of the
leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties
in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner,
operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The
Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points and W brands, as well as
Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators
of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. More information is
available on the company's web site: http://www.starwoodhotels.com.
SOURCE Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com
CONTACT:
Deborah Bernstein, 914-640-8361, or Ellen
Gallo, 914-640-8167, both of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,
Inc., Toll-free - 866-4-STAR-PR (866-478-2777)
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