Source: Raffles

In September 2013, Raffles Hotels & Resorts will arrive at a new milestone as expands its collection to 10 hotels with the opening of Raffles Hainan – their second property in China. The luxury resort will open in Clearwater Bay, the new hotspot on the southeast coast of Hainan Island – China's answer to the French Riviera and a rising star in the luxury tourism market. Clearwater Bay is a 500 square-kilometre development that encompasses the Raffles resort, two championship golf courses designed by US-based Schmidt-Curley Design located directly adjacent to Raffles, private residences, luxury retail, a cinema complex, yacht clubs and a 780-berth marina for sailing and water sports. Boasting 12 kilometres of beautiful coastline, Clearwater Bay is regarded as one of only three "singing beaches" in the world.

Raffles Hainan enjoys a prime beachfront location with 299 rooms – starting at 80sqm – and 32 villas, all with private balconies and scenic views of the ocean or golf course. A large Raffles Spa offering both Asian and Western treatments, seven restaurants and bars, and private events spaces will sit alongside Hainan's homage to the Long Bar at Raffles Singapore, in tribute to the Hainanese bartender who created the Singapore Sling. Rooms and suites feature a contemporary design combined with locally inspired accents. Artisan wood furnishings, colourful fabrics and artworks pay homage to the traditional hill tribes in Hainan, and bring a sense of place to the interiors.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts' connection to art continues in Hainan as Raffles Hainan showcases over 1,000 works of art throughout the resort. Curated by Willow Gallery from Hong Kong, these include specially commissioned works from contemporary Chinese artists, sculptures, tribal ornaments and even multimedia art. For meetings and events, opt for either the beachfront pavilion with beautiful sea views or the ballroom for formal occasions. These are complemented by seven multifunctional meeting rooms.

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, General Manager of Raffles Hainan says: "Raffles Hainan will be one of the most prestigious addresses on China's popular holiday island as the first luxury opening on Clearwater Bay, the only resort adjoining championship golf courses and with Sanya's largest guestrooms, all with sea-view balconies. With the addition of Raffles' signature warm and graceful service embodied by the Raffles Butlers, we are setting a new luxury benchmark on the island."

Peter French, President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts adds: "Drawing on the timeless quality of the flagship Raffles Singapore, Raffles Hainan continues our commitment to bringing 125 years of heritage and experience in bespoke luxury service to our strategic expansion."

Raffles Hainan is Raffles Hotels & Resorts' second property in China, following the historic Raffles Beijing. The tropical Hainan Island is 3 hours flight from Beijing, and ideal as complement to Beijing's cultural experience.

 

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts: Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The portfolio currently comprises ten luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world: in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Philippines and Paris, each one is an oasis of calm and charm. The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in key destinations scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place. However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by FRHI Holdings Ltd, a leading global hotel company with more than 105 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. www.raffles.com