The Leading Hotels of the World Just Got Hotter

(HONG KONG February 18, 2010) - The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has recently accepted the following new member hotels:

A new ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of South Africa
Opened in January, the new Taj Cape Town is situated in the historic center of the city, close to St. George’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. With 166 rooms and suites, it is a combination of Cape Town’s rich history and elegant architecture and design. Once the home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, it retains the original marble pillars, vaulted ceilings, glass domes and architectural elements of those historic buildings. Restaurant options include Bombay Brasserie, serving Indian and regional specialties; Mint, for international cuisine; and Twankey seafood bar and restaurant. The Jiva Grande Spa is complemented by a fitness center and heated indoor swimming pool.

Eco Style Arrives on Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is situated on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, ten miles from Playa del Carmen. An exclusive, ecologically-sensitive resort, it features 132 free-standing one-, two-, and three- bedroom villas, all with private pools and featuring distinctive Mayan-inspired interior design with Asian touches. Dining outlets include Saffron, serving contemporary Thai cuisine; Tamarind, for Mediterranean-inspired specialties; Oriente, for buffet breakfast and modern Mexican fare; Sands, serving light meals and cocktails; and Reflections pool bar. For relaxation, the resort offers swimming pools, the Banyan Tree Spa, a beach club and golf. In addition, four meeting rooms can accommodate up to 180 people.


The Leading Small Hotels of the World has added the following properties to its roster:


Idyllic Alpine Retreat Overlooking the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc

Located in the heart of Crans, 1500 meters above sea level, Hotel Guarda Golf is an intimate retreat boasting spectacular views of the Alps from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. With just 19 rooms and six suites, it offers its guests exceptional levels of attentive, personalized service. Despite its small size, the hotel has three dining venues: Giardino and Les Alpes restaurants, and the Guarda Golf Lounge. Year-round recreation options include an ultra-modern spa zone, indoor lap pool and fitness center, as well as golf on a 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course or on an 18-hole course designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Two meeting rooms are available for small social or business gatherings.

City Centre Chic Moroccan Riad Style

Due to open later this spring, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is in the center of Marrakech, within walking distance of the Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Jamaa-el-Fna Square. Spread over 3.5 hectares within the walls of the old city, it resembles a traditional medina, comprising riads, restaurants and a spa, arranged around the reception area with its lobby, dining, bar, lounges and library. There are 53 riads, or three-story suites. The first floor offers a living room, lounge and patio; bedrooms, dressing areas and bathrooms are on the second level; and the third level is a tented roof terrace. The 4-bedroom riad is a self-contained unit with its own private swimming pool, elevator, gymnasium, hammam, home cinema, personal chef and housekeeper. A variety of restaurants offers French, Moroccan and international cuisines; while recreation options include a fitness center, spa and indoor swimming pool.

About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com and www.lhwspas.com – the online sources for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 22 major markets across the globe.

Since 1928, the company’s reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards. This set of standards is the most stringent in the industry.

High resolution images are available for downloading at www.lhw.com/press.

To receive a copy of the latest 2010 directory including all of the award winning hotels plus a series of tempting offers, please contact your local LHW reservations office: