Ritz Carlton Hotels presented an update on their Asian properties and the launch of a new brand extension at ALTM.
Ritz Carlton have five properties in China with one more in 2008 and three more by 2010.  The Portman Ritz Carlton in Shanghai, now celebrating its 10 year anniversary, is undergoing a $40 million transformation that will be completed by end of this month and will be launched in October 2008. The transformation will take the hotel up to 610 rooms and suites and will be the largest in The Ritz Carlton Hotel portofolio.
The second property in Shanghai, due to open in 2010, is located in the heart of the city's financial district Pudong. This property will be situated on the upper floors of a 60 story skyscraper with spectacular views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline.
The hotel will be part of a mixed use development designed by Cesar Peili and Associates comprising office space, retail and residential apartments. Other Ritz Carlton hotels and resorts currently open in China include two in Bejing, Guangzhou, with Shenzen opening in 2008 Hong Kong, Kowloon and Sanya in 2009.
Sanya is the first true luxury resort in the tropical Island province of Hainan Island in China.  Sanya is on the same latitude as Hawaii and is ofter referred to the Hawaii of Asia. This resort will have 450 rooms including 33 pool villas, each with their own private butlers, in addition to 21 luxury suites.
Each of the 33 one, two and three bedroom private villas are tastefully furnished with large outside deck, double and single sun loungers with intimate infinity pools which merge with the horizon. It has been designed using inspiration from the classic building design of Beijing's Summer Palace.
At the end of 2009, Ritz Carlton will open its first hotel in India, located in Bangalore.
At ALTM Ritz Carlton also announced its first brand extension - The Reserve.  The group caters to the top five per cent of today’s travellers with disposable income, and The Reserve will target the top two per cent. The first Reserve will be in Phulay Bay Thailand and will consist of 54 private villas set around natural wilderness. The entry level rate will be $1,000 per night, and this extension will consist of only 10 to15 around the world.