ADDING to its collection of five hotels and six resorts located across Asia, YTL Hotels, a Malaysian conglomerate, has announced plans to expand its current portfolio to include the Muse in Saint-Tropez, France, and the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China.
The Muse, opening in June 2010, sits in the gorgeous sun-drenched Provencal landscape on Ramatuelle ‘Route des Plages’, mere minutes away from the Place des Lices.
This intimate retreat will feature 14 elegant suites, all with gardens, of which nine have private pools.
The furniture has been custom-made, designed by Henryot especially for the Muse, with fabrics selected from the Parisian house Pierre Frey and all amenities have been created exclusively for the hotel in Grasse, the fine-fragrance capital of the world, and will be showcased in the spa and suites.
The ‘M’ restaurant will feature the talents of renowned executive chef Nicolas le Toumelin and chef Clement Bruno and a beautifully designed, outdoor Muse eco-spa, an outdoor games room complete with open-air screening room, will be found in the grounds.
The treasured south building of the legendary Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China, along the Bund holds the soon-to-be-unveiled Swatch Art Peace Hotel.
An absolute sensory feast of visuals, this beauty will feature seven exclusive suites of imaginative and pioneering design, paired with 18 tailor-made atelier rooms for internationally acclaimed artists to live and work. The ground floor will showcase dedicated boutique space for prestigious timepieces by Swatch Group.
An art gallery will adorn the first floor and award-winning restaurant Shook! will serve an eclectic selection of gastronomy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel is also scheduled to open in June 2010.
With the appointment of James McBride as president of YTL Hotels last July, the expansion plan is in line with the company’s vision to bolster its global operations and enhance its existing collection of hotels and resorts.
“We are excited and very enthusiastic with our expansion plans. As a company with a strong financial disposition despite the recent economic meltdown, YTL Hotels seized the chance with acquisition and expansion opportunities,” said McBride. “The locations of these new hotels and resorts were thoughtfully chosen, so we could integrate the local environment and culture seamlessly into our existing portfolio, bringing out the best of each destination.”
Other new developments include Pulau Gaya and Pulau Tiga in Borneo.