Sheraton to Debut in Republic of Maldives

Opening in late 2008, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Adds More Depth to the Rapidly Gr

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 26, 2008

WHITE PLAINS, NY, October 23, 2008. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced a joint venture agreement with Full Moon Private Limited to rebrand the Full Moon Resort to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Starwood is extensively refurbishing the 156-room resort, which is located on its own private island in the Republic of Maldives, and targets to officially open the resort as a Sheraton on December 1.

The addition of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa heralds the aggressive growth of the brand's portfolio of world-class resorts in desirable destinations across the globe. Sheraton currently offers more than 16 resorts in Asia Pacific, in locations such as Fiji, Japan, China, Indonesia, Guam and Australia. And there are Sheraton resorts under development in markets like Taiwan, India and Spain. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is Starwood's second property in the Maldives, joining W Retreat & Spa, Maldives - the world's first W resort - which opened September 2006.

"Sheraton is Starwood's largest and most global hotel brand, and the addition of this spectacular resort is key as we continue to build our collection of beautiful upper-upscale resorts in exhilarating locations throughout the world," said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. "The Maldives woos tourists with the promise of 'the last paradise on earth,' and is the ideal next stop for Sheraton's global expedition."

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is located on Furana Fushi Island in the North Male Atoll, just a short, 20-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. Guest accommodations feature inspiring water views and include a choice of cottages, bungalows, guest rooms and suites, all decorated in Maldivian style under thatched roofs. The resort is also expected to add 20 new-build water villas.

A picturesque footbridge will welcome guests into the resort's Aquum Spa, located on its own mini-island. There, guests will have a choice of personalized treatments in an idyllic tropical setting, including private spa pavilions. For those who prefer a more active holiday, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa will provide a range of motorized and non-motorized water sports, a tennis court, health club, table tennis, scuba diving and a variety of daily excursions. Guests will enjoy taking a dip in the azure waters of the sheltered lagoon and Indian Ocean that surrounds the property. A large freshwater swimming pool and kids' pool are located at the heart of the lush, landscaped property.

The resort's seven inviting restaurants, lounges and common areas are perfect for connecting with friends or family while sharing a meal, drink or relaxed conversation. A dedicated culinary team will serve cuisine ranging from Thai to Mediterranean, as well as international and local grill delicacies.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is now taking reservations and bookings can be made via www.sheraton.com/maldivesfullmoon.