Select Announces Further Expansion in 2006

Select Hotels & Resorts International Announces Further Expansion With A New And Exceptional Group O

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. October 14, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia, February 10, 2006. Select Hotels & Resorts International is proud to announce its growth in Member properties for 2006. Select, the marque of excellence in unique accommodation and travel experiences throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, re-launched in 2004, in response to industry demand. In 2006, membership has grown to forty-eight unique luxury properties plus two exclusive cruise vessels, Motor Vessel AqA, Sydney and Motor Yacht Galerna based in New Zealand. The range of accommodation available now extends from two atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, in our newest location, French Polynesia, to the larger, centrally-located, city glamour of boutique Hotel Lindrum in Melbourne and award-winning The Observatory Hotel in Sydney. Select also now boasts Member properties in every Australian state and territory and two more unique additions in New Zealand.

Select is a market-led group rather than a product-based one, which is central to its identity and strength. Membership of Select is by invitation only. A property is determined as appropriately 'Select' for invitation to become a member of the network according to its suitability to Select's market of discerning, upper-income travellers seeking out an individual product offering a unique experience. The exciting and exceptional properties joining Select in 2006 are described briefly below and will be found in the new Select Guide 2006, to be officially launched in February and on the extensive website www.selecthotels.com .

Richard Rosebery, Select's Managing Director, says - "I am delighted that Select has been so eagerly embraced by properties around the region and my team and I are extremely excited to be able to promote such a diverse and superlative group of unique travel experiences to the world in 2006".

NEW MEMBER PROPERTIES IN AUSTRALIA:

Cape Lodge, Margaret River, Western Australia

www.selecthotels.com/capelodge

There's little doubt when it comes to Margaret River, the choice is Cape Lodge, the regions' premier luxury hotel. Cape Lodge offers the chance to imbibe the very essence of a gourmet country indulgence. Cape Lodge is unashamedly a romantic's getaway, offering 22 elegantly appointed suites. Couples travelling together may opt for the charming two-bedroom cottage or the magnificent private Vineyard Residence.

Tranquility and understated elegance are the hallmarks of this private country estate. Whilst all the temptations of the region are before you, don't be surprised if you decide simply to revel in the delights within. Just one such treasure is the dining experience, with the Lodge's restaurant receiving praise internationally. Cape Lodge is voted one of the world's top escapes for true indulgence in superb cuisine, regional wines and elegant service.

LOCATION: Three hours south of Perth

The Richardson Hotel, Suites & Spa, Perth, Australia

www.selecthotels.com/richardson

When renowned London Architect Sir Terry Farrell was engaged to design Perth's newest hotel, the brief was to create a landmark. Yet this was not just to be an architectural statement, every aspect of The Richardson has been designed to impress. When The Richardson opens in June 2006, business travellers will enjoy bespoke services, and a state-of-the-art business centre offering 15 serviced offices and meeting rooms.

Relaxation and fine cuisine feature too, with an elegant restaurant, a cocktail bar and all day alfresco dining available. An entire floor is devoted to The Spa at The Richardson, an urban oasis of calm and rejuvenation for executives and leisure travellers alike. Each of the contemporary 74 guest rooms and suites offer the latest in comfort. Even pets are catered for within selected suites. The hotel's brilliant location will inspire guests to explore all Perth has to offer.

LOCATION: 2 km from Perth CBD, 12 km from Perth Airport.

LifeTime Private Retreats, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

www.selecthotels.com/lifetime

Dangerously romantic and sumptuously inviting, LifeTime Private Retreats on Kangaroo Island offers three very different hideaways, just perfect for rediscovering the art of relaxation. Cliff House will enthrall with its sensuously curved tower bedroom overlooking the ocean. Soar with the Ospreys at the thoroughly Mediterranean Sky House. And just for the charm of it, consider Stone House with its orchard setting and rolling hills falling gently away to the ocean.

Kangaroo Island is an undiscovered sanctuary. Dive into the surf, fly a kite, cartwheel down a deserted beach and marvel at the wildlife this island is famous for. Forget restaurants, think unique experiences: allow a private chef to weave magic with Kangaroo Island produce as you dine in a room naturally created by the bows of an ancient fig tree or in a shearing shed.

LOCATION: Kangaroo Island off the South Australian Coast

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland (opening March 2006) www.selecthotels.com/gwinganna

Nestled in a hidden valley on the hinterland of Queensland's Gold Coast, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is the last word in lifestyle enhancement. Here you can revitalise through organic cuisine, spa therapy, recreational activities and lectures. Trained staff from a range of disciplines conduct programs - from two to seven days - that focus on fitness, stress management and healthy ageing. Special interest programs also run throughout the year. Accommodation is in lovingly restored 'Queenslander' houses whose charming Heritage Rooms each open to a wide verandah and tropical gardens beyond.

Mornings at Gwinganna involve a range of activities including bushwalks on the 420-acre property, guided exercise in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, boules, tennis, aqua aerobics and golf. After an organic lunch, Gwinganna slows down to its 'Dreamtime' afternoons where guests can relax and read, try painting or jewellery making, or mediate beside a stream. Central to the experience are luscious spa treatments and highly focused therapies.

LOCATION: 30 minutes from Coolangatta Airport.

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Mossman, Far North Queensland

www.selecthotels.com/daintree

The Daintree Rainforest is the world's oldest living rainforest, a World Heritage-listed treasure hugging the coastline of Australia's tropical north. Each of the fifteen tree house villas at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa offers comfortable accommodation in a setting that places guests centre stage of an evolving rainforest pantomime. The hosts of this multi-award winning lodge blend rainforest themes into a memorable encounter. You'll discover international cuisine subtly inspired by traditional bush delicacies and eco-encounters hosted by local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginals who educate and inspire.

Recently voted one of the world's top ten spa retreats by Conde Nast Traveler, even the Lodge's spa draws inspiration from the rainforest. For the ultimate encounter, guests can choose private time by the Lodge's pristine waterfall, whether for a spa therapy by day or the most magical private dining experience, as a new cast of rainforest inhabitants awake.

LOCATION: Daintree Rainforest, 1.5 hours north of Cairns.

Tarraleah Lodge, Tarraleah, Tasmania (opening October 2006)

www.selecthotels.com/tarraleah

Bordering the St. Claire National Park, The Lodge at Tarraleah combines a sense of history with the perfect location to explore Tasmanian wilderness. Dating from the 1930s as lodgings for the Hydro Electricity executives of the day, Tarraleah sits at the heart of the hydro scheme and relics of the past and combines with today's working plant to give guests a sense of this aspect of Tasmania's history. Each suite at the Lodge has been luxuriously crafted to showcase the finest in Tasmanian workmanship, whilst retaining the unique Art Deco exterior. Fine regional cuisine and wines are an expression of the Lodge's commitment to promoting the very best of Tasmania.

From the Lodge, branch out and explore the World Heritage listed wilderness, revel in some of the finest fly fishing in the world, play the Highland Golf Course, walk to spectacular waterfalls or simply relax by the fire and read a book.

LOCATION: One and a half hours from Hobart, two hours from Launceston.

MV AqA, Sydney Harbour (formerly known as MV Charade)

www.selecthotels.com/aqa

Plying the waters of perhaps the world's greatest harbour, MV AqA is a head turning sensation for those who demand a superlative five star private cruising experience on and beyond Sydney Harbour. Every aspect of this extraordinary 92-foot motor yacht is designed to impress. Encompassing a main saloon lounge, formal dining and spacious exterior decks with spa, AqA offers ample space to be alone or enjoy the company of others. Below deck, three ensuite deluxe guest staterooms sleep up to six guests. AqA is available for charter for a handful of unforgettable hours on Sydney Harbour. However, she truly comes into her own when chartered for a number of nights cruising some of Sydney's nearby waterways, including magical Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River. For those seeking a tropical escape, cruising the Whitsundays is also a possibility.

AqA comfortably caters for up to 60 guests, making it an exceptional setting for fun corporate and social events. With a team of staff offering gracious service, AqA is the ultimate way to experience one of the world's great waterways.

LOCATION: Flexible embarkation options to suit individual itineraries.

NEW MEMBER PROPERTIES IN NEW ZEALAND:

Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland, New Zealand

www.selecthotels.com/carrington

Set on the dramatic Karikari Peninsula in New Zealand's Northland region, Carrington Resort is the custodian of both a precious ecosystem and a sublime landscape - a fitting setting indeed for a perfectly indulgent escape. Carrington Resort's accommodation ranges from Lodge Rooms for one or two guests to two-storey Villas for families or small groups. Each luxurious Lodge Room opens to a wide verandah with panoramic views of vineyards, ocean vistas and towering mountains. The Villas offer three bedrooms and are suitable for up to five people, with a fireplace and fully equipped kitchen, plus views of the golf course and sweeping Karikari Beach.

The resort offers over four kilometres of secluded beach, not to mention a tournament quality 18-hole course that is sure to inspire even the most stubborn handicap. Guests can also choose massage, country walks, the thrill of fishing or scuba diving, the challenge of skeet or trap shooting, or peaceful pursuits such as petanque - the idea is to be as active or relaxed as you wish. Naturally, fine dining takes centre stage, drawing on the Estate's abundant produce, including Angus beef, herbs and vegetables. Fresh local seafood and wine from the renowned Karikari Estate are also daily highlights.

LOCATION: 4 hours' drive north of Auckland.

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau, New Zealand

www.selecthotels.com/fiordland

Millions of years in the making, Fiordland World Heritage area is the very heart of a New Zealand South Island wilderness experience. Hosts Ron and Robynne Peacock created Fiordland Lodge as a luxurious reinterpretation of nature. Their aim was to create a lodge experience that showcases nature and at the same time tames its rugged beauty for the discerning traveller.

Nature's lexicon is expressed in the design of the Lodge. Glass captures the panoramic view and in turn reflects the waters of Lake Te Anau; stone walls grow from the Fiordland soil as if placed by nature and the extensive use of local timbers lends texture and authenticity. Guests can choose from ensuite lodge accommodation or two-bedroom log cabins - ideal for families or small groups. At the heart, the Great Hall is an inspirational space to indulge in the Lodge's dining experience. Te Anau is the gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds and the Fiordland National Park. For Robynne, Fiordland was her childhood backyard and Ron, once a National Park ranger for 25 years, is now the Lodge's fishing guide. Together their passion and experience inspire guests to consider guided walking, fishing and bird watching tours to touch the soul of this natural wonder.

LOCATION: Five km north of Te Anau on the road to Milford Sound.

NEW MEMBER PROPERTIES IN THE PACIFIC:

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, Tikehau, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia www.selecthotels.com/tikehau

The pink-sand island of Tikehau is a Polynesian idyll offering elegant informality. From a palm-fringed coral isle, walkways extend across the water like the gentle arms of a starfish, ushering guests toward overwater bungalows and suites. Tikehau is Robinson Crusoe with a luxurious twist. Whilst the overwater suites are amongst the finest in Polynesia, the resort has a delightfully laid-back feel. Legendary French naturalist Jacques Cousteau's research group declared that the lagoon at Tikehau has the highest concentration of fish in all the Tuamotu atolls.

Relaxed activities include petanqu'e, a picnic on the Isle of Birds or simply reclining under a wide blue sky and reading a book. Inevitably guests find themselves surrendering to traditional Polynesian treatments at the beachfront Manea Spa, one of the most romantic spa experiences imaginable. And if you'd like to visit a traditional village, wander through Tuherahera offers a genuine encounter. At the end of the day, repose under a blanket of a million stars for a radiant evening of cocktails, dining and a stroll along the beach.

Manihi Pearl Beach Resort, Manihi, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia www.selecthotels.com/manihi

Passionate, romantic and secluded, a handful of traditional bungalows are strunglike pearls along the edge of a coral atoll. This is Manihi Pearl Beach Resort, a tiny treasure luxuriating in the tropical waters of French Polynesia. As you arise to greet the day, harmonious schools of fish draw swathes of brilliant colour around your over-water bungalow. Slip directly into the warm waters for a swim before relaxing on your private sundeck, drawing nourishment from the early morning sun.

Days are filled with sublime nothing or heightened adventure. Dive these exceptional waters in search of schools of gentle manta rays, or ply them in an outrigger canoe. Better still, opt for the famed Motu picnic on your own deserted islet and luxuriate with the company you bring. If you prefer, simply wander the beach by the resort, before plunging into the infinity pool.

Under an impossibly blue sky, the turquoise waters deliver up a bounty of delicacies for guests' dining pleasure. And if all you dream of is to dine privately by candlelight as the sun sinks below a blushing horizon, this too is a pleasure awaiting.

LOCATION: An atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 70 minutes flight from Papeete, Tahiti.