Press Release: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
October 12, 2000
WHITE PLAINS, NY -- The world's most romantic destination becomes home to a luxurious new resort this month when
the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa opens in French Polynesia Oct. 15. This exotic, 106-unit resort is the
second of three exclusive properties to be managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Earlier this
year, the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete was added to the company's portfolio, and, in 2002, a lavish resort
and spa will open on Bora Bora.
"With its spectacular setting, accommodations and amenities, the Sheraton Moorea sets a new benchmark in French
Polynesia, and gives us an incomparable hotel in one of the world's most desirable destinations," says Ted
Darnall, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Sheraton's parent company. "With the
debut of this magnificent, air-conditioned resort and spa, we are taking island accommodations to a new level while
offering our Starwood Preferred Guests the ultimate 'rewards' destination."
Set on a private, 10-acre lagoon surrounded by pristine white beaches and volcanic peaks, the Sheraton Moorea features
authentic-looking, thatched roof bungalows that blend island ambiance with creature comforts for an experience
unparalleled in the islands. Guests can enjoy the island's unspoiled natural beauty without giving up the pampering
found in the world's best hotels. Accommodations combine the natural beauty of native materials with the most contemporary
of amenities, including remote control color satellite television with CNN and HBO, and direct-dial telephones
with computer data ports.
No expense was spared by the Societe des Hotels Tahitiens S.A., the owners of the elegant, new property. Reflecting
the island's French Polynesian heritage, rooms feature teakwood floors and spacious bathrooms with the finest French
fixtures and cast-iron, claw-footed bathtubs where guests can soak while gazing out to the crystal clear lagoon
or turquoise sea beyond. According to folklore, Moorea is known as the "island of love," and the Sheraton's
over-water bungalows certainly exemplify romance. In fact, of the 106 rooms at the resort, 57 are surrounded by
water and connected by winding, wooden walkways. These romantic "island on an island" over-water rooms
are especially popular with honeymooners, who can watch jewel-colored tropical sea life from their rooms, thanks
to a strategically placed glass floor panel.
In addition to the over-water bungalows, there are beach bungalows, garden bungalows and family units in the resort's
lush, aromatic gardens, all with top-of-the-line furnishings and appointments.
Holistic healing is emphasized at the Sheraton Moorea's Mandara spa. Guests can take advantage of a Polynesian
massage with oil (at the spa or in their rooms), natural facial treatments, foot reflexology and body scrubs. Massages
with Tahitian oils can be arranged on private bungalow decks, and a honeymooners massage for two can be booked
upon request. Mandara, the world-renowned spa operator, will also be offering spa services at the Sheraton Hotel
Tahiti.
The Sheraton Moorea offers a variety of facilities and activities including an outdoor infinity pool that literally
drops into the lagoon, a fitness club, tennis, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving and yachting.
Exploring the underwater world at a "motu" or separate island is easy, thanks to the snorkeling equipment
available to guests in their rooms, free of charge.
Resort services include a business center, gift boutique with pearl shop, currency exchange, laundry and same-day
dry cleaning, as well as babysitting services and facilities for the disabled. Rental cars are available for guests
wanting to create a personalized sightseeing itinerary.
Reflecting the eclectic and sophisticated tastes of globe-trotting travelers, Sheraton Moorea's two restaurants
focus on authentic Polynesian and French cuisine and feature tropical fruits, garden-fresh legumes and freshly
caught fish.
The Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is the sister property of the famed Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, located
just five minutes from the heart of downtown Papeete. This newly built property opened in 1999.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in
the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and
resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points and W brands, as well as Starwood
Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership
resorts. More information is available on the company's web site: http://www.starwoodhotels.com.
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For further information
Deborah Bernstein 914-640-8361 or Ellen Gallo 914-640-8167 both of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Toll-free - 866-4-STAR-PR (866-478-2777) Web site: http://www.starwoodhotels.com