Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping Inaugurates Opening during Cityscape

Dubai, 17 October 2007: Banyan Tree Holdings Limited ("Banyan Tree" or the "Group"), a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and galleries worldwide, has announced the opening of their inaugural property in the UAE - Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai. Slated to soft-open end of 2007, with full opening in 2008, the property will consist of two towers - suites tower ("Tower 1") and hotel tower ("Tower 2").

"Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai follows from our continued strategy of expansion in the Middle East. Currently, we have ten more properties in the region slated to open in the next few years. Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai is the first of six projects in the portfolio of Angsana properties that are currently being developed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Jordan and Oman. It is also the latest addition to our growing city hotel portfolio, which currently includes Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul," said Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman.

"Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai is the Group's first property in the United Arab Emirates and will be a testament to the services offered by Banyan Tree and Angsana around the world. With this development, Angsana brings its refreshing blend of Asian hospitality and wellness to the Emirates, complementing the Angsana Spas that are already established in this region," added Mr Kamel Ajami, General Manager, Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai.

Angsana Hotels and Suites Dubai is located along Sheikh Zayed Road, a prime business and commercial district. Tower 1 will consist of 417 studios, and one and two-bedroom units while Tower 2 will house 364 deluxe rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, as well as club and luxury floors for guest relaxation and recreation.

Every room in both towers features a host of services and amenities as standard including IDD telephone, wireless internet connection, stereo system, DVD player, LCD television, in-room safe, coffee & tea making facilities, dining area and mini bar.

Targeted at business and leisure travellers, Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai offers an extensive selection of top-notch facilities and services. These include Angsana Gallery - a lifestyle shop offering signature Angsana spa amenities and souvenirs inspired by Middle Eastern culture, rooftop swimming pools and a fully equipped fitness centre. Modern meeting facilities, such as meeting rooms, boardrooms, business centres and pre-function areas are also available for corporate events on the 45th floor of Tower 2.

Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai also offers a rejuvenating Asian spa experience - featuring a wide range of refreshing treatments that emphasize on the use of natural ingredients and Asian remedies - at the award-winning Angsana Spa. The loftiest spa in the Emirates, treatment rooms are located on the 45th floor and offer spectacular views of the city or the Arabian Gulf to complete the experience. It is also the largest Angsana Spa in the Emirates, featuring four double treatment rooms, nine single treatment rooms, spa gallery, lounge and beauty salon.                                                                                                                  

Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai also presents an eclectic mix of restaurants and cuisines - ranging from Indian, Middle Eastern to fusion. There is a taste to suit every palate, infused with traditional Asian flavours.

-Ends-

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002), Ringha, China (2005), Lijiang, China (2006), Bahrain (2007) and Maldives Madivaru (2007). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

About Angsana Resorts & Spas
Launched in 2000, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.

Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001), Maldives Ihuru (2001) and Maldives Velavaru (2006).

In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana portfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in 23 resorts and hotels, 61 spas and 71 retail galleries and two golf courses.

For further information, please contact:
Perspective Public Relations
Nick Wheywell,
Tel: +971 4 364 2414,
Mob: +971 50 655 8682,
Fax: +971 4 369 7635
email: nick@perspectivepr-me.com

Arafaat Ali Khan,
Tel: +971 4 364 2414,
Mob: +971 50 698 6818,
Fax: +971 4 369 7635
email: arafaat@perspectivepr-me.com

© Press Release 2007