Dubai, 11 March 2008 - Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has appointed Mr. Kamel Ajami as Area General Manager for Dubai, Fujairah and Kuwait. In addition to his current capacity as General Manager of Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai - the Group's first city hotel to open under the Angsana brand, he will also oversee the new developments in Dubai, Fujairah and Kuwait.

"Kamel Ajami is the consummate professional. Having excelled as a general manager at various properties in the Middle East and Africa, he knows the consumer mindset. Not only will he be tasked to manage Angsana's first property in the United Arab Emirates, he will also be overlooking the full operational spectrum of activities at our other upcoming developments in Dubai, and Fujairah, as well as Royal Hayat in Kuwait which opened in late 2006", commented Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited.  

With over three decades of experience with properties such as Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; Hilton Baynunah & Hilton Corniche in Abu Dhabi and the Dead Sea Spa and Conference Centre in Jordan, Mr. Ajami's professional qualifications includes IMD Commercial Behaviour Program from Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute for Leadership and Global Education (ILGE) Leadership EQ programme; Cornell Management Course; and the Hilton Assessors Program from Singapore.

"Angsana Resorts & Spa around the world cater to a discerning individual seeking Angsana hospitality, and we believe that this experience is perfectly suited to the region and the UAE especially. There is much to look forward to as Angsana brings its refreshing blend of Asian and international hospitality, and wellness to the Emirates and beyond", commented Mr. Ajami.

First Class Facilities

Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, a prime business and commercial district, Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai is targeted at both business and leisure travellers, and offers an extensive selection of top-notch facilities and services. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2008, the Suites Tower will consist of 417 studios, one and two-bedroom units. The Hotel Tower is scheduled to open in the third quarter, and will house 364 deluxe rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, as well as club and luxury floors for guest relaxation and recreation.  

A rejuvenating spa experience awaits at the award-winning Angsana Spa, which offers guests a range of refreshing treatments that emphasize on the use of natural ingredients and Asian remedies. The loftiest spa in the Emirates, treatment rooms are located on the 45th floor and offer spectacular views of the city or the Persian Gulf to complete the experience.

Other facilities include an eclectic mix of restaurants and cuisines ranging from Indian to Middle Eastern and fusion; unique cultural souvenirs and spa amenities at Angsana Gallery; as well as a well-equipped Health Club and rooftop swimming pool above each tower.

-Ends-

About Angsana Resorts & Spa
Angsana Resorts & Spa is the perfect complement to Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. Each of these unique properties and spas offers individual style, while being united by superb design and sumptuous interiors. Located in vibrant cultural centres or areas of outstanding natural beauty, Angsana Resorts & Spa exude the spirit of their surroundings. Angsana Spas provide guests with unparalleled indulgence in the surroundings of a resort, or as Day Spas in exciting city venues worldwide. The Group's long-term commitment to environmental awareness and its work with social enterprises is showcased at Angsana Gallery retail stores, where crafts, gifts and beauty products appeal to today's travellers with a conscience.

Managed by the Banyan Tree Group, Angsana Resorts & Spa operates over 10 resorts and hotels, over 40 spas, and in excess of 40 retail galleries. 

For further information please contact:
Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai
Joanna Huang
Marketing Communications Manager
T +971 4 321 7622
F +971 4 321 7625
joanna.huang@angsana.com

Perspective Public Relations
Nick Wheywell
General Manager
T +971 4 364 2414
F +971 4 369 7635
nick@perspectivepr-me.com

Arafaat Ali Khan
Account Manager
T +971 4 364 2414
F +971 4 369 7635
arafaat@perspectivepr-me.com 
www.banyantree.com

© Press Release 2008