-Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai outshines global competitors at the 2007 World Travel Awards -

Dubai, UAE, 6th January : Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai stole the show at the annual 2007 World Travel Awards, held in the Caribbean, taking home the accolade for the World's Leading Beach Resort.

The World Travel Awards are the Oscars of the global travel industry, seeking to honor, reward and celebrate outstanding achievement in all sectors of the industry. Votes are cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour & transport companies and tourism organization from over 190 countries around the world.

Pam Wilby General Manager of Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai stated: "To be acknowledged as the leading spa resort in the world is truly a testament to the continuous hard work and dedication of our associates. They create the magnificent heaven of tranquility that our resort is known for and they should be proud of this global achievement".

Caracalla Spa is one of the most well established spas in Dubai, and provides guests and members the ultimate in pampering and revitalization, along with the best facilities that Dubai has to offer. Wilby commented: "It is fantastic to be acknowledged not only on a local and regional scale but also globally for the unparalleled experience of relaxation and luxury that we are able to offer our valued visitors."

Recent additions to Caracalla Spa include the stunning outdoor treatment gazebos situated on the beach over looking the Arabian Gulf. The gazebos are a delightful addition to Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa's already extensive range of spa and leisure facilities which provide guests with the ultimate destination to escape today's hectic lifestyle. 

The World Travel Awards are especially coveted as the votes are cast globally by fellow professionals, with trophies awarded in over 1,000 different categories. The ceremony is attended by top executives of winning companies and the event is highly regarded and well-established as a forum that brings together all areas of travel and tourism in recognition of their achievements.

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Le Méridien
Le Méridien brand, currently represented by approximately 120 properties in 52 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in November 2005.  With close to 70 percent of its properties located in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood's primarily North American holdings.  Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien-branded hotels within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com

Starwood 
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

For media information:
Kaja Weller and Iman Issa, Hill & Knowlton
Tel 971 4 3344930, fax 971 4 3344923
E-mail: kaja.weller@hillandknowlton.com; iman.issa@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2008