12 January 2005
Select Hotels & Resorts International announces strong growth and industry acceptance with a new and exceptional group of unique travel
experiences for 2005
Select Hotels & Resorts International is proud to announce its growth in Member properties has exceeded expectations for 2005. Select,
the marque of excellence in unique accommodation and travel experiences throughout New Zealand, Australia and the
Pacific, re-launched last year in response to industry demand. In 2005 membership has grown to forty-four unique luxury
properties and one exclusive cruise vessel, Motor Yacht Galerna. The range of accommodation available now extends from
the remote Fijian Dolphin Island, offering sole use for up to four guests, to the larger, centrally-located, city
glamour of boutique Hotel Lindrum in Melbourne and award-winning The Observatory Hotel in Sydney.
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 2005 are described briefly below and will be found in the new
Select Guide 2005, 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 2005”.
New Zealand:
Claremont Country Estate, Canterbury Rare is the opportunity to enjoy a piece of natural heritage in such a luxurious
setting. From the generously appointed guest rooms to the two guest lounge rooms and pavilion dining room, each
furnished with antiques and fine artworks, this historic Lodge offers a gentrified country experience with every
possible modern convenience. Undoubtedly, highlights are exploring the Estate on a 4WD tour, visiting the nearby Waipara
wineries, whale watching, horse riding, fly-fishing and golf.
Corstorphine House, Dunedin was built in 1863 in the colonial style, with playful art nouveau and grand neoclassical
additions and today serves as a luxurious private hotel. Guests can choose from eight individually decorated ensuite
rooms, with exotic themes such as Indian or Moroccan to elegant art deco, French or the historic flavour of the Scottish
room. The Conservatory Restaurant is a showcase for regional cuisine in an historic glasshouse setting and, wherever
possible, the restaurant uses fresh produce grown on the estate. Elegant, intimate and very personable, Corstorphine
House is a treasure to discover.
Huntley House, Christchurch, a magnificent historic former homestead, has emerged from two years of restoration as a
stunning boutique hotel. Nestled in park-like grounds, yet just minutes from the city centre and airport, Huntley House
consists of 17 rooms, including one and two bedroom suites. Rooms feature LCD televisions and home theatre systems, but
still retain a distinctly traditional feel. The gardens are fringed by towering trees and form the perfect backdrop for
gentle strolls or a leisurely dip in the heated in-ground swimming pool.
M.Y. Galerna There are few maritime sights more beautiful than the 27-metre Norwegian-built motor yacht Galerna. Guests
have the choice of two programs: part of the year she cruises the spectacular New Zealand coastal waters before heading
to tropical Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands (and further afield by arrangement). Past guests have enjoyed the vessels
three finely- appointed guest suites including the Danish Royal family and artist Salvador Dali. The signature Prince
Henry Suite features a full bathroom and sauna, while the other suites have private ensuite facilities. The grandeur and
gracefulness of Galerna takes it beyond a mode of transport and places it among the most exceptional travel experiences
in the Australasia-Pacific region.
The Spire, Queenstown (to open June 05). ‘Modern meets alpine’ at The Spire, Queenstown - a thoroughly urban escape in
the mountains for the style conscious traveler seeking a cutting-edge design experience. Ten spacious guest rooms
feature stone-clad gas fires, large balconies and iconic contemporary designer furniture. These elegant surroundings are
complemented by an in-room entertainment and information system driven by the latest interactive technology and designed
to enhance the guest experience.
Australia: Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, Victoria Once a famed billiard hall, the hotel that now bears Lindrum's name takes
its inspiration from Melbourne’s tradition of exclusive private clubs. Hotel Lindrum marries this exclusivity with a
sense of intimacy and luxury. The imaginative interior is about design with a purpose — a space where form and function
combine to both relax and inspire discerning guests. Amid warm tones, rich fabrics and clean lines, guests find
themselves indulged in both rooms and suites that offer the last word in comfort. Here are all the facilities you
require to transact business, or a base for your forays to the cultural and retail offerings of Melbourne.
Hidden Valley Forest Retreat, Margaret River, Western Australia is set within 170 acres of lakes, vineyards and pristine
forest with four very special and splendidly isolated couples’ retreats offering an exemplary Margaret River experience.
Hidden Valley was awarded Best Hosted accommodation by the inaugural Travel and Tourism Awards 2004 in The Australian
newspaper. In such a thoroughly romantic setting, thoughts can turn to a candlelit dinner catered by a private chef,
signature spa treatments and private tours and charters, all of which can be arranged by the discreet staff.
Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, New South Wales is located in the heart of the Hunter wine region; its eclectic
Spanish-Moorish architecture is a delight to the eye as much as to the palate. Each of the twelve guest rooms, radiating
off cloistered walkways, has its unique décor and its own special character and outlook. Two of the Hunter Valley’s
finest restaurants, the renowned Robert’s and the less formal Blaxland, are conveniently located on the Tower Estate.
With a dedicated conference facility, pool, relaxation and massage pavilion, Tower Lodge is the perfect place for
business and leisure.
Nirvana Luxor, Coolum Beach, Queensland (opening in March ’05). Nirvana Luxor is one of the Sunshine Coast's newest
additions, a very private resort enclave that offers just thirteen luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments. Appointed
to the highest standards and set within a beautiful sub-tropical landscape, your pleasure lies in the tranquil seclusion
that this boutique resort offers. Nirvana Luxor also offers a secluded Massage Bure, four plunge pools, gymnasium and a
dining pavilion that lies nestled beside a lap and lagoon pool. ` The Pacific:
Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa, Samoa (to open July 2005). The focal point of the resort is a brilliant blue
lagoon, crested by a swathe of white sand beach. World-class conference facilities, a day spa and an 18-hole golf course
all embrace the crystal waters in this magical setting. The resort offers 136 deluxe rooms and four Suites, all enjoying
panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Savaii Island on the horizon. The exterior architecture is in the South Pacific
style, with extensive use of carved local timbers, and interiors taking their lead from a modern European style with
Polynesian accents.
Dolphin Island, Fiji Dolphin Island is a rare gem suspended in an azure sea, offering an exclusive experience to just
one very pampered party at a time. Nestled in a tropical Eden, Dolphin Island's two pavilions sit side by side, elevated
to catch the breeze. One pavilion is for living; the other offers two air-conditioned double suites, each with their own
ensuite bathroom. Elements of traditional Fijian architecture and exotic interiors create a romantic theatre setting,
with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Royal Davui, Fiji
(opened November 04). The Pacific has no more magical a setting than this eight-hectare island, a coral pontoon
suspended in the brilliant blue waters of Beqa Lagoon off Viti Levu. This idyllic resort offers just 16 luxury villas,
each with two pavilions — for living and sleeping — joined by a covered walkway. The appointments are of the highest
standard and, in a first for Fiji; each villa has a private plunge pool with views over the lagoon. To relax, relish in
a private spa treatment in your villa. More…
Indonesia:
Royal Pita Maha Resort, Bali (opened December 04). Overlooking the Ayung River and surrounded by forests and rice
paddies, Royal Pita Maha Resort’s panorama is truly spectacular. Its traditional architecture includes a Royal House,
Royal Villas and Pool Villas – each entirely private and with pool, courtyard gardens and sunken baths. The hotel
features two restaurants, two lounge bars and a unique Relaxation Compound located on the banks of the Ayung River. This
relaxation facility is modeled on a traditional Balinese village, with ten villas and a sauna, steam room, hot and cold
Jacuzzi and an organic restaurant. (end)
Select Hotels & Resorts International Member properties for 2005:
NEW ZEALAND: Okiato Lodge, Bay of Islands; Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island (off Auckland); Maungatautari Lodge,
Cambridge; Kawaha Point Lodge, Rotorua; Greenhill The Lodge, Hawke's Bay; Huka Lodge, Taupo; Maruia River Lodge,
Murchison; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur's Pass; Westwood Lodge, Franz Josef Glacier; Huntley House, Christchurch; Otahuna
Lodge, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Takaro Lodge, Te Anau, The Spire Hotel, Queenstown (to open June 05);
Claremont Country Estate, Nth Canterbury; Corstorphine House, Dunedin; M.Y. Galerna
AUSTRALIA: The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe
Island, NSW; Burrawang West Station, Ootha, NSW; Marwood, Grampians, VIC; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne; Hotel Pension
Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Rosevears Estate, Launceston, TAS; Calstock Country Retreat, Deloraine, TAS; Couran Cove
Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Nirvana Luxor, Coolum Beach, Qld (opening March 05); Kewarra Beach Resort,
Cairns, QLD: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel, QLD; Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge, Arnhem Land, NT; El Questro
Homestead, Kimberley Ranges, WA, Hidden Valley Forest Retreat, Margaret River, WA.
PACIFIC ISLANDS: Nukubati Island, Fiji; Taveuni Island Resort, Fiji; Dolphin Island Resort, Fiji; Royal Davui, Fiji;
Toberua Island Resort, Fiji; Royale Takitumu Villas, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa, Samoa (opening June 05)
INDONESIA: Royal Pita Maha Resort, Ubud, Bali; Pita Maha Resort & Spa, Ubud, Bali; Nihiwatu Resort, Sumba Please contact us for
more information or for high-resolution images of Select properties or visit us at www.selecthotels.com
ENDS