Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces announced today that The Pierre, New York's landmark hotel on Central Park and Fifth Avenue, will enter the second phase of renovation beginning January 1, 2008. All 200 guest accommodations, including the 11 Grand Suites with apartment- like quarters and private terraces, 41 suites and all guest rooms will be upgraded and renovated, as will the corridors, public areas, Cafe Pierre and the bar. Estimated overall cost associated with the renovation program is $100 million. Overseeing the design is James Park Associates, whose past projects include the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur, India; Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives; Taj Exotica Resort, Mauritius, as well as the redesign of Singapore Airlines' first-class cabins.

The first phase of the Pierre renovation was completed in January 2007 by Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, and included the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and foyer. All banquet spaces on the second floor will remain open, fully staffed and operative throughout the second phase of renovation, and will remain accessible by a private entrance on 61st Street. Advance bookings for 2008 are very strong, according to General Manager Heiko Kuenstle, with weddings, non-profit charity events, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, holiday parties and financial conferences planned.

While banquet business continues as usual, the hotel will cease taking guest reservations December 30th and the guest rooms and restaurant will not be open as of noon, December 31st. The Pierre will fully reopen in early 2009 and will begin taking reservations for the newly renovated accommodations in late 2008.

"As stewards of this hospitality icon, our goal is to retain the classic ambiance of The Pierre while adding a fresh look of 21st century elegance and technology that will appropriately transform the property," said Mr. Kuenstle. "We know our loyal guests will be pleased and we look forward to welcoming them back."

"Taj has a 105-year history of luxury service and is dedicated to restoring this hotel to perfection," added Mr. Kuenstle. "Sensitivity and taste are hallmarks of how Taj refreshes a classic, as can be seen in their acclaimed renovations of authentic Indian palaces."

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 56 hotels in 39 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Seychelles, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers warm hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has yesterday signed an agreement with Royal Monceau Pte Ltd to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris. The hotel will join Raffles Hotels & Resorts' award winning collection of luxury properties in winter 2008.
Le Royal Monceau is jointly owned by Alexandre Allard and Qatari developer, Barwa Real Estate, with Mr. Allard assuming majority ownership. Alexandre Allard is a well respected French entrepreneur, known for his association with luxury brands and his visionary ventures. His heartfelt passion and vision for Le Royal Monceau is an inspiration, bringing together the sophistication of Parisian culture and the inimitable service for which Raffles is renowned worldwide.

Le Royal Monceau is scheduled for refurbishment in 2008 and is greatly anticipated to re-open as a 21st century French masterpiece, fully restored to its former glory under the creative eye of renowned French designer, Philippe Starck. When it re-opens, the hotel will feature 152 of the most spacious and luxurious rooms and suites in Paris, with each guestroom exuding the elegance and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts are known for, while maintaining Le Royal Monceau's unique style which celebrates the French tradition of 'art de vivre'.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will also introduce several environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of Hybrid cars, a solar energy heated swimming pool and recycling processes for water, when Le Royal Monceau makes its re-debut in 2008.
 
Le Royal Monceau enjoys an unsurpassed location on Avenue Hoche, just minutes from the famous Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees. The hotel opened in 1928, and since then has welcomed numerous dignitaries, celebrities and artists.

Each level of the hotel will feature a private lobby and residents will be able to enjoy residency in rooms that offer features unique in Paris, such as rooms with a view of the hotel's generous landscaped gardens - a rarity in Paris, elegantly appointed duplex suites, and rooms complemented with private balconies. Each room will be individually designed and decorated with modern artwork and contemporary colour palates to exude a timeless feel.

When re-opened, Le Royal Monceau will offer 5 exquisite dining and bar options. From Italian favourites enjoyed al fresco style in the midst of an enchanting landscaped garden, to French cuisine in a fine dining ambience, gourmet aficionados will have much to revel in.

Residents seeking a sophisticated luxury spa experience will find the new Spa at Royal Monceau an ideal sanctuary in which to indulge in the joy of living well. With more treatment rooms to cater for the demand from wellness seekers, a beautifully redesigned indoor swimming pool and a new fitness centre with top of the range equipment, the Spa promises to be a haven of wellness and bliss.

With a team of private butlers, when Le Royal Monceau re-opens, residents will be pampered with attentive and intuitive service, all undertaken in the heartfelt and gracious
manner for which Raffles is renowned. Residents wishing to discover some of the best kept secrets in Paris, the fashion mecca of the world, can also seek the advice of an in-house Fashion Advisor and Personal Shopper.

Le Royal Monceau will make a precious addition to Raffles Hotels & Resort's collection of heritage properties, which includes Raffles Hotel Singapore, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Beijing Hotel, China. The Group's approach to the restoration of historic buildings is underscored with a deep respect for each building's treasured memories. This sensitivity has earned for each of its heritage hotels and resorts global recognition as among the finest in the world.

Said Alexandre Allard, President Royal Monceau Pte Ltd., 'Raffles Hotels & Resorts is renowned not only for its expertise in hospitality, service and culinary excellence, but also for its appreciation and respect for local culture. Under the Raffles management, Le Royal Monceau will be the epitome of gracious hospitality imbued with true Parisian spirit. We are very pleased to be working with Raffles, and have no doubt that discerning travellers to Paris will find Le Royal Monceau, a veritable Palace of the 21st century.'

'We are delighted to have been entrusted with this historic property, and to bring the Raffles name to this much sought-after destination. With its array of old and new world attractions, Paris continues to be the destination of choice for millions of visitors each year,' commented Bill Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. "We look forward to working with our partners to fully refurbish and restore Le Royal Monceau to its original grandeur."

Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts added, 'We have always wanted to extend the presence of Raffles to Paris, and we are thrilled that we now have this opportunity to be a part of this vibrant city. Le Royal Monceau will be distinguished by the heartfelt service, refined ambience and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts around the world are known for, to become the favoured home-away-from-home for privileged travellers to Paris.'

Known for their leadership in Caribbean travel, Sandals will once again raise the bar among distinctive resort destinations with the introduction of the Luxury Included Vacation and a collection of luxury suites in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas. The new luxury experience at Sandals will feature unprecedented services and amenities including private plunge pools and Jacuzzis, exclusive dining options, and celebrated partnerships with celebrity designers Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock, Rolls Royce; the London-based Guild of Professional English Butlers, Beringer Wines, Waterford Crystal and Red Lane Spa.

Perched on a west facing hilltop overlooking the sea in Antigua, Sandals Resorts' new Mediterranean Village at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is the first all-suite property to welcome guests for the luxury included experience. The Mediterranean Village features 180 spacious suites in six room categories, all boasting spectacular ocean views and a Mediterranean flair.

"This is a defining moment for Sandals Resorts.  We have moved beyond the all-inclusive category and the often maligned all-inclusive connotation," says Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Sandals Resorts Chairman. "The opening of the Mediterranean Village signifies and celebrates a new direction for our 26-year-old company. We are a resort company dedicated to choice, style, service and uncompromising standards.  With ever-more spectacular suites, uncompromising service, enhanced food & beverage, lavish spas, luxury amenities and our social conscious programs - no other Caribbean resort transforms vacation fantasies into memorable realities better than we do. We are the Luxury Included vacation." 

EXPERIENCES
The Arrival

From the moment a guest steps out of their luxury transfer and into a Sandals Luxury Included resort they are transported by the commanding views of the ocean and beyond. Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts, envisioned a complete experience from arrival to departure for guests at each one of his unique Caribbean properties. Guests who select Sandals' top suites are met upon arrival by their personal butler, who whisks them away to their lavish suite, and ensures that every whim is catered to throughout their stay.  From retreating to your cliff-top sanctuary in St. Lucia to diving into your private plunge pool or relaxing in your two-story loft set within a coconut grove, Sandals encourages guests to interact with the surrounding nature without compromising luxury.

The Suites

According to Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, when guests of Sandals Resorts arrive at a resort, they look to find amenities and an aesthetic that exceeds that which they enjoy in their everyday lives.  The look and feel of the new suites debuting this year at Sandals in Antigua, St. Lucia and Jamaica were developed with these design-savvy customers in mind.

"We've watched the luxury trend very carefully and have transformed the suites at Sandals - investing over $200 million in the last three years alone to meet these demands," says Stewart. "Across the Sandals brand, suites comprise forty four percent of all room inventories, well above industry standard. As our company has evolved, so too has the Sandals Resorts customer."

Every appointment and every last detail of these suites reflect a passion for luxury and romance that sets Sandals Resorts apart as a leader in the industry. Customary to the world's finest resort and hotels, accommodation at all Sandals Resorts provide four-poster king size mahogany beds, ceiling fans, amenity kits, private baths and showers, CD clock radios, cable TV, coffee & tea makers and fully-stocked mini refrigerators.  To this, Sandals has enhanced the layout of its resorts' top category suites to deliver accommodations that are not only exotic in design, but also provide luxurious paradise and a fantasy-like atmosphere that guests look for in a Caribbean getaway. 

Sandals Grande Antigua's new Mediterranean Village, where suites in six categories feature palatial marble bathrooms with his and hers vanities and mosaic tiling, Jacuzzi tubs built for two with separate shower areas and overhead rain showers, additional living areas and large plasma televisions.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the resort's new Rondoval Suites, circular cottages first introduced at Sandals Grande Antigua, offer guests 1,400 square feet of luxury, complete with a 50" plasma television, separate sitting area with a sofa and desk, in-room Jacuzzi tub and separate shower area with glass mosaic tiling. Outside, on the suite's private pool deck, two people in love can dip into their private outdoor Jacuzzi or sparkling plunge pool, complete with its own waterfall. 

Sandals Regency in St. Lucia will debut six lavish Million Dollar Suites in late 2008.  Each Mediterranean-style suite will combine 700 square feet of living space and 400 square feet of outdoor space to make one dramatic and very indulgent private villa.  A spacious and welcoming living room with plush sofas and a 42" plasma television will open to the outdoor terrace through plantation-style pocket doors offering full 180-degree views of the emerald isle.

Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica recently unveiled soothing new Swim-Up River Suites.  These new suites are set upon a relaxing lazy river and pool.  The ground floor of the Swim-Up River Suites at both resorts feature a secluded patio surround by lush Caribbean vegetation that opens onto the resorts' lazy river where lovers can dip their toes into the soothing waterway.  Indoors, the suites feature expansive living rooms complete with 42" plasma televisions and separate bedroom areas with 37" plasma televisions.  Each extravagant suite is outfitted with custom furnishings and tropically inspired décor, with a spacious bedroom with a four-poster mahogany bed, a marvelous bathroom with marble and hand-cut mosaic tile accents, plus a Jacuzzi tub and his and her vanities.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island Located on a pristine 13-mile stretch of the stunning white sand crystalline shores of Nassau's world-renowned Cable Beach in The Bahamas.  The resort offers luxurious accommodations in thirteen categories. 

Exclusive Suite Concierge Service is available in nine categories including the Royal Windsor Beachfront One Bedroom Suite. These extravagant suites offer oceanfront views and exquisite furnishings, large master bedroom, substantial living room with private patio or balcony and decadent bathrooms complete with romantic Roman soaking tub and large vanity area. Guests staying in the Royal Windsor suites enjoy VIP Rolls Royce airport transfers, 24-hour room service and members only dining at Gordon's on the Pier Restaurant.

SERVICE

Sandals Resorts has embarked in an exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers to become the only Caribbean resort member. The London-based Guild is renowned for its training of individuals worldwide for careers in Five Star hotels, Royal Palaces of Great Britain, Embassies in various capital cities and private households. 

The Sandals Butlers, trained and certified by the Guild, take pride in knowing guests preferences prior to their arrival at the resort.  They attend to guests' every need including private in-suite check-in, unpacking and packing of clothing, providing specialized services such as drawing a scented bubble bath or even orchestrating in-suite gourmet dining on their private terrace

EXPLORE

Sandals Cay Private Island

Just minutes from Sandals Royal Bahamian lies the exotic, tropical isle of Sandals Cay, the resort's very own private offshore island. Pristine beaches of silky white sand await guests who want to sneak away from the main resort to spend some time exploring the natural Bahamian paradise.  Two beaches offer two diverse settings for guests - one beach is the perfect hideaway for sunbathers and the other is a snorkeler's paradise offering some of the most exquisite underwater displays in all the Caribbean.  The island boasts its own restaurant, Café Goombay for authentic Bahamian cuisine, a freshwater pool complete with swim-up pool bar and a bubbly Jacuzzi.  Ferries run every hour on the hour beginning at 10am. Private charters can also be arranged.

RELAXATION

Red Lane® Spas

Red Lane® Spas, available at ten Sandals Resorts, combine traditional spa services with a distinctive Caribbean flair.  As part of the new luxury included experience, guests can enjoy lavish spa treatments on the beach or in the privacy of their suite. Treatments utilize ingredients indigenous to the region, like Jamaica's-own Blue Mountain coffee, exotic sweet Ortanique oranges, local honey and almonds, natural island cane sugar and other tropical delicacies in its therapies.  Treatment venues can be tailored to personal preference from the beach and garden gazebos, to in-room services. In addition to pampering and wellness programs, Sandals Resorts provide guests with an extensive fitness center offering yoga and state-of-the-art equipment and personal training/nutrition counseling.

DINING

Gordon's On The Pier

A fresh concept in custom-made cuisine, Gordon's on the Pier is a brand new dining experience designed for guests of Sandals' highest-level suites.  With an emphasis on the freshest seafood, Gordon's elevates the al fresco dining experience to new heights. Open at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, Gordon's on the Pier is part of the luxury included dining experience exclusively available to Butler Service Level guests serving exceptional selections from international to seafood fare in a private atmosphere.  The innovative menu complete with white glove service features fresh local ingredients and a variety of hand selected steaks.  All other resort guests are invited to make a reservation (based on availability) and enjoy this impeccable world-class culinary experience at an additional cost.

Private Dining

Beyond the traditional, Sandals also offers guests several unique dining options, including the new 'Water Dining' experience at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica, where guests can dip their toes in the Caribbean sea while partaking in a spectacular feast of local cuisine. In addition to 24-hour room service, private dining has become an increasingly popular option with guests selecting from pre-set menus or giving free reign to Sandals' award-winning chefs. Candlelight beachfront dinners can be arranged on a private terrace, under a canopy on the beach or poolside. Additional gourmet adventures include market tours, cooking classes and "Vineyard Dinners," inspired by Sandals' fresh relationship with Beringer Wines and featuring multiple-course meals paired with extraordinary wines.     

CELEBRATION

Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons®

Preston Bailey, the internationally celebrated event designer and wedding planner, partnered with Sandals Resorts to create Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons®, a selection of four exceptional wedding packages available exclusively at Sandals and Beaches Resorts through the WeddingMoons® program. Author of Design for Entertaining and Fantasy Weddings, Preston personally created one-of-a-kind events for celebrity clients such as Donald and Melania Trump, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Matt Lauer, Donna Karan and Oprah Winfrey, and now WeddingMoons® guests can enjoy a Preston Bailey wedding experience in the idyllic island setting of Sandals and Beaches Caribbean properties. The packages, offered as an enhancement to the standard WeddingMoons® program, include inspired settings for the ceremony, striking bouquets and flowers, elegant table décor and innovative keepsakes - all designed by Preston Bailey.

These offerings from Preston Bailey allow those seeking the perfect destination wedding, an increasingly popular trend, a higher level of choices for their special day. Each of the four packages - The Floral Elegance Collection ($1,700), The Water Lily Collection ($2,600), The Seascape Collection ($3,600) and The Crystal Collection ($5,000) - includes beautifully designed wedding settings and décor such as fresh contemporary floral screens or a tree filled with orchids, crystals and candlelight. Specialty wedding cakes designed by Sylvia Weinstock complement the exceptional designs and the beautiful surroundings.  For the ultimate in luxury, Sandals Resorts and Preston Bailey are also developing one of the most lavish wedding experiences as the upper tier in package offerings which includes private jet, special location, a once-in-a-lifetime musical performance and more.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has yesterday signed an agreement with Royal Monceau to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris. The hotel will join Raffles Hotels & Resorts' award winning collection of luxury properties in winter 2008.
Le Royal Monceau is jointly owned by Alexandre Allard and Qatari developer, Barwa Real Estate, with Mr. Allard assuming majority ownership. Alexandre Allard is a well respected French entrepreneur, known for his association with luxury brands and his visionary ventures. His heartfelt passion and vision for Le Royal Monceau is an inspiration, bringing together the sophistication of Parisian culture and the inimitable service for which Raffles is renowned worldwide.

Le Royal Monceau is scheduled for refurbishment in 2008 and is greatly anticipated to re-open as a 21st century French masterpiece, fully restored to its former glory under the creative eye of renowned French designer, Philippe Starck. When it re-opens, the hotel will feature 152 of the most spacious and luxurious rooms and suites in Paris, with each guestroom exuding the elegance and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts are known for, while maintaining Le Royal Monceau's unique style which celebrates the French tradition of 'art de vivre'.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will also introduce several environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of Hybrid cars, a solar energy heated swimming pool and recycling processes for water, when Le Royal Monceau makes its re-debut in 2008.
 
Le Royal Monceau enjoys an unsurpassed location on Avenue Hoche, just minutes from the famous Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees. The hotel opened in 1928, and since then has welcomed numerous dignitaries, celebrities and artists.

Each level of the hotel will feature a private lobby and residents will be able to enjoy residency in rooms that offer features unique in Paris, such as rooms with a view of the hotel's generous landscaped gardens - a rarity in Paris, elegantly appointed duplex suites, and rooms complemented with private balconies. Each room will be individually designed and decorated with modern artwork and contemporary colour palates to exude a timeless feel.

When re-opened, Le Royal Monceau will offer 5 exquisite dining and bar options. From Italian favourites enjoyed al fresco style in the midst of an enchanting landscaped garden, to French cuisine in a fine dining ambience, gourmet aficionados will have much to revel in.

Residents seeking a sophisticated luxury spa experience will find the new Spa at Royal Monceau an ideal sanctuary in which to indulge in the joy of living well. With more treatment rooms to cater for the demand from wellness seekers, a beautifully redesigned indoor swimming pool and a new fitness centre with top of the range equipment, the Spa promises to be a haven of wellness and bliss.

With a team of private butlers, when Le Royal Monceau re-opens, residents will be pampered with attentive and intuitive service, all undertaken in the heartfelt and gracious
manner for which Raffles is renowned. Residents wishing to discover some of the best kept secrets in Paris, the fashion mecca of the world, can also seek the advice of an in-house Fashion Advisor and Personal Shopper.

Le Royal Monceau will make a precious addition to Raffles Hotels & Resort's collection of heritage properties, which includes Raffles Hotel Singapore, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Beijing Hotel, China. The Group's approach to the restoration of historic buildings is underscored with a deep respect for each building's treasured memories. This sensitivity has earned for each of its heritage hotels and resorts global recognition as among the finest in the world.

Said Alexandre Allard, President Royal Monceau Pte Ltd., 'Raffles Hotels & Resorts is renowned not only for its expertise in hospitality, service and culinary excellence, but also for its appreciation and respect for local culture. Under the Raffles management, Le Royal Monceau will be the epitome of gracious hospitality imbued with true Parisian spirit. We are very pleased to be working with Raffles, and have no doubt that discerning travellers to Paris will find Le Royal Monceau, a veritable Palace of the 21st century.'

'We are delighted to have been entrusted with this historic property, and to bring the Raffles name to this much sought-after destination. With its array of old and new world attractions, Paris continues to be the destination of choice for millions of visitors each year,' commented Bill Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. "We look forward to working with our partners to fully refurbish and restore Le Royal Monceau to its original grandeur."

Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts added, 'We have always wanted to extend the presence of Raffles to Paris, and we are thrilled that we now have this opportunity to be a part of this vibrant city. Le Royal Monceau will be distinguished by the heartfelt service, refined ambience and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts around the world are known for, to become the favoured home-away-from-home for privileged travellers to Paris.'

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., owners and operators of 49 deluxe leisure properties in 25 countries, announces its latest acquisition, the 200-room Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within the UNESCO World Heritage designated Iguaçu National Park in the Paraná region of Brazil.
The company will take over the operation of the hotel on October 1, 2007 and plans extensive renovations once the appropriate permits have been obtained. The property will remain open throughout, as the layout of the hotel will allow work to take place in phases without inconveniencing guests.

First opened as a hotel in 1958, the Hotel das Cataratas is an elegant two-storey Portuguese colonial style building. It has one of the most impressive and enviable locations in South America, with the world famous Iguaçu Falls just a two minute stroll from the property, and surrounded by almost 15,000m² of national park.

The hotel comprises a main building which houses the reception area, a bar and restaurant with terrace and a reading room, as well as guest rooms on the first floor. Two additional wings were added in 1971 and 1982, and in total the hotel now offers 85 standard rooms, 64 superior rooms, 49 deluxe rooms, three suites and two presidential suites. Guest rooms have hardwood floors and bathrooms with large bathtubs and granite tops. A number of rooms have direct views of the waterfalls and guests are reminded of their proximity by the ever-present roar of water and rising spray of mist.
 
The Hotel das Cataratas houses two restaurants. The Restaurante Itaipu, serving a blend of Brazilian and international cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner, is located on the ground floor of the main building and has a veranda for al fresco dining. The Ipê Bar & Grill by the main pool serves light snacks throughout the day and offers a South American style meat barbecue with live music for dinner.

The extensive gardens contain a swimming pool and a children's playground, tennis court, grass volley ball court and look-out point towards the Iguaçu Falls. The hotel has two large conference rooms with capacity for up to 200 guests.

The Hotel das Cataratas was the first property in Latin America to qualify for the ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification in recognition of its ecological operating policies.

The Iguaçu Falls lie on the border of Brazil and Argentina and, although most of the falls are actually in Argentina, the 360°, views from the Brazilian side are far more panoramic, particularly of the Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat, a U-shaped 150-metre-wide and 700-metre-long cliff. Depending on the time of year and present water levels, up to 275 separate falls make up the 2.7km crescent that plunges over 80 metres to the valley floor at a rate of between 1.3-1.5 million litres of water per second.

Iguaçu Falls airport is a 15 kilometre drive from the Hotel das Cataratas and is served by international flights via São Paulo, which is a 1 hour 30 minute flight away. The climate in the region is humid and subtropical year round, with temperatures rarely falling below 70°,F.

Local activities on offer from the hotel include helicopter rides over the falls, boat rides over the rapids, four-wheel drive jungle tours, nature walks and trails in the national park, the Parque das Aves bird sanctuary close to the park entrance, visits to Itaipu Dam, the largest generator of hydro-electric power in the world and excursions to the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio in Argentina.

This will be Orient-Express Hotels' third business in Brazil, where it also owns and manages the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro. In June 2007, the company signed an agreement to purchase a 185,000 sq m parcel of land in Buzios, one of the most popular up-market destinations in Brazil, 180km north-east of Rio de Janeiro. The land will be used for the development of an all suite boutique resort of 40 rooms, along with a real estate development of 17 villas varying in size from 200-400sqm. Once the necessary permits have been granted, it is estimated that the resort will take 20 months to construct.