Leading Hotels Adds New Members

Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. announced that it has recently accepted the following new member hotels including the Taj Cape Town, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Hotel Guarda Golf, Royal Mansour Marrakech and the Capella Singapore. The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas.

Slated to open at the end of January, Taj Cape Town is situated in the historic center of the city, close to St. George’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.  With 166 rooms and suites, it is a combination of rich history and elegant contemporary architecture. Once the home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, it retains the original marble pillars, vaulted ceilings, glass domes and architectural elements of those historic buildings.  Restaurant options include Bombay Brasserie, serving Indian and regional specialties; Mint, for international cuisine; and Twankey seafood bar and restaurant.  The Jiva Grande Spa is complemented by a fitness center and heated indoor swimming pool.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is situated on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, ten miles from Playa del Carmen.  An exclusive, ecologically-sensitive resort, it features 132 free-standing one-, two-, and three- bedroom villas, all with private pools and appointed with unique Mayan-inspired furnishings with Asian touches.   Dining outlets include Saffron, serving contemporary Thai cuisine; Tamarind, for Mediterranean-inspired specialties; Oriente, for buffet breakfast and modern Mexican fare; Sands, serving light meals and cocktails; and Reflections pool bar.  For relaxation, the resort offers swimming pools, the Banyan Tree Spa, a beach club and golf.  In addition, there are four meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 180 people.   
The Leading Small Hotels of the World has added the following properties to its roster:
Located in the heart of Crans, 1500 meters above sea level, Hotel Guarda Golf is an intimate retreat boasting spectacular views of the Alps from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.   With just 19 rooms and six suites, it offers its guests exceptional levels of attentive, personalized service.    Despite its small size, the hotel has three dining venues: Giardino and Les Alpes restaurants, and the Guarda Golf Lounge.   Year-round recreation options include  an ultra-modern spa zone, indoor lap pool, and fitness center, as well as golf on a 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course or on an 18-hole course designed by Severiano Ballesteros.   Two meeting rooms are available for small social or business gatherings.
Due to open later this spring, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is in the center of the city, within walking distance to the Koutoubia Mosque and Jamaa-el-Fna Square.  Built on 3.5 hectares within the walls of the old city, it resembles a traditional medina, comprising riads, restaurants and a spa, arranged around the reception area with its lobby, dining, bar, lounges and library.  There are 53 riads, or three-story suites.  The first floor offers a living room, lounge and patio; bedrooms, dressing areas and bathrooms are on the second level; and the third level is a tented roof terrace.  The 4-bedroom riad is a self-contained unit with its own private swimming pool, elevator, gymnasium, hammam, home cinema, personal chef and housekeeper.  A variety of restaurants offers French, Moroccan and international cuisines; while recreation options include a fitness center, spa and indoor swimming pool.

Capella Singapore is situated on Sentosa Island, minutes by car from the city’s business, shopping, dining and cultural districts.  Surrounded by 30 acres of rolling hills, it is adjacent to an exclusive golf club and a neighboring marina.   Set amidst lush tropical gardens with captivating views of the South China Sea, the resort offers 112 rooms, suites, villas, and two-story Colonial Manors that feature an outdoor garden with private plunge pool, an outdoor shower and bathtub, a spacious balcony or a private Jacuzzi.  Dining options include The Knolls for international and Singaporean cuisine, and Cassia, serving refined Chinese fare.   For recreation, there are three swimming pools, a spa, health club and fitness center, and tennis court.

Visit  www.lhw.com and www.lhwspas.com