HPL Wins Soneva Gili Contract; Resort to Rebrand as Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Earlier this month, TravelNewsAsia.com reported how Soneva was relinquishing management of the luxury Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives.

Now we can confirm that HPL Hotels & Resorts, the subsidiary of Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited and operator of hospitality establishments throughout the Asia Pacific region, will take over the management of Soneva Gili, Maldives on 1 July 2012.

HPL Hotels & Resorts assures that it will be business as usual, with plans for the resort restricted to rebranding it as Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives and minor enhancements going forward.

"Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives will complement the current HPL portfolio of hotels," said Stephen Lau, Chairman of HPL Hotels & Resorts. "We intend to keep the spirit of the resort accordingly; guests booked after the change in management can be assured that the terms and conditions of their reservations will remain unchanged. And the Gili Lankanfushi team looks forward to welcoming them to our island paradise in the Maldives."

The environmentally-sensitive resort is hidden away on Lankanfushi Island, in a lagoon on the North Male Atoll. All of its 45 over-water villas, crafted in a traditional style from natural materials, reflect the harmony of life by the water's edge.

For ultimate privacy, guests can stay in one of the seven Crusoe Residences or the Private Reserve, accessible only by personal boat.

All villas at this luxury island resort offer a private water garden, open air bathroom, and roof-top terrace and over-water sundecks.

The interiors recreate a natural habitat, using sustainable woods, natural materials and traditional fabrics, whilst still offering all the modern amenities and providing the comfort of true luxury.

"As an eco-sensitive resort, we are committed to the principles of environmental sustainability, which plays an important part in Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives corporate philosophy," said lain McCormack, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives. "We have on staff a marine biologist, who is responsible for several ecological conservation programmes relating to the ocean. We also maintain our own organic herb and vegetable garden, which provides fresh and local ingredients used in the resort's kitchens. An active recycling program of using waste for building materials is practiced."

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives marks the parent company - Hotel Properties Limited's fifth property in the Maldives. The other properties within the group are Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru; Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma; and Rihiveli Beach Resort. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is the 12th hotel managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts.

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