Marriott to Manage New Resort in China

Marriott International is to manage its first resort in China under an agreement reached with Sanya Jahwa Resort Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Jahwa Group which has core businesses in manufacturing and trading of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mineral water and real estate development.

Currently under construction, the 453-room Sanya Marriott Resort is expected to open in early 2004. Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates Pte., Ltd. is the project's architect; and Wilson & Associates is the interior design firm.

Sanya is located on the southern coast of Hainan Island, at approximately the same latitude as Hawaii, and is renowned for its tropical weather, sandy beaches and clean air and water. The city is served by the Phoenix International Airport, which offers flights to all major domestic Chinese cities as well as to such international destinations as Seoul and Hong Kong.

The Sanya Marriott Resort will be situated in the Yalong Bay National Resort, a master planned resort comprising approximately 18 square kilometers, and will have about 450 meters of beach frontage. Directly to the north of the resort is the 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones-designed Yalong Bay Golf Club.

"We are thrilled to see our lodging portfolio grow in China and to welcome our first resort in the country into our portfolio," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. "China  is fast becoming one of the world's most important travel markets and we're delighted that our total lodging portfolio across all brands exceeds 40 hotels either opened or under construction."

Accommodations at the Sanya Marriott Resort will feature spacious guest rooms with four-fixture baths. For dining and entertainment, the resort will have three restaurants and a poolside grill. Its casual restaurant will offer a permanent grand buffet and its Chinese restaurant will have five private dining rooms. The third restaurant will feature specialty cuisine. Additionally, the resort will have a lobby lounge bar and a poolside bar.

Recreational amenities will include a health and fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor tennis courts, a children's activity court, a golf putting green and a spa featuring 15 treatment rooms. Other amenities will include a gift shop, concierge desk, valet/laundry service, and a business center.

For social events and conferences, the resort will offer 1,250 square meters of space. The 830-square meter ballroom will be divisible into five sections. In addition, the resort will offer five 70-square meter meeting rooms and a board room.