Sanctuary Resorts to open La Flora in Khao Lak April 7, 2004

La Flora, a 68 room and villa luxury resort in Khao Lak managed by Sanctuary Resorts, a Hong Kong based holistic resort management company, is set to open 7 April 2004.

The resort, which aims to be a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism, will open its rooms and villas (some of them with private plunge pool), two restaurants, split level pool and bar. The Sanctuary Spa and the signature eco-activities of the resort will be in operation as of 21 April 2004.

La Flora is set on a stretch of pristine beach on Khao Lak's Ban Ngian Beach; located just one hour north of Phuket airport and at the foot of the Khao Lak - Lamru National Park.

The Khao Lak, Phanga Nga region has undergone a recent boom in sustainable tourism. Khao Lak offers a perfect alternative to the densely developed main Phuket area. Khao Lak's natural beaches, corals, proximity to the Similan diving sanctuary and tropical rainforest in Kao Lak's national park all provide ample reasons to visit the area.

La Flora, through its dedicated Eco-adventure team, will offer tailor made activities and events in the various national parks surrounding the resort and the beaches. Annually from November until April, several species of turtles visit the nearby Khao Lampi national park. Night excursions with park rangers to spot the turtles are planned by the resort. Bird-watching, nature hikes to the many nearby waterfalls and tropical rain forest and environmentally sensitive diving trips are all organized on a regular basis and form part of the resort's vision on sustainable development.

The Sanctuary Spa will be an oasis set in a tropical garden and the range of treatments are complemented by holistic programs, which include yoga, meditation and Sanctuary Resorts' signature Masters in Residence programs.

The restaurants will focus on creatively presented Thai / Chinese sea-food and contemporary international cuisine, which focuses on presentation, surprising flavours and nutrition.

Michel van der Hoeven, head of the regional office of Sanctuary Resorts in Thailand, states "The design and concept of the resort is high end, informal and tropical. The villas feature large, semi-open bathrooms and outside rain showers. The rooms are set in low rise buildings in line with Sanctuary Resorts' philosophy of providing natural and culturally sound spaces to balance body, mind and spirit. Some of the rooms have private courtyards for added comfort".

Andrew Jones, guardian and founder of Sanctuary Resorts added "With most guests looking for a more natural experience, we feel that our two resorts in Thailand complement each other and provide different ways to achieve a balance of one's body, mind and spirit. As part of our concept, we plan to implement regular Master in Residence programs at the resort, as is done in all other Sanctuary Resorts".

Sanctuary Resorts is currently managing The Bale, in Nusa Dua Bali, which has been listed by Conde Naste Traveller as one of the top 80 new resorts in the world. Additionally, Sanctuary Resorts is developing The Racha, a deluxe 70 villa island hideaway resort on Koh Racha, just 25 minutes away from Phuket, which will open at the end of May.

Sanctuary Resorts' Hotel de la Paix located in Siem Reap, Cambodia will open in November 2004 and construction is currently one month ahead of schedule. In addition, as part of Sanctuary Resorts' commitment to provide opportunities for community development, Shinta Mani, an 18 room boutique hotel and institute of hospitality opened its doors at the end of October 2003.