MANDARIN ORIENTAL ENTERS INDIA WITH LUXURY DESTINATION SPA AND JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

- Mandarin Oriental Ananda – The Himalayas opens October 2000 -

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced an exclusive joint venture agreement with Indian Hotels and Health Resorts (IHHR) to manage and develop luxury hotels throughout India. Mandarin Oriental will own 70% of the joint venture, with the rest being held by IHHR, a well-respected development group with extensive hotel experience. The first property to open will be Mandarin Oriental Ananda, The Himalayas, a unique luxury resort and destination spa set in palace grounds, near Rishikesh, India.

Mandarin Oriental Ananda, The Himalayas enjoys a spectacular setting amongst 100 acres of virgin forest and features 75 luxurious rooms and suites as well as 21,000 sq ft of spa facilities. The hotel will offer the traveller a haven of tranquillity with the region’s most pampering spa and the highest service standards for which Mandarin Oriental is renowned. Unique features of the resort include a spectacular rooftop boardroom, as well as an amphitheatre and temple. All rooms have balconies and spacious bathrooms, which afford breathtaking views overlooking the River Ganges. The hotel serves organic cuisine in three unique restaurant settings.

“ We are delighted to be entering a new destination and providing our guests with such an exotic and unique experience. The hotel ideally matches our portfolio in terms of luxury standards and services. We look forward to developing further opportunities in this important market, thereby creating greater visibility for our brand.” said Edouard Ettedgui Managing Director of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“ We are excited to join Mandarin Oriental in our goal to develop luxury hotels and resorts in India. This represents the first joint venture in the luxury segment of India’s hospitality industry. The combination of Mandarin Oriental’s renowned brand and our understanding of India’s unique heritage and culture will position us as the country’s pre-eminent luxury hotel developer.” said Mr Gautam Khanna, Chairman, IHHR.

Translated from Sanskrit, “ Ananda” means “ health and self contentment”. Located in the precincts of the Palace of the Maharajah of Tehri-Garhwal, Mandarin Oriental Ananda will offer an enriching experience aimed at complete rejuvenation and relaxation of the body mind and soul. The “ Wellness Centre” in the spa is based on the concept of holistic well-being and offers therapeutic treatments based on the ancient sciences of yoga, ayurveda and meditation.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s finest hotels. The Group operates luxury hotels in key leisure and business destinations, with two hotels under development, one in Miami, Florida (opening late 2000) and the other in New York (opening late 2003). In total, Mandarin Oriental employs almost 9,000 staff in three continents with 10 hotels in Asia, seven in the Americas and four in Europe.

Indian Hotels & Health Resorts Pvt. Ltd. (IHHR), was established with the objective of developing health resorts, spas and city centre hotels in India. IHHR is promoted by Mr. Gautam Khanna and a group of Directors who are all experienced hoteliers. Mr. Khanna brings with him more than four decades of experience in the travel and hospitality business and was until recently Executive Director, Oberoi Hotels.