Tuesday 25 November 2014

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Appointment of First Chinese Global Explorer at Grand Opening of the Azure Qiantang

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announces the appointment of renowned Chinese actor Wu Xiubo as the brand's first Chinese Global Explorer, coinciding with the Grand Opening of The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hangzhou, located in the capital of China's Zhejiang province.

The Global Explorer program celebrates the vibrancy of the world's most enchanting destinations through the eyes of leading cultural voices. A seasoned world traveler who has enjoyed wide acclaim for his leading roles, Wu joins other well-known personalities such as designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, supermodel-turned-photographer Helena Christensen, photographer Andrea Fazzari and mixologist Greg Seider in the brand's coveted Global Explorer role.

“We are very excited to have Wu Xiubo join our family as the brand's fifth Global Explorer, sharing his unique outlook on the world with travelers from China and beyond,” said Meredith Dichter, Director of Global Brand Management, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, “From taking photographs and journaling their thoughts, to creating destination-inspired cocktails and sharing their travel experiences in other unexpected ways, all Global Explorers engage in visual storytelling that showcases the unique elements of each destinations”.

As a Global Explorer for The Luxury Collection, Wu Xiubo recently traveled to Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg in Austria, to shoot images for a photography book which will be launched at the end of this year. Wu has also shot a series of photographs at The Azure Qiantang and both sets of images will be exhibited at Luxury Collection hotels throughout China. Additionally, Wu Xiubo chronicled the adventures from his latest European journey, sharing a unique Chinese perspective on the brand's captivating destinations, including personal insights and travel tips.

“My work over the past three decades has taken me on many unforgettable trips around the world. These travel experiences and interactions have not only enriched my personal life, but also provoked different emotions, memories and moods which have inspired my work in a myriad of ways,” said Wu Xiubo. “Being a Global Explorer for The Luxury Collection will enable me to discover more hidden treasures and share these insights with Chinese travelers around the world”.

The Azure Qiantang: a Glittering Addition to The Luxury Collection's China Portfolio

Situated along the Qiantang River and named after “Memories of the South” - a masterpiece written by Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi - The Azure Qiantang is the perfect blend between Hangzhou's traditional foundation of simplicity and elegance, combined with a contemporary design aesthetic. The hotel is designed by world-renowned architect Mr. Pierre-Yves Rochon, and features a blue glass colored structure that showcases design elements that references the surging waves of the Qiantang River, merging harmoniously with the colors of the sky.

The Azure Qiantang boasts 205 elegant guest rooms and suites, with the majority of hotel rooms offering spectacular views of the Qiantang River. A swimming pool, spa and 24-hour fitness center allow for moments of deep relaxation or invigorating workouts. The hotel features two restaurants: the Lan Ting Chinese Restaurant features a menu inspired by local ingredients from Hangzhou's lake, river, stream, canal and the sea, while Panorama Restaurant & Bar offers a range of favorite local snacks in addition to international buffets. Guests can also choose to sip cocktails or indulge in a lavish local afternoon at the hotel's Riverview Terrace and Lobby Bar respectively.

Hangzhou, which is famed across China for being the “Paradise on Earth” and legendary for the world's biggest and most spectacular tidal bore, has a deep and long cultural heritage and rich and enchanting natural scenery. The destination is renowned for its beautiful West Lake, fine-quality silk, and delicate Longjing (or “Dragon's Well”) Tea. The Azure Qiantang offers the brand's signature Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, providing them with thoughtful recommendations to enhance their stay and discover and experience the region in an authentic and indigenous way.

With the Grand Opening of The Azure Qiantang, The Luxury Collection now has six hotels in China, including the legendary Astor Hotel in Tianjin, Twelve at Hengshan and The Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, The Royal Begonia in Sanya, as well the recently opened The Castle Hotel in Dalian.

The Luxury Collection's portfolio continues to grow globally in unique destinations ideal for travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. With a glittering ensemble of more than 90 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries, The Luxury Collection prides itself as the curator of memorable destination experiences. Each hotel and resort is a true reflection of the locale, inspiring today's seasoned global travelers to discover the indigenous charms and treasures through world-class concierge services and signature brand programs such as Destination Discoveries and Epicurean Expeditions. For more information about The Luxury Collection, please visit www.luxurycollection.com

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