To mark the opening of Angsana Maldives Ihuru in October, Angsana.com will offer a 15% saving on the published rates of all villa categories to consumers who make direct bookings online through www.angsana.com for room stays from 1 October till 19 December 2001, and a 10% saving on published rates for online bookings made from 20 December 2001. The Grand Opening Special rates range from US$298+ (single)/ US$323+ (double) to US$332+ (single)/ US$357+ (double), including buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner for a Beachfront Villa and Jacuzzi Beachfront Villa respectively. Booking terms and conditions can be found at http://www.angsana.com/maldives/promotions_frame.htm.

Ihuru is the most photographed island in Maldives - a tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, lush greenery, crystalline waters and reefs teeming with marine flora and fauna. Located on the North Mal - Atoll just 20 minutes by speedboat from Mal, the capital of Maldives, and the Mal International Airport, Ihuru is one of the most picturesque and perfectly shaped islands in the Indian Ocean.

Dotting the circumference of the island are 45 air-conditioned Beachfront Villas, each featuring a linen-draped queen-sized bed, an outdoor shower with hot and cold fresh water, a fully stocked mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities and a veranda with dining and sitting area, overlooking a private garden with a sun lounger and Maldivian swing. Ten of these Beachfront Villas are equipped with open-air Jacuzzis for guests to relax in at any time of the day.

At the resort are two restaurants offering a marriage of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of local flavor. The bar features a large wooden deck for guests to sit back and enjoy the cool sea breeze over a glass of exotic cocktail or fine wine. Other dining options available include a private in-villa barbecue, a romantic dinner for two under the stars on a remote sandbank, or even a ��meal with a view�� onboard the resort��s glass-bottom boat.

Anchoring the resort��s facilities are the Angsana Spa and the Angsana Gallery �C a lifestyle oriented boutique specializing in indigenous artifacts and handicrafts. The Spa features eight treatment rooms, two of which are deluxe rooms with outdoor Jacuzzi and steam bath while Maldivian arts and crafts, jeweler, and hand-made fabrics using traditional weaving methods are exhibited and retailed at the Gallery. Items made from recycled materials are also available in keeping with the Angsana��s commitment to the environment.

To make direct bookings and receive instant confirmation or for more information on the new Angsana Maldives Ihuru, guests may visit www.angsana.com/maldives. Reservation enquiries may also be directed to the Singapore Sales Office on telephone +65 8495788, fax: +65 4622463, email: reservations@angsana.com OR the resort on telephone: +960 445932, fax: +960 445933, or email: maldives@angsana.com.

About Angsana Resorts & Spa The sister brand of the award winning Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, the Angsana Resorts & Spa was launched by the Wah Chang Group in June 2000 with the opening of its flagship resort, Angsana Resort & Spa Bintan in Indonesia. Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef, which is targeted at the lucrative holiday market in Australia, opened its doors to travelers in late 2000. This was quickly followed by the opening of Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort Bangalore in India this April. The next Angsana Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in Ihuru, Maldives in October 2001.

Angsana Spa places special emphasis on the use of aromatherapy and the sense of touch in the pampering of the body, mind and soul. Set in the most breathtaking settings ranging from seaside pavilions to lush garden terraces, the privacy and tranquility at each Angsana retreat allows guests to shed their cares of the world and rediscover sensory pleasures. The assurance of renewal and rejuvenation of the inner self is a commitment that Angsana Spa delivers to every guest.

To find out more about Angsana Resorts & Spa, make direct bookings and receive instant room confirmation, consumers may visit www.angsana.com.

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For press enquiries and images, please contact: Agnes Tan Content Editor/ Public Relations Manager Tel: +65 849 5872/ Fax: +65 462 9800 Email: agnes.tan@banyantree.com