The Datai, a luxury property managed by General Hotel Management (GHM) Limited, today announced the completion of the first phase of its refurbishment plans to the villas, suites and deluxe rooms which commenced in early 2007. The entire refurbishment programme will touch on every feature of the property, upgrading and modernising the facilities in line with the rest of the GHM's portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. GHM, a luxury hotel management and development company, is the market leader in conceptualising, developing and operating a selection of exclusive hotels and resorts worldwide. GHM manages a portfolio of three brands including highly regarded properties such as The Datai in Langkawi, The Setai in Miami, The Chedi hotels and The Serai hotels worldwide.

The Datai is cut into the side of a mountain and nested in the middle of the rainforest on Langkawi. It is an oasis of calm with 54 deluxe rooms, 40 villas and 18 suites all built in Malay architectural styles, two pools, a health club and a championship golf course.

In the first phase of the refurbishment programme, the interior of the villas, suites and deluxe rooms have been updated to bear the signature GHM style - an Asian-inspired design featuring plush interiors in muted tones contrasted against dark wood floors. The new interior is designed by award-winning Indonesian designer Mr. Jaya Ibrahim, who has worked with selected GHM hotels around the world such as The Setai - South Beach, Miami; The Nam Hai - Hoi An, Vietnam; The Chedi - Milan; and The Heritage House - Mendocino, California.

The newly renovated villas remain as free-standing suites but now feature spacious bathrooms including an 8" rainfall shower, twin terrazzo vanities and his and her wardrobes. Other additions to the villas and suite rooms include an oversized day bed and an adjoining living area with a dining table for two. Renamed 'Superior Villas' after the renovation, the villas also incorporate a 37" LCD flat screen TV, DVD player, Bose CD sound system and Lavazza coffee machine.

Deluxe rooms are divided into two areas -- the combined bedroom and living room contain a king-size bed, private bar and balcony, a writing desk, plus two day beds. The newly renovated deluxe rooms feature spacious bathroom and dressing room with twin vanities, luxurious shower cabins, private lavatories, a sunken terrazzo bathtub and ample luggage space.

"For the last 14 years, The Datai has been the jewel of properties in Langkawi for many guests. The refurbishment of the hotel underscores our commitment to continue providing five-star service and the highest quality in luxury accommodation on the island," remarked Mr. Jamie Case, General Manager of The Datai. "By updating our well-loved property we will be able to offer better services and amenities for our loyal guests, as well as introduce ourselves to a new breed of traveller seeking a sense of well-being and tranquillity," Mr. Case added.

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Note to Editors: GHM hotels and resorts worldwide

1. The Setai, South Beach, Miami Florida, USA

2. The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia

3. The Saujana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4. The Legian, Bali, Indonesia

5. The Strand, Yangon, Myanmar

6. Heritage House, Mendocino, California, USA

7. The Leela, Goa, India

8. The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

9. Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

10. The Andaman, Langkawi, Malaysia

11. The Chedi Club, Tanah Gajah, Ubud Bali, Indonesia

12. The Chedi, Milan, Italy

13. The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

14. The Chedi, Phuket, Thailand

15. The Chedi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

About General Hotel Management Ltd

Established in 1992, General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) is a market leader in conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts worldwide. With a total of 15 properties in its portfolio and six more in the pipeline, GHM prides itself in providing guests with a distinctive lifestyle experience that is unrivalled. Every GHM resorts and hotels is one of a kind, possessing distinctive concepts and design elements.

GHM's portfolio of properties comprises The Setai, The Datai, The Saujana, The Legian, The Strand, Heritage House, The Leela - Goa, The Nam Hai, Carcosa Seri Negara, The Andaman, The Chedi Club - Ubud, The Chedi - Milan,The Chedi - Muscat, The Chedi - Phuket and The Chedi - Chiang Mai. The Company also provides a full range of hotel management services. For more information about our company, please visit www.ghmhotels.com

Stephanie Lee PR & Communications Manager General Hotel Management Ltd Tel: (65) 6223 3755 Fax: (65) 6221 1535 Mobile: (65) 9634 3745 Email:slee@ghmhotels.com Website:www.ghmhotels.com