Luxury hospitality organization adds five properties to its collection

New York, NY (Vocus) August 5, 2010

The Observatory Hotel is the ideal base from which to work and explore Australia’s most vibrant city. Superbly located near Sydney’s historic Rocks and central business district, near the vibrant harbor and the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, it enjoys an enviable location close to the bustling heart of the city. Accommodations are in 78 rooms and 22 suites, some with views of Observatory Hill, the inner harbor of Walsh Bay or Darling Harbor. Galileo Restaurant serves fine French cuisine with international influences, while the Globe Bar is the venue for light meals and libations. For recreation, guests can enjoy the day spa, health club – and the indoor pool arched over by a ceiling of fiber optic lights designed to recreate the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Three rooms appropriate for meetings and banquets.

Perched on the banks of the Fuchun River, near Hangzhou, China, Fuchun Resort offers countryside tranquility with urban proximity. Inspired by a classic 14th-century Chinese landscape painting, the resort is a secluded idyll on a mountain lake surrounded by wooded hillsides against the backdrop of the Fuchun peaks. The 106 guest accommodations, divided between the main lakeside buildings and the more remote villas – some with private balconies and a few with indoor pools – blend contemporary-luxe and classic Chinese. Dining experiences include Asian Corner, featuring a variety of Chinese specialties; Club 8, located at the Clubhouse overlooking the golf course for Asian and western breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Lake Lounge & Bar. For recreation there are two tennis courts, a golf course, and a spa and fitness center.

The Leading Small Hotels of the World has added the following properties to its roster:
Set in the hills on the east coast of Sicily, Grand Hotel Timeo has long been a favorite destination of European and Hollywood stars. As the first hotel to be built in Taormina, it stands directly in front of the Greek Theater, with sweeping views of the coastline and Mount Etna. Enveloped in acres of lush parkland, it is famous for its “Literary Terrace”, a meeting point for illustrious guests through the years. All 72 rooms and suites are decorated with Italian flair, and most have terraces or balconies. Guests can also opt to stay in Villa Flora, a lovely country house just 50 meters from the main building. Dining options include the Restaurant, offering Italian, Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine; Oliverio’s for seafood, pasta and salads; Literary Terrace and the Bar; and the Pool Snack Restaurant. The spa, fitness and wellness facilities are complemented by an outdoor pool.

The Villa By Barton G. opened in early March after a multimillion dollar renovation with 10 custom suites and a commitment to the very highest levels of service. A sanctuary in Miami’s South Beach, the 19,000-square-foot villa offers the ultimate in privacy. Among its outstanding features are British-trained butlers, two private lounges, including The Rooftop Bar, and The Thousand Mosaic Pool, built by Gianni Versace. Room amenities include Frette linens, Sonos systems, Kindle e-readers and WiFi. Gastronomes will delight in the elegant continental cuisine presented in The Dining Room. Available for full buyout, whether for a night, a week or a month, The Villa is ideal for destination weddings and other celebrations.
Situated in New York City’s savvy TriBeCa neighborhood, The Greenwich Hotel was conceived with a regard for comfort and hand-crafted beauty. Artisans from around the world created a warm and richly layered environment that celebrates craftsmanship and natural materials. In the lobby, leaded glass windows and beams of reclaimed oak create a comfortable setting for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Among the 88 rooms and suites, no two are alike. The furnishings draw from a wide range of cultural influences – from hand-loomed Tibetan silk rugs to the patterns of Moroccan tile. Some suites have wood-burning fireplaces. The stylish Locanda Verde restaurant serves exquisite Italian fare. With 12-foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, the Drawing Room is perfect for a casual meeting or an intimate lunch. For relaxation there is the Shibui Spa, a fitness room and an indoor pool.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of lhw.com, lhwspas.com and lhwgolf.com – the online sources for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 22 major markets across the globe.

Since 1928, the company’s reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards. This set of standards is the most stringent in the industry.