The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Announces First China Resort Located At Sanya, Yalong Bay, Hainan Province; December 2007 Opening Planned

MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS

Maryland, U.S. (October 17, 2007) /China Newswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. continues its presence and expansion into China with the December 2007 opening of its first resort, situated on an exclusive site along Yalong Bay in Hainan Province. The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, with expansive views of the South China Sea is located 40 minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport. The resort will include 450 rooms, suites, and private villas as well as a 2,788 square meters' spa, the largest and most lavish in the region.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai are two of Asia's most award-winning hotels. In addition to Sanya, they will be joined by five other properties now under construction in China, including: Beijing (at China Central Place, 2007), Guangzhou (2007), Shenzhen (2008); Pudong, Shanghai (2009) and Kowloon, Hong Kong (2009). China Jin Mao Group Company, Ltd. will be the owners of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya.

"China continues to enhance its reputation as a desirable destination for exploration by the world's most sophisticated leisure travelers. Sanya, with its tropical climate, pristine beaches, and array of unique and exotic natural attractions is an exciting new location for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to continue its growth in the country," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "The extensive conference facilities planned for this resort should also attract significant meetings and incentive customers," he predicted.

Situated at the southern-most tip of Hainan Island, Sanya lies in the southern valley of the Wuzhi Mountains. Known for its temperate weather, lush tropical forests, and miles of secluded beaches, Sanya is home to attractions including the 108-meter Kwan Yin Statue, the "End of the Earth" Scenic Spot, Nantian Hot Springs, Monkey Island, and the Nanshan Caves. The area also includes three championship-caliber golf courses, and was a stop on the 2006 European tour.

Architects WAT & G plan a U-shaped design for The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, with two wings housing over 417 guest rooms measuring more than 60 square meters, the largest of any hotel in the destination. Guests seeking the ultimate in exclusivity can reserve one of 33 spacious villas, each with an individual pool and spectacular ocean views. Those reserving The Ritz-Carlton Club level accommodations will enjoy their own lounge area with frequent food and beverage presentations throughout the day.

Eight restaurants and lounges including a poolside bar and grill area will all offer scenic views of the lagoon or the beach. Recreational choices will include tennis, swimming pools, a full-service fitness center, and a signature Ritz Kids Club for the younger resort guests. The stylish spa designed by ESPA will be distinguished by 24 private rooms offering a menu of regional and international therapies and beauty treatments, from massages to facials.

For meetings, conferences and special social events, The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya will provide 1,700 square meters of flexible space. A ballroom of 900 square meters is divisible by four, with nine meeting rooms also an option for planners. A wedding chapel - Sanya's only waterfront wedding chapel - will be the backdrop for intimate ceremonies.

INTERNET LINKS

http://www.ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md operates 67 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, and Africa. Over 35 projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Guangzhou, Dublin, and Beijing. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognized outstanding customer service. For more information, contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations line at 1 (800) 241-3333, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, or consult a travel professional.