Shangri-La will operate the 147-room Shangri-La Hotel in Miami and is Shangri-La's second hotel, under development in the United States following the announcement yesterday of the Shangri-La Hotel, Chicago. The Miami property will open in 2008 and the Chicago property in 2009.

Situated on Biscayne Bay with 360-degree views of Miami and its magnificent beaches, the Shangri-La hotel will be part of the $480 million mixed-use Island Gardens project. In addition to Shangri-La services and amenities, distinctive attributes of the project include a 50-slip "super-yacht" harbor plus sophisticated shops and restaurants, all adorned by expansive gardens and galleries. Living Shangri-La fractional residences will also be located in the Shangri-La tower.

"With its magical waterfront location, Island Gardens will be the picture-perfect setting to introduce the Shangri-La style of warm and gracious Asian hospitality to Miami," said Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La's chief executive officer and managing director. "The Shangri-La Hotel, Miami will be an attractive alternative for sophisticated travelers, offering an intimate stay experience with highly personalized service. We anticipate positive response especially among business and leisure visitors from the American East Coast and the prosperous Central and South American markets."

Flagstone Property Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mehmet Bayraktar said, "We are delighted that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will be a key element of our world-class Island Gardens development. Shangri-La's renowned hospitality and sterling international reputation will complement our overall concept for Island Gardens and become a magnet for both domestic and international travelers."

Designed by concept architects Eric Kuhne & Associates, with interiors by renowned designer Piero Lissoni & Associati, the hotel will be shaped like a stylized lighthouse. Its 147 rooms, suites and poolside villas will boast floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows with dramatic, unobstructed views of Miami's skyline, the super-yacht harbor and Biscayne Bay. Amenities will include round-the-clock butler service, wireless internet access, luxurious bathrooms and Shangri-La's signature beds and bed linen. The twelve one- and two-bedroom poolside villas will offer exceptional space, views and privacy.

Shangri-La will also manage 105 Living Shangri-La fractional residences located on the top floors of the tower. The fractional residences will offer spacious two- to four-bedroom accommodation and amenities for owners and will periodically be available to hotel guests.

An array of food and entertainment experiences will attract Miami locals as well as out-of-town guests. The Asian feature restaurant, with vista windows overlooking Biscayne Bay, will offer creative, boldly flavored cuisine against a panorama of the cruise ships arriving in Miami. The harbor-side lounge will offer al fresco dining throughout the day with live music in the evening. The terrace cafe at the pool will serve refreshing drinks and meals in the cabanas and bamboo grove.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, will feature Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies inspired by the origins of the Shangri-La legend. The hotel's 20,000-square-foot (1,858-square-meter) CHI spa will offer expansive indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. In addition, the 3,000-square-foot (279-square-meter) fitness facility will be open 24 hours a day and will offer the latest fitness equipment as well as a peaceful yoga and Pilates studio.

On the hotel's function level, the business center will provide comprehensive secretarial services, private work stations, a boardroom, plus a "green room" for VIPs. For social and corporate gatherings, the hotel will offer a screening room and an array of spacious function rooms, all with spectacular views and extensive audio-visual features.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is in advanced negotiations to open properties in other strategic North American gateway cities.

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