Vitya Holding Company Limited in Thailand and luxury hotel group Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts have today announced an agreement to manage Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach Resort, a 258-room, deluxe five star property currently under construction and due to open in the first quarter of 2004.

The Hotel will be situated on Thailand's majestic Khao Lak Beach in Phang Nga Province, approximately one hour's drive from Phuket International airport.

Michael Sagild, Le Méridien Hotels and Resort's Asia Pacific Regional Managing Director said, "the addition of Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach Resort to our existing portfolio of luxury resorts in Thailand will introduce an exciting new product for our leisure and conference customers to enjoy".

Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach Resort will incorporate the finest appointments in luxury accommodation designed to reflect the exotic Thai charm. The resort will include over 20 private luxury villas, catering to the most discerning international travellers, together with over 230 five star hotel rooms and conference facilities for over 400 delegates.

The unspoilt pristine sands and turquoise waters of Khao Lak beach will set a mood of tranquillity for this resort while the extensive spa, pool and restaurant facilities will create the forum for relaxation, indulgence and rejuvenation.

Le Méridien have not forgotten the kids – the Le Méridien Penguin Club will set a new benchmark for family fun with an island in the middle of one of the resort pools, designated for the young and the young at heart to explore.

"Within close reach of Phuket International Airport and yet very uncommercialised, Khao Lak has all the right attributes to emerge as Thailand's hottest new destination", says Mr Sagild.

"Complementing our two market leading properties in Phuket, Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach Resort will offer guests an opportunity for exploration and discovery and to truly get away from it all" Mr Sagild added.

The hotel owner, Vitya Holding Company Limited is a credentialised developer of luxury resorts and golf projects in Thailand and the United States, including St. Ives Country Club and St Marlo Golf Community in Georgia.