New Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia Doubles As Training Center For Underprivileged Residents

Sanctuary Resorts sets up and manages Shinta Mani as tuition-free hospitality institute at gateway to Angkor Wat

Hong Kong, 10 June 2003 - Cambodia is one of the brightest stars on today’s tourism map and Sanctuary Resorts will be opening a luxury hotel in that country – the Hotel de la Paix – in September, 2004. But even before that opening, Sanctuary Resorts is establishing Shinta Mani, a combination boutique hotel and hospitality institute in Siem Reap slated to open in August 2003. That city is the gateway to Angkor Wat, the ancient Cambodian capital that is one of the world’s great tourism attractions.

Shinta Mani, whose name is derived from the Sanskrit, meaning, “the gem that provides everything one can imagine,” is an 18-room property that provides vocational hotel education to underprivileged young Cambodians free of charge. Their tuition is funded by the hotel’s own revenues.

Sanctuary Resorts has made a commitment to the community and environment a part of its mission. Working with many contributors and sponsors – and with its own employees volunteering to fill a variety of roles -- the company opens Shinta Mani in August 2003. Proceeds from the operation of Shinta Mani will not only fund the hospitality school but will also support the Sihanouk Hospital of Hope in Phnom Phen, where 400 Cambodians receive daily health care free of charge.

Shinta Mani is located in the French Quarter in the center of Siem Reap, within sight of the river. It features 16 superior rooms and two deluxe rooms, with partially open bathrooms and modern amenities. All rooms provide direct Internet access free of charge.

All rooms are appointed with conveniences like mini-bar, television, coffee/tea makers, IDD, baths and luxury bath amenities.

Shinta Mani offers guests a Sanctuary Spa (a signature facility at all Sanctuary Resorts); tours and activities; mountain bikes; and an art gallery. For dining and drinking, visitors may choose from a restaurant, terrace, bar, and drawing room/library -- as well as the vocational training center.

A Spa Training School equips students with the skills to earn a living providing a variety of spa treatments; they may also apprentice in holistic programs in Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi.

When it opens nearby in Siem Reap next year, Hotel de la Paix will feature 107 rooms, including 9 rooftop spa suites with private terraces and Jacuzzi spa pavilions; and 6 courtyard rooms with large outdoor bathtubs on private garden terraces.

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, within easy reach of Angkor Wat, Hotel de la Paix will house a Sanctuary Spa with luxurious treatment rooms; a meditation garden for holistic programs; and a gymnasium. A large tropical pool at the entrance to the hotel will emphasize the contemporary feel of the resort.

Sanctuary Resorts was founded to provide retreats for travelers wishing to maximize their potential – physically, spiritually and mentally – by rejuvenating their bodies and expanding their minds in a conducive, natural, healthy environment.

Shinta Mani is a reflection of Sanctuary’s goal of being involved with the local community, including having local residents become part of the resort as workers or suppliers of goods and services.

Sanctuary Resorts also manages the award-winning The Bale in Bali and will open The Racha, its latest luxury resort on Racha Island, just of the coast of Phuket in December 2003.