Ihuru, Maldives, 15 August 2001 - Come October 2001, the Angsana Resort and Spa will be opening its doors on the cozy round island of Ihuru, the most photographed island in Maldives - a tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, lush greenery, crystalline waters and reefs teeming with marine flora and fauna. Located on the North Malé Atoll just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the capital of Maldives, and the Malé International Airport, Ihuru is one of the most picturesque and perfectly shaped islands in the Indian Ocean.

Surrounded by a shallow lagoon with the reef just a few strokes away, Ihuru is an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The pristine and abundant coral reefs are due in part to its commitment to the environment. A winner of the first Maldivian Environment Award, Ihuru makes every attempt to protect the environment - from using biodegradable detergents to drawing solar power for heating up its water supply. The island also implemented the 'Ihuru Barnacle Project', which involves transplanting corals to a steel barnacle-shaped structure to accelerate their growth; it is a declared site of NAPWATCH - an international program to closely monitor the Napolean Wrasse, an endangered reef fish now facing extinction.

Dotting the circumference of the island are 45 Beachfront Villas with the sandy white beaches just a stone's throw away. Inside each air-conditioned Beachfront Villa is a linen-draped queen-sized bed, an outdoor shower with hot and cold fresh water, a fully stocked mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities and other amenities. The villa opens out to a veranda with dining and sitting area, overlooking a private garden with a sun lounger and Maldivian swing. Ten of these Beachfront Villas are equipped with open-air Jacuzzis for guests to relax in at any time of the day. The resort also features four Garden Villas in the inner island fringe and four day-use rooms for late departures or early arrivals. The décor is an invigorating mix of tropical and contemporary styles, with splashes of lime green, tangerine and burgundy against white. Room rates start from US$250 for single occupancy and US$280 for double/twin occupancy.

While the tastefully furnished villas may convince guests to spend the entire day simply lazing around, the beauty of Ihuru's underwater world and a wide range of activities await those who decide to venture outdoors. Thanks to the island's commitment to the environment, its crystalline lagoon and abundant reef make it a diver's paradise. As one of the best dive sites in the North Malé Atoll, the resort naturally provides a wide variety of sea sports, including a diving school ,which was awarded the PADI 'Gold Palm Resort' certification and a marine center a host of other water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Excursions to neighboring islands or to Malé, the capital of Maldives, are organized regularly for guests. The resort's own marine biologist, Mr Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, also arranges snorkeling safaris and marine biological talks as part of Angsana Ihuru's environmental conservation program.

The resort boasts two excellent restaurants offering a marriage of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of local flavor. The bar features a large wooden deck for guests to sit back and enjoy the cool sea breeze over a glass of exotic cocktail or fine wine. Other interesting dining options are also available - guests can arrange for a private in-villa barbecue, a romantic dinner for two under the stars on a remote sandbank, or even a 'meal with a view' onboard the resort's glass-bottom boat.

Another prominent highlight of the resort is the Angsana Gallery - a lifestyle oriented boutique specializing in indigenous artifacts and handicrafts. Maldivian arts and crafts, jeweler, and hand-made fabrics using traditional weaving methods are exhibited and retailed at the Gallery. Items made from recycled materials are also available in keeping with the Angsana's commitment to the environment. Here, guests can take home the specially designed gifts and souvenirs and relive the pleasant memories of their stay at the Angsana Ihuru.

As an ecologically conscious resort, the Angsana Maldives Ihuru is also playing its part in protecting the environment. Its reef conservation program encourages guests' participation by organizing talks by marine biologists and escorted snorkeling safaris. Efforts to work with Mother Nature rather than against her are also evident at the signature Angsana Spa located on the island. Dedicated to pampering guests in a restful retreat in harmony with nature, the Spa is based on a 'high-touch, low-tech' concept that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural products like lemongrass and black pepper massage oils. Its emphasis is on the use of aromatherapy and sense of touch to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. The unique blend of treatments - ranging from soothing massages to invigorating body and facial treatments - all make use of natural ingredients such as native flowers, exotic scents, and tropical herbs, fruits and spices. The Spa features eight treatment rooms, two of which are deluxe rooms with outdoor Jacuzzi and steam bath.

Throughout the resort, refillable containers made of celadon or ceramic are used instead of plastic for guest toiletries such as shampoo, hair conditioner, bath foam and body conditioner - all of which are non-toxic, biodegradable and not tested on animals. The resort is also equipped with the latest energy-saving devices to reduce wastage of power. As far as possible, the use of high-tech equipment that create harmful waste and endanger marine life are avoided.

For more information on the new Angsana Maldives Ihuru, guests may log on to , contact the Singapore Sales Office on tel: +65 8495788, fax: +65 4622463, email: [email protected] OR the resort on tel: +960 445932, fax: +960 445933, or email: [email protected].

About Angsana Resorts & Spa

The sister brand of the award winning Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, the Angsana Resorts & Spa was launched by the Wah Chang Group in June 2000 with the opening of its flagship resort, Angsana Resort & Spa Bintan in Indonesia. Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef, which is targeted at the lucrative holiday market in Australia, opened its doors to travelers in late 2000. This was quickly followed by the opening of Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort Bangalore in India this April. The next Angsana Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in Ihuru, Maldives in October 2001.

Angsana Spa places special emphasis on the use of aromatherapy and the sense of touch in the pampering of the body, mind and soul. Set in the most breathtaking settings ranging from seaside pavilions to lush garden terraces, the privacy and tranquility at each Angsana retreat allows guests to shed their cares of the world and rediscover sensory pleasures. The assurance of renewal and rejuvenation of the inner self is a commitment that Angsana Spa delivers to every guest.

To find out more about Angsana Resorts & Spa, make direct bookings and receive instant room confirmation, consumers can visit www.angsana.com.

Germaine Shalla
Online Communications
+65 68495771
Banyan Group