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The 512-room
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang, Malaysia, first opened in 1973, is earmarked for a major
redevelopment programme. Business operations will cease on 1 December 2004 and construction at
the site will commence in early 2005. The new 306-room Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort, is scheduled to re-open in 2006.
The redevelopment of the 31-year old resort will involve rebuilding of
significant sections of the resort resulting in updated design, facilities and services.
Mr Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and
Resorts said, "We are committed to Penang and its future. With a
redevelopment investment of approximately RM 70 million, we believe the
re-opening of this grand resort will attract even more visitors to this
special destination, whose natural beauty, cultural interest and warm
Malaysian hospitality has established it as one of the most popular vacation venues in Southeast Asia."
Stylish architecture and interior design will unveil an expanded lobby,
more spacious guestrooms and the introduction of Club floors with dedicated lounge and concierge. Cutting-edge concepts in dining will be
showcased in completely revamped food and beverage outlets. New recreational facilities will include a luxurious spa, health club and
reconfigured swimming pools. Modern meeting rooms and function spaces
will accommodate business and social gatherings. The design will allow
the signature Shangri-La resort ambience of casual elegance to prevail throughout public and private areas.
"This major redevelopment will create a superlative Asian resort
experience," said Mr Angelini. "With the proliferation of newer,
upscale resorts in the region, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang's overall
competitive position has diminished. The board of directors of
Shangri-La Hotels (Malaysia) Berhad determined that the best solution
was rebuilding an upgraded and updated new resort on the existing site."
"An unfortunate and unavoidable consequence of this exercise is the
retrenchment of our employees. We sincerely regret any difficulties
caused for our employees who have served us so well and we will take
great care to ensure their welfare," said Mr Angelini.
Shangri-La manages seven Malaysian properties: in
Penang, Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort; Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort; and Shangri-La Hotel,
Penang; in Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort and Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort; in
Putrajaya, Putrajaya Shangri-La, Malaysia; and Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
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