Rasa Ria unveils Ocean Wing

KOTA KINABALU: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort takes centre stage in the design, landscape and special features of the new luxury Ocean Wing when it welcomed its first registered guest on Dec 20.

Surrounded by 400 acres of verdant vegetation and the resort’s own 18-hole, Par 72 Dalit Bay Golf, 64-acres Nature Reserve, the five-storey Ocean Wing offers 90 sea-facing premier guestrooms.

The lobby and courtyard feature vertical walls of granite, columns of cascading water, bamboo partitions and gardens which ushers visitors along a pathway and gradually reveal the broad vista of the South China Sea.

The Ocean Wing’s 90-square-metre Premier rooms are amongst the most spacious in the region. All guestroom décor features native selangan batu hardwood, locally inspired ornamentation and earth colours reflecting Sabah’s natural environment, yet are equipped with a full array of modern amenities. Check-in for all arriving visitors takes place in-room.

Guests are invited to select daily from a complimentary menu of scents—lemongrass, jasmine, markisa (local passionfruit) or frangipani – all with aromatherapy benefits. In the evening, the chosen scent essence is released from a candlelit oil burner, thoughtfully lit by housekeeping staff.

Each room’s terrace comes complete with a private outdoor bathtub for two. A choice of arranged bathing experiences includes such special touches as candlelight, flower petals, chocolate and champagne, for a special toast to the Sabah sunset.

A free-form swimming pool and 30-metre lap pool is reserved for the private use of Ocean Wing guests, as is The Coast restaurant for breakfast.

Guests may choose the privacy of the Ocean Wing’s exclusive offerings or partake of the resort’s seven restaurants and bars, 18-hole Par 72 championship golf course, The Spa at Dalit and the wide range of recreational activities the resort has to offer.

Introductory rates valid to 31 March 2008 for the Ocean Wing start at RM920 for a single occupancy, excluding tax and service charge, including buffet breakfast in Coast restaurant, subject to availability.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 48 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.