Grenadines Island to Facilitate Expanding Private Jet Market with Runway Extension

Canouan Island, West Indies (January 18, 2007) – Canouan Island, home of the luxurious Raffles Resort, million-dollar villas and Tamarind Beach Hotel, has broken ground on an extension of the existing airstrip, new airport terminal building and additional parking.  The extension, which will enable the landing of most private jets -- including the Airbus 319 & 320 and Boeing 737 -- is scheduled for completion in December 2007.

Already an established daily route for the American Eagle ATR from San Juan, the expansion project will extend the 3,650-foot runway to 5,900 feet accommodating ATR 70-seater planes at full capacity.

Gilbert Madhavan, General Manager of Raffles Resort Canouan Island, applauded this initiative by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  “The Grenadines have long been a destination for the rich and famous and we’ve seen a significant increase in hotel guests who travel by private jet” said Madhavan.  “As private jets become more popular, this new facility will become vital to the continued fulfillment of our guests needs.”

Catering to jet setters of all kinds, Raffles also offers its own air-limousine service aboard the Raffles Jet, a Cessna Citation 11.  With service available from Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, Anguilla and other Caribbean islands, guests can start their Raffles experience in super luxurious style.  “At Raffles Singapore our guests have a Rolls Royce, at Raffles Canouan they have a seven-seater private jet” added Madhavan.

Resort guests can also opt to partake of the Raffles’ Flight Concierge Program.  Guests need only to book their commercial flights into Barbados (BGI), St. Lucia (UVF or SLU) or Martinique and let the Raffles Flight Concierge team handle the rest. With this service, a Flight Concierge greets guests at the airport and personally escorts them to a private shared charter plane to Canouan Island.  Flights range from 45 minutes (from Barbados) to just 30 minutes (from St. Lucia).

 “We customize each guests’ visit, whether it’s for vacation or an upscale board meeting.  To that end, we recognize the importance of offering numerous flight options, and that using and even owning private jets fits perfectly with the Raffles experience,“ said Madhavan.

-- more –

Barbados is one of the most accessible airports in the Caribbean, with flights from major North American cities via Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, BWIA, Continental, Delta and US Airways. St. Lucia is serviced by Air Canada, American Airlines, BWIA, Delta and US Airways.

Raffles Resort Canouan Island offers 156 suites, a RafflesAmrita Spa, the 18-hole Trump International Golf Club, and the Trump Club Privee Casino.  Singapore-based Raffles International is world renowned for its commitment to luxury and the highest standards of service. Raffles Resort Canouan Island is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. For more information on or transportation to Raffles Resort Canouan Island, please call 1-877-CANOUAN or visit www.raffles-canouanisland.com.  Visit www.canouan.com for more information on Canouan Island.

Raffles Villa Features Private Chef, Butler and All the Trimmings for $7,000 Per Night

Canouan Island, West Indies (March 5, 2007) – What do you get when you combine the intimate home-away-from-home convenience and privacy of a luxury villa with all of the facilities and services of a luxury hotel?  Answer:  the Raffles Villa.  Premiering at Raffles Resort Canouan Island this March, the private villa will feature its own personal chef, butler and nearly 4,000 square feet of extraordinary comforts. 

As you might expect from the highly acclaimed Asian hotel company, its new villa raises the bar on luxury, service and décor. Perched on a hillside, its spacious layout makes the most of the stunning ocean views. The airy living room has Italian marble floors, refined linen furnishings, and a cutting-edge entertainment set-up with a plasma screen television and Bose sound system. The equally impressive dining room has seating for up to twelve guests. Working in the state-of-the-art kitchen, the villa's personal chef can cater to any gathering or dietary preference. 

Accommodating up to eight people, the four bedrooms are decorated in a neutral color palette punctuated with splashes of coral and turquoise tones. Polished wooden floors are scattered with Persian rugs. Beds are made with Frette Italian linens and duvets with simple nautical themes. The master suite has a walk-in closet and six-piece bathroom with a sun-lit shower that opens to the sky. The other bedrooms are only slightly less opulent, with private bathrooms and verandas. For those seeking more privacy, the villa’s fourth bedroom is located in a separate cottage with its own private bath.

The villa’s exterior is no less remarkable. On the two-tiered veranda, the infinity-edge pool and the teak sun-chairs look out over the villa's garden, then the green swathe of the Trump International Golf Club (one of the finest in the Caribbean) and, finally, the greenish blue hues of the Caribbean Sea.

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed Raffles' legendary hospitality that the villa's service matches its sumptuous décor. All the needs of its guests are met by a dedicated staff of three, including a chef, a butler and a daily housekeeper.

- more -

In addition to vacationing in luxurious seclusion, guests of the Raffles Villa can partake of dinning in the resort's four gourmet restaurants, and enjoy the two gorgeous beaches, the tennis and water sports, and the pampering RafflesAmrita Spa. Golfers can tee off at the Trump International Golf Club, the 18-hole Jim Fazio designed course with breathtaking views of the Grenadine islands.

The villa’s high season rate of $7,000 per night includes, daily housekeeping, airport transfers and a private golf cart for exploring Raffles’ beautiful 200-acre property. Villas are provisioned according to guest’s instructions for an additional fee.  For travel May 12 through October 19, there is a summer rate of $5,000 per night.

Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan Island is located in the heart of the Grenadines, less than eight miles south of Mustique and 110 miles southwest of Barbados.   The three square mile island rimmed with small bays, coves and secluded white beaches also boasts one of the world’s largest coral reefs for exceptional diving and snorkeling.

Raffles Resort Canouan Island offers 156 suites, a RafflesAmrita Spa, the 18-hole Trump International Golf Club, and the Trump Club Privee Casino.  Singapore-based Raffles International is world renowned for its commitment to luxury and the highest standards of service. Raffles Resort Canouan Island is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. For more information on or transportation to Raffles Resort Canouan Island, please call 1-877-CANOUAN or visit www.raffles-canouanisland.com.  Visit www.canouan.com for more information on Canouan Island.

Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Calls Raffles Canouan

“Surprising, Ravishing, Well-Appointed and Superb”

Canouan Island, West Indies (March 26, 2007) – One of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets is out.   Featured in the February 2007 edition of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, the luxurious Raffles Resort Canouan Island in the Grenadines received the stamp of approval from one of the travel industry’s most respected publications.  

“Word on our pristine island, untouched and un-commercialized, and the exceptional resort experience at Raffles, must be getting out!” commented Gilbert Madhavan, general manager of Raffles Resort Canouan Island. “It’s no surprise that a sophisticated traveler like Mr. Harper found us, and we’re thrilled to have passed his discerning inspection.  There really is no greater compliment for a resort to receive,” continued Madhavan.

Mrs. Diana Ee Tan, Managing Director of Raffles brand, added, “We’re always pleased to see a Raffles resort recognized by a prestigious publication such as the Hideaway Report. Raffles has always been know to provide a residential sanctuary with heartfelt and gracious service, as well as experiences which are endlessly enchanting for privileged travelers around the world. Andrew Harper’s endorsement is indeed something we can be proud of.” 

In his review of Canouan Island and the now two-year-old Raffles Resort titled “A Candid Assessment of Raffles Resort Canouan Island,” Harper explains how the resort’s pampering suites, delicious meals and impressive golf course won him over.  He first admits that “An incognito inspection trip was overdue, but given our prejudice in favor of the Grenadines remaining entirely unspoiled, we were not expecting to be impressed.”  He later reflects on his unexpected experience noting, “the accommodations turned out to be spacious and well-appointed” and “the service at the resort consistently outstanding.”  In closing, he comments,  “our stay was an unequivocal demonstration that preconceptions are often wide of the mark. The resort’s natural setting is ravishing; the food delicious; the service superb.  Golfers might well think they have gone to heaven.”

- more -

 Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report is recognized the world over as the ultimate authority on luxury travel.  Started 28 years ago, the Report is an independent monthly publication aimed at affluent and sophisticated travelers, chiefly corporate presidents and CEOs. Traveling incognito with no outside support, it offers a completely unbiased evaluation of the vacation experience. For more information about Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report visit: www.andrewharper.com.
 
Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan Island is located in the heart of the Grenadines, less than eight miles south of Mustique and 110 miles southwest of Barbados.   The three square mile island rimmed with small bays, coves and secluded white beaches also boasts one of the world’s largest coral reefs for exceptional diving and snorkeling.

Raffles Resort Canouan Island offers 156 suites, a RafflesAmrita Spa, the 18-hole Trump International Golf Club, and the Trump Club Privee Casino.  Singapore-based Raffles International is world renowned for its commitment to luxury and the highest standards of service. Raffles Resort Canouan Island is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. For more information on or transportation to Raffles Resort Canouan Island, please call 1-877-CANOUAN or visit www.raffles-canouanisland.com.  Visit www.canouan.com for more information on Canouan Island.

###

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles is a collection of luxury hotels around the globe that distinguishes itself through the highest standards of products and services.  Each hotel is a landmark in its respective city, positioned at the top of its local market and rated among the very best in the world.

Raffles’ relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned for its hotels and resorts a legion of international accolades, including Condé Nast World’s Best Places to Stay and Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.  Its flagship, Raffles Hotel Singapore, was named Best Luxury Hotel 2006 by Travel Trade Gazette Asia.  Raffles Hotels & Resorts was ranked second among the world’s top hotel brands in the 2006 Condé Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards.

The award-winning collection of legendary hotels includes Raffles Hotel and Raffles The Plaza in Singapore, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Raffles Beijing Hotel, People’s Republic of China, Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills in the U.S., Raffles Resort Canouan Island, The Grenadines, Raffles Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg, Germany and Raffles Le Montreux Palace, Montreux, Switzerland. Raffles Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will open in the third quarter of 2007.

Future additions to the Raffles portfolio include a hotel on the Cotai Strip in Macau, Raffles Da Nang in Vietnam, Raffles Resort Konottaa in the Maldives and Raffles Phang Nga Resort and Residences in Phuket, comprising a 120-villa resort and 25 private Raffles Residences adjacent to the resort.

About Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Inc.
Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Inc. is a global hotel company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company owns and manages 120 hotels in 25 countries under four brands, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts and Delta Hotels as well as vacation ownership properties managed by Fairmont Heritage Place.

NOKIA BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO CANOUAN SCHOOLS

The students and staff of the Canouan Government School , Love and Care Pre-school , and Canouan Pre-school are more than excited about the recent additions to their learning environment.

The Nokia Circle of Excellence

On Wednesday April 26th, forty members of the 2005 NOKIA CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE who were visiting Canouan from Australia, Finland, Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the United States visited the schools to present over 500 hundred books, including teacher resource books and story books, games, and interactive educational toys. The educational materials collected by the CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE members and their families have a total value of about USD5000.

"The island of Canouan and its people are beautiful and we are honoured to be here to support the children by donating these books" said David Petts, Senior Vice President, NOKIA Enterprise Solutions . 

A reading session with some of the donated books

The students and teachers were particularly overwhelmed by the display of colourful and attractive books and responded to this tangible expression of generosity in words and song.  In addition to making the presentation, the group spent the entire morning reading to the children, telling them about the various countries from which they came and even endured a friendly cricket match.

Members and children getting involved in a game of cricket

Representing CRD Ltd, Iva-Lisa Mendes thanked t he group for their efforts to encourage a love of reading among the school children of Canouan and assured them that the reading program will be continued.

The previous Sunday evening, the group had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of St Vincent and the Grenadines .  During an informal get together, they interacted with artistes Agenta Nanton , Victoria Dolben, Whitfield Laidlow and Lennox “Dinx” Johnson and Vincentian historian Dr. Adrian Fraser all of whom had been specially invited by Raffles Resort Canouan.

Children enjoying live band concert at the Canouan Government School

On Thursday, December 15 th, , 2005, over 200 children from Canouan Island were all bright eyed and full of glee when they gathered at the Canouan Government School for a Christmas party. The children were treated to an afternoon of Christmas carolling , a live band concert, a gift giving ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and lots of Christmas goodies.

Young girl receives present from Santa

Volunteers wrapping gifts prior to event.

The event was part of one of the world’s most successful community-led global environment campaigns, Clean Up the World. The campaign involves an estimated 35 million volunteers in over 100 countries each year, uniting them towards the common goal of cleaning up, fixing up and conserving our environment.
“Clean Up the World environmental activities such as the one held in Canouan Island provide the opportunity for people to experience first hand the impact that waste has on our environment,” said Ian Kiernan AO, Founder and Chairman, Clean Up the World and UNEP Global 500 Laureate.

CCA Volunteers

“I congratulate and thank the volunteers of Canouan Island for their outstanding efforts.”
In 2005 Clean Up the World is encouraging participants to pay particular attention to the state of the world’s cities and communities. Members are encouraged to focus on creating greener cities and communities by looking at their streets, parks, waterways, and roadways and how they can reduce the impact of waste within their community.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney, Australia in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment (UNEP). The campaign brings together businesses, community groups, schools, governments and individuals to undertake activities to improve water quality, clean up local streets, parks, waterways and forests and educate children about the environment.

Volunteers from the Young Ambassadors School

Members of the community of Balance Cleaning up.