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- World-renowned jazz saxophonist Kenny G recently arrived at Laguna Phuket and was greeted by its managing director Michael Ayling and the management team of Banyan Tree Phuket, where he will be staying during his visit. Kenny G is in Phuket to perform in the Jazz Royale Festival, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Jazz Royale Festival will be held in Phuket on 16-17 December 2006.

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- Laguna Phuket is proud to announce that it was the recipient of the Best Interior Designer Award for the Banyan Tree DoublePool Villas and the Green Development Award for Laguna Phuket at the Thailand Property Awards presentation held in Bangkok last night.

The inaugural Thailand Property Awards is organized by the publishers of the Thailand Property Report. The other categories that Laguna Phuket was nominated for included Best Architect Award for the Banyan Tree DoublePool Villas; Best Condo Development Award for Laguna Village Villas; and Best Villa Development Award for the Banyan Tree DoublePool Villas.

Laguna Phuket's Property Sales division has seen tremendous growth within the past year, with 87 properties sold in 2006 alone. "We are delighted to report that 2006 has been a record year for property sales at Laguna Phuket," said Richard Skene, Assistant Vice President-Property. "Sales have increased across all property types but we have been particularly pleased by the demand for Banyan Tree Residences, which has surpassed all expectations."

Laguna's success in the property market is due to the high-end properties that Laguna offers, as well as continuous support from buyers in markets such as Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Laguna has also seen an increase in buyers from new locations, such as Scandinavia and the Middle East.

With a successful year in 2006 capped by receiving the Thailand Property Awards, Laguna Phuket is anticipating the coming year. "We are therefore confident that 2007 will be another record year and look forward to welcoming new home owners from all over the world to Laguna Phuket," said Mr. Skene.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Laguna Property Sales at tel. 66 76 270 945 or property@lagunaphuket.com

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- Brazil’s 21 year-old Reinaldo Colucci ended the decade-long Australian domination of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon pro men’s championship title and set a course record of 2:30:58.

Since 1997 the event, comprising a 1.8k swim, 55k cycle and 12k run, has been won by Australian triathletes including Greg Bennett, Craig Alexander, Simon Thompson and Greg Welch. This was Colucci’s first time competing in the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, finishing 3.21 minutes ahead of second place winner Terenzo Bozzone from New Zealand.

The grueling race began at the beachfront of Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket at 08:00 am where 825 athletes vied for an early lead in the first leg of the triathlon. The uniquely designed 1.8k swim crossed two bodies of water, firstly through the Andaman Sea followed by a beachside lagoon. First out of the water was pro athlete Leonardo Ballerini from Italy with a swim time of 00:22:25, followed by Thai national team swimmer Arcom Auchitoran representing the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation team in 00:23:26 and pro female Laura Bennett (USA) in 00:23:55.

First off the 55k bike was Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) in 01:21:57 ahead of Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), who came in a close second in 01:22:27, and Massimo Cigana (ITA) in 01:23:08.

Colucci and Bozzone battled it out during the 12k run until Colucci secured a comfortable lead to win 3.21 minutes ahead of Bozzone and take home US$3,000 in prize money. Terenzo Bozzone claimed second place in 02:33:39, followed by Massimo Cigana, who placed fifth in 2005, in third place with a total time of 02:35:31.

Laguna Phuket defending champion Samantha McGlone (CAN) once again claimed the Pro Women’s championship in 02:48:34, followed by newcomer Leanda Cave (GBR) in 02:50:35 and Laura Bennett (USA) in 02:54:02.

The champion of the Herbalife Corporate Challenge Team Relay was the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation team comprising Arcom Auchitoran, Saree Reangsiri and Veerachai Sriboonram who won in 02:35:51. Second place went to Jetpon Ampanmanee, Stephan Gratziani and Suvat Paiboon of the Herbalife Liftoff team in 02:50:37, followed by the Phuket Hash House Harriers team, comprising Lee Howard, Kergkong Siriwan and Eakaruk Pantip in 03:03:06.

The fastest Thai finisher was Chadarak Chaikamjorn in 03:01:57 while the first Thai woman to finish was Natcha Pianprasobsuk in 03:45:43.

For complete race results please visit the Laguna Phuket Triathlon website at www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com

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- Race organizers of the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon are all set to welcome some 1,400 athletes from 40 different countries. This year’s race, to take place on 3 December 2006, will see the largest field ever to compete at Laguna Phuket.

Defending champions Greg Bennett (AUS) and Samantha McGlone (CAN) will be back competing for the USD 20,000 pro prize purse against several other pros, including Massimo Cigana (ITA), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Laura Bennett (USA), and newcomer Leanda Cave (GBR).

Both Bennett and McGlone, who were newcomers to the event last year and took home the prize purse, are anticipating returning to Phuket. “I have been looking forward to returning to Phuket all season,” says McGlone. “It is one of my favorite races. Thailand is such a beautiful country and the people are fantastic. I just love racing here.”  McGlone has had an extraordinary season and comes to the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon fresh from winning the inaugural Ironman 70.3 world championships in Clearwater, Florida.

Greg Bennett suffered some injuries earlier in the year, making it one of his toughest years, but he has recovered magnificently with wins at the 2006 Life Time Fitness Grand Slam series in New York and Los Angeles, and  a 3rd  place in Chicago, putting him in the lead for the Grand Slam series, which will culminate in Minneapolis next year.

“The entire experience at Laguna Phuket is fantastic, “ says Bennett. “ Massages on the beach, the swim course, bike course, run course, the finish, the after party, the other athletes. It truly is the best triathlon experience in the world.”

The 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon route will be similar to past years, starting the 1.8k swim at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket beachfront, swimming in the sea for 1.2k and crossing the beach to swim in a lagoon for the last 600 metres. The 55k bike course will introduce some new changes, including rerouting the course to pass the beachfront at Naiyang National Park, and for the first time ever, the 12k run course will pass through Laguna Phuket’s award-winning golf course.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, sponsored by Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Herbalife International (Thailand) Limited, and CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, is considered Southeast Asia’s premier triathlon event and is also an Australian Ironman Qualifier, awarding twenty-five qualifying slots to the top age group athletes.

For further information and updates on the 2006 Laguna Phuket Triathlon, please visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com or contact Tel. 66 76 324 060

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- Guests staying at Laguna Phuket this November will get the chance to watch the 2006-07 Ashes Australia vs England cricket series in luxury and the right time zone amid lush tropical surroundings and sun, sand, and sea!

Tickets to this year’s Ashes were sold out on the day they were released, which is no surprise as the 2005 Ashes was the first time in 18 years that England won the series from Australia. Die-hard cricket fans who were not able to get tickets will have the option of either watching the Ashes series broadcast on television in the middle of the night at home in the UK, or to vacation at Laguna Phuket, Asia’s finest destination resort, and enjoy watching the series during daylight hours.

Laguna Phuket hotels are all set to welcome cricket fans during the Ashes series with special viewing areas:  Laguna Beach Resort guests will be able to watch the Ashes at Chai Nam Bar, Dusit Laguna Resort guests can go to Casuarina Beach Restaurant & Pub, Sheraton Grande Laguna Beach Resort will show the series at its Chinese restaurant, Tea House, Allamanda Laguna Phuket will use its newly-renovated Courtyard Café, and Banyan Tree Phuket will make available to Ashes fans its golf clubhouse restaurant, Banyan Cafe.

Highlights of the Ashes are:
Thursday 23 – Monday 27 November 2006
1^st Test – Australia vs. England  (Brisbane Cricket Ground)
2^nd Test – Australia vs. England  (Adelaide Oval)
3^rd Test – Australia vs. England  (W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth)
4^th Test – Australia vs. England  (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
5^th Test – Australia vs. England  (Sydney Cricket Ground)

For online registration or further information and updates, please visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com or email triathlon@lagunaphuket.com

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- Southeast Asia’s premier multisport event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon expects to attract 1,400 competitors to race in Phuket on 3 December 2006.

With 500 triathletes and 40 relay teams already registered, those interested in participating in either the Triathlon, Team Relay or 6k Fun Run are encouraged to sign up fast, as the race is limited to 750 triathletes, 50 relay teams and 500 fun runners. Race organizers anticipate a sold out event again this year.

Last year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon champions, top professional triathletes Greg Bennett from Australia and Samantha McGlone from Canada, will return to Laguna Phuket to defend their titles and compete for a share of the US$20,000 pro prize purse. Both Bennett and McGlone, who were newcomers to Laguna Phuket in 2005, thoroughly enjoyed their ‘Thai triathlon’ experience and are looking forward to racing in Phuket again.

Adding to the elite pro athlete line up are Laura Bennett (USA), 2005 runner up and the first female ever to lead the field out of the Laguna Phuket swim leg, Massimo Cigana (ITA) who placed fourth in 2005, Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) who bombed out at Laguna in 2005 and wants to prove himself this December, and Laguna Phuket newcomer Leanda Cave from the UK who recently won the Australian Triathlon Championships.

The increasing popularity of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon can be attributed to its race course. Apart from being one of the most scenic -- passing beaches, rubber plantations, Thai villages,  lush rainforests and the Laguna Phuket resort complex -- it is also one of the most challenging, starting with a unique two-part swim course. The first section of the swim leg covers 1,200 metres in the sea, then athletes cross the beach to swim 600 metres in a tropical lagoon. The 55k bike course has earned a reputation of being extremely tough with its steep, winding hills. The 12k run course goes through the Laguna Phuket complex incorporating Laguna’s award-winning golf course for the first time.

Apart from a spectacular race course, Laguna Phuket also offers a long list of leisure activities for travel companions including spa treatments, golf, water sports, kids’ clubs, local day trips, and much more.

For online registration or further information and updates, please visit www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com or email triathlon@lagunaphuket.com

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- Laguna Phuket, Asia’s finest destination resort, is proud to announce the soft opening of the Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort, a dedicated new resort for members of the Laguna Holiday Club, scheduled for mid-October 2006.

The Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort will be the sixth deluxe hotel situated within the world-renowned, 600-acre Laguna Phuket complex, joining Banyan Tree Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Dusit Laguna Resort, Laguna Beach Resort, and Allamanda Laguna Phuket.

Exclusive to members and guests of Laguna Holiday Club, the resort features 79 spacious suites available in three room types, Junior Suite, One-Bedroom Suite and Two-Bedroom Suite, ranging in size from 65-113 square metres. All suites overlook the award-winning Laguna Phuket golf course and have separate living and dining areas, as well as a convenient kitchen with full kitchen equipment and supplies, enabling guests to prepare meals themselves as another option to the resort’s restaurant and room service.

Resort amenities include a free-form swimming pool with waterslide, pool bar, restaurant, Kids’ Club, games room, and Internet access in every suite plus free wireless connection in the lobby area.

The resort’s restaurant, aptly named ‘At Seventeenth’ because it faces the 17th hole on the golf course, will be managed by Banyan Tree Phuket and have seating capacity for 114 guests. Offering all-day dining, the restaurant will also feature a tapas bar during dinner, as well as specially heated hot stone plates on which guests can cook their own meals. Another enticing aspect of the restaurant is that, in addition to the extensive wine list, guests may opt to bring their own wines without having to pay corkage fee.

Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort is very much a family-friendly venue. All suites have a sofa-bed and can accommodate 4-6 guests, depending on room type. The Kids’ Club will open from 8am until 10pm daily, providing children with lots of fun games and activities, and parents with the opportunity to enjoy some quiet private time. There will also be a Sunday Barbecue lunch with tons of activities for children.

Apart from the luxurious accommodation and superb resort amenities, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort will take pride in providing personalized service to its guests. “Being an all-member resort, there’s no VIP category. Everybody is on an equal footing,” explained Roland Svensson, Laguna Phuket’s Assistant Vice President-Hospitality Services. “We have a very strong guest history database. We have so much information about our members that we can really personalize our service. We’ll treat them so they feel that this is their home away from home.”

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- Asia's leading destination and lifestyle resort, Laguna Phuket will be promoting Unlimited Golf packages during the PATA Travel Mart (PTM) held at the Asia-World Expo in Hong Kong from 12-15 September 2006.

The five Laguna Phuket hotels are offering special golf packages featuring unlimited rounds of golf at the award-winning Laguna Phuket Golf Club, from as little as USD60+++ per night for a suite at Allamanda Laguna Phuket. Together with the deluxe accomodations, the Unlimited Golf packages also include daily buffet breakfast, free inter-resort transportation between the hotels, golf club, and Canal Shopping Village, and signing privileges at a wide range of dining outlets within all five Laguna hotels.

At PTM Laguna Phuket will unveil a new booth design spanning 45 square metres to showcase its five luxury resorts, 18-hole golf course, Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas, wedding chapel, shopping village, and extensive range of integrated facilities and services, suitable for any traveler from couples and families to corporate meetings and incentive groups.

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- Play unlimited rounds of golf at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club with Unlimited Golf Packages offered at all five Laguna Phuket hotels!

Voted by readers of “Asian Golf Monthly” in the “2005 Top Ten Best Golf Resorts in Asia” and “2005 Top Ten Best Golf Courses in Thailand”, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is a resort-style, 18-hole course featuring gently undulating fairways, large welcoming greens, attractive lagoons and extensive practice facilities including a driving range, practice putting green and chipping green.

Golf Unlimited Packages include unlimited rounds of golf at Laguna Phuket Golf Club, daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink and in-room fruit platter, free inter-resort transportation between the five hotels, golf club, and shopping village, and signing privileges at a wide range of dining outlets within all five hotels.

Banyan Tree Phuket
Voted the "World's Best Spa Resort" by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, Banyan Tree Phuket is offering its Deluxe Villa for USD 370 +++ (plus 10% service charge, 7% VAT, and 1% provincial tax) for single occupancy and USD 380 +++ for double occupancy. For reservations, please contact 66 76 324 374 or banyantree@lagunaphuket.com.

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket
Surrounded by tranquil lagoons on its own “island within an island” and facing the Andaman Sea, the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is offering its Lagoon Room for USD 135 +++ single occupancy and USD 160 +++ double occupancy. For reservations, please contact 66 76 324 101 or sheraton@lagunaphuket.com.

Dusit Laguna Resort
For those looking to experience “the Thai way of life”, Dusit Laguna Resort is right on par. A Deluxe Lagoon View Room is USD 120 +++ single occupancy and USD 140 +++ double occupancy. For reservations, please contact 66 76 324 324 or dusit@lagunaphuket.com.

Laguna Beach Resort
With its Water Park featuring a 50-metre waterslide, waterfalls, jet-pool, free-form, lap and scuba pools, as well as other sports and recreation facilities, Laguna Beach Resort provides guests with additional fun along with luxurious accommodation. A Superior Room (Lagoon View) is available at USD 110 +++ single occupancy and USD 130 +++ double occupancy. For reservations, please contact 66 76 324 352 or lagunabeach@lagunaphuket.com.

Allamanda Laguna Phuket
This all-suite hotel provides guests with the chance to enjoy both the comforts of home and the luxury of a resort. All suites feature a kitchenette, separate dining and living areas, and one or two bedrooms, each with bath and shower. A Junior Suite at Allamanda Laguna Phuket is available at USD 60 +++ single occupancy and USD 80 +++ double occupancy. For reservations, please contact 66 76 324 359 or allamanda@lagunaphuket.com.

Golf Unlimited Package rates are valid until 31 October 2006 and are on a per room per night basis, subject to availability. Bookings can be made directly with the hotels (quote booking reference “LPGOLF”).

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- Renown for its genuine Thai hospitality that has become synonymous with the Dusit name, Dusit Laguna Resort will extend its ‘Thai Way of Life’ philosophy to include private property management. With the introduction of Dusit Laguna Villas, the Phuket resort will be the first of the Dusit Hotels & Resorts chain to offer luxurious pool villas.

Set within the gardens of Dusit Laguna Resort, though situated to ensure total privacy, Dusit Laguna Villas are three-storey, two-bedroom homes that offer owners spectacular views of a natural lagoon and the Andaman Sea. The living and dining areas are located on the second floor of the villa, opening onto a terrace. The bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms are located on the ground floor, each with access to a private garden. The top floor is designed as a relaxation area featuring a 6x3x1.3-metre deep plunge pool. Together, all three floors offer approximately 290 square metres of living space.

Dusit Laguna Villas offer owners both a fantastic lifestyle and unique investment opportunity. Owners can receive a 6% fixed return on their investment for six years through Dusit Laguna Resort’s managed rental program, while retaining 60 days a year for their own complimentary usage.

Owners of Dusit Laguna Villas will also receive complimentary membership to Laguna Phuket Golf Club as well as an entry to the Laguna lifestyle with Laguna Residents’ Privileges to access the facilities at all five Laguna Phuket hotels.

Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc will be building 28 Dusit Laguna Villas, designed and constructed by Architrave Design and Planning, Banyan Tree/Laguna’s architectural arm. The Villa price is 32 million baht and construction will be completed mid 2008.

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- A group of Taiwanese media and members of RCI Global Vacation Network, a leading provider of timeshare exchange vacation services worldwide, stayed at the Allamanda Laguna Phuket during 27-29 July 2006. During their stay they also visited Laguna Beach Resort and Dusit Laguna Resort. All three hotels, as well as two other hotels, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and Banyan Tree Phuket, are part of the Laguna Phuket complex, Asia’s finest destination resort.

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- Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has been awarded two accolades in the 2006 CEI Asia Pacific Industry Survey, presented by Managing Editor, Kenny Coyle in Phuket yesterday. The hotel, part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection won Best Asia-Pacific Resort Hotel and Best Phuket Hotel.

“We are delighted to have received these awards and to have reached this level of recognition within the meetings industry”, Jan Kirstein, General Manager of the hotel commented. Surrounded by tranquil lagoons and facing the Andaman Sea, the resort offers 405 luxuriously-appointed rooms and villas, 10 dining and entertainment outlets and an abundance of recreational alternatives.

A 20-minute drive from Phuket’s International Airport, the resort is a part of the fully-integrated Laguna Phuket resort complex. For successful meetings, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has a total of 6 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 60 to 400 guests, while an air-conditioned marquee offers seating for up to 1,000. Creative events are trademarks of the resort, with a number of unique garden, lagoon or beachfront locations to choose from. All events are directed by a dedicated team of on-site professionals.

For reservations or more information, contact the hotel directly via Tel.: +66 (0)76 324 101-7, Fax: +66 (0)76 324 108, or email: Sheraton.phuket@luxurycollection.com.

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- The inaugural Phuket International Marathon hosted at Laguna Phuket on 18 June was a tremendous success with more than 1,500 registered runners from 30 countries participating in the marathon, half-marathon and 10km fun run.

The races began early morning with the marathon runners leaving the start line in front of Laguna Phuket’s Canal Shopping Village at 5:00 a.m. to run 42km. The 21km half-marathon began at 6:00 a.m., followed by the 10km fun run thirty minutes later.

The first runner to cross the finish line was Thai SEA Games marathon gold medalist Boonchu
Chandecha, competing in the half-marathon. His time was 1:18:04. The Thai runners dominated the men’s half-marathon with second place going to Niwat Oythip in 1:21:30 followed by Sitthipong Cherglai only thirty seconds later at 1:22:00.

The winner of the men’s marathon, Ko Shih Chieh from Taiwan, crossed the finish line with a time of 3:00:36. Second place men’s finisher was another Taiwanese, Chi Ming Chan in 3:12:09, followed by Loke Wai Tse from Hong Kong in 3:14:20.

Another Thai SEA Games Gold medalist, Boonthueng Srisang, won the men’s 10km fun run in
0:33:58. Boonthueng won a gold medal in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the SEA
Games.

Winner of the women’s marathon was Heather Gregg from the USA, whose time was 3:58:24, followed by Thai runner Nampetch Porntarakcharoen coming in at 4:09:56, and Yi-Mei Tsai from Taiwan not far behind in 4:11:14.

The top three female finishers in the half-marathon were Gillian Castka from the UK, Georgia
Bamber from Australia, and Lynne Speirs from the UK.

Also at the event was Japan’s Akemi Masuda, sports commentator and 1984 Olympics marathon runner. Ms. Masuda is a past Japanese record holder in long distance and marathon. Her junior marathon world record of 2:30:30 hours still stands today. Since retiring from racing she appears frequently as a commentator for sporting events and serves as a director of the Japanese Athletics Federation. Now a recognized celebrity in Japan, Ms. Masuda also played a vital role as the ambassador for the Phuket International Marathon in Japan, helping to bring 116 Japanese runners to the event.

Also attracting interest among both runners and spectators was Lee Hee Jin, one of five
members of popular Korean pop band Baby Vox and a TV actress, who was competing in the
10km fun run.

For complete race results please see the Phuket International Marathon website at
www.phuketmarathon.com or www.championchip-thailand.com.

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- Laguna Phuket has launched a brand new property product, Laguna Village Villas which offer an affordable entry into the coveted Laguna lifestyle.

These two-storey homes will be constructed within an exclusive gated residential development: Laguna Village. A secluded, self-contained community located to the northeast of the main Laguna Phuket resort complex, Laguna Village will feature three distinct property products: the new Laguna Village Villas, Laguna Townhomes and the popular Laguna Residences.

Laguna Village Villas are two-storey, two-bedroom properties that overlook a shared free-form swimming pool and barbeque area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. On the ground floor, dining and living areas open onto a sala terrace and include a well-appointed kitchen. Both master bedrooms on the upper floor have en-suite bathrooms. End units offer 256 square metres of living space, while middle units total 229 square metres. Prices for Laguna Village Villas start from THB 11.9 million (US$297,500, US$1 = THB 40).

Laguna plans to build 36 villas and currently there are just 15 available for sale. Laguna Village Villas are ideal for investors seeking a low maintenance holiday home that can earn a return on their investment through Laguna’s managed rental program.

Villa owners receive complimentary membership to Laguna Phuket Golf Club, plus Residents’ Privileges to access the facilities of all five Laguna Phuket hotels. Laguna Village will also be serviced by the resort’s complimentary shuttle-bus service.

Laguna Phuket Property in conjunction with Bangkok Bank (Singapore Branch) offers financing to foreign citizens who wish to purchase property in Phuket. Prospective buyers may also opt for Laguna’s deferred payment terms.

Construction of Laguna Village begins in June 2006.

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- After ten successful years of service at Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited (LRH), Managing Director, James Batt, will depart at the end of this month to take up a new position in San Diego, California.

During his speech delivered at the company farewell celebration held this week, Laguna Resorts & Hotels’ Chairman, Ho Kwon Ping commented that "since he joined us in 1995, James has been instrumental in turning Laguna Phuket into a popular travel destination. He has my deepest gratitude as one of the long-serving directors of Laguna Phuket, sharing a common vision to turn a deserted tin mine into the vibrant property that is Laguna Phuket today. We will miss his familiar presence and firm guiding hand, but we wish James and his family all the best in this new and exciting chapter of their life."

Mr. Michael R. Ayling has been appointed as Mr. Batt’s successor. Mr. Ayling is currently Deputy Managing Director Laguna Phuket and Vice President – Finance, as well as an Executive Director on LRH’s Board of Directors and a Director of all of LRH subsidiaries.

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- Laguna Phuket Property Sales unveils its latest lifestyle investment opportunity, the Banyan Tree Pool Villa. A villa more lavish than any of the resort’s other villa types, available for sale to a limited number of private investors.

Mr. James Batt, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket explains, “to remain successful in Phuket’s competitive property market we need to renew and reinvent our real estate products to keep ahead of the curve. We are confident that the Pool Villa concept will bring an investor’s notion of luxury and exclusivity to new heights.”

Designed to blend with the Thai-inspired architecture of the rest of the resort, these two-bedroom villas feature two separate swimming pools combined with 488 square metres of opulent living space set within 1,700 square metres of private walled gardens.

The highlight of the villa is an inviting infinity pool measuring 13.5x3.5x1.3 metres which contains a glass-walled jet-pool and overlooks a tropical lagoon offering spectacular water and golf course views.

The stunning bedrooms adorned in Thai silk and spacious bathrooms feature full-length glass walls, with the master bedroom’s glass walls allowing direct access into a 110 square metre wading pool surrounding the ‘floating’ bedroom which features a peaked silk-canopy ceiling above a king-size bed centred in the middle of the room.

The al fresco dining area opens onto an expansive pool side terrace and there is an adjacent air-conditioned living room. The villa also sports a fully-equipped kitchen discreetly hidden out of view.

Investors have the option to place their villa under the Banyan Tree hotel's management and receive fixed rental returns of six percent for six years, whilst retaining the villa for their personal use for 60 days per annum. Published room rates will start from US$2,600+++ per villa per night and hotel guests staying in these villas will enjoy an array of exquisite services such as 24-hour butler, in-villa personal chef, daily in-villa breakfast and afternoon treats of spa canapés with herbal tea.

The Pool Villas are designed and built by Architrave Design and Planning, Banyan Tree’s architectural arm. The villa purchase price is US$2.5 million, and construction will be completed during the third quarter of 2006.

With the purchase of any Laguna property, owners also receive complimentary membership to the 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Club which is managed by Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts Pte. Laguna Residents are also entitled to discount privileges at all five of the Laguna Phuket hotels and spas.

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- The 2005 Thai Airways Laguna Phuket Triathlon champions, Greg Bennett from Australia and young Canadian Samantha McGlone have confirmed that they will return to Phuket on 3 December 2006 to defend their titles. Both Bennett and McGlone, who were newcomers to Phuket last year, thoroughly enjoyed their experience and warm Thai welcome, and are looking forward to racing in Phuket again this year.

For the first time in the history of the event, registration was closed prior to the 2005 race with a record number of triathletes from over 30 countries entered. The race office is anticipating another sell-out this year after receiving a tremendous amount of positive feedback from athletes, sponsors and spectators following the 2005 race.

Event Director, Paula Himel, attributes the overwhelming success to a number of factors. “The popularity of triathlon in Southeast Asia and around the world has taken off, and continues to do so. I believe this continued growth, and the fact that we offer a unique and fun event in such a spectacular setting, makes this a race that the pros and amateurs from all over the world truly look forward to every year.”

As in past years, the 2006 course will comprise a 1.8km swim, a 55km cycle and a 12km run which for the first time will wind its way around the award-winning Laguna Phuket golf course. The Laguna Phuket Triathlon offers a US$20,000 Pro Prize Purse and 25 guaranteed entries into the 2007 Ironman Australia to the highest place finishers in each age group.

Once again, a 6km Fun Run will be held on race day, set to begin once the triathletes have transitioned to the bike course.

Online registration will begin on 1 May and all five Laguna Phuket hotels will offer discounted room rates.

In addition to offering a spectacular race course, Laguna Phuket also offers a list of leisure activities suitable for travel companions including spa treatments, golf, water sports, kid's clubs, local day trips and much more. The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is a magnificent race and an experience of beauty, tranquility and excitement. This truly is a race you will never forget.

For online registration or further information and updates, please visit
www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com, or contact Paula Himel, Event Director
triathlon@lagunaphuket.com TEL: +66 76 324 060; FAX: +66 76 324 061

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- The readers of ‘Asian Golf Monthly’ magazine have voted the Laguna Phuket Golf Club amongst the “2005 Top Ten Best Golf Resorts in Asia” and “2005 Top Ten Best Golf Courses in Thailand”.

This is the third consecutive year that the Laguna Phuket Golf Club has been honoured with these accolades. Considered the most prestigious golf awards in Asia, the Asian Golf Monthly Awards are determined solely by the readership of the magazine, which is touted as Asia’s most popular golf publication.

“The Best Golf Resorts in Asia” award criteria not only evaluates the golf course and clubhouse,
but also the related services connected to the Club, such as, accommodation, spas, recreation and dining facilities. Whereas “The Best Golf Course in Thailand” award primarily evaluates the golf course together with clubhouse service.

Steve Scott, Laguna Phuket’s Director of Golf, commented that “I think we consistently win these awards because of the personalized and professional level of the service we provide, combined with the playability and condition of our golf course. Also, due to the fact that we are connected to Asia’s finest destination resort: Laguna Phuket – which offers excellent dining choices, first-class spas and deluxe accommodation at five leading resort hotels.”

Strengthening its commitment to being ranked amongst the best golf resorts in Asia, Laguna Phuket Golf Club plans to introduce a fleet of golf carts in the near future. Although a relatively easy course to walk, the introduction of golf carts will enable even more golfers to enjoy this awarding-winning resort golf course.

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- The Laguna Phuket resort, known worldwide for its popular Laguna Phuket Triathlon, will be the Official Host and Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural Phuket International Marathon to be held on 18 June 2006. Raimund Wellenhofer, Managing Director of Bangkok-based Go Adventure Asia, the Event Organiser, stated, “We are thrilled to be working with Laguna Phuket. Their extensive experience with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon makes them the perfect partner who clearly shares our vision to make this another exciting, not-to-be-missed sports event in Asia.”

The Marathon Festival will kick off on 15 June offering daily sporting activities for all ages, culminating in a marathon, half-marathon and 10km Run, all of which will begin and end at the
Laguna Phuket resort complex on 18 June.

Online registration is now open with early bird entry fees available for all three running distances. Runners who register no later than 30 April for the marathon, half-marathon or 10km Run will pay only US$50, US$40 or US$35 respectively. The official travel partner, Go Thailand Tours Co., Ltd. is offering accommodation packages at the five luxury Laguna Phuket hotels. Packages include entry fees, hotel transfers, and tickets to the Pasta and Awards parties which will take place in the beautiful setting of Laguna Phuket.

The 42km marathon covers an attractive, flat course which passes through the island’s lush vegetation, local villages and next to the beautiful Bangtao Beach. Bands will support the runners with local Thai music along the way. With the slogan “Run Paradise” organisers are encouraging runners from around the world to participate in the Phuket International Marathon on Thailand’s world renowned resort island of Phuket.

The Phuket International Marathon is a member of the Association of Marathons and Road Races and will be organised by Bangkok-based sports marketing firm Go Adventure Asia.

For more information please visit www.lagunaphuket.com/events-promotions or the official event website at www.phuketmarathon.com or e-mail Event Organizer at info@phuketmarathon.org.

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- Banyan Tree Phuket - New Double Pool Villa
The Banyan Tree Phuket unveils its latest innovation, the Double Pool Villa. To be launched in July 2006, 22 Double Pool Villas featuring 13-metre long private infinity pools will be built along and into the lagoon that runs through the property. Each spacious villa has a large exclusive and private compound, surrounded by a lush tropical garden. The living area, bedroom and bathroom feature full-length glass windows, with the bedroom’s glass doors allowing direct access into the wading pool surrounding the “floating” bedroom. Rates will start from US$2,100++ per night per villa.

Spa Ryokan
Banyan Tree has also introduced a special programme comprising a combination of spa treatments, dining delights and holistic yoga under one roof – the one-night Spa Ryokan programme. The experience is inspired by the classical Japanese inns called ryokan, which offer accommodation steeped in aesthetic, social and emotional principles of rustic purity and retreat. At Banyan Tree Phuket the Ryokan retreat takes place in a specially designed Spa Pavilion Villa, redolent with the scent of tropical incense and screened from worldly cares by a vibrant green garden.

The Ryokan retreat designed for couples starts at 6:30pm with a welcome foot bath followed by a signature Rainmist Tropical Shower offering a luxurious full-body scrub and body conditioning treatment before a 4-course spa cuisine dinner and a flower-petal bath. The next morning at 8:30am jumpstarts the day through a series of personalised yoga asanas (postures) before a healthy breakfast. Then, enjoy a facial treatment, foot massage and a signature full body massage in one decadent session conducted on side-by-side silk draped treatment beds. After the last treatment, guests are free to luxuriate with light refreshments, before packing and checking out.

Dusit Laguna Resort
The newly renovated and upgraded Recreation Centre of the Dusit Laguna Resort welcomes guests to utilize its new fully-equipped recreation facilities. The refurbishment includes a spacious Fitness Centre, Busy Bee Kids Club, arts & crafts room, Internet and PlayStation room, Library and DVD rentals facility and water sports centre. The centre also provides an extensive variety of exercise classes ranging from body and mind training, such as, Pilates to calorie burning courses and much more.

Dusit Laguna Resort also reopened two of the Island’s better known restaurants: Casuarina Beach Restaurant & Pub and La Trattoria. The new Casuarina Restaurant & Pub, previously named Casuarina Hut, is an informal restaurant which is split into an outdoor area on the beach, a cosy lounge, and indoor air-conditioned dining and bar areas, while La Trattoria restaurant serves the finest Italian cuisine firmly rooted in the best Italian traditions, but delivered with a new twist..

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket
Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket recently announced the opening of two brand new additions to the resort’s inventory of rooms: Golf Pool Villas (starting at US$910) and Golf Pool Residences (Starting at US$1075). Moreover, the resort has also unveiled 36 newly-renovated Lagoon Villas after a major enhancement project, with rates starting from US$425++ per night. An estimated US$10 million has been invested to renovate all guest rooms at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket.

Both the two-storey Golf Pool Villas (422 m2 total space) and the one-storey and two-storey Golf Pool Residences (starting from 357 m2 of total space) are fully furnished homes featuring extensive facilities with the added benefit of being fully-integrated with a five-star hotel. Situated within a minutes drive from the main hotel and within the Laguna Phuket complex, the Golf Villas and Residences are built adjacent to the 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Course. Alongside the Golf Villa’s private swimming pool is a garden terrace with Thai Sala and covered parking for two vehicles. Similar to the Golf Villas, the Residences offer a total of three bedrooms which are available together with en-suite bathrooms. Adjacent to the spacious living area is a dining room and a kitchen, fully stocked with modern appliances and utensils.

The 36 renovated two-storey one-bedroom Lagoon Villas, built on stilts directly above the lagoon, offer a spacious living area on the first floor which now features white marble flooring and new furnishings in vividly-contrasting dark and light colours. Both bedroom and living area open out onto spacious balconies with the lower level featuring sun-loungers and access to a private boat jetty allowing for personalized check-in by boat. A key feature of the large upper-floor bathroom is an open-air rain shower and Jacuzzi bath.

The resort has also added 45 brand new Grande Rooms to its inventory bringing the resort’s total number of rooms and villas to 407. These rooms, located in the hotel’s new North Wing, boast a panoramic lagoon view and private balconies featuring a modern black, red and gold colour scheme decoration. The highlights are glass bathroom walls, full-length mirror cabinets, terracotta tiles and mirrored head boards.

Laguna Wedding Chapel
The Laguna Wedding Chapel, managed by South Pacific Bridal (SPB Thailand), began its operations in 2005. The Thai-styled chapel is flooded by natural sunlight, with the chapel’s side walls comprising sliding glass doors that can be opened for an al fresco ambience or closed to enjoy air-conditioned comfort. With its lofty ceiling, glass walls, watery backdrop, lush tropical gardens, and nearby beach, the Chapel offers a variety of memorable photo opportunities. Two private boat jetties allow arrival to the reception area and departure after the celebration from the chapel deck, providing access to the chapel by boat as a special touch. SPB Thailand opened a bridal showroom at Canal Village in the first quarter of 2005.