THE LUXURY Collection Hotels & Resorts is continuing its regional growth momentum with the debut of seven properties over the next three years in key gateway cities and resort destinations in Asia.

Paul James, global brand leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, said:  “As a new generation of global affluent travellers emerge, we are strategically growing our portfolio beyond the traditional luxury grid and in diverse destinations, like Hainan Island and Chennai, that have become important hubs for business and leisure.”

The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya will open in August 2012 as the brand’s first resort in China. The hotel will offer 142 guest rooms, and eighteen luxury villas – each featuring a private pool and gardens. In September 2012, the 171-room Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai will make its debut.

Looking ahead in China, The Castle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian is scheduled to open in 2014, while The 1958, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Suzhou is set to launch in July 2015.

In India, The Luxury Collection will reach ten hotels this August with the introduction of ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai.

The brand will also reach its third property milestone in both Thailand and Indonesia with the opening of 80-room Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Koh Samui in December 2012, and 64-room The Sarasvati, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali in January 2014.