Hilton reveals new development in Australasia

A subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation has signed an agreement with Rarotonga International Limited (which is affiliated to New Zealand-based property developer, McEwan Group) to manage the Hilton Rarotonga Resort and Spa.

The resort will be the first international, deluxe hotel offering on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

Scheduled to open in 2009, this development reflects the Company’s strategy to grow its presence through its flagship Hilton brand in Australasia.

Koos Klein, President Hilton Hotels Asia Pacific commented, “The Hilton Rarotonga Resort and Spa will be the first full service resort of its kind on the ever-popular island of Rarotonga. By providing a wealth of upscale services and facilities, it will also enhance Hilton’s portfolio of resorts and spas in the Australasian region, following the successful opening of the Fiji Beach Resort and Spa Managed by Hilton last year, and our plans to manage the Hilton Surfers Paradise in 2009”.

Comprising 160 guest rooms and 34 serviced apartments the Hilton Rarotonga Resort and Spa will be located in the south of the island, along an immaculate white sand beach and near to a lagoon popular among tourists for boating and snorkelling. The hotel will be surrounded by 25 acres of private park grounds and natural streams, with stunning vistas of the South Pacific Ocean as well as picturesque farmlands and pawpaw plantations.

To complement the Hilton experience, there will be a variety of all-day dining and specialty restaurants, bars and lounges. The resort's spa will combine international and South Pacific island treatments and design accents.

Easily accessible, the resort is a 15-minute drive from the international airport. It is also 13 km from Avarua, Rarotonga’s main town and port which is a bustling tourism centre and host to many cruising yachts.

Mr Kelly McEwan, CEO the McEwan Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hilton for this development, which will provide a long-awaited luxury resort experience in the Cook Islands.”

For more information visit Hiltonworldwide.com.