Developments in Sentosa

Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder has roped in Singapore luxury resort operator Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts to strengthen its bid for a Singapore integrated resort license, the companies said Monday. Should Eighth Wonder win the bid for the project on Sentosa island, Banyan Tree will manage and operate a high-end resort that will feature exclusive private villas set in a lush tropical garden setting, a joint statement said. Banyan Tree's sister brand, Angsana Spa, will also be incorporated into hotels within the "integrated resort" complex, the statement said.

Although it is a Singapore company, Banyan Tree has yet to set up its signature brand on home soil. Its operations are spread out in 19 hotels and resorts, 51 spas and two golf courses worldwide. "The project presents a great opportunity for Banyan Tree to return to its roots by establishing its signature brand of hospitality on home ground," said Paul Chong, assistant vice president of business development at the company. Eighth Wonder chairman Mark Advent added: "Our vision for the Sentosa integrated resort is to make it truly world class and yet uniquely Singapore." Eighth Wonder has also tied up with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc in its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort project, a concept that includes hotels and other facilities alongside gaming. Starwood, whose brands include Sheraton, Westin, and Le Meridien, will manage and operate four hotels if Eighth Wonder wins the bid. Eighth Wonder is undertaking its bid with Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

They are competing against two other contenders: a partnership of Bahamas-based Kerzner International and CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property group, and a team from Genting International-Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group. A winner is to be announced by the end of the year. If it wins, Eighth Wonder has vowed to invest 3.5 billion US dollars in the Sentosa project. Las Vegas Sands in May won the right to build Singapore's other integrated resort on downtown Marina Bay. Marina Bay Sands, as the project is called, will open in 2009. It will feature a casino and other facilities like hotels, convention areas, retail shops and restaurants.