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Ritz-Carlton Launches 'Ritz-Carlton Reserve' Brand This Month

Where: 11 Moo 3, Thailand, 81000

When we hear announcements that luxe hotels are launching ritzier, more upscale amenities or properties in this recession, we cringe a bit because we've been hearing nothing but doom-and-gloom predictions and sad news out of the luxury sector — but, nevertheless, Ritz-Carlton Hotels has announced the launch of "a new exclusive brand extension for the most discerning global travelers" called Ritz-Carlton Reserve, complete with a website and everything.

Per a press release:

These unique resorts have been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life by retreating to experience new cultures and adventures. Each exquisite destination will feature signature, one-of-a-kind low density resorts situated in choice settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place. Future development will be limited to select corners of the globe with upcoming locations to include Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and The United Arab Emirates.

These properties will mostly be low-rise suites and villas that allow guests "to experience a completely secluded environment, with as much or as little contact with the rest of humanity as they choose."

The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand an expansive (and expensive) resort looking out onto the Andaman Sea, made up of 54 one-bedroom villas that look seriously posh. The website says it's been taking rezzies since June 1, but we were unable to find any available rooms for June at all [UPDATE: That's because, a hotel rep tells us, they starting taking rezzies on June 1st for dates starting in September] — regardless, the rates are listed at around $575 and up.

Tags: Thailand Hotel Reviews / Celebrity Scoop / → All Tags

Charlotte Church Flaunts Her Pounds at the Rayavadee Resort

Where: 214 Moo 2, Tambol Aonang |, Amphur Muang, Krabi, Thailand, 81000

UK TV presenter and singer Charlotte Church who wowed everyone in the late 1990s with her young age and classical voice is all growns up and out now.

The singer is four months pregnant and decided to have a hen party at the Rayavadee Resort on the Phra Nang peninsula in Thailand. According to the Daily Mail, Charlotte has spent nearly 100,000 pounds on the trip which included her girlfriends.

Most likely the girls shacked up in a few of the 77 pavillions (starting at $520 a night) that line the beach at this resort. Aside from sunbathing and swimming, the resort offers snorkeling, scuba diving, fish feeding and sea canoeing.

So what did Charlotte do there?

She even found time to visit a local fertility shrine where couples make offerings in return for the promise of healthy children.

Boring.

Related Stories:
· Rayavadee Resort reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Charlotte takes a break (from late nights and cocktails) [Daily Mail]