NEW YORK— In a bittersweet twist for the industry mantra of location, location, location, most lodging chains with properties in the Indian Ocean region escaped the horrific destruction of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent 40-foot tsunamis that Dec. 26 devastated the coastlines of Thailand, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and east Africa. Almost two weeks after the natural forces took the lives of more than 150,000 persons and destroyed billions of dollars worth of property in South Asia and Africa, recovery, reconstruction and relief efforts from around the globe continue unabated, trying to aid survivors. Among the chains that did suffer property damage is Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. Its new hotel in Khao Lak, one of the worst hit areas, has been closed until further notice as company executives assess the situation. The ground floor villas and the property’s private beach villas all suffered severe damage. A spokesperson for the resort said the hotel’s main structure was not severely damaged but a full assessment is expected to take weeks. According to the company, staff there worked with local authorities and tour operators to arrange for guests to be transferred to other hotels and back home as soon as possible following the tidal waves. Le Méridien also is providing assistance to staff members and their families living in the affected coastal areas around Phuket and Khao Lak. Le Méridien Beach Resort, Phuket was evacuated and a full inspection of the hotel is being conducted to determine damage. There was no major structural damage at Le Royal Méridien Phuket Yacht Club and it remained operational. Other company properties that escaped with little or no damage include: Le Méridien Baan Taling Ngam, Koh Samui; Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali and Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles; (Le Méridien Barbarons, also Seychelles, already was closed for renovations); and Le Méridien Ile Maurice, Mauritius. Le Méridien properties in India were not affected. Most poignant is a report from Accor Asia Pacific Chairman David Baffsky, who said Reggie Shiu, svp/Asia for Accor Asia Pacific, was among the casualties in Khao Lak, and is presumed dead, along with his wife and two of their three children. Shiu, a U.S. citizen, was based in Shanghai, where he was responsible for Accors operations and development in Greater China. Shiu first joined Accor in 1980, working in New York City at the Roosevelt Hotel. In 1983 he became the GM of the Doral Park Avenue Hotel. He rejoined Accor in 1986 and continued his career, advancing through the executive ranks. For Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, the only property affected is the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. The six-year-old resort, with 106 bungalows and villas, is closed and is not taking reservations for at least 90 days while damage is assessed, according to spokeswoman Aynsley Wintrip. The Four Seasons Explorer there, which offers three, four and seven night cruises for divers and snorkelers, resumed operations January 3rd. “The past several days in the aftermath of this disaster have been extraordinary as our team at Four Seasons Resort Maldives worked together to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and employees,” said Neil Jacobs, svp/Operations, Asia Pacific, who was on site at the property with Regional VP Chris Norton and a team of experts to assess damage and assist employees. “Our staff is like a tightly knit family and just as families pull together in the face of adversity,” Jacobs told HOTEL BUSINESS®, “Our team acted very quickly and efficiently to make arrangements for guests to leave the island. We are thankful not to have suffered any loss of life or serious injuries, and we are moving forward with plans to bring relief to neighboring islands that have been less fortunate. I am extremely proud of the strength, compassion and bravery of our employees who have conducted themselves with professionalism and dignit
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa