The Empire Hotel & Country Club
A Haven of Luxury and Opulence in the Sultanate of Brunei

(Brunei 2007) -- The Empire Hotel & Country Club is a tranquil haven of sheer luxury and opulence in the Sultanate of Brunei, on the tropical island of Borneo.

On a beachfront overlooking the South China Sea, flanked by one of Asia's oldest rainforests, the spectacular masterpiece of architecture and design features 359 spacious guestrooms with 62 lavish suites and palatial villas.

The regal retreat is spread over 180 hectares (445 acres) of manicured gardens, alongside a floodlit Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course.

A splendid setting amid tall Royal Palms, blossoming bougainvilleas and other exotic shrubs along with impeccable service and a stately atmosphere creates a fabulous jewel of a hotel that is one of the finest in the world.

It is no surprise that this exquisite hotel has fêted royalty, heads of state and other rich and famous celebrities. Since opening in 2000 it has also frequently been voted Asia’s Best Resort by many influential international publications.

A Deluxe Collection member of WORLDHOTELS, one of the world’s leading hotel sales, marketing and distribution organizations, its remarkable hospitality and facilities are difficult to match.

Every guestroom is more than 60m2 in size - making them some of the largest in South East Asia - with spacious private balconies and panoramic views of the ocean, lagoon, golf course or landscaped gardens. Interiors bear the hallmarks of luxury, including imperial king-size beds with the softest of duvets and down pillows, and huge en suite marble-tiled baths and glass-enclosed showers.

Even more exclusive are the hotel’s uniquely designed villas, set in their own tropical garden complete with waterfalls, and the hotel’s amazingly opulent suites.

Top of the crop among the suites is the Emperor Suite, which boasts former US President Bill Clinton as a famous guest. Measuring 666 sq m, it is one of the world’s largest hotel suites -- complete with its own lavish indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and full sized movie screen. It has received the accolade of “World’s Best Presidential Suite” in the World Travel Awards.

Attention to detail, unique touches and the finest of furnishings is evident in the hotel lobby and other public areas. The soaring atrium (higher than an average 12-storey building) has a palatial feel with its magnificent white marble pillars accented with gold. The rails of its sweeping staircases are inlaid with a total of 370 Tiger Eye pieces. Other precious objets d’arts decorating the lobby include two sets of Baccarat crystal, gold camels, and limited edition Murano vases.

Fine dining is also an important element. Signature restaurant, Spaghettini, serves exceptional Italian fare. Pantai Restaurant, set by the beach and poolside, is the ultimate in alfresco dining; and Li Gong Chinese Restaurant serves exquisite Cantonese cuisine. The main Atrium Café is a popular outlet for casual dining and has a well-deserved reputation for its daily lunch buffet.

Over at the Country Club, the Bunker Cafe is ideal for a quick meal and to chill out after a rigorous exercise session or game of golf. Guests can also savour culinary creations prepared on the spot on their own private balcony through round-the-clock room service.

For executive travelers, the exclusive E-Club with private lounge, concierge and business center with sea view terrace serves complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea. Internet is complimentary for Deluxe E-Club Room, Suite and Villa guests.

The E Kids Club provides all-day care and entertainment for youngsters, with an eco-friendly focus. Youngsters aged between three and ten have their own playground in an enclosed safe area with a shallow pool, water slide and activity room. A daily programme of activities ranges from building sandcastles and beachcombing to games and arts and crafts workshops. The club even has its own “rainforest mascots” to encourage environmental awareness among children as they play.

Having hosted world political leaders, heads-of-state and top executives, the resort has impeccable credentials as a venue for world class meetings, conferences and exhibitions. A variety of function rooms and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment cater to all kinds of events – from simple social get-togethers to classy entertainment acts. A professional Events Team provides the highest quality service making any occasion a memorable one.

Prominent international events that have been hosted include the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) CEO Summit and Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting.

The splendour of The Empire extends to the Country Club, which has facilities rivaling the best in the world. Its array of world-class sports and leisure facilities includes floodlit tennis, badminton, squash, fitness centre, ten-pin bowling, billiards and snooker. It also houses a spa providing a wide variety of massage therapies and beauty treatments.

Its floodlit 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course has played host to heads-of-state and royalty from around the world. The course also hosts the annual Brunei Open, contested by the professional Asian Tour. One of the finest golfing facilities in the region, it has been ranked among Asia’s leading golf destinations in the World Travel Awards.

The course’s driving range has 26 covered bays with target greens from 50 to 200 metres. There is also a putting and chipping green. Golf lessons on the driving range or course are available with a resident professional and the latest in golf equipment and golfing fashion can be hired or purchased from the golf pro shop.

The Empire also features a PADI scuba-diving resort, opening the sultanate’s marine wonderland to “scuba tourism”, training both adults and children, as well as escorted diving trips for the experienced, and fishing expeditions.

A range of water sports from windsurfing to sailing is on offer at the beach, while the resort’s swimming pool complex incorporates no less than nine pools, including an enormous freeform saltwater pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Unique in Asia, the hotel has its own state of the art theatre for live concerts and performances, as well as its own movie theatre, The Empire Cinema. Both are ideal for fun, family entertainment. The Empire Cinema comprises three halls equipped with superb high-tech facilities, including the most modern digital sound systems and the latest international film releases are screened daily.

With its emphasis on luxury, standards of excellence and premium service, it is no wonder that The Empire Hotel & Country Club has been bestowed with a string of top awards, including ‘Asia’s Leading Resort’ and ‘Brunei’s Best Hotel’ in the World Travel Awards.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s award list includes:

5th Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007
6th Best Championship Course in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007
9th Best Destination in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007
5th Best Golf Course in Malaysia (including Brunei) by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006
2nd Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006
4th Best Clubhouse in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006
6th Best Championship Golf Course in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2006
Best Resort Hotel by Travel Trade Gazette Asia 2004, 2005

For more information about The Empire Hotel & Resort, visit the website at: www.theempirehotel.com.