YTL Hotels has announced the opening of its Gaya Island Resort in Borneo on July 1, 2012. This world-class resort will add to the collection of YTL Hotels luxury resorts that aim to craft inspired experiences. Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), it is set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Gaya Island Resort is an ideal launching pad to discover Borneo, offering golden sand beaches, diving sites of spectacular underwater havens, ancient tropical rain forests home to many rare species, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

Gaya Island Resort will incorporate elements of Sabahan architecture and contemporary design complete with modern amenities and Wi-Fi capabilities. It is comprised of 121 spacious stand-alone hill villas with a view of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu. Rates start at roughly $200 per night (RM600). The resort is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and is a short 30-minute combined car and speedboat ride from the airport.

The resort offers a unique PURE program, which immerses guests in the vibrancy, scents, textures, sounds, and tastes of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region through four paths– Discovery, Vigour, Creativity, and Balance. The Discovery path will take the curious through land and marine explorations, such as scuba diving, island hopping, nature walks, and private yacht charters. Vigour is designed to initiate movement and will include activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing and jogging. The Creativity path nurtures creative expression through intriguing activities, such as handicraft classes, storytelling session of local tales and a Borneo culinary journey. Activities in Balance enable guests to focus on restoring peace to the psyche by traditional Borneo spa treatments or meditating to the soothing sounds of nature.

For those who prefer a more indulgent holistic experience, YTL Hotels’ award-winning Spa Village will offer treatments, therapies and healing practices specific to Borneo culture. It is uniquely designed within a mangrove setting offering six treatment rooms with outdoor decks, a walk-in theatre and a yoga retreat space. The luxury resort will also offer a selection of dining options, a pool bar & lounge and an infinity swimming pool with views of Mount Kinabalu.

Gaya Island Resort, www.pulaugayaresort.com