MANILA, Philippines — Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts plans to open Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila in mid to late 2014 located within Fort Bonifacio, the former military base in Taguig City.

With 60 stories, comprising 577 hotel guestrooms, 97 hotel residences and 96 exclusive Horizon Homes, the building is destined to become a Manila landmark. The new hotel will complement the company’s five existing properties in the Philippines.

The mixed-use business, residential and retail tower is located along Fifth Avenue and 30th, within the new, fast-developing Taguig business district. A 30-minute drive from the international airport, the hotel will also be close to the Manila Golf Club and Manila Polo Club, and 10 minutes from Makati district, the capital’s financial, cultural and entertainment hub with first-class shopping malls.

Shangri-La has named US-based Gary Handel LLP as architects and Hirsch Bedner Associates will undertake the interior design for hotel guestrooms, hotel residences and the main public spaces. Manny Samson & Associates will be designing the interiors of the Horizon Homes.

The tower will present a contemporary yet timeless architecture and maximizes open panoramic views over the city. The design has been created with consideration and respect for the Fort Bonafacio master plan and its underlying concepts.

Guestrooms will range in size from 45 to 47 square meters for a standard room and between 90 to 240 square meters for a hotel residence. The Horizon Club, Shangri-La’s exclusive retreat for discerning travellers, will offer a host of special amenities and privileges, including a lounge for daily breakfast and cocktails, meeting rooms, and express check-in and check-out services.

Dining and entertainment options will include an all-day café, specialty restaurant, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge, poolside bar and barbecue, and an entertainment and bar area that will occupy two levels and have its own direct street access.

An extensive sports club including swimming pools, indoor sports hall, boxing and basketball facilities and several tennis courts is spread over two large floors and will set a new benchmark for recreational facilities and services in Manila. The club will also include a children’s Adventure Zone and a Spa and offer local membership programmes.

The hotel will feature over 6,800 square meters of meeting and banqueting facilities including a grand ballroom, junior ballroom, 14 function rooms, boardroom, business center and individual teleconferencing room.

Both the Horizon Homes and Hotel Residences will have their own separate and secure entrances. Horizon Homes are anticipated to become available for sale by mid 2012 and will have their own recreational facilities including a gymnasium, an outdoor pool, changing facilities, children’s play area and a lounge.