Fairmont Raffles' portfolio is to be further extended with two properties - Raffles Paris - Le Royal Monceau and Raffles Makkah Palace in Saudi Arabia - both of which are due to open before the end of 2010.

The Parisien property is located minutes away from the Champs Élysées and will feature interiors by Philippe Starck while the all-suite Makkah Palace is directly adjacent to the Al Masjid Al Haram and will offer access to the Holiest site in Islam, the Kaaba Al Sharifa. All the suites will offer direct views of Al Masjid al Haram.

Elsewhere, Raffles Praslin will open in the first quarter of 2011. Situated on the second largest island in the Seychelles, Raffles Praslin will be located close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai.

The resort will feature 86 villas, each with a private plunge pool. There is also a white sand beach overlooking Curieuse Island.

The Raffles Spa will feature 13 treatment pavilions set among natural rock formations and high above the water, offering spectacular views. There will also be an outdoor spa garden and pavilion, for yoga and pilates. Details: raffles.com