Apex Garden Hotel opens in Espiritu Santo

Monday, 18th of February 2008 at 6.28 pm marked the grand opening of the highly anticipated 3 storey hotel, Apex Garden Hotel in Luganville, Santo. Many raised questions as to why the opening time was set at 6.28 pm. The reason being the number 8 in Chinese is “Good Luck.” The hotel is owned by Mr. Valiant Leung and his lovely wife Mrs. Gum So Leung. Mr. Leung is originally from Hong Kong and Mrs. Leung is a Vanuatu Born Chinese residing in Santo. Background In January 1983 Mr. Leung arrived in Santo as a tourist. He returned to Hong Kong in March and later that year in June he wedded his wife Mrs. Gum So Leung. Shortly after their wedding, they made the decision to return to Santo for investment purposes. As quoted by Mr. Leung “The place is a paradise, friendly people and very secure.” Business The first business Mr. Leung set up was a shop now known to the locals in Luganville town as “Valiant Store.” Mr. Leung has in the past come into contact with many prominent leaders in the government and each time their discussions were focused on the need for an International Airport in Santo. Mr. Leung knew that an International Airport was sure to improve the level of tourism in Santo and thus the need for readily available accommodations.  For this reason Mr. Leung opened the “Bamboo Garden Motel” in year 2000. The motel was very successful and became a common accommodation for visitors visiting Luganville. In 2003 he began construction for the Apex Garden Hotel, previously known as “Valiant Store”. The construction involved building upon the old foundation of the 2 storey building, adding an extra floor. Since at that time, Mr. Leung was persuading the government to agree to the construction of the Pekoa International Airport, he personally felt he had to play his part as well in terms of accommodation. Today Mr. Leung has proved this in his actions which we have witnessed in the opening of the Apex Garden Hotel. Briefly, the Hotel is equipped with 28 air conditioned rooms including a president suite and two self-contained rooms. The market is targeted at business and government travelers as well as tourists and large groups. Car hire is also available within the hotel premises operating as “Apex Motors Rental”.  Situated below on ground floor is the “Ocean King Restaurant “which will provide breakfast, lunch and diner or snacks for in house guests. Apex Garden Hotel has already serviced several guests since its opening and is anticipating more traffic in the coming months. Currently there is an “Opening Special” until 17/03/2008 where Double rooms are priced at just 6000 VT per night and Single rooms are priced at 5000 VT per night. All rooms are equipped with: • Air Conditioning • Ensuite Bathroom • Private Balcony • TV & DVD player • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities • Personal Safe • Bar Fridge All room prices include government taxes. Mr. Leung is very happy at the opening of his new hotel and believes that it would not have been possible without the support from his family and at the night of the opening, his mother, who flew all the way from Sydney, was the honorary guest to cut the ribbon. There were 200 guests invited and since the opening, the hotel has given a new face to the town of Luganville. For further information visit their website at www.apex-hotel.vu or you can contact Apex Garden Hotel on 36061 / 44133 / 36837 or via email, stay@apex-hotel.vu.