Kerzner International Limited today announced an extensive $75 million renovation and expansion program for the Palmilla Resort on the southern tip of the Mexican Baja Peninsula, between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. After closing in April and reopening in December, the property, legendary as a retreat for celebrities and sophisticated travelers, will join the company's exclusive new One&Only collection, a luxury resort line owned and operated by Kerzner International. Kerzner acquired 50% equity interest in Palmilla and a long-term management agreement for the resort last year.
With Palmilla, Kerzner International enters the Mexico market for the first time, just as it globally launches the One&Only brand. The company is highly regarded in the U.S., Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East for its ultra-luxurious hotels and resorts in exotic locations, as well as for imaginative and innovative large-scale properties, such as the $1.2 billion Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas.
In remodeling Palmilla, which includes a signature Jack Nicklaus designed 27-hole championship golf course, Kerzner brings the company's dynamic approach to creating distinctive resorts that quickly become market leaders. Carried out by Hill Glazier Architects and the interior design company Chhada Siembieda Remedios, Inc., the renovation will significantly upgrade Palmilla's infrastructure, guest facilities and services and expand its accommodations from 115 rooms to 174 large (700 square feet) rooms, suites and luxurious beachfront villas (in excess of 3,500 square feet).
Other notable property additions include a one-of-a-kind restaurant by acclaimed chef Charlie Trotter of Chicago, Illinois and designed by Adam Tihany. And, in keeping with many of the signature standards of One&Only properties, Palmilla will introduce a new indoor/outdoor spa inspired by the artistic and architectural themes of Mexico and operated by the leading luxury spa company in the world, Mandara Spas.
"Kerzner International is tremendously excited about our first venture in Mexico, and we are particularly pleased to be here in Los Cabos, a vacation destination by any definition that's world class," said Butch Kerzner, president, Kerzner International and One&Only Resorts. "Doing what we do best, we are transforming an excellent property into an outstanding one that will be highly appealing for families, couples and high-end corporate incentive groups."
The company's One&Only brand, created to operate and market the company's existing and future luxury resort hotels, was launched in conjunction with the reopening of One&Only Le Touessrok (Mauritius) in December 2002, followed by the opening of the newly expanded One&Only Royal Mirage (Dubai) later in the month. Other branded properties include: One&Only Le Saint Geran, (Mauritius), consistently ranked among the top hotels in the world, One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, and One&Only Kanuhura (Maldives).
About Kerzner International
Kerzner International Limited is a leading developer and operator of premier casinos, resorts and luxury hotels. The Company's flagship destination is Atlantis, a 2,317-room, ocean-themed resort located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas. Atlantis is a unique destination casino resort featuring three interconnected hotel towers built around a 7-acre lagoon and a 34-acre marine environment that includes the world's largest open-air marine habitat. The Company also developed and receives certain revenues from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Following the completion of a $1 billion expansion, the Native American-themed Mohegan Sun has become one of the premier resort destination casinos in the United States. In the luxury resort hotel business, Kerzner operates nine luxury resorts in The Bahamas, Mauritius, Dubai, the Maldives and Mexico and has entered into an agreement to develop and manage a tenth property in the Maldives. For more information concerning the Company and its operating subsidiaries, visit our website at www.kerzner.com.
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