The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. to Manage Luxury Spanish Resort; Hotel Villa Padierna, on the Costa del Sol in Marbella

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., has assumed management of the Villa Padierna, a 112-room luxury resort on the Costa del Sol. Featuring world class golf courses, a thermal spa, an exclusive Beach Club, and a collection of museum calibre arts and antiques, the boutique hotel lies in a scenic valley close to the recreational capital, Marbella, Spain.

To be now known as Hotel Villa Padierna, the resort will join the acclaimed Hotel Arts, Barcelona, as the second Ritz-Carlton operated property in Spain. In spring 2006, an additional smaller hotel will open in the spa village of Carratraca, near Malaga. These properties add to the European collection of Ritz-Carlton managed hotels in Istanbul, Berlin, Wolfsburg (Germany), Sintra (Portugal), Moscow (2006) and Ireland (2007).

"Spain's exceptional beauty makes it a prime tourist destination for discerning travelers from around the world," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "We believe Hotel Villa Padierna has the potential to become one of Europe's most desirable, five star resorts, offering highly personalized service levels to match the exclusive Marbella setting. Owner Ricardo Arranz' vision for the resort is one we look forward to making a reality as we add yet another exceptional property to The Ritz-Carlton portfolio," he said.

Open since spring 2003, Hotel Villa Padierna is a classic Tuscan villa, with design and decor including a notable collection of centuries old statues and paintings, as well as impressive fireplaces and marble fountains. Comprised of two buildings, Villa Padierna and Linares, the resort is surrounded by the 18-hole Flamingos Golf Club, past site of the "European Seniors Match Play Championship." Two other championship-quality courses (Brijan Golf Club and Padierna Golf Club) are under construction, with openings set for the end of 2006 and 2007. All courses will blend harmoniously with the picturesque wooded setting, framed by nearby mountains. At the Flamingos Golf Academy, players of every skill level may enhance their game with instruction by professional coaches.

Suites and Guestrooms

Guestrooms and suites at Hotel Villa Padierna are appointed in a variety of themes and design styles, and create a casually elegant feel. Several of the rooms feature either a balcony or large terrace for enjoyment of the views. A select few also come with an additional outdoor bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. Each guestroom includes luxury touches, blended with contemporary conveniences, including complimentary internet access. By spring 2006, a Roman amphitheatre will be inaugurated on the resort grounds. Thirty luxury suites and penthouses will be included in this new area of Hotel Villa Padierna.

A 2,000 square meter (21,520 square feet) authentic thermal spa combines the traditional elements of classic Roman design with the additional appeal of an indoor swimming pool, ten themed baths and ten different saunas, and private relaxation facilities. The outdoor fountains and gardens provide the setting for enjoyment of a large outdoor swimming pool.

Additional special recreational features at Hotel Villa Padierna include a Beach Club, where more than 200 palm trees will be planted in the sand. While guests relax in their chaise lounge chairs, they can take in views of the coasts of Gibraltar and North Africa. Scheduled to debut in summer 2006, The Beach Club will feature a casual, yet sophisticated, restaurant and bar area. Other dining choices at the resort are La Loggia and La Veranda, where the international and regional menu is enhanced by al fresco dining on the terraces with views of the countryside and nearby Mediterranean Sea.

For group meetings and special events, Hotel Villa Padierna offers a variety of flexible and impressive space. From Salon Linares with capacity for more than 500 to Salon Toscana, divisible into three meeting rooms, and The Venus, with a board room atmosphere for intimate corporate dinners, the resort is the perfect setting for golf and spa retreats. A small chapel is being constructed on the resort grounds as a venue for memorable destination weddings. For a truly unique experience, "El Xargo", a 26 meter (87 square feet) luxury yacht, offering one suite and three twin cabins, can be chartered by guests and small groups. Short offshore excursions, or two day trips to Morocco, can be reserved.

The boutique resort at Carratraca, the spa village frequented by Napoleon III's wife, Empress Eugenie de Montijo, is now under construction for a spring 2006 opening, under management of The Ritz-Carlton. The intimate property is less than one hour from Hotel Villa Padierna, in a town renown for its sulphur springs.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., located in Chevy Chase, Md (USA) is the only hospitality company to have twice won the coveted U.S. Department of Commerce Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, among its many accolades and honors. It currently operates 61 hotels and resorts around the world, including North America, South America, Asia, Europe, The Middle East, The Caribbean and Mexico. Among the future hotel openings are: Moscow (2006), Beijing, Financial Street (2006) and Ireland (2007).

Notes for editors:

Photos can be downloaded at: http://www.hotelvillapadierna.com/corporate.php?cat=25&act_item=1

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