Renowned Golden Door Spa Introduces Exclusive Getaway Program for Time-Starved Travelers

In Honor of Fiftieth Anniversary Year, Three- and Four-Day Spa Interludes Debut July, August and December 2008

Golden Door(R) Spa, the premier destination spa grounded in the balance of spiritual and physical health and well-being, proudly announces the debut of its Spa Interlude Program in honor of its monumental 50th Anniversary. Never before offered, these three- and four-day stays will launch in July, August and December of 2008, and mark the continued evolution of the most revered 7-day program in spa history for today's time-starved traveler. Designed to give guests a refresher program between their week long stays, and accommodate travelers in search of a shorter spa respite, Spa Interludes offers the rest, relaxation and balance associated with Golden Door's iconic week long stay in an abbreviated program customized for a new generation of spa goers.

At $3,625.00 for the three-day session and $4,725.00 for the four-day session, the Spa Interlude guest seeks to maximize the benefits of the rest and renewal associated with Golden Door's legendary program in a condensed period of time. Golden Door staples such as daily massages, the Szekely Herbal Wrap, morning hikes and Labyrinth meditation and beauty treatments are built into guests' schedules, while guests have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of fitness classes based on their individual needs and interests.

"Spa Interludes introduces Golden Door to the modern traveler who may not have a full seven days to devote to their well-being, and reassures there is always a Golden Door experience for every discerning spa-goer," said Tom Posey, president and chief executive officer, Golden Door & LXR Spas. "While the seven-day stay remains an integral part of Golden Door's heritage, this new program restores balance for all travelers, and supports -- not replaces - - the benefits of a week-long stay for our regular guests."

With limited accommodations for 40 guests each session, and a four to one staff-to-guest ratio, Spa Interludes showcases Golden Door's world renowned service, a cornerstone of the 7-day experience since its inception in 1958. With amenities such as transfers to and from San Diego airport, a complete spa wardrobe and yukata (Japanese cotton robe) for use during the stay, room amenities from Golden Door Skin Care, daily personal laundry and maid service several times each day, guests' needs are anticipated and attended to, allowing spa aficionados the opportunity to immerse themselves fully into the Golden Door experience.

The three- and four-day sessions will offer six and eight treatments respectively. In addition, the package includes single accommodation, hikes, fitness classes, lectures and evening programs. Guests are also treated to Golden Door's legendary gourmet cuisine. Incorporating organic produce fresh from the Door's own garden, the high-flavor, low-fat meal plan, marked by the spa's core philosophy -- balance of mind, body and spirit -- is customized in portion and preference to each guest.

Spa Interludes will launch in July 2008 as a women's only program and will be offered as follows during the summer:

3-day sessions 4-day sessions
July 6-9 July 9-13
July 13-16 July 16-20
August 10-13 August 13-17

In December, Spa Interludes will run on the following schedule:

3-day session 4-day session
December 7-10 December 10-14
(co-ed) (women only)

For reservations, please call 800-964-6887 or go to www.luxuryatlarge.com
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Greg Norman's Blue Shark Golf Club Nearing Completion

The Bahamas' New World-Class Course Poised to Become a Caribbean Leader

Blue Shark Golf Club, designed by legendary Greg Norman, has announced an expected opening by the second quarter of 2008. Poised to be a leader in the region, the par-72 course is the foundation for a billion dollar resort development led by New York-based entrepreneur and master developer Roger Stein. The project will encompass luxury hotels, casino, marina, tennis center, spa, and real estate components.

This course blends Nassau's history with modern designs -- all spiced by the challenging "Sharks' Teeth" series of holes. Tee off amid the genteel ruins of a British colonial plantation. Greg Norman, renowned course designer and architect, centered the new Blue Shark Golf Club on the great house and outer buildings located between the 11th and 12th tees. Players can further experience the Caribbean's past near the 15th and 17th greens with the "blue holes," subterranean links sacred to the aboriginal Lucayans. The entire area sprawls over 160 acres -- the plantation once known as "The Promised Land".

Norman redesigned the former grounds of the South Ocean Golf Club, lengthening the course to nearly 7,200 yards. The par-72 course is the area's first to offer a forecaddie program, ensuring dedicated individual service and a smooth, seamless game. The work is Norman's most elegant and intricate yet.

"Blue Shark offered a rare opportunity as a course designer," Norman explains. "It was a challenge and an inspiration to transform a popular and well-designed existing layout into a new and entirely distinctive golfing experience."

One of his highlights, the "Sharks' Teeth" (holes 10, 11 and 12) will challenge players with strategically placed bunkers, distinctive terrains, wetlands and fresh-water lakes. The course rewards any players who master these holes without a bogey.

Norman's latest project will impress players of all experience levels with unparalleled design in blending the natural topography, amazing Caribbean views and striking vegetation. Inspiration comes easy in this abundant landscape, shaded by the remains of Bahamian broadleaf coppice, described by Columbus as the "marvelous groves". The peacock-colored ocean unfurls behind the course. But water isn't merely a backdrop here; the mysterious Blue Holes connect underground to the Caribbean Sea.

"Norman was brilliant in preserving the best elements of the pre-existing course and dramatically enhancing and modernizing them," said Stein. "Greg is a one-of-a-kind visionary. He saw things others didn't. The finished product speaks for itself."

For reservations in the Bahamas, call 800-964-6887 or visit http://www.luxuryatlarge.com/

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Casa Dorado in Cabo Set to Open on January 27th

A new, deluxe beach resort is opening January 27, 2008. The resort, Casa Dorada, Los Cabos, Resort & Spa -- already a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts -- promises to bring a new level of service, style and amenities to the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

Located on popular Playa Medano within walking distance of its dining, shopping and nightlife, the new beach resort has 186 deluxe ocean-view rooms and suites including thirteen penthouse suites which face Cabo's iconic Land's End Rock.

Inspired by the East and West, the 7,000-square-foot Saltwater Spa features unusual offerings such as a Chinese Ball massage and Couleur de Vie. The cold plunge pools, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi all highlight the spa's amenities and desire for guests to linger after services are complete at this luxury Cabo spa.



12 Tribes restaurant has the executive chef sourcing close to 400 ingredients from 30 countries to craft an irresistible selection of dishes inspired by a myriad of cuisines. Along with entertainment, 50 different beers, including a custom brew, are offered at its B lounge. Fashionable yet comfortable for families, friends' getaways and honeymooners alike, Casa Dorada also features an air-conditioned beachfront restaurant, private Beach Club and three swimming pools.

The luxury Cabo San Lucas' beach resort is framed by courtyards and pools meandering through five acres beside the Sea of Cortez. Acclaimed Miami interior designer Adriana Hoyos melded global and Mexican accents in a neutral palette to enhance the natural setting. All rooms have marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, goose-down comforters, plasma screen satellite TV, complimentary wireless Internet, and kitchens or kitchenettes.

Lavish penthouse suites have multiple bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, adjacent makeup areas and furnished terraces. Amenities include cordless phones, several TVs, ocean-facing Jacuzzis and walk-in closets. Upon request, resort chefs prepare gourmet meals in penthouse kitchens.

Special introductory rates start at $272 USD a night. For more information and reservations for the new, deluxe beach resort, please call 1-800-964-6887 or go to www.luxuryatlarge.com.
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Esperanza Unveils Lavish New Penthouse, Renovated Rooms and Expanded Spa

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts' award-winning property in Cabo San Lucas, unveiled new guestrooms and suites following a five-month renovation. Showcasing a new, sophisticated look, the hotel features new interiors, enhanced suites and an expanded spa. Long recognized as the premier destination for discriminating travelers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the enhanced and refreshed Esperanza offers top-of-the-line accommodations, amenities and services, keeping it at the forefront of luxury.

Guestroom interiors, designed by Dallas-based Wilson & Associates, now feature a sophisticated Cabo-regional design that reflects the warm character of Mexico. Other resort enhancements include the addition of a glamorous penthouse with more than 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space offering panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez, and seven new spa treatment rooms, including an exclusive couples suite with private VIP access. Designed by SB Architects, the newly expanded spa also features a freestanding hairstyling, manicure and pedicure studio.


"Esperanza is dedicated to offering the best of Baja and our fresh new look showcases that and more," said Severino Gomez, Regional Vice President of Auberge Resorts and General Manager of Esperanza. "New and returning guests will see that no detail has been overlooked, from the expanded accommodations to the custom furnishings and extraordinary Latin American artwork."

Wilson & Associates, interior designers behind some of the world's leading resorts, added drama to Esperanza's warm interiors by creating a sophisticated look evoking a luxurious Mexican seaside estate. Clean lines, built-in beds, stone and polished plaster works are complemented by light-colored woods and accented with rich custom textiles in colors inspired by the Sea of Cortez.

"Our idea was to create interiors that act as frames for the stunning 180-degree ocean views," said Jim Rimelspach, lead designer at Wilson & Associates. "We wanted to blend Esperanza's rich sense of warmth and handcrafted character with a modern sensibility that's new to Cabo. We've done this by elevating the existing interior design with rich new furnishings to create a timeless look."

Sought after by celebrities, entertainment industry executives and avid travelers for its extraordinary service and privacy, the 57-room resort now offers 10 new luxury suites. The new one-bedroom penthouse, accessed by private elevator, features a spacious living room and two outdoor terraces, complete with private hot tub and oversized chaise for discreet sunbathing. Amenities include Pratesi Italian linens, a spacious bathroom with an oversized soaking tub and a state-of-the-art entertainment system with large plasma televisions. A collection of paintings, sculptures, and pottery from the country's leading artists are showcased throughout the suite. All suites include 24-hour butler service.

Every casita has spacious bathrooms, pocket doors that transform interiors into dramatic indoor-outdoor living space; flat-screen televisions; complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access; deep soaking tubs and showers built for two; crisp Italian linens; and iPod docking stations. Esperanza also creates signature in-room bath amenities made with natural essential oils, organic vegetable oils and pure fruit ingredients.

Recently named Travel + Leisure's #1 Spa in Latin America, The Spa at Esperanza is renowned for its coastal desert environment and treatments prepared by hand with indigenous botanicals and has doubled in size. The expansion includes seven new treatment rooms including a private couples suite with VIP access, large soaking pool, outdoor shower, and a plush oversized chaise for sunbathing. An expanded treatment menu includes Esperanza's signature Baja Lime-based treatments and a new Passion de la Noche program that allows couples to relax and reconnect in the spa after hours.

For reservations, call 800-964-6887 or go to www.luxuryatlarge.com
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