DISCOVER OPULENCE IN PUERTO RICO | The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort to Mark the Legendary Brand’s First Property in the Caribbean Opening this Fall 2010

Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico – Opening November 4th, 2010, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico will mark the debut of the first St. Regis property in the Caribbean, introducing unparalleled luxury and bespoke service to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Ideally located on a former coconut plantation nestled between the lush El Yunque rainforest and the tranquil waters of the Espiritu Santo River, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort will be the Caribbean’s first certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary. The spectacular 483-acre resort embraces the Island’s stunning natural beauty and is destined to set new standards of service and luxury for Puerto Rico, offering St. Regis’ legendary Butler Service and featuring Jean-Georges’ restaurant Fern, a 10,000 square foot Remède Spa and a magnificent golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. “We are thrilled to introduce St. Regis to the Caribbean with the debut of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico, offering travelers access to the highest expression of personalization, refined elegance and uncompromised guest experiences the St. Regis legacy is distinguished for,” says David Kurland, General Manager of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. “With the region’s fascinating natural surroundings, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culture, Puerto Rico is certainly one of the world’s most coveted destinations for our discernable guests, and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is poised to become the Caribbean’s idyllic address.”

Designed by acclaimed architectural firm Hill Glazier, the resort boasts 139 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 35 suites with private terraces offering spectacular ocean views and 25 private St. Regis Estate Homes.  Seamlessly blending Puerto Rico’s rich culture and natural beauty, accommodations have been built in low rise plantation style buildings to harmonize the guest experience with the exquisite surroundings and exotic nature that will be preserved around them.  Guest accommodations feature beautiful residential interiors, custom-designed furniture and spacious marble bathrooms, in addition to Pratesi linens and high-tech amenities such as high-speed wireless internet, a 40-inch LCD television in room, integrated television in bathroom mirrors and an iPod docking station.

Set along two idyllic miles of private beach, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort boasts expansive views of El Yunque National Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean.   The resort has been thoughtfully developed, ensuring that the local plant and wildlife have not been disturbed and these exceptional efforts and practices have been recognized with Audubon’s Gold Signature Sanctuary certification.  Signature certification is awarded only to new developments which are designed, constructed and maintained according to Audubon International’s precise planning standards and strict environmental criteria.

In keeping with the resort’s homage to the enchanting island, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s signature restaurant Fern will offer tantalizing culinary delights prepared with the freshest ingredients indigenous to the region.  Exclusively developed by celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the menu showcases a blend of Jean-George’s world renowned repertoire of distinctive dishes with traditional Puerto Rican ingredients such as papaya, mango, and coconut.

The 10,000 square-foot Remède Spa at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort presents a decadent and unrivalled spa experience as it provides treatment rooms with private outdoor terraces, relaxation room, steam and sauna facilities, cold and hot plunge pools, exercise area and a fully equipped state of the art fitness center.  Remède Spa also offers a comprehensive menu of customized and results-oriented treatments.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s golf course marks Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s first design project in Puerto Rico.  Operated by Troon Golf, the world leader in golf course management, the course is remarkable, with two miles of beach, a native maritime forest, and views of the rainforest from nearly every hole.  Committed to preserving the natural integrity of the site, the course design is sensitive to the environment while providing challenging variety.  With holes along the ocean, scenic lakes, undulating fairways and gentle ocean breezes, the course’s breathtaking splendor is matched only by the world-class play it offers to golfers of all abilities.  The course’s clubhouse showcases Bahia’s signature tropical plantation and architecture, beautifully accented by exposed stone and brickwork.  Inside the clubhouse guests have access to the restaurant Molasses, golf shop, inviting bar, and men’s and ladies’ lounges and locker rooms offering a variety of amenities and services. Outside boasts a full-size beachfront swimming pool and patio areas overlooking the ocean for dining and entertaining.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort will feature nearly 27,000 square feet of function space, including three outdoor lawn event spaces, the ocean-view Astor pavilion and the spacious elegance of the Astor Ballroom, set the stage for grand weddings and occasions in true St. Regis style.  Situated between the Espiritu Santo and Herrera rivers and bounded by the majestic El Yunque National Forest, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort offers astounding views as well as unique activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing.

Supported by over 900 weekly flights, Puerto Rico is easily accessible via direct flight from a multitude of major cities in North America, and as a United States territory passports are not required for American  citizens, a unique advantage for travelers to the Caribbean. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is just 16 miles from Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz international airport, which is the largest hub in the Caribbean.  Combining Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and rich colonial history with the St. Regis’ timeless sophistication, bespoke services, and modern luxury, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s arrival on the shores of Puerto Rico will forever change the landscape of luxury travel in the region.  For more information on Puerto’s Rico’s all-new luxury landmark and exclusive offers at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort contact us HAUTEOC TRAVELER at 949.683.2228 or online at BOOKTRAVEL@HAUTEOC.com