Virtuoso(R) Welcomes Newest Hotel to Industry-Leading Preview Program

The St. Regis Bahia Beach-Puerto Rico will benefit from the unique sales and marketing networking program

News provided by

Apr 30, 2010, 11:56 ET

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Puerto Rico's first luxury resort is the latest property invited into the new Virtuoso® Preview Program. The world's leading luxury travel network has selected the St. Regis Bahia Beach-Puerto Rico as a participant in its exclusive marketing and networking program for up-and-coming hotels. Slated for an October 2010 debut, the property will bring a new type of luxury accommodation to Puerto Rico and bolster the island's competitiveness as a high-end destination in the Caribbean.

"As one of the first participants in Virtuoso's exclusive Preview program, we're thrilled to have such a powerful luxury brand supporting us for the launch of this beautiful and distinctive resort," said David Kurland, general manager, St. Regis Bahia Beach-Puerto Rico. "Having access to Virtuoso's marketing expertise and incredible relationships means guaranteed success for us."

Virtuoso Preview was created to provide properties in their pre-opening stages access to the marketing and networking assistance that contributes to a successful launch. Participation in Virtuoso Preview will allow the St. Regis Bahia Beach to position itself among the world's best hotels through customized marketing plans, advisor training, public relations assistance, guaranteed attendance at industry-recognized conferences and access to Virtuoso's sought-after travel advisor members. Launched in February 2010, Virtuoso Preview has previously signed The Chatwal New York and the Armani Dubai as participants.

"It's a challenging environment for new hotels today," said Albert Herrera, vice president of hotels, destinations and tours at Virtuoso. "They need a helping hand to launch strongly, and our innovative Preview program provides luxury properties with that critical competitive edge backed by the expertise of Virtuoso."

The St. Regis Bahia Beach will offer travelers a new type of luxury in Puerto Rico. The resort is located in a pristine 483-acre setting which has been designated as the Caribbean's first and only Certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary. The property features 139 magnificent oceanfront, golf and garden view rooms; and 35 suites and residences, where private terraces afford spectacular ocean views. The resort will offer compelling features and amenities including a beautiful beachside location; a 10,000-square-foot Remede Spa; the first Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course in the Caribbean; the Fern Restaurant, operated by Jean-Georges Vongerichten; state-of-the-art meeting facilities, including a wedding pavilion and the Astor Ballroom; the St. Regis Kids Club; and the iconic St. Regis butler service.

For more information on the St. Regis Bahia Beach-Puerto Rico, please visit: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1961

About Virtuoso

As the industry's leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso® comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel advisors in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the world's best travel providers and premier destinations. The network's member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making it the most powerful group in luxury travel. Virtuoso is also the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs.

For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

SOURCE Virtuoso