CARMEL, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Carmel Valley Ranch (http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/), a California ranch-style retreat set on 400 acres in the heart of Carmel Valley, Calif., today announced plans for a $60 million renovation and conversion into a premiere luxury condominium hotel. All of the resort's guest suites will undergo a top-to-bottom transformation and refurbishment with new interior design and layout. Once enhancements are complete, Carmel Valley Ranch will operate as a full-service resort destination offering elegant accommodations with a fresh style, attentive service and new luxurious amenities to both residents and guests. The conversion is due to be complete by early 2008.

"We've embarked on a spectacular renaissance while respecting the unique sense of place and history that makes Carmel Valley Ranch such an iconic year- round destination," said Joseph Violi, general manager for the resort. "Traditional elements will be combined with such distinctive designs, modern amenities and highly intuitive service to reinterpret the idea of ranch-style luxury and truly revolutionize the guest experience."

Acclaimed architect Peter Gumpel has been engaged to redesign all of Carmel Valley Ranch's 144 guest suites as well as revive the resort's landscaping and exteriors. In addition, the popular Carmel Valley Ranch championship golf course has already begun its own restoration program, and will usher in a new quality of play in late spring 2007. Carmel Valley Ranch will remain open throughout the enhancement effort and work will be completed in phases so as to minimize impact on guest experience.

Revitalization Details

Inspired by the serene beauty of Central California's rolling hills and bountiful foliage, guest suite interiors will offer an abundance of natural textures and materials, intermixed with the latest technological conveniences. This "modern organic" style is filled with rounded edges, clean lines and crisp accents which bring to mind a walk in Carmel's pastoral countryside.

"We want guest suites to imbue a passion for nature and inspire a sense of vitality and harmony, while offering a luxurious and comfortable retreat," said Gumpel. "Beautiful granite and limestone, along with dark, rich woods will be juxtaposed with soft fur throws, supple leather upholstery and plush linens to create the quintessential California repose."

Guest suite renovations call for the installation of hardwood flooring; refinished wall surfaces; a complete overhaul of suite kitchenettes including new cabinetry and stainless steel appliances; custom-designed furniture throughout the suite; and an extensive redesign of guest bathrooms. Suite decor will be complimented with amenities embodying the latest technological and architectural advances, such as flat-screen televisions, raindrop showerheads and modern bath fixtures. A color palette evocative of the resort's fresh gardens will blend warm beige and brown, with calm celadon and sage hues. The guestroom's signature cathedral ceilings will remain, while wood-burning fireplaces and wraparound decks will be updated to complete the unique residential ambiance.

Golf is a key component of the Carmel Valley Ranch experience, and the resort's signature course has undergone an enhancement program to restore the existing Pete Dye design. Enhancements include leveling and augmenting teeing grounds, enlarging all greens complexes, rebuilding select greens, improving drainage and irrigation systems, reshaping bunkers and replacing approximately 8,000-feet of cart path. In addition, the entire course has been reseeded with select Bentgrass seed.

A place of idyllic beauty and rare peace, Carmel Valley Ranch is surrounded by secluded woodland and landscaped gardens. Once enhancements are complete, guest diversions are anticipated to include the newly restored championship golf course, an award-winning tennis facility managed by Peter Burwash, International, fitness center, two pools, and three restaurants. Additional services include in-room dining, evening turndown, garment care and a concierge to help coordinate travel, arrange dining reservations and provide detailed information on nearby activities and attractions such as boutique shopping, wine tasting, whale watching, Big Sur, the Laguna Seca Raceway, 17- Mile Drive and Point Lobos Wildlife State Reserve.

For more information on Carmel Valley Ranch, guests should contact their preferred travel professional, call (866) 282-4745 or visit http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/. Carmel Valley Ranch is part of the LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels collection, a portfolio of independent properties distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting. LXR properties are located throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The collection also includes the renowned Golden Door(R) Spa brand. For information and reservations, visit the Internet at http://www.luxuryresorts.com/ or call (877) LXR-XOXO.

Source: Carmel Valley Ranch

CONTACT: Amy Campbell, +1-310-358-7744, ACampbell@LuxuryResorts.com, or
Anne Hersley-Hankins, +1-561-447-3370, AHersley@LuxuryResorts.com, both of LXR
Luxury Resorts & Hotels

Web site: http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/
http://www.luxuryresorts.com/