Kerzner Launches Luxury One&Only Brand In The Americas With Opening Of One&Only Palmilla

Feb 09, 04 | 10:26 pm

Kerzner International Limited (NYSE:KZL) marked the Americas launch of the One&Only brand today with the official debut of Los Cabos' renowned Palmilla as the One&Only Palmilla. One&Only Palmilla marks Kerzner's entry into the Mexico market, transforming one of the best known properties in the Los Cabos region into an unparalleled six-star deluxe destination, a crowning gem in the One&Only Resorts brand.

Kerzner, known worldwide for its ultra-luxurious hotels and resorts in exotic locations, launched the One&Only brand in Europe in late 2002. The brand portfolio currently includes One&Only Le Saint Geran and One&Only Le Touessrok, both in Mauritius and consistently ranking among the top hotels in the world; One&Only Kanuhura in the Maldives; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai, and One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, which became part of the One&Only collection in 2003. As part of the continued effort to grow the resort portfolio, Kerzner currently has One&Only properties under development on the island of Kaafu Atoll in the Maldives, and in Capetown, South Africa.

Created exclusively for the luxury resort market, One&Only properties are set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each offering guests a distinctive style and personality born of its local culture, yet with a consistency of superlative service, genuine hospitality and a lively energy.

"When it comes to developing new hotels, we do not apply a standard formula," said Kerzner International Chairman Sol Kerzner. "One&Only is a guarantee that each of our hotels will provide a distinctive and unique experience. At the same time, each hotel is underpinned by unbelievable locations, design and attention to detail. One&Only Palmilla is in keeping with our tradition of developing some of the finest properties in the world. We believe that this resort, once experienced by travelers, will serve as a second flagship for the One&Only brand, opening an untapped market and providing a choice on both coasts of the Americas," he added.

Kerzner acquired a 50% equity interest in 2002 and entered into a long- term management contract in the One&Only Palmilla, which has been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and luxury travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. The property was closed in April 2003, in order to begin the renovation of the property.

"We are very excited about our first venture in Mexico and particularly excited to be in Los Cabos, on one of the most amazing pieces of property in the world," commented Butch Kerzner. "We are pleased to bring the One&Only concept to Mexico, and we believe that we can contribute to Mexico's growing tourism industry, which attracts approximately 20 million visitors per year. Mexico is an ideal destination for our investment given its proximity to the United States, its mature tourism infrastructure and tradition and its established investment framework," he added.

One&Only Palmilla is situated on a 250-acre portion of a 900-acre, master-planned community that includes the resort, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, and eight residential communities set alongside spectacular shoreline. The property underwent an extensive rebuilding and renovation, which considerably upgraded the facilities and services to welcome a new generation of travelers. Among the additions is a fine dining restaurant, "C," by acclaimed American chef Charlie Trotter, and designed by internationally renowned interior designer/architect Adam Tihany. One& Only Palmilla's reconstruction brings the resort's total guest accommodations to 172 -- all with magnificent views of the Sea of Cortez. Chef Trotter oversees the resort's room service. The One&Only Spa with 13 Baja-landscape-inspired private treatment villas also enhance the One&Only Palmilla experience.

For more information on One&Only Palmilla, travelers can call 1-877-472-5645 or visit the One&Only Palmilla website at oneandonlypalmilla.com. For information on all One&Only resorts, visit oneandonlyresorts.com.

About Kerzner International Limited
Kerzner International Limited (NYSE:KZL) is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. Kerzner's flagship brand is Atlantis, which includes Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317-room, ocean-themed destination resort located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas. Atlantis, Paradise Island is a unique destination resort featuring three interconnected hotel towers built around a 7-acre lagoon and a 34-acre marine environment that includes the world's largest open-air marine habitat and is the home to the largest casino in the Caribbean. Kerzner also developed and receives certain revenue derived from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, which has become one of the premier casino destinations in the United States. In its luxury resort hotel business, Kerzner manages nine resort hotels primarily under the One&Only brand. The resorts, featuring some of the top-rated properties in the world, are located in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives and Dubai. Further One&Only properties are either underway or in the planning stages in the Maldives and South Africa. For more information concerning Kerzner and its operating subsidiaries visit www.kerzner.com .