The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 5, 2012 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, announces the addition of Bonaventure Resort & Spa, located in Fort Lauderdale, to its growing management portfolio.  This represents Benchmark Hospitality’s sixth property in Florida.  Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO, made the announcement.

“It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the Bonaventure Resort & Spa to Benchmark Hospitality,” said Mr. Cabañas.  “The resort’s rich heritage in South Florida and exceptional legacy in the meetings industry will serve the property well as we reintroduce this hospitality gem to the marketplace.”

Bonaventure Resort & Spa, previously known as the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, was recently purchased by Hospitality Investing Group LLC, which plans a multimillion dollar renovation of the resort.  "This repositioning reflects our strategy to bring an upscale, independent resort and conference center option to South Florida," said Ari Pearl, partner with Hospitality Investing Group.  "Improvements to the existing conference center will include extensive renovations of public spaces, enhanced meeting technology and an increased use of ergonomic furnishings to IACC * standards.  Forty-eight hundred square feet of space will also be added."  Pearl continued with, "Additional resort improvements include renovations to the Lobby and a re-concept and expansion of the property's main restaurant."

The Bonaventure Resort & Spa is situated within 23 acres of South Florida's paradise near Fort Lauderdale, and features 500 luxurious guestrooms, four restaurants, a vast pool complex and a superb spa.  Surrounding the resort is the Bonaventure Country Club, providing preferred tee times to resort guests.  The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center is nearby.

The resort offers four dining outlets.  They include the Banyan Restaurant, the main dining venue which will be expanded in the renovation program with new outdoor seating; award-winning Ireland's Steakhouse, which will also receive new outdoor dining space; Bar Zen and the Cabana Bar & Café.

The Bonaventure features a 60,000-square-foot conference center, including a 175-seat amphitheater, making it ideal for corporate gatherings of any kind.  The resort also provides substantial facilities for large social gatherings to ensure Bonaventure Resort & Spa is a preferred choice for top society events.  Over the years, the property has won numerous awards for excellence in service and cuisine.

The Bonaventure boasts a luxurious 48,000-square-foot Spa, with 30 treatment rooms and a Zen Garden providing a sanctuary for spa guests.  The resort also offers guests a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center, as well as a stunning pool complex with three swimming pools and featuring a cascading waterfall.

In addition to the myriad of attractions of the Fort Lauderdale destination, including legendary white sand beaches, guests of the Bonaventure Resort & Spa can experience some of Florida’s most colorful wildlife regions in the nearby Everglades, as well as superb shopping at the country’s largest outlet mall, Sawgrass Mills.  Also just minutes away are Bank Atlantic Center, home of the NHL Florida Panthers and a venue for numerous concert events, and Sun Life Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes.  If guests need more, the attractions of Miami and Miami Beach are less than 60 minutes away.

Other Benchmark Hospitality International properties in Florida include Costa d'Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach; Marenas Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach; ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, Miami Beach; Naples Bay Resort, Naples; and The Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando.

* IACC:  International Association of Conference Centers

About Hospitality Investing Group LLC
Hospitality Investing Group LLC (HIG), a private investing group, acquired the resort and spa in early-2012.  HIG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CG Bonaventure Resort LLC.  The principals of CG own real estate in various cities around the United States, including hotel, residential, commercial, retail, industrial and healthcare properties.

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  The company's eastern regional office is in New Jersey, western regional office is in Washington, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.