The vision of management and ownership is to revitalize the historical charm and character of the island once known as �Tierra del Fuego� or, Land of Fire. According to Carl Myers, the designer and architect spearheading the transformation, the goal is to �extract the design initiatives from the creative energy and innovation that brought Vacation Village to life in 1962.� 

Myers is following in the spirit of Jack Skirball�s original development of Tierra del Fuego into the famed Vacation Village, in which Skirball incorporated his Hollywood producer�s flair and creativity throughout the entire concept of what became a legend in its own  time.  In keeping with the traditional legacy of the property, the resort will undergo many subtle changes. The original architectural designs will be utilized throughout the transformation to retain and reflect the magical allure captured almost 40 years ago.

Majestically centered at the �hub� of the 4,600-acre Mission Bay Aquatic Park, the largest aquatic park of its kind anywhere in the world, Paradise Point Resort is well into a multi-million dollar transformation.  The comprehensive renovation will renew and enhance the already magnificent tropical island setting into a unique and fantastical getaway location featuring incredible fire and water structures throughout the resort to reflect and incorporate the rich history of Tierra del Fuego. 

In 1960, the tranquil island setting and unique location captivated Jack Skirball, the original resort developer.  He envisioned a family getaway vacation pleasure resort, as well as a place that would attract the �traveling salesman�.  The resort�s legendary appeal over the past 37 years has evolved into a Mecca for Southern California visitors, which has attracted generations of vacationers to gather for family reunions as well as businessmen and women to come together for meetings, conferences and conventions. 

Upon final restoration of Paradise Point, guests will marvel at the grand entrance that creates a sense of warmth and welcome to a very special place.  A breathtaking lush-lined drive will envelop guests with flowering canopy trees and flaming torches integrated along the way.  The entryway will guide guests to a circular rumble-board drive with a spectacular fire, water and rock sculpture overlooking a tropical lagoon and a luxurious and inviting new living room style lobby.

The renovation and revitalization of Paradise Point Resort began in December of 1998 with the remodeling of the resort�s unique single-level bungalow guestrooms.  The exciting new rooms reflect the transformation from an upscale contemporary resort guestroom to a unique and lavish California style beach cottage, in which over 180 of the resort�s guestrooms have been completed.  The rooms� cheerful color schemes, comfortable furniture and imported marble in the bathrooms reflect the charm and character of what is to come throughout the property-wide transformation.  �The transformation of our guestrooms has been extremely well received by long-term and new guests who find them an exciting and unique alternative to the standard hotel room,� comments John Davies, Director of Marketing for Paradise Point. 

Exterior landscaping surrounding the newly remodeled guestrooms is also taking place to enhance the lush tropical ambiance of the private single-level bungalows.  Guestroom renovations are scheduled in subtle phases, so as not to inconvenience resort guests.  According to Davies, �We refer to it as Productivity in Paradise and every effort is being made to eliminate any distractions or inconvenience to our guests.� 

The second phase of room renovations will commence following the busy summer season after Labor Day Weekend.  All 462 guestrooms will be fully remodeled with the completion of the second phase of renovations, expected to occur by spring 2000.  Also entailed in the second phase of renovations will be the construction of a new Presidential Suite, which will be  completed later this year.  The new Presidential Suite will capture the splendor and 
magnificence of the resort�s tropical island setting, which will be set on the water offering beautiful sunsets and functionality to host intimate private events. 

The current 4,500 square foot Presidential Suite will be transformed into an exciting and upscale new signature restaurant offering a fresh alternative-dining venue in San Diego.  The yet to be named restaurant will boast an award-winning cuisine in the tradition of other distinctive dining establishments in the Noble House collection, such as the newly opened Baleen at Hotel Grove Isle in Miami, and the recently unveiled Pooch�s at the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club in Redondo Beach, CA. Both Baleen and Pooch�s opened to critical acclaim.  The layout of the new restaurant will feature a unique and intimate environment, including 2 outdoor patio decks overlooking the bay and a private wine room for special events, along with the main dining room and kitchen-bar seating providing panoramic sunset and bay views. The new restaurant is expected to open early next year.

The third phase of renovations will introduce a noticeable change when the resort�s lobby becomes the focal point upon entering the resort, which will feature a circular rumble-board drive over the main lagoon with a marvelous water, fire and rock sculpture in the center of the new drive.  A canopied entrance will open into a spacious living room style lobby, complete with comfortable sofas and fireplaces for guests to mingle and relax and a circular bar overlooking the tropical lagoon and outside patios. The new resort lobby will be available in the Spring of 2000. 

The current lobby and guest registration building, which also houses the resort�s gift shop, will undergo an expansion into an upscale boutique.  This area will also include a quaint delicatessen featuring open patio seating to extend to the spectacular main pool.  This project will begin in early 2000 and is expected to be completed by mid-year.  The resort�s Convention Center will receive new exterior and interior painting, new carpet and lighting.  The Convention complex will also gain additional meeting space to its already 32,000 square feet, as the current Dockside Restaurant and Bay Lounge will be transformed into state-of-the-art meeting facilities, including four convertible board rooms by fall 2000. 

The final phase of the multi-million dollar transformation will include the complete expansion of the main pool and fitness center into a world-class spa and spectacular new main pool area.   The world-class spa will include additional massage rooms, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, sauna, locker rooms and a solarium, which will overlook the main pool area.  The main pool will be expanded with the addition of a shallow pool surrounded by a sandy beach with deck chairs nestled into the sand and water.  Additional landscaping, including rocks and boulders will be incorporated around the main pool area to complete the spectacular setting.   The redevelopment of the main pool and spa will be completed by early 2001.  The resort will also be adding five additional �lagoon bungalow suites�, reflecting an octagonal style layout with patios and relaxing vistas overlooking the lagoon. 

Ongoing landscaping efforts will further enhance the lush beauty and splendor of the resort.  �The resort�s ongoing landscaping efforts to improve upon the natural beauty and surroundings of the resort will be greatly enhanced with a reduction of asphalt on the property by nearly 30%,� notes Tom Vincent, West Coast Regional Vice President for Noble 
House Hotels & Resorts.  Parking areas and driveways will be discretely reduced and replaced with tropical landscaping.  With over 600 species of tropical and subtropical plants and vegetation encompassing the resort, guests will marvel at the new and abundant density of landscaping added to the 44-acre resort. Recognized as a botanical garden, the resort�s lush and colorful landscape is the cornerstone to the resort�s legendary reputation as an island paradise.  The award-winning grounds have been the subject of several prestigious honors, including the Professional Grounds Maintenance Award presented by the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society and Grounds Maintenance Magazine.

�As the redevelopment and transformation of Paradise Point Resort progresses, we look forward to reaching and expanding our market appeal with the added amenities, new services, special touches and a revitalization that permeates our 44-acre island paradise,� states Vincent.

San Diego Paradise Point Resort is managed by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, which features a collection of 11 distinctively unique hotels and resorts throughout the United States, including the Sunburst Resort in Scottsdale, AZ and the legendary Hotel Adolphus in Dallas, TX.  The resort is owned by La Salle Hotel Properties of Washington, D.C.   La Salle is a leading multi-tenant, multi-operator real estate investment trust which owns 11 upscale and luxury full-service hotels, totaling 3,841 guestrooms in eight states. 

Celebrating 37 years of excellence, San Diego Paradise Point Resort is a two-time recipient of the Finest Service Award presented by the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Paradise Point Resort is a 44-acre tropical island located in the heart of San Diego just across the street from SeaWorld Adventure Park at 1404 West Vacation Road, San Diego, CA 92109.  For more information call (858) 274-4630 or toll free (800) 344-2626.  Visit the resort�s website for current renovation updates at www.paradisepoint.com.  For more information on Noble House Hotels & Resorts visit .