This purchase from Intrawest ULC also included the management contracts for Cottage Rental Agency, a community of beach homes located in Seaside, Florida; and the management contracts of the two Sandestin Marriott properties, the Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, both Howard Group developments.

The Becnel family and the property management teams are committed to continuing excellent service and memorable guest experiences. Teams are preparing for the upcoming popular spring and summer seasons, and staff members are being added to manage the additional demand.

The purchase of the resort by the Becnel family is expected to continue and even accelerate many of the positive changes that have occurred at the resort in the past year including a renewed focus on service that has significantly raised customer satisfaction scores. Spring and summer group and leisure business bookings are also exceeding previous estimates. The rental program has gained momentum in 2010 with improvements in rental owner communication and agreements. Plans for an expansion to the community transportation system are underway, and teams are working on reductions in the carbon footprint of the resort.

In related news, the Becnel family announced the creation of two newly formed holding companies, Sandestin Investments, LLC and Sandestin Real Estate of NW FL, LLC.

Sandestin Investments will be the new parent company for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the Cottage Rental Agency in Seaside. John Russell, resort chief of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and former senior vice president of Intrawest, has been named President of Sandestin Investments.

Sandestin Real Estate of NW FL will oversee residential and commercial operations and transactions. Joe Bracciale, formerly the operating Broker for Playground Destination Properties Inc., has been named President of Sandestin Real Estate (www.sandestinrealestate.com).

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers one of the most complete resort experiences in North America. Located on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort for all seasons and for all ages. Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,500 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. A member of the Beaches of South Walton, the resort features more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues. For information, visit www.sandestin.com.

About The Becnel Family
The Becnel family develops and operates resorts, luxury condominiums, town homes and villas in Destin, Florida. The group is a family run business led by Tom and Damon Becnel, who have previously developed Silver Shells Resort, Silver Beach Towers, The Palms of Destin and One Beach Club Drive in Sandestin, Florida.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
http://www.sandestin.com