SAVUSAVU, Fiji (July 11, 2012) – Canyon Equity LLC, owner of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Slimmer as the resort’s new general manager.  With a personal connection to Fiji, where he spent his childhood, and three decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Slimmer is ideally suited to take the helm of one of the most prominent vacation destinations in the South Pacific, offering spectacular ecological exploration, understated luxury and warm hospitality in the traditional Fijian style.  In addition to further developing the resort’s noteworthy sustainability practices, in his new role, Slimmer will maintain the well-established international reputation of the legendary Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, with a particular focus on the unparalleled personalized service offered to guests.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.  His impressive background in the luxury hospitality industry and extensive experience in a diversity of areas, including operations management, marketing, project management, and sustainability practices, combined with his Fijian upbringing, uniquely qualify him for this position,” said Homi Vazifdar, CEO of Canyon Equity LLC.  “We are eager to begin leveraging Mark’s experience and are confident that he is equipped to lead the next chapter of growth for Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.”

Slimmer joins Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort with nearly 12 years of experience as general manager at two leading resorts—Angsana Great Barrier Reef, a five-star beachfront boutique resort in Palm Cove, Australia, where he spent the past six years; and Matson Resort Cairns, a large resort in Cairns, Australia, prior to that.  His tenure at both resorts honed his knowledge of environmental preservation and sustainability practices, which are at the core of the philosophy of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.  Born in Northern California, Slimmer spent his childhood in Fiji, where his father was a pioneer in the hospitality industry.  Slimmer returned to the U.S. after high school and later graduated from the hotel and restaurant management program at the City College of San Francisco.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to join the esteemed team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort,” said Slimmer.  “Recognized as one of Fiji’s leading resorts, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers unmatched natural beauty, deluxe accommodations and amenities combined with the warmth of authentic Fijian hospitality, which I came to know during my childhood in Fiji.  As a new member of one of the top teams in the industry, I am committed to ensuring that each and every guest has a memorable and personalized experience during his or her visit.”

The award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific.  Located on the island of Vanua Levu and built on 17 acres of a former coconut plantation, the luxury resort overlooks the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay and offers an exclusive escape for couples, families, and discerning travelers looking for an authentic Fijian experience.  A vacation at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers an unforgettable personal experience that is derived from the natural beauty of the island and the warmth of the staff.  The award-winning environmentally responsible Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers guests a wide variety of amenities, including specially designed individual thatched-roof bures (guest rooms), world-class dining, an outstanding lineup of recreational activities and unmatched ecological experiences, and an array of Fijian-inspired spa treatments.  www.fijiresort.com.

About Canyon Equity
The Canyon Group of Companies headquartered in Larkspur, California, was founded in May 2005.  Its mantra is to acquire and develop small ultra-luxury branded resorts in unique destinations with small residential components creating an eclectic yet highly compatible sense of community in each destination.  Since its formation in 2005, Canyon has created an impressive portfolio of resorts ranging from the ski slopes of Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps to the turquoise waters of Fiji, to the towering peaks of Yellowstone, to the artist colonies of Santa Fe, and in the canyons of southern Utah.

The Canyon Group’s portfolio comprises such iconic properties as Amangiri (Utah), Amangani (Jackson, Wyoming), Le Mélézin (Courchevel, French Alps), Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico), Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Fiji), and Dunton Hot Springs, (Dunton, Colorado).   Some new stunning developments are also are underway in such locations as the Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica,  a 400 year old Hacienda in Mexico, and a secluded, pristine setting in the Malibu hills in Southern California.  All are destined to make grand statements in the niche market of ultra-luxury international travel as each one is launched.  www.canyonequity.com