ISTANBUL, Dec. 7, 2012 -- The world is about to discover one of Turkey's best kept secrets as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces plans for a new resort property in Cesme, near Alacati. The picturesque Aegean town, located on the coast of Turkey's Izmir province, has long been a favourite of the Turkish elite drawn to the area's rich culture, cuisine, vineyards and therapeutic thermal springs.

Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, yesterday in Istanbul signed a formal agreement with Dilek Sabanci, Chairman of Dilek Gayrimenkul Yatırım ve Turizm A.S., announcing development plans for the new resort property.

Four Seasons Resort Cesme, expected to open in 2016, will attract a mix of domestic and international luxury travellers drawn to the region's breathtaking beauty – both on and offshore. Steeped in history, the region boasts several archeologically significant sites including the ancient city of Ephesus - home to the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the well-preserved Library of Celsus. The region is also known to sport and adventure enthusiasts as one of the world's top windsurf and kitesurf destinations.

"At Four Seasons we always strive to bring our guests the best, most remarkable experiences, and we feel privileged to do so with the addition of this unique luxury resort to the region," said Kathleen Taylor. "Dilek Gayrimenkul shares our vision for the property - one that unites the natural beauty of the site and heritage of the region with the exceptional service that characterizes all Four Seasons properties. We are confident that working together, we will create an unrivalled luxury experience for guests in Cesme."

The Cesme Peninsula has evolved in recent decades to become one of Turkey's most prominent centres of tourism with a number of hotels, marinas, clubs, restaurants and recreational facilities.

"After careful analysis and research, we decided there was no more desirable partner for such a unique and ambitious project than Four Seasons, a company that delivers on its commitment to service and excellence better than anyone else in the industry," said Dilek Sabanci. "We see many synergies between the customized luxury experiences and service that characterize Four Seasons and the goals of Dilek Gayrimenkul as we work together to realize this exciting new project."

With 130 spacious resort suites and 16 private hilltop villas offering extraordinary sea views, guests of Four Seasons Resort Cesme will enjoy a world-class facility combined with the highly customized service synonymous with Four Seasons. The beachfront property will offer extensive sport and fitness facilities to take advantage of the region's many outdoor activities. Thermal springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties, are abundant in the area and will feature prominently in the property's luxurious destination spa, where guests can relax in a thermal pool and hammam – a traditional Turkish bath.

The arrival lobby will mirror the design of a traditional agora – the central gathering place of ancient Aegean city-states. The agora will host several restaurants, lounges, entertainment and retail areas. The Resort will also offer meeting and event facilities to accommodate business travellers and groups.

"When exploring expansion opportunities we always consider where our guests want to travel," said Kathleen Taylor. "As the sixth most visited country in the world, Turkey clearly tops the list for many luxury travellers. The popularity of our two existing properties in Istanbul underscores both Turkey's appeal, and the tremendous growth potential for Four Seasons in this market."

Four Seasons Resort Cesme marks the luxury hospitality company's third property in Turkey, following the successes of two renowned properties – Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the company's first Turkish property that opened in 1999, and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, which opened in 2008.

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