Orlando, Fla. -- October 17, 2012 -- The 146-guestroom Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, a Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels property of Benchmark Hospitality International , will usher in a new era when it begins a four-month, $14 million renovation next Monday, October 22nd.  The comprehensive renovation will feature completely new interiors, upgraded furniture, fixtures, finishes and enhanced in-room technology in all of its guest accommodations. In addition to the renovation of the Villas, the resort will also be adding a new state-of-the-art fitness center.  This revitalization of the renowned Villas of Grand Cypress will set new standards for positive guest experiences.  The Villas will thoughtfully proceed with renovations one block of villas at a time, with no interruption to reservations, resort operations or guest satisfaction.

"Upon completion of this renovation, the Villas of Grand Cypress will once again be at the top of the list as one of Florida’s leading luxury resorts,” states Steve Mills of the resort’s ownership group. “With the thorough redesign of the spacious guest accommodations, the Villas of Grand Cypress will firmly establish a foundation for future expansion of the resort. We are not just changing out the soft goods and refreshing the paint. We are innovating through design and elevating the guest experience.”

Conceived by interior designer, Lori Rapport, the new 650-square-foot club suites and one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with full kitchens, living and dining rooms will feature a transformative aesthetic that references a tranquil balance of contemporary and classic styles. Thoughtful details and custom-made furnishings work in intuitive harmony – from streamlined entertainment centers to the rich, American Leather sectional sofa sleepers and club chairs; all with broad-loomed and custom designed Axminster carpets underfoot. All items have been carefully chosen to provide supreme luxury.

The five piece baths will feature rich Zebrano wood and natural Shabui stacked stone, crisp white porcelain, polished chrome and glistening glass tile. The bathing experience begins with a glass surround shower with a European shower tower complete with body jets, hand held shower, and rain shower head. The bathrooms will feature a sculptural, deep-walled bathing vessel and custom quartz counters with double sinks, polished chrome faucets and an illuminated mirror integrated with a 19” television.

The villa kitchens will also receive a complete makeover with slate-tiled entrances, top-of-the-line GE stainless steel appliances; walnut wood cabinets, quartz counter tops with stainless steel sinks and polished chrome fixtures. Both club suites and villas will offer a Keurig single shot beverage maker with a selection of teas, coffees and chocolates.

“The design is inspired by the Villas heritage, personal service and continued commitment to deliver unforgettable moments of relaxation, invigoration, and pure enjoyment,” states Mark Cox, general manager. “It’s going to be more grand than you ever imagined.”

The project is set to commence on October 22, 2012 and will be completed by mid-February 2013 with The Wieland-Davco Corporation tapped as the resort’s construction partner.

About Villas of Grand Cypress
Recently awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Villas of Grand Cypress is just miles from the Orlando International airport, but seems worlds away from the ordinary.  In addition to its 45-holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf, the resort offers the Grand Cypress Racquet Club; in-room spa services; Lake Windsong and marina; easy access to Orlando's famed attractions; on-site transportation services; two pools, and more.

Villas of Grand Cypress has been a continued recipient of the Gold Key Award from subscribers of Meetings and Conventions Magazine; receiving the award seventeen times, most recently in 2012. In addition, Grand Cypress Academy of Golf rated as one of the “Top 25 Golf Schools in America” and  has received GOLF Magazine’s Premier Resorts: Silver Medal Award by GOLF Magazine (2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012).

For more information, please visit www.grandcypress.com or call 407-239-4700. For reservations, please call (877) 330-7377.

About Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM
Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM represents a hand-picked group of 13 luxurious properties, in spectacular U.S. destinations coast to coast and off shore.  Each hotel and resort delivers personal luxury in a spirit true to its own distinctive locale, yet in unison with the collection’s shared mission. A division of Benchmark Hospitality International, for 30 years a leading US-based hospitality management company, and led by a proven and seasoned team of award-winning luxury hospitality professionals, Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM is the preferred choice of guests who yearn for transformation over accommodation, customization over conformity, and inspiration over predictability.  With Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM, luxury is always personal.

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.