| May 30, 2001 - Supplementing its growing European
portfolio, the Company will add hotels in Florence, Italy and Hampshire,
England. As well, a Four Seasons-branded golf and residential project in
Sedona at Seven Canyons in Arizona, including a Four Seasons Residence
Club, will expand the Company's fractional home ownership division.
Isadore Sharp, chairman and chief executive officer, Four Seasons Hotels
and Resorts, said, "The properties announced today are a reflection of
our long-term strategic plans to add more leisure destinations to our portfolio,
and will further position Four Seasons in some of the world's most desirable
locations."
Building on the success of other Four Seasons projects in Europe, such
as newly-opened Four Seasons Hotels in Prague and Dublin, the Hotels will
introduce the highly acclaimed Four Seasons brand, and its trademark personalised
service and superb facilities, while preserving key pieces of the past.
The two new hotels in Florence and Hampshire share a common distinction
- they will be converted from existing historical structures, and every
care will be taken to bring these buildings into the 21st century, complete
with every modern convenience.
The Sedona, Arizona project is the Company's first master-planned residential
complex. Consisting of approximately 100 private residences and Residence
Club units, a Tom Weiskopf golf course and a full-service spa, the property
will add an exciting new destination to the Company's growing roster of
fractional home ownership products.
Commenting on the complex, Kathleen Taylor, president worldwide business
operations, said, "Four Seasons is well-positioned to fuel the increasing
demand for high-quality luxury second home ownership options. The Sedona
Private Estates and Residence Club project will be a valuable addition
to the portfolio, and will give both current and future residence owners
even more options for vacation experiences."
About the Projects:
| Four Seasons Hotel Florence
Long regarded as one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich
cities, Florence will be home to Four Seasons' second hotel in Italy. Now
known as Palazzo della Gherardesca, the Hotel will be located on the outskirts
of the historic centre of the city, and only a 15-minute walk from the
landmark Duomo.
The project is being developed by Fingen - a company owned by the Frantini
family, a prominent Tuscan real estate developer and fashion apparel manufacturer
- who plans to convert the existing Palazzo into the city's pre-eminent
luxury hotel. Approximately 120 guestrooms will be complemented by a specialty
restaurant and lounge, meeting space and a health club and spa facility.
The Gherardesca Gardens, encompassing 3.5 hectares of private gardens,
surround the building and will create the city's most desirable new outdoor
function space. |
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
With 230 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and a historic canal in
Dogmersfield Park, Hampshire, the Company's third property in England will
be situated in an idyllic country setting. A one-hour drive from central
London, the Hotel is easily accessible to both Londoners and those outside
the city.
An experienced UK-based real estate developer is responsible for the
Hotel, and has already been very active in the Hampshire area. The property's
regal roots date by to 1042, and both the main building and an existing
Georgian structure have been owned over time by a number of English Kings.
The new Hotel will consist of approximately 120 guestrooms, and be complemented
by restaurants, meeting and banquet facilities, and a world-class health
club and spa. The property is also within a 10-minute drive of six golf
clubs, making it the perfect spot for a getaway into the countryside. |
Four Seasons Private Estates and Club Sedona
at Seven Canyons
Ranking with the Grand Canyon as one of Arizona's most popular destinations,
Sedona is known worldwide for its red rock beauty and temperate climate.
A rich destination offering a variety of cultural experiences for residents
and visitors alike, the setting for the first stand-alone Four Seasons
Private Estates and Club is nothing short of spectacular.
The Pinnacle Group and Cavan Investments are developing the project,
and are both based in Scottsdale, AZ. The complex will be built in two
phases, and will be comprised of approximately 100 residences; an 18-hole
Tom Weiskopf golf course; an extensive clubhouse with restaurant and pool;
and a substantial spa and fitness facility. Featuring the signature Four
Seasons personal touch, the fully serviced residences will offer vacation
homeowners a truly service-rich lifestyle. |
With a history spanning four decades and a portfolio that now extends
to six continents, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the world's leading
operator of luxury hotels, currently managing 50 properties in 22 countries.
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