INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES SPIRIT RIDGE VINEYARD RESORT & SPA IN OSOYOOS, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Miami, FL, July 18, 2005 — Interval International and Bellstar Hotels and Resorts, Ltd. announced the affiliation of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, a comprehensive resort in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. The resort incorporates a vineyard, winery, golf course, desert and aboriginal center, and full-service spa. The resort is being sold as quarter share ownership with the first phase already sold out.
Currently under construction, phase one of Spirit Ridge will include 30 villas and is slated for occupancy in July and August 2005. Each spacious unit interior ranges from 590 to 977 square feet and features nine-foot ceilings, rustic log and wood beam trim, fireplaces with encased Adobe-style built-in cabinetry designed for a 27" color television, DVD and stereo, designer accessories with antique copper lighting fixtures, and more.
The resort offers its owners and guests exclusive access to the Sonora Golf Course - a nine-hole executive course, a vineyard and winery with award-winning cellars, the Sante spa, concierge services, and world-class food and beverage service. Ground will be broken later this year on phase two of the project, which will consist of 64 suites that will be ready for occupancy early 2006.
"We are proud to be working with the well-known and respected Bellstar Hotels & Resorts team as they enter the vacation ownership industry," said Craig M. Nash, chairman and chief executive officer of Interval International. "Their unique approach to resort development and the destination's year-round appeal makes Spirit Ridge a tremendous addition to our quality network."
Bellstar President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Romanowski stated, "Interval International provides excellent value to the purchasers of our Villas and Suites, and enhances the marketability of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa. The vacation possibilities for our owners are endless."
Bellstar is also working with Interval International on other luxury resort properties, including Bellasera Tuscan Villas & Piazza, a golf course resort residence in the Okanagan.
Spirit Ridge is located in an area known as South Okanagan, approximately two hours south of Kelowna and 15 minutes north of the United States border. This location makes it easily accessible by air or car from Spokane, Washington. The climate is temperate - in fact, this area is Canada's "hottest" region with temperatures similar to Las Vegas. A varied landscape makes it possible for visitors to enjoy an array of recreational activities such as golf, year-round lake activities, horseback riding, and downhill skiing for six months of the year. The area or "Desert Wine Country" has also gained renown for its 50 award-winning wineries.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, all new purchasers become members of Interval Gold® - the industry's first and foremost value-added, membership upgrade program. This entitles them to enjoy an extensive array of discounts and services, including access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day - seven days a week, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts provided by best-in-class hospitality and travel industry vendors. Interval Gold members have the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval's worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf and spa vacations. In addition, members also receive quarterly travel magazines and newsletters, printed and electronic international resort directories, and a host of other privileges.
About Interval International
Since 1976, Interval International has led the vacation ownership industry with its hallmarks of quality and innovation. Interval has a global network of over 2,000 resorts in 75 countries, and serves its developer clients and more than 1.7 million members - worldwide timeshare vacation owners - through 27 offices in 18 countries. Interval provides a variety of exchange services and year-round travel related benefits to enhance member vacation experiences. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Interval International is part of IAC, which operates leading and diversified businesses in sectors being transformed by the Internet, online and offline. Other IAC companies include Ticketmaster, HSN, Lending Tree, Citysearch, and Entertainment Publications.
About Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa is developed and managed by Bellstar Hotels & Resorts of Calgary, Alberta. Bellstar's mission is to deliver exceptional resort experiences through its properties in Alberta and British Columbia. Other Bellstar properties include Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools in Canmore Alberta, Bellasera Tuscan Villas & Piazza, a resort residence club in Kelowna BC, Fire Mountain Lodge in Canmore AB (opening 2006), and Blackstone Mountain Lodge in Canmore AB (opens 2007). The Bellstar principals have also been involved in resort and hotel projects in Waterton Lakes National Park, Kananaskis Country west of Calgary, Vernon, Edmonton and Calgary. www.bellstar.ca
