THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C. adds caribbean presence with exclusive resort and residential project in CAP CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. will expand its significant collection of exclusive Caribbean resorts and residential projects at Cap Cana in Dominican Republic, with a 220-room resort featuring a range of luxury amenities including a lavish 16,000 square-foot spa, private beach club, five restaurants and lounges, including Cap Cana’s three Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana and 194 privately-owned, beachfront Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana are scheduled to open in early 2010 and are part of a two-phase $1 billion luxury project in this oceanfront Dominican Republic enclave. It will be the 10th Caribbean destination resort for the award-winning luxury hotel company.

The mixed-use project is ideally situated on more than five miles of coastline, directly on the best two-mile stretch of Juanillo Beach, considered one of the Dominican Republic’s most scenic beaches. Island materials and an abundance of natural light will enhance guest rooms, all of which are projected to have spacious balconies and ocean views. The resort will include 8,000 square feet of meeting space (including a 5,800 square-foot ballroom), offering individuals and groups a range of choices for every occasion, from corporate meetings to destination weddings and social events.

Joining with Dr. Ricardo Hazoury and Cap Cana, S.A., The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana and The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Cap Cana will be the most luxurious development on the island. “We are extremely pleased to work with ownership, Cap Cana, S.A., to develop a lifestyle resort and residential community in this unique tourism and real-estate project located on the most eastern part of the Dominican Republic. With some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, an abundance of golf courses and other recreational opportunities, this project will also offer our guests and owners a collection of designer shops, gourmet restaurants, and a significant area devoted to ecological preservation. It should attract affluent and sophisticated travelers from around the world, looking for leisure or group travel destinations that are truly exceptional,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“We are proud to have in Cap Cana a world-class hotel company as The Ritz-Carlton, considered the most recognized luxury brand in the world. We share the same services philosophy of quality and family values,” said Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana’s Board of Directors. “We are going to develop a product with a design that integrates the tropical style of Cap Cana, combined with the beauty of the nature around the project, its spectacular beaches and the magnificent views of the Caribbean Ocean,” he said.