Laguna Beach Chosen as Exclusive Continental U.S. Location for Photo Shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit '2012 Model Search'

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau in partnership with Montage Laguna Beach, recently hosted models for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit "2012 Model Search" appearing in the celebrated 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue debuting today on newsstands and on SI.com/ModelSearch.  Laguna Beach is the exclusive continental United States location for one of seven destinations world-wide featured in the SI Swimsuit issue.

Sports Illustrated searched out eight beautiful models to participate in the SI Swimsuit Model Search, with the model getting the most votes appearing in the 2012 issue of the iconic magazine.  All eight models were brought to Laguna Beach on a special photo shoot where they were captured in both photographs and video. All this great content will be displayed in a custom website at www.SI.com/modelsearch where America will have the chance to meet the models and vote for their favorite. The winner will be guaranteed a spot in the 2012 SI Swimsuit issue.‬

"We are delighted to have partnered with Montage Laguna Beach and Sports Illustrated on this project which will highlight our beautiful, oceanfront, artist's village on a world-wide stage," said Judy Bijlani, Executive Director for the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.  

"To have Montage Laguna Beach be selected as a coveted location for this celebrated magazine's photo shoot is truly exciting. It has been such a pleasure working with the Sports Illustrated team," said Todd Orlich, General Manager, Montage Laguna Beach.

Well known photographer Walter Iooss Jr., responsible for 11 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue covers, traveled to Laguna Beach for the shoot.

About the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau

Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau is located at 361 Forest Avenue, Suite 200 with its Visitors Center at 381 Forest Ave. The Visitors Center is open daily, Monday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Laguna Beach is Southern California's premier seaside destination located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego in Orange County. Known as home to hundreds of local artists, and set amid 20,000 acres of wilderness, Laguna Beach is primarily served by John Wayne/Orange County Airport.  Please visit www.lagunabeachinfo.com.

About Montage Laguna Beach

Montage, set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific in the heart of the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, offers 30 acres of oceanfront luxury.  The 250-room craftsman-style resort features beachfront accommodations; a 20,000-square-foot spa; destination dining at Studio; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including three pools, beach and water sports; a fine art collection; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Montage, toll-free, at 1-888-715-6700; or visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

Contact: Judith A. Bijlani, Executive Director, Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau, +1-949-376-0511, +1-800-877-1115

SOURCE Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau