Salamander Hotels & Resorts Launches Grand Golf Resorts of Florida Collection

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Three of Florida's grandest golf resorts have united under the management of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Sheila C. Johnson, Salamander's owner and CEO, today announced the formation of the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, which features Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Reunion Resort in Orlando, and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast.

As a result of a partnership with Lubert-Adler, L.P., a real estate equity firm which owns the resorts, Salamander has assumed the management of Reunion Wyndham Grand Resort and Hammock Beach Resort. Salamander has owned and operated Innisbrook Resort since 2007.

"Florida is the world's greatest year-round and most-accessible golf and vacation destination, and we are creating an experience unlike any other," said Johnson, who made the announcement accompanied by ten-time Major Championship winner Annika Sorenstam. "This resort concept has never before been accomplished, and because of the unique characteristics of each property, it cannot be replicated. There are numerous synergies between the resorts, and their geographic locations make them natural partners."

The Salamander Collection has a new website called www.GrandGolfResorts.com, and offers 162 holes of golf designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Larry Packard. Each of these playing and architectural legends has fashioned a total of nine Signature Designs from the Gulf to the Atlantic – including PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour event venues, as well as some of Florida's highest-rated courses. Grand Golf Resorts of Florida also features the world's only resort-based ANNIKA Academy, an innovative teaching facility designed and developed by Annika Sorenstam.

Salamander also unveiled the Legends of Golf Trail, which traverses 200 miles between the resorts and across the Sunshine State. There is only a 90-minute drive between each multi-course location, at which Grand Golf Resorts of Florida guests and members enjoy the best rate and value.

"We are delighted to have Sheila C. Johnson and her Salamander team as our partner," said Dean Adler, CEO and co-founder of Lubert-Adler, L.P.  "At Reunion and Hammock Beach, we have created some of the finest golf and family facilities in the country, and look forward to seeing our properties and their valued membership programs flourish under this partnership."

Salamander was founded by Johnson, who also has ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA's Washington Wizards, the WNBA's Washington Mystics and the NHL's Washington Capitals. In addition to the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, the company's portfolio includes a collection in the Dominican Republic called Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, which features three resorts: the oceanfront Sanctuary Cap Cana, the marina-inspired Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, and the boutique-style Ocean Club Cap Cana opening in 2012. The company also manages the Forbes Five Star- and AAA Five Diamond-rated Woodlands Inn near Charleston, SC; and is developing Salamander Resort & Spa, a 340-acre equestrian-themed, ultra-luxurious resort located near Washington, D.C.

In addition to its stellar group of courses, Grand Golf Resorts of Florida features 1,250 spacious suite accommodations that include beautifully appointed living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, large balconies, and multiple bedroom and bathroom floor plans. There is also 200,000 square feet of meeting and function space, 25 swimming pools featuring slides and lazy rivers, 17 tennis courts, 16 restaurants, three spas and numerous nightlife options. Salamander will also be offering a new Grand Membership program that includes unparalleled club benefits involving all three properties, details of which will be announced soon for the 2012 season.

"By creating this collection of unique grand resorts, we are enhancing our guest and member experience through multi-property value packages, the promise of the exceptional service standards for which Salamander has become known, and a unique Grand Rewards Loyalty Program," said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts." We will also develop a long-range plan for the continuous improvement of amenities and facilities at all three resorts. Ultimately, our goal is for the collection to become known as the finest golf- and family-friendly destination in America."

Located in Orlando, Reunion Resort is a three-time LPGA Tour venue and the only location in the United States with golf courses designed by golf greats Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, and also features the exclusive ANNIKA Academy by Annika Sorenstam. Innisbrook Resort is situated on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills just 25 minutes from Tampa International Airport.  Recently and completely renovated, the resort features four courses of championship golf designed by living legend Larry Packard, and hosts the PGA TOUR Transitions Championship at its famed Copperhead Course. Located along 2.4 miles of spectacular Atlantic beach on Florida's Palm Coast, Hammock Beach Resort features two spectacular golf courses: the Ocean Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is one of Florida's highest rated, plays six holes directly along the Atlantic Ocean and has twice hosted Champions Tour events; The Conservatory Course was designed by Tom Watson and is one of Florida's longest and toughest layouts.

For additional information about Salamander Hotels & Resorts, call (540) 687-3710 or visit www.salamanderhotels.com.

SOURCE Salamander Hotels & Resorts