Destination Hotels & Resorts Hires Richard Behr as General Manager of Miramonte Resort & Spa

Indian Wells, Calif – Sept. 22, 2006 – Mark Hickey, senior vice president of operations for Destination Hotels & Resorts, recently announced the appointment of Richard Behr as general manager of Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. In his new position, Behr will lead the resort’s team and oversee more than $9 million in renovations this year. Renovations have included a complete upgrade of guest rooms, THE WELL Spa, new restaurant design and the addition of a new ballroom and event lawn slated for January 2007. With more than 18 years in the hospitality industry Behr is well positioned to ensure success in his new role.

Prior to his arrival at Miramonte Resort & Spa, Behr served as the general manager of the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, a Merv Griffin Hotel and positioned the property to compete in the upscale Scottsdale market. Behr also provided leadership for Arizona’s Royal Palms Resort & Spa, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property. Behr began his career in the hospitality industry at the Phoenician Resort in Phoenix, where he served in various roles including concierge manager, guest services manager and director of restaurants.

Behr’s appointment as general manager at Miramonte Resort & Spa marks his return to Destination Hotels & Resorts. As General Manager Behr will be overseeing more than 225 staff members, 215 rooms and a world-class spa at Miramonte. Behr will also help complete the property’s $9 million renovation, which will include a new 6,000 square-foot ballroom and 3,000 square-foot event lawn, as well as the new restaurant design.

“Miramonte Resort & Spa is boutique in nature, catering to high-end seasoned travelers or groups seeking a tranquil, intimate experience with high levels of service and extraordinary culinary offerings,” says Behr. “While the California desert is continually creating expanded facilities and adding more large corporate hotels, Behr’s goal remains steadfast: maintain the tranquil, old world charm of the luxurious Miramonte Resort & Spa.”

Miramonte Resort & Spa brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to the California desert community of Indian Wells, just minutes from Palm Springs. The intimate village, featuring THE WELL Spa, Coachella Valley’s only Mobil-rated destination spa, and Mediterranean-inspired Ristorante Brissago, offer guests an unforgettable experience in an extraordinary environment. Whether a stay at Miramonte Resort & Spa is for serious business or pure pleasure, it is sure to be a memorable one. For more information, or to make reservations, please visit www.miramonteresort.com or www.thewellatmiramonte.com.

Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held lodging management company headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo. With more than 30 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The company’s portfolio features more than 7,000 guest rooms, 14 golf courses and nine full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Jackson Hole, Maui and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.

###

A photo of Richard Behr is available upon request. Additional high resolution, downloadable images of Miramonte Resort & Spa and other Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are available by visiting www.leonardo.com/destination.

Back to Listing