THREE NEW GREEN SPA NETWORK BOARD MEMBERS SELECTED FROM PRODUCT, MARKETING & CONSULTING INDUSTRIES

Join Six Other Board Members to Help Guide 2011 Breakthroughs in “Greening” of the Spa Industry

Monterey, California, February 16, 2011: Three prominent members of the spa industry – representing the products, marketing/branding and consulting industries -- have joined the board of Green Spa Network (www.greenspanetwork.org ). With combined experience of over 60 years in the industry, they bring a range of expertise to this five year old association of spas, wellness resorts, and spa leaders dedicated to embracing and promoting the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of the planet.

New board members installed at the last Green Spa Network (GSN) Board of Directors Meeting held at the Spa at Pebble Beach (a GSN member) in Monterey include:


Darren Hickman
President, Szép Élet, exclusive distributors of ilike organic skin care and Purée Spa Organics. Darren is also part owner and Director of Engeenuity, a company developing all natural anti-bacterial and preservation technologies for the water and food industries. www.szepelet.com


Kim Marshall
Owner, The Marshall Plan, a dynamic PR and branding firm established in 1995 in Los Angeles that was the first in the U.S. to specialize in spas. Today TMP’s clients include brand leaders in the areas of lifestyle, hospitality, eco and wellness industries. www.themarshallplan.com


Rianna Riego
Principal/Founder, Global SpaVantage— poised as a primary resource to the spa industry, providing needed leadership for day spas, resort spas, medical spas, wellness centers and resource partners to help manage and grow their businesses. www.globalspavantage.com


These three new Board members will help bring GSN to the next level of growth and member services which include:
• Providing access to a community of spas and resources that are committed to greening and sustainability and are interested in sharing information.
• Offering a Greening Toolkit as a first step to greening a spa’s operations.
• Helping members educate their clients on why they should choose a GSN spa or choose eco friendly products.
• Preferred pricing from vendors aligned with GSN.
• Creating dynamic regional events & annual conferences
• Representing and sharing green spa news with the media.
• Providing access to advisory forums on green design and development; product ingredients and formulations; and other key resources toward a greening process.
• Sharing industry news via monthly newsletter and educational webinars.

The three newly installed board members join six others:

Roberto Arjona (GSN President)
General Manager & CEO, Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa—founded 1940 by spa visionaries Edmond and Deborah Szekely in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. http://rancholapuerta.com

Jim Chenevey
Co-Owner & CEO, EarthLite & Living Earth Crafts—a leading manufacturer of massage tables, chairs and accessories located in Vista, California. http://www.earthlite.com and http://www.livingearthcrafts.com

Cici Coffee
Founder, Natural Body Spa & Shop with six locations in Atlanta, Georgia. http://www.naturalbody.com

Lara Davidson
Spa Director, The Spa at Pebble Beach and Green Team Director, Pebble Beach Company—the historic resort located in Pebble Beach, California. http://www.pebblebeach.com

Tara Grodjesk
Founder and President, Tara Spa Therapy, Carmel, California.
http://www.taraspa.com

Michael Stusser
(GSN Founding Board Member), Founder, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone, California.
http://www.osmosis.com


About GSN
Green Spa Network is the only spa industry resource devoted to bringing greening and sustainability to the health, wellness and beauty community. GSN helps member spas and the industry at large gain visibility as green businesses by connecting professionals and experts, providing a Green Spa Toolkit of sustainable practices, and bringing authentic spa experiences to clients and communities.

FOURTH ANNUAL GREEN SPA NETWORK CONGRESS

October 9-12, 2010 - Sundance Resort, Utah
Taking Root: Making a Difference for the Planet and Your Bottom Line



San Francisco, CA -- The Green Spa Network is thrilled to announce that its fourth annual Congress will be held, Sunday, October 9 to Wednesday, Oct 12 at Robert Redford’s renowned model of sustainability, The Sundance Resort near Park City, Utah. Registration – with early bird special rates – is now open at www.greenspanetwork.org.

With a theme of “Taking Root: Making a Difference for the Planet and Your Bottom Line”, this year’s conference will feature dynamic presentations by leaders in the spa and sustainability movement, interactive business exchanges, educational workshops, a sponsor showcase and plenty of exhilarating outdoor activities in an unforgettable setting.

The first step GSN’s Board took in planning this fourth annual congress was to survey the association’s members to their desired outcomes from attending this year’s gathering. The program is being built around such feedback as:

• IDENTIFY best practices for running a financially sustainable green spa that is on trend.
• LEARN new information; technology; biz models, etc., to implement and share with others.
• DISCOVER potential new partnerships.
• EXPAND market reach for members.
• BENEFIT from honest business strategy talks emphasizing transparency and authenticity.
• INSPIRE personal and organizational action plans.
• NETWORK with past and new attendees; BUILD community.
• SUPPORT GSN to help goals come to fruition.
• ENHANCE marketing, branding & communication skills.
• REJUVENATE with like-minded people to feed the spirit and our work.

The selection of Sundance as the congress location beautifully complements GSN’s purpose. When this award-winning resort was established over 40 years ago, the goal was to create a place that integrates artistic expression, environmental responsibility and successful commerce.
“As we celebrate our five-year anniversary as an organization, the Sundance Reserve is an ideal location to move to the next level in our evolution,” explains GSN President and General Manger of Rancho La Puerta, Roberto Arjona. “Our ideas and dreams are ready to take root and our committees are hard at work to ensure that this year’s program will help each of our members grow and flourish sustainably. And, we are confident that this gathering will help leverage our expanding family of strategic alliance partners into a global voice that can make a real difference in the vitality and proactive wellness of people and the planet.”

ABOUT THE GREEN SPA NETWORK
GSN is a community of like-minded spas and resource partners made up of nearly 100 influential spa locations – including such properties as Rancho La Puerta, The Spa at Sundance, Auberge du Soleil, the Spa at Pebble Beach, Natural Body Day Spas and Glen Ivy Hot Springs – with an estimated purchasing power of $30+ million per year. The association is a natural partner to the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability www.lohas.com) consumer, who seeks authentic, life-enriching experiences, with an expectation of social and environmental responsibility.

GSN has already produced a Sustainability Assessment Tool to help guide members in evaluating their sustainability commitment, and educating them on next steps. Sponsors include industry leaders like Intelligent Nutrients, Jane Iredale, Living Earth Crafts, Naturopathica, Chado-En Tea Docents, Lotus Moon, and more. The GSN Board of Directors has also crafted win/win strategic alliances with like minded entities including Spa Clique, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques, Spa Buzz, and Organic Spa Magazine.

ABOUT THE SUNDANCE RESORT
From cottages to lofts, the resort’s accommodations harmonize with their mountain setting; the resort’s delicious organic cuisine follows and earth-to-table philosophy; the spa’s signature treatments blend ancient traditions with the healing power of touch and the Native American principles of the Fours Directions; and The Sundance Artisan Center – with classes on pottery throwing, jewelry making, painting and photography – awaken creative talents that are lying dormant within.

Set amidst a grove of spruce and pine, nestled beside a wandering mountain stream with Mt. Timpanogos soaring above it the Redford Conference Center – made from reclaimed barnwood with geothermal heating and cooling -- offers an intimate meeting and event space with a matchless outdoor experience. The resort’s location – 40 minutes from Salt Lake City -- makes it convenient to reach from all over the country. www.sundanceresort.com

W FORT LAUDERDALE HOSTS PRIDE PERFECTED – A W HAPPENING EVENT PRESENTED BY GLAAD AND ABSOLUT VODKA

W Fort Lauderdale kicks off Pride Weekend with a Cool Pool Party
Benefitting LGBT Charity, GLAAD, on Saturday June 18 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm


Fort Lauderdale, Florida (June 1, 2011) – As summer approaches and South Florida heats up, W Fort Lauderdale invites you to cool down at their ‘Pride Perfected’ pool party happening on Saturday, June 18 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the official kick off for the city’s Stonewall Street Festival Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade the next day. This chic pool party – with a DJ spinning laid back electro-lounge beats at the resort’s Wet West Pool on the Fifth Floor of Tower 2 – is sponsored by Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Absolut vodka, with all proceeds from the ticket sales benefitting GLAAD charities. The event will be tied in through social media and video conferencing to other Pride Perfected parties around the country.

With W Fort Lauderdale as the event host and Odyssey Magazine as the media partner, the pool party also celebrates the 25th anniversary of GLAAD and the Absolut’s upcoming 30 year anniversary. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30.00 at the door -- with reservations limited to 150 -- and can be purchased by going to GLAAD.org.

Attendees will have the opportunities to interact with like-minded professionals, allies, LGBT community leaders and supporters in person and in other cities through photo booths and video conferencing with other Pride Perfected Pool Parties in cities like L.A., Las Vegas and New York. Attire is summer chic and bathing suits are certainly apropos. Ticket costs covers unlimited Absolut cocktails, with cash bar and poolside menu service available.

The W Fort Lauderdale – voted “Trendiest Hotel in the U.S.” by members of Trip Advisor -- is making it irresistible to kick off Pride in pure W style with special Spa & Stay Packages including:

• Pride 365 Hotel Room Package unique to W Fort Lauderdale, where one night stay includes:
o 1 support GLAAD fitted tee shirt
o 2 cool cocktails in the hotel’s Living Room lounge
o Pocket Guide of LGBT hot spots & happenings in and around Fort Lauderdale
o Upgrade to next available room type
o Cost of tee - $26.00 -- off your stay goes to benefit GLAAD
o Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2010.

• Pride & Joy Bliss Package -- Get ready to strut your stuff during Pride by prepping from head to toe with 4 spa treatments for $200 including:
o Rapid Rub Massage
o Manly Cure™
o Oxygen Blast Facial
o Basic Brief He Wax

ABOUT GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.

ABOUT W FORT LAUDERDALE
Located between Palm Beach and Miami, just 7 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the hotel was developed by The DYL Development Group and is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. This sleek, escape-from-the-ordinary hotel features 346 stylishly appointed guest rooms, including 35 luxurious suites, a state-of-the-art gym, glamorous infinity pools and private cabanas, a full-service WIRED business center and W Hotels’ signature Whatever/Whenever® Concierge Service. One hundred and seventy one stylish W condo-hotel residences are located in the resorts second tower. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL | 954.414.8200 | www.WFortLauderdaleHotel.com

Related Websites:
www.glaad.org
www.stonewallstreetfestival.com
www.odysseymagazine.net
www.absolut.com

For more information, please contact Kim Marshall at: (310)452-1234; kim@themarshallplan.com

THE ORLANDO ON THIRD TO REVEAL MULT-MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION SUMMER 2011

Boutique West Hollywood Hotel Anchors Popular, Walkable Third Street Neighborhood
All New Rooms, Public Spaces and Restaurant for 26-Year Old Independent Hotel



Los Angeles, CA (May 3, 2011) – The Orlando on Third – a boutique, family-owned hotel that has been welcoming guests to West L.A. for nearly three decades – is undergoing a complete renovation, including the opening of a stylish new restaurant.

The multi-million dollar renovation means all new guest rooms for the property - with higher ceilings and bigger bathrooms; high-tech, two-bedroom suites; refurbished pool area décor, furniture and landscaping; updated fitness center and massage room; all new lighting, signage, elevator interiors as well as completely new roof, air conditioning and plumbing; enhanced space for small meetings and an all-new street-facing restaurant. Renovations are slated for completion July 2011.





Located between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, The Orlando Hotel provides guests with a unique Los Angeles experience – staying in a very walkable neighborhood in a city of cars. The 95-room property is convenient for visiting The Grove and Beverly Connection Shopping Centers, L.A.’s world-famous Famer’s Market, Cedar Sinai Hospital and even the L.A. County Museum of Art. The only hotel on Third Street in West Los Angeles, The Orlando Hotel is a landmark member of a community filled with creativity and authenticity – like Alexis Bittar Jewelry, Le Labo Perfumery, the Magnolia Bakery, Joan’s on Third and more. With staff eager to share insider information on shopping, dining and local events, guests get a real taste of L.A. living.

“We’re very proud to unveil the newest chapter in the Orlando’s nearly 30 year history,” explains Hotel Managing Director, Tohnia Miller. “This renovation is really a gift to our guests and neighbors who have been so loyal over the years and to future guests who are looking for a place that feels nearly as comfortable as home when they need to travel to L.A.”

To underscore what makes the location so special, one of the renovation projects includes shooting a video of interviews with local craftsmen, restaurateurs, shopkeepers and even Farmers Market vendors explaining how their story weaves into the fabric of the Third Street community. The staff is also creating monthly activity calendars of special local events which include suggestions of favorite nearby hikes, music venues, museum exhibitions and even dog parks. Hotel packages celebrate the neighborhood, as well, with current offerings including: “The Farmers Market Delectable History Package” complete with a Farmers Market cookbook and gift certificate as well as an “American Girl Package” for moms, daughters and dolls who love to visit this popular store at the nearby Grove Shopping Center.

Originally opened in 1986 as The Beverly Plaza Hotel, The Orlando has been a constant in a neighborhood that has evolved into the trendy, urban destination that it is today. The fashionable but friendly hotel is known for hosting entertainment and retail business travelers during the week and savvy L.A. visitors on the weekends.

The Orlando on Third is located at 8384 W Third Street, Los Angeles, California 90048. Reservations can be made online or by calling 800.62.HOTEL. Find The Orlando at www.theorlando.com and on Facebook.

For more information, please contact Kim Marshall at: (310)452-1234; kim@themarshallplan.com

TRIP ADVISOR NAMES W FORT LAUDERDALE TRENDIEST HOTEL IN THE U.S.

Based on Data Drawn from Hotel Reviews by its 20 Million Members
Second Year in Category; first as #1; and named #4 Trendiest in the World

Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 7, 2011) – Results for Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards were recently announced and the W Fort Lauderdale, which opened in June 2009, was named The Trendiest Hotel in the U.S. It’s second year in the category, this 23-story oceanfront, urban resort moved from #4 to #1 this year, with one visitor posting on Trip Advisor that the hotel is “super sleek and stylish…Very clean, modern and full of thoughtful details.” Another guest, who obviously took advantage of the city’s popular cruise ship port, wrote on the travel website, “The hotel to stay pre-cruise.”

Trip Advisor’s website explains that these are the only travel honors representing the unbiased opinions of real travelers, awarded by the world’s largest travel community.

Inspired by the city’s boating culture, the W Fort Lauderdale’s towers resemble a sailboat. The hotel’s broad pedestals represent the hull while the two towers form white opposing “sails,” which in boating terms means to “come about” or change direction, representative of Fort Lauderdale’s recent transformation.

“The W Fort Lauderdale epitomizes the transformation the city has undergone from a spring break town to a sophisticated international destination” explains the city’s champion of change, Nicki E. Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Despite opening during the most serious recession in decades, the hotel has become a popular and vibrant gathering spot for visitors and locals alike. It has indeed become the face of the new Lauderdale Beach Chic.”
The W brings “Oceanfront Wow” to the shores of South Florida, positioned directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach with the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic on one side and the yacht-lined, scenic intracoastal water ways on the other. With interiors envisioned by acclaimed Clodagh Design, the 517-room hotel provides a modern, fully integrated lifestyle experience, including Whiskey Blue, a stylish bar and lounge from famed nightlife entrepreneurs Rande and Scott Gerber; Stephen Starr’s STEAK 954, a modern interpretation of the traditional steakhouse; and a Bliss® spa, straight from the streets of Manhattan.

The “Living Room” style lobby leads out to an oceanfront deck with a fire pit. A glass-enclosed stairway allows guests to walk from The Living Room "through" the human aquarium style pool and up to the pool deck, which is lined with custom-designed Clodagh reclining deck chairs, VIP cabanas with televisions and private showers, and the WET® Pool Bar. Rooms utilize crisp whites, seashell hues and ocean blues to create a serene oasis for each guest.
“My designs are Zen when they should be Zen, bling when they should be bling, and disco when they should be disco” explains Clodagh, internationally renowned designer known for her elegant minimalism.

Besides the stunning look and feel of the resort, a real point of difference have been the monthly W Happenings at the hotel that have raised the buzz factor to the sky -- ranging from celebrity book signings, meet & greets and VIP acoustic concerts by noted musicians to a Bliss Guy Ft. Lauderdale Competition to a “Lipstick Lounge” fashion show that raised funds for breast cancer awareness.

ABOUT W FORT LAUDERDALE:
Located between Palm Beach and Miami, just 7 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the hotel was developed by The DYL Development Group and is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. These sleek, escape-from-the-ordinary hotel features 346 stylishly appointed guest rooms, including 35 luxurious suites, a state-of-the-art gym, glamorous infinity pools and private cabanas, a full-service WIRED business center and W Hotels’ signature Whatever/Whenever® Concierge Service. One hundred and seventy one stylish W condo-hotel residences are located in the resorts second tower. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL | 954.414.8200 |
www.WFortLauderdaleHotel.com

ABOUT W HOTELS WORLDWIDE®
W Hotels is an innovative, contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 38 hotels and retreats in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow”. Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. W Hotels offers a holistic lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand’s sensibility through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, stylish retail concepts and signature spas. With more than 10 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to more than double its footprint by 2012. W Hotels and W Retreats have been announced for London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Taipei, Bali, Bangkok, Athens – Astir Palace, and Verbier, among other international destinations. For more information, visit www.whotels.com

For more information, please contact Kim Marshall at: (310)452-1234; kim@themarshallplan.com

ABC’S “BACHELORETTE” ENDS THIS YEAR’S GLOBE-SPANNING SEASON WITH A GRAND FINALE ON BORA BORA, HOME TO “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAGOON IN THE WORLD"

Award-Winning Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort Chosen as Location for "Last Chance Dates," "Meet the Parents" and the Final Rose Ceremony





Bora Bora, French Polynesia (2010) – The award-winning Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa served as the backdrop for the finale of last season’s The Bachelorette, where media darling Ali Fedotowosky shared her choice for a husband with nearly 20 million U.S. viewers when it aired in the first week of August, 2010.

The hit ABC television show’s globe-trotting season came to its exciting conclusion on the most famous island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora, known for having what author James Michener called “the most beautiful lagoon in the world.” This true fantasy island was the location where the final two bachelors met Ali’s parents, experienced their “Last Chance Dates,” and participated in the famous Final Rose Ceremony. The swoon factor was in full swing when Roberto proposed to Ali on a lush tropical hillside beside the resort’s spa and overlooking one of the island’s most legendary coves and the peak of its famous Mount Ote Manu without knowing that at that point she had already sent the last finalist home and he was the only bachelor in the running.

The Bora Bora Nui – whose suite-sized thatched roof villas were voted the “#1 Honeymoon Suite in the World” by Modern Bride Magazine – and its island home enjoyed 80 minutes of exposure on national network television, representing $4 million worth of advertising value not to mention the publicity the finale story garnered, which Tahiti Tourisme officials estimated at $85 million in ad equivalency for print coverage alone. Interestingly, a week before the finale aired, the 120-room resort was booked to capacity and since that time it has enjoyed more sold at nights since the show aired than any time in its seven-year history.

The iconic, thatched-roof overwater bungalow has become a symbol of the Tahitian vacation experience. Quite appropriately, the always anticipated introduction to the Bachelorette’s parents took place in the first, two-story overwater bungalow in the island nation – in one of the Nui’s two, new amazing, Overwater Presidential Villas – the only such accommodations in French Polynesia.

To make it easy for South Pacific dreamers to experience the same kinds of Bora Bora adventures that Ali and her bachelors did, the resort has launched a special “BORA BORA FOR LOVERS PACKAGE” which includes:
• 5 Nights in an Overwater Villa
• Motu Tapu Escape with Gourmet Island Picnic
• Daily International Breakfast Buffet
• Airport Boat Transfers
Cost: $4,995.00 USD; Booking Code: BACHELORETTE
* For questions or to book this limited-edition Bachelorette package, please e-mail the Bora Bora Nui at: reservations@hilton.pf.

ABOUT THE NUI
Guests arrive at the resort’s floating lobby via private yacht from the quaint Bora Bora airport. Each room has a lagoon view and all are suite-sized; some perched on a lush tropical hillside, others along a white sand beach and still others “floating” above the crystal blue lagoon, complete with windows in the floor and a lanai with steps going directly to the water.

The 122-room resort weaves native materials like curly kahia wood, tapas cloth and mother of pearl throughout elegant spaces, beautifully intertwining island décor with the latest in modern conveniences. The resort also features a hilltop, indoor-outdoor “spa-with-a-jaw-dropping-view;” a 1,000-meter infinity pool that seemingly melts into the lagoon; the Iriatai restaurant that pairs fine fusion cuisine with stunning horizon views; the Tamure Grill that offers casual, feet-in-the-sand dining; and a half-mile white sand beach with complimentary water toys.

Exclusive features of the two, new Overwater Presidential Villas include an open air floor plan with modern island decor; deep, sleek bathtubs against full glass walls looking on the blue, blue lagoon; a plunge pool on the lower deck; a spiral staircase and a wellness/massage/sauna room upstairs along with a gazebo, hot tub and bar on the upstairs deck.

Guests can also enjoy special excursions to the Nui’s very own, private, “deserted” island called Motu Tapu, which is the most photographed islet in the South Pacific.
For more information visit: www.hilton.com/frenchpolynesia

ABOUT THE BACHELORETTE
In the hit primetime romance reality series The Bachelorette, one lucky woman gets the opportunity to find the man of her dreams — and hopefully her groom-to-be — in this two-hour reality series. This single, very eligible bachelorette — a confident, successful and sensitive woman who is ready to find love — will embark on a romantic journey as she meets 25 handsome and intelligent men. As the Bachelorette gets to know each one, she'll continue to narrow the field. They will travel to exotic locations and spend time getting to know each other; she will introduce them to her family and friends and meet some of theirs. At the end of her romantic voyage, if she has found Mr. Right, will there be a proposal — and from whom? Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelorette is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

ABOUT HILTON HOTELS
Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.

For more information, please contact Kim Marshall at: (310)452-1234; kim@themarshallplan.com