Acquisitions & Hotel Openings

Omni Rebrands the Watermark in San Antonio to Mokara Hotel & Spa

First of its New Boutique Collection

SAN ANTONIO, TX - September 21, 2010 - Today, the Watermark Hotel & Spa will officially become Mokara Hotel & Spa, the first of a new collection of luxury boutique properties from Omni Hotels & Resorts. The award-winning hotel, situated in downtown San Antonio on the picturesque River Walk, will be re-branded as the crown jewel of the new line. Mokara, a rare orchid with healing properties, will continue to deliver the award-winning, highly-personalized service and outstanding spa treatments which guests have come to expect at the Watermark. Yet a new brand promise of “exceptional included” brings elevated service standards, hotel amenities, spa and dining experiences to guests.

The Mokara Hotel & Spa experience begins before check-in as guests will receive a personal phone call prior to arrival to note preferences, make spa appointments and dinner reservations or assist with other arrangements. After a gracious welcome, guests will enjoy complimentary signature beverages, coffee delivery and Wi-Fi access for the duration of their stay. Soon, guests will also be treated to a special arrival amenity as well as the choice of bath salts and the option of a bath butler. Nightly turndown will enable guests to unwind with sleep masks and lavender spray for linens along with a daily wellness tip.

New developments will also be implemented in the food and beverage program at Mokara. John Brand, the executive chef at the hotel’s new Ostra restaurant - coming this fall - is planting a rooftop herb garden which will source the culinary venue. Ostra, the Spanish word for “oyster,” will introduce new tasting menus featuring weekly specials created from the freshest ingredients from Brand’s favorite local sources such as Bluebonnet Farms, Oak Hill Farms, Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard, Texas Quail Farm and more. Ostra will be the updated concept for the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, currently called Pesca on the River, which has long been known by locals and guests alike for its exceptional fresh seafood.

Having earned national recognition as being among the leading spas in the country, the Watermark Spa’s transition to the Mokara Spa will be seamless. Guests and local spa-goers will find the same attention to detail and utter relaxation and rejuvenation at Mokara, with a new list of signature spa treatments from which to choose. All therapists are required to have an advanced education in wellness with a minimum of 800 hours of training, well above the industry standard. The 17,000-square-foot facility offers men’s and women’s steam, sauna and whirlpools as well as dry and wet treatment rooms with Vichy showers. Separate men’s and women’s relaxation areas and a couples’ relaxation suite, are also available to spa guests. A new concierge at the rooftop pool will provide cocktails, food and other beverages upon request, in addition to sunscreen, reading materials and iced towels.

“We are very pleased to launch Mokara, and there is no better place to start than San Antonio -- home to one of our most acclaimed properties,” said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Mokara will be built on the foundation created by our extraordinary associates. Our discerning business and leisure travelers are seeking this level of attention, and Mokara will deliver it.”

The Mokara collection will serve as an oasis which redefines luxury. Whether located in the desert, along the sea or in an urban setting, guests will be able to refresh, revive and rejuvenate. From lush creature comforts and one-on-one service to premium spa treatments, yoga classes, wellness programs and exceptional cuisine, guests will be able to “unplug” from their hectic schedules for some much deserved rest and relaxation.

Mokara Hotels & Spas will become a member of the Global Hotel Alliance later this year and begin offering the benefits of GHA Discovery, the organization’s guest loyalty program. For additional information or to make a reservation, guests may call 866-605-1212 or visit mokarahotelsandspas.com.

About Mokara Hotels & Spas
The Mokara Hotel & Spa, formerly known as the Watermark Hotel & Spa, is the companion property to the illustrious Omni La Mansión del Rio, both of which have been owned and operated by Omni Hotels & Resorts since 2006. With its stunning views of the tranquil River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Mokara blends a serene setting with relaxed sophistication to bring a guest experience where the exceptional is always included. In addition to the acclaimed 17,000-square-foot Mokara Spa, the property features 99 elegantly appointed guest rooms and Ostra, an unrivaled seafood epicurean experience. A second Mokara Hotel & Spa is planned for Banderas Bay, Mexico. For more information, call 866-605-1212 or visit mokarahotelsandspas.com.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on “A Total Departure” to 45 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as J.D. Power and Associates, which ranked Omni as “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” in its 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM).

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

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