Melia at Baha Mar Announced for $3.5 Billion Bahamian Baha Mar Development

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. November 21, 2013

November 21, 2013 - The Chairmen of Baha Mar Ltd. and Melia Hotels International signed an agreement for Melia to operate the all-inclusive Melia at Baha Mar, in the luxury leisure development Baha Mar.

The $3.5 billion (U.S.) investment, comprised of 1,000 acres with more than 3,000 feet of pristine ocean front, is just twelve minutes from Nassau International Airport. Melia's extensive experience and international footprint have been key qualifiers for the expanding Spanish global group to be selected as part of this ambitious and revolutionary project.

Baha Mar, one of the most important destination transformation projects currently taking place in the world, will now include five hotels, private residences, gaming, golf, shopping, entertainment, and natural attractions that embody an authentic Bahamian experience. In addition to Melia at Baha Mar, the stunning portfolio of Baha Mar properties will feature other prestigious international brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, and Grand Hyatt, all anchored by its impressive centerpiece, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.

Pictured: Mr. Alvaro Tejeda, Senior Vice President of Operations, Americas, Melia Hotels International; Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and CEO, Baha Mar; Mr. Gabriel Escarrer Julia, Chairman, Melia Hotels International; Mr. Tom Dunlap, President, Baha Mar.

The Bahamas newest luxury lifestyle destination will offer more than 2,900 hotel rooms and residences, overlooking a white sandy beach and pristine turquoise waters. World-class amenities include the 100,000 square foot casino, an 18-hole, 72-par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and ESPA spa and more than a dozen stunning pools. A dedicated on-site convention center will be the cornerstone for the approximately 200,000 square feet devoted to meeting and conventions facilities making Baha Mar a new mecca of leisure and business tourism.

On December 1, 2013, Melia will take over the operation of the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. The Melia Nassau Beach Resort, featuring 694 rooms and multiple spaces for meetings and conventions, will be executing a renewal plan that will be completed by December 2014, without any interruption to the guest experience. The thorough refurbishment plan is focused on upgrading and adapting the hotel to Melia's demanding brand standards. Upon completion of renovations and simultaneously with the opening of Baha Mar, it will be renamed Melia at Baha Mar. Highlights of the refurbishment will be new restaurant concepts, updated pools and an enhanced lobby area, all designed with the guests' utmost comfort and customer experience in mind, a Melia signature.

"Melia brings a wonderful, upscale name with global recognition and exceptional values to our brand portfolio at Baha Mar," said Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The company's expertise in the European, Latin American and Russian markets will further support Baha Mar in attracting a worldwide clientele. In addition, Baha Mar will be proud to offer Melia's all-inclusive resort experience, which is a leader in one of the fastest-growing segments in vacation travel."

Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman of Melia Hotels International, noted that "the addition of the new Melia Nassau Beach and the prospect of the future Melia at Baha Mar being part, within a year, of one of the most ambitious hotel and leisure projects in recent decades, is a new source of pride for our brand, already present in 40 countries. Opening our first hotel in the English-speaking Caribbean, complementing our presence in the best vacation destinations around the world, is also a major achievement for Melia Hotels International."

Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, said, "Our Ministry is pleased to welcome Melia Hotels International to The Bahamas, where it will help to attract international visitors who prefer the convenience of an all-inclusive resort. Melia Hotels International's global reputation for quality and guest service will be a tremendous asset as The Bahamas seeks to increase international air lift."

To celebrate this new partnership between the Bahamian and Spanish cultures, officially starting December 1, 2013, Melia Hotels International will be offering an opening promotion, 'You say Flamingo, I say Flamenco,' extending a complimentary night stay at Melia Sevilla with the purchase of three nights at Melia Nassau Beach resort. In turn, customers that book three nights at Melia Sevilla will enjoy a complimentary night stay at Melia Nassau Beach. This opening promotion honors the blending of two vibrant cultures and the word for Flamingo in two languages. Flamenco, the traditional dance heralding from Sevilla, Spain, is also the Spanish word for Flamingo. Flamenco, the national dance of Spain, where Melia Hotels International's headquarters are located, and the Flamingo, the beautiful national bird of The Bahamas, can both be enjoyed by guests through the Melia Nassau Beach opening promotion.