Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara to Celebrate ‘Relaunch’ and 80th Anniversary

Resort To Partner With Santa Barbara International Film Festival To Commemorate Momentous Occasion And Host Modern Master Celebration

SANTA BARBARA, CA (January 24, 2007) – Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will celebrate its official ‘relaunch’ following the completion of a $240 million restoration during their 80th Anniversary celebration on January 27. Owner Ty Warner’s uncompromising vision of restoring the hotel to the glamour and grandeur of the golden era, has returned this ‘jewel of the American Riviera’ to its original splendor with modern conveniences and luxuries.

The Resort has partnered with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) as the Official Festival Resort, hosting an extravagant anniversary celebration including a festival press junket, a private reception with General Manager Karen Earp and the exclusive SBIFF Modern Master After-Party with honored guest Will Smith.

“The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a time-honored tradition here and we couldn’t think of a better partner to share in the celebration of our own history in the Santa Barbara area,” says Earp. “I am honored to be a part of such a longstanding institution and can’t wait to officially re-introduce Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara during this grand and momentous occasion.”

“This was a tremendous personal commitment for me. I feel I achieved the uniqueness and special feeling this property deserves” said Ty Warner, visionary owner and developer of the 20 acre compound. Mr. Warner personally supervised every detail of the four year restoration.

Modern Master Celebration To Take Place at Property

Throughout the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, numerous awards are given to film industry legends for their extraordinary achievements. The highest honor presented is The Modern Master Award, created to recognize an individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry. As this year’s recipient, Will Smith will be presented with the award in a ceremony held earlier in the evening on the 27th at the Arlington Theater.

Following the awards ceremony, the Resort will host the exclusive Official Modern Master After-Party where Smith will join Hollywood elite – studio executives, agents and celebrity guests – to celebrate the occasion in style and class.

Film Festival Travel and Spa Packages

As the Official Festival Resort to this year’s 22nd Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is inviting movie lovers to indulge in the ultimate Film Festival experience by taking advantage of one of their exclusive packages. Film fans can take in the Festival’s star-studded line-up of tribute events, galas, panel discussions and over 250 film screenings while relaxing at the Resort’s luxurious new accommodations.

Travel packages range from the “Magic Hour” at $880 to “The Premiere” at $18,635 which includes helicopter transfers to and from Los Angeles. In addition, the property will be offering specialty spa packages that include the Resort’s renowned treatments and services. Guests can choose from “In Pursuit of Pampering” or “That’s A Wrap” for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Signature Cocktails

In honor of the “Relaunch” and Festival partnership, the Resort has also created two signature cocktails – “The Biltmore Bellini” and “The Modern Master”– both just as tantalizing to the eyes as they are easy going down.

“The property is going through such a momentous and historic period; we thought it only right to make this a celebration we’ll never forget,” says Earp. “Commemorating this milestone anniversary is significant for both our staff and our guests. It means that not only are we known as one of the best travel destinations in the world today, but that we’ve been doing it for over 80 years. Such a report only comes from years of dedicated staff who have provided impeccable service and tremendous attention to detail, and a history of guests who continue to inspire us to reach higher standards.”

About Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Situated in the heart of the American Riviera, the 207 rooms and 26 cottage suites are surrounded by 20 acres of lush landscaping that includes thousands of tropical plants. Gas lanterns and torcheres line the numerous brick walkways and gardens.

Guest accommodations are oversized and luxuriously appointed, featuring European antiques and custom furnishings, fireplaces and large flat screen televisions. Cottages include private terraces, heated bathroom floors, large soaking tubs and rain showers.

Public areas have been transformed with personally chosen antiques from around the world by owner Ty Warner. Persian carpets and hand woven fabrics from Italy, France, and Spain enhance the building’s classic Spanish Colonial architectural style.

Bella Vista Restaurant has been completely remodeled. The striking facility boasts Yellow Ramon Marble flooring with tumbled stone inlay, two fireplaces, Moroccan area rugs and the enormous retractable glass roof provide the backdrop for memorable al fresco dining. The heated outdoor stone tile patio includes a romantic fire-pit unfolds into the surrounding gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.

Ty Lounge In both the lobby area and the adjacent Ty Lounge area, original tile patterns were reproduced with great care to illustrate the variance and talent of the hotel’s first artists and craftsmen. The ocean’s reflection outside of the lounge’s main window provides dancing illumination of the hand-painted stenciling work that was added to the ceilings and beams.

Spa and Fitness Center, designed by world renowned architect Peter Marino includes six deluxe treatment rooms plus four suites with fireplaces, whirlpool tub, twin massage tables, steam showers and ocean view terraces. Amenities include custom designed tile fountains, and Venetian plaster walls. The Mediterranean pool and twin oversized whirlpools are lined with hand-made iridescent blue tiles and features a soothing underwater sound system.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centers and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 73 hotels in 31 countries, and more than 25 properties under development, Four Seasons will continue to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit www.fourseasons.com.

About Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts

Ty Warner owns hotel and resort destinations around the world, including Four Seasons New York, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, Las Ventanas, Mexico.

About Ty Inc.

Mr. Warner is also known for creating Beanie Babies and currently owns Ty Inc., the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world. He is ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world and is known for his generosity having donated over one hundred million dollars to charities globally.

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