La Costa Resort & Spa

CARLSBAD, Calif. (June 07, 2011) – La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. is pleased to announce the completion of its meeting and convention space, part of an overall $50 million facelift for the resort. One of the largest and most picturesque coastal meeting destinations in Southern California, La Costa features approximately 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space on a 400-acre campus.

“The makeover of La Costa’s meeting and convention space will surely transform the guest and group experience to a completely new level,” said Paul McCormick, vice president and general manager of La Costa. “We have been anxiously awaiting the unveiling of our new meeting space and expect to surpass group expectations.”

In addition to the already unveiled 474 renovated rooms which were completed in April 2011, the
meeting space renovations include the following:

Renovated “Coastal Events Center”
A head-to-toe makeover reinvigorated La Costa’s Conference Center, which has been aptly named the “Coastal Events Center.” Capitalizing on the panoramic views that characterize the space, a new palette of blues, greens and oranges provides a luxurious, yet contemporary California feel.

New technology, including built-in large screen TVs in boardrooms, contribute to productivity and efficiency. The expansive Coastal Events Center and the Costa del Sol Ballroom provide 50,000 square feet of indoor space, while La Costa’s lush garden setting provides the ideal backdrop to La Costa's 50,000 square feet of functional outdoor space.

Introducing: Meeting Planner Suites
La Costa is excited to launch a brand new series of Meeting Planners’ Suites. Six spacious guest suites have been transformed into connecting live/work space conveniently located near the Coastal Events Center. In addition to newly redesigned living quarters, an attached room can be used for office space, meeting preparations, small group sessions and additional space for operations. The space includes meeting planner tools and supplies as well as an electronic whiteboard that connects to personal computers to store information and notes, a polycom phone, flat screen presentation monitor and Keurig coffee maker.

Group Spa Opportunities
With the spa serving as a central element of the La Costa experience, it is only natural that groups meeting on property treat themselves to a little R&R while visiting the resort. With these social functions in mind, the Spa at La Costa has introduced new function space and experiential packages such as “Rejuvenate & Repower” especially designed for groups and events. One dedicated spa function room and multiple private courtyard areas with fireplaces serve as the ideal venues to plan a group breakout session.

Spearheading the design for all property renovations is Forrest Perkins, a U.S.-based interior architecture and design firm specializing in luxury and landmark hotels, resorts, spas and multi-residential properties. Principals Deborah Lloyd Forrest and Stephen Perkins, along with Senior Associate Mendy Huddleston, have created a monumental design for “The Next La Costa.”

About La Costa Resort and Spa
Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 611 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two championship golf courses and two acclaimed restaurants – Legends Bistro and BlueFire Grill. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.

About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:
• Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, Calif.)
• Beach Village at The Del (San Diego, Calif.)
• La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
• Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
• Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
• Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
• The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
• Montelucia Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, Az.)
For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit www.kslresorts.com.

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Media Contact: Laura Millett/Heidi Baldwin
Murphy O’Brien, Inc.
310-586-7142/310-586-7129
lmillett@murphyobrien.com/hbaldwin@murphyobrien.com

California's Iconic Coastal Getaway Set To Thrive With Complete Renovations In 2011

CARLSBAD, Calif. (October 18, 2010) - Having opened to critical acclaim in 1965, La Costa is elevating the guest and meeting experience to the next level with a series of integral renovations in 2011. Long considered the lifeblood of the property, meetings and conventions, along with group business and events, are among the first priorities addressed by the renovations. The first phase of renovations is slated for completion in February 2011.

"The makeover of La Costa's meeting and convention space will not only breathe fresh air into the property, but will truly capture a level of transformation that optimizes the guest and group experience," said Paul McCormick, vice president and general manager of La Costa. "We are thrilled for groups and meeting planners to see what we have in store and cannot wait to unveil the new meeting space early next year."

KSL, who originally purchased the property in 2001 and invested $150 million in improvements at that time, is committed to the stewarding of iconic American resorts and assuring that memorable and relevant experiences abound over the course of its reign. This highly anticipated next phase of renovations will include redesigned guestrooms and suites, a complete conference center makeover, new outdoor function venues, the introduction of meeting planner suites, and much more to be unveiled at a later date.

Spearheading the design is Forrest Perkins, a U.S.-based interior architecture and design firm specializing in luxury and landmark hotels, resorts, spas and multi-residential properties. Principals Deborah Lloyd Forrest and Stephen Perkins, along with Senior Associate Mendy Huddleston, have created a monumental design for "The Next Era of La Costa."

Renovated Conference Center
A head-to-toe makeover is in store for La Costa's Conference Center, injecting fresh energy into the meeting experience. Capitalizing on the panoramic views that characterize the Conference Center, a new palette of blues, greens and oranges provides a luxurious, yet contemporary California feel.

The expansive Conference Center and Costa del Sol Ballroom provide 50,000 square feet of indoor space, while the coastal Southern California climate provides the ideal backdrop to La Costa's 50,000 square feet of functional outdoor space. Receiving a complete makeover to be completed by February 2011, the visuals will inspire some "So-Cal Cool" creativity.

New technology throughout the Conference Center contributes to the productivity and efficiency of meetings including interactive maps and reader boards that display group agendas.

Meeting Planner Suites
La Costa is excited to launch a brand new series of Meeting Planners' Suites by March 2011. Six spacious guest suites will be transformed into connecting live/work space conveniently located near the Conference Center. In addition to newly redesigned living quarters, an attached room can be used for office space, meeting preparations, small group sessions and additional space for operations. This perk will serve as additional incentive when booking group meetings and events on property.

Group Spa Opportunities
With the spa serving as a central element of the La Costa experience, it is only natural that groups meeting on property treat themselves to a little R&R while visiting the resort. With these social functions in mind, The Spa at La Costa has introduced new function space and experiential packages such as "Rejuvenate & Repower" especially designed for groups and events. One dedicated spa function room and multiple private courtyard areas with fireplaces serve as the ideal venues to plan a group breakout session.

Redesigned Guestrooms & Suites
La Costa's guestrooms and suites are being completely re-designed to enhance the beauty and comfort of the guest experience. Featuring a color palette of blues, greens and terra cotta, inspired by La Costa's outdoor scenery, rooms are light, bright and elegant. Rich fabrics, striking artwork and dramatic headboards are just a few of the elements that capture attention. Deborah Forrest leads the design project, and has this to say about the new guestrooms and suites, "These rooms beautifully frame the views to the outdoors, an element that has always been special at La Costa. Our goal is to provide a luxurious and cozy setting for the hotel's guests with this completely updated look."

Outdoor Function Spaces
Panoramic vistas serve as the backdrop for two elegant new outdoor venues, expected to be complete in the summer of 2011. This new function space joins other ideal al fresco locations at La Costa including the Terrace Lawn, The Vista Terrace, Poolside spaces, The Plaza, and more. The two new venues include: The Valley Promenade, which will extend off the Clubhouse and is ideal for functions up to 400 people, including receptions, dinner events, concerts under the stars and more; and Legends Lawn, which will offer panoramic views and an intimate al fresco setting for groups up to 180.

About La Costa Resort and Spa
Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 611 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two championship golf courses and two acclaimed restaurants - Legends Bistro and BlueFire Grill. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.

About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:
* Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, Calif.)
* Beach Village at The Del (San Diego, Calif.)
* La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
* Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
* Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
* Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
* The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit www.kslresorts.com.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (September 27, 2010) - La Costa Resort and Spa, located in Carlsbad, Calif., is proud to be named No.4 spa in the Continental United States and Canada in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Spas" readers' poll. The award-winning spa received an overall score of 94. The readers' survey rankings are included in the October issue of the magazine and online at www.travelandleisure.com.
"We are thrilled that Travel + Leisure readers recognize the Spa at La Costa among the best spas in the world," said General Manager Paul McCormick. "We strive to create a unique and inspiring experience at the Spa and are honored to be rated among some of the most celebrated spas in the U.S. and Canada."
The Travel + Leisure "World's Best" awards are among the most revered awards within the travel industry and are based on thorough reader evaluations of guest rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value.
The Spa at La Costa is an elegant sanctuary encompassing 43,000-square-feet divided into two spaces: a 28,000-square-foot interior and 15,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard, the spa creates an environment in which guests feel connected to nature whether they are indoors or out.
The spa features 42 treatment rooms, including 20 massage, eight facial, two multi-purpose, two Thai, six body treatment, one Vichy shower, one hydro-tub and two VIP spa suites for couples. The VIP spa suites include side-by-side massage tables, shower, bathroom, fireplace and a private, outdoor garden patio with a whirlpool tub. In addition, the Spa at La Costa houses the full-service Yamaguchi Salon, a spa boutique, spa café and movement and fitness training studios.
In addition, guests have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of interactive water experiences in the outdoor spa courtyard, including a lounge pool, sunbathing areas and an invigorating Roman Waterfall shoulder pounding massage to relieve tense muscles. The spa also features private men's and women's wet areas complete with steam, sauna, whirlpool, cold plunge, showers and luxurious lounges. A co-ed spa lounge overlooking the spa courtyard features an adobe-style fireplace and relaxation games, such as yoga decks and chess reflexology balls.

About La Costa Resort and Spa
Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 611 spacious guestrooms, suites and Villas, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two acclaimed restaurants - Legends and BlueFire Grill and two championship golf courses. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.

About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:
* Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, Calif.)
* Beach Village at The Del (San Diego, Calif.)
* La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
* Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
* Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
* Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
* The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit www.kslresorts.com.


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Media Contact: Leah Goldstein/Heidi Baldwin
Murphy O'Brien, Inc.
310-586-7124/310-586-7129
lgoldstein@murphyobrien.com/hbaldwin@murphyobrien.com

CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 29, 2010) - Affirming its commitment to bringing a new level of environmental consciousness to San Diego County, La Costa Resort and Spa has earned a certification from Green Seal, which provides science-based environmental certification standards across vast industries. La Costa is the 17th certified hotel in California and the only certified hotel in San Diego.

"La Costa offers guests a taste of the Southern California coastal lifestyle, making it our responsibility to protect our natural resources and be good stewards of our environment," said Paul McCormick, general manager of La Costa. "We are thrilled that our vibrant sustainability program has met the criteria for this certification and it is our goal to continue on this path of environmental consciousness."

Sustainable highlights include:

In an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle, La Costa has one of the first kitchens in San Diego to install the eCorect Food Waste Decomposition System, which dehydrates food waste to produce soil that is suitable for landscape use on the golf course and in hotel plant and flowerbeds. These compost machines handle 182,000 pounds of food scraps per year.
As a leader in reusable resources, La Costa is one of the longest standing users of reclaimed water in San Diego. To decrease the impact on the environment and use less water, La Costa uses 2.2 gpm faucets and aerators, 1.6 gpf toilets and 2.5 gpm showerheads. Additionally, the plants and trees on property are tolerant of local weather conditions and adhere to local limitations on watering.
The resort features "smart" thermostats in most guestrooms, which saves energy in unoccupied rooms. Additionally, La Costa uses energy-efficient lighting and web-based computerized controls on pool and spa heaters to minimize gas use. Furthermore, all golf course equipment operates entirely on biodegradable oil.
La Costa offers a recycling program for guests and staff, recycling all materials that are accepted locally.
The resort uses environmentally preferable cleaning products.
La Costa caters to groups meeting on property by providing local and/or organic foods at functions and events, upon request, reducing the group's carbon footprint.

Through these initiatives, La Costa has reduced a significant amount of electricity, gas and water usage on property. In 2010, La Costa's electric impact (kilowatts) was down 2.1 percent from 2009 and 11.7 percent from 2008; gas was down 7.0 percent from 2009 and 13.4 percent from 2008; and water (resort gallons) was down 8.3 percent from 2009 and 34.6 percent from 2008. Through aggressive use of computerized energy management systems, green lighting and staff training, La Costa saved enough electricity in 2008 to power 200 homes.

About La Costa Resort and Spa
La Costa brings a taste of the coastal California lifestyle to each and every visitor. Touched by fresh ocean breezes and set within a lovely 400-acre village, La Costa is a place where people can escape the everyday to experience a life of play, leisure and business productivity. Reclining with a loved one in the spa courtyard, playing with children at Splash Landing, discovering tennis or yoga for the very first time, or reconnecting with family over S'more making - La Costa provides an idyllic setting for creating special memories. Escape to La Costa for a business meeting or retreat and take advantage of 100,000 square feet of function space as well as a variety of informal networking settings. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 854-5000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit [url]www.lacosta.com[/url].
About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts portfolio of properties includes:
Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, Calif.)
Beach Village at The Del (San Diego, Calif.)
La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
For more information, call (866) KSL-7727 or visit [url]www.kslresorts.com[/url].

CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 5, 2010) - Paul McCormick has been appointed vice president and general manager of La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., an inspiring meeting destination and tranquil retreat for families, golf enthusiasts and spa goers alike. McCormick brings more than 23 years of extensive resort, club and golf experience to the property and has been a valued leader of KSL Resorts for more than 12 years.

Most recently, McCormick was vice president and managing director of Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, a position he held for three years.

Prior to joining Barton Creek, McCormick served as vice president and general manager of La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West, where he oversaw 1,000 combined hotel rooms and condos, nine golf courses, two extensive club operations, real estate and brokerage offices, a full-service spa and numerous food, beverage and retail outlets. Preceding his role at La Quinta, McCormick was special projects director at La Costa Resort and Spa and vice president and general manager of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, a golf resort in Northern Michigan. He has also worked in management positions at Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville, NC; Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; Grand Hyatt Waliea Resort & Spa in Maui; Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Resort & Spa on the Big Island, Hawaii; and Hyatt Regency Waikiki on Oahu.

McCormick is originally from North Tonawanda, N.Y., a suburb of Niagara Falls. He received a bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Casino Management from the University of Las Vegas. After graduation, McCormick moved to Hawaii with Hyatt Resorts before joining KSL Resorts in 1998.

New villas and meeting venues make resort a viable option for groups up to 600

CARLSBAD, Calif. " December 2, 2008 " When it comes to meetings, La Costa Resort and Spa is ready to take on the big ones. With the recent completion of 136 Villas and Villas Suites, coupled with new outdoor meeting space and the largest ballroom in North San Diego, La Costa is now a major contender for companies seeking large-scale meetings at a world-class Southern California spa and golf resort.

La Costa joins a list of very few golf and spa resorts in California that can accommodate groups up to 600, says George Allen, director of group sales. While we were always strong with smaller regional groups, we are now able to attract national conferences on a much larger scale.

The completion of the Villa and Villa Suites at La Costa brings the resorts total guest room count to 610 from the previous 474. The spacious villas feature kitchens with Viking appliances and cozy living areas perfect as an office away from the office or a place to entertain. Saltillo pavers, fireplaces and patios complement the Villas charming Spanish colonial architecture and dcor. The villas offer groups an intimate option for board meetings or small gatherings as well as an excellent choice for incentive groups, VIPs or senior management attendees.

Expansive indoor and outdoor meeting venues balance the increased room count and provide numerous options for group activities. In 2008, the resort introduced the Vista Terrace, a stunning outdoor venue overlooking the golf course, and the Garden Pools, a tranquil setting for afternoon or early evening cocktail receptions. With an average daily temperature of 70 degrees, there are few greater places to host outdoor events.

Especially attractive to larger groups, is the 18,000 square-foot Costa Del Sol Ballroom, which is the largest in North San Diego County and is divisible into smaller meeting rooms of varying sizes. Rounding out the meeting space is the La Costa Conference Center with 15 rooms of varying sizes on two levels, the 8,140 square-foot Poinsettia Ballroom and the Executive Learning Center, a high-tech meeting arena perfect for speaking engagements and sales training.

With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, La Costa boasts the largest ratio of meetings to guest rooms in California, says Allen. Whats more, since the resort is situated on 400 acres, the property continues to have the spacious, open feel of a coastal retreat even when larger groups are in-house.

Another advantage of having a large amount of space is that La Costa is able to offer groups an unparalleled variety of programs, amenities and resources right on its campus.
Some examples include:
- Group yoga led by staff from the Chopra Center at La Costa, experts in the field of mind/body healing
- Fitness breaks with certified trainers from La Costas state-of-the-art Athletic Club
- Feng Shui beauty tips and makeovers by stylists from world renowned Yamaguchi Salon
- Golf flexibility and swing workshops with Roger Fredericks of the La Costa Golf Academy, a renowned instructor who has worked with many tour pros
- Innovative spa programs that indulge, inspire and invigorate at Americas first full-service resort spa
- Tennis clinics and competitions on courts that have hosted the worlds top players including Maria Sharapova and Venus and Serena Williams
- Cooking classes with La Costas stellar culinary team

The availability of such a wealth of resources on-property is a benefit for many groups, says Allen. Not only is it convenient, but many times results in a substantial cost savings.

About La Costa Resort and Spa
La Costa brings a taste of the coastal California lifestyle to each and every visitor. Touched by fresh ocean breezes and set within a lovely 400-acre village, La Costa provides an idyllic setting for creating special memories. Amenities include the 43,000 square foot Spa at La Costa, 610 spacious guest rooms, a Clubhouse with fitness center, two restaurants and various cafes, and two championship golf courses. Only at La Costa will guests find such a large coastal playground, such variety of recreation, such relaxed comfort and such fun. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.