Occidental Royal Hideaway Playacar

Luxurious Royal Hideaway Spa Honored as One of the Top 54 Spas in North America, the Caribbean and at Sea

Miami, March 26, 2008 " Royal Hideaway Playacar was honored not once, but twice this year by Cond Nast Traveler. Occidental Hotels & Resorts flagship property, Royal Hideaway Playacar, an all-inclusive resort on Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, has been recognized again by Cond Nast Traveler on the magazines esteemed 2008 Gold List, which was published in the January 2008 issue. This marks the third consecutive year that the adults-only resort, referred to in the magazine as a Spanish colonial dream, has earned this noteworthy distinction. In the April 2008 issue, the Royal Hideaway Spa was honored as one of the Top 54 Spas in North America, the Caribbean and at Sea.

Cond Nast Traveler readers are some of the worlds best traveled and most discerning clients. They are also our guests and we are honored that they have recognized our spa and resort in areas ranging from design to cuisine, service to activities, said General Manager Jean Agarrista. These distinctions are a tremendous honor for Royal Hideaway Playacar and the dedicated staff members who strive to surpass expectations and, as proven by these accolades, deliver on a daily basis.

Over 28,000 Cond Nast Traveler readers weighed in on the 14th annual Gold List survey that celebrates the worlds finest properties. According to the magazine, which prides itself on Truth in Travel, readers submitted detailed comments on what precisely distinguishes the sublime sojourn from the satisfactory stay.

In excess of 1,000 spas were rated by more than 4,000 Cond Nast Traveler readers during the past three years to create the Top 54 Spas list. Each spa was critiqued and graded on a scale of one to 100 on location and setting, treatments offered, staff and service, rooms, diet and cuisine, programs and facilities and other activities. The Royal Hideaway Spa received high scores in all areas and a perfect 100 on location and setting.

In addition to Cond Nast Traveler, American Automobile Association (AAA) recently gave the coveted Five-Diamond Award to Royal Hideaway Playacar for the second year in a row. Travel + Leisure has also recognized the Royal Hideaway Playacar, ranking its spa the third best of all hotel spas in Mexico, Central and South America in its October 2007 issue.

With its wealth of accolades, the Royal Hideaway Playacar has become emblematic of the Occidental brand and everything we hope to achieve through the continued expansion of our all-inclusive luxury category, said Gabriel Felip, CEO of Occidental Hotels & Resorts.

Upon arrival to this adults-only resort, guests are welcomed and pampered with unparalleled personal attention and exceptional service. Ideally situated overlooking the Caribbean Sea on 13 lush acres of Mexicos Riviera Maya, just 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, the resort is the definitive standard for all-inclusive luxury. Dedicated to the most discerning traveler, Royal Hideaway Playacar welcomes guests to experience the finest in luxury accommodations including a private villa concierge, a full service spa, six gourmet -la-carte restaurants, numerous lounges, limitless land and water sports, and tours deep into the Yucatan Peninsula.

For reservation information, call 1-800-999-9182 or visit www.royalhideaway.com.

Occidental Hotels & Resorts
One of the worlds leading hotel companies and one of the largest all-inclusive resort chains in the Americas, Occidental Hotels & Resorts has more than 20 properties in key destinations under the Allegro, Occidental Grand and Royal Hideaway brands, each perfectly suited to address the leisure travel needs of its market segment, from Allegros fun-filled packages, to the luxurious Occidental Grands and Royal Hideaway. An even more exclusive component of all Occidental Grands, the Royal Club offers boutique-style services within the resort such as a private concierge, separate check-in and check-out services. For more information, please call 800-858-2258 or visit www.occidentalhotels.com.

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Katie Elliott, Kelliott@quinnandco.com