Wailea, the debut property in Starwood Capital Group’s highly anticipated Baccarat Hotels and Resorts and Residences collection received an extraordinary response with $300 million in sales at an exclusive gala launch party last week in Wailea, Hawaii.The world class, five-star beachfront resort will exemplify the Baccarat brand’s 240-year tradition of perfection and luxury with equally flawless service, combining exclusive personal services and signature Baccarat aesthetics. The 15-acre coastal property will consist of 193 one-to-four bedroom residences, ranging from 980 to 3,330 square feet, with breathtaking ocean views from each unit.

The Baccarat Wailea, like all Baccarat hotels, will be a unique reflection of the surrounding environment harmonized with the flawless execution and sublime beauty that the brand has come to represent over the past two centuries. Guests and residents will experience the Baccarat lifestyle through the distinct blend of culture, service and aesthetics that will radiate through each property. Future anticipated locations will include breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Far East.

Baccarat is about the quality of light and there can be no more beautiful place to showcase the brand’s identity than in the sunlight of Hawaii. For over 240 years, Baccarat has incorporated the elements of fire, sand and water to create iconic crystal, lighting and, more recently, jewelry pieces. These elements will be woven throughout the Wailea experience from an elegant series of shimmering pools with dramatic ocean views to a beautiful beach as well as fire elements throughout the property. The Baccarat Wailea’s meticulous attention to detail will feature personalized concierge services taken to a new extreme and tailored to indulge each individual resident and guest.

Wailea’s magnificent natural surroundings are mirrored in the property’s exquisite exteriors, created by the architectural firm of HKS Hill Glazier Studio. Some of HKS Hill Glazier Studio’s past projects include the Four Seasons Hualalai, One & Only Ocean Club, and the Montage Resort. The preeminent hospitality design firm was featured in 10 of the properties listed in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2007 Gold List. Interiors by world-renowned designer, Yabu Pushelberg, are a stunning blend of Hawaiian elegance and Baccarat sparkle. Some of Yabu Pushelberg’s past projects include the award- winning St. Regis San Francisco, the W Times Square, the Four Seasons Hong Kong, and the Four Seasons Tokyo. Select residences feature private plunge pools, shower grottos, vaulted living rooms and signature Baccarat items. Property offerings will include a signature B Bar, sensational dining, and a world class fitness, spa and rejuvenation center.

“We needed a property like this in Wailea. Starwood Capital and The Kobayashi Group are elevating the quality of products available on the market and heightened redevelopment standards are helping to keep Maui on the map and in a competitive position,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares, who was a speaker at last week’s celebration.

“We knew that Wailea was the perfect backdrop for this property, but the sales results exceeded our expectations. The overwhelming response showed us there is demand in Hawaii for ultra-luxury properties,” said Gary Raymond, Managing Director of Starwood Development.

“The property’s location and amenities are unmatched in the Wailea market,” said Robert H. Merriman, of The Wailea Group, exclusive sales agent for the property. “Despite a record-breaking 60 percent sold in our first sales offering, a number of premiere residences have not yet been released and remain available.”

Wailea Baccarat is expected to open in 2010. For sales information, please visit www.baccaratwailea.com
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