Five Wyndham International properties have been distinguished as among the very best resorts and hotels in the world in Travel + Leisure`s first annual T+L 500 list published in the magazine`s January issue.

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door(R) Spa - A Wyndham Luxury Resort in Carefree, Ariz., The Lodge at Ventana Canyon - A Wyndham Luxury Resort in Tucson, Ariz., and Carmel Valley Ranch - A Wyndham LuxuryResort in Carmel, Calif., are joined by Wyndham Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colo., and The Fairmount - A Wyndham Historic Hotel in San Antonio, in being recognized for superior service, accommodations, amenities and value.
The T+L 500 is composed of the 500 hotels worldwide that received the highest overall ratings from Travel + Leisure readers in the 2002 World`s Best Awards survey. Overall scores are an indexed average of evaluations concerning five characteristics: rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food, and value.

Situated in the foothills of the Sonora Desert, The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa blends superb service and natural beauty into an extraordinary desert hideaway. Private casitas decorated with natural woods and Mexican tiles overlook two spectacular golf courses and views of the 12 million-year-old granite boulder formations located throughout the landscape. The resort also features its own festival marketplace, with galleries, cafes and a Native-American art museum.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon also takes its distinction from its tranquil desert setting. The resort offers 50 private suites each with a full-service kitchen and featuring mission-styled furniture, southwestern art and old-fashioned footed bathtubs that work to compliment the rugged beauty of the desert terrain. Guests enjoy panoramic views from their doorstep, or a host of outdoor activities including two Tom Fazio championship golf courses.

Surrounded by the lush forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the 1,700-acre Carmel Valley Ranch offers the perfect combination of world-class amenities and breath-taking scenery. The resort`s 144 suites are tucked into hillsides and feature wood-burning fireplaces and wrap-around decks, many with private Jacuzzis. Nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, the spectacular Pacific shoreline and Big Sur offer the best in Northern California scenery, while whale-watching and winery tours can also be arranged.

Located amid the majestic summits of Colorado`s Rocky Mountains, the Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa offers spectacular mountain views from every angle. During the winter months, unlimited access to trails and slopes, and a ski valet to warm and tune boots entice ski enthusiasts, while warmer months allow guests to enjoy golf at North America`s highest 18-hole championship golf course, mountain-biking, fly-fishing and much more. The resort is just a scenic gondola ride away from downtown Telluride`s shops and nightlife.

Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, the boutique-style Fairmount offers grand-scale luxury in a comfortably intimate setting. Handsomely restored to turn-of-the-century elegance, the hotel includes 20 guestrooms and 17 suites that blend charming historical touches with modern-day convenience. Four-poster canopy beds can be found in the verandah suites, while Internet services are available in all the guestrooms. Guests enjoy four-star cuisine at Polo`s restaurant, or exploring cultural and historical sites—the famed Riverwalk and legendary Alamo are just steps away.

Each Wyndham property extends a multitude of recreational options such as golf, tennis, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical tours and a full menu of treatments at the Golden Door Spas at The Boulders Resort and Wyndham Peaks.

Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR) offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Based in Dallas, Wyndham International owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com. For reservations, call 800-WYNDHAM.

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