From the mountains to the desert to the California countryside, the travel experiences at some of the most distinctive Wyndham International hotels, resorts and spas are among the finest in the world, according to the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
“Each resort offers a unique travel experience and outstanding guest services,” said Fred J. Kleisner, president and chief operating officer of Wyndham International. “We are honored that seven of our outstanding properties have been praised by the knowledgeable readers of Conde Nast Traveler.”

Three properties within Wyndham International`s luxury collection were honored by the magazine`s 1999 Readers` Choice Awards—The Boulders, Carmel Valley Ranch, and The Lodge at Ventana Canyon. Wyndham Grand Bay Hotel Coconut Grove, Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa and Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club were also named in the annual reader`s survey, which is one of the most prestigious in the industry. Wyndham International`s Golden Door Spa in Escondido, Calif., garnered high marks in a separate category reserved for destination spas.

The Boulders achieved the position of 10th among the Top 25 North American Resorts, appearing on the Readers` Choice Award list for the second time. Situated on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Ariz., its 160 guest casitas feature hand-hewn wood-beamed ceilings and wood-burning fireplaces. The distinct architecture of the resort blends with the surrounding 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations. Its two 18-hole, Jay Morrish-designed golf courses have won some of the industry`s highest accolades including Golf Magazine`s “Gold Medal” and Golf Digest`s “Top 25 U.S. Resorts.”

Not only was Carmel Valley Ranch listed 12th among the Top 25 North American Resorts, but it also was cited as one of the Top 20 Best Values in the world. Having also appeared on the magazine`s Gold List for 1998, Carmel Valley Ranch celebrates its second Readers` Choice Award. Located in the hillsides of Carmel, Calif., the Ranch`s 144 spacious suites feature cozy living rooms and bedrooms. World-class golf and tennis facilities as well as adventure activities add to the resort`s appeal.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon ranked 12th among the Top 25 North American Small Hotels. Although the resort has won Conde Nast Traveler awards in the past, this marks its first Readers` Choice Award. An intimate 50-suite hideaway nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Ariz., it offers floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the high Arizona desert. Previously designated by Conde Nast Traveler as the Southwest`s best golf resort, its two Tom Fazio-designed courses provide a challenging game and breathtaking natural beauty.

Wyndham Grand Bay Hotel Coconut Grove placed as 26th within the Top 30 North American Hotels category. Recognized as Miami`s most luxurious hotel, the pyramid-shaped building houses 178 elegantly appointed guest accommodations, all with terraces and comfortable sitting areas. Among the dining options found there is the Miami branch of the famed Bice restaurant. The hotel can accommodate groups of up to 400 with a variety of flexible meeting and banquet spaces.

Wyndham Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colo., placed second among the Top Five Spa Resorts worldwide. This is the seventh year that the resort has been among the magazine`s top 10 spa resorts. Other Conde Nast Traveler awards include multiple mentions on its Gold List and Top Ski Resort list. The property, surrounded by the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountain Range, boasts one of the most comprehensive spas in the country, and a host of innovative treatments and programs.

Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club was voted 10th in the survey`s Top 20 Caribbean/Atlantic Resorts category. Perched on a stunning, 300-foot bluff overlooking the water and surrounding rainforest, the 751-room resort is located in the charming fishing village of Las Croabas, on Puerto Rico`s northeast coast. In addition to its spectacular setting, Wyndham El Conquistador offers a wide range of recreation including three fresh-water swimming pools complete with pool concierge service, cliff-top Jacuzzis, a fitness center, horseback riding, watersports, a casino, hiking, charter yachting, deep sea fishing, and Camp Coqui for younger resort guests. In 1998, the first resort location of the Golden Door Spa opened at Las Casitas Village, an exclusive enclave of 90 private guest casitas that is part of the El Conquistador Resort.

The Golden Door Spa in Escondido, Calif. came in fifth among the Top 10 spas. The spa, which is world-renowned as the first-ever fitness spa, noted for luxurious surroundings and dedicated to lavish individual service, has a history of high grades in various publications. “The Door,” as it`s known to aficionados, has been rated the No. 1 Spa in America by Zagat U.S. Hotel Resort and Spa Guide every year since their survey began in 1988. According to Palm Springs Life magazine, the Golden Door “...is the international standard from which all spas are measured.” Town and Country magazine praised it as “...everything everyone has always said it is—and much, much more.”

Wyndham International, Inc. is one of the world`s largest hospitality and lodging companies. Through its proprietary brands and management services division, the company offers primarily upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Headquartered in Dallas, Wyndham International owns, leases, manages and franchises more than 300 hotels totaling more than 70,000 rooms. For more information, visit www.wyndhamintl.com.

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