Balboa Bay Club & Resort Set to Unveil New $65 Million Luxury Hotel in Newport Beach, California; Resort Writes a New Chapter in Orange County History.

Feature Editors/Travel Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

Perched on a prime piece of Pacific Ocean on 15 acres, the 132-room Balboa Bay Club & Resort will open its doors in May 2003 in Newport Beach, California. The new resort hotel is being built in conjunction with the existing 55-year-old Balboa Bay Club, which still remains as a private membership club and sits together on the same bay-front property as the new resort in Newport Beach. Boasting a star-studded history, the landmark Balboa Bay Club sets the tone and paves the way for the opening of Newport Beach's only full-service waterfront hotel.

Reminiscent of an Italian villa, the new resort will combine the comfort of a relaxed, casual California lifestyle set against a glistening backdrop of pristine yachts, breathtaking views of Lido Isle by day and spectacular sunsets at night.

The secluded destination resort weaves impeccably manicured landscaping throughout the terrain connecting stylish guestrooms and suites to a light and airy lobby fashioned with cool stone flooring and handsome rattan furniture arranged in intimate seating alcoves. The lobby connects to the waterfront First Cabin restaurant and Duke's Place, a bar offering nightly entertainment and named after the legendary actor and former Balboa Bay Club Governor and member John Wayne.

A myriad of recreational activities await guests from nearby golf and tennis courts at the nearby Balboa Bay Racquet Club, to private boat rentals/charters, an outdoor heated swimming pool with hydro spa and state-of-the-art fitness center and spa facilities.

The resort's 7,000-square-foot grand ballroom makes a grand statement for business or pleasure. The resort also showcases a 1,250-square-foot pre-function area, ten meeting rooms and a stunning executive boardroom. Each conference room is well equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual capabilities.

GETTING THERE

Secluded in the heart of Newport Beach on the California coast in Orange County, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is one of Southern California's premier year-round destination resorts located 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 85 miles north of San Diego. Visitors can arrive via Highway 5 or 405 from the south and north, John Wayne Airport (7 miles), San Diego International Airport (87 miles) or Los Angeles International Airport (42 miles).

A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, The Balboa Bay Club is owned and operated by International Bay Clubs, Inc., a privately owned concern founded in 1971 with significant holdings in hospitality, recreation and real estate industries.

To obtain accommodation information or for reservations, contact The Balboa Bay Club & Resort at 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, California 92663 or call 949/645-5000, 888/445-7153 or via e-mail at [e-mail].