The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Joins unique sales and marketing program, and benefits from its new exclusive Virtuoso Travel Agent Advisory Board

Virtuoso® announces the second St. Regis property to join its prestigiousVirtuosoPreview Program, further cementing the network’s strong relationship with Starwood Hotel’s Luxury Collection and St. Regis-branded properties. Recognizing the appeal of Florida’s tony Gold Coast for its renowned membership and their upscale clientele, Virtuoso, the world’s leading luxury travel network, has selected the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort as a participant in its exclusive sales, marketing and networking program for up-and-coming hotels. Slated to debut on January 19, 2012, the Yabu Pushelberg-designed property will bring a modern vision to the ultra-luxury brand and reveal Bal Harbour as an international destination that is high in demand.

In addition to welcoming The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort into the program, Virtuoso has created an advisory board made up of 13 industry-respected travel advisors. These valued and knowledgeable advisors have been assigned to specifically work with the hotel to provide a true commitment to ensure that the hotel will launch successfully.

“We’re very happy to welcome our second St. Regis property into the Preview program,” said Albert Herrera, vice president of hotels, destinations and tours at Virtuoso. “The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico was the first St. Regis property to be welcomed into the program, proving to be very successful, with 91 percent of the property's pre-opening sales accredited to Virtuoso advisors. The Preview program allows us to position The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort to our members prior to its opening, setting the foundation for similar results. With the added insight of this esteemed travel agent advisory board, we feel confident the second time around will be every bit as successful.” 

Virtuoso Preview was created to provide properties in their pre-opening stages access to the marketing and networking assistance that contributes to a successful launch. Participation in Virtuoso Preview will allow the The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort to position itself among the world’s best hotels through customized marketing plans, advisor training, public relations assistance, guaranteed attendance at industry-recognized conferences and access to Virtuoso’s sought-after travel advisor members. Launched in February 2010, Virtuoso’s Preview collection includes luxury properties around the world such as the Mandarin Oriental Paris, Coworth Park and 45 Park Lane, Armani Milan, Castello di Casole and The Siam Bangkok.

“It is very exciting for The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort to be joining the Virtuoso Preview program,” said Marco Selva, General Manager of TheSt. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. “The St. Regis and Virtuoso brands align perfectly, as both are trusted for their levels of quality, commitment to client satisfaction and high-end service. Launching into the market as a Virtuoso Preview property will prove to be a key part of our strategy during the opening stages, as we know that Virtuoso’s advisors will play an active role in pre-opening sales and awareness. We will launch into a competitive market with the Virtuoso trusted seal of approval already bestowed upon us.”

As dedicated members of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort travel advisory board, the Virtuoso advisors will collaborate with the property to ensure it appeals to and suits the needs of their discerning clientele. The following advisors have been chosen to participate on the board:

North America
      Ilana Vallo, The Travel Network
      Jason Miller, The Accomplished Traveler
      Alicia Diez, Valerie Wilson Travel
      David Horne, Ovation Travel
      Kathy Burns Lamphier, Posh Travel
      Julia Douglas, Jet Set World Travel, Inc.
      June Sloane, ProTravel Boca Rotan
      Susan Rubin, ProTravel Miami
      Carmella Sears, Mansour Travel
      Shane Paquette, En Route Travel

Latin America
      Jason Santamaria, Terranova Travel
      Cecilia Ahumada, Furlong-Fox Travel
      Cristina Lowndes, Tamoyo Travel

Situated on the beach on Collins Avenue in the exclusive Bal Harbour neighborhood, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will embrace the vibrant energy of Miami, while also offering travelers the opportunity to stay within an exclusive enclave. The property features 214 spectacular oceanfront guest rooms and suites and 307 private residences in three all-glass towers rising 27 stories above an expansive stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The resort will offer compelling features and amenities including a 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa; Jean-Georges’ restaurant J&G Grill;exquisite interior design by the renowned Yabu Pushelberg; state-of-the-art meeting facilities, including outdoor spaces in addition to the Astor Ballroom; the St. Regis Kids Club; and the iconic St. Regis butler service.