The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Makes Mexico Debut November 1, 2008.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of its renowned St. Regis brand in Latin America with the opening of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. A joint venture between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Ideurban Consultores, the luxurious new destination resort is located in Bahía de Banderas, one of the worlds' most alluring private beaches in the state of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Offering an unrivaled dimension of opulence, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the best addresses in the world, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort features 120 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, three world-class restaurants, three infinity pools with private cabana service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, private beach club, tennis courts, a luxurious Remède Spa and an outstanding line-up of recreation facilities, including two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses. Frequented by celebrities, world leaders and business moguls, Punta Mita offers travelers a seductive, exclusive setting in the heart of Mexico.

“Today we are proud to debut the St. Regis brand in Latin America with the opening of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Vice President, Brand Management, The Luxury Collection & St. Regis, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Truly one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Mexico is rich in culture and heritage and offers our discerning global guests an exotic array of world-class cuisine, art and stunning natural surroundings.”

“The spectacular setting and signature offerings of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort establishes this destination as The Address on Mexico’s Pacific Coast,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Latin America. “This opening not only launches our most exclusive brand, but also affirms our deep commitment to Mexico with which we have both a long history as well as strong future growth plans.”

Nestled on a peninsula surrounded by azure water and white sand beaches, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort features 89 lavishly appointed guest rooms, 30 exquisite suites and an ultra-luxurious three-bedroom presidential suite, offering stunning vistas of Mexico’s seascape, lush gardens and picturesque mountains. Handcrafted tiles made exclusively for the resort by artists in Saltillo, Coahuila, private terraces, custom furnishings, and spacious marble bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers offer guests an oasis of relaxation, inspired by the local surroundings. Each guest room also features deluxe Remède bath amenities, flat screen televisions with cable and high-speed Internet access and 24-hour in-room private dining.

The design for The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort combines stylistic elements from Provence, France and Mexico and is based around the concept of barefoot elegance.

The use of natural materials, including Mexican Galarza stone, river stone, marble, onyx, wood and clay, combined with exquisite European furnishings, create a sophisticated yet natural oasis destination. The resort also features the work by renowned Mexican artists, including mural work by Tatiana Montoya, who combines her signature modern style with local history, emphasizing the importance of the fishing heritage of Punta Mita.

A suite of pampering services is available at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort's Remède Spa, including both traditional treatments and modern Remède therapies to create the ultimate spa experience. The extraordinary spa features nine treatment rooms, a sauna and steam bath area with lounges for relaxation.

Dining at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort indulges the senses with a diverse menu of sophisticated and distinct culinary options. Set against a breathtaking ocean backdrop, Las Marietas serves an authentic menu of Mexican cuisine with a contemporary flair in an inviting alfresco atmosphere. The Sea Breeze Beach Club features an eclectic menu of contemporary California cuisine in a relaxed bistro environment and the resort’s signature restaurant, Carolina, offers an exotic selection of world-class seafood, highlighting a mosaic of culinary styles from the Mediterranean. Located at the resort’s highest point, the Altamira lobby bar offers guests dazzling ocean views and serves an enticing selection of tequilas and specialty cocktails including The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort’s Bloody Mary and the signature Afternoon Tea ritual.

"The opening of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is an achievement that gives us great pride. Every detail was given the utmost care to ensure that guest enjoy the exquisite architecture and exuberant vegetation which the hotel offers,” said David Serur, President of Ideurban Group. “The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is the place where mysticism and beauty captured by life in the tropics becomes a reality.”

An ideal choice for weddings, meetings and special events, the resort features a 2,600 square foot Astor Ballroom, which can be used in its entirety or divided into three sections for more intimate gatherings. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort's ample pre-function area features a stunning outdoor terrace, creating an ideal setting for afternoon or evening soirees.

Following in the tradition of the legendary St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort features the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travelers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customizing each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

The new St. Regis Punta Mita Resort joins a select portfolio of St. Regis hotels in the best addresses around the world, including Aspen, Singapore, Monarch Beach, New York, Washington, D.C, San Francisco, London, Rome, Bora Bora, Bali, Beijing and Shanghai.

For more information about The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, please visit: www.stregis.com/puntamita