Black Diamond Hospitality Selects Aqua Hotels & Resorts to Operate Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa on Maui

Waikiki, HI, February 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Addition of the all-suite resort represents Aqua’s expansion beyond Waikiki

Black Diamond Hospitality Investments LLC of Honolulu has selected Aqua Hotels & Resorts to manage the 72-room, all-suite Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa. Located in the exclusive Wailea Resort on Maui’s southwest coast, this addition marks Aqua’s first expansion beyond Waikiki.

Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa is an independent, intimate resort situated on a spectacular tropical 15-acre site with all-suite accommodations offering private lanais and stunning ocean vistas. Black Diamond Hospitality Investments envisions a future renovation that will reposition the resort as an upscale luxury boutique with world-class spa and restaurant facilities.

The award-winning restaurant, “Capische?”, features leisurely dining amid views of the lush, tropical landscape and beautiful Maui sunsets. The resort also features a special private beach club and easy access to Wailea’s Blue, Gold and Emerald golf courses, the exclusive Shops at Wailea, and a world-class tennis facility.

“The signing of Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa affirms Aqua’s plan to grow throughout the islands,” said Benjamin Rafter, Aqua’s President and CEO. “Maui tops the list each year as ‘Favorite Island in the World’ in Conde Nast Traveler’s reader polls. It’s a wonderful match to the intimate experience offered at the resort. Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa also gives Aqua a unique opportunity to introduce our boutique hospitality experience to Maui visitors, and it’s a great way for Aqua to start 2009.”

“We are honored to have been selected to manage this resort,” said Bill Henderson, Aqua’s Vice President of Development. “It’s an exciting first step outside of Waikiki and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership with Black Diamond that will add a unique new hospitality option to the luxury environment at Wailea.”

Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa’s guest suites offer a spacious 900-square feet of living space featuring a bedroom, sitting area, kitchenette, private lanai, shower area and deep tub, with deluxe ocean views and garden vistas.

Suite amenities include:
· Air conditioning
· Telephone with voicemail
· Data point for dial-up internet access
· WiFi Internet access
· TV/VCR/DVD
· Electronic safe
· Clock radio
· Iron/ironing board
· Hairdryer
· Kitchenette with two-burner stove and refrigerator
· Coffeemaker and Japanese green tea set
· Spa
· Complete bathroom amenities
· Bathrobes
· Daily housekeeping services

Resort amenities include:

· Business Center: The Business Center doubles as a library and offers useful books and desks with internet access and ocean views. This convenient room is quiet, accessible, and a truly prestigious office space or reading room.

· Dining: At the award-winning “Capische?” restaurant, the chef and staff create fresh, lively Italian cuisine and serve it in a fun and relaxing environment for dinner. American fare is served for breakfast.

· Full Service Spa: The ocean view Diamond Spa features a Hydro Therapy System that includes a large whirlpool, a dry sauna, and a pressure body shower along with a wide selection of treatments including massages and facials.

· Meeting and function facilities:

Kaimana Hall – A half moon-shaped room provides for a unique and creative setting with a convenient and private pre-function space that accommodates up to 100 people.

Private Meeting Room: Permanent boardroom-style seating for an intimate meeting of 2-15 features natural light and a view of the spectacular waterfall and Koi pond.

The extensive grounds, gardens and intimate gazebo also offer picture perfect backdrops and stunning settings to hold special events including weddings and receptions.

The Diamond Catering Department is available to assist guests with meeting and reception needs, including custom culinary menus in a variety of cuisines, outstanding catering and professional bartenders to serve signature cocktails.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the addition of Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa,” added Rafter. “It’s a beautiful resort and we are looking forward to our guests having the opportunity to enjoy all that it has to offer.”

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