News

DENVER, Colo. – Dec. 21, 2018 —Under Canvas®, the industry leader and rapidly growing adventure-hospitality company, today announced that an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) has made a substantial investment in the company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Under Canvas is the leading owner and operator of luxurious camping or “glamping” accommodations near America’s most popular national parks. The company was founded by Sarah and Jacob Dusek in 2009 with the opening of a location in West Yellowstone, Montana, and has grown to include eight luxury glamping resorts. Under Canvas locations feature safari-inspired tents with amenities such as daily housekeeping and fresh towels, plush king-size beds, luxurious linens, en suite bathrooms and even a wood-burning stove for chilly nights. Kids and adults alike delight over evening s’mores around the communal campfire as they share their stories of their day’s adventure.  Guests wake to sounds of nature, perfectly positioned to explore America’s most iconic national parks and monuments.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with KSL for our next phase of growth, and excited about the additional experiences and adventures that we will be able to bring our guests” said Sarah Dusek, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Under Canvas. “They share our passion for the outdoors, commitment to environmental stewardship and focus on continuing to grow Under Canvas as a world-class brand. Together we will take Under Canvas to the next level with additional iconic locations and incredible adventures.”

“Under Canvas has done an amazing job of creating truly memorable experiences - connecting guests with nature while they enjoy high quality, exceptional accommodations in beautiful locations,” said John Ege, a Partner at KSL. “We look forward to working with Sarah and Jacob Dusek and the rest of the Under Canvas team and support their vision to define a new category of hospitality.”

Outside Together‍

Glamping is a term used to define the experience of ‘glamorous camping.’ To Under Canvas, glamping means camping in style, or luxury camping, without any of the hassle or hard work of the conventional kind. A combination of the luxuries of home with the beauty and extraordinary elements of nature to extend guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Outside Together. Under Canvas creates a bridge to the outdoors for people who, quite frankly, may not want to rough it. Glamping the Under Canvas way means a consistently incredible outdoor, overnight experience that is impactful, comfortable and incredibly memorable.

Leaders in Environmental Stewardship‍

Under Canvas is committed to the acceleration of the advent of sustainable travel and to holding the hospitality industry to a higher standard. By staying at Under Canvas, guests join a community that is focused on preserving our incredible planet for enjoyment by future generations.

The company boasts a minimal disturbance approach to development, believes that nature is the best architect and strives to leave the land as untouched as possible. A minimal footprint is what Under Canvas is all about.

Under Canvas camps use approximately 87 percent less water than a similar-sized hotel thanks to low-flow toilets, faucets that automatically shut off, and showers that activate only when guests pull a chain. Guests also help by hanging up towels to use again instead of having them replaced daily.

The limited amount of energy used at Under Canvas camps is generated by alternative means wherever possible. The Moab and Zion camp locations can run 100 percent on solar power, and the Yellowstone and Glacier camps use solar to mitigate our electricity needs.

By 2020, Under Canvas aims to join other leaders in the journey to be a zero waste company. This effort includes eliminating plastics, converting plates and flatware to compostable options (REPURPOSE), and extensive recycling

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About Under Canvas‍

Under Canvas, the fast growing adventure-hospitality and event company, offers luxurious glamping accommodations just minutes from America’s most popular national parks. Inspired by the African safari experience, the founders set out to create an immersive outdoor escape that serves as a unique bridge between travel and nature while offering all the comforts of a hotel. Recognized as the “perfect glamping experience” by Vogue, Under Canvas operates locations in Yellowstone and Glacier in Montana; Moab and Zion in Utah; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Grand Canyon and Tucson, Arizona. For more information, visit www.undercanvas.com

About KSL Capital Partners‍

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $11 billion of capital across both debt and equity funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Media Inquiries:

Under Canvas: May Lilley
VP Marketing
may.lilley@undercanvas.com

KSL Capital Partners: Julie Messing-Paea
Julie.messing@mac.com
+1 310 691 9979

December 19, 2018 - Baillie Lodges, the leading luxury lodge owner and operator in Australia, announced today that an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) has made a substantial investment in the company, heralding a promising new chapter in Baillie Lodges’ quest to deliver Australia’s finest collection of luxury lodges.

Founders James and Hayley Baillie will lead the new venture and continue to guide the Baillie Lodges’ vision and commitment to delivering wild, experiential luxury.

Building on the sustained success of the Baillie Lodges brand, operations expertise and distribution network, the company is pursuing acquisitions of select luxury lodges to join the Baillie Lodges stable. In addition, the Baillies will continue the development of Remarkable Lodge in Tasmania.  

Any additions to the portfolio will be carefully selected to ensure they meet Baillie Lodges well-established hallmarks of irreplaceable natural locations with access to signature Australian experiences, contemporary Australian architecture and design, relaxed ‘barefoot’ luxury and generous all-inclusive tariffs.

Marking the 15th anniversary of Baillie Lodges, this investment provides myriad new opportunities for Baillie Lodges’ dedicated team, loyal guests and valued trade partners.

Baillie Lodges was founded in 2003 by James and Hayley Baillie, who together bring a wealth of high-end tourism experience to the company.  Built on the foundations of continual reinvestment in their lodges, an unparalleled level of attention to detail, a commitment to sustainability and a proudly Australian ethos, the Baillies have built a family business that is now recognised as one of the best in its field.  

Capella Lodge on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island was the company’s first property, followed by multi award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, which opened in 2008. Longitude 131° overlooking dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park joined the portfolio in 2013.

“We recognize the significant long-term potential of the Australian luxury travel industry and are excited to work with James and Hayley to expand to new iconic locations.  The Baillie Lodges team has set a high bar for Australian luxury travel with truly exceptional properties and five-star management expertise,” said John Ege, a Partner at KSL.

“KSL demonstrates a unique passion for travel and leisure.  The investment in Baillie Lodges will allow us to bring our version of wild, experiential luxury to more of Australia’s most remarkable destinations,” said James Baillie, Founder and CEO Baillie Lodges.

Baillie Lodges was advised by JLL and Withers Australia.  KSL was advised by Ashurst Australia.

About Baillie Lodges‍

Baillie Lodges is an intimate portfolio of luxury lodges setting new benchmarks for premium experiential travel in Australian style. Set in exclusive locations of unique natural or cultural significance, the boutique properties appeal to the discerning global traveller seeking a remarkable experience. Baillie Lodges was founded in 2003 by life and business partners James and Hayley Baillie, who together bring a wealth of high-end tourism experience to this dynamic venture.  For more information, please visit www.baillielodges.com.au

About KSL Capital Partners

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specialising in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $11 billion of capital across both debt and equity funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

DENVER, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL), a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure investments, is pleased to announce that an affiliate of KSL has acquired the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, the oceanfront resort and entertainment destination located on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood, Florida. The 349 guest room and suite flagship property for the Margaritaville brand offers an abundance of live entertainment in an oceanfront setting and features eight diverse restaurant and bar concepts, a full-service spa and three pools providing the ideal venue for guests to kick back and enjoy the unmistakable Jimmy Buffett state of mind that embodies Margaritaville.   Davidson Hotels & Resorts has worked side-by-side with KSL through the acquisition process and has been named manager of the resort.

"We have confidence that Davidson's team culture, brand knowledge and unmatched support services are the key ingredients to driving investment value and improving operational performance," said Bernard Siegel, a partner at KSL.  "Further, we are thrilled to be in business with Margaritaville, a true lifestyle hospitality brand, delivering an authentic and unique resort experience.

"The Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a tremendous opportunity to continue leveraging our expertise in brand building and resort operations," said Davidson's chief executive officer John Belden.  "This will be our 4th destination resort in Florida, joining the iconic Don CeSar and Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach and the naturally luxurious Baker's Cay Resort in Key Largo, set to open later this year."

With its proximity to international airports and one of the largest cruise ports in the world, and located between Miamiand Fort Lauderdale, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort perfectly captures the charm and quaintness of Hollywood Beach.  Influenced by the colors of the sea, sand and sky, all of the resort's guest rooms and suites blend coastal casual design and luxurious comfort and open to a private balcony overlooking waterfront views. Whether seeking relaxation by the pool, adventures in the ocean, exceptional dining or the perfect meeting or catered event, this paradise has something for everyone, with eight venues including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, LandShark Bar & Grill and the Five o' Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, each providing guests with the "license to chill" unlike any other place in the world.

"We are excited to welcome both a best-in class sponsor like KSL and a proven operator like Davidson Hotels & Resorts to our flagship resort," said John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville. "Together we look forward to continue to provide a unique vacation 'state of mind' experience for all our guests."

About Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort ‍

The AAA Four Diamond-rated Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a 17-story, 349-room destination resort and entertainment complex offering an authentic, "no worries" tropical vibe inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett. Designed to offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail, this oceanfront resort is located just minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades on the famed Broadwalk in Hollywood, Florida.  The perfect setting for guests to escape the everyday and just chill, the resort features multiple diverse restaurant concepts, a full-service spa with eleven treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art oceanfront fitness center, an array of shopping outlets, 30,000 square-feet of flexible function space, an extensive on-site water recreation area with multiple pools, FlowRider® Double and three live entertainment venues. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a part of Margaritaville's growing collection of hotels and resorts. Today, the global lifestyle brand features 11 lodging locations across the Southeast United States and Caribbean with more than 30 additional locations in the pipeline.

About Davidson Hotels & Resorts ‍

Davidson Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, full-service hotel management company providing management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. Amassing one of the purest full-service hotel portfolios in the industry, Davidson, along with its lifestyle and luxury operating division, Pivot Hotels & Resorts, specializes in independent and branded assets in the upper-upscale to near-luxury segments including 45 hotels, over 13,000 rooms and over 1.5 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. A trusted partner and preferred operator of Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, Davidson delivers hospitality and creates value for owners with every single hotel. More information can be found at www.davidsonhotels.com.  

About KSL Capital Partners ‍

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $8.4 billion in equity capital commitments. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Formed by Affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company

DENVER, CO, January 11, 2018 - The joint venture of affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company that curated 12 premier destinations in North America, now has a name. Announcing Alterra Mountain Company, a new destination group that is changing the landscape of the mountain resort industry.

Alterra Mountain Company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado is comprised of 12 destinations, including the world’s largest heli-skiing operation. Alterra Mountain Company was created when affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, owners of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and Henry Crown and Company purchased Intrawest, Mammoth Resorts, and Deer Valley Resort in 2017.

“Alterra Mountain Company is made up of unique mountain destinations, each with a personality and spirit that has delighted visitors for generations. Our vision at Alterra Mountain Company is to protect and enhance what makes each destination special, inviting guests back to their favorite mountain, and enticing them to visit new destinations on their bucket list,” said David Perry, President and COO, Alterra Mountain Company. “We respect and continue to learn from the pioneers and leaders that built these iconic locations and paved the way before us, as we push the boundaries and innovate for our future.”

Alterra Mountain Company’s destinations offer premium ski, snowboard and all-season activities for those who seek adventure, freedom, and fun in the great outdoors. The destinations that make up Alterra Mountain Company are spread throughout five states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Deer Valley in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia.

At each destination, Alterra Mountain Company leaders are empowered to be decisive, creative, and bold in order to retain each mountain’s authentic character. Recognizing the innate value of the unique culture found at each of the mountain communities, Alterra Mountain Company’s goal is to preserve, sustain and support its two most important resources: the mountains and the people who live and play in them.

 
About the Name and Logo‍

The name Alterra is a fusion of the words altitude and terrain/terra, paying homage to the mountains and communities that form the backbone of the company.
In the coming months Alterra Mountain Company will announce new season pass products that will provide access to all of our existing mountains, plus many additional benefits, sure to please skiers and riders.  

About Alterra Mountain Company‍

Alterra Mountain Company is a community of 12 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation. The company owns and operates a range of recreation, hospitality, real-estate development, food and beverage and retail businesses. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado with destinations across the continent, we are rooted in the spirit of the mountains and united by a passion for outdoor adventure. Alterra Mountain Company’s family of diverse playgrounds spans five U.S. states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Deer Valley in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. We honor each destination’s unique character and authenticity and celebrate the legendary adventures and enduring memories they bring to everyone. For more information on Alterra Mountain Company, visit www.alterramtnco.com.

About KSL Capital Partners, LLC

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate, and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $8.2 billion of capital across both debt and equity funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

About Henry Crown and Company‍

Henry Crown and Company, through a newly formed affiliate, is a minority investor in the new joint venture Alterra Mountain Company. Henry Crown and Company dates back to the early 1900’s when Henry Crown and his brothers started Material Service Corporation, which was later merged into General Dynamics. Today, the Crown’s family assets fall into four broadly defined categories, including publicly traded securities, real estate, investment funds, and privately held operating companies, including Aspen Skiing Company, L.L.C. Aspen Skiing Company owns and operates the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk – as well as hospitality properties The Little Nell, Residences at The Little Nell, Limelight Aspen, and Limelight Ketchum in Ketchum, Idaho. In addition, Aspen Skiing Company owns and operates numerous retail and rental locations through the resort and the Roaring Fork Valley. Aspen Skiing Company, LLC is one of the Henry Crown and Company entities which owns Alterra Mountain Company.  Aspen’s mountains and properties will continue to be run directly by Aspen Skiing Company and not by Alterra Mountain Company. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com.

New Company’s portfolio now includes 13 four-season mountain resorts

Denver, Colorado & Park City, Utah  – The newly formed entity (the “Company”) controlled by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC and Henry Crown and Company today announced the completion of their previously announced acquisition of Deer Valley Resort. The Company, with Deer Valley Resort, also announced that Bob Wheaton will remain at Deer Valley Resort as president and chief operating officer.

Through this transaction, Deer Valley Resort is now part of an impressive portfolio of 13 resorts with more than seven million skier visits, 22,000 skier acres, and significant land available for real estate development. The Company also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the world’s leading heli-ski operator, and comprehensive aviation and real estate businesses.  Its mountain resorts are geographically diversified across most of North America’s major ski regions: Squaw Valley|Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain in California; Deer Valley Resort in Utah; Steamboat Ski & Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario; Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec; Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.

“We could not be more pleased that Deer Valley Resort is now a part of our new Company,” said David Perry, president and chief operating officer of the Company.  “We believe that this transaction not only adds tremendous value to our Company but also enhances the opportunities we are able to provide to our guests, our employees, and our communities. We are committed to maintaining the first-class experience and level of guest service for which the resort is known, and we look forward to what should be a fantastic 2017/18 ski season across our portfolio.”

“Joining this impressive portfolio of resorts is a big step forward in the future of Deer Valley Resort. It will enable the resort to build upon its time-honored traditions while further enhancing the overall experience,” said Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort president and chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to be a part of the new Company and are excited to begin welcoming guests to Utah this winter.”

Season Passes

For the full 2017-18 winter season, Deer Valley Resort will continue to honor the existing pass products that are currently on sale.

About the New Company (expect a new brand launch prior to the upcoming ski season)

The Company, which joined Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc., Mammoth Resorts, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, and, most recently, Deer Valley Resort, is a North American mountain resort and adventure company delivering distinctive vacation and travel experiences to its guests. The Company owns and/or operates 13 four-season mountain resorts with approximately 22,000 skiable acres and significant land available for real estate development.   The mountain resorts are geographically diversified across most of North America’s major ski regions:  Squaw Valley|Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain in California; Deer Valley Resort in Utah; Steamboat Ski & Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario; Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec; Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. The Company’s mountain resorts are geographically diversified across most of North America’s major ski regions, including California, the Eastern United States, the Rocky Mountains, and Canada. The Company also operates an adventure travel business, the cornerstone of which is Canadian Mountain Holidays, the world’s leading heli-skiing adventure company, and a comprehensive real estate business through which it manages condominium hotel properties and sells and markets residential real estate.