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KSL Capital Partners Acquires a Majority Interest In Sereno Hotels
KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS ACQUIRES A MAJORITY INTEREST IN SERENO HOTELS
KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS ACQUIRES A MAJORITY INTEREST IN SERENO HOTELS
The founding families retain a significant interest, with Luis Contreras continuing as CEO
COMO, Italy – 26 July 2023 – Sereno Hotels (“Sereno”), today announced that an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners (“KSL”) has acquired a majority interest in Sereno. Founded over 20 years ago by the Contreras family, Sereno is the owner-operator of the multi-award-winning ultra-luxury hotel Il Sereno located on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, and its sister resort, Le Sereno on the beach at Grand Cul de Sac on the island of St. Barthelemy.
The Contreras family will remain significant investors in Sereno, and Sereno’s current team will continue to deliver the award-winning service for which Sereno has become world-renown over the last two decades. The terms of the of the transaction were not disclosed.
Luis Contreras, Sereno’s Founder and CEO, who will continue to lead the company, said, “Sereno Hotels is at heart a family company. Collaborating with KSL empowers us to accelerate our scale, whilst upholding the ideals and standards that have contributed to our success. Our joint vision is to create a select few new small and supremely luxurious hotels in unique locations, featuring remarkable design, meticulous detail, and casual yet professional, bespoke services for our guests. With KSL’s strategic advice and financial support, we aim to offer our guests, and our team, exciting new experiences and prospects."
Martin Edsinger, Principal at KSL Capital Partners, added, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Luis and the Contreras family for the next journey of growth for this remarkable business. At KSL, we seek to invest in the unforgettable to create the enduring, something which is core to Sereno’s mission. What Luis and his family have created is unparalleled, and we could not be more excited about what the future will bring for Sereno and to work with a partner that shares our vision and values.”
About Sereno Hotels
Located in two of the most coveted vacations destinations in the world, Sereno Hotels is the creator, owner and operator of the multi- award-winning properties Il Sereno, located on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, whose modern design and interior stems from renowned Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, and Le Sereno on the island of St. Barthelemy. The brand is renowned for carrying through the themes of an intimate number of sizeable rooms and suites, incredible and iconic views, large villas adjacent to the hotels, and a distinctive, understated approach to luxury and service. Il Sereno and Le Sereno have repeatedly achieved top accolades, including recognition from Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, Travel + Leisure’s It List, Afar Traveler’s Choice Awards and Town & Country’s Hotel Awards. Travel + Leisure recently named Il Sereno the Best Hotel in Italy, the Best Hotel in Europe and the #4 Best Hotel in the World, while also naming Le Sereno the #1 Hotel to stay at in St. Barthelemy.
About KSL Capital Partners
KSL Capital Partners 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; New York City; Stamford, Connecticut; and London, England. Since 2005, KSL has raised in excess of $21 billion of capital across both equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure, such as Soneva in the Maldives, Beaumier in Europe, and Baillie Lodges in Australia. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.
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Sereno Hotels
Jo Berry
GribbonBerry PR (for Sereno Hotels in the UK and Europe)
+44 (0) 7845 089249
Olivia Scrofani, Magrino PR (for Sereno Hotels in the US)
+1 (212).584.6459
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KSL Capital Partners Expands Team with Two Senior Hires
Ana Goizueta Joins as Head of Investor Relations and Marketing
Nolen Taylor Joins as Chief Financial Officer
Michael Mohapp Promoted to Partner; Jens Blomdahl Promoted to Principal
DENVER, March 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL"), a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced the expansion of its team with two senior hires: Ana Goizueta has joined as Head of Investor Relations and Marketing, and Nolen Taylor has joined as Chief Financial Officer.
“For more than 30 years, our people have set KSL apart, and we remain focused on hiring, developing and empowering strong performers,” said Eric Resnick, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of KSL. “As we continue to deploy more capital across our strategies, we are pleased to welcome Ana and Nolen, who bring deep expertise and decades of strategic and technical expertise that will benefit our teams and further enable us to best support our investors, portfolio companies and partners.”
As Head of Investor Relations and Marketing, Ms. Goizueta will be a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and responsible for supporting the firm’s continued growth through investor relations, capital raising and marketing.
“With an unmatched track record spanning more than three decades, KSL has established a unique and highly-compelling platform dedicated exclusively to the travel and leisure space,” said Ms. Goizueta. “I am confident that we are well-positioned to continue creating and building on opportunities to invest in exceptional travel destinations, and I look forward to further strengthening our client relationships globally.”
As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Taylor will be a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and responsible for overseeing the firm’s finance and accounting functions.
“KSL has built an incredible team and maintained a differentiated, focused strategy investing in well-located travel and leisure businesses and unforgettable experiences,” said Mr. Taylor. “I am excited to join at a time when we see significant opportunities and heightened consumer demand in the sector, and I look forward supporting the team to drive further profitability and investment returns for all of KSL’s stakeholders.”
KSL also announced the promotions of Michael Mohapp to Partner and Jens Blomdahl to Principal, effective January 1, 2023. Mr. Mohapp is based in Denver, and Mr. Blomdahl is based in London. Each is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
Mr. Resnick added, “We take great pride in helping to develop from within at KSL. Mike and Jens joined us as associates, and we are thrilled to now be welcoming Mike to the partnership and further recognizing Jens’ strong contributions. I look forward to working with them in their new roles as KSL continues to execute on the attractive investment opportunities ahead.”
About Ana Goizueta
Ms. Goizueta brings an impressive track record of success developing and managing institutional and retail client relationships globally. Prior to joining KSL, Ms. Goizueta was Director of Investor Relations at Littlejohn LLC, a middle market private equity and distressed debt investment manager. In this role, she designed and implemented a new client service platform and oversaw all aspects of client acquisition, development and maintenance. Before Littlejohn, Ms. Goizueta served as Co-Head of Investor Relations at Oak Hill Advisors, where she was responsible for market and investor relations of the firm’s Diversified Credit Strategies Fund. Earlier in her career, Ms. Goizueta held roles in investor relations and finance at Talson Capital Management and J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Ms. Goizueta holds an M.B.A in Finance from Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a B.A. in International Relations from Hamilton College.
About Nolen Taylor
Mr. Taylor brings over 25 years of experience driving value for companies and meeting client needs to KSL. Most recently, Mr. Taylor served as CFO and Managing Director at The Energy and Minerals Group (EMG), an energy-focused private equity firm, for 10 years. In this role, he monitored investment valuations and income across 30 portfolio companies, oversaw all treasury activities across funds and managed accounting and payroll for all funds, management companies and general partner entities. Prior to EMG, Mr. Taylor spent nearly 17 years at KPMG LLP, serving as Partner in his final role, where he managed clients across a broad array of business environments. Mr. Taylor holds a B.B.A in Accounting with a Minor in IT Systems from Baylor University.
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; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.
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KSL Capital Partners Acquires Martin Resorts Portfolio
DENVER, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL"), a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced that an affiliate has acquired the Martin Resorts Collection of five independent boutique hotels along California's Central Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The collection includes Avila Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach; Pismo Lighthouse Suites and Shore Cliff Hotel in Pismo Beach; and Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo in Paso Robles. Terms were not disclosed. KSL Resorts, a premier independent management company, will manage each of the hotels.
"We could not be more proud to be given the opportunity to continue on the traditions of Martin Resorts and its founding family," said Mike Mohapp, Partner at KSL. "More than 20 years ago, they created a spirit of hospitality to enrich the lives of their employees, guests, and the San Luis Obispo County community. We intend to fulfill the mission of the Martin family, and we look forward to building on this legacy through investments in these wonderful properties."
Noreen Martin, President and CEO of Martin Resorts – founded by her late husband Tom Martin in 1999 – added, "The Martin Resorts Collection has been the passion of my family for over two decades and finding the right partner to carry on our dedication to our local environment and community has been a priority for us. KSL shares our values and our commitment to providing guests with unforgettable and enduring experiences that reflect each resort's unique qualities. We are confident the firm is the right owner to nurture and enhance the attributes and traditions that have set the Martin Resorts Collection apart."
The five properties comprise 346 total rooms, including the 54 oceanfront, all suite Avila Lighthouse Suites, the 70 oceanfront newly-renovated all suite Pismo Lighthouse Suites, 100 oceanfront room Shore Cliff Hotel perched 90 feet above the Pacific Ocean, The Piccolo, a newly constructed 24 room intimate property in downtown Paso Robles, and the landmark 98 room Paso Robles Inn first established in 1889. Both The Piccolo and the Paso Robles Inn are located in the heart of wine country.
KSL will invest across the collection, providing guests a greater suite of amenities and more ways to engage with the local communities.
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; London, England and Singapore. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.
Media contact:
Jon Keehner / Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
KSL-JF@joelefrank.com
(212) 355-4449
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KSL Capital Partners Receives HICAP’s 2022 Merger & Acquisition Deal of the Year Award, Highlighting Firm’s Proven Investment Approach and Growing Presence in Asia
SINGAPORE, November 6, 2022 – KSL Capital Partners, LLC (“KSL”), a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced that its affiliates received the Merger & Acquisition Deal of the Year award at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (“HICAP”), the region’s largest hotel conference, for the acquisition of the W Maldives and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The transaction closed in June 2022 for an undisclosed amount.
“For over 30 years, KSL has invested in premier travel and leisure destinations across the world, and our strong background in hospitality allows us to uniquely understand the potential of these properties and how best to drive strategic value for guests, employees, investors and the communities in which we operate,” said Siddhant Jhunjhunwala, Director of Investments, APAC for KSL. “We are excited to be recognized at Asia’s largest and longest-running hotel conference for our acquisition of the W Maldives and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, which is a prime example of the type of high-quality investments we seek to make globally, and a testament to the success of our growing investment presence in Asia Pacific.”
More information on the acquisition of the W Maldives and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa by affiliates of KSL can be found here.
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; New York City, New York; London, England and Singapore. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately US$18 billion of capital across both equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.
Media contact:
Jon Keehner / Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
KSL-JF@joelefrank.com
(212) 355-4449
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Baillie Lodges Expands to South America with Acquisition of Chile’s Tierra Hotels
SYDNEY, Aug. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia-based boutique ultra-luxury hotel platform Baillie Lodges has acquired a majority share in Chile’s esteemed Tierra Hotels (“Tierra”), whose intimate collection includes experiential luxury lodges in three of South America’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations.
Adventures abound for guests at Tierra’s trio of luxury lodges: Tierra Patagonia sits alongside craggy mountains and the glistening glacial Lake Sarmiento in Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Atacama is set high in the northern desert of Chile, and Tierra Chiloé overlooks verdant pastures and dramatic coastline on Chiloé Island.
The acquisition builds on Baillie Lodges’ existing portfolio of properties in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, further solidifying the company as a leading global experiential luxury lodging brand. Following the acquisition, Baillie Lodges will own and operate ten extraordinary lodges across a range of highly sought-after destinations.
The new partnership officially commenced on August 27, following a long history of collaboration between the Baillie Lodges team and Tierra Hotels founder Miguel Purcell. The Purcell family – which has developed and successfully operated Tierra Hotels since 2008 – will retain an ownership stake in the portfolio, and the three properties will keep the highly regarded Tierra Hotels branding.
The Baillie Lodges and Tierra collections provide access to incredible natural attractions in extraordinary locations, paired with culturally rich experiences and intimate lodges that cater to a small number of guests and place architectural and interior design at the forefront. The properties share a commitment to the sustainability of the natural environment and surrounding communities in which they operate, offering guests an authentic encounter with nature.
“We are delighted to work with the Baillie Lodges team,” said Mr. Purcell. “We both take a personal approach to hospitality, customizing unique and enriching experiences for guests who are looking to explore the world in a meaningful, sustainable way.”
“This partnership is a natural fit for our companies and teams, and we look forward to sharing these wonderful new properties and experiences with our guests,” said Baillie Lodges Executive Chairman Michael Moret-Lalli. “Both brands share a vision for delivering exceptional, immersive experiences, and I am thrilled for our teams to join forces and continue exploring new frontiers in hospitality and leisure as the world gets back to traveling.”
Baillie Lodges intends to meaningfully invest in the Tierra properties to ensure they maintain their unique market position as pre-eminent boutique hotels in Chile. In addition, Baillie Lodges plans to expand the Tierra hotel platform in the years to come through acquisitions and new greenfield developments.
About Baillie Lodges
Baillie Lodges is a growing portfolio of luxury lodges renowned for setting benchmarks in premium experiential travel. Set in exclusive locations of unique natural or cultural significance, the boutique properties appeal to the discerning global traveller seeking a remarkable experience. The Australia-based collection was founded in 2003 by James and Hayley Baillie and includes Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Silky Oaks Lodge at the Daintree Rainforest, and The Louise in the Barossa Valley. Flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was destroyed in the 2020 bushfires and its rebuild is in progress, with an anticipated reopening in mid-2023. In 2019, an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners acquired Baillie Lodges with the aim to further expand the unique collection of luxury lodges. The 2022 addition of Chile’s esteemed Tierra Hotels group marks a continuation of the collection’s foray into international waters, joining the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s Vancouver Island and New Zealand’s Huka Lodge. For more information, please visit baillielodges.com.au. Baillie Lodges’ Australian properties are honoured as members of Luxury Lodges of Australia.
About Tierra Hotels
The trio of Tierra Hotels in Chile was founded and operated by the Purcell family, who were already highly regarded in the Chilean tourism industry as owners of the high-end Ski Portillo resort in the country’s Andes mountains. Guided by Purcell family’s many years’ experience, the Tierra Hotels team first opened Tierra Atacama in 2008. Tierra Patagonia set on the shores of Lake Sarmiento overlooking the Torres del Paine National Park opened in 2012, and Tierra Chiloé launched in 2017 after an extension to the former Refugia on “The Big Island” of Chiloé.