Ty Warner and Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara Celebrate Grand Reopening

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 4 2008 - Ty Warner and Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara have officially announced the reopening of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, a private membership club to which Four Seasons guests also have access (the word “casino” in the ‘30s commonly described a place for social gatherings) signifying the completion of a three year, $65 million restoration of the legendary beachfront establishment. Owner Ty Warner hosted an extravagant and star-studded reopening celebration on September 25, returning the glamour and grandeur of the golden era back to the iconic Coral Casino.

Julia Louis Dreyfus, Dennis Miller, Andrew Firestone, Carol Burnett, Christopher Lloyd, Jason Wahler, Cole Hauser and Jake Weber, were amongst those gathered in the celebration, once again evoking the classic glamour of the Hollywood starlets for whom it was originally built in 1937. The evening, complete with elaborate entertainment ranging from a floating symphony and performances by DJ Mike Smith, Dita Von Teese protege Ava Garner, to an exclusive west coast premiere of the Louis Vuitton 2008/2009 Cruise Collection, quickly showed guests why the Coral Casino has been, since its heyday, considered the ultimate playground for Hollywood and America’s elite.

“To this day, people are still talking about the Coral Casino’s parties of the 30s, 40s, 50s—complete with antidotes of Errol Flynn’s swan dives, Marlon Brando’s secret cigar smoking spots, and Ester Williams Aquacades,” said Ty Warner. “I wanted to host a gala that pays homage to the Coral Casino’s history while carrying the club into a new era; one that’s as glorious and celebrated as its past.”

Perched directly on Butterfly Beach, this legendary beachfront establishment and historic landmark, built in 1937, is a true haven for leisure offering one of the most unique and exquisite Four Seasons guest experiences in the world.

“Between its stunning locale and remarkable cachet, the Coral Casino is a truly unique, special place that embodies the lifestyle of the American Riviera,” said Karen Earp, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. “Mr. Warner’s vision, relentless attention to detail and unwavering fortitude in the historic restoration of this luxury club has produced an amazing and authentically glamorous venue. We are proud to be able to share with our guests such an exclusive opportunity to relax and play here in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.”

Under the architectural and interior design direction of Peter Marino, the meticulous rehabilitation entailed reinstating sweeping ocean views while honoring the original Scandinavian Modern architectural design, characterized by crisp minimal detailing and the overall sense of being aboard a luxury steam liner.

For his role, Peter Marino looked to the original architect for guidance. “My concept was to faithfully restore the original design according to the principles of its architect Gardner Dailey,” stated Marino. “Comfort, elegance and restrained glamour of the original design were all paramount considerations in the rebuilding.” Also included in the renovation were the poolside Coral Cafe and Bar, spacious locker rooms with spa-like steam rooms and saunas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, members’ living room area, the iconic tower entrance, Tydes Restaurant and the grand La Pacifica Ballroom and Terrace.

Guests mingled around the club’s main focal point, an entirely renovated Olympic-sized pool and deck area bordered by 31 private cabanas and featuring a whirlpool, children’s wading pool and rooftop sun deck, while sampling signature hors d’oeuvres and cocktails including vintage champagne and desserts. The VIP after-party, a throwback to the golden era of sultry supper soirees featuring the raspy vocals of acclaimed French jazz performer, Morganne, served as the forum for the unveiling of the Coral Casino’s brand new second-story Tydes Restaurant and Bar.

With the historic restoration now complete, the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club has re-opened its illustrious glass double doors to lucky members and the world’s most elite travelers. It once again offers members and guests of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara a true haven for leisure and recreation that embodies a timeless beach club experience, from poolside sunbathing to elegant sunset cocktail parties, enhanced by thoughtful, detailed Four Seasons service, all in one of California’s most spectacular settings. Initiation fees for new memberships—a limited number of which have been made available by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts as part of its newly launched Connoisseur Club - begin at $250,000.

A portion of the proceeds from the grand reopening event benefited Heal the Ocean, a local non-profit organization that focusing on minimizing ocean pollution through the testing and study of wastewater infrastructures and stormwater contamination.

ABOUT FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA

Situated on the American Riviera, this beautiful historic property, with its red roof tiles, ivory adobe and graceful archways, provides visitors a luxurious and intimate retreat. Lit by romantic gas lamps, brick walkways guide visitors through 20 acres of lush manicured tropical gardens surrounding the 207 guest rooms, suites and cottages. The 10,000 sq. ft. Spa designed by noted architect Peter Marino overlooks Butterfly Beach and features 11 treatment rooms, including four deluxe day suites with fireplaces and private ocean view terraces. At Bella Vista Restaurant, Executive Chef Martin Frost has created innovative seasonal menus that feature California cuisine inspired by the region’s fresh local bounty and produce. Santa Barbara’s only AAA Five Diamond resort, the property has received the coveted rating for three years running and was awarded a spot on Robb Report’s “World’s 100 Ultimate Escapes” since 2006.

ABOUT TY WARNER

Ty Warner owns hotel and resort destinations around the world, including Four Seasons Hotel New York; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara; San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, and Las Ventanas, Cabo. Ty Warner is also known for creating Beanie Babies and currently owns Ty Inc. Mr. Warner is ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world and is known for his generosity having donated over $100 million to charities globally.

ABOUT PETER MARINO

Peter Marino, FAIA, is the principal of Peter Marino Architect, PLLC, an internationally acclaimed architecture firm based in New York City. He is assisted by eight Associates with a total of 135+ employees and satellite offices in Philadelphia, Southampton, Santa Barbara and Paris. Mr. Marino has an architecture degree from Cornell University and began his career at Skidmore Owings & Merrill, George Nelson and I.M. Pei/Cossutta & Ponte. Since founding his own firm in 1978, Mr. Marino’s design contributions in the areas of commercial, cultural, residential and retail architecture have helped redefine modern luxury worldwide, emphasizing materiality, texture, scale, light and the constant dialogue between interior and exterior. He is widely known for his residential and retail designs for the most iconic names in the fashion and art worlds: Fendi, Armani, Warhol, Valentino, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Donna Karan and Barneys New York.

ABOUT LOUIS VUITTON

A worldwide leader in luxury since 1854, Louis Vuitton has become synonymous with the art of elegant travel. Its leather goods are renowned throughout the world for ultimate quality, craftsmanship, innovation and stylish luxury. From 1997, with the arrival of Marc Jacobs as artistic director, it has extended its range to women and men pret-a-porter, shoes, watches and jewelry. Louis Vuitton has an exclusive network of 407 wholly owned stores in 59 countries around the world. It has been a member of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the greatest and most successful luxury goods group worldwide since 1987.

Source: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

CONTACT: Gena Downey of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara,
+1-805-565-8270, ; or Kaleigh Lundy,
+1-310-584-8314, , for Four Seasons Resort The
Biltmore Santa Barbara