NESTING OF ENDANGERED SEA TURTLES IN LOS CABOS

ADDS VALUE TO FAMILY PACKAGES AND TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

AT SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR GOLF & SPA RESORT

Los Cabos, Mexico (August 24, 2009) – The Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar has long offered guests an opportunity to experience the wonders of sea life, from whale watching to swimming with the dolphins.  These experiences have now been brought to a new level as a result of a large-scale Sea Turtle Conservation Program where guests can experience the nesting and birth of endangered Sea Turtles on the resort’s sandy shores. 

To encourage opportunities to witness the nesting and release of the Sea Turtles from now through October and family visits through the end of the year, the resort has introduced a choice of family packages and programs that add value and provide savings, including a “Family Package” that offers free meals for kids under 12 with the purchase of each adult meal at resort restaurants, one in-room movie per night, a welcome chocolate and peanut snack for each child (up to two children), and late check out at 4 p.m. for $189 per night  (excluding taxes) with a two night minimum.  Restrictions apply, the package is based on availability and is offered through the end of the year.  The resort’s “Sensational Savings” program offers guests a one night free with a four night stay, a $200 food and beverage credit and a room upgrade; or, two nights free with a seven night stay, a $300 credit on food and beverage and a room upgrade.  Packages and upgrades are based on availability and travel must be booked and completed by December 22, 2009. 

“Our beach has become a safe-haven for the nesting of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, and we are dedicated to protecting them and supporting efforts to assist with Sea Turtle conservation programs,” said Renato Mendonca, general manager of the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos.  “It is so moving to watch the beautiful little turtles arrive and run to the ocean, as we imaging the dangers that they will face and hoping that many of them return to the resort to lay their eggs in the future.”

To date, a total of 15 Sea Turtles have arrived and laid approximately 1300 eggs at the resort.  The first hatchlings for 2009 are due August 28. In support of the program sponsored by Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, 15 Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar employees, including Mendonca, were trained by award-winning Sea Biologist Gabriela Tiburcio to assist in the monitoring and release of the turtles.

It is believed that the Olive Ridley Seat Turtle, named for the olive-green color of its heart-shaped shell, returns to nest on the same beach they were hatched.  Thus, the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar hopes to be home to the nesting of these impressive creatures for many years to come.  The Sea Turtles will grow to be about 100 lbs when they mature.

About Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos

Situated on 28 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, with 270 guest rooms each featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, whirlpool tubs and private terraces, is impeccably reminiscent of an upscale seaside village. The sprawling, Hacienda-inspired resort is home to five restaurants and five bars, four infinity and cascading swimming pools, the acclaimed Cactus Spa and Fitness Center (part of the Starwood Spa Collection) and a broad selection of outdoor activities. Boasting Los Cabos’ largest meetings facility with more than 18,000 square feet of function space, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar welcomes meetings and special events of all sizes.  A small chapel and beachfront locations are also available for weddings and the staff has extensive experience with multicultural wedding planning.  For more information, please visit www.sheratonloscabos.com or call (011) 52-624-145-8000.

About Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos

In a magical setting overlooking the Sea of Cortez, The Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos is an empowering escape from the ordinary. It’s iconic architecture and inspiring ambiance beckons guests into an oasis that nourishes the soul and expands the mind.  Seemingly intuitive service indulges the senses, while an abundance of amenities and activities energize and refresh.  The resort empowers its guests to immerse themselves in endless possibilities with 243 well-appointed guest rooms offering a distinct alternative to Mexican luxury and style, four unique restaurants and several diverse bars and lounges, as well as seven inviting swimming pools. In addition to being a member of the prestigious Starwood Spa Collection, The Spa offers guests extraordinary treatments that renew both the mind and body.  The WestinWORKOUT gym, tennis courts, a nine-hole seaside putting green challenge and the renowned Westin Kids Club provides guests of all ages an extensive variety of fun and invigorating activities.  Nearly 12,000 square feet of indoor function halls and a seemingly endless array of outdoor event space make this resort ideal for meetings and special events of all styles and sizes. For more information or to make reservations, call The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos at 011-52-624-142-9000 or go to www.westinloscabos.com for the best rate guarantee, pictures and virtual tours.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 940 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

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