Geoff Doherty 14 Nov 2008
Select Braemar Lodge & Spa Celebrates the Christmas Season Early

Select Hotels and Resorts International

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs, managed by Select Hotels & Resorts International Management Pty Ltd will open on 1st December 2008. This new 5 star luxury lodge consists of 24 superbly appointed suites (60 to 80sqm), signature restaurant � �Alpine View�, lounge, bar, library, conference facilities and spa/wellness centre. Select welcomes the appointment of Geoff Doherty as General Manager who commences on 12th November 2008.

Geoff�s has over 15 years of extensive hotel management experience and was most recently General Manager of the Rendezvous Reef Resort in Port Douglas. Under Geoff�s leadership the resort significantly increased revenue levels, profitability and most importantly improved guest satisfaction to establish a highly loyal return guest ratio.

His responsibilities as General Manager for Select Braemar Lodge & Spa include constructing the vital relationships with all industry partners, suppliers and prospective customers, employing and training the new team and ensuring guest service maintains or surpasses Select�s high standards. Working with the Select corporate team to ensure all company procedures are in place, Geoff will also oversee representation of Select Braemar Lodge & Spa in the local and regional communities.

Geoff Doherty says of his new role �It was with great pleasure that I accepted the role of General Manager of Select Braemar Lodge & Spa. I am looking forward to contributing to the establishment of a high quality iconic property as well as working with the talented team from Select. My family and I are very excited about moving from one beautiful part of the world to another and experiencing all that the Canterbury region has to offer.�

Ralph Kelly, Select�s Managing Director, says, �We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff as General Manager of this exciting Select property and to be expanding our management expertise to New Zealand where Select has established an enviable reputation as a marketing group. We believe Select�s industry expertise and innovative management programs will ensure Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs- successfully contributes to the growth of this beautiful region as a rapidly developing tourist destination and to the success of our group.�

To celebrate the opening date of 01st December 2008 Select Braemar Lodge & Spa is inviting some early Christmas cheer with the following 4 packages and a very special December opening rate:

* December opening special from NZ $300 per suite for 2 guests including full gourmet cooked breakfast, for more information www.selectbraemarlodge.com Valid from the 01st to the 20th of December 2008

Opening Celebratory Package � From NZ$1499 including GST for 2 guests

Come celebrate the opening of the new Select Braemar Lodge and Spa in beautiful alpine Hanmer Springs. Make history and be one of the first guests to stay in the newest luxury lodge, with a glass of bubbly in hand whilst admiring the panoramic views of the Hanmer Basin. This one off special opening package is one not to be missed.

�2 nights Accommodation in a Medway Suite including breakfast valued at $1060 �Free upgrade for early bookings to include hot tub on balcony valued at $50 �3 course dinner daily valued at $320 �Bottle of bubbly on arrival in your suite valued at $60 �Pre dinner drinks and canap�s valued at $30 �2 x 1hr massage valued at $200 �2 x 45 minute Horse Ride through beautiful Hanmer Springs country valued at $100

Total Value $1820 Selling Price from $1499 Saving of $321 Terms and Conditions Valid to 24th December 2008. Includes 3 course dinner (excluding beverages) Package subject to availability at time of booking Must book direct with the lodge on +64 (0)3 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com

Food and Wine Package � From NZ$1799 including GST for 2 guests

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa is located within the well known Waipara wine region. It is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand with around 80 vineyards in the Waipara Valley covering more than 1,200 hectares of plantings. This package is perfect for those that enjoy good wine, good food and luxury accommodation.

�3 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $1545 �Bottle of chilled Waipara wine on arrival in your suite valued at $60 �Platter style lunch followed by a half day wine tour including tasting valued at $200 �Fresh fruit in your suite daily valued at $50 �3 course dinner on night of arrival valued at $160 �Daily pre dinner Waipara wines served with local olives, local olive oil and cheeses valued at $50

Total Price $2065 Selling Price from $1799 Saving of $266 Terms and Conditions Valid to 30th April 2009. Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 3 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages) Subject to availability at time of booking. Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com Wine tour based on 4 people. Additional charges may apply if less than 4 people participating.

Thrillseekers Package � From NZ$1999 including GST for 2 guests Combine exhilaration with relaxation at Select Braemar Lodge and Spa. Enjoy thrilling activities with breathtaking views based only 5 minutes from the lodge, with wholesome food to bring up your energy levels ready for the next activity.

�2 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $1030 �2 x 90 minute guided quad bike trip on afternoon of arrival valued at $258 �2 x 40 minute Jet Boat through the Hanmer Gorge and Waiau River - day 2 valued at $220 �2 x 90 minute river rafting - day 3 valued at $290 �2 x 1hr massage to relax any aching muscles from the days activities valued at $200 �3 course dinner on night of arrival valued at $160 �Bottle of Waipara wine on arrival valued at $60

Total Price $2218 Selling Price from $1999 Saving of $219 Terms and Conditions Valid to 30th April 2009 Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 3 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages) Subject to availability at time of booking Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com No experience necessary for activities, all equipment will be provided. Alternative arrangements will be arranged if weather is bad.

Alpine Romance Package � From NZ$2599 including GST for 2 guests Why not treat your loved one to this ultimate romance package and enjoy your 4th night with our compliments. With Christmas and Valentine�s Day not far away, this would make a great gift to show your partner how much you care. �4 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $2060 �Free upgrade to a Medway Spa Suite valued at $160 �Bottle of chilled bubbly on arrival valued at $60 �Chocolates and seasonal fruit on arrival valued at $30 �2 x intimate 4 course dinner served on your balcony valued at $400 �Beauty pamper pack including massage oils and creams valued at $30 �Romantic hilltop picnic lunch via helicopter (ideal for proposals!) valued at $400

Total Price $3140 Selling Price from $2599 Saving of $541 Terms and Conditions Valid to 30th April 2009 Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 2 x 4 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages) Rates and upgrade subject to availability at time of booking Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: About Select Braemar Lodge & Spa:

The only lodge of its kind in the area known as the Alpine Pacific Triangle of the South Island, Select Braemar Lodge is located on an elevated plateau minutes from Hanmer Springs� thermal spa and 90 minutes north of Christchurch International Airport. The spa is complete with a gymnasium, plunge pool and treatment rooms overlooking the tranquil hills of the Hanmer Basin.

Select Braemar Lodge will indulge guests with 24 open plan guest suites of 80+sqm featuring floor-to ceiling windows and doors, contemporary natural-toned d�cor, sumptuous designer furnishings, a super Californian king-size bed and lounge area. A flaming gas fire will provide winter warmth from the surrounding snow capped mountains; a beautiful backdrop when guests relax at the end of the day in their private terrace�s outdoor Jacuzzi.

The Alpine View Restaurant will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving gourmet meals prepared by our chef, with excellent local produce.

The Lodge is also designed to cater to executive meetings and small to medium sized functions with a choice of 3 rooms - the Oval Boardroom, the Gallery or the unique round Rotunda Room with the property�s pristine natural setting ideal for meetings and team-building activities. For more information: http://www.selectbraemarlodge.com

Select Hotels & Resorts International Member Properties 2008: www.selecthotels.com

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW; Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba, NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Lindenwarrah, Milawa VIC; Lindenderry, Mornington Peninsula VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; The Elandra Resort, Mission Beach, Tropical North QLD

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, a Heritage Hotel, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; The Point Villas, Lake Taupo; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke�s Bay; The Hart Lodge, Tauranga; Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur's Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri�s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand; Siloso Beach Resort Villas, Sentosa Island, Singapore

CHINA: 88 Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE