TORONTO, Opening today, Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche is located in a secluded and spectacularly scenic region of Provence, close to the Cote d'Azur. The 115-suite property has been built into a hillside just outside the villages of Tourrettes and Fayence, in the Domaine de Terre Blanche, with a backdrop of sloping vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. The second property in France for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, this new Resort has been designed as a residential retreat, discreetly melding with the landscape and offering suites- only accommodations.

"Our first Resort in Europe is the perfect complement to Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris," said Wolf Hengst, president, worldwide hotel operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We have a unique opportunity to make the most of our stunning location and provide our guests with a wonderful leisure experience in this part of the world."

At the heart of Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche are two Dave Thomas-designed championship golf courses, each one catering to players of all levels in a captivating setting amidst the property's towering pines. Guests can perfect their skills or learn new ones at the David Leadbetter Professional Golf Academy and driving range. Beside the Golf Clubhouse is a 6,459 square foot (600 square metre) infinity pool, which appears to be carved out of the landscape. The spacious pool deck also includes a whirlpool and children's pool. Dedicated fitness and spa villas offer a range of activities and services.

Each of the Resort's 115 suites is located in one- or two-story villas. French doors open onto an expansive private terrace, providing scenic views across the countryside to the mountains beyond. The villas are connected by meandering walkways within gardens elegantly landscaped for privacy. Terracotta-tiled roofs complement the warm ochre tones of the villas, and the contemporary design of the interiors incorporates natural wood and stone textures characteristic of Provence. Rattan chairs, woven rugs and regional artwork continue the Provencal theme.

General Manager Dimitrios Zarikos has overseen the pre-opening phase of the Resort, and previously assisted with the opening of Four Seasons properties in Cairo and Paris. From Normandy, Executive Chef Philippe Jourdin heads up the kitchen. Faventia, the Resort's main restaurant, serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Provencal influences, with dining both indoors and alfresco. The carefully compiled wine list offers fine Provencal vintages as well as an international selection. Lighter fare is served in The Clubhouse and The Lobby, and in the warmer weather, the Tousco Grill offers outdoor dining.

The versatile meeting and banquet space totals 7,847 square feet (729 square meters), supported by sophisticated communications/audio-visual technology and 24-hour business services. Meeting rooms lead out to private lawns or terraces.

With a history spanning four decades and a portfolio that extends worldwide, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the world's leading operator of luxury hotels, currently managing 62 properties in 29 countries. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, opened January 17, 2004 and Four Seasons continues to grow, with more than 20 projects under construction or development in choice locations around the world. In the next several months, the company will open new properties in Budapest, Whistler, British Columbia and Hampshire, England. Four Seasons continues to have more of its hotels designated as AAA Five Diamond properties than any other hotel company and it has the most Mobil Five Star awards in the industry. The company is also consistently highly ranked in readers' surveys in publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Institutional Investor, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, Gallivanter's Guide and the Zagat Survey. Information on the company and its 43 years of achievement in the hospitality industry can be accessed through the Four Seasons Web site at www.fourseasons.com.