Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas Expands Hotel & Resort Management Presence

STAMFORD, Conn., In response to the increasing consumer demand for hotels and resorts with spa amenities, Red Door Spas, the leader in relaxation, beauty and spa services, announces an aggressive expansion plan to extend the Red Door experience to luxury hotel resort guests. As the fastest growth division for Red Door, the hotel and resort market has been identified as a primary business development focus, with plans to open up to 15 new facilities over the next five years. The market strategy is to identify and partner with marquee developers/owners in the hospitality industry to bring Red Door Spas to existing and developing properties. These spas will be managed and staffed by Red Door employees, enhancing the properties' offerings and providing guests with a complete spa experience.

"Introducing new Red Door Spas to high-end hotels and resorts is a win-win for both parties," said John Richards, CEO for Red Door Spa Holdings. "Red Door sets the standard in providing the highest quality spa services in the industry. With more than 29 Red Door Spas in the United States, the Red Door brand has substantial presence and value among consumers today. When they set about making vacation plans and see that their hotel options include a Red Door, they know they can expect excellent service without ever having visited. And with spa services now being the most requested amenity in hotels and resorts, the existence of a proven brand that consumers can relate to is sure to be an important addition to any property. Our operations teams and technicians are the most experienced in the industry and create a consistent experience in a luxurious environment."

Currently, Red Door Spa operates three hotel and resort locations in the United States, and is expanding in the east coast region beginning with the Providence Biltmore in Rhode Island in March 2005, followed by the Wigwam Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The goal is to open up to three new spas each year. Additional venues are still being explored with existing, as well as, new, independent hotel partners. These target markets include: Washington, D.C.; Boston; Chicago; Las Vegas; Miami Beach, Orlando and Naples, Florida; Hollywood; Portland, Oregon; and Atlantic City.

"Our construction and development, operations teams has more than 80 years of experience combined, and a proven track record of developing, constructing, and staffing Red Door Spas, opening our first three resort locations on time and on budget," said Ron Blumenthal, senior vice president of development for Red Door. "We're finding Red Door guests choose a resort or hotel because of the presence of a brand they trust and know. It also allows them to continue familiar regimens they use at home and continue new regimens they are introduced to at the hotel or resort once they return home."

Red Door is currently seeking additional real estate, hospitality and contractor partnerships to solidify new locations and opening dates.

About Red Door Spa Holdings - Red Door Spa Holdings is a privately held company backed by North Castle Partners, specialists in investments in the healthy living and aging sector. It licenses trademarks from the publicly traded Elizabeth Arden, Inc., the fragrance and cosmetics company, which is a separate corporate entity. Red Door Spa Holdings is the largest branded day spa company in the world and operates over 100 branded spas and salons, including 29 Red Door locations across the US and in London, three Red Door Spas within prestige resort properties, and 26 Mario Tricoci branded Salons and Spas based in Chicago. In the years ahead, Red Door Spa Holdings will continue to expand locations and introduce new and advanced services. Their commitment to provide innovative treatments and quality services with scientifically proven and advanced ingredients, combined with the legendary techniques and philosophies developed by day spa pioneer Elizabeth Arden, will continue to position them as the leader in the day spa industry for many years to come.