Source: Noble House

SEATTLE – Noble House Hotels & Resorts – a collection of luxury hotels and resorts – has announced that it will take over the management of Banyan Cay Resort & Golf in West Palm Beach, Florida. The popular and prestigious golf resort is the latest addition to Noble House's recent expansion of its roster of premier properties throughout the United States. Situated on 250 acres in the heart of West Palm Beach, the redesign of Banyan Cay began yesterday with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by golf icon and globally acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus.

Noble House Hotels & Resorts has long-standing ties to Southern Florida, including ownership and management of La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Ocean Key Resort & Spa and Pelican Grand Beach Resort. In addition to the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, state-of-the-art practice facility, and new clubhouse, Noble House's plans for Banyan Cay will include the addition of a 150-room luxury hotel, residences, membership levels and a great lawn.

"Banyan Cay Resort & Golf has been a favorite West Palm Beach destination for more than 40 years and Noble House is extremely pleased to take over its management," said Pat Colee, Noble House founder and chairman of the board. "We're confident that the transformation we envision featuring the new course by golf's greatest champion, Jack Nicklaus, will not only reignite excitement among longtime loyalists, but will prove instrumental in attracting new visitors to this prestigious property."

The world-class Nicklaus Signature Course at Banyan Cay will be unlike most South Florida layouts, which get their personality from the typically flat terrain. The Banyan Cay course will showcase a personality and character highlighted by subtle changes of elevation- with as much as 25 feet in changes within the golf course, or more than double most courses in South Florida. Additionally, the course will feature gently rolling fairways, land forms, various water features, and bunkers that provide both aesthetics and strategy.

"I have known this site for many years, and now, to have the opportunity to help shape Banyan Cay's future and hopefully the next generation of golf in Central Palm Beach County, is an honor," said Jack Nicklaus. "I applaud the city for its ongoing efforts to revitalize West Palm Beach. It's possible this could be the last significant golf development-one with resort access-to break ground in the West Palm Beach area. We are excited to officially get this project underway."

The course layout will provide members and guests with a challenging, yet playable golf experience. The new par-72 design currently features five sets of tees to accommodate players of all skill levels, and the course yardage is expected to range from 4,800 yards to a championship length, tipping out at 7,200 yards. The practice facility, as well as the course's opening hole, will be located in front of the new full-service Banyan Cay clubhouse. Inspired by West Indies décor, the clubhouse will feature member facilities, grille, golf shop, and social areas for member activities.

Emphasizing "location, distinction and soul," Noble House Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to creating and managing exceptional properties that contribute to their communities and faithfully reflect local history, culture and ambiance.

For more information, call Noble House Hotels & Resorts at 877.NOBLE.TRIP or visit www.NobleHouseHotels.com

About Nicklaus Design The Nicklaus Companies is dedicated to promoting excellence in the game of golf, preserving its great traditions and growing the game. For nearly 50 years, the mission of the Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer, golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus. In 2007, Jack Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein to help further the growth of the company and to realize the full potential of the brands and branded businesses. Howard Milstein is Chairman of New York Private Bank & Trust, and is actively involved in the Nicklaus Companies as Co-Chairman along with Jack.

Products and services include golf-course design, development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services. Nicklaus-branded products have been marketed worldwide since 1962. The Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear-branded lifestyle collection of products include: golf academies; ice cream; restaurants; beverages; wine; home appliances; apparel; footwear; and golf equipment.

Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has created almost 410 courses worldwide, open for play in 41 countries and 39 U.S states. Jack Nicklaus has designed, co-designed or re-designed almost 300 courses around the globe, more than 100 of which have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists.

For more information on Nicklaus Design or the Nicklaus Companies, please visit nicklaus.com.

About Noble House Hotels & Resorts

The Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio is a collection of 25 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—all designed for discerning travelers seeking to escape the daily routine. Noble House can be trusted to unlock the most authentic experiences in the most compelling destinations. This promise is delivered through their carefully curated collection that pairs boutique local charm with consistent high service and comfort standards. All concepts within their collection offer immersive, active adventure experiences that bring out the best of their destinations. Headquartered in Seattle, their family-owned business philosophy creates value for each concept's community, environment, ownership, staff, and guests. The portfolio includes: over 75 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo., British Columbia, and Colorado; and award-winning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.noblehousehotels.com or call 877.NOBLE.TRIP.

Lori Puccinelli Stern
Glodow Nead Communications
415-394-6500
Noble House