Sandy Lane Barbados names Michael Pownall as Chief Executive

(St. James, Barbados) - The owners of the luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel & Golf Resort have announced the appointment of Michael Pownall as Chief Executive. In this new position, Mr. Pownall will oversee all aspects of the award-winning resort including the 112 luxury rooms and suites, the five-bedroom private villa, four unique restaurants, five bars, 47,000-square-foot spa and 45 holes of internationally acclaimed golf.

Commented Dermot Desmond, Chairman of the Sandy Lane Board, "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pownall as Chief Executive. We greatly look forward to Michael extending his proven excellence and wealth of experience to Sandy Lane where he will lead the resort to continued success."

With over 20 years management experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Mr. Pownall comes to Sandy Lane after eight years of service with Orient-Express Hotels in both South Africa and the United States. He most recently held the position of Managing Director of Keswick Estate, a 640-acre luxury hotel, golf club and real estate development located outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. Mr. Pownall has also served as Hotel Manager of the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, and has held numerous senior management positions in hotels throughout the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.

"I am delighted to be joining this extraordinary property which has long been a treasured hideaway for the world's most discerning travelers. As Chief Executive, I look forward to bringing my international experience and knowledge to Sandy Lane's excellent team and to continue to expand upon the legendary resort's tradition of excellence," stated Pownall.

Mr. Pownall, born in Sheffield, England, was educated at the prestigious Blackpool Hotel School in England where he earned his Hotel Management Degree. He trained with Cunard Hotels and Thistle Hotels in London, as well as spells with both Forte and Inter-Continental Hotels. Mr. Pownall has three young children and has been married to his wife Caroline for 13 years.

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About Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is located on the western coast of the island of Barbados. Originally built in 1961, Dermot Desmond, J.P. McManus and partners purchased the property and golf course in 1996 and completely rebuilt and expanded, opening in March 2001.

This exclusive 112-room resort has stylish lodging in rooms that average 900 square feet, a five-bedroom villa, luxury Bentley airport transfers, four restaurants including the signature restaurant L'Acajou, five bars, a 47,000-square-foot spa and three distinct golf courses offering guests the best golf in the Caribbean. Two of the courses are Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole courses including the Green Monkey Course.

Rates for 2006 at Sandy Lane range from $850 to $3600 for rooms, $1500 to $5300 for suites, and $3300 to $8800 for penthouses, and $8,000 to $25,000 for the Villa at Sandy Lane. For more information and reservations, visit the resort's website, www.sandylane.com or call Sandy Lane at (246) 444-2001 or toll free at 866-444-4080. Sandy Lane is a partner of Virtuoso and a Member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.