Fisher Island Hotel & Resort Announces Completion of Phase One of Renaissance of Fisher Island

$60 Million Restoration Project Includes Renovations to Vanderbilt Mansion, Hotel Accommodations, Go

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. January 29, 2010

Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, located within the private residential island community of Fisher Island, Florida announces the completion of phase one of its Renaissance of Fisher Island restoration project. Accessible only by auto-ferry, boat or helicopter, this idyllic 216-acre property is set against views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Miami skyline and is located off-shore, just minutes from the U.S. Mainland and South Miami Beach.

The $60 million island-wide restoration includes the completion of several of Fisher Island's signature facilities and amenities, including the hotel's centerpiece, the historic Vanderbilt Mansion - which once served as home to the Vanderbilt family; hotel accommodations, the golf course, tennis center, beach club and private marina. The goal of the restoration initiative, which began in 2007, is to bring the iconic landmark up to the demanding standards of today's discriminating traveler, as it provides guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the private island experience known exclusively to its notable residents, both past and present. Phase two of the restoration plan will focus on the island's spa, and other island facilities.

“Blending a celebrated storybook history, with unparalleled privacy, relaxation and easy access to the South Beach scene, Fisher Island offers a superlative vacation experience to those who want the exclusivity and access without the crowds,” stated Larry Brown, CEO of Fisher Island Club. “The Renaissance of Fisher Island will serve to bring that experience to a whole new world-class level.”

Named after Miami Beach founder, Carl Fisher, the island was once the home of William K. Vanderbilt II, when he traded his coveted 250-foot luxury yacht for Fisher Island. Following a deep and rich history, today's Fisher Island represents one of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S.

Specifically, completed phase one aspects of the Renaissance of Fisher Island restoration project include:

Fisher Island Hotel & Resort
The hotel's cottages, villas and suites have been fully renovated, with the selection of new interiors, finishes and furnishings, lush outdoor landscaping, and a redesigned hotel porte-cochere arrival - all intended to pay homage to the historic architectural character throughout the island. The resort's centerpiece, the 1920s-era Vanderbilt Mansion, has also been brought back to its original splendor.

“The Links at Fisher Island”
Upgrades to Fisher Island's nine hole, par 35 championship golf course include new paspalum supreme grass, laser-leveled tees, new cart paths and rebuilt bunkers. All renovations to “The Links at Fisher Island,” which has hosted several nationally televised PGA and Senior PGA shoot-outs, were supervised by the course's original designer, P.B. Dye. Its 10,000 square-foot Golf Clubhouse, signature restaurant “The Grill,” pro shop and locker rooms have also been redesigned.

The Tennis Center
Often used by visiting pros for pre-tournament practice, Fisher Island has restored its Racquet Club and 18 grass, Har-Tru clay and hard courts with an upgraded hydrogrid watering system, new landscaping and modern outdoor furnishings that include a courtyard fountain, and improved lighting for night play. The Tennis Center also features a refurbished center court where tournaments are staged, plus a terrace snack bar and redesigned pro-shop. The tennis center also provides a boardroom meeting facility, which has been newly updated and fitted with new furnishings and state-of-the-art technologies.

Beach Club
Situated along a half mile of private beach in the Mansion Courtyard, the island's new private beach club provides hotel guests with pool and beach facilities, lounge areas and cabanas. It also offers casual, indoor and outdoor dining inspired by creative Floridian cuisine.

Marina
Upgrades to Fisher Island's private marina include two deep-water, surge-proof marinas that provide 131 slips and accommodates vessels up to 250 feet and offer complete electrical, cable television, and phone connectivity, including new Brazilian Ipe hardwood decking and new power pedestals protected by weather-proof covers. The entire electrical infrastructure has also been inspected and rebuilt to ensure a safer and more secure facility.

About Fisher Island Hotel & Resort
Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, is a 45-room boutique property located off-shore, just minutes from the U.S. mainland and South Miami Beach within the private residential community of Fisher Island in Miami, Florida. It is accessible only by auto-ferry, boat or helicopter. The 216-acre resort features a private beach and beach club, 9-hole professional golf course, tennis center, marina, eight dining options, over 10,000 square feet of meetings space and a full-service spa. The near-complete Renaissance of Fisher Island, a $60 million island-wide restoration project will bring the iconic landmark up to the demanding standards of today's discriminating traveler. For more information, please visit www.fisherislandclub.com or call (800) 537-3708.