Luigi Romaniello Named Managing Director of Highly Anticipated Oceanside Destination Rosewood Hotel & Resorts to Manage Property
MONTECITO, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2016) – Today, Caruso Affiliated, one of the largest, privately held real estate development companies in the U.S., held its groundbreaking ceremony for Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, an oceanfront resort scheduled to open in summer 2018. The resort will be located on 16 acres of prime beachfront real estate and become a world-class destination, with a private members-only beach club, reinventing the five-star experience.
Rick J. Caruso, founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated, hosted the ceremony and was joined by Radha Arora, president, Rosewood Hotel & Resorts, ® Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, key stakeholders and community members.
“We are here today thanks to the enduring support of the Montecito community and many others, who have shared this vision of creating a magnificent luxury resort that pays homage to the rich history of this region.” stated Rick J. Caruso. “For the past 10 years, it has been our commitment to create a resort that fits within this special community and we are excited to begin to bring this project to life.”
Concurrently, Caruso Affiliated has announced the appointment of Luigi Romaniello as managing director of Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito. Romaniello, who most recently served as managing director of Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel, brings over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry and has spent more than 15 years with Rosewood Hotel & Resorts properties. He previously worked at globally renowned resorts around the world, specializing in openings, renovations, concept development and operations. Romaniello’s extensive background in the ultra-luxury market and dedication to the best in personalized guest experience will ensure the highest caliber of service at Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito.
“Luigi Romaniello is an industry veteran who has been at the helm of award-winning luxury hotels globally, making him a perfect fit for this important position,” said Rick J. Caruso. “This resort is a unique property merging old and new luxury, and Luigi’s interdisciplinary experience will be an essential asset to the resort.”
“I am thrilled to be accepting the role of managing director at this incredible, dynamic new property,” said Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito. “I am confident that my strong hospitality background has prepared me to deliver a unique hybrid of the very best in guest experience, drawing both from the historical beauty of the property and the unparalleled luxury of the resort.”
The much anticipated Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito is part of Rosewood Hotel & Resorts’ impressive collection of luxurious destinations that provide guests and surrounding communities with “a sense of place.” Situated on an expansive 16 acres, the resort draws inspiration from the rich history of the Montecito coast, including the original 19th-century hotel formerly on the property. The resort will be a world-class destination, reinventing the five-star experience with 124 refined guest rooms and 37 luxury suites, beautifully designed within lanai cottages, garden bungalows and a classic main house. Along with an oceanfront restaurant and bar with an outdoor terrace, the property will feature a signature restaurant in the main house, two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a wedding/event space accommodating up to 400 guests.
The Miramar Beach Club, an exclusive beachfront, private members-only beach club, will open in tandem with the resort and feature an indoor / outdoor lounge, engaging dining venues, beach access and activities and a private pool and cabanas. Members will enjoy enriching wellbeing, social and family-orientated programming.
Established in the late 1880s, the original Miramar by the Sea was the first resort hotel in Montecito and one of the first-ever beachside hotels in California. The property was vacant for seven years when Caruso Affiliated purchased it in 2007 and, in 2013, decaying buildings that the community wanted removed were torn down. In April 2015, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with the resort plans and, in June of that year, Caruso announced that Rosewood Hotel & Resorts had been selected to manage Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito.
Montecito is situated just 80 miles north of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara County and has become known as one of the nation’s most affluent and exclusive communities in the country. The idyllic beachfront town has gained a reputation for pristine landscapes, temperate and enjoyable year-round weather, and beautiful residential architecture. Hugging its famed coast, Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito will complement the Montecito area while setting a new international standard for beachside luxury. The resort is also designed to be energy and environmentally friendly in accordance with the latest stringent California Green Building Standards Code.
For more information, visit http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beach-montecito.
FAQ
Q: If I have a question about the project, who do I contact?
A: Please contact Caruso Affiliated at Miramarinfo@CarusoAffiliated.com or (805) 728-8130.
Q: How can I become a member of the beach club?
A: The specific details of the beach club are yet to be announced, but you can email Miramarinfo@CarusoAffiliated.com to express your interest and we will be in touch next year.
Q: Who is designing the resort?
A: Our consultants designing the resort are Marc Appleton (Appleton Partners, Design Architect, Montecito) Andy Cohen, (Gensler, Executive Architect), Diane Johnson (Diane Johnson Design, Interior Design), Fiona Thompson (Richmond International, Interior Design) George Girvin (Girvin Associates, Landscape Architect, Santa Barbara) and Brian Orter (BOLD, Lighting Designer).
Q: What are projected room rates?
A: We have not established our room rates at this time. However, the rooms, suites and bungalows will be priced in line with similar five-star luxury resorts in the area and the greater Southern California region.
Q: How will this affect the Montecito community?
A: The project will help revitalize Santa Barbara and Montecito tourism markets. One thousand (1,000) new jobs will be created during construction, with 200 permanent full-time and part-jobs once the resort opens. Additionally, Santa Barbara County is in a unique position of having the property at its doorstep ready to open to the public in less than three years.
Q: When will the project start construction?
A: The project started construction in summer 2016 and is on schedule to open in summer 2018 as planned.
Q: What are the approved work hours?
A: Our work hours for construction are from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (site work and exteriors). We will not have work on Saturdays, Sundays, or state holidays. Quiet activities inside of buildings may observe modified work hours.