SEATTLE, Wash. - May 16, 2013 – Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. (NHHR) – a collection of luxury hotels and resorts – announces the appointment of Joe St. Laurent as General Manager and Jeff Gillick as Director of Sales and Marketing at Kona Kai Resort and Spa, located at the tip of Shelter Island in San Diego. In this role, St. Laurent will be responsible for the resort’s successful day-to-day operations and will provide support and leadership throughout the property’s ongoing $22 million renovations. As DOSM, Gillick will be responsible for the planning and development of the sales and marketing functions for Kona Kai Resort and Spa, while maintaining focus on strategic goals.

“I am extremely excited to provide managerial direction for Kona Kai Resort and Spa and specifically, am honored with the opportunity to oversee the continued growth of this one-of-a-kind destination resort,” said St. Laurent. Boasting more than 20 years of experience, this is St. Laurent’s second time with Noble House, having previously worked as the Director of Rooms and Operations for Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego, from 2005-2007. In this new position, St. Laurent will expand upon both the great history and continued legacy already enjoyed by Kona Kai, while further elevating the property’s position as the ultimate Southern California destination resort.

With an established history of achieving dramatic, record-breaking revenue increases through the execution of targeted and creative sales strategies, Gillick is an expert at revenue growth. Gillick joins the Kona Kai team after working previously for several hotels and resorts in the Southern California region, including most recently at the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, CA.

“Noble House is thrilled to welcome both Joe and Jeff to their new positions,” said Mike Benecke, President of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “St Laurent’s ambition, combined with his proven track record, will continue to push guest satisfaction to new heights with superior quality service.” Additionally, Benecke explained, “We’re also excited to have Jeff Gillick on the team – his experience with top rated, independent and luxury resorts makes him a valuable addition to Kona Kai.”

With a philosophy that emphasizes “location, distinction and soul,” Noble House Hotels and Resorts illustrate the appearance of individuality. Identifying each property for its culture and appeal, Noble House is unwavering in its dedication to create and manage unique, top quality properties that reflect and make profound contributions to their communities, staying true to the local history, culture and ambiance that defines each region.

Kona Kai is a timeless San Diego Bay treasure, situated at the very tip of Shelter Island and offering captivating marina and bay views. Creating a surprising atmosphere, Kona Kai delights guests with an intimate SoCal experience in a fresh environment, inspiring the American spirit and revitalizing the soul. Classic in style, with alabaster walls, red tile roofs and archways, the warm and alluring atmosphere has, for decades, played hosted to dignitaries and film stars alike.

For more information and to make reservations, call Kona Kai Resort & Spa at (619) 221-8000 or visit www.resortkonakai.com. Kona Kai is located at 1551 Shelter Island, San Diego.

About Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. is a privately held hotel ownership and management company in business for more than 30 years.  Founded in 1979 by Patrick R. Colee, Noble House began as a commercial property development group, but for the last 25 years, the company has concentrated exclusively on hotel ownership and management. The Seattle, Washington based company owns and manages boutique hotels and resorts spanning the four coastal corners of America, including the newly refurbished Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys, The Edgewater in Seattle, Washington and Hotel Viking in Newport, R.I.  For more information or to book reservations, visit  www.NobleHouseHotels.com.