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Long-standing Vision for Kokanee Springs Resort Becomes Reality

Enjoying exceptional accommodation on the edge of one of Canada's most celebrated golf courses will soon be a reality, as Bellstar Hotels & Resorts' plans for Kokanee Springs Resort take shape, in the heart of British Columbia's beautiful Kootenay region. 

Opened in 1968, Kokanee Springs Golf Course was the vision of Calgary Oil broker Ken Jennings, who dreamed of a championship course with a luxurious full-service resort, surrounded by the inspiring backdrop of the Kootenay Mountains. With the expertise of acclaimed resort manager & developer Bellstar Hotels & Resorts, the original plans are finally being modernized, enhanced and realized, firmly placing both the resort and the region on the tourism map.

"Guests can look forward to a new generation of vacation and residential resort," claimed Ed Romanowski, President and CEO of Bellstar Resorts & Hotels. "From luxurious cottages steps away from the course, to cliff-top villas with panoramic views across the valley, Bellstar are thrilled to be involved, honouring Kokanee Springs Resort's heritage and legacy, realizing the dream of the original owners."

Phase one consists of six luxurious cottages set in the woodlands flanking the golf course and twelve well-appointed villas, high on the 1st tee ridge, enabling guests to soak in the atmosphere of the championship course from their patio. The villa collection will boast expansive views of the course, plush interiors, thoughtful layouts and expansive views of the course, and are due for completion by late fall.
Within a year, the first phase of the cottage collection will be available, featuring bright loft bedrooms, high-tech appliances and outdoor fireplaces on a spacious deck with unparallel views of the Kootenay Rockies and Kokanee Glacier. Completing the resort will be a state-of-the-art Clubhouse facility with pool, fitness centre, hot tub, world-class restaurant and conference space. 

"We are thrilled that after 40 years, the original aspirations for the resort are finally being realized," declared Greg Garbula, General Manager at Kokanee Springs Resort. "The affiliation with Bellstar will position Kokanee Springs as a world-class resort, enhancing the profile of our award-winning course and providing superior accommodation and facilities for our guests". 

Construction of the first residential phase begins in summer 2010, taking place in small stages to minimize disruption for golfing guests. For more information on Kokanee Springs Resort, visit www.kokaneesprings.com. To purchase real estate, visit www.ownkokaneesprings.com.

About Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Bellstar manages and develops destination resorts and boutique hotels in Alberta's Rocky Mountains and in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley and Coastal Regions. The boutique hospitality brand combines award-winning service, employment standards and marketing excellence to deliver exceptional resort experiences for guests and owners alike. For more information on Bellstar, visit www.bellstar.com.

About Kokanee Springs Golf Course
Recognized as one of Canada's finest and most established courses, Kokanee Springs is accepted as a key model for golf in Canada, with long driving fairways, immaculate course upkeep and ability to challenge golfers of all levels. Designed by golfing legend Norman Woods, who crafted over 400 courses in his career, Kokanee Springs was Woods' self-proclaimed "masterpiece", hugging the mountainside and overlooking the picturesque Kootenay Lake. Awards from Travel + Leisure Magazine (Most Underrated Golf Course in North America in 2006) and its annual recognition by Golf Digest (four stars), confirms Kokanee Springs' stature as one of Canada's greatest greens.

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