The Woodlands (Houston), Texas | Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Robert Villalta as director of operations for Naples Bay Resort, the luxury property that opened last February in Naples, Florida. Roy Young, managing director, made the announcement.

"I am thrilled to welcome Robert to Benchmark Hospitality at Naples Bay Resort," said Mr. Young. "He brings an important understanding of Benchmark's quality standards and an impressive record working with first-rate properties."

Mr. Villalta was previously general manager at the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center of Glen Cove, New York, when the property was operated by Benchmark Hospitality. He has served as corporate director of operations for the Amsterdam Hospitality Group, overseeing properties in New York City, Miami and Charlotte, North Carolina. Villalta was also general manager of The Dream Hotel, a Preferred Hotels property in New York City.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Villalta worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts as regional controller for the W Court Hotel and the W Tuscany Hotel, both located in Manhattan. He has also worked with Doral Hotels & Resorts of New York City.

Robert Villalta is a graduate of Concordia College of Bronxville, New York, with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He and his family are relocating to Naples.

About Naples Bay Resort

Naples Bay Resort is a Four Star-quality, 193-key destination resort. The property, which opened in February 2008, features an 85-key hotel with 65 suites, 108 spacious resort cottages, and a contemporary gourmet restaurant and bar offering magnificent views of the bay. Thirty townhomes and flats round out the residential mix at the resort. The property provides 3,200 square feet of comprehensive meeting and special event space. Recreationally, Naples Bay features a 97-slip marina, comprehensive fitness facilities with a Pilates Studio, an international tennis center under the direction of Cliff Drysdale, and a masterfully designed, foliage-laden resort pool complex with a meandering lazy river pool, lap pool, children's pool, expansive sundeck and poolside cabanas. Championship golf is available nearby at several well-known golf courses. Adding to the resort experience is a retail promenade located adjacent to the marina. Featured in this space are boutique specialty retail, entertainment and casual dining opportunities. The resort offers The Yacht Club and Captain's Lounge, as well as an amenity-rich residents' club, The Club at Naples Bay Resort, with a specially-designed clubhouse and up to 750 members. The two clubs are exclusive to members. Naples Bay Resort is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels?. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit .

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
+1 201 758 2864
Pyramid Global Hospitality