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| · September 24, 2003 · |
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· Bill Wavrin Named Executive Chef Of Miraval Life In Balance Resort And Spa Luxury Arizona Destination Property, Renowned For Its "Conscious Cuisine," Hires One Of The Best In The BusinessCATALINA, Ariz. (September 24, 2003) Miraval Life In Balance™ Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Bill Wavrin as its new Executive Chef. A veteran of the hospitality industry with experience as both a chef and consultant, Wavrin will be adding his own unique and talented touches to Miraval's renowned "Conscious Cuisine." In this role, he will be responsible for all culinary operations at the Catalina, Arizona-based destination resort, including menu creation, the four restaurants, and guest cooking programs. Surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert, Miraval is renowned for its philosophy of "mindfulness" and bringing balance to the mind, body and spirit. The destination resort has received standout recognition, including recently being ranked #1 Destination Spa in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure magazine's eighth-annual Readers' Poll of the World's Best Awards. The influential Zagat Survey 2003 also ranked Miraval the Top Destination Spa in the U.S. for the second year running, while in April 2003 Conde Nast Traveler ranked Miraval #2 spa in the U.S. and #1 for cuisine. "We are very excited to have Chef Wavrin on our team. He has a proven track record of culinary excellence and expertise, and we are confident that he will take our outstanding 'Conscious Cuisine' to the next level," said Jack O'Donnell, CEO of NextHealth, parent company of Miraval Life In Balance and Sierra Tucson. Chef Wavrin has created an illustrious career out of healthful cooking. Prior to joining Miraval, he was Executive Chef at Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Mexico, a position he began in 1991. While there, Wavrin authored The Rancho La Puerta Cookbook (Broadway Books, 1998). He also consulted with Cunard Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Lines, from 1992 to 1999. Wavrin has also been involved with numerous functions for charitable organizations including The American Heart Fund, The Lung Association, The Gilda Club and the Jewish Federation of Greater San Jose. Wavrin has appeared on television programs including The Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America and The Food Network, and has produced videos for Harpers Bazaar, Prevention Magazine, Victory Garden, The Discovery Channel, A&E and others. He is a contributing editor for Chili Pepper Magazine and has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, including Bon Appétit, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vogue, Spa Magazine and more. A trained French and European chef, Wavrin learned his craft at La Maison Grenouille and the California Culinary Academy. He currently resides in Oro Valley, Arizona, with his wife and children. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Southern Arizona, Miraval Life in Balance Resort offers luxury, privacy and a healthful focus for the body, mind and spirit. Unpretentious and thoroughly inviting, the resort's 106 spacious hacienda-style guestrooms sit comfortably on 135 manicured acres in the Sonoran Desert. The Miraval philosophy is one of balance, "mindfulness" and living in the moment. There is no strict regimen, and no pressure: guests are free to create daily agendas which suit their whims, goals and mood. Whatever their preference, there are certainly plenty of programs and activities to choose from. Amidst palo verde and mesquite trees, wild flowers and stunning cacti are a yoga center, four swimming pools, a fitness center, restaurants serving healthful gourmet cuisine, a Zen garden, meditation and nutrition classes, myriad adventure challenges, hiking and biking, horse stables for equine encounters and equestrian pursuits, a spa with more than 100 treatments including Miraval's signature hot stone massages and a nearby championship golf course. Ranked "#1 Destination Spa" in the U.S. by Zagat Survey in 2002 and 2003, the Miraval experience is certain to invigorate mind, body and spirit, and promises to be a lasting experience for every guest. Miraval is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World. For further information or reservations, phone 800-232-3969, or log onto www.miravalresort.com. Media Contact: Amy Newcomb Hawkins International PR (212) 255-6541 Amy@hawkpr.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |