Auberge Resorts' Inn at Palmetto Bluff and Esperanza Resort Awarded Top Honors in Travel + Leisure's 2009 World's Best Awards

Sister Properties Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Rancho Valencia Also Recognized for Excellence

MILL VALLEY, Calif., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The discerning readers of Travel + Leisure, one of the most respected travel magazines in the world, have voted Auberge Resorts among the world's best. Auberge Resorts' Inn at Palmetto Bluff was awarded "Best Resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada" and Esperanza Resort, a luxury resort in Mexico was named "Best Hotel Spa in Mexico" in the 14th annual World's Best Awards readers' survey. Sister properties Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch, Solage Calistoga, and Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe are also recognized on this impressive list, featured in the August issue. These coveted awards are a result of seasoned travelers judging and rating their choice of exceptional properties in categories including guest rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value. All properties within the Auberge Resorts collection ranked among the best, with the exception of their newest property, Encantado in Santa Fe, N.M., which was too new to qualify. Resort rankings follow.

Inn at Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina)

#1 In the U.S.

#14 In the World

Esperanza Resort (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)

#1 Hotel Spa in Mexico

#2 Top 15 Resort in Mexico

#23 In the World

Auberge du Soleil (Napa Valley, Calif.)

#7 In the U.S.

#94 In the World

Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley, Calif.)

#18 In the U.S.

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

#40 In the U.S.

Solage Calistoga Resort (Auberge Resorts' newest brand in Calistoga, Calif.)

#11 In the U.S.

"We are honored that our properties continue to be recognized by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure," said Mark Harmon, CEO of Auberge Resorts. "This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff who deliver a unique and personalized experience to every guest visiting our resorts."

The 14th annual World's Best Awards is a celebration of the best resorts, destinations, spas, airlines, and cruises that exceed the expectations of the world's most seasoned travelers.

About Auberge Resorts

Auberge Resorts is a collection of exceptional hotels, resorts and private clubs, each with a unique personality that assures a memorable guest experience. Among the distinctive properties are Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas; Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley; The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina; Encantado, Santa Fe New Mexico Resort; Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and Pond Bay opening in December on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with several others currently in development. While Auberge Resorts nurtures the individuality of each establishment, all are characterized by a set of communal elements: intimate, understated elegance; captivating locations that inspire exceptional cuisine and spa experiences; and gracious yet unobtrusive service. For more information about Auberge Resorts, please visit www.aubergeresorts.com.