Gloria & Emilio Estefan and Benchmark Hospitality International
Open Costa d'Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach, Florida

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 19, 2008 … Benchmark Hospitality International and five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, Jr., opened the highly anticipated Costa d'Este Beach Resort today, the 94-guestroom, luxury property located in Vero Beach, Florida. The Honorable Thomas White, mayor of the City of Vero Beach, presided at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At the event Mayor White proclaimed today as "Costa d'Este Day" in Vero Beach. Other speakers included the Estefans; Andy Zinni, Benchmark's general manager at the resort; Penny Chandler, president, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce; and Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, which is the resort's operator. Also in attendance were local commissioners, city council members, Vero Beach and Indian River County government officials, and prominent members of the community. Following the ceremony all guests were invited to a festive reception held poolside and throughout the resort's elegant ground floor public spaces.

Costa d'Este Beach Resort opened to a fully booked weekend with a private group that has also reserved the property's signature Cuban-fusion restaurant Oriente. The resort and Oriente will open to the public on Monday, June 23.

Gloria Estefan welcomed the VIP delegation by stating, "We developed this stunning resort because it made good business sense, but it was also a labor of love because Vero Beach is our home away from home and has been for six years. And we wanted to share this special community with vacationers from around the world."

"Today marks the culmination of a long road," added Emilio Estefan, Jr. "Mayor White, city commissioners and council members, Gloria and I thank all of you for the incredible support you have shown us and the very warm welcome we have received here in Vero Beach."

According to Mayor White, "All of us in Vero Beach are excited to welcome the Estefans and Costa d'Este Beach Resort to our growing tourism community. Our Treasure Coast location offers geographic proximity to Orlando, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, but at the same time, we're a world away."

Burt Cabañas, Benchmark Hospitality's founder, added, "This gorgeous resort reflects Gloria and Emilio's flair, keen style and multi-cultural sophistication. Benchmark is delighted to add Costa d'Este to our new Personal Luxury Resort™ collection."

From its premier Ocean Drive location to its fashionable accommodations, gourmet cuisine and discreetly attentive service, Costa d'Este - meaning "East Coast" in Spanish - will cater to the most discerning leisure travelers from around the world. The $50 million resort features 94 guestrooms including four one-bedroom suites, a signature restaurant and bar, infinity-edge swimming pool and cabana bar, full-service spa and fitness center, as well as elegant facilities for special events. World-class tennis courts, championship golf, sport fishing, snorkeling and diving are nearby.

In celebration of the Estefans' heritage, the resort's Oriente restaurant features gourmet fare as interpreted by Cuba's Oriente region. The menu draws inspiration from Spanish, Latin and Creole traditions and promises a mouthwatering adventure for guests, Vero Beach visitors and residents.

Vero Beach is located 135 miles north of Miami and 109 miles southeast of Orlando with commercial air service to Melbourne International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, and Orlando International Airport. Vero Beach Municipal Airport, just four miles from the resort, offers full-service for private planes.

Costa d'Este Beach Resort was developed by Miami-based Claro Development Solutions and is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International. Introductory rates begin at just $189 per room through September 30. Fall rates start at $249 from October 1 - December 19, 2008. For more information and reservations, call 772-410-0104 or visit www.costadeste.com.

Attached Photos (L to R):

Photo #1 Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, Jr., Cut Ribbon.

Photo #2 Burt Cabañas, Benchmark's Chairman & CEO; Mayor Thomas White; Gloria Estefan; Emilio Estefan, Jr.; General Manager Andy Zinni.

About Costa d'Este Beach Resort

From its intriguing design and ideal beachfront location to its sophisticated culinary offerings and superb amenities, Costa d'Este Beach Resort on Vero Beach is poised to redefine style, comfort and intimacy on Florida's Treasure Coast. A refreshing alternative to mainstream brands and "boutique" hotels, the resort's discreetly attentive service, coupled with the area's thriving arts community, eclectic boutiques and small town charm, will appeal to the most discerning leisure and business travelers from around the world. For more information, log onto www.costadeste.com.

About Benchmark Hospitality International

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotelsâ„¢. 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 www.benchmarkhospitality.com.