Mary Nearn Appointed Executive Chef at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort

Contact:
Lorianne Lacey/ Leslie Cohen         
Laura Davidson Public Relations
Tel: 212-696-0660
Email: lorianne@ldpr.com/ lorianne@ldpr.com

MARY NEARN APPOINTED EXECUTIVE CHEF AT
LA POSADA DE SANTA FE RESORT & SPA, A ROCKRESORT

Santa Fe, NM  (June 4, 2008) – La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort, has announced the appointment of Executive Chef Mary Nearn to oversee the resort’s culinary operations.  Chef Nearn adds over 25 years of gastronomic expertise to the AAA Four Diamond fine dining Fuego restaurant, the casual and cozy Staab House Lounge, and the brand new culinary venue, Viga restaurant.

Chef Nearn has honed her skills in the kitchens of luxury resorts and fine dining establishments. Most recently, she was executive chef at Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ. Previously she was executive chef at the acclaimed Equinox Resort in Manchester Village, VT and held tenures at The Boulders Resort in Scottsdale, AZ and the Grand Hyatt Wailea in Hawaii. Chef Nearn was brought up in the Pacific Northwest where fresh fish and abundant produce contributed to her early interest in cuisine. Her culinary philosophy is to keep it fresh and simple and let the flavors speak for themselves.  She is known for utilizing local ingredients in a creative manner, and she prides herself on being a hands-on leader in the kitchen who achieves high quality standards. She has been invited three times to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

“We are thrilled that Mary will be leading our food and beverage team as our resort embarks on a new phase of culinary excellence,” said John Luckett, General Manager of La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa. “Her gastronomic expertise will be key in elevating the fine dining experience for our guests, as well as developing exciting, new menu concepts at Viga restaurant and The Staab House.”

At the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Fuego, innovative foods are infused with flavors reminiscent of classical traditions, and every dish is carefully presented with exceptionally attentive service. This June, La Posada de Santa Fe Resort unveils a $6 million renovation that includes enhancements to its dining venues. As part of the resort renovation project, La Posada will introduce an additional restaurant, Viga, which will serve contemporary American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.

Set on six beautifully landscaped acres, La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort, is located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, just blocks from the historic Plaza and art galleries.  The pueblo-style village resort’s $6 million dollar renovation will invite travelers to experience the revamped, sophisticated Southwest design and updated luxury amenities. The extensive redesign will enhance all 157 guest rooms including 30 signature suites, public spaces, the RockResorts Spa, the historic Staab House and dining venues. The resort features an art program in which an original collection of artwork, photography and statues supplied by local galleries are on display throughout the property.

For more information about La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort visit WWW.ROCKRESORTS.COM or call 866-331-ROCK (7625).  Photos of Chef Mary Nearn are available upon request.

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About RockResorts
RockResorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, owns and operates luxury resort hotels that offer casually elegant accommodations, lavish RockResorts Spas, renowned golf courses, award-winning dining and a variety of exciting outdoor adventures. The RockResorts collection includes The Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Lodge at Vail in Vail, Colo.; Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo.; The Osprey at Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colo.; La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, N.M.; Snake River Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and The Landings St. Lucia, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.  Future RockResorts include: Tempo Miami in Miami, Fla. (scheduled to open in 2010); Balcones Del Atlántico, Dominican Republic (scheduled to open in 2010); One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, Colo. (scheduled to open in 2010); The Mansfield Inn at Stowe in Stowe, Vt. (scheduled to open in winter 2011/2012); Rum Cay Resort Marina, The Bahamas (scheduled to open in 2012); and the Third Turtle Club & Spa, Turks and Caicos (scheduled to open in 2013).