The Fairmont Orchid resort. Photo by Michael Darden | Special to Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE

A joint venture between real estate investor and developer, Michael Rosenfeld through an affiliate of his Woodridge Capital Partners, and an investment fund managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P., has acquired the Fairmont Orchid, a premier luxury hotel and resort on the Kohala Coast.

Located on 32.6 oceanfront acres, the resort is rated as one of the best in Hawaii by Travel & Leisure Magazine. It was acquired for an undisclosed amount.

“The ownership has a long history of working in Hawaii and has great respect for the traditions and culture of the islands,” Rosenfeld said. “With its special character, remarkable location and access to precious natural resources, the Fairmont Orchid is a rare property that would be almost impossible to duplicate today.”

John Brady, head of global real estate for Oaktree Capital Management, said: “Having previously been personally involved with the purchase, revitalization and sale of the Fairmont Orchid and its predecessor, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have again the opportunity to purchase such an iconic asset with a first class partner, outstanding management and the world’s greatest employees. I’m especially thankful not only for my return to Hawaii and the Big Island, but also for the return of Oaktree Capital Management’s real estate group under new leadership.”

The Fairmont Orchid has 538 rooms in two towers plus five restaurants, four lounges, a renowned spa, a fitness center, large pool and tennis facilities plus more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space including a large ballroom and an amphitheater.

Unique on the Big Island, The Orchid has a protected, swimmable white sand beach. It is on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort and guests have access to the resort’s ancient Hawaiian fish ponds, petroglyph fields and ancient lava fields as well as its 36-hole championship golf complex, shops and other amenities.

The Orchid is well known for its Spa Without Walls which allows guests to experience Hawaii’s tropical climate with outdoor waterfall hales (huts), oceanside cabanas and private outdoor relaxation area. Rated as one of the best spas in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Spa is a defining feature for the resort.

In the past five years, the Fairmont Orchid resort has undergone more than $15 million in renovations to the lobby and guest rooms. The new ownership intends to continue the capital improvements with additional upgrades to all guest rooms and common areas and expansion of the spa facilities.

The Fairmont Orchid will continue under management by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a leader in the global hospitality industry.

Led by CEO Michael Rosenfeld, Woodridge Capital Partners, headquartered in Los Angeles, is a broad based real estate investment company with hotel, residential and commercial assets across the United States.

Woodridge and Rosenfeld have been active in the real estate industry for more than 20 years. Rosenfeld also has other hotel interests. He is managing partner of Next Century Associates, owners of the iconic Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, and recently acquired the 1920s era Hotel Californian in the State Street Waterfront district in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Oaktree is a leading global investment management firm focused on alternative markets, with approximately $80 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2011.

The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in distressed debt, corporate debt (including high yield bonds and senior loans), control investing, convertible securities, real estate and listed equities.

Oaktree was founded in 1995 by a group of principals who have worked together since the mid-1980s. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm has over 600 employees and offices in 13 cities worldwide.

— Find out more:
www.oaktreecapital.com
www.fairmont.com/orchid