El Monte Sagrado Named to Two Prestigious Award Lists -
National Geographic ADVENTURE and Condé Nast Traveler

National Geographic ADVENTURE – “50 Top Ecolodges” in the World
Condé Nast Traveler – Top Resorts, Mainland U.S.

TAOS, NM (November 18, 2008) – The AAA Four-Diamond El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa, a Kessler Collection luxury property, has just been named to two very prestigious award lists. The award-winning hotel was named to National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine’s “50 Top Ecolodges” in the World – one of only two hotels in the entire United States to be named to the worldwide list. The hotel was also just named in Condé Nast Traveler’sannual Readers' Choice Awards’ as a “Top Resort in the Mainland United States” category.

National Geographic ADVENTURE
According to National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine, the “50 Top Ecolodges: The Most Earth-Friendly Retreats in the World’s Most Spectacular Wilds” list is the most comprehensive ecolodge survey ever assembled, representing diverse landscapes and locales.  The hotels being distinguished with this honor “offer great service and comfort in spectacular locations and also support local communities, connect their guests to cultures on an authentic level, create impactful conservation initiatives, and increasingly place adventure at the center of the experience.”

Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler celebrates its 21st annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the ultimate testament to readers’ favorites the world over, in its November issue. According to the magazine, the Readers' Choice Awards is not only an award for the destinations, lodgings, and modes of transportation that exceed expectations; it is also a credit to the worldly expertise of Condé Nast Traveler readers. El Monte Sagrado was named as a “Top Resort in the Mainland United States.”

“We are so proud to have been named to these prominent award lists,” says Tom Cherniavsky, general manager, El Monte Sagrado. “These esteemed publications are a benchmark in our industry as the best of what’s out there. Further to that, the readers of these magazines have experienced some of the finest establishments in the world. For them to acknowledge us in this respect truly validates our dedication to providing inspiring experiences and world class service.”

About El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa
The AAA Four-Diamond El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa is located in Taos, NM at the foot of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Experience exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global culture and a dramatic art collection graced by world-famous artists. Visit the AAA Four-Diamond De La Tierra restaurant for award-winning indigenous cuisine. Experience the extraordinary treatments of the Living Spa™ designed to heal mind, body and spirit, or simply meditate in the Sacred Circle among towering trees and waterfalls, and breathe in the tranquility. Host your special occasion at the newly designed ballroom and elegant meeting space. Peruse unique local and worldly artwork and gifts at the Grand Bohemian Gallery.            

About The Kessler Collection
Richard C. Kessler's Luxury Hotel Collection includes the AAA Four-Diamond Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, Co.; the AAA Four-Diamond Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, Fla.; the AAA Four-Diamond Celebration Hotel in Celebration, Fla.; the AAA Four-Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, Fla.; Kessler Canyon in DeBeque, Co.; the AAA Four-Diamond Mansion on Forsyth Park; Savannah, Ga.; Columbia Place luxury condominiums in Savannah, Ga.; Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville in Asheville, NC – opening spring 2009; and The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront in Savannah, Ga. – opening spring 2009.

For more information, visit www.elmontesagrado.com, or call 575.758.3502.

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Editor’s Note: Images available upon request