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LA SAMANNA CELEBRATES THE EXTENSION OF WINE CELLAR

ST. MARTIN, FRENCH WEST INDIES (February 12, 2008) – La Samanna, the exclusive Orient-Express property on St. Martin, is pleased to announce the expansion of its wine cellar, also known as La Cave. Already noted as one of the finest wine cellars in the Caribbean, La Samanna has expanded La Cave to allow more guests the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience. Under the aegis of Thibaut Asso, La Samanna’s wine director, La Cave has expanded its already extensive collection. Currently, the wine cellar boasts 1,250 labels - an increase from 240 labels in December 2004 - with over 14,000 bottles from 11 different countries.

The recent extension allows La Cave to accommodate up to 14 dinner guests and 16 guests for wine tastings. The tastings are led by the sommelier and can be customized to clients’ interests. With three different rooms, the cellar can house up to 40 people for a wine cocktail party that includes two wine bars on each side of the cellar, allowing guests to explore the entire cellar with the sommelier educating on selected wines. For a more intimate occasion, the wine cellar can transform into a candlelit, romantic haven. 

La Cave’s underground oasis of wine features heirloom cobblestone floors from France dating back over 200 years, arched portals, and wrought iron accents.  The cellar is reached via a back-of-the-house alfresco entry that is illuminated with torches.  Crucial in a Caribbean climate, the cellar is perfectly controlled in temperature and humidity to accommodate such names as Penfolds Grange from the Australian Barossa Valley to Harlan Estate, Napa Valley, and Château Cheval Blanc from Bordeaux.

In 2006, La Cave was given the “Award of Excellence” and in 2007 the “Best Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator magazine.  

Overlooking Baie Longue, a crescent-shaped, pristine white sand beach, La Samanna is St. Martin’s most luxurious resort.  The only hotel in the area, the resort offers a pristine private island feel, yet is a short drive to the exclusive shorts of Marigot and the gourmet restaurants of Grand Case.  Part of the famed Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises collection, the resort is legendary for its extensive wine cellar, and cuisine from provisions flown in from France daily.  Equally renowned is the resorts Elysées Spa, with its indoor/outdoor tropical garden treatment rooms and Pilates studio.  With 81 rooms located on 55-acres of breathtaking beachfront, La Samanna evokes a French spirit with a Caribbean soul and has been recognized as “One of the World’s Best” by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel+ Leisure magazines, as one of the “Top 10 places to go on a honeymoon in the world” by the New York Times and as the “Most Romantic Destination” by Bride’s Magazine. Additional Information is available at www.lasamanna.com  or call 1.800.854.2252.