The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa is delighted to announce that the brand new Valley Course, the 18-hole, par-71 Nicklaus Design championship course is now open. No name is more legendary in golf and course design than Jack Nicklaus.

With the opening of the Valley Course, The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa is Canada's only resort to offer 37 holes of Nicklaus Course Design. At 6,807 yards, the Valley Course plays at a lower elevation than the 7,212-yard Mountain Course, also designed and inspired by Nicklaus. The Valley Course alternates between 300 and 400 feet above sea level.

Coupled with the uniquely challenging course terrain and unsurpassed natural beauty, Bear Mountain assures its stature among the most sought-after golf destinations in the Americas.

To celebrate the opening of the Valley Course, golfers can experience the new Nicklaus Design Valley Course at The Westin Bear Mountain with the Perfect Round Package and pay rates equal to their golf score for their second night. The Perfect Round Package is offered at $139 per person and includes a one night stay in a traditional guest room (based on double occupancy) and a round of golf per person. The required second night stay's room rate matches the higher score from the players' golf card as verified by the golf pro. The Perfect Round package needs to be booked by June 30, 2009 for stays through August, 31, 2009. To book the package, and for full terms and conditions, please visit www.westin.com/bearmountainspecials and click on 'hotel offers' or call 866-716-8101 and mention rate "YOUR1st"

The Valley Course
The Valley course meanders through forest, borders lakes, and traverses creeks and rivers throughout its 18 holes, while offering spectacular views of British Columbia's beautiful landscape. In contrast to the existing Mountain course, the par 71 Valley course measures 6,807 yards from the Golden Bear tees - around 400 yards shorter than its sibling. Factor in elevated tee boxes, more generous fairway widths, fewer bunkers and larger greens and the Valley course will likely be considered a 'friendlier' version of the original. Rolling through terrain at elevations of between 300 and 500 feet above sea level, there is still plenty of challenge, and many holes that could be
considered the signature hole.

The Mountain Course
The cornerstone of the Bear Mountain Resort community is the Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed Mountain Course, a 19-hole beauty that made its debut in 2003. It was the first Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed course on Vancouver Island. The Mountain Course is a masterpiece, offering challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty. A par 72 playing at 7,212 yards, the course takes full advantage of its setting atop a 1,100-foot mountain, exhibiting dramatic elevation changes and awe-inspiring views. The course has been assigned a slope rating of 152 from the back Golden tees, making it one of the most inspiring courses in North America. From the Grizzly tees, the course plays 6,744 yards, the Black Tees play 6,345 yards, the Spirit tees play 5,783 yards and the Cinnamon tees play 5,014 yards.

"From the outset, my vision for the resort centered around offering a world-class golf experience with the most notable designers behind it," said Len Barrie, president and CEO of the Bear Mountain Resort. "While our community offers the best in resort accommodations and residential living, our goal has always been to create the West's most renowned golf destination."

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 169 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT).

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.