ON-STAFF NATURALIST AND "NATURAL CONNECTIONS" RECREATION PROGRAMS OFFER ENRICHING EXPERIENCES AT SANDPEARL RESORT

CLEARWATER BEACH, FL (April 14, 2008) – Keeping their promise to inspire guests to achieve a personal balance with life and nature, Sandpearl Resort recently appointed Marianne Klingel as their on-site Naturalist. With a true enthusiasm and passion for nature, Klingel is redefining Sandpearl’s Enrichment Programs by presenting guests with a variety of “Natural Connections,” designed for guests to experience the local coastal environment on a deeper level.

As a Florida native, Klingel brings more than twenty years of experience dedicated to promoting wildlife through education on the importance of conservation. Most recently she shared her knowledge as a contributing reporter for several Tampa Bay area newspapers, covering issues ranging from local habitat restoration projects to the astounding results of animal-assisted therapy. Previously, Klingel also served as the Recreational Therapist for the Full Circle Program (conducted at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium), where she developed numerous children’s programs centered around engaging local youth with special needs through therapeutic interactions with dolphins, sea turtles, otters and sting rays.

 “We’re elated to welcome Marianne to the Sandpearl Resort team. Her role is integral to Sandpearl’s overall mission of motivating guests to become more aware of conservation by offering unique opportunities to connect with nature during their stay,“ said Stuart Arp, General Manager. “I am confident that Marianne’s passion and dedication, combined with Sandpearl’s new branch of Enrichment Programs, will inspire change, one guest at a time.”

From identifying shells during a “Beach Walk” and counting the arms on a starfish at the resort’s “Please Touch Tank,” to assisting Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff as they guide wandering baby sea turtles back to the ocean during “Celebrate Sea Turtles,” Klingel will expand and customize Sandpearl’s Natural Connections, providing a variety of exciting marine experiences to guests.

Sandpearl’s current Natural Connections include:

• Beach Walk:  Guests will wake up early and head north on Clearwater Beach as they experience a guided beach walk and learn about different elements of the sea, as well as identify surrounding birds, shells and marine life on the horizon.
• Wildlife Wonders: While lounging poolside, guests can listen to a live presentation from local guest speakers.
• Please Touch Tank:  No need for guests to wear goggles during this up close look at sea creatures. The Camp Ridley aquarium allows children to explore the spines of sea urchin, arms of a starfish and shells of hermit crabs.
• Celebrate Sea Turtles:  During nesting season (May to October), guests will search for newly dug nests and assist the Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff in guiding sea turtle hatchlings back to the ocean.
• Marine Discovery:  Guests will experience the sea as never before while enjoying a private boat tour. Tour guides will cast a net into the waters and everything that is pulled in from the sea is then identified and displayed in an aquarium kept on the boat. All organisms are tracked and returned to the sea.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium:  Offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehabilitation centers, where the aquarium cares for injured animals such as dolphins, turtles and otters. The complete tour of the aquarium includes a dolphin presentation, and the visit is followed by a three-hour guided kayak tour through Mandalay Channel.
• Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary:  Visit the largest wild bird hospital and observe hundreds of species. 50 percent of the programs cost is donated back to the sanctuary.
• Honeymoon Island Excursion: A combination of bird trailing and beach shelling, guests will enjoy a one mile escorted hike through wooded habitats, as a ranger shares stories and expertise of this nearby island.

Sandpearl Resort is the first new beachfront resort in Clearwater Beach in over 25 years. Situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine Gulf Coast beach, Sandpearl features 253 luxurious guest rooms, a lagoon-style beachfront pool with private cabanas, full-service Spa, unique lifestyle enrichment programs, fine and casual dining, plus meeting & event space. For information visit www.sandpearl.com. The Sandpearl Resort is a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. For reservations or Spa appointments call (877) 726-3111.

Sandpearl Resort is managed by Naples, Fla.-based Coral Hospitality, a full service management company with a diverse portfolio of resorts, hotels, condominiums, private golf clubs, marina, spas and community associations; currently managing 35 properties throughout the Southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. www.coralhospitality.com

Media Contact:
Amanda Jackson / Mary Jane Kolassa
Ypartnership Public Relations
(407) 875-1111
amanda.jackson@ypartnership.com / maryjane.kolassa@ypartnership.com