Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville, South Carolina, recently acquired by Salamander Hospitality, will be the first of several acquisitions according to President Prem Devadas, as he and owner Sheila Johnson create a luxurious collection of hotels, resorts and inns that compliment their planned ultra-luxurious Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg.

"I am thrilled to add this worldclass property to our Salamander collection," Johnson said. "Guests who are looking forward to staying with us at Salamander Resort and Spa will love the experience of Woodlands."

Devadas, who oversaw $200 million of development at the Kiawah Island Resort near Woodlands in the Charleston, S.C. area, believes the acquisition will be a tremendous asset as he and Johnson introduce and position Salamander Hospitality for success in the hotel, marketing and management services sector.

"Woodlands is a world class property," Devadas said. "It is one of only three properties in America to be awarded Mobil's Five-Star rating and the AAA Five Diamond Award for both lodging and dining. Woodlands is also a member of the highly esteemed Relais & Chateau guide."

Only a half-hour drive from Charleston, Woodlands is also known for its consistently high level of service and extraordinary facilities for private meetings.

"Woodlands has maintained its reputation for luxurious service by continually refining and improving what they do. That is precisely what Sheila and I intend to do at Salamander Inn and Resort, so Woodlands will be a perfect first acquisition for us."

According to Devadas, the Middleburg resort is on track for its early 2009 opening. "We are primarily focused on the development and various stages of decision making for Salamander Inn and Resort," Devadas said. "We're also launching Salamander Management Services in a month to help manage both new and historic properties."

"The Woodlands acquisition brings a tremendously talented group of professionals to our organization," he continued. "I look forward to hearing from our friends in the Middleburg area when they decide to visit Woodlands. They should give me a call at my office, and I'll make certain they have a lovely time."

Devadas also described the expansion plans for Salamander Market. "Our Middleburg market has become the prototype for a group of markets, the second of which will open Palm Beach, Florida in October. We plan to open our Washington, D.C. market before the end of this year."

To introduce Salamander Spa and Resort to important destination and event planners, Johnson plans to open a model of the Resort's King Room in newly refurbished space on East Washington Street in Middleburg.

"It is critically important to us to introduce the resort to destination and event planners well before we are open," Devadas explained. "We want to open with bookings on the first day of business. The Salamander Lifestyle shop will also give us an opportunity to introduce our branded product line well in advance of our opening to generate interest and excitement among our target customers."

Devadas concluded by emphasizing that he and Johnson are committed to put in the time, investment and effort it takes to create a truly discriminating luxury brand. "Middleburg is the perfect match for our initiative," he said. "It is a unique, beautiful, special place."