The Sandpearl Resort and Caretta on the Gulf are part of a select group of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Just 3.9 percent of the more than 31,000 AAA Rated® lodgings and 2.8 percent of the 27,000 AAA Rated restaurants were awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation for 2009. 

“We are honored to be recognized as a AAA Four Diamond establishment,” said Stuart Arp, General Manager of the Sandpearl Resort. “At both Sandpearl and Caretta on the Gulf we are committed to providing a premier resort and dining experience to all of our guests by consistently exceeding expectations. This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

 “AAA Four Diamond Award winners represent an important tier of the hospitality industry, offering guests superior experiences with a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings,” said Michael Petrone, AAA director of Tourism Information Development.  “To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment, and AAA is pleased to honor the Sandpearl Resort and Caretta on the Gulf.”

The Sandpearl Resort, which opened August 27, 2007, 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 and suites, a lagoon-style beachfront pool with private cabanas, unique lifestyle enrichment programs, fine & casual dining (including Caretta on the Gulf), plus meeting and event space. Sandpearl is a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, as well as Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Associated Luxury Hotels International. For more information, visit http://www.sandpearl.com or call (877) 726-3111.

Sandpearl Resort is managed by Naples, Fla.-based Coral Hospitality. Based in Naples, Florida, Coral Hospitality is a full service management company with a diverse portfolio of resorts, hotels, condominiums, private golf clubs, marinas, spas and community associations. Currently managing 35 properties throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean, Coral operates each with a core belief in providing thoughtful service in unique surroundings. For more information, please contact Kerry Mitruska at 239.449.1800 or visit http://www.coralhospitality.com.

The assignment of a AAA rating of One to Five Diamonds marks the completion of a successful annual evaluation. All properties must first meet AAA’s rigorous requirements to become AAA Approved® establishments.

AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conducts physical, on-site evaluations. It is the only system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis using a set of guidelines that are made available to all establishments. AAA evaluates more properties than any other rating entity. Additionally, AAA provides travelers the opportunity to post comments on AAA.com about their experiences at AAA Approved and Diamond Rated establishments. Information about AAA Diamond Ratings and the complete 2009 Four Diamond Award winners list are accessible at AAA.com/Diamonds.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

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