Press Releases

MIRAVAL, LIFE IN BALANCE, ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. ANDREW WEIL:

America's leading proponent of mindful, balanced living announces first integrated relationship with internationally recognized expert on mind-body living.

CATALINA, AZ (August, 2005) - Miraval, recently named the top ranked destination spa in America by Travel & Leisure for the third consecutive year, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Weil, as the Director of Integrative Health & Healing. In this new role, Dr. Weil will be creating an integrative health agenda that will include medicinal plants and mind-body interactions, as well as additional best practices of integrative medicine modalities for which Dr. Weil is renowned. Furthermore, Dr. Weil will create the health & wellness programming and services for Miraval's new Center for Life In Balance, scheduled to open in 2007.

Andrew Weil, M.D., has devoted the past thirty years to developing, practicing, and teaching others about the principles of integrative medicine. Dr. Weil combines a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine to provide a unique approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit. A best selling author, Dr. Weil's books include the national bestsellers Spontaneous Healing, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health and The Healthy Kitchen. His new book, Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being, will be available October 2005.

He is a Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health and the founder and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine (PIM) at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Founded by Dr. Weil in 1994 at the University of Arizona, PIM trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals to apply the principles of integrative medicine. The program's overriding mission is to foster the transformation of health care through innovative educational programs, rigorous scientific studies, and exceptional clinical care that integrates biomedicine, the complexity of human beings, and the healing power of nature. Dr. Weil hopes to grow and strengthen integrative medicine and ultimately to transform health care in North America and the world.

"For years I have been talking about a new kind of healthcare institution, as well as a residential healing center that is a hybrid of a clinic and a spa; this will be a demonstration of that model. I am very excited for Integrative Medicine to finally be able to show it's true potential," stated Dr. Weil. According to Bill O'Donnell, founder and CEO of Miraval, "Dr. Weil and I have known each other for 20 years and we share a common vision of helping people transform their lives by making healthy and conscious choices for themselves."

Miraval's majority owner is Revolution Living LLC, a company launched in April 2005 by the former Co-Founder of AOL, Steve Case. Revolution is seeking to become the world's leader in providing consumers with more choices to empower themselves to build balanced and mindful lives. Together with a newly formed management team at Miraval brimming with a diverse and complementary set of experiences, Case seeks to expand Miraval's mission of mindfulness from a location to a lifestyle, from a vacation to a way of life.

Miraval's announcement of Dr. Weil's appointment is just one of the "revolutionary" additions being made at Miraval. Among the focal points of Miraval's plans for growth are the expansion of its award-winning flagship resort and spa into an inviting balanced-living resort community. Over the next 10 years, Case envisions local wellness centers in multiple communities across America, all offering Miraval programs. Lifestyle products in food, beverage, beauty, body, and health, and nutritional supplements are also part of the plan for the evolution of the Miraval brand into a household name in health and wellness - not just in America, but also around the world.

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Southern Arizona, Miraval, Life In Balance, offers luxury, privacy and a healthful focus for the body, mind and spirit. Unpretentious and thoroughly inviting, the resort's 104 exquisite hacienda-style guestrooms sit comfortably on 400 manicured acres in the Sonoran Desert. The Miraval philosophy is one of balance, "mindfulness" and living in the moment. There is no strict regimen, and no pressure: guests are free to create daily agendas that suit their whims, goals and mood from the following options:

Miraval Resort, August 2005