News

Landmark Luxury Resort on Private Venetian Island Joins KSL's Portfolio of Unforgettable Travel & Leisure Businesses Around the World

DENVER, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL"), a leading alternative investment firm, today announced its affiliates have acquired the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa ("JW Marriott Venice"), one of Venice's premier 5-star hotels, from Aareal Bank Group. JW Marriott Venice represents the first equity transaction completed by KSL's European Capital Solutions platform, a dedicated European strategy with a versatile mandate to invest across the capital structure in travel and leisure assets in Europe with a focus on high quality urban and resort destinations.

Nestled on its own private island, Isola delle Rose, just minutes from St. Mark's Square, the JW Marriott Venice is a one-of-a-kind luxury destination that has become a guest favorite since its opening in 2015. Designed by renowned architect Matteo Thun, the resort features 266 contemporary rooms and suites, including the exclusive Uliveto Retreat. With six acclaimed restaurants, extensive conference space and the largest spa in Venice, the resort offers an unmatched blend of wellness, culinary excellence and hospitality in a setting of rich history. Guests can enjoy a range of world-class amenities, from a rooftop pool with sweeping views to lush Mediterranean gardens, a romantic historic church, kids' club, padel courts and the immersive Sapori Cooking Academy.

"With its private island setting and strong performance, coupled with Venice's enduring appeal to luxury travelers, the JW Marriott Venice exemplifies the type of irreplaceable real estate we seek to invest in," said Martin Edsinger, Partner at KSL. "We are excited to further elevate this remarkable resort through thoughtful investment and enhancements that will enrich the guest experience and ensure the JW Marriott Venice continues to stand apart as one of Europe's premier destinations."

About JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is one of the finest 5-star hotels in Venice. Nestled on the private island of Isola delle Rose, the luxury hotel offers a tranquil retreat from the city's excitement. Just minutes from St. Mark's Square, arrive via a complimentary water shuttle to a 40-acre paradise of gardens, olive groves, and world-class amenities. Enjoy light-filled rooms, suites, and private residences, savor award-winning cuisine, or unwind at the JW Venice Spa, one of Venice's top wellness destinations. As well as being a pet-friendly hotel in Venice, the property offers pools, cooking classes, and family activities. Its stunning venues also provide unforgettable backdrops for weddings, meetings, and special celebrations.

About KSL Capital Partners
KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Media Contact
Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
KSL-JF@joelefrank.com
(212) 355-4449

‍

DENVER, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("KSL"), a leading alternative investment firm, today announced the final closing of its latest tactical opportunities fund, KSL Capital Partners Tactical Opportunities II, L.P. ("Tac Opps II"), with total capital commitments of $1.44 billion, including contributions from the General Partner. The fund reached its hard cap, significantly exceeding its initial $1 billion target, and attracted strong support from a diverse group of institutional and private investors, including public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, foundations, asset managers and family offices.

"We are proud to have earned the confidence of both new and returning investors," said Dan Rohan, Partner and Head of Tactical Opportunities. "Our Tac Opps strategy was established to provide strategic partnership capital to highly differentiated travel and leisure businesses, and we are excited to expand those partnerships through Tac Opps II."

"Over the past 30 years, we have worked to build a longstanding reputation for excellence in travel and leisure investing," said Eric Resnick, Chief Executive Officer of KSL. "Through our equity, credit and tactical opportunities vehicles, our investors and partners benefit from three synergistic strategies, which offer a continuum of solutions across the capital stack."

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal counsel to KSL and the fund.

About KSL Capital Partners
KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Media Contact
Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
KSL-JF@joelefrank.com
(212) 355-4449

KSL Capital Partners Adds Three Industry Veterans as Senior Advisors

Builds Upon Strong Senior Advisor Roster, Providing Further Insights and Support for KSL and
Its Global Portfolio of Leading Travel & Leisure Businesses

DENVER, March 18, 2025 –KSL Capital Partners, LLC (“KSL”), a leading alternative investment firm, today announced the appointments of Tim Dattels, Alex Dichter and Ted Seides as Senior Advisors. Together, Mr. Dattels, Mr. Dichter and Mr. Seides bring a significant breadth of operational and strategic expertise to KSL’s roster of Senior Advisors, which now comprises a group of eight current or former investment and hospitality executives supporting KSL’s investment and portfolio operations.

KSL’s Senior Advisors play an integral role across the firm’s investment and portfolio management functions, expanding in step with the firm’s continued growth and the dynamic opportunities across the Travel & Leisure space. By continually enhancing its roster of top-tier internal and external talent, KSL strengthens its ability to provide valuable strategic guidance, industry insights and hands-on support to its portfolio companies – helping them to unlock long-term value creation.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Tim, Alex and Ted to our team,” said Eric Resnick, Chief Executive Officer of KSL. “Each of them has a track record of excellence in their respective fields, and I am confident their expertise, global perspectives, broad networks and strategic vision will benefit both our firm and our portfolio companies. I look forward to working with them and all of our Senior Advisors as we continue to maximize the impact we have and the value we create across the KSL ecosystem.”

About Tim Dattels

Tim Dattels is an accomplished private equity executive with significant experience investing in markets across the APAC region. He retired from TPG year end 2023and now serves as a Senior Advisor to the firm. Previously, he was a Partner, Chairman of TPG Asia and a member of TPG’s Executive Committee. During his 18-yeartenure with TPG, Mr. Dattels worked across San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout the region, leading the firm’s Asian investment operations. Prior to joining TPG in 2004, he served as a Partner and Managing Director of Goldman Sachs & Co.

Mr. Dattels serves or has served on the Boards of Directors of Cushman &Wakefield, BlackBerry, Invest in Canada, Parkway Holdings, Pri Media Inc., Shangri-La Asia Ltd., Sing Tao News Corporation Ltd. and SF Jazz. He is currently Chairman of The Jackson Laboratory and the Chairman of Alpine Canada, the national governing body for para-alpine, ski cross and alpine high-performance ski racing in Canada. He has also been appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau to represent Canada on the APEC Business Advisory Council. In addition, he recently joined the Board of Sagard Holdings, a Montreal-based dynamic alternative asset manager.

About Alex Dichter

Alex Dichter brings decades of experience supporting companies in the global Travel& Leisure sector. He most recently served as a Senior Partner with McKinsey and Company where he led the firm’s global Air and Travel practice for more than 20 years. Mr. Dichter has served clients in the airline, hotel, cruise and private aviation sectors in nearly every geography of the world. His consulting work cut across functions, ranging from broad restructurings tof unction-specific performance improvement. Mr. Dichter is a frequent speaker and writer on travel industry topics and was named to the 2024 SKIFT Travel Power Rankings, a list of the 30 most influential people in the travel sector.

Mr. Dichter also chairs the Board of Directors at Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s largest expedition cruise line. Prior to joining McKinsey, Mr. Dichter wasa pilot and instructor for Continental Airlines.

About Ted Seides

Ted Seides is the founder of Capital Allocators, a platform that includes podcasts, gatherings, education, and advisory. Mr. Seides launched the Capital Allocators podcast in 2017, which has since become widely recognized as the top institutional investing-focused podcast. In September 2024, Mr. Seides published “Private Equity Deals,” his third book, which includes a collection of case studies exploring the stories behind some of the most notable transactions in the private equity industry.

Mr. Seides previously worked under David Swensen at the Yale Investments Office, invested directly at three of Yale’s managers and co-founded and served as Co-CIO of Protégé Partners, a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm that invested in and seeded small hedge funds.

About KSL Capital Partners

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Media Contact

Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

KSL-JF@joelefrank.com

(212)355-4449

‍

ATLANTA (November 1, 2024) – Davidson Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, today announced that it has entered into a new partnership with Nautic Partners, a middle-market private equity firm. As part of this partnership, Nautic Partners will acquire Davidson Hospitality Group from an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC, in partnership with Davidson management.

 Davidson Hospitality Group boasts over $2 billion in annual revenue under management and ranks number one in both gross annual revenue per room and gross annual revenue per property as reported by Hotel Business among third-party hotel managers. The company's unique vertical operating model, which focuses on lifestyle full-service, luxury, upscale full-service, and resort properties, has been instrumental in its ability to deliver exceptional financial performance and outstanding guest experiences.

"We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Nautic Partners," said Thom Geshay, CEO and President of Davidson Hospitality Group. "Nautic's commitment to supporting the long-term growth and success of its portfolio companies aligns perfectly with our strategic vision. We are confident that their partnership will enable us to continue delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while exploring new opportunities for expansion and growth."

 Nautic Partners pursues a thematic and proactive investment strategy to partner with executive talent in specific sub-sectors within the Healthcare, Industrials, and Services industries. The firm recently held a final closing on its most recent private equity vehicle, Nautic Partners XI, a $4.5 billion fund. Nautic's investment in Davidson Hospitality Group represents a strategic expansion into the hospitality sector, underscoring the firm's confidence in Davidson's operating model and growth potential. The investment builds upon Nautic’s previous sector experience in third-party property management, facilities management, and corporate lodging services.

 "Nautic Partners is committed to supporting Davidson's management team in achieving its long-term strategic objectives," said Mark Perlberg, a Managing Director at Nautic Partners. "We believe in the strength of Davidson's vertically focused operating model and are excited to partner with the team to drive continued growth and success."

John Ege, Partner at KSL Capital Partners, stated, "Nearly a decade ago, we setout to partner with a management company that not only shared a similar operating philosophy to our own, but a similar set of values. We are proud of our successful partnership with Davidson. The company's growth and success during our ownership has been more than impressive and is a testament to the strength of the Davidson platform. We are confident that Davidson is in the right hands with Nautic as Davidson looks to its next phase of growth. Through management of a number of our existing assets, Davidson remains an important management partner to KSL. We look forward to continuing to work with Davidson on both our existing portfolio and on future projects."

Moelis &Company LLC is serving as financial advisor to Davidson Hospitality Group and Davis Graham and Stubbs LLP are serving as legal counsel. Locke Lord LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP are serving as legal counsel to Nautic Partners.

About Davidson Hospitality Group  

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2024, Davidson Hospitality Group is an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company comprised of 86existing hotels and resorts; more than 200 restaurants, bars, and lounges; and over 2 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. A trusted partner and preferred operator for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Kimpton, Margaritaville, and Nobu, Davidson offers a unique entrepreneurial management style and owners’ mentality that provides the individualized personal service of a small company, enhanced by the breadth and depth of skill and experience of a larger company. In keeping with the company’s heritage of delivering value, Davidson Hospitality Group is comprised of four highly specialized operating verticals: Davidson Hotels, Pivot, Davidson Resorts and Davidson Restaurant Group. In 2024, Davidson Hospitality Group was ranked #1 in Guest Satisfaction among Third-Party Hotel Management Companies by J.D. Power for the third consecutive year. For more information, www.davidsonhospitality.com. Follow us onInstagram: @davidsonhospitality and X: @DavidsonHospitalityGroup. Like us onFacebook: @DavidsonHospitalityGroup. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidsonHospitalityGroup. #DavidsonHospitality  

About Nautic Partners

Nautic Partners is a Providence, Rhode Island-based middle-market private equity firm that focuses our expertise and market knowledge on sub-verticals within three sectors: Healthcare, Industrials and Services. Nautic has completed over 155platform transactions throughout our 38-year history. In pursuing our thematic and proactive investment strategy, we seek to partner with executives and management teams in an effort to accelerate the growth trajectory of our portfolio companies via acquisitions, targeted operating initiatives, and increased management team depth. For more information, please visit www.nautic.com.

About KSL Capital Partners

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

MediaContact for Davidson Hospitality Group

CarrieDrost

cdrost@davidsonhospitality.com

747-342-2408

‍

‍

‍

‍

Underscores Commitment to Investing in Exceptional Businesses, Expanding Tourism and Supporting Economic Growth in the Maldives
‍

LONDON, August 14, 2024 – KSL Capital Partners, LLC(“KSL”), a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced its affiliates will invest $21 million in the W Maldives to fully renovate the resort and plan to recommence capital spending at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (“Sheraton Maldives”) to continue investing in one of the most expansive luxury properties in the Maldives.
‍

The $21 million investment will support a comprehensive renovation of the W Maldives that is designed to upgrade virtually all aspects of the resort. The renovation commenced earlier this year, and the W Maldives will remain temporarily closed to guests. It is expected to reopen in late 2024.
‍

Located on the private island of Fesdu in North Ari Atoll, the W Maldives comprises a combination of 77 overwater or beach bungalows with private pools and direct beach or sea access. Guests of the W Maldives can enjoy the resort’s six restaurants and bars, a world-class spa and snorkeling and diving at one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
‍

KSL suspended its capital spending plans at the Sheraton Maldives earlier this year and had been in discussions with the Government of Maldives about the future of the resort. Electing to move on from those discussions, KSL plans to recommence its phased capital improvement plan to maintain the Sheraton Maldives’ leading reputation as one of the premier family resorts in the Maldives.  
 

The Sheraton Maldives is located on the private island of Furanafushi, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The 176-room resort features over water bungalows, ocean view villas and cottages, many with private plunge pools. The Sheraton Maldives offers seven restaurants and bars, multiple fresh-water pools, a full-service spa, tennis facilities and the Sheraton Kids' Club.
‍

“We’re excited to move forward with our plans at the W Maldives and the Sheraton Maldives resorts, two exceptional properties that offer the best of the Maldives to travelers from around the globe,” said Tina Yu, Partner at KSL Capital Partners. “We’re confident that our continued investments will further elevate the unique and unforgettable guest experience these resorts offer, while also creating a positive impact in the local community. As part of KSL’s mission to create enduring value, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Maldives as one of the world's premier travel and leisure destinations and will continue to support the country’s economic growth.”
‍

KSL acquired the W Maldives and Sheraton Maldives in June2022. KSL is a significant investor in the Maldives with investments in six major hotels in the country, including the W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives, Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, the recently developed and opened Soneva Secrets and Outrigger Maafushivaru Resorts.
‍

About KSL Capital Partners 

KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Media Contact

Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

KSL-JF@joelefrank.com

(212) 355-4449

‍