Tribe acquires remainder of Waldorf Monarch Beach

DANA POINT, California – San Manuel Investment Authority (SMIA) has acquired full ownership of the 400-room Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point, California.

In June 2023, SIMA acquired a 40% interest in the property from Ohana Real Estate Investors with the option to increase its ownership through one or more future transactions.

Ohana acquired the previously independent Monarch Beach Resort in November 2019, and subsequently partnered with Hilton to re-brand the resort under the Waldorf Astoria flag. In 2022, Ohana completed a renovation of the resort’s guest rooms and other spaces.

Hilton will continue to manage the resort, while Troon will continue to manage operations of Monarch Beach Golf Links.

“This beautiful destination resort is the perfect complement to the Tribe's investment portfolio and fits well with our long-term investment and diversification strategy,” said Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the Tribe, and the Tribe's investment board.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the growth and success of this exceptional resort, and equally excited for its next phase of ownership through the leadership of the San Manuel Investment Authority,” said Franco Famularo, president and CIO of Ohana, which manages $3.5 billion-plus on behalf of a global investor base through dedicated equity and credit fund vehicles.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe is formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.