Koll Gives Up Grip on Mexican Golf Course

In recent years, Donald Koll has been loosening his grip on several pieces of his real estate empire. Recently, his Newport Beach-based Koll Resorts International turned over management of the exclusive golf resort Hotel Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, to Atlanta-based Rockresorts International. Rockresorts officials say the decision was made by the hotel’s board, which includes representatives of Suncoast Investment Inc. of New York.

Last year sole owner Koll ceded a 50% stake in the resort to Suncoast to help finance a $13-million hotel make-over, according to Koll officials. They also say the company’s involvement will continue to decline. “At some point in time we would envision selling everything,” said Joe Woodard, Koll Resorts president.

The original Rockresorts chain was started more than 30 years ago by Laurance Rockefeller as a place for the elite to vacation. Three hotel management executives purchased the name for its snob appeal in 1994. Hotel Palmilla is the first resort they are managing under this name.

Melinda Fulmer covers real estate for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7832 and at melinda.fulmer@latimes.com