HOTEL AMAZON Premieres 3/9 on Travel Channel

If you build it, they will come! Deep in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon, two childhood friends, Rusty Johnson and Stephan Jablonski, have left behind the comforts of home in New York to attempt to build a world-class resort in this exotic locale. In Travel Channel's new original docu-series, "Hotel Amazon," premiering on Monday, March 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Johnson - a wildlife lecturer and humanitarian - pursues his dream of opening up a top-notch resort in the Amazonian jungle with the financial help of Jablonski - a New York firefighter and a winner on popular game show "Wheel of Fortune" - who risks all of his winnings to invest in making his longtime friend's dream hotel a reality. Over the course of six one-hour episodes, the friendship will be tested as they struggle to adapt to a wilderness filled with RELENTLESS downpours, thieving monkeys, limited essential supplies and more than just a few peculiar locals.

"It takes a special type of person to decide to open a resort along the Amazon," says Ross Babbit, senior vice president, programming and development, Travel Channel. "In 'Hotel Amazon,' viewers will follow Rusty and Stephan on their journey filled with obstacles, successes and everything in between - all set against one of the most beautiful and exotic locations in the world."

In the premiere episode, Jablonski is eager to check in on the progress of the hotel and joins Johnson in Peru. When he arrives at the remote jungle location for the first time, Jablonski is shocked to learn that there is no electricity for construction, no ready access to supplies, very little work has been completed and the local villagers work on "jungle time." Tempers flare as Jablonski, Johnson and the villagers struggle to work together and keep the project from falling apart before it's even begun. If they want the resort doors open for business before the six-month long rainy season begins, the friends-turned-business-partners must adjust to their surroundings and the drastic lifestyle differences between the Amazon and New York.

"Hotel Amazon" is produced by Crazy Legs for Travel Channel. For Crazy Legs, the executive producer is Tom Cappello. For Travel Channel, the executive producer is Patrick McManamee.