Prevue July/August 2013 - (Page 38)

Radisson Barbados Radisson has expanded its reach in the region at the Caribbean’s most British island. The newly refurbished 124-room Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados opened this spring in the land of cricket, rum and Rihanna. “We’re offering an incredible value in an ideal location for teambuilding and employee rewards,” says GM Christopher Forbes. “Groups can golf, paddleboard, swim with turtles and stroll to local markets.” Almost 6,000 sf of meeting space are available for the business events. Nicki King, manager of Goddards Destination Management Company, reminds us that all roads in this former British colony lead to Bridgetown. Guests leave via water taxi from the property to visit colorful gardens with lanky green palms, fresh fruit and fantastic coffee. Also, the Jolly Roger Party Cruise is wildly popular for snorkeling with turtles, playing the pirate, and downing a bit of rum. The Barbados Concorde Experience is where one of the supersonic planes has a final home. “They host seminars, company dinners, shows and product launches right in the actual Concorde, which makes for an event that can’t be copied.” radisson.com china restaurant features 80-foot murals created for Pan Am’s Sky Club in 1965.” (A Tucker’s Point founder is the son of the Pan Am founder.) To honor the iconic depiction of international ports, Brambilla created a 10-course epicurean journey. Start by sipping Brazilian Caipirinhas paired with a classic Bermudian fish chowder. A more casual gem on Bermuda’s southwest coast, the 75-room Pompano Beach Club is family-owned and loves hosting small groups and incentives, according to Tom Lamb, owner/managing director. “From September through mid-May, we offer truly customized attention,” he says. “Our groups are the big fish in a little pond, so they get a lot of TLC.” Groups events take place at the 30-pax Sunset Lounge and two 80-pax restaurants, with seasonal menus and gorgeous views of the water. “We have the most spectacular waterfront on the island, with kayaks, sun cats and glass bottom boats during the season, three outdoor hot tubs and snorkeling all year round,” explains Lamb. “And the island’s top public golf course is right next door, that’s a huge amenity.... We don’t plan on getting any bigger, we want to keep the service personal.” ARUBA Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is completing a stylish upgrade of its 297-room, adults-exclusive Marina Hotel. The $20,000-per-room infusion will update all hard and soft goods. The resort is located in the capital of Oranjestad facing the busy marina, surrounded by chic shopping, 15 restaurants, two casinos, a 3,500-sf spa and a private island just a few minutes offshore. When it’s time for attendees to head off on their own, the hotel’s “RNavigator” staff can point them in the right direction. “Our onsite navigator, Nadia Arrindell, directs guests to Aruba’s hidden gems,” says Janien Huistra, director of sales/ marketing. “Nadia’s ‘In the Know’ itineraries lead to the beer garden at the local brewery, the Aruba Aloe Museum, hiking in Arikok National Park, and the best restaurants for island cuisine.” A Navigator app, easily uploaded, provides directions and tips for live entertainment too. For meetings and conferences, the modern Renaissance Convention Center hosts up to 1,600 delegates. “It’s the largest on Aruba,” says Hal Davis, sales manager of the Aruba Convention Bureau. “One great thing about Aruba is that there’s never a bad time to come. The temperature is even and the steady tradewinds mean groups enjoy our natural beauty at outside events without getting too muggy or buggy.” But for Davis, friendly Arubans are the biggest draw. “There’s really no demand for all-inclusive properties because visitors enjoy getting out,” he explains. “We like to say that the whole island is your resort.” 38 | prevue magazine 35-50_CARIBBEAN.indd 38 7/3/13 11:47 AM http://www.radisson.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue July/August 2013

Planner's Pick: New Zealand
Fresh Meets: Autograph Collection
Bureau Buzz: Monterey County
Good Business: South Africa
sea Shores: Small Ship cruising
The Local Kitchen
Special Section: Caribbean
Dominican Republic
On Location: Hilton/LXR, Puerto Rico
On Location: The Broadmoor
The South, Florida & Las Vegas
Singapore
On Location: Starwood Resorts, San Diego
On Location: Travaasa Austin
On Location: Moon Palace Cancun
On Location: IRF Cancun
Check Out: Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana

Prevue July/August 2013