Prevue January/February 2012 - (Page 30)

Panama [ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN Bern Hotels rolls out the red carpet for buyers + suppliers for the 11th Annual Leadership Summit at The Westin Playa Bonita Planners and suppliers from around the world flew into Panama in December to attend the 11th Annual Leadership Summit at The Westin Playa Bonita Panama—the new 611-room oceanfront resort owned by The Bern Group. The event was created by The Opus Group, based in Miami, for networking and product education. Panama is super hot right now with a bunch of new group hotels, making it a prime meetings capital in the easily accessible center of the Americas. Nestled on a mile-long Pacific beach just 20 minutes away from downtown Panama City, the Westin and its staff did a phenomenal job playing host for the 4-day event, which exceeded many of the planners’ expectations. In fact, many had never been to Panama before and were impressed with not just the facilities, but the service, value and friendliness of the people. As one of the first groups in-house, we were wowed when we stepped into the lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows offering up close and personal views of the beach. Lush tropical islands with mountains beckoned in the distance, and immediately your body starts to ratchet down amid the tranquility. Much of the 65,000 sf of meeting space has similar vistas, like the beautiful Pacific Seascape Ballroom with a capacity for 800 pax. Basically, you have all the amenities of a modern meetings hotel with the backdrop of an exotic incentive resort. The group dined quite well during our stay. There are so many different cuisines and menus that planners can use to create memorable dinners and events. The hotel features a Latin steakhouse, Pan Asian fusion restaurant and the Starfish Grill, serving ultra fresh sustainable seafood. Starfish is also great for a buyout either outdoors or inside with panoramic views of the ocean and fabulous pool. Capacity is 240. The Westin’s rooms are very tastefully done as well with plenty of soothing neutral colors and accents of dark native woods. Of course, you’ll enjoy the Westin signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, with a moveable divider when you want an ocean view from your bubble bath. We have to mention the comfortable oceanfront balconies with heartstopping views of the beach, islands and mesmerizing deep blue water. Other hotel amenities include a Westin Workout Gym, a spa with seven treatment rooms, three freshwater infinity edge pools, and 42-inch LCD TVs and WiFi in the rooms. Dinner with Friends On opening night, planners were welcomed with dinner at the secluded Villa Bonita, the private residence of the Bern family set on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean. The 20 themed junior suites are decorated with items the family has collected over generations 32 | prevue magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue January/February 2012

Fiesta Americana Hotels
Bermuda
Fort Worth/San Diego/Montreal
Corporate Responsibility
Royal Caribbean International
The Value of Collaboration
Leathership Summit, Panama
The Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott L.A.
Florida Means Business
W Austin
No Wallet, No Worries
Intercontinental Argentina
Site/MGM Resorts Las Vegas
Philadelphia
River Terrace Inn, Napa

Prevue January/February 2012