Prevue July/August 2010 - (Page 26)

Bahamas A Meeting plAnner reports bAck froM nAssAu [on location ] Marina FreedMan, cMp Beach Biz in the T he term “Junkanoo” is the name for the celebratory Bahamian parade dating back to the days of European colonization, somewhat similar to Mardi Gras or Carnival. BRITISH COLONIAL HILTON The 288-room British Colonial Hilton is rich in island colonial history, perfectly situated beachside within walking distance to all of downtown Nassau’s restaurants, shopping in the Straw Market and historic cultural attractions. The hotel has the only private beach in downtown Nassau. I had actually stayed at the British Colonial two years ago before renovations had begun and was very impressed with the new fresh look and upgrades. The property went from a traditional, conservative and Old World colonial look to a more updated yet classic and elegant style characterized by warm burgundy, soft green, yellow and dark wood furniture, giving each room a bright and clean look. The marble-tiled lobby is grand and impressive with a mural depicting Bahamian history. The planners in our group liked the spacious size and tasteful décor of the guest rooms. All rooms have either harbor or island views and include all of the standard, updated amenities you would find in any recently renovated big city American hotel. And many in the group said the British Colonial was one of their favorite Hiltons ever, especially with the reasonable rates. One-bedroom suites offer a separate living area, and the two junior suites and Prime Minister suite are equipped with Jacuzzi bathtubs and a private rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor. The Executive Floor rooms offer additional features and services such as separate registration area and the Executive Lounge where complimentary breakfast and refreshments are served throughout the day and evening. The hotel also refurbished its 007 suite, inspired by the hotel’s connection to the 007 movies like Thunderball that were filmed here. When I and 13 other meeting planners arrived into Nassau International Airport, colorful Junkanoo dancers regaled in masks and elaborate feathered costumes danced to the thumping beat of their goatskin drums, cowbells, conch shell horns and whistles. This is how the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board welcomes groups into The Bahamas. From there, DMC Bahamas handled logistics, with over 50 years of experience in group, meeting and event management, catering and convention management, hotel operations and destination administration. Our group’s homebase was the 403-room, all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, which brought all of our group attendees from the airport in either a private Mercedes Benz or Rolls Royce. The luxe living continued as we parked our bags in the oceanview Royal Ultra Suites, with private butler service, concierge service and 24-hour room service, among other niceties. Attendees in this room category are personally welcomed by a butler whose seemingly sole mission in life is to familiarize himself with his designated guests’ tastes, preferences and whims. While Sandals properties typically cater to newly-wedded lovebirds, about 10-15% of room nights are reserved for group business, supported by 10,000 sf of meeting space. And just 10 minutes offshore via ferry, Sandals Cay is a private island where our group lounged on the powder white sand beaches while attendees with accompanying guests relaxed on wicker lounge beds for two. Sandals Cay offers a permanent full-service bar and Bahamian restaurant, with beach banquet capacity for 500 pax. 26 | prevue magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue July/August 2010

Planner's Pick: Fairmont Hotels/Bermuda
Planner's Pick: Sabi Sabi/South Africa
Food Incentive: Istanbul Fusion Food
Good Business: InterContinental Hotels
Fresh Meets: Waldorf Astoria Hotels
On Location: Aruba Marriott Resort
On Location: Reunion Resort, Orlando
On Location: Dominican Republic
On Location: Sheraton Dallas
On Location: Nassau/Paradise Island
Chicago Chic
Virginia Farm Food
The New Culinary Creatives
Multiculti Macau
New Orleans' Haute Creole
New York City + Hyatt Andaz
On Location: Hilton New York
On Location: San Diego/Manchester G Hyatt
In Focus

Prevue July/August 2010