Prevue May/June 2015 - (Page 48)

Above: Event at Villas of Grand Cypress The Villas has numerous meeting spaces for groups of up to 240-from a nearly 10,500-sf Mediterranean-style facility with an open atrium to the Equestrian Center's covered outdoor arena, usually coinciding with an Equestrian-themed show for a cocktail reception or banquet. Complimentary shuttles to nearby theme parks, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios occur daily. The Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center has also been revitalized with the addition of two new lounges and refreshed reception, lobby and public areas. Art displays, new ﬂooring and furnishings, and a warm and contemporary Mediterranean vibe of washed greys, terra cotta and earth tones now create a warm and welcoming aesthetic. Tower III, which contains guest suites, received a similar refresh. The two new lounges create a sophisticated social space with options for select wines, crafted cocktails and light appetizers. "Feedback so far has been nothing short of overwhelming approval," says GM Gerald Urquiola. "Adding two lounge options within the main building has created a sense of energy and conversation to that expansive space. Being able to provide these outlet options gives convention attendee guests the perfect location to network, socialize and unwind after meetings." Amid more than 53 lush tropical acres, the behemoth property boasts over 1,200 one-bedroom suites and 120 two-bedroom lakeside villas. The pool deck area, dotted with cabanas and lounge chairs, tropical foliage and swaying palms, is a comfortable spot for cocktails and receptions. The pool is anchored by a 75' waterslide, easily a teambuilding experience for many. After its 150,000 sf of meeting space, the largest being the convention center's two ballrooms, Caribe Royale is well known for its food. Six dining options are available, including the elegant AAA Four Diamond, ﬁne dining restaurant, The Venetian Room. Convention service managers tailor banquet and catering menus to individual group needs, preparing everything on-site. Special break menus-whether for energy or indulgence-are also available. SENSE OF THE UNEXPECTED Walt Disney World has also added a teambuilding feature to its group experiences at Wild Kingdom's Wild Africa Trek. Groups not only enjoy the safari encounter offered to the rest of the guests but are also faced with challenges such as a walk across a shaky "Providing these outlet options gives convention attendee guests the perfect location to network, socialize and unwind after meetings." 44 | prevue magazine 40-47_Orlando.indd 44 4/22/15 12:27 PM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2015

Planner’s Pick: South Africa
Fresh Meets: Sheraton Expands in China
Bureau Buzz: Meet Hawaii
Good Business: Accor on Gender Equality
Sea Shores: Windstar Cruises
Experience Luxury
MOUNTAIN MEETINGS
On Location: Destination Resorts
ORLANDO
On Location: Northeast Florida
EUROPE
COPENHAGEN
GAMING
On Location: Iberostar Playa Mita
On Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Checkout: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall & Zilara Rose Hall

Prevue May/June 2015