|
Here's what Agents are saying:
Hi Everyone…
Last weekend, I participated in a
fam with ISLAND DESTINATIONS (a VIRTUOSO Wholesaler)
to the Bahamas. It was a great learning experience, and I highly
recommend their fams as a great way to see properties and meet the
people who really make things happen.
I flew from SAV to ATL and then
NON-STOP from Atlanta to Great Exuma, Bahamas on DELTA, where we
were met and transferred to the FOUR SEASONS GREAT EXUMA.
This is a beautiful oceanfront property with its own casino, great
spa, Greg Norman golf, a new Marina (still under construction), and
all the bells and whistles of a Four Seasons.
The location was gorgeous, with a
beautiful long stretch of pristine white sand beach, perfect for
swimming and walking. Many celebrities go there, and they are famous
for discreet security. We were given spa treatments, room service,
and dinner with the Director of Sales, who flew in from NYC to host
us. The service was excellent –Ambiance – A+. This is the ideal spot
for a destination wedding, and for families. They have a great kids
club.
There’s another new hotel right
next door, called the GRAND ISLE RESORT which is SPECTACULAR
– all villas, gorgeous pool, perfect beach, golf cart with every
unit.. This is the ideal location for a long week-end getaway for
couples, golfers, and families looking for a real escape. The air
service was great – the food and service at both properties was
great, and we were treated like royalty. By the way – Great Exuma
has cell phone service and wireless internet everywhere! My cell
phone worked, and wireless internet was included at both properties
free…
We flew to Nassau and were met
and transferred (by limo!) to The Cove at the Atlantis, for a
site visit and breakfast. It is absolutely spectacular! All rooms
are suites – beautifully furnished with great bedding, cool
rain-showers, modern lighting, and ever-changing scents piped into
the public areas to “elevate the mood”… The pool is awesome – just
for grown-ups, with pool-side gaming, private cabanas, and
beach-boys (and girls) to do everything from loading your I-Pod to
muddling your limes in the $12 Mojitos… There’s a great kids pool,
too. COVE guests have access to all the amenities of ATLANTIS, but
not vice-versa. The signature restaurant there is Bobbie Flay’s
MESA, and it is gorgeous. Reservations are necessary.
We stayed at The One & Only Ocean
Club on Paradise Island, and it is (still) gorgeous. We were VIP’d –
given complimentary spa treatments, ocean-front rooms in the new
Crescent Wing – truly beautiful. All rooms there have private
butlers, even the original garden-view rooms in the old Hartford
Wing (which are lovely). The gardens are beautiful, as is the spa,
pool and beach area. We were hosted by the Director of Sales, who
flew in from Ft Lauderdale, the General Manager, and none other than
Sol Kerzner himself (developer of the Palm Dubai, the Atlantis, and
all the One & Only’s –what a character!). He met us for cocktails,
introduced himself as “Sol”, thanked us for the business – very
nice. Dinner was at The Dune – exceptional. This is an extraordinary
property for high-rollers, honeymooners, or anniversaries – they
treat everyone like family.
Just an
observation re: 3 new “trends” we heard about everywhere we went:
1) BEDDING – it’s all
about the bedding! The beds at each property were GIANT & FLUFFY,
with PILLOW MENUS and 350+ thread count Egyptian cotton… They were
heavenly! I have told 3 clients about the bedding and they all WANT
TO GO THERE FOR THE BEDS!!! Who knew???
2) KID’S CLUBS & NANNIES:
They all have them and they are expensive and they are sold-out.
It’s a good idea to confirm the Kids Club in advance.
3) SPAS & HEALTH CLUBS –
Each property has a new “signature” spa where treatments start at
$100 and they are booked solid! I guess we need to remind clients to
book ahead if they want to use the Spa during high season. The
health clubs were open 24 hours and they were busy! Most properties
offered classes like Sunrise Yoga, Tai Chi Water Aerobics, etc. free
of charge for hotel guests.
Overall – I am happy to report
that the Bahamas have come a long way since my last visit. I would
recommend any of these properties, but most importantly, I would
recommend Island Destinations as a preferred wholesaler.
Their reservations agents have SEEN THE PROPERTIES and will do
everything from limo transfers to dinner reservations. They are
small enough to be responsive to our requests, but they have GREAT
CLOUT with the properties. I was most impressed with the supplier’s
respectful attitude towards those of us on a “fam”. We were treated
like honored guests from start to finish.
Island
Destinations is committed to excellence. Their toll-free # is 1
(888) 454-4422.
Maureen "Mo" Smith, CTC
Leisure Travel Specialist
Island Travel / a VIRTUOSO Agency
Stay tuned for
more feedback from Agents!
|
