Groups visiting the Bahamas have no shortage of picturesque beaches or stunning backdrops to enjoy, from the sunbathing on Harbour Island to snorkeling on Little San Salvador Island. And a number of new offerings are making this destination more appealing than ever for meetings.
Most notable among these is a two-year property update under way at the massive Atlantis Paradise Island, with four major renovation projects in the works. One is at The Cove, a 600-room resort that features an open-air lobby and oversized suites designed by interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell. All suites within the resort are being refurbished, with a completion date set for mid-May.
Booking Atlantis is easier than ever as for the first time in its 20-year history, the resort is offering groups an all-inclusive experience.
"We want to make it even easier for groups who are looking for an all-inclusive turnkey pricing solution to utilize the Atlantis property and have the 'wow' experience," says John Washko, vice president of group marketing and sales for Atlantis. "The all-inclusive plan has expanded to group stays throughout the year and is bookable for all accommodations at Atlantis."
There are 3,414 guestrooms here in five distinct towers with five distinct price points. "Our size allows us to right-size events. We can put the VIPs in The Cove and the staff and production team in our value tower," explains Washko. A new restaurant has opened at The Cove -- 77° West, offering South American-inspired cuisine with a Bahamian touch.
Dolphin Cay, a 14-acre marine habitat that is home to many of the dolphins rescued following Hurricane Katrina, as well as sea lions, is also becoming more group friendly.
"There is a private area for breakfasts, lunches, and other functions for groups here. We can arrange for an interaction, or a display of training habitats led by a marine biologist, whatever the group desires. Bottom line is we want to introduce our groups to this difference maker on our property," explains Washko.
On Grand Bahama Island, the Grand Lucayan Resort recently unveiled its own all-inclusive offering, Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan. Its 198 rooms and suites (all which offer a walk-out balcony) create a resort within a resort, with eight restaurants (four of which are open exclusively to Lighthouse Pointe guests) and Ocean Breeze suites that are just steps from the beach.
On the island of Nassau, the British Colonial Hilton Nassau opened the new Chinese restaurant Summer Palace at the beginning of March. The Hilton will continue undergoing soft upgrades throughout the year, to guest rooms (new drapery and linens) as well as meeting rooms (new carpets and dishware). The Melia Nassau Beach, which reopened in 2014 after a $19 million renovation, continues to make upgrades. In December of last year, it opened O'Grille, the newest of seven restaurants on property. It's also rejuvenated two ocean-side Jacuzzis, now open for guests.
The 300-room Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, on the island of North Bimini, will be completing the second floor of its luxury marina hotel this spring.
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This article appears in the March 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.