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SITE REVIEW# 2 DAYTONA STYLE BY Cheray O’Neal When one thinks of Daytona Florida, spring break and NASCAR easily come to mind. However, business planners will be pleasantly surprised to know that nestled in this quaint city is an array of incentives to entice the doubters. Let’s begin with the Shores Resort and Spa. A boutique beachfront paradise laced with 212 rooms, which offers groups unlimited affordable accommodations. We might call this the ultimate package. As the areas’ only AAA four-diamond prop- erty, The Shores offers unique amenities from private poolside cabanas, Oceanside fire pits to signature Sonya Dakar Spa treat- ments and fresh seasonal menu selections at Azure restaurant, crating a guest experience like no other. And it’s affordable! Each of the resorts 212 guestrooms and suites offer amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. The décor shades of burnt sienna and accommodations radiate ‘old Florida’ beach house ambiance. Each room graced with comfy feather bed and amenities like 42” flat screen plasma television, DVD/CD play- ers, plush pull out sofa, high-speed Internet access, and Italian marble shower. Suites have a master bedroom with private ter- race, sitting area with sofa and chairs, dining room and parlor complimented by separate balconies. As if that wasn’t delight- ful enough, add a full size refrigerator and microwave to give it an ‘at home’ feel. Business planners will delight in the fact that their clients are sleeping well and experiencing much relaxation, thus able and ready to do their best in the boardroom. The Shore boasts more than 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor adaptable function space, including 12 meeting rooms for corporate and social events. Everything from The Grand Ballroom (6,895 sq. ft) to the very intimate hi Tec rooms (406 sq. ft). Whether hosing a large or inti- mate gathering, The Shores Resort and Spa provides a level of personalized service, ensuring success all around. You’re pro- vided with a dedicated conference service team and audiovisual Tec experts to guarantee an experience beyond expectations. The Shore allows for boundless imagination and creativity to make this business trip memorable for years to come. To top it off, The Shores features some of the finest event catering service in Florida. To enhance the Daytona experience and give a pleasant breather, try some amazing area attractions. The Debary Hall, The Museum of Arts and Sciences, Ponce de Leon Inlet light sta- tion, and the Daytona International speedway, which by the way offers some amazing team building experiences, such as assimi- lated car races. For great music or theatre please try the Peabody auditorium and the oceanfront Band shell. Everything from jazz to musical, live music concerts to film screenings can be enjoyed here. For the golf lovers try LPGA international for great golf and great food. 36 If history is your fancy The St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river and one of only three in the United States that flows south to north, as well as Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, a living his- tory museum in Barberville. The African American Museum of Art and the DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum, which was a working hospital from 1920 to 1948, are also popular stops for history buffs. For music lovers the 17-day Daytona Beach International Festival is the largest international and orchestral music festival in Florida. Transportation is as easy as spelling your name. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Daytona airport, you aren’t far from paradise. If spa and massage are your choice in relaxation, it’s a must to experience Johanna at The Hilton Resort. She can definitely soothe your aching bones and leave you floating on cloud nine. For foodies, the award-win- ning Azure is cost conscious and delicious combined. Everything from grouper to risotto, plus an expand- ed selection of sustainable food. We are talking free- range chicken to organic wine. The Shores Resort and Spa is an all inclusive excursion filled with fun, culture, relaxation and affordability. Business plan- ner’s there’s no reason to look any further. Contact Gentry Baumline-Robinson (386) 677- 7000 Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com