Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 37 DARYL AARON APPOINTED GM OF NEWLY ACQUIRED ST. LUCIA HOTEL Experienced Caribbean hotelier Daryl Aaron has been appointed general manager of the newly opened Bay Gardens Marina Haven hotel in St. Lucia. Aaron, who has worked across the Caribbean in a variety of hospitality management positions, joins the lead- ership team of Bay Gardens Resorts, which expanded its portfolio to four hotels with the acquisition of the prop- erty, located within close proximity to Rodney Bay Marina. Bay Gardens Marina Haven opened in mid-July following a soft renovation and staff training to align service delivery at the property with Bay Gardens' award-winning standards. Located in St. Lucia's Rodney Bay area, Bay Gardens Resorts also includes three Green Globe-certified hotels: Bay Gardens Inn, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa. Aaron, who was educated and trained in London, Trinidad, St. Lucia and her native Dominica, holds two decades of hospi- tality experience and has worked at Chaguaramas Hotel & Convention Centre, and Paria Suites & Conference Center in Trinidad; as well as Castaways Beach Hotel, Rosalie Bay Resort, and Anchorage Hotel, Whale Watch & Dive Centre in Dominica. A former executive member of the Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association, Aaron said the hotel is a great location for groups, including weddings, anniversary celebrations and meet- ings. "We are also right across from the marina, with numerous restaurants and bars, where you can have a diverse St. Lucian food and beverage experience," she said, noting that the hotel serves many yachties, who "after being on a boat for an entire week or two, look forward to a nice hot shower, comfortable bed and a good St. Lucian meal." The rooms at Bay Gardens Marina Haven have been refreshed The hotel, which has a nautical theme, has been receiving positive reviews during the first few weeks of operations. Bay Gardens Marina Haven is within a five-minute drive of Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Hotel and 10 minutes from the Beach Resort. Marina Haven guests enjoy the full benefits of a Bay Gardens experience, including six complimentary one- hour passes to Splash Island Water Park, the use of beach chairs, the ability to charge consumption across properties to their rooms, and free non-motorized water sports. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between all Bay Gardens Resorts facilities. Idyllic white sand tropical beach with view to Piton mountains in Saint Lucia Caribbean Photo Credit: BlueOrange Studio