Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/34521
redesign to all guest rooms that will include state of the art technology features, Caribbean elegant décor in shades of sage, cream and blue, rain style shower heads, and Marriott’s revive bedding featuring down com- forters and thicker mattresses with plush toppers and fluffier pillows. This phase also includes a renovation of the “Windows on the Harbor” restaurant, which will integrate a lounge bar and provide a central point within the resort to meet for a drink or a meal,while taking in the spectacular view over Charlotte Amalie Harbor. the Grand Harbor Ballroom, which boasts a sweeping vista over the harbor’s blue waters, includes high tech audiovisual capabilities that can complement every event. Experienced event management specialists will con- tinue to be available to assist in the management of all event details and will administer every request from the initial arrival to the hotel. A dedicated team is in place to assist with all group and meeting needs in order to ensure a successful outcome. The island of St. Thomas boasts incomparable duty- free shopping, rich cul- ture and history, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportuni- ties. If visiting, be sure to check out the cata- maran, The Cat, whose competent two-person crew of Capt. Joe Morgan and assistant Rebecca Lee, will treat you to an unfor- gettable afternoon on the Caribbean Sea at some of the most spec- tacular snorkeling sights. If you’re in luck, owner Jim Trilling also will be on board and will delight you with sailing tales and his knowledge of the sea. A half day sail includes a delicious lunch and stops at Waterlemon Cay and Trunk Bay. The trip Finally, the Reef Health Club and Spa is scheduled for a complete renovation and will include a brand new fit- ness center with a more accessible location and an exclu- sive spa pool featuring bubble beds, massage jets and plunge areas. The pool and water features at the St. Thomas resort will also undergo a full transformation to create a more satisfying and fully integrated, aquatic experience. The pool area will have a main, free form infinity- edged pool with features such as Jacuzzis and lounging sun shelf areas; a kids’ pool dedicated to the younger guest with interactive water elements; and a grand cas- cading natural pool. Also featured are improved seating areas, new surfacing, deck lighting and modern fiber- optic lighting displays adding drama to the natural ocean vista. All 60,000+ sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space comprised of 15 unique and flexible venues, including 24 also includes a swim with green sea turtles that were in danger of becoming extinct before being placed on the endangered list. The trip includes a sail past the Annaberg Ruins, a for- mer sugar mill and plantation or St. John’s whose slaves in the 1800s could look across the Caribbean Sea to the British Virgin island of Tortola. It would be the slaves of Tortola who would win their freedom first before the slaves on the U.S. Virgins island of St. John’s. It is said that many slaves at the Annaberg plantation, thirsting for freedom, lost their lives when they jumped into the waters and tried to swim across to Tortola. If you are a history buff, be sure to check out Bluebeard’s Castle in St. Thomas, and you also may want to visit St. Thomas when Carnival is in full swing. For more information on group bookings, meeting or event spaces, contact Marriott at (888) 778-4722 You also may visit http://www.frenchmansreefmarriott.com. Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com