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AREA GUIDES BAHAMAS ONE DESTINATION MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Warmth doesn’t just describe the weather here but also the hospitality. Frombusiness formal to island chicThe Bahamas welcome all groups to its islands.Experience a change of scenery, a change of perspective, a change of pace. This luxurious getaway offers many interesting options for your con- ference or convention. And when it’s time to head home, take with you some unforgettable memories of the islands. Not tomention, a really nice tax deduc- tion — if you’re a visitor from the United States. Tourism is the number one industry inTheBahamas.With that said, the peo- ple take great pride in their ability to offer top level hospitality, which in turn will make for a most pleasant experi- ence for convention/conference atten- dees. On the islands of The Bahamas there is a diverse venue offering, each offering a different experience. Your group can have dinner on a private island, in a botanical garden setting, on the grounds of a historical fort, or over- looking one of the many lush harbors. Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is offers an experience that is truly in keeping with Kerzner International’s reputation for creating not just a hotel but an entire vacation destination, in fact, the world’s largest island resort destination. The Royal Towers with 1,201 guest accommodations set in two majestic towers plus the Coral and Beach Towers provide the foundation for a 2,300-room resort that is as much fun for every kind and age of traveler as it is breathtaking and bold. In addition to a wide variety of accommodations Atlantis offers innovative entertain- ment with the Caribbean’s largest casi- no, 35 restaurants and lounges, 300,000 Junkanoo Performers in colorful costumes sq. ft. of meeting/event facilities, includ- ing the largest ballroom in the Caribbean/Bahamas and more than 11 million gallons of water activities and attractions. Some of these attractions include water slides and rides, swim- ming pools, waterfalls, fountains and snorkeling. TheRadisson atOurLucayaBeach& GolfResort is one of two lodging options at this expansive resort. Flanked by 7.5 acres of pristine white-sand beach, the resort offersmyriad recreational facilities and water sports for guests to enjoy. For pint-sized travelers,Camp Lucaya boasts a wide variety of activities including Junkanoo mask painting, coconut crafts, limbo and beach Olympics. For adults, the nearbyTreasure Bay Casino features 35,000 sq. ft. of gaming space outfitted with 400 slot machines, 21 game tables and a 110-person bistro and bar. The resort houses 752 total guest rooms and 90,000 sq. ft. of event space. In addition to standard amenities, you can also take advantage of the resort’s fitness equipment, aerobic classes, tennis courts, salon and spa serv- ices, outdoor pools, two 18-hole world- class golf courses, banana boat rides, basketball and volleyball. With more than 30 restaurants, bars and shops in the near vicinity it is a great place for dine-around options that will keep your group members talking. Our Lucaya Reef Village is located approximately six miles from Grand Bahama International Airport. Ameni- ties at this seven-acre beachfront resort, include three hotels, outdoor pool,water slide, access to beach, tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses,volleyball court, spa, fitness center, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, putting greens, business and conference center, concierge services, complimentary parking, luggage hold, safe deposit boxes, a sundry shop, tour desk, babysitting, and laundry and dry cleaning valet. Children have access to the playground and a children’s pool.The facility comes equipped with 478 rooms and 90,000 sq. f. of event space. On-site restaurants and bars include Barracuda’s (an art deco inspired breakfast buffet restaurant), buffet din- ing atWilly Broadleaf’s, the Lighthouse Pointe lounge, the Havana City Cigar Lounge, and Prop Club Sports Bar, plus 24-hour room service is available. WHOYOUGONNACALL? The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (800) Bahamas www.bahamas.com Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 59 Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism