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SITE REVIEW #1 SAINT LUSCIOUS By CHERAy O'NEAL pleasantly surprised. Sweetly nestled in the eastern Caribbean, right off the Atlantic Ocean rests what I now refer to as Saint Luscious. Meeting planners get ready; Saint Luscious has gifts to bestow. I Let's begin with Bay Gardens Beach resort and spa. Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation service recently presented this 'Diamond' with the premier resort award. This oceanfront luxury retreat on the northern coast is paradise made in heaven, and planners would be wise to take heed. Seventy-two gor- geous rooms, deluxe (garden, beach, and pool views); one- and two- bedroom suites boast the same. All rooms come fully equipped with air conditioning, complimentary wired Internet access, safe box, CATV, coffee makers, iron and board, refrigerator. One- and two-bedroom suites include a lovely full kitchenette and dining area. Housekeeping is timely, and common areas of resort are maintained in an immaculate condition as well. What makes this even more luscious than the blue ocean and the stunning sunsets is the accommodating and mindful staff. When you've had a full day of meetings, it's the ultimate to be greeted by name with a smile – that's Bay gardens to a tee. The amenities perfectly range from 24- hour front desk service, a fully functioning fitness center, a lovely pool, and La Mer beauty salon and spa, to express checkout. Everything is right at your fingertips. Restaurants include the very convenient Hi-Tide Caribbean culinary experience like none other, as well as Trios Caribbean fusion, an exceptional Caribbean, European Asian adventure. For activities, you have to experience the water sports (tell Dion I sent you) he is a doll and certainly cer- tifiable. Another standout is sister property the Bay Gardens Inn, a cozy 33-room hotel (standard, superior, deluxe, one-bedroom). Spacious modern rooms each with a private terrace, gourmet meals and high standard service. All rooms air conditioned and equipped with wireless Internet, CATV and refrigerator. Their landmark restau- rant is Creole Pot and bar Ti Ponch, both excellent. Lastly, the third of this gorgeousness is Bay Garden's Hotel. Eighty-seven rooms (standard, superior, junior executive and suite villas). All rooms equally equipped with all amenities, and favorite restaurant Spices is to die for. Ms. Waltrude Patrick will make sure your every desire is fulfilled. All this juiciness and I haven't gotten to the gem of it all. Since 1995 Bay gardens has been one of the Caribbean's market leaders in the meeting/conference market. It combines impeccable service with the state-of-the-art venues to create a magnificent and highly effective business experience. Five fully accommodating business centers makes this the ideal choice for businesses and organizations that crave efficiency and affordability all under the umbrella of beauty. Bay Garden's beach resort and spa has the Trio Conference center (1,166 sq. ft) capacity for 100 clients (theater 18 have traveled all over the world, particularly in the Caribbean, and never had I been met with such beauty, hospitality, grace and extreme affordability. My time in St Lucia was mind blowing and meeting planners will be style). Bay Gardens Hotel has three fully equipped con- ference rooms totaling over 2,000 sq. ft. the largest (Bourganvillea) fitting 160 clients comfortably. The smaller (begonia and Lantana) accommodates 60 clients. The Bay Garden's Inn, has the Ixora conference center and ideal for seminars and workshops alike. Capacity is up to 100 clients and they won't be disap- pointed. The amazing amenities for all localities include a built in PA system, AV equipment, projection screen, podium and mic, chart easels, whiteboard and wifi. Optional add ons are LCD computer projector, and printing. Catering and personalized assistance is readi- ly available. Top international organizations such as Bank of Canada and World Bank have taken advantage so why not you? What makes this a steal is the fall sav- ings opportunities. Up to 50% off accommodations with free breakfast. I'd say that makes all involved invested, determined and happy. If you have the urge to explore and adventure the island of Saint Luscious, have I got a list for you? For golf lovers, for history buffs none other than Pigeon Island, the botanical gardens, sulfur baths www.dia- mondstlucia.com as well as the museum of governor's general at Morne Fortune, and the National archives at Vigie www.governergeneral-.gov.lc. For athletes you must zip line with the Palm treetop canopy tour and scuba dive/snorkel in Anse Chastanet . For spa and wellness and get serviced by the best. For spices and take home gifts the Castries market. For dancers the Friday night Jump up's in Gros Islet. For cuisine www.spiceofindiastlucia.com and the risk takers the casino at www.treasurebaystlucia.com. Saint Luscious will forever have a piece of my heart. Thank you to Berthia Parle, general manager and a great resource of all things St. Lucia. Alexandra Valasek with RuderFinn best PR in town. Smiles to Joyce, Jackie, Olive, Richard, Daneeka, Destang family, Antoine. Michelle, Lovely, Pro Rasta, Dion and Sherri Ann for their amazing insight and hospitality. Whether business and/or relaxation, Saint Luscious is number one. WHO YOU GONNA CALL: Berthia Parle (758) 457 8500 X8501 bp@baygradensbeachresort.com Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com