Realizing a Bahamas Luxury Resort Vision – TravelPulse

PHOTO: Yvette Edwards, Director of Sales and Marketing for Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. (photo by Brian Major)

The anchor property of Nassaus $4.2 billion Baha Mar development, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, is in operation after nearly three years of construction delays, bankruptcy and litigation.

The hotel is nonetheless fairly close to luxury-resort vision first expressed by original developer Sarkis Izmirlian envisioned nearly a decade ago.

The 1,800-room resorts eastern wing began accommodating guests this summer following an April soft opening and in June hosted a showcase conference for American Society of Travel Agents and National Association of Career Travel Agents members.

Yvette Edwards is charged with leading the crucial sales and marketing effort for perhaps the most eagerly awaited anchor property in recent Caribbean history. We spoke with Ms. Edwards recently for her perspective on the key resort launch.

TravelPulse: What are your priorities now that the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is open?

YE: One of the biggest priorities is making sure everyone knows were open andthat the Grand Hyatt brand is going to bring a superior level of service and a lot of new experiences that we havent seen in the past.

TP: How would you describe the resorts character?

YE: Certainly were a reflection of the Bahamas, and thats really important to us and making sure that when someone comes to visit us, theyre going to have the opportunity to experience a lot of things that are authentic to the Bahamas here in Nassau, but also little things, like the outer islands.

If you go back by the pool deck, you have beautiful pools. Youll see the marine life thats in the area. The little village in itselfwalking through it should remind you of what its like to be in the outer islands. Really, we want you to feel like youre in the Bahamas when youre here. When people are here, theyre going to see a lot more than just a resort. We really about where we are.

TP: Its almost an understatement to say Baha Mar was a controversial project. Do you think the long delays and court battles will impact the resorts operation?

YE: I dont think its about looking back. There are so many positive things that Baha Mar brings to the Bahamas, whether it be jobs or whether it be a beautiful destination for people to enjoy.

READ MORE:Nassau's Baha Mar Was Worth the Wait

TP: What is the profile of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar vacationer?

YE: Certainly, we will have honeymooners here. Youll see a lot of weddings here; that is certainly a market we will target. We certainly are family friendly as well, and there are family activities here; we have an explorers club for kids. We also have a world-class casino, which of course is going to bring in a client who has interest in casinos as well.

Also, theres the affluent traveler looking for an experience thats truly Bahamian. Thats what were about. I think thats where were really going to find our niche, as a resort for someone wanting to come and have an experience where they get to engage with cuisine, culture and architecture.

TP: Baha Mar was originally marketed as the Bahamian Riviera. Does the Grand Hyatt, as themega-resorts anchor property, reflect that vision?

YE: It really is more about having life experiences here. Its more about creating memories, and the Grand Hyatt brand is about that. Its about giving people something that when they leave, they say I didnt know that, or Ive never seen that before or I have to come back because I cant that get anywhere else. Thats really what were focused on.

TP: Will guests have reciprocal privileges at Baha Mars sister properties, the SLS and Rosewood resorts?

YE: Yes. As a Baha Mar guest, you may come for the Grand Hyatt brand but you get to experience three different, world-class brands. Its one of those things where there is truly something for everyone. So you could be here for an incentive program but youre going to stay a couple of extra days because there are so many things here you didnt have time to go with your group.

I think its more about a truly integrated resort experience. While its a large resort, the footprint is tight and youre engaged at every corner.

READ MORE:Underrated, Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Nassau

TP: What other features will Grand Hyatt Bar Mar guests notice?

YE: We have an amazing art collection, and I think that will bring in a lot of customers looking for experiential travel. The art collection continues to grow and, moving forward, well be able to involve art in group events as well.

In the bar were sitting in, we have live jazz at night. Theres a steel drum playing now in Churchills. There are the show fountains at night. Theres a lot to see, but its easy to get to. You dont have to worry about transportation or long walks.

TP: How are you connecting with the travel agent community?

YE: Were doing a lot right now, whether its related to airline-related programs, group planners or leisure travel agents, including the recent ASTA conference here. Were making sure we bring those people in because really the best advocates for us will be the people whove been here. I can go out and tell people Its beautiful and you want to come, but when you hear it from a customer who was here and had their own experience, thats what really resonates with people.

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Realizing a Bahamas Luxury Resort Vision - TravelPulse