Here’s congratulating this spectacular resort for their win at the DWP ACE Awards! An ideal retreat for a luxe romantic getaway, a spectacular celebration or an unforgettable family vacation, Baha Mar is a luxurious Caribbean resort situated on the pristine white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach in The Bahamas. Overlooking the breathtaking scenic views of the turquoise waters, Baha Mar is a sprawling property rich with dynamic programming, adventurous activities and guest offerings. We got in touch with Ms. Ana Cerna, the International Marketing Director at Baha Mar and learnt about the resort’s development over the years, the wedding friendly amenities they provide and their incredible win at the DWP ACE Awards 2019!
How does it feel to win this prestigious award?
On behalf of Baha Mar, it is an honor to be recognized as The Wedding Property of the Year for The Americas and to bring this award home to The Bahamas. The Caribbean is one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world, and to be selected as the resort destination to represent The Bahamas as well as the greater Caribbean region, on the world stage at the Destination Wedding Planners Congress is a testament to the beauty of our islands and the incredible hospitality of its people. It is also rewarding to be recognized amongst such an established set of fellow venues and destinations, when Baha Mar has only been open for less than two years. We are thrilled to see our strong commitment to excellence and spectacular experiences has been recognized through this unbelievable win.
How was your experience at the luxurious Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2019 that took place in Dubai?
The Destination Wedding Planners Congress is a distinguished event and an unprecedented opportunity to not only bring the wedding industry together but to collaborate with some of the most innovative and creative professionals from all over the world. Long standing relationships are strengthened and new ones built, while the international exposure for destinations of all sizes, locations and styles is invaluable. It was an amazing experience to participate in all the carefully curated and fantastically executed events that showcased new trends and opportunities within the wedding space.
What motivates you to be so active within this dynamic wedding world?
We are driven by our clients’ dreams and their desire for their most cherished memories to take place at Baha Mar. We are motivated to design one-of-a-kind weddings for each of our clients and the essence of our resort destination allows for our clients’ individual visions to become reality. With 220,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor luxury event space at Baha Mar, couples have unlimited options and gorgeous spaces to create unforgettable moments that will stay in their hearts forever. No two celebrations at Baha Mar are the same – and the opportunity to create blissful memories that are hand-tailored to our guests’ ideologies is what inspires us every day.
Tell us about your overall journey and how you have achieved this milestone?
As the newest resort destination in the Bahamas, Baha Mar opened in 2017 as the first of the next generation of great integrated resorts. Baha Mar offers spectacular experiences across all three global hotels on property: Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood. More than a resort, Baha Mar offers guests the luxury of choice, from dining and luxury retail shopping to culinary offerings and outdoor activities. The remarkable destination is home to more than seven pools, two miles of white sand beaches, over forty restaurants, bars and lounges, the Caribbean’s largest casino, Jack Nicklaus Royal Blue Golf Club, Baha Mar Racquet Club, flagship ESPA spa, on-property wedding chapel, and so much more.
What do you do specifically to ensure an immersive destination experience for all your clients?
At Baha Mar, we strive to immerse our guests in the essence and beauty of The Bahamas, beyond traditional resort activities. Baha Mar is home to The Current Gallery and Art Center, an on-property hub for compelling Bahamian artistic experiences, and a center to recognize and support creative artists in Nassau through captivating exhibitions, workshops and lectures, artist residences and partnerships with local collectors. We also work extensively with The Bahamas National Trust to offer conservation education and marine experiences for our guests. For destination weddings, celebrations often last three days or more. This extended time period allows couples to take advantage of the destination with their loved ones and experience the extensive activities available for them to explore in the beautiful Bahamas on a deeper level.
What are some unique attributes of your property that caters towards executing lavish weddings?
Baha Mar is home to over 220,000 square feet of luxury venue space, including intimate indoor and outdoor spaces located throughout our three hotel brands, as well as a private island, pristine beaches, wedding chapel, gorgeous golf club and luxury superyacht. The breathtaking outdoor spaces feature expansive views of the turquoise ocean waters and vibrant resort grounds. Long Cay, Baha Mar’s private island, is off the shore of the resort and accessible by boat only, creating the perfect backdrop for picturesque sunset celebrations, surrounded by Bahamian waters and awe-inspiring views. Baha Mar’s free-standing chapel is located on the expansive front lawns, with views of the dramatic show lakes and lush green gardens. All events at Baha Mar are executed flawlessly with special amenities and unique offerings planned throughout.
Please provide a word of inspiration for the new, upcoming set of individuals who strive to follow in your footsteps and make it big in the wedding industry?
The destination wedding industry is full of inspiring professionals that motivate each other every day with their dedication and commitment to celebrating life’s most wonderful moments. While the events are often glamorous, this industry is for those who strive to work hard and value the importance of attention to detail, anticipating needs and delivering perfection. Additionally, the relationships we build with clients is an unexpected motivator in executing success. When a beloved client puts the most important day of their lives in your hand, perfection is the only option and connection and communication is key to success.
All Photographs Courtesy: Baha Mar, The Bahamas
