It was a bit too warm and balmy to wear white gloves but, for all practical purposes, they did …
24 hours a day.
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A common complaint in recent years revolves around the steady erosion of pleasantries and civility in American society. Seems as though the please-and-thank-you crowd has been displaced by a prevailing self-centered, me-first mentality. If I asked you to point a finger at the root causes, you’d likely run out of fingers to point – the rapid rise and dark side of social media, economic uncertainty, inflation, political infighting on top of infighting on top of infighting, pandemic-driven mayhem, international geopolitical unrest, and on and on and on.
That’s why a recent wonderful experience has reignited in me a belief that eventually the pendulum will swing back toward the side of civility and decency, and we’ll return to the good ol’ days of simply being ladies and gentlemen. A Shaman friend lives his life by the principle, “Today for you, tomorrow for me” and if you think about that, many if not most, of society’s ills would likely be cured in no time, if we all did the same.
A Very Happy Birthday
To celebrate a recent milestone birthday for my wife, I booked a week-long stay at the Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth in the French West Indies. Lying just southeast of St. Maarten, the resort property is beyond a gem!
Its website describes it: Set on the soft sands along Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac’ lagoon, Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth melds into the lush gardens and hills of its surroundings. Known for its distinctive bright colors, family-friendly atmosphere and world-class service, the resort has become the island’s finest destination for all styles of travelers.
All of that is true but what struck me as extraordinarily and profoundly true is the mention of “world-class service”. I don’t believe in all my travels [and there have been many], I have ever experienced a friendlier, kinder, more accommodating people with broad smiles, warm and welcoming spirits, and an earnestness to ensure everything is absolutely the best it can possibly be.
Every interaction, every touchpoint – whether with the chambermaid or the person pumping gas around the corner, neither of whom are making big dollars – was infused with a spirit of service.
And this gracious hospitality goes beyond effective training and grooming of people, it is quite obviously a cultural thing, a mindset that permeates everyone and everything they do on a daily basis.
The Ritz-Carlton group of hotels has long been known for its Mission: We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. The Rosewood Le Gaunahani St. Barth takes that to an even higher level and, I believe, is a perfect destination for an incentive of up to 40 couples. I assure you, your high-achievers would leave feeling richly rewarded.
It strikes me that this lovely, 8.1-square mile island is first and foremost a dedicated customer-service community that happens to operate hotels, resorts, an airport, retail shops, restaurants, etc. Its mission-first mentality is focused on the people who live on the island and those who visit. Admittedly, it’s a pricey destination but one that I can say is worth the money. The experience is simply that amazing.
Going Beyond …
When we checked into our room and got unpacked, I noticed a number of decorative votive candle holders in our villa … but no candles. On our way to dinner that night, I stopped by the Front Desk and asked if a bellman could deliver a few candles to the villa so we could place them on the patio when we wound down after dinner. By the time we returned, the staff had lined our walkway with lighted votives and placed a few more inside and on our patio. Honestly, I was simply expecting a small package of candles to be put in the villa but they went the extra step to make things perfect for us. It was like that all week long.
It is genuinely inspiring to know that 5-star service still exists somewhere. In the U.S., we have the crème de la crème of hotel and resort properties but a scant few could hold a votive candle to what Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth delivers. I was also encouraged by the fact that many of the property’s staff were young, ladies and gentlemen not too far beyond their teen years who had obviously embraced the essence of service and hospitality.
As I was checking in at the airport for our flight home, I was greeted by a warm smile from the lady behind the counter. As she went about the process of confirming our seats, it struck me that she was genuinely interested in me as a person.
Did you enjoy your stay, Mr. Jones?
What did you like best about St. Barth’s?
Will you be returning one day?
I certainly hope so.
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Speaking of Crème de la Crème …
There are three U.S. hotels I’d like to shine a light on that are worth considering for your next corporate meeting or event. I recommended them based on facilities, location, staff and quality of service.
Omni Frisco PGA Resort [Frisco, TX]
Located among the rolling hills of the former Fields Ranch, minutes from downtown Frisco, the Omni PGA Frisco Resort is a unique destination rooted in community, entertainment, and service. Travelers are greeted with legendary Texas hospitality and unmatched luxury throughout the resort.
Embracing the spirit of modern golf culture, Omni PGA Frisco Resort is a delight from morning tee time to last call at post-dinner cocktails. It features 500 thoughtfully-appointed guestrooms and suites, and 10 exclusive ranch houses. There are also four onsite pools, including an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, Mokara Spa, and 13 inventive dining destinations.
Omni PGA Frisco Resort also offers access to Fields Ranch — two 18-hole championship courses designed by acclaimed architects Gil Hanse and Beau Welling. There’s a two-acre putting course and if nighttime is the right time for your golf game, tee it up at The Swing, a lighted 10-hole, par-3 short course.
We’ve already booked two 2024 programs for a client after a very impressive site visit. Great for groups of 400-500!
Find out more here – https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco
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Loew’s Arlington [Arlington, TX]
Opening in February 2024, the 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel promises to be a first-of-its-kind meetings and resort destination, situated between two iconic sports stadiums — Globe-Life Field [MLB Texas Rangers] and AT&T Stadium [NFL Dallas Cowboys]. The hotel will be connected to the new Loews Arlington Convention Center, also opening in 2024.
It features 888 rooms and suites, 200,000sf of indoor meeting space, a 66,000sf outdoor function space [including an event lawn], as well as five restaurants and lounges, and a resort-style beach club with two pools, cabanas, firepits, and a water slide.
dynami recently did a hard-hat tour of the property and came away excited about the possibilities.
Find out more here – https://www.loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel
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Resorts World Las Vegas [Las Vegas, NV]
You get the best of all worlds at this location with three world-class Hilton hotel flags flying onsite – Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords. Combined, there are a whopping 3,500 guest rooms, uniquely situated to provide you with exceptional ranges of comfort throughout 66 floors of hotel space.
Resorts World Las Vegas is the first integrated resort built on the Vegas Strip in more than a decade. The 88-acre complex, right in the middle of Sin City action, features a world-class spa, premium casino gaming, dayclub and nightlife concepts, A-list residencies and entertainment. It also offers a diverse array of dining options and bars, a curated collection of global retail brands, and seven on-property pools to chill out after a day of meetings. dynami is currently working on a Spring 2024 program for one of our clients.
Find out more here – https://www.rwlasvegas.com/
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For any of these properties [or others you may be interested in], feel free to reach out. We pride ourselves on staying current on the very best properties with the very best service so your next meeting and event will be a great success!
Cheers,
Kenneth Jones
