by Brian Major
Last updated: 10:33 AM ET, Tue August 1, 2017
The anchor property of Nassau's $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 resort's 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 we're open and that the Grand Hyatt brand is going to bring a superior level of service and a lot of new experiences that we haven't seen in the past.
TP: How would you describe the resort's character?
YE: Certainly we're a reflection of the Bahamas, and that's really important to us and making sure that when someone comes to visit us, they're 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. You'll see the marine life that's in the area. The little village in itself-walking through it should remind you of what it's like to be in the outer islands. Really, we want you to feel like you're in the Bahamas when you're here. When people are here, they're going to see a lot more than just a resort. We really about where we are.
TP: It's almost an understatement to say Baha Mar was a controversial project. Do you think the long delays and court battles will impact the resort's operation?
YE: I don't think it's 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.
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TP: What is the profile of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar vacationer?
YE: Certainly, we will have honeymooners here. You'll 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 explorer's 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, there's the affluent traveler looking for an experience that's truly Bahamian. That's what we're about. I think that's where we're 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 the mega-resort's anchor property, reflect that vision?
YE: It really is more about having life experiences here. It's more about creating memories, and the Grand Hyatt brand is about that. It's about giving people something that when they leave, they say 'I didn't know that,' or 'I've never seen that before' or 'I have to come back because I can't that get anywhere else.' That's really what we're focused on.
TP: Will guests have reciprocal privileges at Baha Mar's 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. It's one of those things where there is truly something for everyone. So you could be here for an incentive program but you're going to stay a couple of extra days because there are so many things here you didn't have time to go with your group.
I think it's more about a truly integrated resort experience. While it's a large resort, the footprint is tight and you're engaged at every corner.
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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, we'll be able to involve art in group events as well.
In the bar we're sitting in, we have live jazz at night. There's a steel drum playing now in Churchill's. There are the show fountains at night. There's a lot to see, but it's easy to get to. You don't have to worry about transportation or long walks.
TP: How are you connecting with the travel agent community?
YE: We're doing a lot right now, whether it's related to airline-related programs, group planners or leisure travel agents, including the recent ASTA conference here. We're making sure we bring those people in because really the best advocates for us will be the people who've been here. I can go out and tell people 'It's beautiful and you want to come,' but when you hear it from a customer who was here and had their own experience, that's what really resonates with people.
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