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|  |  Estefan, Disney & Kimpton in Vero Beach
Ellen on Site:
Vero Beach (Indian River County) from a Planner's Perspective
Editor Ellen Thomas, CMP
Who knew that such a notable and interesting blend of group properties, venues and experiences could be found in Indian River County, which includes Vero Beach, Sebastian and a collection of coastal and small inland towns? Who knew that the Disney Vero Beach Resort is the only oceanfront Disney property in Florida? Who knew that Gloria and Emilio Estefan would bring their chic personal style to Vero Beach's Costa d'Este Resort? And who knew that this sophisticated seaside village is home to Kimpton Hotels' Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, historic Dodgertown (recently renamed Vero Beach Sports Village) and a host of unique and historic venues?
On a recent visit, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director, Susan Hunt, was excited to show me all the great things Indian River has to offer for groups. As an extra surprise, Susan and I realized - quite accidentally - that we were former National Airlines flight attendants that had been in the same graduating class. If there are any former National Airlines flight attendants reading this, let me know at Ellen.Thomas@milesmedia.com.
Susan opened my eyes to the unique options for small to mid-size groups in this destination located on Florida's East Coast, between Palm Beach and Florida's Space Coast.
Costa D'Este Beach Resort
Gloria and Emilio Estefan's Costa D'Este reflects an oceanfront infusion of Zen style (with the couple's signature Latin flair), and is part of their Personal Luxury Collection. Director of Sales, Monica Smiley, welcomed us with authentic Cuban-style mojitos at Oriente Bar and explained that the 94-room hotel was designed to pamper, relax and inspire guests. Guest rooms and balconies are oversized, and you can see the mast of an ancient shipwreck not far from shore from oceanfront rooms. Room décor is a distinctive blend of imported wood and sleek, upscale contemporary style with all the amenities. Indoor meeting space is small at 1,170 square feet – but oh so elegant. Hardwood floors, spectacular chandeliers and a built-in stage with recording studio-quality sound are available to groups. Creative indoor and outdoor spaces for breakouts and events and the on-site spa provide attendees with a "Zensational" journey. Contact Monica Smiley at msmiley@benchmarkmanagment.com. |
| | | Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Susan and I received a warm greeting from Rosanne Socci, Catering & Conference Service Manager, and Matt Fetherston, Area Manager Food and Beverage Operations. Before our site inspection, Matt and Rosanne filled us in on group opportunities within the resort. As with most Vero Beach beachfront properties, large traditional indoor meeting space is limited, but creative spaces abound. The current meeting room totals 1,624 square feet. In September, the Galleon Room, a new executive boardroom that seats 14 with state-of-the-art audiovisual capability, will be available. Groups can also use the private Green Cabin Room lounge, featuring authentic relics of historic shipwrecks in the area, or Sonya's restaurant, which is only open for dinner. Turn the meeting set, and groups can plan evening meals or events in Sonya's, named one of Florida's 500 Best Places to Dine by Florida Trend magazine. Event settings also include poolside, beachside and a fun pirate area great for swashbuckling events. And of course, at Disney, characters are readily available to enhance your theme. The 211 guest rooms include studios, one- and two-bedroom Vacation Homes and three-bedroom Beach Cottages. A nearby golf course and hiking and biking trails, make Disney's Vero Beach Resort a fun option for meetings or incentives. Contact Rosanne Socci at Rosanne.socci@disney.com. |
| | | Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Group Sales Coordinator, Genevieve Introcaso, introduced us to Kimpton Hotels' elegant oceanfront Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, where intimate smaller spaces welcome groups and "Beyond the Boardroom" indoor and outdoor spaces are available for creative meeting professionals. Indoor spaces - including the 1,250-square-foot Shoreline Room and the 330- square-foot Executive Boardroom - feature well-appointed meeting settings with an ocean view. Private dining for up to 40 is available in the stunning Cobalt Restaurant overlooking Vero Beach, and events can be held poolside on an oceanfront terrace or directly on the beach depending on the season. Spacious and fashionable guest rooms total 113 with an unusually high compliment of 75 suites, enabling groups to have all-suite accommodations for meetings and incentives. The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is offering "Beyond the Boardroom" group savings for new meetings booked by Aug.31 and conducted by Dec. 23, 2011, with an unheard-of rate of $99 from Sunday through Thursday. In addition, groups will be able to choose a native Vero Beach teambuilding activity, as well as valuable discounts or suite upgrades. Contact Johanna Bayley at johanna.bayley@verobeachresortandspa.com. |
| | | Vero Beach Sports Village (formerly Dodgertown)
The east coast was home to both the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948 to 2008 and the Vero Beach Sports Village gives groups a chance to meet and compete in this setting steeped in baseball history. Convene among photos, memorabilia and meeting rooms named after baseball greats such as Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Jackie Robinson and Tommy Lasorda. The venue has more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space and 89 villas. The 6,500-square-foot Holman Stadium has four full fields and two half-fields that can be transformed for multi-sport use. The state-of-the art Major League weight room, indoor and outdoor batting and pitching tunnels and competition-sized swimming pool are all found here. So are the tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts. Group meal functions and events can be held in the historic dining hall, Stadium Club Lounge, or the on-site Western-themed event area. Contact Nancy Gollnick at ngollnick@milb.com. |
| | | The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel
Small groups can hide away in this very special boutique tucked away just across the street from Vero Beach's South Beach area. The enchanting tropical setting is the vision of owner Boris González. The Mediterranean-style hotel boasts 18 rooms, and each guest room has its own distinctive style. The Gonzalez's personally searched for the furnishings, antiques, accessories and art that exude so much charm. Although small in size, the hotel is equipped with wireless Internet in each guest room and all the amenities necessary for conducting business. Groups can gather in the Shell Room, dine at the award-winning Maison Martinique restaurant (to enjoy French cuisine with a Caribbean flair) or hold an event in the intimate Havana Nights lounge. Contact info@thecaribbeancourt for more information. |
| | | Capt. Hiram's Resort
Capt. Hiram's Resort is a bit further north in Sebastian, set directly on the Indian River Lagoon just south of the Sebastian River. Capt. Hiram's is an ideal spot for smaller groups that want a laid-back, tropical Florida feel. The inn consists of 70 guest rooms, and the heart of the resort is the colorful Bahamian-style Sandbar Restaurant and Lounge area, where waterfront outdoor events can be held. A built-in stage, group seating in the authentic "Anitaboat" lifeboat and the Bimini Beach firepit lounge will help you create a festive "Floribbean" event. For larger groups, Tiffany's is an attractive indoor venue with a panoramic inlet view that can accommodate up to 150, and a small boardroom is also available. Contact Jonathan Starratt at jstarratt@hirams.com.
Sebastian Inlet is known as the gateway to prime fishing in the Indian River, and groups can catch a deep-sea fishing charter from the on-site marina or explore the inlet in kayaks or on a 10-person canoe. On-the-water teambuilding experts Kristen and Mike Beck, owners of Kayaks, etc. will coordinate a customized group program with themed activities such as Lifeguard, Pirate or Lost challenges, and they can even coordinate catered events on nearby deserted islands. If your group is interested in adding a socially responsible activity to your agenda, Kristen can coordinate activities benefitting worthy local sea life and wildlife organizations. Contact Kristen and Mike Beck at kayaksetc@msn.com. |
| | | Unique Venues
The Vero Beach area is ripe with culture and unique event venues. The beachfront Driftwood Resort is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is made entirely of ocean-washed timbers, and houses art and artifacts from around the globe. McKee Botanical Garden offers outdoor event settings, where water lilies set a Monet-like backdrop, and indoor event space is available. The Vero Beach Museum of Art can accommodate up to 400 for masterpiece events in a dazzling ballroom, acoustically superior auditorium or a garden setting. From artistic to dramatic, a short walk brings more event opportunities at the Riverside Theatre, where events for up to 692 can take place. Of course, groups can add an original performance to their agenda, or reserve group seating for a night of laughs at the Comedy Club (seasonal). In quaint downtown Vero, historic venues include The Heritage Center/Citrus Museum (pays homage to the area's citrus roots) and The Old Indian River Courthouse (preserved yet updated for group events). |
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Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director, Susan Hunt, will be happy to fill you in on all Indian River has to offer groups. Contact her today at 772-567-3491 or tourism@indianriverchamber.com. |
