Full Transcript for More Than a Resort: The Vision Behind Baha Mar

wonderful resort? 35 00:02:08,279 --> 00:02:10,989 Well, first of all, let’s talk about the location. 36 00:02:11,009 --> 00:02:14,849 I think the Bahamas, as they always say, it’s better in the Bahamas— 37 00:02:14,899 --> 00:02:15,749 Indeed it is [laugh] 38 00:02:15,759 --> 00:02:19,769 . —and it’s a magical country, truly. 39 00:02:20,069 --> 00:02:23,009 The location wise, being 30 minutes from South Florida 40 00:02:23,289 --> 00:02:26,640 by plane, easy access around the United States. 41 00:02:26,640 --> 00:02:30,550 You have almost 50 direct flights a day coming in from North America. 42 00:02:30,569 --> 00:02:32,019 We have a direct flight daily coming in 43 00:02:32,019 --> 00:02:34,089 from Europe, so ease of access to get here. 44 00:02:34,379 --> 00:02:36,470 And then, of course, you’re landing in what I believe 45 00:02:36,620 --> 00:02:39,020 is one of the most breathtaking places on earth. 46 00:02:39,580 --> 00:02:44,139 You have an archipelago of exquisite keys, exquisite 47 00:02:44,139 --> 00:02:47,639 islands, amazing culture, beautiful people. 48 00:02:48,289 --> 00:02:55,370 We’re just so fortunate to be in just this incredible, breathtaking space. 49 00:02:55,489 --> 00:03:01,340 Having Baha Mar situated on one of the prime beaches in New Providence, which 50 00:03:01,340 --> 00:03:08,070 is the main capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, and the investment here being made 51 00:03:08,090 --> 00:03:13,310 by the developer and ourselves here as an ownership group, we’re approaching 52 00:03:13,330 --> 00:03:18,779 almost $5 billion here in Baha Mar, and it continues to evolve and improve. 53 00:03:19,350 --> 00:03:23,869 But really, the heart and soul of Baha Mar are the people, our associates, 54 00:03:23,869 --> 00:03:28,389 our over 5000 associates that really are inspired and motivated every 55 00:03:28,389 --> 00:03:30,909 day to create a great experience for our guests and for each other. 56 00:03:31,320 --> 00:03:32,400 Amazing, amazing. 57 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:36,129 I mean, you know, as Renaldo said, this property is just absolutely phenomenal. 58 00:03:36,430 --> 00:03:39,489 And you said the location is outstanding, but we’re in 59 00:03:39,489 --> 00:03:41,700 a podcast studio at a hotel, so that could tell you, 60 00:03:41,700 --> 00:03:44,480 Renaldo, that this is not your average hotel space. 61 00:03:45,009 --> 00:03:48,129 Graeme, when you think about the journey from, you know, the first set 62 00:03:48,129 --> 00:03:52,569 of hotels being constructed to the first pools being put in the ground, 63 00:03:52,599 --> 00:03:57,539 and then the continuous progression to now a podcast studio, before 64 00:03:57,539 --> 00:04:01,379 this, the Baja Bay Water Park, the creation of the Jazz Club, is there a 65 00:04:01,379 --> 00:04:05,599 single thing that you are most proud of when you think about the journey? 66 00:04:05,599 --> 00:04:10,669 I’m most proud about the people because no

matter what investment is 67 00:04:10,669 --> 00:04:15,500 made in the bricks and mortar of Baja Mar, it’s the heart and soul 68 00:04:15,519 --> 00:04:19,789 of the property, which are the people that truly make the experience 69 00:04:19,900 --> 00:04:23,100 exceptional, and that’s what we strive for each and every day. 70 00:04:23,489 --> 00:04:28,079 And so, for my job, from day one, is to create the culture of Baha Mar, 71 00:04:28,329 --> 00:04:31,269 of inspiring and motivating our associates and making sure that they’re 72 00:04:31,519 --> 00:04:34,889 giving their very best to each other, and of course to our guests. 73 00:04:35,049 --> 00:04:38,469 Of course, the physical nature of Baha Mar with the investments that we’ve 74 00:04:38,479 --> 00:04:43,429 made, it’s always an evolution of making sure that we create exceptional 75 00:04:43,430 --> 00:04:47,419 and unique experiences at Baha Mar. We start with a foundation of three 76 00:04:48,009 --> 00:04:52,910 amazing international luxury brands, starting at Grand Hyatt, which is 77 00:04:52,910 --> 00:04:57,300 our family-oriented and our corporate and group-oriented property, and 78 00:04:57,300 --> 00:05:01,220 then you’re off to our lifestyle property of SLS here at Baha Mar, and 79 00:05:01,220 --> 00:05:04,899 then our crowning jewel, our ultra luxury Rosewood here at Baha Mar. So, 80 00:05:05,180 --> 00:05:09,939 three distinct choices of luxury with the village of Baha Mar to be able 81 00:05:09,940 --> 00:05:13,679 to be enjoyed by every guest, no matter which property you’re staying at. 82 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:16,290 Some are just a little bit more special, a little bit more 83 00:05:16,489 --> 00:05:20,939 intimate, and pampering in style and lifestyle as well. 84 00:05:21,429 --> 00:05:26,129 You could be certainly at Rosewood, lounging very peacefully and tranquilly 85 00:05:26,129 --> 00:05:30,769 with your butler taking great care of you at Rosewood, whether it be in your 86 00:05:30,779 --> 00:05:35,249 private cabana or at your six bedroom villa or even one of your suites or 87 00:05:35,250 --> 00:05:39,999 regular guest rooms at Rosewood, or you could be, you know, up on the Sky 88 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:44,649 Bar, the rooftop of SLS, or the day club, the privilege pool at the backside 89 00:05:44,649 --> 00:05:48,749 of SLS, as well, really letting your hair down and having an exciting time 90 00:05:49,349 --> 00:05:55,779 with a guest DJ or a band at SLS, or even just styling it up at Monkey Bar. 91 00:05:55,800 --> 00:05:56,000 Yeah. 92 00:05:56,059 --> 00:05:57,380 A lot of great options there. 93 00:05:57,380 --> 00:06:01,750 And then, of course, you know our Jazz Bar, Jon Batiste, first of its kind 94 00:06:01,750 --> 00:06:05,240 in the world, a great collaboration with Jon Batiste, you know, one of 95 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:09,710 the most renowned, I think, most brilliant musicians of our time, really. 96 00:06:09,940 --> 00:06:14,679 And so, with the Hyatt experiences and SLS and Rosewood, it’s really 97 00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:20,009 a combination of just multiple unique and differentiating experiences. 98 00:06:20,010 --> 00:06:21,879 And there’s something for everyone at Baha 99 00:06:21,879 --> 00:06:24,339 Mar, at every age, at every price point. 100 00:06:24,840 --> 00:06:27,739 You have something as casual as a Starbucks or a slice of pizza at 101 00:06:27,740 --> 00:06:35,319 Pizza Lab, all the way up to, you know, a $350 Wagyu A5 steak at Carna, 102 00:06:35,610 --> 00:06:38,830 you know, by Dario Cecchini, who’s voted the world’s best butcher. 103 00:06:38,919 --> 00:06:40,689 You know, amazing experiences. 104 00:06:40,689 --> 00:06:45,890 No matter what your price point is, and no matter what your experiences is 105 00:06:46,450 --> 00:06:51,439 wanting, you know, we have it here at Baha Mar. And again, so easy to get to. 106 00:06:52,629 --> 00:06:55,929 From the airport to here, ten minutes to the hotel from the airport. 107 00:06:56,159 --> 00:07:00,409 When you’re heading back to the US, you’re going through pre-clearance, US 108 00:07:00,439 --> 00:07:03,990 Customs and Immigration here in Nassau, so when you’re on that plane, you’re in 109 00:07:03,990 --> 00:07:07,119 the US, and you’re landing in your destination, or you’re connecting flights. 110 00:07:07,119 --> 00:07:08,679 It’s so easy to get back home as well. 111 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:11,089 When I’ve worked around the Caribbean for 30-plus years, 112 00:07:11,809 --> 00:07:14,059 there’s really nothing else like it here, I think, in the 113 00:07:14,059 --> 00:07:16,979 Caribbean, and certainly within the Western Hemisphere. 114 00:07:17,299 --> 00:07:21,810 You know, something like this really just does not exist beyond Baha Mar. 115 00:07:22,110 --> 00:07:24,350 You mentioned your work around the Caribbean. 116 00:07:24,389 --> 00:07:26,599 A lot of places sell sun, sand, and sea. 117 00:07:26,769 --> 00:07:29,200 What makes Baha Mar, what makes this brand stand 118 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:31,539 out among all the other luxury brands out there? 119 00:07:31,540 --> 00:07:32,369 What sets it apart? 120 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:35,850 Truly that you have to create those unique and differentiating experiences. 121 00:07:35,850 --> 00:07:38,809 Beyond—we have, as you said, we have the sun, sea, and sand, 122 00:07:39,360 --> 00:07:43,359 that’s there, but when it comes to really, I think, exceptional 123 00:07:43,369 --> 00:07:47,890 dining experiences, you know, when it comes to having great 124 00:07:47,890 --> 00:07:52,400 collaborative chefs like Daniel Boulud, Marcus Samuelsson at Marcus’ 125 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:55,309 Fish and Chop House; Daniel Boulud, Cafe Boulud; Dario Cecchini. 126 00:07:56,040 --> 00:08:01,219 We have an incredible chef lineup at our Shuang Ba, 127 00:08:01,229 --> 00:08:03,399 which many of our guests say it’s their favorite.

128 00:08:03,399 --> 00:08:08,960 It’s a very intimate 88-seat Chinese restaurant with authentic 129 00:08:08,960 --> 00:08:13,629 Cantonese cuisine, as well as Peking duck, which we’re famous for here. 130 00:08:13,629 --> 00:08:17,980 And these unique experiences on dining certainly have to be world class. 131 00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:23,459 Our clientele are coming from some of the most sophisticated cuisine-driven 132 00:08:23,459 --> 00:08:27,489 cities around the world, and we have to make sure we match that as well. 133 00:08:27,629 --> 00:08:31,079 There’s also, hey, you can get a conch salad here at Baha Mar as well. 134 00:08:31,079 --> 00:08:31,373 Indeed you can. 135 00:08:31,373 --> 00:08:32,070 Some of the best. 136 00:08:32,250 --> 00:08:35,579 So, you get the local cuisine that’s available, but as well 137 00:08:35,580 --> 00:08:38,809 as whatever your palate, you know, is savoring for that day. 138 00:08:38,809 --> 00:08:40,479 You’ve got the opportunities to explore 139 00:08:40,929 --> 00:08:42,530 throughout the Bahamas culinary experiences. 140 00:08:42,750 --> 00:08:45,319 And then, of course, beyond that, you know, it’s, of 141 00:08:45,319 --> 00:08:49,419 course, the amazing pools, Baja Bay, you know, are— 142 00:08:49,599 --> 00:08:50,209 Pretty epic. 143 00:08:50,269 --> 00:08:53,699 I created it and gave the thought that says we have 144 00:08:53,699 --> 00:08:57,070 to create a luxury water park to complement the luxury 145 00:08:57,070 --> 00:08:59,630 experiences at Baha Mar, and that is, how do you do that? 146 00:08:59,650 --> 00:09:00,870 How do you create a luxury water park? 147 00:09:00,870 --> 00:09:04,610 Well, we’re not your typical Wet and Wild, we truly are low density, 148 00:09:04,889 --> 00:09:09,230 no lines on the rides, beautiful cabanas available for you, beautiful 149 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:13,400 views over the ocean in our beach club at Baha Bay, great cuisine. 150 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:16,719 It’s not your typical pizza and chicken tenders. 151 00:09:16,789 --> 00:09:22,460 It’s very relaxed, always chaise lounges available, a lot of lush landscaping, 152 00:09:22,719 --> 00:09:29,370 and truly just a very, very luxurious experience at Baja Bay, right here. 153 00:09:29,370 --> 00:09:33,239 And it’s included in your resort fee, so there’s 154 00:09:33,239 --> 00:09:35,219 no additional charges to go into Baja Bay. 155 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:36,140 Great experience. 156 00:09:37,180 --> 00:09:41,100 It’s great, as I see guests from any one of the three resorts flow into 157 00:09:41,100 --> 00:09:45,759 Baja Bay, come back out, enjoy the pools that we have across the campus. 158 00:09:45,989 --> 00:09:50,630 You might be jumping off the Dean’s Blue Hole, which is just a fun 159 00:09:50,630 --> 00:09:54,319 spot to be at, or you might be looking at our sanctuary at the stingray 160 00:09:55,369 --> 00:09:59,479 sharks and turtles, and learn about conservation efforts that we do. 161 00:09:59,779 --> 00:10:03,789 You may also come across our CFO, our Chief Flamingo Officer— 162 00:10:03,830 --> 00:10:03,840 Ah! 163 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:03,869 [laugh] 164 00:10:04,169 --> 00:10:09,159 . Here at Baha Mar. And there you’ll have an interaction with our 165 00:10:09,159 --> 00:10:13,679 baby ambassadors that have grown up to be full adults, flamingos. 166 00:10:13,729 --> 00:10:15,589 We raised them from eggs. 167 00:10:15,979 --> 00:10:19,780 We actually flew them on a private jet from the Bermuda Zoo because 168 00:10:19,780 --> 00:10:24,779 they had too many eggs, and offered these for us to be able to raise. 169 00:10:24,799 --> 00:10:29,909 We have an exceptional aviary team that take care of 170 00:10:30,129 --> 00:10:33,389 these birds, raised them, hatched them, trained them. 171 00:10:33,610 --> 00:10:34,959 Very sociable animals. 172 00:10:34,979 --> 00:10:36,289 And they are so pampered. 173 00:10:36,599 --> 00:10:36,619 Yeah. 174 00:10:36,629 --> 00:10:40,799 They have their little flamingo condo, where they’re all just 175 00:10:40,829 --> 00:10:44,689 so well pampered, engaging with our guests, doing flamingo yoga. 176 00:10:45,470 --> 00:10:46,989 Again, you’ve heard of goat yoga? 177 00:10:47,049 --> 00:10:47,129 Uh-huh. 178 00:10:47,139 --> 00:10:51,330 Well, we have flamingo yoga here at Baha Mar. And then, 179 00:10:51,339 --> 00:10:54,829 of course, there’s the daily interaction, the parade of 180 00:10:54,839 --> 00:10:57,550 flamingos around the property guests can engage with. 181 00:10:58,209 --> 00:10:59,899 If you’re getting married, and you want the flamingos 182 00:10:59,899 --> 00:11:01,850 to come to your wedding, we can arrange that as well. 183 00:11:01,920 --> 00:11:02,230 Nice. 184 00:11:02,230 --> 00:11:02,570 Nice. 185 00:11:02,570 --> 00:11:02,910 Extra wedding guest. 186 00:11:02,929 --> 00:11:03,909 We do some meet and greets. 187 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:07,740 You might come across Frankie, our mascot, which is a big 188 00:11:07,740 --> 00:11:12,679 flamingo, who also will engage and tuck in our younger guests. 189 00:11:12,690 --> 00:11:15,940 So, if you’re interested in a flamingo tuck, we can actually 190 00:11:15,940 --> 00:11:19,969 come up to your suite, your room, and read a bedtime story about 191 00:11:19,970 --> 00:11:23,539 flamingos, and have Frankie the flamingo tuck in your child. 192 00:11:23,539 --> 00:11:24,410 Oh, wow. 193 00:11:25,220 --> 00:11:25,860 Talk about experiences. 194 00:11:25,910 --> 00:11:30,190 And I think what’s really important gets down to what we believe very 195 00:11:30,190 --> 00:11:34,009 strongly, and that’s giving back to the community through our foundation, 196 00:11:34,250 --> 00:11:37,649 which is based on three pillars of culture, conservation, and community. 197 00:11:37,929 --> 00:11:41,529 And with the conservation efforts—the flamingos—we’re raising funds. 198 00:11:41,529 -->

00:11:46,249 So, every activation funds go towards the preservation of 199 00:11:46,250 --> 00:11:48,890 the national bird of the Bahamas, which is the flamingo. 200 00:11:49,139 --> 00:11:53,750 Almost hunted to extinction up until the 50s when they were finally 201 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:58,150 protected, almost wiped out in the Bahamas, now thriving with hundreds 202 00:11:58,150 --> 00:12:02,840 of thousands of flamingos down in Great Inagua, and also in Andros. 203 00:12:02,849 --> 00:12:06,650 And we constantly are working with Bahamas National Trust, and certainly 204 00:12:06,650 --> 00:12:11,659 the government of the Bahamas, on using funds that we raise through our 205 00:12:11,949 --> 00:12:16,500 activations to help support that sustainability effort with the flamingos. 206 00:12:16,650 --> 00:12:17,699 That’s phenomenal, Graeme. 207 00:12:17,959 --> 00:12:19,549 I mean, first of all, I didn’t know about the tucked in thing. 208 00:12:19,549 --> 00:12:21,049 I almost want to check in to be tucked in. 209 00:12:21,049 --> 00:12:24,790 I didn’t know it was possible to have a flamingo tuck you in. 210 00:12:24,790 --> 00:12:24,820 [laugh] 211 00:12:24,820 --> 00:12:25,500 . We’re learning so much today. 212 00:12:25,740 --> 00:12:26,899 We’re learning a lot today. 213 00:12:27,250 --> 00:12:27,779 And you know what? 214 00:12:27,849 --> 00:12:30,219 If the flamingos can do that, they can do just about anything. 215 00:12:30,219 --> 00:12:32,760 And now I’m interested to see what the other animals are [crosstalk] 216 00:12:32,760 --> 00:12:34,739 . [laugh] . Indeed, indeed. 217 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:39,809 So, you know, Graeme, I think to establish something like this requires so much, 218 00:12:39,910 --> 00:12:43,789 you know, just the vision to be able to say, let’s create a luxury water park. 219 00:12:43,789 --> 00:12:46,100 The vision to say, let’s partner with Kendall Jenner. 220 00:12:46,379 --> 00:12:49,609 When you think about your leadership philosophy, having run 221 00:12:49,610 --> 00:12:53,720 and worked in hotels all around the world, what do you think 222 00:12:53,889 --> 00:12:58,019 makes a great leader, and how do you lead your team every day? 223 00:12:58,349 --> 00:13:02,890 Well, I can tell you that no great leader is without 224 00:13:02,890 --> 00:13:05,409 a great team, and that’s putting the team first. 225 00:13:05,689 --> 00:13:08,259 It’s really making sure that you’re inspiring and 226 00:13:08,259 --> 00:13:11,370 motivating all of the team that works below myself. 227 00:13:11,830 --> 00:13:13,540 For me, I feel like I’m the least important. 228 00:13:13,619 --> 00:13:17,319 I feel that, particularly in a hotel environment, that the 229 00:13:17,319 --> 00:13:22,139 associate that is there that is washing the sheets in the 230 00:13:22,139 --> 00:13:24,799 laundry department or cleaning the dishes, without them we 231 00:13:24,799 --> 00:13:27,789 don’t have rooms to clean, we don’t have restaurants to open. 232 00:13:28,029 --> 00:13:31,399 So, you have to understand that in our industry every 233 00:13:31,409 --> 00:13:35,089 associate is critical to the success of the property. 234 00:13:35,199 --> 00:13:37,979 I can tell you at the very bottom level, you 235 00:13:37,979 --> 00:13:40,769 want to make sure that you have happy employees. 236 00:13:41,019 --> 00:13:44,129 It’s a simple formula: happy employees equals happy guests. 237 00:13:44,279 --> 00:13:47,979 To the very beginning, you know, coming here to Baha Mar, we 238 00:13:48,299 --> 00:13:51,559 firmly believe in reinvesting—as does our owner—firmly believe 239 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:54,479 in taking care of the associates and taking care of their 240 00:13:54,479 --> 00:13:58,529 employees and giving full medical insurance to every employee. 241 00:13:58,719 --> 00:14:01,249 I mean, basic—I think, is so important 242 00:14:01,250 --> 00:14:03,199 that taking care of their physical health. 243 00:14:03,479 --> 00:14:07,069 So, free medical insurance, building a half-million dollar 244 00:14:07,069 --> 00:14:12,349 clinic with doctors for our associates from 8am to 11pm— 245 00:14:12,379 --> 00:14:12,980 On property? 246 00:14:12,980 --> 00:14:13,619 On property. 247 00:14:13,619 --> 00:14:15,639 With a pharmacy, get your checkups. 248 00:14:16,129 --> 00:14:18,750 We have 12 EMTs, we have an ambulance on property. 249 00:14:19,259 --> 00:14:21,989 If anything goes wrong, we’re there for our associates to make sure. 250 00:14:22,209 --> 00:14:23,659 And they’re also there for our guests as well. 251 00:14:24,379 --> 00:14:26,800 With our partnership with Doctors Hospital, 252 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:29,329 it’s again, just one of those basics. 253 00:14:29,349 --> 00:14:35,769 So that’s, you know, again setting some standards there of great benefits. 254 00:14:36,019 --> 00:14:40,279 We have the largest restaurant at Baha Mar, which is called Cafe Blue. 255 00:14:40,279 --> 00:14:41,489 It’s our employee dining room. 256 00:14:41,849 --> 00:14:45,709 It’s 7000 meals a day we serve there, all complimentary. 257 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:48,299 Our investment there is over $10 million annually on 258 00:14:48,989 --> 00:14:52,200 making sure our associates are well looked after, that 259 00:14:52,220 --> 00:14:54,740 they have a great meal, as good as what I’s want to eat. 260 00:14:54,740 --> 00:14:58,770 We have sushi, we have Subway sandwiches made-to-order rotisserie 261 00:14:58,770 --> 00:15:03,639 chicken, full buffet, soft serve ice cream, you know, making sure 262 00:15:03,639 --> 00:15:07,400 that all of our associates are well looked after throughout the day. 263 00:15:07,449 --> 00:15:09,319 And again, I think that’s so important. 264 00:15:10,000 --> 00:15:14,150 So, it’s the meals, it’s the medical benefits. 265 00:15:14,230 --> 00:15:16,509 We actually, I believe, so important today, more 266

00:15:16,510 --> 00:15:20,170 than any time, is mental health, good mental health. 267 00:15:20,719 --> 00:15:24,160 We brought in full-time industrial psychologists 268 00:15:24,180 --> 00:15:27,970 to give therapy complimentary to our associates. 269 00:15:28,209 --> 00:15:31,260 And also beyond the mental health opportunities, we’ve 270 00:15:31,290 --> 00:15:35,089 created a great little lounge area where we have private 271 00:15:35,099 --> 00:15:37,729 offices where our employees can sign up for therapy. 272 00:15:37,789 --> 00:15:39,389 Again, mental health, so important. 273 00:15:39,419 --> 00:15:43,000 And then financial health, making sure as associates continue 274 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:46,719 to develop themselves financially and creating some great job 275 00:15:46,719 --> 00:15:50,919 opportunities, as you’re a server in Carna, you’re doing quite well— 276 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:51,599 Mm-hm [laugh] 277 00:15:51,599 --> 00:15:53,439 . Serving those $500 steaks. 278 00:15:53,549 --> 00:15:54,219 I would imagine. 279 00:15:54,250 --> 00:15:55,370 As a server, you’re doing all right. 280 00:15:55,379 --> 00:15:59,159 So, you know, all of a sudden, you know, our associates 281 00:15:59,379 --> 00:16:02,039 are really improving their own financial worth. 282 00:16:02,389 --> 00:16:03,689 And what to do with that? 283 00:16:04,239 --> 00:16:06,029 So, making sure that they’re saving for their 284 00:16:06,029 --> 00:16:08,109 future, making sure they’re investing well. 285 00:16:08,110 --> 00:16:12,799 So, we have a complimentary financial advisor for our associates that’s 286 00:16:12,799 --> 00:16:16,770 available every day to be able to sit down and talk about budgeting. 287 00:16:17,169 --> 00:16:18,949 You know, these are things that maybe we didn’t learn as a 288 00:16:18,949 --> 00:16:23,269 child growing up, and so those type of services that we offer. 289 00:16:23,269 --> 00:16:26,150 And of course you know we have an HR concierge department 290 00:16:26,369 --> 00:16:29,089 where our associates can go up and get support. 291 00:16:29,329 --> 00:16:33,790 We built a full store, 7/11 basically, for our associates 292 00:16:33,790 --> 00:16:37,619 as well, where they can purchase things of sundry items, 293 00:16:38,019 --> 00:16:42,459 eggs, milk, basics that they forgot to get at home. 294 00:16:42,649 --> 00:16:44,619 They’ve worked a full day; instead of having to go to the 295 00:16:44,619 --> 00:16:47,640 grocery store, you stop into our little [Bluetique] that we 296 00:16:47,640 --> 00:16:51,469 call it, and pick up a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk at cost. 297 00:16:51,809 --> 00:16:53,629 You know, we’re not making any profit on this. 298 00:16:53,629 --> 00:16:56,419 We just want to make sure that our associates have the opportunity 299 00:16:56,419 --> 00:17:00,689 to create a little bit of convenience for them that they can feel 300 00:17:00,690 --> 00:17:03,320 great about when they get home, they’ve had a great day at work. 301 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:08,059 And of course, 25,000 uniforms we have here at Baha Mar, and 302 00:17:08,059 --> 00:17:11,830 we clean all of those uniforms every day for our associates. 303 00:17:11,839 --> 00:17:12,949 It’s a big operation. 304 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:17,379 We truly are thinking about all those details. 305 00:17:17,389 --> 00:17:19,360 For our culinarians. 306 00:17:19,410 --> 00:17:22,049 I think we’re one of the first hotels, probably in the 307 00:17:22,050 --> 00:17:24,669 world, to have its own knife sharpening department— 308 00:17:24,969 --> 00:17:25,349 Really? 309 00:17:25,419 --> 00:17:28,209 —where we—actually, I want to make sure that our 310 00:17:28,209 --> 00:17:32,239 culinarians have very sharp knives to be able to ensure 311 00:17:32,239 --> 00:17:35,689 that they can get their job done well, and work safely. 312 00:17:36,080 --> 00:17:38,610 And so, instead of having a dull knife, we’ll 313 00:17:38,610 --> 00:17:40,339 complimentary sharpen your knife for you. 314 00:17:40,539 --> 00:17:41,660 That is so cool. 315 00:17:41,660 --> 00:17:44,179 You know, just little touches that we think 316 00:17:44,190 --> 00:17:46,669 about for our associates each and every day. 317 00:17:46,940 --> 00:17:50,320 And we’ll continue to evolve and think about—oh, one great benefit we’re 318 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:56,380 just rolling out here at the end of June, early July, will be 16 weeks 319 00:17:56,440 --> 00:18:01,889 maternity and paternity payment for every associate, male and female. 320 00:18:01,950 --> 00:18:06,069 You can have 16 weeks paid, and that’s incredible. 321 00:18:06,070 --> 00:18:06,900 That is pretty progressive. 322 00:18:06,900 --> 00:18:09,179 That’s nowhere in the Bahamas, and quite frankly, I don’t 323 00:18:09,180 --> 00:18:12,000 think anywhere in the United States is giving that type 324 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:15,029 of benefit, and we’re rolling it out for our associates. 325 00:18:15,389 --> 00:18:15,939 Congratulations. 326 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:19,789 It is so important to take care of that newborn child, that if you start 327 00:18:19,789 --> 00:18:23,379 off in the right way, taking care of your child, whether you’re the mother 328 00:18:23,389 --> 00:18:28,030 or the father, both, that’s so important to start right and give them 329 00:18:28,030 --> 00:18:31,339 that time for that bonding, for that care, and then come on back to work 330 00:18:31,340 --> 00:18:34,449 feeling refreshed and ready to go after you’ve taken care of your child. 331 00:18:34,450 --> 00:18:35,679 So, that’s an important benefit. 332 00:18:35,730 --> 00:18:36,259 That’s pretty epic. 333 00:18:36,309 --> 00:18:37,249 Significant for us. 334 00:18:37,730 --> 00:18:41,000 You know, Graeme, talking to so many of your associates, hearing members of 335 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:45,119 your team, you know, give interviews, the word

culture is used so much when 336 00:18:45,129 --> 00:18:49,369 talking about Baha Mar and everything around property, around the brand. 337 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:53,159 How important is it for you to have that strong culture here? 338 00:18:53,189 --> 00:18:55,849 And is there a direct effect in building that culture 339 00:18:55,869 --> 00:18:58,330 and the way your guest services are implemented? 340 00:18:58,330 --> 00:18:59,340 Oh, without a doubt. 341 00:18:59,340 --> 00:19:03,600 It is a direct correlation to—as I said at the beginning—how 342 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:06,720 happy our associates are is how happy our guests will be. 343 00:19:07,059 --> 00:19:08,419 And it is the foundation. 344 00:19:08,419 --> 00:19:11,150 It is building that culture of inspiring and 345 00:19:11,150 --> 00:19:14,850 motivating each and every one of our associates. 346 00:19:15,430 --> 00:19:19,730 And coming across the Caribbean, it’s a challenging work environment. 347 00:19:20,059 --> 00:19:22,879 Our guests are the most demanding guests in the world, let’s face it. 348 00:19:23,769 --> 00:19:26,819 Coming out of New York, you’re hyped up, you’ve been working in the 349 00:19:26,820 --> 00:19:32,150 city, or you’re just in that frame of mind of pushing through at 350 00:19:32,150 --> 00:19:36,309 your work, wherever you are—New York, particularly—and across the 351 00:19:36,309 --> 00:19:39,750 globe, in any international city, you’re busy, you want things done. 352 00:19:39,949 --> 00:19:42,299 You expect that, and when you come here, sometimes it’s tough 353 00:19:42,299 --> 00:19:46,019 to switch off and get down to that lower gear and relax. 354 00:19:46,099 --> 00:19:46,699 Island time. 355 00:19:46,739 --> 00:19:47,599 Island time. 356 00:19:48,180 --> 00:19:50,080 I don’t want our associates to be on island time. 357 00:19:50,489 --> 00:19:55,329 Our associates have to be ready to react and actually be 358 00:19:55,549 --> 00:19:59,890 proactive in being intuitive and understanding what our 359 00:19:59,890 --> 00:20:03,090 guests’ needs are ahead of time, and anticipating their needs, 360 00:20:03,090 --> 00:20:05,609 and making sure that they’re pampered and well looked after. 361 00:20:05,610 --> 00:20:06,609 It has to be exceptional. 362 00:20:07,119 --> 00:20:09,939 We’re not—I’m not going to be shy. 363 00:20:10,369 --> 00:20:13,199 Baha Mar is not an inexpensive vacation to come to. 364 00:20:13,410 --> 00:20:17,050 We hear that from our guests, but it’s important to know that 365 00:20:17,309 --> 00:20:19,839 with that, you’re going to get an exceptional experience, and our 366 00:20:19,839 --> 00:20:23,909 associates—and look, we’re going to make mistakes, we’re going to—but 367 00:20:24,089 --> 00:20:27,279 how we react to that and make up for it, that’s so important as well. 368 00:20:27,279 --> 00:20:31,829 So, that culture is embedded from day one with every associate. 369 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:34,929 And again, you can’t just turn that on and off. 370 00:20:35,239 --> 00:20:37,889 You’ve got to build that from the very beginning, and of 371 00:20:37,889 --> 00:20:40,459 course, hiring with the right attitudes to begin with. 372 00:20:40,470 --> 00:20:44,269 You’ve got to feel like you belong in the hospitality business to begin with. 373 00:20:44,639 --> 00:20:47,560 We’ll train the skills, but you’ve got to come in with the right 374 00:20:47,570 --> 00:20:50,550 attitude to begin with to work in the hospitality environment. 375 00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:54,300 And particularly here at Baha Mar, it’s so important to 376 00:20:54,429 --> 00:20:56,579 really feel great about coming to work each and every day. 377 00:20:57,030 --> 00:20:58,270 I think that’s important. 378 00:20:58,270 --> 00:21:03,490 And again, you know, what we do here at Baha Mar, I think, is 379 00:21:03,500 --> 00:21:08,920 quite special, unlike any other resort experience you’ll find. 380 00:21:09,150 --> 00:21:12,059 So, I absolutely love Baha Mar, one, because of the great 381 00:21:12,059 --> 00:21:14,459 cultural energy in terms of your employees, but also 382 00:21:14,459 --> 00:21:16,969 because of the cultural energy in terms of the Bahamas. 383 00:21:16,969 --> 00:21:17,029 Yes. 384 00:21:17,029 --> 00:21:18,209 Let’s talk about that, too, because— 385 00:21:18,209 --> 00:21:18,809 Let’s talk about that [unintelligible] 386 00:21:18,809 --> 00:21:23,299 . The cultural experiences beyond the associates are so important here. 387 00:21:23,299 --> 00:21:26,860 But it has to be more than a roll of the dice or a drink on the beach, right? 388 00:21:27,160 --> 00:21:31,929 Great food, you know, exceptional food, that’s the baseline, right? 389 00:21:32,689 --> 00:21:35,239 The sun, sea, and sand, that’s the baseline, right? 390 00:21:35,660 --> 00:21:39,230 Excellent room quality, you know, all of those things, that’s the base. 391 00:21:39,419 --> 00:21:40,749 Where’s that added value? 392 00:21:40,750 --> 00:21:44,809 Where are those experiences, and that is in the cultural experiences 393 00:21:44,809 --> 00:21:47,789 here at Baha Mar, and the unique and differentiating experiences. 394 00:21:47,789 --> 00:21:49,289 But let’s talk about the culture. 395 00:21:49,639 --> 00:21:54,969 There’s no other hotel in the world—honestly—and we’re going public to say this. 396 00:21:55,589 --> 00:21:59,330 Reach out to me if you’ve got an art department with a staff of 14. 397 00:21:59,330 --> 00:22:00,019 There you go. 398 00:22:00,019 --> 00:22:00,339 Right? 399 00:22:01,010 --> 00:22:04,599 We have an art department with a staff of 14 that truly 400 00:22:05,330 --> 00:22:08,729 are focused on creating a cultural experience from an art 401 00:22:08,930 --> 00:22:12,279 perspective here at Baha Mar with that art department. 402 00:22:12,519 --> 00:22:14,609 So, we have two art galleries, one is called the 403 00:22:14,610 -->

00:22:18,859 Current, which has been established by John Cox. 404 00:22:18,860 --> 00:22:24,549 He’s our vice president of art and culture here at Baha Mar, a very well-known 405 00:22:24,579 --> 00:22:29,129 artist himself in his own right, one of the best artists here in the Bahamas. 406 00:22:29,610 --> 00:22:33,799 You’ve got an art teacher as well, and a great mentor 407 00:22:33,829 --> 00:22:36,679 to many artists in the community in the country. 408 00:22:36,979 --> 00:22:41,840 He’s really the foundation for the art cultural experiences here at Baha Mar. 409 00:22:41,840 --> 00:22:44,649 So, we have an art gallery designed by the Rockwell 410 00:22:44,649 --> 00:22:47,939 Group in New York City that has a full-time gallery. 411 00:22:48,519 --> 00:22:53,349 We have an art immersion program, which is the Artist in Residence Program, 412 00:22:53,709 --> 00:22:58,069 which allows our guests to come into our studios and create some art. 413 00:22:58,089 --> 00:23:02,599 And it’s not your Color Me Mine at the shopping mall, where you paint some mugs. 414 00:23:02,830 --> 00:23:08,010 No, this is printmaking, watercolors, acrylic pouring, this is real 415 00:23:08,010 --> 00:23:11,719 art working with artists here at Baha Mar. So, you’re interacting 416 00:23:11,720 --> 00:23:14,249 with Bahamian artists and artists traveling around the world. 417 00:23:14,429 --> 00:23:18,479 But beyond that, for our guests, again, it is the artist in residence 418 00:23:18,479 --> 00:23:22,229 programs, it’s the immersion programs, it’s visiting our galleries, 419 00:23:22,229 --> 00:23:26,549 it’s some of our artists that are coming in and doing new initiatives 420 00:23:26,839 --> 00:23:31,979 and opening up some new art that they’ve just created as well. 421 00:23:32,119 --> 00:23:35,609 And then we have the ECCHO Space, which is almost 14,000 square feet. 422 00:23:35,610 --> 00:23:39,830 It’s another gallery, and a very special gallery because it’s the 423 00:23:39,879 --> 00:23:44,339 only gallery and space outside of the National Gallery of the Bahamas 424 00:23:44,560 --> 00:23:50,310 where the NAGB has loaned art to us for display, for our guests, to 425 00:23:50,310 --> 00:23:54,900 interact and see some famous Bahamian artists display their art as well. 426 00:23:55,740 --> 00:23:58,879 And so, it’s a great collaboration with the NAGB. 427 00:23:58,889 --> 00:24:00,499 It’s also an opportunity to see some artists. 428 00:24:00,529 --> 00:24:04,519 And the space being 14,000 square feet, it’s a great place to entertain. 429 00:24:04,750 --> 00:24:08,039 We do events from ten, a dinner for ten, or we can do 430 00:24:08,039 --> 00:24:11,669 a reception for up to 250 people in the ECCHO space. 431 00:24:11,769 --> 00:24:17,039 And it’s just a beautiful between—the Current and the ECCHO, and of course, 432 00:24:17,629 --> 00:24:21,390 what I believe is, I think, one of the most important cultural aspects 433 00:24:21,390 --> 00:24:25,500 in our world, and that’s our FUZE Festival that we do every October. 434 00:24:25,709 --> 00:24:30,199 This year, it’ll be October 23, kicking off on Friday night, and it 435 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:34,879 is really what I believe—my vision is to create the Art Basel of the 436 00:24:34,879 --> 00:24:40,089 Caribbean, so bringing the entire Caribbean artist community together 437 00:24:40,469 --> 00:24:45,289 in one location here in the Bahamas and at Baha Mar. And last year 438 00:24:45,289 --> 00:24:50,599 was our, I believe it was our fourth year is creating the opportunity 439 00:24:50,610 --> 00:24:55,819 for these Caribbean artists to come and join together and for 440 00:24:55,839 --> 00:24:59,199 people from around the world to come in and see this incredible art. 441 00:24:59,199 --> 00:25:04,300 So, 120 artists last year, 21 countries around the Caribbean, 442 00:25:04,599 --> 00:25:07,670 and we had great talks, lectures, along with our culinarian 443 00:25:08,339 --> 00:25:11,629 with the Bahamas Culinary Arts Festival on the same weekend. 444 00:25:11,879 --> 00:25:15,119 You get the best of everything, you get the most amazing food from 445 00:25:15,119 --> 00:25:19,249 our celebrity chefs that come in, and then you get the 21 countries 446 00:25:19,250 --> 00:25:24,149 and 120 artists celebrated, and it’s an incredible opportunity. 447 00:25:24,150 --> 00:25:26,129 And it’s growing to be, I think, one of the 448 00:25:26,129 --> 00:25:29,009 most important art fairs in this region. 449 00:25:29,119 --> 00:25:33,919 And particularly after we have our FUZE Festival, our team goes 450 00:25:33,919 --> 00:25:38,289 to the SCOPE Festival, which is part of the Art Basel in Miami. 451 00:25:38,369 --> 00:25:40,940 And so, there’s a great collaboration with SCOPE and 452 00:25:40,940 --> 00:25:43,629 with FUZE, and this is going to continue to grow. 453 00:25:43,629 --> 00:25:48,109 And that’s a commitment by ourselves and our ownership group on making sure 454 00:25:48,110 --> 00:25:51,989 that we’re celebrating the culture here at Baha Mar. It’s an important aspect. 455 00:25:51,989 --> 00:25:54,249 And you’ll see, we have the world’s largest display of 456 00:25:54,250 --> 00:25:57,359 Bahamian art anywhere in the world across the Baha Mar campus. 457 00:25:57,520 --> 00:25:58,599 Listen, I have to—I know you have another question, but I need 458 00:25:59,489 --> 00:26:03,559 to take this moment to invite you to come down for this festival. 459 00:26:03,869 --> 00:26:05,539 It will absolutely blow your mind. 460 00:26:05,569 --> 00:26:08,229 If you’ve not been before, you want to be here for this. 461 00:26:08,229 --> 00:26:10,489 You know, Graeme, I’ve had the opportunity of attending the festival from 462 00:26:10,489 --> 00:26:13,629 the first year, and there are some guests that come back every single year. 463 00:26:13,919 --> 00:26:16,949 Like last year, they had a tree

that had to move off of property 464 00:26:17,009 --> 00:26:20,270 because they were expanding, but rather than just get rid of a 465 00:26:20,270 --> 00:26:23,899 tree, they let a local artist, Antonius Roberts, turn the tree into 466 00:26:23,959 --> 00:26:27,069 art, and then they replanted the art outside of its original space. 467 00:26:27,069 --> 00:26:29,530 I mean, like, it’s—oh my gosh, your mind will be blown every time. 468 00:26:29,690 --> 00:26:34,649 It was a beautiful mahogany tree, and we could not just, you know, get that 469 00:26:34,649 --> 00:26:37,929 to—we would have loved to have replanted it, but unfortunately, it couldn’t be. 470 00:26:38,309 --> 00:26:41,340 And so, Antonius Roberts, just one of the most celebrated and 471 00:26:41,629 --> 00:26:46,150 iconic artists of our time, and we’re so fortunate that he was able 472 00:26:46,150 --> 00:26:49,360 to create this magnificent sculpture out of this mahogany tree. 473 00:26:50,120 --> 00:26:53,560 And we’re still, we’re going to have that really somewhere primarily 474 00:26:53,560 --> 00:26:56,709 featured here at Baha Mar. It’s going to come back before we get to 475 00:26:56,710 --> 00:27:00,264 the FUZE Festival, you’ll see it up around Baha Mar. But Antonius 476 00:27:00,264 --> 00:27:03,489 and his work is celebrated throughout Baha Mar. He’s a great 477 00:27:03,490 --> 00:27:07,399 friend and certainly well celebrated, as many of our Bahamians are. 478 00:27:07,459 --> 00:27:08,219 Yeah, yeah. 479 00:27:08,219 --> 00:27:08,799 I love it. 480 00:27:08,799 --> 00:27:09,579 Okay, go ahead, Renaldo. 481 00:27:09,579 --> 00:27:09,969 I just— 482 00:27:09,990 --> 00:27:10,820 You’re good, you’re good. 483 00:27:11,080 --> 00:27:13,349 We talked so much about culture, we’ve talked about the 484 00:27:13,349 --> 00:27:16,670 cuisine, we’ve talked about music, you know, wellness, one 485 00:27:16,670 --> 00:27:19,620 of my favorites, the sports tourism initiatives that you guys 486 00:27:19,629 --> 00:27:22,319 have, there are so many of them under the Baha Mar brand. 487 00:27:22,540 --> 00:27:25,589 How intentional was the evolution to always keep adding 488 00:27:25,590 --> 00:27:27,860 another element to stay one step ahead of the curve? 489 00:27:27,869 --> 00:27:30,400 Well, again, I think it’s so important to create 490 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:32,700 these unique and differentiating experiences. 491 00:27:32,700 --> 00:27:39,119 So, we’ve been able to really think out-of-the-box on how we can create 492 00:27:39,230 --> 00:27:44,199 sports-related experiences and events here at Baha Mar. And we were able 493 00:27:44,199 --> 00:27:49,780 to, I believe—look, Atlantis has done a great job with their Battle 4 494 00:27:49,780 --> 00:27:53,790 Atlantis basketball event that they do annually, but the interesting 495 00:27:53,790 --> 00:27:57,500 thing about the basketball teams is they’re not able to come back to 496 00:27:57,500 --> 00:28:01,430 the same location every year, so it gives an opportunity for those, 497 00:28:01,699 --> 00:28:05,579 they can go back to the same country to a different property, and so 498 00:28:05,580 --> 00:28:08,689 we’re able to rotate teams through between Atlantis and ourselves. 499 00:28:08,889 --> 00:28:12,029 And so, we created the Baha Mar Hoops Festival, which 500 00:28:12,029 --> 00:28:14,889 is a great basketball tournament, around Thanksgiving. 501 00:28:15,419 --> 00:28:17,500 We added women’s first time ever. 502 00:28:18,009 --> 00:28:20,369 Right away, we added NCAA women’s teams, 503 00:28:20,369 --> 00:28:22,730 which were just off the charts exciting. 504 00:28:23,400 --> 00:28:25,379 Some great teams there as well. 505 00:28:25,899 --> 00:28:29,659 So, we’ve taken the basketball in the fall, we’re now doing 506 00:28:29,659 --> 00:28:33,309 that in the summer, getting summer teams coming in, NCAA. 507 00:28:33,540 --> 00:28:35,519 We’re now adding a volleyball. 508 00:28:35,559 --> 00:28:38,619 We have NCAA volleyball coming up, women’s volleyball 509 00:28:38,619 --> 00:28:41,099 in September, which is going to be exciting. 510 00:28:41,449 --> 00:28:43,509 We’ve got some incredible golf tournaments. 511 00:28:43,799 --> 00:28:47,199 We’ve been able to collaborate with Mark Wahlberg with his 512 00:28:47,199 --> 00:28:51,079 foundation, so we have the annual Mark Wahlberg Foundation 513 00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:54,719 tournament here that’s coming up in November with Derek Jeter. 514 00:28:54,720 --> 00:28:56,229 I think we’re on our fourth or fifth year 515 00:28:56,229 --> 00:28:59,189 with Derek Jeter and his foundation, Turn 2. 516 00:29:00,069 --> 00:29:01,590 We’re excited to be partnering with him, and we have 517 00:29:01,590 --> 00:29:04,619 a great celebrity invitational with Derek Jeter in 518 00:29:04,619 --> 00:29:07,950 December, so that’s again another great tournament. 519 00:29:08,250 --> 00:29:13,009 And we’re always looking for new events from a sports side. 520 00:29:13,239 --> 00:29:17,789 We do a great tennis event in December as well, the Baha Mar Cup, 521 00:29:17,869 --> 00:29:21,509 which raises some—as I always talk about our foundation as well, 522 00:29:21,509 --> 00:29:25,839 being an important aspect, and one of the pillars, as I mentioned 523 00:29:25,839 --> 00:29:29,419 before, which was conservation, another pillar is community, and 524 00:29:29,419 --> 00:29:33,929 with the Baha Mar Cup, we have John McEnroe come down, of course. 525 00:29:33,940 --> 00:29:39,339 We’re probably one of the only tennis centers in the world that 526 00:29:39,349 --> 00:29:44,190 have John McEnroe’s name on it, and he just loves Baha Mar. He 527 00:29:44,190 --> 00:29:47,030 and his family, we’re now, I think, in our third year coming up 528 00:29:47,580 --> 00:29:51,920 with John McEnroe and his style of tennis in the positive way— 529 00:29:52,500 --> 00:29:52,530 [laugh] 530

00:29:52,530 --> 00:29:56,259 . —celebrated and focused at our tennis center with 531 00:29:56,259 --> 00:30:00,219 Derron, our great director of tennis and racquets. 532 00:30:00,219 --> 00:30:02,750 But with that, we’ve created this Bahama Cup, which is a great 533 00:30:02,750 --> 00:30:06,300 way to interact with celebrity tennis players, with celebrities 534 00:30:06,300 --> 00:30:11,010 in general, Raise—I think, we raised over $300,000 last December. 535 00:30:11,010 --> 00:30:14,259 And, of course, Mark Knowles has been an incredible partner with 536 00:30:14,259 --> 00:30:18,209 us, one of the most celebrated tennis players from the Bahamas. 537 00:30:18,419 --> 00:30:20,489 We work with the Mark Knowles Foundation, as well, with 538 00:30:20,500 --> 00:30:24,129 his charity, and together we combine a great effort to 539 00:30:24,129 --> 00:30:28,159 raise serious money to go right back into the community. 540 00:30:28,410 --> 00:30:31,689 And I can see some future Mark Knowles stars coming out of 541 00:30:31,689 --> 00:30:35,060 the Bahamas, as we want to get into every primary school 542 00:30:35,060 --> 00:30:37,600 in the Bahamas, and certainly helping the community. 543 00:30:37,759 --> 00:30:38,689 That’s pretty exciting. 544 00:30:38,689 --> 00:30:41,499 I saw the news recently with some kids looking very excited 545 00:30:41,500 --> 00:30:43,570 with their racquets that they’ve gotten from Baha Mar. And 546 00:30:43,570 --> 00:30:47,289 so, I look forward to seeing that play out over the years. 547 00:30:47,729 --> 00:30:49,219 You said community is a strong pillar. 548 00:30:49,540 --> 00:30:51,669 You did mention this program to us, as well as 549 00:30:51,820 --> 00:30:53,760 your cultural ones, like the artists in residence. 550 00:30:54,169 --> 00:30:57,320 When you think about the ways that Baha Mar impacts community, what 551 00:30:57,320 --> 00:30:59,659 are some things that we may not know that you all are also doing 552 00:30:59,659 --> 00:31:03,149 behind the scenes to make sure that you’re felt, not just here with how 553 00:31:03,150 --> 00:31:06,199 you treat your associates, but with the Bahamian community at large. 554 00:31:06,199 --> 00:31:09,299 Well, I think it’s so important to always be 555 00:31:09,309 --> 00:31:11,230 focused on being a good corporate citizen. 556 00:31:11,599 --> 00:31:16,329 On top of having over 5000 employees and associates, we call them 557 00:31:16,329 --> 00:31:20,869 here, at Baha Mar, there’s another 10,000 indirect [unintelligible] 558 00:31:21,680 --> 00:31:24,989 that are working from whatever Baha Mar is creating, whether 559 00:31:24,989 --> 00:31:29,330 it be taxi drivers, airport, whether it be providers of food. 560 00:31:30,040 --> 00:31:34,369 There’s tremendous amount of ancillary work that goes on to support 561 00:31:34,379 --> 00:31:39,340 Baha Mar. So, you’re almost around 15,000 jobs relying directly off 562 00:31:39,340 --> 00:31:42,909 of Baha Mar. But beyond that, you know, being good corporate citizens, 563 00:31:42,909 --> 00:31:47,759 we’re always focused on giving back to the community, and we just came 564 00:31:47,759 --> 00:31:52,470 off, this past weekend, our Baha Mar Foundation Golf Invitational. 565 00:31:52,470 --> 00:31:56,829 We raised over $300,000 this past weekend, we have some 566 00:31:56,889 --> 00:31:59,500 amazing sponsors, which we’d love to give a big shout out. 567 00:31:59,559 --> 00:32:04,599 We have a Baja Blue Fund that is basically a grant 568 00:32:04,599 --> 00:32:07,530 that we offer free to our associates that are in need. 569 00:32:07,809 --> 00:32:10,510 We had an employee, I read in the paper, their house burned down. 570 00:32:11,069 --> 00:32:14,169 Immediately through our Baja Blue Fund, we gave them a 571 00:32:14,169 --> 00:32:18,759 check for $10,000 that day to go out and get them some 572 00:32:18,970 --> 00:32:22,109 clothes, some belongings, get themselves back on their feet. 573 00:32:22,109 --> 00:32:23,379 That’s a pretty big deal, Graeme. 574 00:32:24,029 --> 00:32:27,089 You know, it’s just one, you know, one of many 575 00:32:27,269 --> 00:32:31,109 thoughtful initiatives to take care of your associates. 576 00:32:31,419 --> 00:32:35,419 And I hope that, you know, other companies and corporations can 577 00:32:35,419 --> 00:32:38,780 be inspired the same way and really focus on the associates. 578 00:32:39,170 --> 00:32:40,150 It is costly. 579 00:32:40,160 --> 00:32:42,890 It’s not cheap to do all these things, but 580 00:32:43,110 --> 00:32:48,399 the return is ten-fold or more on that return. 581 00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:52,340 It is absolutely a worthwhile investment in taking care of your associates. 582 00:32:52,540 --> 00:32:54,020 Community is so important. 583 00:32:54,049 --> 00:32:57,230 And the golf event that you guys just had, an incredible event. 584 00:32:57,240 --> 00:33:00,340 I got challenged out there, so by next year I’m not 585 00:33:00,340 --> 00:33:02,309 just going to be covering it, I have to compete. 586 00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:04,439 So, I’m starting—I’m starting at putt-putt. 587 00:33:04,529 --> 00:33:05,109 Excellent. 588 00:33:05,139 --> 00:33:06,280 I’m going to work my way up. 589 00:33:06,280 --> 00:33:06,379 Next year— 590 00:33:06,379 --> 00:33:07,579 Yeah, you went to our Mini Blue. 591 00:33:07,579 --> 00:33:08,059 Yeah. 592 00:33:08,059 --> 00:33:09,739 Our little championship course. 593 00:33:09,840 --> 00:33:11,430 So, that’s where I’m going to start next year. 594 00:33:11,469 --> 00:33:13,840 I’m working my way up. 595 00:33:13,840 --> 00:33:13,879 That’s a great idea. 596 00:33:13,879 --> 00:33:13,929 I’ll be in the competition. 597 00:33:13,929 --> 00:33:14,429 I’ll tell you what we should do. 598 00:33:14,430 --> 00:33:16,009 We should do a tournament at Mini Blue. 599 00:33:16,339 --> 00:33:16,539 Yes. 600 00:33:16,989 -->

00:33:17,149 You know what? 601 00:33:17,149 --> 00:33:18,259 I’m all for that. 602 00:33:18,259 --> 00:33:18,299 I can do that. 603 00:33:18,299 --> 00:33:18,439 [laugh] 604 00:33:19,209 --> 00:33:20,699 . I would participate in that one. 605 00:33:20,959 --> 00:33:21,299 Let’s get it going. 606 00:33:21,770 --> 00:33:23,409 You know, Mini Blue is just fabulous. 607 00:33:23,439 --> 00:33:25,989 That’s a great little spot where we have the bocce, the 608 00:33:25,989 --> 00:33:28,679 croquet, the basketball court, professional basketball court. 609 00:33:28,899 --> 00:33:31,259 It’s a great little area out there by our racquet center. 610 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:34,159 We just added padel courts, which is one of the 611 00:33:34,160 --> 00:33:37,039 fastest growing racquet games, and also pickle. 612 00:33:37,039 --> 00:33:40,029 We’re up to six professional pickleball courts. 613 00:33:40,299 --> 00:33:42,570 I had the opportunity to play on your padel court with Derron, who 614 00:33:42,570 --> 00:33:46,049 you mentioned, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. 615 00:33:46,099 --> 00:33:46,734 It’s a lot of fun. 616 00:33:46,734 --> 00:33:49,399 I’ve always played tennis, and so this is my first introduction to 617 00:33:49,399 --> 00:33:52,139 padel, and I said, “I get it.” I get why people love this so much. 618 00:33:52,269 --> 00:33:53,519 So, yeah, amazing experience. 619 00:33:53,909 --> 00:33:54,579 That’s terrific. 620 00:33:54,639 --> 00:33:55,350 That’s terrific. 621 00:33:55,350 --> 00:33:55,629 Yeah. 622 00:33:55,930 --> 00:33:58,829 I tell you, and we’re always thinking about what’s next. 623 00:33:58,919 --> 00:34:01,099 And we’ve got some exciting plans for 2027. 624 00:34:02,799 --> 00:34:08,169 We’re just, you know, breaking ground on a $740 million investment on the west 625 00:34:08,169 --> 00:34:12,690 side of Baja Bay, on the other side, so no disruption at all to the property. 626 00:34:13,279 --> 00:34:15,000 It’s on the other side of the water park. 627 00:34:15,349 --> 00:34:18,979 And it will grow out of the ground, 330 feet in the air. 628 00:34:19,509 --> 00:34:22,029 We’ll have 345 guest rooms and suites. 629 00:34:22,139 --> 00:34:23,699 It will be ultra luxury. 630 00:34:23,699 --> 00:34:26,649 It will be just right below Rosewood on price point. 631 00:34:27,500 --> 00:34:33,879 We’ll have 345 guest rooms and suites, and then we’ll have 77 residences 632 00:34:33,899 --> 00:34:36,940 and beautiful villas running along the far west side down to the 633 00:34:36,940 --> 00:34:40,909 beach, from three bedroom to five bedroom villas, and two two-story 634 00:34:40,929 --> 00:34:44,739 penthouses that’ll be 10,000 square feet each, that’ll be two stories. 635 00:34:44,750 --> 00:34:49,089 So, you’ll be probably the tallest condominium and residence in the Bahamas, 636 00:34:49,179 --> 00:34:53,970 up there at over 300 feet up in the sky, overlooking the breathtaking

637 00:34:53,979 --> 00:34:59,369 views of Cable Beach and Baha Mar. So, that’s going to open in 2029. 638 00:34:59,529 --> 00:35:03,190 The brand will announce this fall, but it’s, again, an international 639 00:35:03,190 --> 00:35:06,220 luxury brand which we’re excited to be collaborating with. 640 00:35:06,339 --> 00:35:11,149 And every detail is going to be just super special. 641 00:35:11,440 --> 00:35:15,490 We have Bergman interior design firm, we have Foster and Partners, 642 00:35:15,490 --> 00:35:19,629 which is, this is their first design out in the Caribbean. 643 00:35:19,869 --> 00:35:22,499 Foster and Partners designed the Gherkin in London, 644 00:35:23,199 --> 00:35:25,899 Transamerica Building in San Francisco, the Apple headquarters. 645 00:35:26,619 --> 00:35:30,159 They’re just world-class architects, and they’re coming to 646 00:35:30,160 --> 00:35:33,340 the Bahamas, and have been working with us to design this 647 00:35:33,349 --> 00:35:37,059 breathtaking building that will go up where the old Melia Hotel 648 00:35:37,060 --> 00:35:41,200 was, you know, one of the original hotels built in the early 80s. 649 00:35:41,820 --> 00:35:44,770 It’s going to really reshape, again, the Cable Beach 650 00:35:44,929 --> 00:35:47,850 skyline, and we’re excited about that addition as well. 651 00:35:48,090 --> 00:35:51,270 And you’ll be steps away from Baha Mar. You’ll be a walk out your back 652 00:35:51,270 --> 00:35:55,549 door into Baja Bay, and a few more steps into the Baha Mar experience. 653 00:35:56,109 --> 00:36:00,160 You mentioned this continued expansion, and the luxury brand continues 654 00:36:00,160 --> 00:36:04,460 to grow, but how important is it for you to continue to display that 655 00:36:04,490 --> 00:36:07,000 authenticity of the Bahamas for your guests whenever they come here? 656 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:10,740 I know attention to detail is so important to you, but you want that 657 00:36:10,740 --> 00:36:13,440 guest to always feel as if they’re getting a piece of the Bahamas. 658 00:36:13,450 --> 00:36:14,250 How do you continue to develop that? 659 00:36:14,250 --> 00:36:16,929 Well, I think that’s so important. 660 00:36:17,129 --> 00:36:18,709 And that’s interacting with our associates. 661 00:36:18,719 --> 00:36:20,019 That’s the Bahamian experience. 662 00:36:20,020 --> 00:36:20,699 It’s our people. 663 00:36:20,910 --> 00:36:23,279 Sure, the sun, sea, and sand is there, right? 664 00:36:24,029 --> 00:36:26,380 And there are opportunities to go out and venture out. 665 00:36:26,809 --> 00:36:27,989 Take one of our boats. 666 00:36:29,590 --> 00:36:33,009 On property, we have a few boats that we work with our local 667 00:36:33,059 --> 00:36:36,700 vendors to be able to go down island, swim with the pigs 668 00:36:36,700 --> 00:36:39,729 down in the Exumas or swim with the pigs at Rose Island. 669 00:36:40,360 --> 00:36:42,249 You know, the pigs can be as close or as far away 670 00:36:42,250 --> 00:36:44,869 as you want, depending on the experience you want. 671 00:36:45,540 --> 00:36:48,269 That’s one of those unique opportunities in the Bahamas. 672 00:36:48,269 --> 00:36:52,689 But beyond that, the beautiful coral reefs, the amazing sand, the 673 00:36:52,689 --> 00:36:57,269 great food that’s out there, and whether it be at the fish fry or it be 674 00:36:57,269 --> 00:37:01,900 down, you know, in one of the out islands, it’s just a day’s trip away. 675 00:37:02,629 --> 00:37:04,289 And that’s a beautiful aspect as well. 676 00:37:04,309 --> 00:37:08,529 Getting into the cultural scenes of downtown, I think, are super important. 677 00:37:09,379 --> 00:37:11,159 There’s some great history here in the Bahamas. 678 00:37:11,360 --> 00:37:14,380 We’re going to do our part—I’m the chairman of Nassau Paradise 679 00:37:14,380 --> 00:37:18,549 Island Promotion Board—work, we help refurbish the Queen’s staircase. 680 00:37:19,110 --> 00:37:22,680 We’re going to continue working on giving back and supporting 681 00:37:23,009 --> 00:37:27,959 renovation projects across downtown and across New Providence. 682 00:37:27,959 --> 00:37:31,089 I think working with Bahamas National Trust, working with AAMC, 683 00:37:32,669 --> 00:37:35,749 working with our partners at other hotels, and hopefully the 684 00:37:35,750 --> 00:37:38,630 cruise lines will step up and partner with us as well, on, 685 00:37:39,790 --> 00:37:43,729 you know, fixing the lighthouse on Paradise Island, you know? 686 00:37:43,729 --> 00:37:45,219 Let’s get that lighthouse put back and 687 00:37:45,349 --> 00:37:47,979 make it a shining entrance as you come in. 688 00:37:47,979 --> 00:37:51,229 We’re going to work on that ourselves and make sure that we give back 689 00:37:51,229 --> 00:37:54,910 and allow our guests to get out there and get those cultural experiences. 690 00:37:55,199 --> 00:37:57,649 But deep down, it’s the people that make 691 00:37:57,649 --> 00:37:59,989 the difference for that Bahamian experience. 692 00:38:00,770 --> 00:38:03,079 You know, you’ve got sun, sea, and sand in a lot of islands, 693 00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:07,019 but you know it truly is a Bahamian experience are the people. 694 00:38:07,410 --> 00:38:10,269 I love that people always come to the fore for you, Graeme. 695 00:38:10,269 --> 00:38:12,559 You’ve repeated it throughout this conversation, speaking about 696 00:38:12,559 --> 00:38:15,790 your associates, speaking about community, giving kids racquets. 697 00:38:15,830 --> 00:38:17,429 People obviously matter to you. 698 00:38:17,769 --> 00:38:20,880 And for us here at the podcast, we obviously want our young people 699 00:38:20,880 --> 00:38:23,729 to be encouraged and engaged and look forward to the future. 700 00:38:24,019 --> 00:38:27,159 You’re a leader, you’ve done this for over 30 years, you’ve done 701 00:38:27,160 --> 00:38:30,539 it all around the world, and you’ve

always done it exceptionally. 702 00:38:30,869 --> 00:38:33,269 So, what advice would you give to any young person listening 703 00:38:33,269 --> 00:38:36,070 to this podcast who wants to make a way for themselves, 704 00:38:36,310 --> 00:38:37,840 whether in tourism or just as a leader in general. 705 00:38:37,840 --> 00:38:40,910 Well, that’s such a great question, and I think 706 00:38:40,910 --> 00:38:43,470 it’s important to start at a very young age. 707 00:38:43,849 --> 00:38:47,790 And you know, I just met with Glenys Hanna Martin, our Minister 708 00:38:47,790 --> 00:38:50,530 of Tourism, and she’s so excited about the future of tourism 709 00:38:50,830 --> 00:38:54,020 and what she can do, and the Ministry of Tourism can do, and 710 00:38:54,469 --> 00:38:56,799 we’re just excited to be collaborating with her and her team. 711 00:38:57,449 --> 00:39:00,119 And that’s getting into the educational levels. 712 00:39:00,639 --> 00:39:03,029 Working with Chester Cooper now, who is Minister of Education, 713 00:39:03,029 --> 00:39:06,079 knows how important tourism is coming from that area, is 714 00:39:06,099 --> 00:39:09,820 getting down into the schools and talking about this industry. 715 00:39:10,040 --> 00:39:12,359 It is the number one industry in the Bahamas. 716 00:39:12,419 --> 00:39:13,449 It’s not going away. 717 00:39:13,450 --> 00:39:14,360 It’s only growing. 718 00:39:14,680 --> 00:39:18,389 There’s no days off, you know, in our industry, so you’re going to work hard. 719 00:39:18,789 --> 00:39:21,970 You will get days off, of course, but there are no days off for our industry. 720 00:39:22,459 --> 00:39:28,620 And so, working hard and having common sense and communication skills. 721 00:39:28,930 --> 00:39:33,929 Being able to communicate, articulate to a guest or to each other. 722 00:39:34,570 --> 00:39:39,699 I’m concerned about the future technology of us sitting kids on 723 00:39:39,699 --> 00:39:45,719 phones and not being able to maybe communicate well or have that 724 00:39:45,729 --> 00:39:50,209 dialog and be able to create conversations and be able to articulate. 725 00:39:51,029 --> 00:39:54,630 People are using ChatGPT and stuff to write emails now and 726 00:39:55,510 --> 00:39:57,849 it’s just it’s going to be a lost art on how to communicate. 727 00:39:57,849 --> 00:40:00,960 I’m concerned because we’re a hospitality business. 728 00:40:01,150 --> 00:40:04,989 It’s about socializing, it’s about, you know, creating relationships. 729 00:40:04,989 --> 00:40:08,990 And so, I think, as a young primary school student, 730 00:40:09,009 --> 00:40:13,819 or in high school, this industry is available to you. 731 00:40:13,820 --> 00:40:18,939 You—look, a college education will give you that next entry-level step in. 732 00:40:19,239 --> 00:40:23,510 It’ll put you above everyone else, but it won’t—not 733 00:40:23,510 --> 00:40:25,659 having that education won’t close the door on you. 734

00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:30,269 In fact, those opportunities exist for anyone without a college education. 735 00:40:30,509 --> 00:40:33,930 You can get into our industry, you can start, but if you show the hard 736 00:40:33,930 --> 00:40:39,139 work, the dedication, really your focus on creating those experiences 737 00:40:39,139 --> 00:40:44,849 for each other, and your attitude, positive, outgoing, being able to 738 00:40:44,849 --> 00:40:48,490 articulate, good common sense, you’re going to do well in our industry. 739 00:40:49,129 --> 00:40:50,200 It’s not rocket science. 740 00:40:50,330 --> 00:40:51,169 We’re not at NASA. 741 00:40:52,270 --> 00:40:54,679 We’re not chemical engineers. 742 00:40:55,449 --> 00:40:57,049 We’re creating experiences. 743 00:40:58,509 --> 00:41:02,179 And look, I learned to get into this industry when I was 12 years old. 744 00:41:02,509 --> 00:41:04,709 I started flipping through my mother’s gourmet 745 00:41:04,739 --> 00:41:07,040 cooking magazines, and I started to look at recipes. 746 00:41:07,040 --> 00:41:09,509 I said, “This is pretty cool.” Like, you know, and she’s 747 00:41:09,550 --> 00:41:12,090 my mom said, “Yeah, you can create some—you can cook. 748 00:41:12,420 --> 00:41:13,919 Go in the kitchen, cook some stuff.” 749 00:41:14,149 --> 00:41:16,620 So I started, you know, creating some recipes out 750 00:41:16,620 --> 00:41:18,689 of the magazines, and I was pretty good at it at 12. 751 00:41:19,519 --> 00:41:22,380 So I started, you know, put on some dinner events and things for friends 752 00:41:22,380 --> 00:41:28,429 of my parents and family, and that instant gratification you get when 753 00:41:28,429 --> 00:41:32,890 you put on a dinner and everybody’s finished the dinner, they said, “Wow, 754 00:41:32,890 --> 00:41:36,240 Graeme, you did a pretty good job at cooking this thing.” And that doesn’t 755 00:41:36,240 --> 00:41:40,490 happen in retail, that doesn’t happen at the Department of Motor Vehicles. 756 00:41:40,490 --> 00:41:40,520 [laugh] 757 00:41:41,800 --> 00:41:42,070 . Absolutely not. 758 00:41:42,150 --> 00:41:42,390 Right? 759 00:41:42,690 --> 00:41:45,649 And so, that’s what’s exciting about our new—that’s what inspires me, 760 00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:49,780 and has inspired me from day one to be in this industry now 40 years, 761 00:41:51,260 --> 00:41:55,599 is creating experiences not only for guests but for my associates 762 00:41:55,600 --> 00:41:59,600 as well, that I can see them grow and reach their full potential. 763 00:41:59,959 --> 00:42:03,189 That somebody started at a lower level, and I was able to help 764 00:42:03,189 --> 00:42:06,390 them reach their potential and grow in the industry as well. 765 00:42:06,610 --> 00:42:07,690 That’s what excites me. 766 00:42:07,849 --> 00:42:11,740 One of my favorite things about Baha Mar is its ability to adapt. 767 00:42:11,750 --> 00:42:14,139 And trends are always going to change, and you

mentioned, you 768 00:42:14,139 --> 00:42:16,720 know, there are things in the pipeline that the brand is going 769 00:42:16,789 --> 00:42:21,029 to continue to expand, but how important is it for you to do your 770 00:42:21,029 --> 00:42:24,780 best to keep up with these trends to always be ready to evolve? 771 00:42:24,869 --> 00:42:29,299 Oh, absolutely so important to always be thinking about what 772 00:42:29,299 --> 00:42:32,919 the trends are, particularly out there in the travel industry. 773 00:42:33,139 --> 00:42:38,130 I’m looking at more on food trends, seeing where that’s evolving. 774 00:42:38,529 --> 00:42:43,549 You know, Korean is been hot out over there in the US. 775 00:42:43,549 --> 00:42:47,980 I think Asian food, certainly, you know, healthy aspects as well. 776 00:42:48,489 --> 00:42:51,419 You know, there’s always unique and differentiating culinary 777 00:42:51,419 --> 00:42:54,580 experiences that we can do an offer out there, which we are. 778 00:42:54,849 --> 00:42:57,999 We’re creating, again, this by Christmas time, 779 00:42:58,000 --> 00:42:59,999 we’ll open up our new juice and smoothie bar. 780 00:43:00,720 --> 00:43:04,049 We’ve created Bahama Bagel, the first bagel, I think, 781 00:43:04,059 --> 00:43:09,270 store here in the Bahamas, which is using Brooklyn water, 782 00:43:10,079 --> 00:43:12,109 which is the best water in the world to make bagels. 783 00:43:12,119 --> 00:43:13,850 It’s the right mineral elements. 784 00:43:13,850 --> 00:43:18,099 So, went out there, researched, found that Brooklyn water is the best 785 00:43:18,110 --> 00:43:21,720 for making the best bagels, which we serve at—right now—Café Madeleine. 786 00:43:21,889 --> 00:43:25,069 But we’re actually building and opening up a Bahama Bagel outlet 787 00:43:25,570 --> 00:43:28,339 here at Baha Mar, which will be open by the end of the year. 788 00:43:28,339 --> 00:43:29,879 But there are alway—still available. 789 00:43:29,879 --> 00:43:32,539 We make thousands of bagels every day, and 790 00:43:32,540 --> 00:43:34,149 we have a machine that makes Brooklyn water. 791 00:43:34,219 --> 00:43:38,909 It recreates the perfect elements of that to be able to create the 792 00:43:38,909 --> 00:43:43,459 right water to give you the best bagel on that chewiness and texture. 793 00:43:43,759 --> 00:43:46,850 And you know, just little things like that we’re creating along the way. 794 00:43:46,919 --> 00:43:51,369 And I believe our culinary team are really out there creating 795 00:43:51,580 --> 00:43:54,070 and thinking about the new experiences that they can, as well. 796 00:43:55,470 --> 00:43:59,060 It’s always important to be thinking about the trends that are out there. 797 00:43:59,069 --> 00:43:59,089 Yeah. 798 00:43:59,759 --> 00:44:02,339 I think Baha Mar does an exceptional job at that, Graeme, and 799 00:44:02,339 --> 00:44:05,589 this has been such a wonderful interview to learn so much. 800 00:44:05,919 --> 00:44:09,089 Your attention to detail, the fact that these people look for Brooklyn water— 801 00:44:09,110 --> 00:44:09,620 Yes [laugh] 802 00:44:09,620 --> 00:44:10,470 . —to make the best bagels. 803 00:44:10,470 --> 00:44:13,709 No I’m ser—that tells you that every aspect of this hotel 804 00:44:14,009 --> 00:44:18,959 has that sort of ingenuity, integrity, innovation behind it. 805 00:44:18,970 --> 00:44:20,220 How do we make this the best? 806 00:44:20,220 --> 00:44:22,259 And you feel it, even in the podcast studio. 807 00:44:22,539 --> 00:44:23,859 Sitting next to the best host ever. 808 00:44:23,940 --> 00:44:24,962 Especially in the podcast studio. 809 00:44:24,962 --> 00:44:25,459 I mean, that’s what I’m saying. 810 00:44:25,459 --> 00:44:25,839 Right? 811 00:44:26,179 --> 00:44:28,830 We love to come and book a podcast, which you can also do when you visit Bahama. 812 00:44:29,069 --> 00:44:32,460 Okay, so Graeme, I guess the final question for us is really important. 813 00:44:33,210 --> 00:44:37,990 When we think about beyond this day, we kind of know what that means for us, 814 00:44:38,010 --> 00:44:42,900 and the honor that we have in taking guests so far beyond, but for you, when 815 00:44:42,969 --> 00:44:46,610 a guest hears Baha Mar for the first time, or when they remember Baha Mar 816 00:44:46,639 --> 00:44:50,469 again because they’ve been, what do you want Beyond the Stay of mean to them? 817 00:44:50,969 --> 00:44:53,380 What do these words mean for you, and the ethos you 818 00:44:53,380 --> 00:44:55,769 have for this amazing property you’ve seen evolve? 819 00:44:55,840 --> 00:44:59,179 I really want every guest to leave here feeling that they have been, 820 00:44:59,830 --> 00:45:04,899 I wouldn’t say rejuvenated, but they feel that they’ve really walked 821 00:45:04,980 --> 00:45:09,210 away with an experience that will be a memory for a lifetime, you know? 822 00:45:09,210 --> 00:45:13,079 That they truly felt that what they came here to achieve, it was 823 00:45:13,079 --> 00:45:17,049 accomplished, whatever that was, whether it be that moment where they 824 00:45:17,049 --> 00:45:21,219 could reconnect with their family, multi-generational family, could be the 825 00:45:21,219 --> 00:45:25,579 children, could be significant other, finding a significant other here— 826 00:45:27,109 --> 00:45:27,139 [laugh] 827 00:45:28,289 --> 00:45:32,679 . It could be that corporate getaway where you were able 828 00:45:32,680 --> 00:45:37,050 to get together and network, and really bond and create 829 00:45:37,050 --> 00:45:39,039 a better work environment when you get back home. 830 00:45:39,279 --> 00:45:43,310 I think there are so many reasons to come to Baha Mar, to see a 831 00:45:43,310 --> 00:45:48,100 new country for the first time, the Bahamas, to engage with the 832 00:45:48,100 --> 00:45:52,299 community and see some cultural aspects that you didn’t have at home. 833 00:45:52,900 --> 00:45:57,389 There are so many reasons to come to Baha Mar. And I think it’s so 834 00:45:57,389 --> 00:46:01,789 important that when our guests leave, they feel that we went beyond 835 00:46:01,790 --> 00:46:06,179 their expectations, that we were exceptional, and that they really 836 00:46:06,189 --> 00:46:09,599 feel—the best compliment we could ever have is they want to come back. 837 00:46:10,220 --> 00:46:11,879 That’s the best compliment we could ever ask 838 00:46:11,879 --> 00:46:14,759 for, that they want to come back to Baha Mar. 839 00:46:15,070 --> 00:46:18,040 And we have to be more than, as I said earlier, 840 00:46:18,040 --> 00:46:19,679 a roll of the dice or drink on the beach. 841 00:46:20,159 --> 00:46:24,839 We really have to create those connections and those 842 00:46:25,149 --> 00:46:27,899 enriching experiences here at Baha Mar, as well. 843 00:46:28,259 --> 00:46:31,559 You know, we’ve made the investment in every aspect and will 844 00:46:31,559 --> 00:46:36,199 continue to ensure that every detail is focused on, to the 845 00:46:36,199 --> 00:46:40,059 level of making sure everybody does feel motivated and inspired. 846 00:46:40,339 --> 00:46:42,619 Graeme, thank you so much for joining us on 847 00:46:42,619 --> 00:46:45,259 our first episode here of Beyond the Stay. 848 00:46:45,289 --> 00:46:48,179 And to our viewers and to our listeners, hopefully you learned 849 00:46:48,220 --> 00:46:51,869 just as much as we did because there are so many experiences to 850 00:46:51,869 --> 00:46:54,839 hear about, you get to hear about the people behind the vision, and 851 00:46:54,839 --> 00:46:58,189 you get to see that played out right here in this podcast studio. 852 00:46:58,419 --> 00:47:01,320 But always remember—and we teach you this as this season goes 853 00:47:01,320 --> 00:47:05,270 along—the experiences here at Baja Mar do not end when you check out. 854 00:47:05,479 --> 00:47:07,279 They’re with you well beyond the stay. 855 00:47:07,429 --> 00:47:08,319 Indeed, they are. 856 00:47:08,319 --> 00:47:09,970 So, we will see you next time. 857 00:47:10,190 --> 00:47:11,510 I’ve been Anastarcia Valacia. 858 00:47:11,789 --> 00:47:12,839 I’m Renaldo Dorsett. 859 00:47:12,910 --> 00:47:13,440 That’s him. 860 00:47:13,869 --> 00:47:15,760 And we’ll be back with more Beyond the Stay.