By Janet Silvera From Jamaica Gleaner

WESTERN BUREAU:

Aerialists pouring champagne from cloud rings and hoops welcomed tourism stakeholders to the Caribbean’s leading honeymoon resort, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort last Saturday (September 17).

A stunning Remy Martin bar stood to one side of the venue, while Hennessey lovers stayed even closer, transfixed by the elegant watering hole that welcomed them to the resort that was selected as one of the best in the Caribbean by the World Travel Awards.

A luxury-included hotel, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort went all out showing what a black-tie affair looks like. The red carpet entrance signalled high-class, first-class service throughout, and there was no mistake about this.

Produced and directed by Joel Ryan, the man in charge of entertainment, the gala event opened with one of Jamaica’s leading entertainers, Ana Strachan, mounted on a floating stage in the large swimming pool. The area was partially covered with tables reserved for VIPs.

Protected by two strong-armed young men, Strachan’s delivery of Jamaica’s national anthem was well received by an audience ready for glitz, glamour and awards.

WINNERS OF THE NIGHT

Sandals copped 15; Jamaica as an island retained its leading Caribbean destination status; Half Moon took home three, Round Hill won two; and the Island Outpost Group was not unhappy at all.

Dave Chin Tung’s Go Jamaica Travel seemed set to bring home the curry at the World Travel Awards in the Maldives, and the Montego Bay’s Convention Centre celebrated its sixth award.

Island Routes’ David Shields smiled all the way to the awards bank, saying, “Number four is a good number”, while Kyle Mais of Jamaica Inn had a lot to be happy about.

The Caribbean and North America’s best were on show and nothing was spared in ensuring an unforgettable evening was had. World Travel Awards’ President Graham Cooke was in his element, and so was the hospitality personality of the year, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.

The amazing Phylea Carley, the talented Tammy T, a magnificent Jodie Kay, and the world-renowned Etana gave one of the best authentic Jamaican performance at any World Travel Awards event.

Hosted by Yendi Phillipps and Adrian Atkinson, it was an evening the island could be proud of.

IMAGES: Janet Silvera

Unique Vacation’s Debbie-Ann White is sandwiched by Sandals Ochi Beach Resorts’ Ramel Sobrino (left) and Beaches Negril’s Lucky Kahlon.

Island Routes’ David Shields is flanked by the Jamaica Tourist Board’s deputy director of tourism, Marcia McLaughlin (left), and Janice Allen.

From left: Inise Lawrence, Rochelle Sukhram and Lanuna Davis are red carpet hot

Birthday boy John Lynch (left) chats with Sandals Foundation’s Heidi Clarke and World Travel Awards’ Graham Cooke.

For more on this story go to: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/outlook/20160925/creme-de-la-creme-world-travel-awards