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Spice Island Beach Resort General Manager Brian Hardy Honoured For Outstanding Leadership, Dedication

GRENADA (Feb. 1, 2011) – On Friday 28 January, Spice Island Beach Resort’s General Manager Brian Hardy thought he was only attending cocktails to see the Condé Nast winner’s plaque for Most Excellent Service presented to the property’s owner, Sir Royston Hopkin. To his surprise, he was also the recipient of an award – one recognizing his outstanding leadership and tireless contributions to the resort – this time presented by Sir Royston, Lady Hopkin and family.

Photo caption (left to right): Lesley Ann Hardy, Sir Royston, Brian Hardy, Lady Hopkin

After the formalities of the initial Condé Nast award were complete, Sir Royston was invited to return to the podium under the guise of making a few closing remarks. Instead, it was to present an award to Mr. Hardy, whom he described as the most efficient General Manager the resort has seen since he bought the hotel in 1987.

Since joining the Spice Island Beach Resort in November 1999 as Assistant Manager responsible for Food & Beverage, the naturalized Grenadian, born in Guyana, has worked tirelessly to improve standards and overall operations of the 64-room, five star property. Appointed Resort Manager in December 2001, Hardy continued to surpass expectations and was promoted to General Manager in October 2005, shortly before the resort's re-opening in December of that year. This followed the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan when most of the resort had to be rebuilt – a project expertly handled by Hardy.

In talking about the award, Hardy said he always tells his colleagues and family that they should not plan surprises for him because he will always uncover them. In contrast, Hardy admitted this award was "the best kept secret."

After overcoming his initial shock at the announcement, the 20-year industry veteran reflected: “I am humbled by this award and feel that my efforts are very much appreciated, although there was never any ambiguity regarding how Sir Royston felt about the value of my contribution. It is indeed an honour to be a part of this award-winning team, where the excellent performance of all members is what defines us.”

Hardy was presented with a plaque with the inscription: In grateful recognition of your outstanding leadership, hard work and dedication to Spice Island Beach Resort. He continues to be mentored by Sir Royston, who has been involved in the tourism industry for over 45 years.

For more information, call Spice Island Beach Resort at 473-444-4258 or visit www.spicebeachresort.com.

Spice Island Beach Resort

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a proud member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network's Hotels & Resorts Program. The resort is also currently celebrating its newly acquired status at the first Grenada property in the Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection

Click on http://www.spicebeachresort.com/imagelibrary for pictures of the property. Visit http://www.spicebeachresort.com/virtual-tours.php for a virtual tour.

For more information, contact Spice Island Beach Resort at tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.spicebeachresort.com.

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