Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., offers groups an intimate beachfront location—one of the few hotels in the area to do so. And in May, the 156-room boutique resort will debut the final phase of its multimillion-dollar expansion, which will double its meeting space as well as add amenities to enhance teambuilding at the property.
The highlight of the property’s new meeting space is the 1,400-sf Atlanta Ballroom and Terrace, which already opened in February. Ideal for events up to 120 people, the Atlantic Ballroom features views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the Atlantic Terrace provides a rooftop outdoor setting.
In May, the new 2,055-sf Ocean View Ballroom on the 11th floor will debut, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open up onto a balcony. The new 3,700-sf Ocean View Terrace and Gazebo on the 12th floor will also touts views of the ocean below. Smaller groups of eight will be able to enjoy the new 12th-floor penthouse—complete with an exclusive elevator—for a private dinner in its dining room. The entire suite will boast panoramic views from a 75-foot terrace.
These kinds of intimate experiences is what the resort specializes in, says Robert Keesler, general manager at the resort. “With a 156-room boutique hotel, we are able to focus on personalization and provide the utmost quality service as we only host one-to-two groups at a time max,” he says. “An example of our customization would be our creative coffee breaks between meetings — from an espresso cart and popcorn machine to making individual-serving vegetable smoothies. The staff goes above and beyond for each individual planner’s needs.”
With the resort’s location directly on the beach, it can provide an intimate dining experience called Dining on the Dunes. Attendees can gather on the beach at the five tables located outside OCEAN2000 restaurant to dine on the same surf-and-turf options available inside. The whole experience is lit by candle light.
This location also makes it ideal for teambuilding activities such as Beach Olympics, which the resort staff can customize for groups, says Keesler. Another activity that the property offers offsite is an interactive art class at the Nova Southeastern University Museum.
Spa treatments will soon be available for attendees as well when PURE Spa opens as part of the renovation. The Swedish-style spa is situated so that spa attendees can overlook the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from an elite suite with three indoor and two outdoor treatment rooms. If attendees are looking for some down time without the spa expense, however, Keesler recommends a visit to the resort’s verandah.
“We have a gorgeous oceanfront wraparound verandah and sun deck with rocking chairs that is perfect for relaxing with a book,” he says.
