LATTE and other trade and media guests were invited to Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour to discover more about the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia.
Held on Friday 23 February, guests were whisked from the hotel’s lobby to Le Rivage Pool Bar where we sipped on Mumm champagne and mingled with other guests in attendance.
After taking in the Darling Harbour views from the rooftop pool bar, we were escorted down to the Atelier restaurant on the hotel’s third floor. Tables were set with tropical flowers and a black pearl gift, courtesy of Robert Wan, was carefully placed at each setting.
Patrick Benhamou of Atout France played master of ceremonies and welcomed Sophie Bessou, Director of Sales of Marketing of SPM Hotels to the stage who thanked all in attendance for coming to celebrate the island of Tahiti. Bessou also announced SPM Hotels will soon be moving outside of French Polynesia and adding to its portfolio in the neighboring South Pacific.
SPM Hotels currently operate 3 hotels and 1 cruise line in French Polynesia including
- Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, French Polynesia
- Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, French Polynesia
- Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
- Haumana Cruises, French Polynesia
Alan Roman, General Manager for Australia and New Zealand of Air Tahiti Nui gave a presentation announcing the airline is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and will debut a new logo look and uniform which combines traditional Polynesian designs. Air Tahiti Nui will also be introducing a premium economy class and redesigning its existing business and economy class cabins.
In addition to hearing more about the destination, guests were treated to traditional Tahitian cuisine, a Tahitian salad served in a coconut as an entree, followed by Poulet Fafa paired with a local Tahitian blanc de corail.
Entertainment was abundant and included traditional dancing, Tahitian drumming and a fashion parade of Robert Wan black pearl jewelry.
Scroll down to see photos of the event.
Patrick Benhamou of Atout France with model for Robert Wan collection
Lead image: Sophie Bessou, SPM Hotels, Robert Thompson, Director of Tahiti Tourism Australia and Alain Campignon, SPM Hotels.