Emerald Escape 2005 Atlantis™
Paradise Island, Bahamas
You know what they say about all work and no play. Having worked hard to achieve Emerald in August 2005 and maintain it in September 2005, it was definitely playtime for these deserving leaders. And so on November 13-17 the Emerald Escape came to be with leaders whisked away from cold climates and busy schedules to be treated to an all-expenses paid trip at the world-renowned resort of Atlantis™ Paradise Island.
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Day 1 - Arrival to the Islands
Upon arrival at the airport on Sunday, Emerald Escapees were greeted with warm hospitality as they were ushered past long lines and straight to their waiting limousines to the resort. Inspired by the mythical undersea city, Atlantis rises from the ocean to magnificent heights, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.
Escapees checked into the Royal Towers, the most spacious, luxurious and elegant of the three towers and featuring spectacular views of the ocean. The afternoon was spent acquiring an "island attitude" by relaxing and taking shade under the canopy of palm trees swaying in the cool Atlantic breeze.
After watching the setting sun, the elegant Bahamian Club beckoned, where fine dining and attentive service capped an evening of dinner, fun and fellowship. That night escapees returned to their rooms to discover gifts to make their experience over the coming days even more enjoyable, including beach totes, beach towels and sunscreen.
Day 2 - Another Day in Paradise
Those gifts came in handy the next day with eleven total swimming areas to choose from! With blue skies, turquoise waters and warm breezes, exploration began of the 34 acres of waterscape taking in its myriad of pools, lagoons and white sand beaches.
"The Dig" allowed Escapees to tour the marine habitats and get up close and personal with some 200 different species of sea animals including shark, piranha, eels, stingray and more. Seeing all those fresh fish whetted appetites for later, with a trip to the renowned local restaurant The Poop Deck.
Caught just hours earlier, a cornucopia of the sea was on display, with lobster, snapper, mahi mahi, grouper, jumbo shrimp and more served up on platters. Sitting right next to the water with cool evening breezes, it was a perfect combination of great good and great company.
Day 3 - Fish, Fish and More Fish
Tuesday started out with some Escapees chartering a fishing boat and taking to the deep waters off the coast of the Bahamas with what some say is the best fishing in the world. Drs. Ceynar and Hestdalen can attest to that - both catching their first ever saltwater fish! Not to be outdone, Barbara Miller had the catch of the day - a 35+ pound shark!
The rest of the Escapees kept their feet on solid ground and spent the day pampering at the resort's spa. All kinds of massages and body wraps were offered culminating with a relaxing dip in a swimming pool-size saltwater hot tub!
That night, dinner was next to a giant aquarium that stretched from floor to ceiling. Escapees ate and the fish swam and danced by. After dinner, several Escapees took their turn dancing, sampling the nightlife of Atlantis.
Day 4 - Shop (and Play) 'til You Drop
While a courageous few ventured down to the beach for boating and jet skiing, the rest of the Escapees took in the sights of historic Nassau, with a stop at the famous Straw Market for some duty free shopping.
Later than afternoon, everyone rendezvoused at the Mayan Temple to take the "Leap of Faith", a 60-foot near-vertical waterslide that shoots through a shark infested tank. Not for the faint of heart! Fortunately, all Escapees (and sharks) were safely accounted for.
That night, the farewell gala offered a sumptuous buffet while Escapees reminisced with wonderful stories of friendships made and experiences shared. Every Escapee resolved to be back here in June 2006 for the next trip!
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