After treating their staff to a $1.2 million day out in Bermuda, the least bosses Barry and Elliott Tatelman could expect was a pat on the back or a simple "thank you''.

But when the Boston furniture tycoons took the stage at Clearwater Beach yesterday, they were given the kind of hero reception normally reserved for the Rolling Stones or Madonna.

Over 1,300 staff of Jordan's hollered, cheered and gave a huge applause to the two brothers who had closed their four Boston area stores for the day and flown everybody to the Island -- just to say thanks.

Welcomed by Tourism Minister David Allen and the St. George's Town Crier, the pair seemed embarrassed by the adoration and just said they wanted to give their "fantastic'' workers a big thank you.

"It was our idea to get everybody together, we have an incredible group of people,'' said Barry. "It was both our ideas. We just wanted everybody to relax and have a good time.

"It wasn't long ago when we were a small company with 12 people -- our first outing was in a garage!'' And when asked why they had chosen to treat their employees on a Monday -- the busiest day for the Boston area stores -- Elliott Tatelman replied: "Why not? Life is too short.'' Flown in by four charter aircraft and ferried to St. David's by a fleet of taxis and buses, the workers came to a mini-town on the beach. With vast catering, beach games, drinks and live music, everything they desired was on tap.

Taxi tours of the Island and shopping trips to St. George's were also on offer.

Staff treated to day of sun, fun in Bermuda And the whole experience certainly struck a chord with the staff, who had come from all over New England.

Store manager David Fraser said: "It is phenomenal, but it really doesn't surprise me, working for Barry and Elliott.

"We couldn't believe it when they said they were taking us to Bermuda for the day.'' Among the many who could do nothing but praise their bosses, were Noreen Fitzgerald and Amanda Hilton, who said the trip was just one of the many things their bosses did for them.

"They are the best bosses to work for,'' they said. And Nikki Carlozzi summed up her feelings: "It just doesn't get any better than this,'' she said.

And the loyalty showed when long serving employees were honoured -- with the majority having anywhere between five and 20 years service. In between the games and eating, a film crew made Jordan's latest TV commercial.

And before anyone had stirred in Boston, Buzz the Sandman was on Clearwater Beach creating sand sculptures of a giant sofa and Jordan's logo.