hospitality prize.

Last week, the Lantana Colony Club in Somerset was recognised for its "outstanding'' service by the American Academy of Restaurant and Hospitality, which in fact rewarded the hotel with a pair of its Five Star Diamond awards -- one for the seaside property as a whole and the second for its dining facilities.

"At a time when Bermuda is struggling to regain its reputation of quality and tranquility, it is encouraging to see a small resort like ours recognised on such a high international level,'' Lantana's general manager, Mr. Adam Leseur, said in a congratulatory statement to his staff.

"We have done a great deal here at Lantana to maintain our standards under extreme pressure and competition.'' In accepting the awards, Mr. Leseur made a point of stressing the contribution of the hotel's employees. "While we are extremely proud of our beautiful gardens, artwork and architecture at Lantana,'' he said, "it is our staff who separate us from all the other small resort properties. Our people know how to make our visitors feel welcome and at-home here at Lantana.'' The awarding by the AARHS, which has been described as "one of the most prestigious (hospitality) organisations in the United States,'' marks the second time in as many weeks that a Bermudian hotel has been honoured internationally.

Earlier this month, the Sonesta Beach Hotel in Southampton was awarded the 1995 Premium Circle Award by the readers of US-based Insurance Conference Planner magazine.

That award, for "outstanding service and facilities,'' is given to hotels that distinguish themselves in the course of hosting insurance meetings.

*** On the subject of Sonesta, a senior occupational therapist at St. Brendan's Hospital was presented with a cheque by the hotel's general manager last week in a gesture of thanks to the patients who helped in cleaning up the South Shore property after Hurricane Felix in August.

Mrs. Angela Mocklow, who is in charge of industrial therapy at the Island's only psychiatric facility, accepted the cheque on behalf of the patients, all of whom were enrolled in a work rehabilitation programme.

"This programme,'' Mrs. Macklow explained, "involves assessing clients' work abilities to enable them, wherever possible, to return to Bermuda's work force, and, at the same time, presents an opportunity to overcome the stigma attached to mental illness.'' In handing over the donation, the hotel's general manager, Mr. David Boyd, said that Sonesta was "grateful for the help'' provided by the patients. He added: "It's our intention to have helpers from St. Brendan's on a regular basis.'' Like most of the Island's hotel properties, Sonesta suffered only minor structural damage during the August 15 storm, which veered sharply west before actually reaching Bermuda.

The amount of the cheque that was donated by the hotel last week was not publicly disclosed.

*** At the BAA field on Saturday, the Athletic Club will stage "Bermuda's largest aerobics class'' in aid of the Bermuda Heart Foundation's efforts to buy a new patient monitoring system, an essential tool for establishing accurate patient information.

Entrants, who must pay a minimum of $30 in order to participate and receive a free T-shirt, can pick up entry and sponsorship forms at the club. Juniors will be provided with free goodie bag from Kellogg's, one of the event's main sponsors.

In the event of rain, the 90-minute class, which is open to people of all fitness levels, will be moved indoors. It begins at 9.30 a.m. Registration is at 8.45 a.m.