landscaping of the hotel grounds -- an investment which has added enormously to the overall attraction of the hotel.

"The landscaping project cost well into seven figures,'' said managing director John Jefferis.

"We are spending well over $1 million on the lighting scheme alone for the grounds. It is very important, because at night you can make a place so attractive with good lighting.'' A ten-year plan for improving the hotel's gardens was put into place in 1988, but because of the new ownership and the consequent redevelopment of the hotel and its grounds, that programme was speeded up dramatically. They have added a new rock garden, a collection of specimen trees that includes a number of Bermuda cedars, and 5,000 flowers to add colour to the garden. Everywhere you look small flower planters have been set up and filled with colourful blooms.

Many new coconut palms have also been planted to enhance the tropical feel of the hotel, and the embankment alongside the hotel's front entrance has been completely re-faced to make it neat and attractive.

"Landscape manager Bob Woolfe has been working almost 24 hours a day, with the help of West End Landscaping, to really give the grounds a tropical, manicured look,'' said Mr. Jefferis. And, he added, the hard work had really paid off.

"The landscaping is an important part of the hotel's general ambiance. When upgrading the hotel, it is equally important to also upgrade the landscaping,'' he said. "I think it has provided the guests with another facet to their vacation -- they can stroll around 50 acres and look at beautiful new trees, plants and flowers. I think that will give them even more of a feeling that they've picked the best hotel on the Island.''