Taxi-drivers, serving the beautifully-renovated and expanded Belmond Cap Juluca resort, have been provided with a long-needed and relaxing lounge with air-conditioning, television and other amenities. Its provision typifies both the quality of service being offered by the 5-star property and its high regard for the hospitality shown to the resort and its guests by the taxi-drivers.
With the accommodation and entertainment service provided for the taxi drivers, they have also been empowered to serve as ambassadors for the resort as they interact with visitors to Anguilla on a daily basis.
The Taxi Lounge is strategically located near the entrance to the main building where the resort’s General Manager, Mr. Tiago Sarmento, welcomed the taxi-drivers. He told them that he had longed to have them properly accommodated as they waited outside under trees, or in the open, to transport guests. “We have finally made it,” he stated. “This is just a first step of many more years to come and a continuation of the legacy of Cap Juluca before Belmond arrived. There have always been very good communications and relations between us – and we, and the rest of the tourism industry in Anguilla, are one big family.”
Mr. Sarmento continued: “We appreciate everything you have done so far for us, and we will be here at your service for all you need. We have been open now for two months and our guests are extremely happy with what they are seeing here at Belmond Cap Juluca. I think this is a moment to celebrate and I can tell you that, moving forward, there are many very nice things to come as we improve our service offering continuously.” He was speaking of the Food Truck that is soon to premiere at the Cap Shack, a bar at the western end of the property.
He added that the lounge would help to ensure that the taxi-drivers were at all times refreshed, and ready to serve the resort’s guests, and empowered with knowledge about Belmond Cap Juluca.
Other Belmond Cap Juluca Executives present with Mr. Sarmento were Mr. Eric Gonzalez, Executive Assistant Manager, Mr. Guillherme Reis, Food & Beverage Director and Mr. Kevin Carty, The Belmond Host in Anguilla.
Earlier, Mr. Ivan Connor, Area Marketing Manager, Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla, and Belmond La Samana, St. Maarten, welcomed the taxi-drivers at a reception where they had cocktails followed by a dinner.
He told the taxi-drivers that the event was to show them the resort’s appreciation for their service; equip them with knowledge about the new Belmond Cap Juluca; afford them a taste of the menus at the property’s four restaurants; and to unveil their Taxi Lounge.
Asked what he wanted of the taxi-drivers, Mr. Connor replied: “what they have been doing. I can’t ask for much more. I just want to make sure that when they interact with guests on the island, they are equipped with the information they need. They represent the Anguilla Taxi Association, and for me they are the fingertips of the arm of tourism. They are in most cases one of the first points of contact. I am of the opinion that in tourism, the taxi-drivers, bartenders and other line staff are the ones who really sell our island and resorts. We have them tasting of our menus so that they know what all the restaurants are like, and we also have a little fact sheet about our offerings to give them as well.”
The President of the Taxi Association, Rev. Wilmoth Hodge, spoke on behalf of his colleagues: “It is something that we truly appreciate. For a long time, taxi-drivers have been sitting in their vehicles, under trees and standing in the sun. This does not only relate to Belmond Cap Juluca, but other resorts as well. We wish that other properties will follow suit. It is highly commendable and, as I said, we appreciate it very much. We appeal to other properties, where we provide services, to do the same for us.”
The resort’s four delightful restaurants from where the varied menus were tasted are as follows:
• Pimms which offers a waters edge Anguillian Fine Dining experience adored by guest across the island. Its new menu is a culinary journey from the classic dishes it has become famous for, to the elevated and Contempo specialities that define its reimagined cuisine. Open for dinner from 6.30 pm -9.30 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
• Cip’s by Cipriani which pays homage to Belmond’s flagship property, Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Forty percent of the authentic Italian cuisine comes from the famous Cip’s Club at the flagship property – and there is all day dining;
• Maunday’s Club: Which offers two different concepts: A beach snack menu during the day and transforms into the only authentic Peruvian restaurant on the island after sunset. Given Belmond’s rich presence in Peru, it was only fitting that this heritage be transplanted to Belmond Cap Juluca Anguilla. Maunday’s Club is open for drinks, lunch and dinner;
• Cap Shack is an authentic beach bar where guests are served fresh catch of the day, grilled lobster and comfort foods in a completely laid back atmosphere. The Cap Shack is a barefoot luxury experience, with drinks from 11 am -5 pm.
One of the important selling points that the ambassador taxi-drivers will tell guests is: At each restaurant 25% of the menu is vegan; and that all visiting guests and locals alike are welcomed to all four restaurants.
