News Release

BENCHMARK®, A Global Hospitality Company, Makes Strategic Investment in UK’s etc.venues

 

Investment Expands Benchmark’s Reach to over 80 locations Across Three Continents

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 4, 2018 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, and its capital partner, Gencom, have made a strategic investment in the UK-based etc.venues, a pioneering non-residential day meetings company with 15 properties in London, Birmingham and Manchester. The move and positioning significantly increases Benchmark’s global footprint and creates exceptional opportunities for international expansion for both companies.

The partnership means that Benchmark will now operate across three continents, with a total of 80 properties in North America, the Caribbean, Japan and the United Kingdom. Recognized in the UK and on the international stage as an award-winning and particularly innovative training and events firm, etc.venues will complement Benchmark’s four hospitality services brands:  Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, Gemstone Collection, Benchmark Conference Centers and the Benchmark Owner Advisory Group.

“The combination of hospitality and award-winning workplace services, spanning three continents and focused on hotel and office real estate investments, is truly unique in the industry,” according to Benchmark’s CEO Alex Cabañas. “Benchmark’s leadership in group sales and in delivering exceptional meeting experiences aligns perfectly with etc.venues’ sophisticated meetings and events space in the UK market.”

etc.venues’ facilities, strategically located in key business districts around London and in the commercial centers of Birmingham and Manchester, are known for stylish contemporary design, technical expertise, outstanding business services and premier food and beverage focus.

Investment and transaction structuring efforts were led by Benchmark’s capital partner, Miami-based Gencom. Gencom led an investment consortium, which included an investment fund managed by Colony Northstar as corporate preferred equity provider.  “The investment in etc.venues is consistent with Gencom’s strategy to grow the Benchmark platform and position the company for dynamic and global growth not only through operations management but also through a dedicated real estate investment platform,” said Karim Alibhai, Principal of Gencom. “Gencom will continue to explore opportunities in the real estate markets as a result of this transaction and will look to align itself with strategic investment partners on both single-asset and programmatic basis,” Mr. Alibhai added.

The new collaboration will spur the global expansion of Benchmark and etc.venues in urban and destination sites within Europe and the United States, notes Alastair Stewart, managing director of etc.venues. “This is a winning combination. Benchmark will be perfectly positioned to pursue hotel management business in Europe, while etc.venues will have the financial, sales & marketing and operational support it needs to establish new venues in the US.”

“US expansion of etc.venues is a key part of the strategy,” says Mr. Cabañas. ”Benchmark is evaluating gateway cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and others.  We will look to further growth opportunities in Europe for our management, operational and asset management services.”

Benchmark’s interest in the etc.venues business is rooted in a long history of leadership and strategic opportunity in the conference center and corporate real estate services space. Both CEOs are well-acquainted through their involvement with IACC, formerly known as the International Association of Conference Centres.

Several important trends in both travel and real estate influenced this new partnership. Consumer preferences are trending towards experiential travel, on demand services/amenities, and shared/collaborative spaces. As office buildings and commercial real estate evolve with “guest-centric, hotel-like” services, this mixed-use platform aims to attract real estate owners and managers looking for a diverse-portfolio, one-stop-shop operator. Conference planners and potential hotel owners will also find many new options and advantages.

“Consequently, career opportunities for our teams will be enhanced,” says Alex Cabañas. He highlights that both Benchmark and etc.venues are committed to employee engagement and development and to strong programs of community involvement at every property. “Culturally, operationally and sales & marketing-wise, Benchmark and etc.venues are a perfect fit.”

 

Photography Link Here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hetaiobf6qmpdkv/AACYTXYP-fFuJjo4QVedBPlya?dl=0

 

About etc.venues

etc.venues is a leading provider of contemporary city centre non-residential venues.  It has 15 UK venues and specialises in the conference, meetings, training & events market, hosting 750,000 delegates a year at 17,000 events in over 250 rooms. In 2017 it opened 68,000sqft of conference and event space at London’s iconic, listed riverside venue County Hall, and opened its first Manchester venue.

About BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company

BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, is a trailblazer in the development, management, marketing and owner-advisory services of resorts, hotels, conference centers and exclusive private clubs. In addition to the company’s iconic Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, the Gemstone Collection is a distinctive luxury portfolio of independent hotels & resorts in highly preferred destinations.  BENCHMARK’S distinguished and proven reputation is deeply-rooted in core values that are focused and aligned with exceeding ownership and stakeholder performance expectations. The combined portfolios feature nearly 70 unique and distinctive properties domestically and internationally. The company leadership and valued employees are passionately committed to delivering the industry’s most authentic, enchanted, soulful, vibrant, unrivaled and memory-making experience.  BENCHMARK’S progressive “Be The Difference” culture and values are a cornerstone to the company’s nearly 40 years of extraordinary achievement and prosperity. Many properties have been recognized with the Benchmark Conference Centers® mark of meeting excellence.  BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company, is based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, and has regional offices in Park City, Utah; Miami, Florida; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Seattle Washington; and Tokyo, Japan.   www.benchmarkglobalhospitality.com To become a fan on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/BenchmarkResortsandHotels,  www.facebook.com/GemstoneHotelCollection.  Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BenchmarkHotels, www.twitter.com/GemstoneHotels , on Instagram at www.instagram.com/benchmarkresortsandhotels, www.instagram.com/gemstonehotels, and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/benchmarkhotels/gemstone-hotels .  At LinkedIn,  www.linkedin.com/company/benchmark-hospitality.

News Release

GENCOM UNVEILS $25 MILLION RENOVATION OF ROSEWOOD BERMUDA

Gencom, a leading Miami-based investment firm that invests in high end hospitality and residential real estate globally, today unveils the $25 million extensive renovation of the ultra-luxury Rosewood Bermuda, located in Tucker’s Point. The renovation comes on the heels of Gencom’s successful acquisition of the renowned property in May 2017.  The investment further underscores the firm’s steadfast commitment to the long-term growth of the island’s tourism and hospitality sector, complementing Bermuda’s strong tourism economy and visitation, as well as Bermuda Tourism Authority’s strategy to reintroduce the island as a contemporary, multi-generational destination. Bermuda benefits from direct flight access from Europe and the eastern coast of the US, making it a natural destination for international travelers in search of an island destination offering unparalleled luxury accommodations.

Gracing approximately 240 acres of the most beautiful waterfront master development in Bermuda and neighboring the impressive estates of Tucker’s Town, the modernized resort features 88 elevated guestrooms; a redesigned lobby; an enhanced Beach Club; an upgraded Golf Clubhouse; reimagined dining outlets; a vibrant new bar that is a popular gathering spot for locals, resort guests and the private member’s club alike; and a revitalized spa with new wellness and fitness offerings.

“Bermuda is experiencing a tourism renaissance, and we are pleased to help support the island’s revitalization by providing an unparalleled resort destination for discerning international travelers,” said Karim Alibhai, founder and principal of Gencom.   “We are excited to partner with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to re-set the bar for luxury travel on the island.”

The resort’s redesign seamlessly combines the elegance of the island’s colonial English heritage with the vibrancy of its native culture for a unique and authentic Bermudian experience. The design of the guestrooms and suites, lobby and new lobby bar were led by Dawson Design Associates.  London-based designer, Alexander Waterworth Interiors Ltd., was responsible for the redesign of the resort’s signature restaurant and bar, Beach Club and Golf Clubhouse.

“The renovation is a testament to Rosewood Bermuda’s commitment to providing unmatched luxury accommodations, the highest level of service, and modern amenities that appeal to today’s luxury, global travelers,” said Paul Telford, managing director of Rosewood Bermuda.

Lobby

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an elegant and intimate lobby, more akin to a private manor house than a resort. Rosewood Bermuda’s 88 guestrooms and suites have been transformed into intimate, residential-style retreats, featuring bespoke furniture, contemporary local art and a soft color palate punctuated with azure blue accents.

The all-new Conservatory Bar and Lounge is a popular gathering space for resort guests, the private member’s club and locals where they can enjoy hand-crafted British gin cocktails and spirits enhanced by fresh herbs, house-made infusions and the latest mixology techniques.  With its twin fireplaces, black and white hand-painted tile floor and elegant beamed ceilings, the new bar is a fusion of both old and new.  Boasting local art, casual and inviting décor and relaxed, friendly Bermudian service, the bar is complemented by the intimacy of the new courtyard, which brings a rustic accent to the space.

New Culinary Concepts and Cocktail Destinations

Rosewood Bermuda’s existing culinary venues have been re-conceptualized to provide elevated dining experiences that celebrate local ingredients and serve Bermudian-inspired cuisine in contemporary settings:

• The resort’s signature restaurant, now known as the Island Brasserie, is a vibrant and informal space serving elevated island comfort food. The adjacent Tucker’s Bar has transformed into a rum bar dedicated to teaching guests about the history of the island’s signature spirit.
• Inspired by Bermuda’s bustling fish markets, the reimagined Beach Club restaurant boasts imaginative, island-inspired cocktails and a menu of fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes.
• Sul Verde, the Golf Clubhouse restaurant, offers an authentic Italian menu and warm, convivial atmosphere. The Grille Room has also undergone a full refresh.

Elevated Beach Club

Located on Bermuda’s largest private, pink sand beach, the refreshed Beach Club continues to be the ultimate destination for sun-soaked relaxation.  In addition to the reimagined Beach Club restaurant, enhancements include chic new cabanas, umbrellas, pool and beach furniture, and expanded luxury services and amenities

Golf

The Tucker’s Point Golf Clubhouse features updated décor and new, state-of-the-art amenities that take the golf experience to the next level and further the sense of community amongst the members and the resort guests.

Cliff Drysdale Tennis

In partnership with Cliff Drysdale Tennis, one of the world’s most esteemed tennis management companies, Rosewood Bermuda is launching a comprehensive new tennis program. Under a dedicated, Cliff Drysdale trained tennis director, Cliff Drysdale’s signature tennis programs, leagues, and events will be offered to guests and members.

Enriched Heath & Wellness Experiences

To further enhance Rosewood Bermuda’s health and wellness offerings, the property now features a modernized 12,000 square-foot Sense®, A Rosewood Spa. In conjunction with the renovation, the resort has also appointed a new spa director who has seamlessly integrated the essence of the island into a series of new health and wellness experiences.  Additionally, an upgraded fitness center boasts brand new Technogym equipment and a variety of new fitness programs.

New Children’s Program

To complement the refreshed kid’s club and children’s pool, Rosewood Bermuda introduces Rosewood Explorers, a new children’s program designed to inspire creativity and a passion for learning through a series of immersive workshops, classes and journeys.

New Real Estate Offerings

For visitors who are looking to make Tucker’s Point a permanent or vaction home base, Tucker’s Point Real Estate is offering fully renovated fractional units branded as the Tucker’s Point Private Residence Club and residential developable lots, including ocean front lots and lots oriented towards the golf course for luxury home development.

To make reservations at Rosewood Bermuda, call +1.441.298.4000 or book online at https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/bermuda.

About Rosewood Bermuda

A destination in itself, Rosewood Bermuda is the centerpiece of Tucker’s Point, Bermuda’s premier resort, golf and beach club and residential community. Gracing 240 of the most beautiful coastal acres on the island, the award-winning, tropical hideaway neighbors the estates of Tucker’s Town and offers breathtaking vistas of Castle Harbour, Harrington Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.  With just 88 rooms and suites, guests feel they are part of an elite club with exclusive access to the largest private pink-sand beach on Bermuda as well as the island’s finest amenities. The resort features five distinct restaurants and bars including the new Conservatory Bar, Island Brasserie, Tucker’s Bar, Sul Verde and the Beach Club Restaurant.  Additional amenities and recreational facilities include a 12,000 square foot Sense®, A Rosewood Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, the Beach Club, Golf Clubhouse, dive and water sports center, tennis courts, croquet lawn and four pools.

Visit https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/bermuda for additional information or follow the latest news through the hotel’s social media channels on Twitter & Instagram @RosewoodBermuda or on facebook.com/rosewoodbermuda.