Networking at the Rincon Ocean Villa

We set out to introduce our group to not only the villa, but to the Rincon area and the local service providers. We wanted them to not only fall in love with the villa, which is a stunner, but also the destination and we knew it was necessary for the group to feel confident that they would find quality services for their clients as well.

Rincon is first and foremost a surfing town as the waves are renowned in the winter. It is also a town that has yet to be over run and overdeveloped by tourism, as a matter of fact, I do not think the government has put much thought at all into "city" planning. It is a funny little place, because although it is a very laid back surfing town, it is also a celebrity magnet with its very own film festival! The nicest surprise you will find is that although the restaurants are ultra casual, the food is fresh, fine and over the top delicious. I am no stranger to gourmet food, but the food in Rincon seriously made an impression on me to the point where I will always remember how good the food really was.

The group was greeted with a smile at the airport by Carlos of Rincon Tours. When they arrived, they found beach bags with a custom map by Laura Hooper on the front of the bags. They were filled with great local goodies and resources including local coffee from Sandra Farms, hot Sauce from Shipwreck Restaurant, and beautiful sea glass necklaces and earrings.

The experience began with a day of R&R including lazing in the salt water pool, resting or walking on the beach, massages by Zenclair, yoga and pilates by Ultimate Inner Core and mani/pedis by Sunset Spa. Then the food orgy began with delicious yet memory erasing Pirate coconut drinks at Villa Cofresi, which is a beach hotel and restaurant with a perfect view of the sunset over Desecheo Island. Then it was off to Smilin' Joes where we listened to live entertainment and dined on the most mouth watering dishes including grouper encrusted in plantain on a bed of Cuban sweet potatoe mash"..yummmmm. Day 2 included a detailed tour of the Rincon Ocean Villa, which offers pool, beach, garden and large tent sites for events right on the Caribbean Sea. The beach is lovely because it has lots of small palm trees and it faces the sunset. Then we set off for a tour of the town, which included other local hotels, churches, Steps Beach the lighthouse, and lunch at Tamboo's on the Point….which is also on the beach.

That evening the Rincon Ocean Villa hosted a Food Fest & Networking Party so that the international planners could meet the local service providers. Seventy people attended and had the opportunity to taste mouth-watering dishes from JR Catering, RSVP Special Events, J. Allison West Catering, and Shipwreck Catering. Party Rental provided everything we needed including lovely Indian linens, Star Mix provided sound and music for dancing, Jacques Landry played classical guitar, the Caribbean Connection played Caribbean dinner music, and Delight Cake made a wedding cake to rival any from New York and it was delicious! A great time was had and many relationships were forged, which is what it is all about.

After a long night of revelry and a late night swim….we had to drag ourselves out of bed the next morning, but it was well worth it for a day of sailing and snorkeling with Katarina Sail Charters. The weather was perfect and the sea was calm so the water was clear as glass for snorkeling. The coral was quite vibrant and we not only saw lots of fish but a lone sea turtle minding his own business. Captain Brian entertained us with stories of sailing across the Pacific and they too served up a tasty meal!

Roberto Riviera of Capriccio's served us all another gourmet meal on our last evening. In addition to catering events he owns and runs 3 very nice local restaurants, Capriccio’s, Novecento and Oleana which all serve scrumptious menus.

A wonderful time was had by all leaving the group with definite plans to return!

Lisa Light