Casa Ceibo Resort Opens in Ecuador
NOVEMBER 2, 2009 - Casa Ceibo is living up to its newfound reputation as the finest destination resort on Ecuador's coast. On Saturday, Oct. 24, resort owners Charles Van Diver, a Destin, Fla. developer, and Daniel Jacome, Galapagos guide and drummer for Ecuador's top rock band, Tercer Mundo, hosted the ribbon-cutting party for 150 local and regional guests at Casa Ceibo in Bahia de Caraquez. The co-owners hosted a second party the following Wednesday night in Quito, Ecuador's capital. There, they introduced the luxury property to a crowd of 300, including tour operators, travel agents and media, plus commercial, industry and government leaders.
"Casa Ceibo delivers a superior experience, and both grand opening celebrations exemplified this, from the food to the wine, entertainment, service and overall ambiance," Jacome says. "We're receiving excellent response to promotions and are fully booked for the Bahia Anniversary in November and a period in December for a large group function. Few rooms remain for New Year's Eve - we're throwing a big celebration for hotel guests, plus Bahia's holiday visitors and residents."
For Casa Ceibo's grand opening, guests gathered in the reception area to hear Jacome's welcome. After Ecuadorian national assemblyman, Doctor Leonardo Viteri, cut the red ribbon, Van Diver toasted eloquently to the Ecuadorian people, artisans who crafted and furnished Casa Ceibo, and artists whose works adorn the halls and guest rooms.
Other distinguished guest included: Humberto Antonio Garcia, Alcalde del Canton San Vicente, Aura Herrera, Vicealcaldesa del Canton Sucre, Cristina Ruperti, Concejala del Canton Sucre, and Graciela Guadamud, Representante de la Zona Note del Ministerio de Turismo.
Guests at the Bahia party enjoyed cocktails and delicacies prepared by international award-winning chef, Hugo Jimenez. Tercer Mundo provided entertainment, and people danced all night.
Wednesday's party, held at Quito's Swisshotel, was equally successful. Travel professionals, local business owners and government officials, who are thrilled to have this excellent destination resort on Ecuador's developing coast, turned out in droves.
"At times the ballroom was so packed, there was hardly room to pass through the crowd," Jacome says. "Our country is proud to have such an asset to this Ecuadorian region - the spirit of Casa Ceibo is catching."
Stephany Reeson, Casa Ceibo's Quito-based sales/marketing director, led the program with a warm welcome. Jacome then gave a short speech, followed by Van Diver's gracious toast to his new Ecuadorian "family." Guests enjoyed entertainment by Tercer Mundo, plus a presentation on the resort and coastal attractions emceed by Maria Susana Rivadeneira, former Miss Ecuador and now fashion designer. The invite-only Quito event was unforgettable, perfectly representing Casa Ceibo's unique, upscale offerings.
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