May 2008 | Daytona Beach Shores | By D. Fran Morley

Daytona Beach Shores, Florida Site Visit

A Relaxing Resort Refuge For Meetings

Daytona Beach, Fla., is known for sand and speed, but as the officials with the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) like to say, the city is much more than a beach.

"Of course we have a spectacular beach, and we're known as a resort area, but what's unexpected is that we're growing as a business and meetings destination," said Tangela Boyd, CVB senior publicity manager. For one, the Daytona Beach Ocean Center is tripling in size, adding 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The $76 million expansion is on schedule for completion later this year.

The city's 10-year plan includes "lifestyle" improvements, Boyd said, with more high-end shopping and beachfront parks, and a redeveloped boardwalk. A mixed-use destination, Daytona Live, is expected to open its first phase in 2010. According to the CVB, the development will include a 2,500-seat theater complex and a 160-room hotel.

Boyd said that planners also appreciate that it's now easier than ever to fly to Daytona Beach. "In February, US Airways added new direct flights to Daytona Beach International and Air Tran launched nonstop New York service."

What's more, the town of Daytona Beach Shores, a few miles south of Daytona Beach, is perfectly located for business. I recently joined a group for a relaxing yet eye-opening visit to this quieter side of Daytona Beach. We spent several days enjoying the hospitality of The Shores Resort and Spa, a 214-room boutique-styled resort. "We're close enough so that our guests can easily get to nearby nightlife if they want, but we have a nice, quiet environment here," said Tracey Lyon-Mercado, marketing coordinator for The Shores.

The resort places a heavy emphasis on business but with a casual elegance that invites relaxation when the meeting is over. For instance, the Ladies' Executive Escape package allows attendees the opportunity to rejuvenate their minds during breaks by sipping on an energy smoothie or savoring a fruit fondue served at a poolside cabana. Or, enjoy a trip to Indulge, the new spa at The Shores and take part in their signature Upper Body Bliss massage or a paraffin dip and hand massage. Overworked minds and fingers will get a well-deserved treat.

"I certainly understand how easy it is to let your mind wander while in a business setting," said Tara Michaels, director of the resort's Indulge Spa. "You sit there and check your Blackberry, listen to voice mails or think about everything waiting back at the office. So, we designed a package that rids women of their distractions with a refreshing escape between meeting sessions."

When it's back to business, The Shores has more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Two, top-floor ballrooms provide a choice: overlook the Atlantic during the day or the lights of the Halifax River and Daytona Beach at night. A large pool terrace, complete with cozy, curtained cabanas, overlooks the beach and is a great reception space for up to 1,000 guests. Our group enjoyed gathering around the fire pit for a late-night snack of gourmet-styled s'mores.

And speaking of treats, there's indoor and outdoor dining. Azure serves a rich and diverse menu, including some outstanding vegetarian options that go way beyond the usual.