Sonesta Beach Hotel has spiced up its room service choices with a romantic new flavour.

"Candlelit Patio Dining'', a gourmet meal for two served on the patio or balcony is a ritzy alternative to regular fare.

Patio dining offers a four-course dinner, each presented by two waiters in separately-timed deliveries to ensure a freshly prepared and personalised meal.

The waiters arrive with an elegantly dressed table complete with fine china, sterling silver and crystal glassware, wine and basket of rolls.

Candles are lit and appetisers and tossed salad are served. Later the waiters return to present the entree. When the entree is completed coffee and dessert arrive along with a complimentary tray of dipped strawberries, truffles and macaroons. The lady of the evening is also presented a red rose.

"We developed this unique service to provide our guests with the experience of enjoying a four-course gourmet meal in the privacy of their balcony or patio, with panoramic views of the island, gardens and the ocean,'' said Resort General Manger Mr. David Boyd.

"The dinner is priced competitively with the Island's best restaurants, then offers the added value of intimate, al fresco dining which restaurants are unable to provide.'' Agents for Borise Travel, in Wynnewood Pennsylvania, tried the patio dining and had nothing but.

"Our agents love the candlelight dinner idea. many of them said they will order it as a `thank you' for their clients as a gift. The price is so affordable that many will use it instead of a room gift,'' a Borise Travel representative said.

Mr. Boyd added that patio dining is also available for Bermudians who are staying at Sonesta and wish to celebrate special occasions.

Director of Food and Beverages Mr. Anthony Santucci said the idea came about when Mr. Boyd, the Executive Chef, Mr. Craig Scott and himself were trying to come up with a new way to serve the guests.

"The guests were wanting something different. There are no fine dining establishments in the hotel and some guests were requesting to have dinner in their room,'' Mr. Santucci said.

"They would choose different items from the menu in the restaurants to compile a multi-course diner. We could see that a programme such as the patio dining was needed.'' Mr. Santucci said the Bermuda Sonesta was the first Sonesta to try patio dining. He predicted Sonesta resorts worldwide would begin to implement the plan by the end of the year.