renovations which have recently been completed. The first major refurbishment since the Club was built in 1954, which cost two million dollars, has been well received by return visitors, local clients and first time hotel guests, according to manager of Ariel Sands Mrs. Leslie Hayward. The lobby has been revamped to include a canvas tent-like ceiling effect in blue, yellow and white fabric illuminated by innovative 12-volt lighting. On the walls are large photographs of Bermuda scenes by Mr. Roland Skinner, a renowned local photographer. Formerly, an old cedar front desk could be found in the foyer, which made it look very dark, said Mrs. Hayward. But a new Canadian maple wood front desk with a black marble top now brightens up the foyer considerably, she said, noting that the front desk has also been relocated to add more space. In addition, the metal chairs in the lobby are clad with blue, yellow and white fabric to match the canvas ceiling for a Mediterranean look. Plants, flowers and an Oriental rug also compliment the clubhouse entrance. The lounge, which was very old-fashioned in design, has also been updated to include a newly finished wood floor and large white panelled French doors, which open up into the revamped dining room. "The lounge looks more formal,'' said Mrs. Hayward. "People use it more often and it's not such a thoroughfare like it was before the renovations. It's now more of a central meeting point.'' The versatile lounge touts new furniture in rich red hues and a new chandelier as well as modern photographs. In addition, there is a new baby grand piano in the corner, which is often used for entertainment. Ariel Sands provides musical entertainment for their guests five days a week which include piano players, a steel drum quartet, guitar players and/or vocalists, said assistant manager Mr. Matthew Dill. The giant fire place in the lounge is one of the only unchanged features. "It adds a lovely atmosphere to the room,'' said Mrs. Hayward, noting that the fireplace divides the lounge from the bar and thus, can be used on both sides. The bar has been relatively unchanged except for the new cedar canopy which matches the bar structure itself. The cedar from the Club's former front entrance was used to build the canopy, which is secured to long brass rails joining the cedar bar. The idea, said Mr.

Dill, was to add extra warmth to an already inviting cocktail lounge. The newly renovated dining room now extends onto a two tiered deck, which allows year round dining outside by the ocean, weather permitting. The restaurant, which is called Caliban's, is in keeping with the club's Shakespearean theme as you look out to the statue of Ariel in the bay, said Mrs. Hayward. The restaurant gives new meaning to ocean side dining, said Mr. Dill, adding that it has a very tropical appearance. Chairs are adorned with tropical print cushions in shades from blue and green to purples and fiery red. Six coconut palm trees have been planted on the ground level terrace of Caliban's, which not only add to the decor but help provide shade without having to use umbrellas. There is also a bar area on the terrace where patrons can sit and enjoy tropical cocktails by the sea. The interior dining area has also been entirely updated for more intimate dining, said Mrs. Hayward. Previously, the decor was very dark and almost went unnoticed. But peach and green hues now brighten up the room. New dining tables and chairs outfitted in peach and pale colours as well as a new green carpet opens up the dining room creating a very popular area for functions and parties, she said. "I think this restaurant will be one of the best eating places in Bermuda,'' said Mrs. Hayward, adding that Ariel Sands already has an excellent reputation for food. The beach club rooms were also renovated, noted Mrs. Hayward. The bedrooms, which previously had stone or wood floors, have all been tiled and enhanced with rugs. They now have soft furnishings as well as new drapes, valences and matching throw cushions. "They were decorated in bright, vivid colours to give them a summery Bermudian look,'' said Mrs. Hayward, noting that the bathrooms were also outfitted with new fixtures. The Beach Club has also undergone a major landscaping upgrade which includes a rustic fence made out of spice trees at the entrance of the property. Said Mrs. Hayward: "We wanted to give the area more of an entrance feel.'' New parking facilities have also been provided for visiting guests. And shortly, new cycle parking will be installed near the guest cottages, she noted. "I'm thrilled with all of the changes. And we've had an excellent response so far,'' said Mrs. Hayward. "Bright, light and airy seems to be the reaction by most.'' PHOTO HOUSEKEEPING -- (from left) Executive housekeeper Mrs. Frances Baker stands outside one of the newly revamped cottages with her housekeeping team of friendly faces. The rooms in all of the cottages have recently been renovated and brightened up for a more tropical Bermudian feel.

FRIENDLY SERVICE -- (left to right) Wait staff Mr. Kevin Bassett, Mr. Victor Alleyne, Mr. Curtis Raynor, Mr. Michael Williams, Ms Judith Bent, Ms Dianne Coddington, Ms Carolyn Woodley, restaurant manager Mr. Georgie Belloquet and waitress Ms Linda Bailey are ready to serve you.