Whittington Suites Opening
How to get out of a pickle and open four new suites in the middle of lockdown...
Here's The Nare's step-by-step guide to party planning...
STEP 1: Plan a live but virtual drinks party at The Nare
The aim was simple; create the atmopshere of a real drinks party using Zoom and make it memorable to all who attend. This was certainly a challenge and one that got the creative juices flowing...
STEP 2: Send an imaginative invitation to capture the attention
The invitation was sent with a site and floor plan printed on the back of the wallpaper which has been used in the new suites. Each was referenced with its name, designer, and in which suite it was used.
STEP 3: Invite a special guest to unveil the new suites
Dear friend of The Nare, Dame Judi Dench, was invited to open the new suites. She was delighted to accept and enlisted the help of Toby and Katie's daughters, Cordy and Gee, to help with the unveiling of the plaques.
STEP 4: Book the hotel's head barman to be the live pianist
Having been such a hit with guests following a last-minute stand-in at Christmas, Ken's services were secured as a key ingredient of a live drinks party...
STEP 5: Engage a film crew to create a virtual video tour
The film crew captured every inch of the new suites and even brought their nifty little drone camera to film the exteriors...
STEP 6: Send a party pack the day before
Guests were sent Taittinger and smoked salmon canapés to enjoy during the party. Each was asked to post an image on social media during the party with the best one invited to Dine and Stay in a new suite. Click here to see the finalists and vote for your favourite
STEP 7: Host the live drinks party with people joining in from all over the world
THE PARTY SPIRIT
Over 200 people joined the call with their glasses of Taittinger in hand and canapés at the ready. Everyone looked the part in their blazers and party frocks...
LIVE MUSIC
Whilst waiting for the party to start, guests were treated to some live music from Ken in the front hall and a showreel of Nare highlights...
VIRTUAL ARRIVAL
The drone camera was used to mimick an arrival at The Nare, to transport guests from their living room to the hotel. A red carpet was even put out to mark the occasion...
BREAKOUT HUDDLES
Guests were thoughtfully allocated into breakout huddles to chat with one another and meet someone from The Nare team. People could move between huddles by speaking with the Maitre Z'(oom)...
OPENING CEREMONY
The Nare was honoured to have Dame Judi Dench open the new suites. It was a lovely touch to have the Ashworth daughters unveiling the plaques in memory of their great-great grandmother, Olive Whittington, and great grandmother, Bettye Gray (nee Whittington). Watch a video of the opening ceremony below...
VIRTUAL TOUR
The Nare's four new suites are situated in a new extension at the western end of the main house. They are exceedingly comfortable and spacious and have a more secluded feel, benefiting from their own dedicated entrance from the croquet lawn car park and a delightful sea-view lobby. Watch the video below for a virtual tour...
