Guests of the CareScience 2003 National Conference will be met by travel staff in the Lobby of the Westin Diplomat Resort and escorted to their awaiting motorcoach for a short journey to the elegant Villa Vizcaya Mansion.

Once the winter home of James Deering, a founder of the International Harvester Company, the 10 acres of formal gardens is unmatched in the Western World outside Europe. The mansion was inspired by the great villas of Renaissance Italy and includes fine period furniture, textiles, sculpture and architectural elements from the 15th through the early 19th centuries.

As guests walk down the driveway to the Villa, they will be escorted through the Tea Room to the South Terrace, which offers a splendid view of Vizcaya’s formal gardens for a one-hour cocktail reception. The view of Biscayne Bay combined with the gardens is spectacular. An extensive menu of hot and cold passed hors d’oeuvres will be provided. At this time guests will be free to walk around the open areas of the mansion (Courtyard, Tea Room, East Loggia, Gardens and Terraces) and experience its beauty and ambiance.

After cocktails, guests will be escorted to the East Terrace for a seated, served dinner.The Upper & Lower Terrace will be tented to accommodate the group. From the appetizer through the dessert, guests will delight in the exquisite culinary feast they will be served.

Following the seated dinner guests may enjoy a selection of fine coffees, cordials and desserts as they marvel at the beauty that is, Vizcaya.