Caribbean Travel News tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22 2009-11-17T19:34:20Z Caribbean Travel News Movable Type 3.35 Marriott Hotels 40% Off Sale tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3348 2009-11-17T19:33:30Z 2009-11-17T19:34:20Z Marriott: Enjoy 40% off Stays in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica!... Marriott: Enjoy 40% off Stays in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica!]]> Royal Palm Resort & Suites closed tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3346 2009-11-17T10:10:06Z 2009-11-17T10:15:11Z Another hotel closure: NASSAU, Bahamas -- A Bahamian hotel operator has closed one of his resort properties as the recession slashes occupancy rates across the vast archipelago. The 50-room Royal Palm Resort & Suites was closed in early November by... hotel closure:
NASSAU, Bahamas -- A Bahamian hotel operator has closed one of his resort properties as the recession slashes occupancy rates across the vast archipelago. The 50-room Royal Palm Resort & Suites was closed in early November by hotelier Mario Donato, and guests with reservations were moved to the Xanadu Beach Resort&Marina on Grand Bahama Island, which Donato also owns, according to Xanadu spokeswoman Tiffany Anderson. The closure comes as tourism struggles in the region. Earlier this year, the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma in the Bahamas and the Nikki Beach Resort&Spa in Turks and Caicos both closed down.
Couple this with the news of new rooms opening up in Martinique! Obviously projects that were under way as the crisis started. As the article mentions, "Martinique's visitor numbers totaled 280,000 through July, a 7% drop over the same period in 2008." 7% is a huge number when talking about statistics like travel that have probably only moved in one direction for the last 50 or 60 years.]]> Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino Celebrates Grand Opening tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3345 2009-11-16T18:24:30Z 2009-11-16T18:28:55Z Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Interlink Group Unveil the New 503-Room Hotel - Part of a $6 Billion, Multi-Year Sheraton Brand Revitalization - with Superior Meeting Space, Casino, Pool, Spa and Club Lounge in Exquisite Surroundings San Juan's First New... Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Interlink Group Unveil the New 503-Room Hotel - Part of a $6 Billion, Multi-Year Sheraton Brand Revitalization - with Superior Meeting Space, Casino, Pool, Spa and Club Lounge in Exquisite Surroundings San Juan's First New Full-Service Hotel and Casino in More than 10 Years is Also the First and Only in the Caribbean Pursuing LEED Certification San Juan, PR - November 16, 2009 - Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE:HOT) and Interlink Group announced today the grand opening of the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino. Located adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan's newest vibrant commercial and residential district, the new 503-room property welcomes both business and leisure travelers, offering exceptional meeting facilities, a full-service casino and resort-like amenities, including a sundeck/pool, spa and retail space. Sheraton Puerto Rico is the first new full-service hotel and casino built in San Juan in more than 10 years and is part of a $6 billion worldwide effort to revitalize Starwood's most global, iconic brand. This effort includes an investment of over $2 billion in new hotels internationally and, in North America, an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotels, $1.5 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature brand initiatives.]]> "We are proud to announce the grand opening of the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino, the first new full-service property in San Juan in more than a decade," said Federico J. Sanchez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Interlink Group. "The property is a $210 million investment to create the area's premier hotel for both business and leisure travelers, with exceptional offerings for guests who are either at work or at play. This significant new property is a vital component of Starwood's larger multi-billion-dollar worldwide effort to revitalize the iconic Sheraton brand with distinctive amenities and initiatives, including unprecedented meetings amenities, state-of-the-art technology and a casino that will appeal to both guests and locals." The Sheraton Puerto Rico is a member of The Starwood Convention Collection, an elite group of Starwood's largest group and meeting hotels located in top destinations and offering exceptional service and unparalleled facilities. It also represents the brand's focus, over the past three years, on developing "big box" and convention hotels with unprecedented meeting amenities in key markets. Sheraton Puerto Rico's superior meeting facilities include 35,000 square feet of meeting space, access to more than 580,000 square feet of additional space at the adjacent Convention Center and the largest hotel ballroom in the San Juan metropolitan area. Guests attending meetings can enjoy several open-air balcony verandas and a dedicated outdoor event space on a 57,000 square-foot pool deck with stunning views. The hotel is also the first and only property in the Caribbean pursuing LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Sheraton Puerto Rico also features a signature offering of the Sheraton brand's revitalization effort: Sheraton's "Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft(R)." This unique lounge enables today's travelers to stay connected with instant access to information and technology for work, leisure and social networking. Designed as a social environment, The Link invites guests to interact with each other while they check their email, research local attractions and even print boarding passes using free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations. At 20,000 square feet, the hotel's casino, operated by CCHRP Hospitality, is the largest in Puerto Rico and offers a circular casino bar and entertainment space - the first in Puerto Rico. The 'smoke-free' 24-hour casino features 448 slot machines, 16 table games, a full player's reward program, state-of-the-art specialty video, sound and light features and the island's first multi-denominational slot machines. "The grand opening of Sheraton Puerto Rico comes at one of the most significant moments in our brand's storied history, as we complete an aggressive $6 billion growth plan unlike any other for Sheraton," said Hoyt H. Harper II, Senior Vice President for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. "This property not only reflects a dedication to open significant, new convention hotels across the globe, it showcases exceptional and unique offerings for both business and leisure travelers. From its robust meeting amenities, to an unprecedented casino, to coveted leisure and resort offerings, Sheraton Puerto Rico is truly a signature property for the Sheraton brand." Sheraton Puerto Rico offers guests a wide array of urban resort features. The hotel's 57,000 square-foot sun and pool deck includes sweeping panoramic views of San Juan Bay, multiple pools -- for both adults and kids -- poolside cabanas and poolside dining. A 7,000 square-foot spa offers a comprehensive array of treatments for women and men. The hotel also features a revolutionary new health and fitness program, "Sheraton Fitness, Programmed by Core Performance," a holistic program designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner, Core Performance. The program offers a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment. Guests can also shop in more than 70,000 square feet of retail space. Additional amenities of Sheraton Puerto Rico include: * 22 Suites, including a presidential suite overlooking San Juan Bay; * Sheraton Club level guest rooms and suites on the penthouse level with access to a 3,200 square-foot lounge, featuring an al fresco terrace, the area's only club level with this amenity; * Sweet Sleeper all-white, 300 thread count bedding in all guest rooms; * All-day dining restaurant, 24-hour in-room dining and three fine dining restaurants. British Airways flies Gatwick to Punta Cana tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3343 2009-11-10T21:27:02Z 2009-11-10T21:28:30Z British Airways prepares for the launch of its new twice-weekly service from Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from October 26, 2009 reinforcing its position as the airline with more flights to the Caribbean than any other UK... British Airways prepares for the launch of its new twice-weekly service from Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from October 26, 2009 reinforcing its position as the airline with more flights to the Caribbean than any other UK carrier. In addition to the flights to Punta Cana, the airline is also increasing flights to other winter sun hot-spots in the region such as St Lucia (from three to five flights a week), Barbados (from nine to ten) and Port of Spain, Trinidad (from three to five). Overall, BA will now fly 45 times a week to the Caribbean. Richard Tams, head of sales at British Airways, said; "These new routes and increased frequencies underline our commitment to the Caribbean. It's a popular destination with our customers and it's due to demand that we're increasing the number of flights to the region. We now operate to 13 destinations in the Caribbean - more than any other UK airline." Holidays in the Dominican Republic mean relaxing on sun-kissed beaches and snorkelling above colourful reefs, strolling along the 16th-century cobblestone streets of the capital in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone or taking a hiking holiday in the Dominican Republic's forested inland. British Airways has a wide range of hotels in the Dominican Republic, like the 5* Dreams Palm Beach which is situated in an idyllic location, on a gorgeous beach with luxury accommodation and a fantastic kids Explorer's Club. Alternatively, those looking for pure relaxation, can try the 5* Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, offering complimentary private chauffeured return airport transfers rounding up a holiday in style. Seven Stars Resort Turks & Caicos realigns tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3342 2009-11-10T21:17:50Z 2009-11-10T21:20:47Z From Gay Nagle Myers at m/Caribbean/article3_ektid205076.aspx">Travel Weekly: "In the 18 months since it first opened, a high-end resort on Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, has changed owners, switched its management company, rethought its strategies and now is... m/Caribbean/article3_ektid205076.aspx">Travel Weekly:
"In the 18 months since it first opened, a high-end resort on Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, has changed owners, switched its management company, rethought its strategies and now is focused on a new direction in terms of service, amenities and facilities for its guests."
Visit the link for the full story.]]> Starwood Hotels Set to Double Portfolio in Puerto Rico tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3340 2009-11-09T16:14:45Z 2009-11-09T16:16:00Z Global Hospitality Giant Will Open the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Debut the W and St. Regis brands in the Next 12 Months WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2009-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) -... Global Hospitality Giant Will Open the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Debut the W and St. Regis brands in the Next 12 Months WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2009-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) - the hotel industry's most global company - today announces it will double its presence in Puerto Rico in the next year with the opening of the island's first W and St. Regis hotels and its second Sheraton.]]> Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel - the first full-service hotel and casino built in San Juan in a decade - opens this November. Coming on its heels are the W Retreat and Spa-Vieques Island and The St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Beach, both scheduled to open in 2010. The St. Regis also marks a meaningful milestone for Puerto Rico and Starwood as it is the first new luxury hotel to welcome guests to the island since 1997. "The temperate climate, strong infrastructure, and proximity to gateway cities in the United States, Mexico and South America make Puerto Rico an extremely attractive growth market for Starwood and our proven development partners," said Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President of Development, North America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "As we work to further our lead as the world's largest upper-upscale and luxury hotel company, and the leading innovator in the select service segment, we see significant long-term opportunity in this dynamic market." The three new Starwood properties will join Starwood's three existing properties in Puerto Rico: Sheraton Old San Juan, Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino and Four Points by Sheraton Resort & Casino at Palmas Del Mar. Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel opens next month adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan's newest vibrant commercial and residential district. The new 503-room hotel will accommodate both business and leisure travelers and offer exceptional meeting facilities, a full-service casino and resort-like amenities, including a pool, spa and retail space. W Retreat and Spa - Vieques Island Located on the island of Vieques, approximately eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, W Retreat and Spa-Vieques Island is scheduled to open in the spring of 2010. The first W property in the Caribbean and the brand's second retreat property, W Retreat and Spa - Vieques will offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, stylish guest rooms, world-class dining, a luxurious spa, flexible meeting and banquet space and two private beaches. The St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Beach Opening in the fall of 2010, The St. Regis Bahia Resort and Residences will offer spectacular views of the sparkling sea to the north and the mountainous El Yunque National Rainforest to the south. The $172 million resort will feature 139 luxurious guest rooms and suites with spectacular ocean views, 25 Residences, the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, a world-class Remedesm Spa, oceanfront swimming pools, 120-seat restaurant by renowned Chef Jean-Georges and a recently opened 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., marking the island's foray into the five-star-luxury market with its inauguration. About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Media: Starwood Hotels: Brad Minor, 914-640-3687 brad.minor@starwoodhotels.com JetBlue takes flight in St Lucia tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3339 2009-11-08T11:03:02Z 2009-11-08T11:05:05Z JetBlue started their new St Lucia flights last week: CASTRIES, St Lucia, October 29, 2009 - American budget carrier, JetBlue Airways, has expanded its Caribbean presence with a new service to St Lucia. Nonstop service to St Lucia's Hewanorra International... last week:
CASTRIES, St Lucia, October 29, 2009 - American budget carrier, JetBlue Airways, has expanded its Caribbean presence with a new service to St Lucia. Nonstop service to St Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the JetBlue's home at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) began this week. The airline will serve the island with nonstop flights every Monday, Thursday and Sunday, operated by its 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.
]]> St. John US Virgin Islands Villa Specials tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3338 2009-11-05T16:22:07Z 2009-11-05T16:24:15Z Lots of specials just posted on villa rentals from Suite St. John: pecial/CBElastminute.html">Cinnamon Bay Estate 40% Off Due to Cancellation Plus more specials and discounts on other villas - click the link above for details or email: gallowspt@aol.com... Suite St. John: Cinnamon Bay Estate 40% Off Due to Cancellation Plus more specials and discounts on other villas - click the link above for details or email: gallowspt@aol.com]]> AMERICAN AIRLINES PUTS ST. THOMAS AND ST. CROIX ON SALE tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3335 2009-10-27T17:09:43Z 2009-10-27T17:11:32Z Book by Nov. 3 to Get Great Deals FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines has made it easier than ever to visit the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. American, a founding member of the oneworld(R)... Book by Nov. 3 to Get Great Deals FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines has made it easier than ever to visit the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. American, a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, has great low fares available for travel through mid December. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 3, 2009, and travel must be completed by Dec.17, 2009, and are subject to a two-night minimum and 30-day maximum stay. Fares from the U.S. Mainland start as low as $91 and are available Monday through Thursday, both to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. So, make plans now to visit two of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Here are some samples of American's great low fares. Fares shown are each way, in U.S. dollars, based on round trip, Economy Class travel, purchased on AA.com. Between Fare Each Way Based on Round-trip Purchase* Miami - St. Thomas $91 New York - St. Thomas $118 Boston - St. Thomas $125 New York - St. Croix $177 Chicago - St. Croix $190 San Francisco - St. Thomas $195 Detroit - St. Croix $203 St. Louis - St. Croix $203 Dallas/Fort Worth -- St. Thomas $206]]> www.aa.com. On AA.com you'll find the absolute lowest fares available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) flights - guaranteed. ]]> JetBlue Caribbean Fare Sale tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3334 2009-10-27T14:25:40Z 2009-10-27T14:26:31Z JetBlue announcing a big sale today:... JetBlue Sale]]> Cruise Sales tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3331 2009-10-23T07:19:56Z 2009-10-23T07:21:11Z Travelocity is having some big sales on cruise lines: Deals of the Decade: Rates from $159, Up to $650 Onboard Credit, and More On Norwegian Cruise Lines! Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offer: Get up to $300 Onboard Credit... Deals of the Decade: Rates from $159, Up to $650 Onboard Credit, and More On Norwegian Cruise Lines! Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offer: Get up to $300 Onboard Credit]]> Dominican Republic Jazz Festival tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3330 2009-10-21T19:39:41Z 2009-10-21T19:41:56Z The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a festival full of rhythm, flavor, and color that each year is wrapped in the fragrant air of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a unique experience to have the opportunity... Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a festival full of rhythm, flavor, and color that each year is wrapped in the fragrant air of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a unique experience to have the opportunity to enjoy our festival, where the music vibrates on the lively beach of Cabarete. Every year we invite International and Local Musicians to share the stage and to bring many different genres of Jazz to please its diverse and eager music lovers; local residents and tourists alike. Playa Cabarete, November 6, 7, & 8, 2009 Click here for the festival website!]]> St. Maarten Great Bay Resort Warms up the Winter with new Dive Package tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3329 2009-10-20T08:29:40Z 2009-10-20T08:32:43Z Resort Warms up the Winter with new Dive Package Travelers to St. Maarten swap snow boots for flip flops this winter with Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino's Great Bay Diving Package. Guests escape the cold and channel Jacques... Resort Warms up the Winter with new Dive Package Travelers to St. Maarten swap snow boots for flip flops this winter with Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino's Great Bay Diving Package. Guests escape the cold and channel Jacques Cousteau with PADI certified staff, multiple dives and even a shark sightseeing excursion. Packages are valid for stays from December 20, 2009 - April 3, 2010.]]> St. Maarten Maho Beach Resort Offers up to 55% off tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3328 2009-10-20T08:27:41Z 2009-10-20T08:33:02Z Resort Offers up to 55% off with "Longer you Stay - Less you Pay" Promotion Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts celebrate extended stays with the new "The Longer You Stay, the Less You Pay" deal, giving guest up to 55% off... Resort Offers up to 55% off with "Longer you Stay - Less you Pay" Promotion 55-percent-off.gifSonesta St. Maarten Resorts celebrate extended stays with the new "The Longer You Stay, the Less You Pay" deal, giving guest up to 55% off regular winter room rates! Visitors of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino can enjoy these incredible discounts. Offer is valid for travel January 3 - March 31, 2010. Stay 1 to 3 nights - Save 35 - 55% Stay 4 to 7 nights - Save 45 - 55% Stay 8 or more nights - save 50 - 55% Call 1.800.SONESTA (PROMO CODE: LYS) Call +599.545.2115 outside US & Canada Book before March 31, 2010.]]> U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS UNVEILS "Cent-sational" PROMOTION tag:www.caribbean-on-line.com,2009:/travel-news//22.3321 2009-10-12T14:38:43Z 2009-10-12T14:40:03Z ~ In honor of the newly minted U.S. Virgin Islands quarter, travelers are enticed with unprecedented 25 cent per night offer ~ ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 9, 2009 - In honor of the Territory's very own United States... ~ In honor of the newly minted U.S. Virgin Islands quarter, travelers are enticed with unprecedented 25 cent per night offer ~ ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 9, 2009 - In honor of the Territory's very own United States quarter, introduced into circulation this month, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has unveiled a one-of-a-kind offer to generate exposure and entice visitors to the Territory.]]> The Cent-sational vacation package includes a nightly rate of just 25 cents at participating hotels, for a maximum stay of three nights; a $25 per person dining certificate; a $25 per person activities certificate; and a Virgin Islands commemorative quarter Scotiabank coin set. The Cent-sational package is valid for bookings made within the 25-day period of October 9 through November 2*, 2009 for travel between October 9 and November 15, 2009. Hotels participating in the Cent-sational promotion include: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Club St. Croix, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Hotel Caravelle, Marriott Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort, Point Pleasant Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort, Sapphire Village, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Windward Passage Hotel, and the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa. The Cent-sational package applies to new bookings only. Reservations must be made through BookIt.com. To maximize awareness and exposure for the destination in connection with this offer, the Department of Tourism's public relations team is aggressively pursuing media coverage in broadcast, print and online media outlets, and will also explore promotional opportunities that allow the Territory to reach additional potential visitors. "The Cent-sational package underscores our commitment to find new ways to generate news and interest in travel to the Territory." said Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. "This offer is designed to break through the clutter and keep the U.S. Virgin Islands top-of-mind with potential visitors during the months of October and November." Introduced at a ceremony hosted by Governor John P. de Jongh last week, the freshly minted U.S. Virgin Islands quarter is imprinted with some of the Territory's most treasured official symbols, including the Bananaquit bird, Yellow Cedar Flower and Tyre Palm Tree. Emblazoned with the U.S. Virgin Islands' official motto, "United in Pride and Hope," the quarter serves simultaneously as a reminder of the Territory's unique identity, as well as its proud inclusion as a U.S. Territory. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel - including on-line check-in - making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens. *Packages available within the stated time frame, or until the allotted number of packages has been depleted; the offer does not apply to existing bookings; individual hotels may establish blackout dates; offer is only valid on bookings made on this promotion; $.25 rate does not include taxes or resort fees; bookings must be air/hotel vacation packages: back-to-back bookings without the purchase of a flight to the USVI will not qualify for this promotion.