Marriott Hotels 40% Off Sale
Royal Palm Resort & Suites closed
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 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
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.
Continue reading "Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino Celebrates Grand Opening" »
Seven Stars Resort Turks & Caicos realigns
From Gay Nagle Myers at 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
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.
Continue reading "Starwood Hotels Set to Double Portfolio in Puerto Rico" »
St. Maarten Great Bay Resort Warms up the Winter with new Dive Package
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
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 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
~ 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.
Continue reading "U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS UNVEILS "Cent-sational" PROMOTION" »
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS UNVEILS "Cent-sational" PROMOTION
~ 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.
Continue reading "U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS UNVEILS "Cent-sational" PROMOTION" »
Cambridge Beaches Resort Presents Sensual Journey Package for Couples
I guess they are falling back on sex sells:
ROMANCE FLOURISHES AT BERMUDA'S CAMBRIDGE BEACHES RESORT & SPA
SOMERSET, Bermuda (Oct. 6, 2009) - For the perfect romantic getaway, try the Sensual Journey Experience at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Bermuda.
Set on a 30-acre peninsula on Bermuda's western coast, Cambridge Beaches provides the perfect backdrop for couples seeking the luxury of uninterrupted time together. This AAA-Four Diamond is the island's only resort catering exclusively to adults. Couples return time and again for romantic indulgences that include moonlight dinners on a secluded beach; plush oceanfront cottage suites with private plunge pools; award-winning spa; and champagne picnic lunch in a tropical garden hideaway.
Sensual Journey
Beginning with fresh-cut Bermuda flowers in your cottage suite, the Sensual Journey awakens all the senses. The experience pampers couples with offerings that include:
* Private Butler Service - A private butler will be available to cater to guests' needs, so couple's can just relax and enjoy the journey.
* Champagne Breakfast - A toast to romance, this breakfast in bed features sensual foods like strawberries, fresh figs, plums and chocolate croissants. Side bowls of warmed honey and melted chocolate add to the tasty pleasures.
* Slip into a plush spa robe and slippers, and let a member of the spa team escort you to Ocean Spa at Cambridge Beaches, recognized by Conde Nast Johansen guide as a Most Excellent Spa for the Caribbean.
* The Experience Suites - Your journey begins in the Aquarian Baths with a flute of sparkling hibiscus flower water. Then it's off to the Experience Suites, a private retreat providing some one on one time with your partner. Relax and reconnect with the unique ten-minute Sauna Ritual that features aromatic waters infused with wild lavender, rosemary and thyme grown on property.
* Guide to Couple's Massage - Next, in the Spa Suite, your spa therapist will guide you in the art of massage. Whether your focus is back, shoulders, neck or feet, treatments are personalized to each couple and enhanced by candles, music, and aromatherapy and massage oil.
* Romantic Picnic - The resort's hidden labyrinth and secret garden, Seaview, is the lush tropical setting for an intimate champagne picnic lunch. Relax and while away the hours together in this nature preserve, vibrant with flowers and outfitted with blanket, cushions and lounge beds.
* Couples Spa Pagoda Treatment - The Ocean Spa Pagoda sets the stage for this 80-minute treatment enhanced by the sounds of the surf, cool ocean breezes and scent of the surrounding flora. Couples can choose from a range of 80-minute, relaxing and reconnecting spa therapies.
* Private Candlelit Dinner - Top off the day with a moonlight dinner on a secluded beach lit by the dancing flames of tiki torches and serenaded by the sounds of gently lapping waves. Your table provides front-row seats to a spectacular Bermuda sunset. Pleasing the palate is a three-course meal by the resort's Tamarisk Restaurant, recognized by Food & Wine magazine as one of Bermuda's best.
* Spa Turndown Gift - Cambridge Beaches strives to fill each stay with treasures that can last a lifetime. Compliments of the Ocean Spa, the couple will receive a special gift that awaits you to remind you of your experience.
The Sensual Journey Package is $1,280 as an add-on to accommodations. The package requires a minimum three-night stay and is available throughout the year. Cambridge Beaches' nightly rates start at $385 for a spacious water-view room. Complimentary daily breakfast and Afternoon Tea are included in the price.
While at Cambridge Beaches, guests can explore galleries and boutique shops at the nearby historic Royal Naval Dockyard Clocktower Mall. Or, they can play a round of golf at the Port Royal Golf Course, ranked among the world's best public course by Golf Digest and located just five minutes from the resort.
Less than two hours from many East Coast cities, Bermuda offers direct flights from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and other major U.S. cities. For additional information and reservations visit www.cambridgebeaches.com or call 1-800-468-7300.
Hot Caribbean Vacation Deals: Flight + 4 Nights from $354!
New Caribbean Vacation specials available from Expedia:
Hot Caribbean Vacation Deals: Flight + 4 Nights from $354! - Expires 10/15/09
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in receiveship
Tough to see such a highly regarded property go under - but probably just too much debt:
Leeward Resort Ltd. - the owner of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa on Turks and Caicos Islands - has been placed into receivership, General Manager Jonathan Steers said.
Guests paid up to $3,000 a night to stay at the Caribbean resort that offered Bvlgari bath products and an infinity pool with beds resembling those of 19th century opium dens.
The Travel Channel this year rated the resort, which opened less than two years ago, No. 2 on its list of the 21 hottest Caribbean escapes.
It probably won't be long before the bank eats this loss and sells to someone - banks usually don't run hotels well...
Plan for another five-star resort in St Kitts moves forward
So much for the global recession I guess. The Caribbean is being hit extremely hard right now, but I guess there are still some places where these plans make sense. Hard to believe with the amount of hotels closing, bankrupt, or just plain empty.
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, September 17, 2009 - Progress is being made for the development of another five-star resort on St Kitts' southeast peninsula.
An official signing ceremony between Park Hyatt Resorts and the Toronto-based St Michael's Foundation Limited to take the plan forward is set for today.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of St Michaels Foundation Limited, Chris Kanhai said the US$860 million Cockleshell Bay Development on 153 acres of land on Cockleshell Bay, is the future home of a 125-room Park Hyatt Resort and Spa, a 100-condominium Park Hyatt Residence, 86 Estate Villas and the Cockleshell Bay Marina Village with a 160-slip marina and 234 condominium and Town homes.
He said construction of the marina is schedule to begin in January 2010 and the resort in November 2010. The project also includes the several amenities including a casino, four restaurants, tennis courts and swimming pools.
Sandals Fall Sale
Guests who book a minimum 3-night stay by October 1st, 2009 will receive up to 65% off! This offer is available at select locations in Jamaica and St. Lucia only.
Additionally, guests staying for seven nights or longer can get up to 3 nights free plus a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit at select locations! Please see details of this amazing offer below.
Last days for 65% off at Sandals
7 Days Left to Book the Sun-Sational Summer Sale:
The Fantastic Summer Sale ends in 7 days! Guests who book a minimum 3-night stay by August 27th, 2009 will receive up to 65% off! This offer is available at select locations in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and The Bahamas.
Click the banner for details.
Additionally, guests staying for six nights or longer can get up to 3 nights free! Those who book a six-night stay in select top-category suites, can also receive a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit to be used at our world-famous Red Lane Spa.
Beaches Sale
Beaches resorts is having a hugh summer sale - up to 65% off and other incentives and credits included in some offers - click the banner below for details:
Starwood Makes Landmark Entry in Bermuda with the St. Regis
Some bold planning from Starwood:
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 30, 2009-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the next stop on its global expedition with plans to open a new St. Regis hotel in Bermuda, marking the debut of Starwood and the St Regis brand on the exclusive island. Scheduled to open in 2013, The St. Regis Bermuda and The Residences at The St. Regis Bermuda will be located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Bermuda's picturesque seaside capital and bustling international business hub. The first major luxury hotel to open in downtown Hamilton in more than 50 years, The St. Regis Bermuda will feature approximately 140 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, approximately 80 exclusive, serviced residences, a Remede Spa, signature restaurant, a wine bar, library, and a rooftop conservatory. Owned by Par La Ville Hotel and Residences, Ltd., a partnership between Virginia-based Unified Resorts, Ltd. and New York-based Sagewood Investments, LLC, The St. Regis Bermuda will offer unparalleled luxury, highly personalized service and refined elegance at one of the world's best addresses.
Continue reading "Starwood Makes Landmark Entry in Bermuda with the St. Regis" »
Five Free Nights at Cap Juluca this September and October
Not sure what is behind this decision to stay open at Cap Juluca during the height of hurricane season, but it is an attractive offer:
Cap Juluca will Welcome Guests in
September and October for the First Time Ever!
To Celebrate, You Can Get Five Free Nights.
Now you can escape to one of the world's best beaches every day of the year whenever you want, as Cap Juluca is pleased to let you know we will remain open to vacationers this September and October. The decision to be open for guests continuously throughout the year was made by the resort's new ownership after completing a much acclaimed $22 million renovation. In prior years Cap Juluca was forced to close for resort-wide maintenance and repair in September and October, which is no longer necessary as a result of the resort's sweeping renovation.
Continue reading "Five Free Nights at Cap Juluca this September and October" »
New Junior Suites at Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe
Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort Upgrades to Greener Grandeur with New Junior Suites at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe
Fairfax, VA/Punta Cana, D.R. - In December 2008, the Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort completed a multi-million dollar renovation project that included the addition of 488 junior suites with amenities for greater luxury and "greener" sustainability. Together, the junior suites make up Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort's new Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, offering the best value in all-inclusive luxury travel in the Caribbean. New eco-friendly features also help ease travelers' minds as all junior suites include low consumption lights and LEDs, energy-conserving lighting and water control and flow-limiting faucets in both the sinks and showers.
Continue reading "New Junior Suites at Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe" »
Resort Introduces New Dive Package
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino cools off summer with its new Great Bay Diving Package. Guests channel Jacques Cousteau with on-site scuba training, multiple dives and even a shark sightseeing excursion!
Newcomers to diving are welcome too. Packages are valid for stays from April 13 - October 31, 2009. Offer must be booked by October 15, 2009.
"Ladies' Luck" Girlfriends Getaway Package
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino's new "Ladies Luck" package hands girlfriends the dice for an incredible Caribbean getaway. Offering room upgrades, all meals and drinks, quality time in the spa, late nights at the island's hottest nightclub and bets at the thrilling Casino Royale, this pampering package to St. Maarten is a steal at $155 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Valid for travel April 12 - December 15, 2009, with a minimum of three nights.
The Caribbean is more affordable than ever
At least that is what the Miami Herald is saying - due to price cutting and the strength of the dollar in euro zone islands:
South Floridians know that in the Caribbean, summer is always value season, with rates often 40 percent less than in winter. The news: This year, with the economy still soft, even islands typically beyond the budget are offering reasonable rates and free nights. Some are even throwing in deals on dining and activities.
More good news: In the last year the dollar has gained ground against the euro, the operative currency in St. Barths and St. Martin, so dollar-toting Americans will find prices almost 20 percent lower today than a year ago.
The article goes on to detail destinations and special offers - with lots of good links.
The Punta Cana Hotel Explosion
News from our friends at DR1:
The east coast of the DR continues to be the fastest growing area in the Caribbean, currently with 62 hotels and 31,500 rooms for 48% of the total lodging inventory in the DR, said Ernesto Veloz, president of the Punta Cana and Bavaro Tourism Cluster in his overview address to the Dominican Annual Travel Exchange (DATE) meeting held at the Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center in Punta Cana last week. Veloz spoke of several large hotel and residential complexes that are under construction, including the expansion of the Royal Catalonia, Westin Roco Ki, Bahia Principe Esmeralda, Punta Cana Village, Hacienda Punta Cana, expansion at the Palladium, and works at Iguana in Cap Cana. He predicted that the eastern coastline would have 51,000 hotel rooms by the end of this decade. Veloz said that this year they are seeing a 1% decline in travel compared to 2008, minimal at times when many destinations are seeing double-digitted declines.
Caribbean hotels slash rates, but travel firms get the benefit
This is a pretty amazing article from the Times UK - some Caribbean destinations are really struggling, and the region is more dependent on tourism than any in the world - yet the savings being passed on to tour operators are mostly being held in limbo by them as they play a waiting game as to whether to pass the savings on to consumers:
The price of hotel rooms in the Caribbean is in freefall, with hoteliers slashing upwards of 20% from the cost of a stay in a desperate bid to attract visitors. Bookings for breaks in the region have plummeted by as much as two-thirds against last year.
The hefty discounts should be great news for cash-strapped, sun-starved British families, but there's a problem: the hotels have negotiated the deals with tour operators, some of whom are still considering whether to pass on the saving to consumers.
At a private briefing to bankers, the holiday giant TUI, which owns Britain's biggest tour operators, Thomson and First Choice, said it felt no obligation to pass the savings on.
This is completely bogus, and these tour ops should be ashamed on themselves.
2 for 1 - Every Other Night Free at Cap Juluca
Wow - quite a special:
Twice as Nice at the New Cap Juluca
This spring we're offering a special package where we pay for every other night of your stay. Book two nights, we pay for one of those nights. Book four nights, we pay for two of those nights. Twice the sunsets. Twice the beauty. Twice the adventure. Enjoy more for less. This package is only available from March 14 - April 12, 2009.
To make a reservation please email us at capjuluca@capjuluca.com, call us at 264.497.6779 or contact your travel professional.
NISBET PLANTATION BEACH CLUB OFFERS RESORT CREDIT UP TO $500
NEVIS, West Indies -- 2009 represents the fifth consecutive year Nisbet Plantation is offering its always popular "Love is in the Air" promotion where guests receive up to $500 credit when vacationing at this intimate and romantic resort. This year Nisbet will add to the love by giving guests a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
Guests who stay seven nights at Nisbet Plantation receive a $500 credit upon checkout. For shorter stays, Nisbet offers savings as well. Stays of six nights save $400, and five nights, $300.
Continue reading "NISBET PLANTATION BEACH CLUB OFFERS RESORT CREDIT UP TO $500" »
FORT RECOVERY BVI 40th Year Anniversary Specials 2008 - 2009!
Fort Recovery is running some specials to celebrate their 40th anniversary - details here: FORT RECOVERY BVI 40th Year Anniversary Specials 2008 - 2009
For Bookings - ftrhotel@surfbvi.com
Toll Free: 1-800-367-8455
Local Phone: 1-284-495-4467
Caribbean Resorts Ready to Deal
The NY Times is reporting:
THE Caribbean is on sale. Beachfront rooms from $78 a night. All-inclusive vacations at 70 percent off. Five-night cruises for less than $250. These are just some of the deep discounts on offer as the islands attempt to attract penny-pinching travelers with cut rates and islandwide promotions amid the depressing economy.
Go read - lots of specific deals mentioned. This recession is going to hit pure tourism destinations hard.
Cheap Caribbean offering deep discounts
Cheap Caribbean is offering Hot Deals this winter to many top Caribbean destinations. Check out their deals page
for up to the minute offers on all your favorite Caribbean islands.
NISBET OFFERS STYLISH RETREAT FOR NCAA CINDERELLA BASKETBALL COACHES
NEVIS, West Indies -- Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, the Caribbean's only luxury plantation inn located directly on the beach, could certainly be called the Cinderella of the Caribbean. This luxury hotel has risen from being an old plantation to the best resort in all of the Caribbean and Latin America, according to TripAdvisor in 2008.
Continue reading "NISBET OFFERS STYLISH RETREAT FOR NCAA CINDERELLA BASKETBALL COACHES" »
Crane Village Barbados Development status
According to their website parts of the new Crane Village are scheduled to open next month:
The Crane Village- The exteriors of all buildings and exterior landscaping in the Village are now complete, with interior finishing ongoing. The retail stores will begin opening on a phased basis starting in February 2009. On completion this area will include D'Onofrio's Italian restaurant, The Village Cafe, The General Store, Tamarind Seed art gallery and craft store, Dingolay's resort wear boutique, Bar 1887, Ozone fitness centre with two spa treatment rooms, new reception and concierge area, The Town Hall conference centre and a 3,000 square foot duty free environ featuring jewelry, souvenirs, liquor and tobacco, managed by the Duty Free Caribbean Group (Cave Sheperd, Columbian Emeralds, Pages Bookstore, Ganzee souvenir shop).
Iberostar resort to open on Jamaica
From Travel Weekly:
The 293-room Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Jamaica is set to open on Jan. 16 after two earlier postponements.
The resort is the newest addition to Iberostar's Grand Collection, a luxury brand launched in 2007 with the opening of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso on Mexico's Riviera Maya.
The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall is the final component of Iberostar's three-property, all-inclusive beachfront complex in the Rose Hall section of Montego Bay. The first to open was the 366-room Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in May 2007, followed by the 273-room Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in October.
Malliouhana Hotel & Spa gets a new GM
Bart van Deventer, formerly of the Rendezvous Bay Hotel, is now the Resort Manager at The Malliouhana Hotel & Spa.
9 REASONS TO VISIT 9 BEACHES IN 2009
Bermuda's Only Ultra-Casual Resort Offers Bermuda's Best Resort Value
SANDYS, Bermuda -- 9 Beaches, Bermuda's only ultra-casual resort, provides the most spectacular seascapes from an eco-friendly setting with fabulous cuisine and water sports galore. Opening April 1 for its fifth year, 9 Beaches joins Bermuda in celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2009 and offers 9 reasons to visit:
1. Bermuda's Only Ultra-casual Resort
Yes, Bermuda is still a sophisticated and very civilized island, but guests at 9 Beaches can leave the formal attire at home. At 9 Beaches, flip-flops are fashionable and neither jackets nor ties are required. "The guest who loves 9 Beaches is not the typical Bermuda luxury seeker," says General Manager Robin Gilbert. "Everything we do is designed to appeal to beach lovers who just want to enjoy the spectacular setting, relax and have fun."
Barbados hotels ready - will anyone come?
Well the recession is real now and the global economic situation can no longer be ignored as it negatively affects the travel market. The Caribbean is for the most part a vacation destination - there isn't a lot of business travel to pick up the slack for the hotels, restaurants, and attractions if vacationers aren't coming. Travel Weekly has a story out about how the hotels in Barbados are ready - whether anyone comes or not:
Barbados' hotels are ready for a busy winter, if only the tourists would come.
Several of the island's existing properties have been spiffed up, expanded and upgraded. And some new properties will open early in 2009.
Coming up this month is the debut of the Coral Reef Club Spa at the 88-room Coral Reef Club on the west coast. Spa perks include Natura Bisse luxury products, individual treatment rooms with private gardens, an outdoor treatment pavilion for couples and a hydro pool.
The Crane Village, opening early next year at the Crane Resort & Residences on the east coast, is designed to be the heart of the resort community, with a new reception area, two restaurants, a bar, duty-free shops and boutiques and an art gallery.
These are trying times everywhere, but opening a new hotel in this climate has got to be hard to do - more here.
Travel & Leisure's Top 25 Hotels in The Caribbean
Travel & Leisure has their top 25 Hotels in The Caribbean poll out for this year and there has been quite a shake up from 2007, with a lot of new names in the list. Here is the top ten with their scores:
- One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas 89.29
- Four Seasons Resort, Charlestown, Nevis 88.05
- The Reefs, Southampton, Bermuda 87.08
- CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla 87.07
- Couples Swept Away, Negril, Jamaica 85.45
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands 85.44
- Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 85.23
- Couples Negril, Negril, Jamaica 85.17
- Parrot Cay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 84.55
- Cap Juluca, Anguilla 84.48
Jamaica and Anguilla both have two properties in the list - one of the largest and one of the smallest Caribbean Islands.
You can also find links and special deals for many of the hotels in this list on Extraordinary Caribbean Escapes.
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort Introduces Stimulus Package Getaway
I guess you know the recession is really here when hotels are running "Stimulus Package" promotions:
Resort Introduces Stimulus Package - $400 Airfare Credit
(November 6, 2008)
- Sonesta St. Maarten resorts now have their own brand of economic stimulus, offering guests up to $400 in airfare credit PER PERSON with the new "St. Maarten Stimulus" offer. Guests staying at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino from January 3 to April 11, 2009, who book their stays November 1 - November 30, 2008, can enjoy these major savings!The "St. Maarten Stimulus" promotion is designed to defray air travel costs for travelers looking for an affordable option to the Caribbean this season. The offer is available at double occupancy for both all-inclusive and room-only plans, in a variety of room categories.
More here.
Aruba Marriott finishing renovations
According to Travel Weekly the Aruba Marriott is finishing up their renovation in time for high season:
As the Caribbean's peak travel season fast approaches, the 411-room Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, the largest property on the island, wraps up its 16-month, $50- million, two-phase enhancement project that began in July 2007.
The renovation project included a makeover of all guest rooms, the launch of a Ruth's Chris Steak House to replace the former Tuscany Italian restaurant, the redesign of La Vista themed restaurant, an overhaul of the lobby and reception area and the creation of the 59-room Tradewinds Club on the resort's top floor.
I hope there is a high season this year - hotel news is particularly bad at the moment.
One reason to go the Caribbean this year
From the NY Times article on Caribbean travel - Anguilla:
1. Anguilla, already the home of famed upscale resorts like Cap Juluca and CuisinArt, gets yet another big-name player in April when the Kor Group, whose Viceroy brand has planted its flag in places like Palm Springs, South Beach and the Riviera Maya, officially opens the Viceroy Anguilla, (800-357-1930; www.viceroyanguilla.com). Accommodations include a 486-square-foot room with an ocean view and a private pool. Rooms start at $550 a night.
OUR LUCAYA RESORT LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE AND ONLINE PRESS ROOM
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, The Bahamas (October 20, 2008) - The Our Lucaya Resort on Grand Bahama Island, which includes both The Westin and Sheraton Our Lucaya properties, announces the launch of its new and improved Web site (http://www.ourlucaya.com) and online press room (http://press.ourlucaya.com).
The new site serves as a vibrant resource for prospective visitors, travel agents and meeting planners. With just a few clicks of a mouse, users can easily navigate the site's expanded features and newly tailored functions, including a user-friendlier format and vibrant, colorful photography.
Continue reading "OUR LUCAYA RESORT LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE AND ONLINE PRESS ROOM" »
Elite Island Resorts announces a big Caribbean sale
Wow:
CARIBBEAN GOES ON SALE THROUGH DECEMBER 2008
SAVE UP TO 40 PERCENT WITH ELITE ISLAND RESORTS' $299 Blow Out SALE
The all-inclusive nightly rate is valid for two adults per room and $60 per child per day. The Caribbean sale is valid for travel now through December 20, 2008 and requires a three night minimum stay., double occupancy.
"Now there are no excuses not to enjoy a real Caribbean vacation versus a 'staycation' this fall and winter. With Elite Island Resorts' $299 Blow Out Sale, the Caribbean is extremely affordable for both romantic and family vacations. And, for those wishing to upgrade, they can do so for the extremely reasonable price of $40 a night; now it might be less expensive to travel then it is to stay home!"
Award-winning Elite Island Resorts' $299 Blow Out Sale is available for the following six Caribbean resorts:
The iconic Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort*, which just debuted 12 new luxury Hibiscus Suites
The intimate Village Inn & Spa on scenic St. Lucia
The Verandah Resort & Spa - Antigua's new eco-friendly resort, St. James's Club & Villas, with its club like atmosphere and new scuba center on Antigua
Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas*, Tortola, popular with those who love to sail and dive
On Palm Island, a secluded private-island hideaway in The Grenadines (Note Rate is $399)
Sandy Lane Barbados reopens
Travel Weekly is reporting that Sandy Lane has reopened after an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation:
Sandy Lane's enhancements include new furnishings in guest rooms; restyled decor, menus, a new coffee bar and a climate-controlled area in the Bajan Blue restaurant; and a new sauna and boutique line from Paris in the 47,000-square-foot spa.
Hilton planning many new hotels in the Caribbean
Sort of seems against the current financial news tide - but Hilton is on record that they are planning to build a lot of new hotels in the Caribbean:
Hilton Hotels Corp. will quadruple its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America with 150 new hotels over the next five years, according to Steve Goldman, president of global development and real estate.
Hilton also has launched a new development structure, made up of six dedicated staff, to lead the efforts in its portfolio expansion and to help reach Hilton's stated goal of adding 1,000 hotels to its international portfolio in 10 years.
"Expanding our global platform is a strategic priority for Hilton. We are focusing on accelerating the growth of our international management and franchise business by securing strategic development agreements and employing resources in international markets," Goldman said.
Hilton currently has 51 hotels throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and 42 in the pipeline.
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BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT, ST. THOMAS, OFFERS 20% DISCOUNT OFF EP STAYS FOR USVI PARADISE JAM, NOV. 21-29, 2008
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (Sept. 24, 2008) -- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (http://www.bolongobay.com), located in St. Thomas, is offering a 20% discount off nightly rates for the resort's European Plan (EP) for all basketball fans coming to the destination Nov. 21-29, 2008, when St. Thomas hosts the 9th Annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam men's and women's tournaments, which are taking place Nov. 21-24, 2008 and Nov. 27 - 29, 2008 respectively at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Guests staying at Bolongo during the USVI Paradise Jam will enjoy accommodations in an ocean view room; a "discover scuba diving" in-pool lesson; and complimentary use of non-motorized watersports (snorkel gear, paddle boats, sunfish sailboats, windsurfing equipment, kayaks and much more).
Sonesta St. Maarten introduce Lucky Love Wedding Promotion
(September 2, 2008) -- 09/09/09 is the lucky date for couples heading to St. Maarten! Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino's Lucky Love package is an exclusive bonus for visiting couples with a marriage date of 09/09/09. In addition, couples holding their wedding at either resort on 09/09/09 can qualify for the ultimate wedding gift - a free honeymoon! And with the early announcement of the Sonesta St. Maarten Lucky Love offer, engaged couples have plenty of time to plan their celebration.
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