St. Maarten Named to Top 10 ‘Best Romantic Caribbean Island’ List

 

The romantic island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has been named in the Top 10 of the “Best Romantic Caribbean Island” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

The romantic island of St. Maarten/St. Martin (www.VacationStMaarten.com) has been named in the Top 10 of the “Best Romantic Caribbean Island” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The full list of winners can be seen here: http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-caribbean-island/St. Maarten/

Couples visiting St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoy a natural, picturesque backdrop of swaying palm trees, turquoise blue water and white-sand beaches. The destination offers countless activities and attractions for romantic outings including sunset catamaran cruises, horseback riding, beach-side couples massages, intimate meals and more.

Those wishing to get married in St. Maarten/St. Martin can engage the services of on-island wedding planners, who can assist with making the necessary arrangements for a ceremony, and caterers who can plan the perfect reception for the couple. Many of the destination’s hotels and resorts offer complete wedding packages inclusive of an abundance of special amenities for the big day.

St. Maarten/St. Martin is home to 37 square miles of breathtaking beaches and boasts numerous historical and romance-oriented attractions. During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities, while the capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a lovely city atmosphere, 14 world-class, Vegas-style casinos and many nightclubs that provide endless entertainment.

With the widest variety of dining experiences of any other island in the Caribbean, the Dutch nation of St. Maarten and the French overseas collectivity of St. Martin offer a wide range of  cuisines served in  365 restaurants – one for every day of the year.

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair.  As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.

Accommodations are varied and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spa resorts.  Air service is available to Princess Juliana International Airport from numerous U.S. and Canadian cities as well as from Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Find St. Maarten on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VacationStMaarten and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/StMaartenTravel.  For more information, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

 

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Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay Offers ‘Suite Spring Sale’

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica

Spring Break in Jamaica will be sweeter in 2015 for guests of the all-inclusive Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay thanks to a new Suite Spring Sale. Savings of up to 50% off published rates are available in KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites between February and April 2015:

 

KidSuites®				One-Bedroom Suites
Savings	Travel Dates	Rates		Savings	Travel Dates	Rates
35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$443		35%	Feb 1 – April 11, 2015	$508
50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$314		50%	April 12 – April 30, 2015	$364

*All rates based on single/double occupancy

“Spring Break in Jamaica is always great, but in one of our suites, the experience is that much more magical,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing & Sales. “Ultra spacious and more elegant than you might expect, our suites were fully-renovated recently to provide guests with an unmatched level of comfort for the money. Our new Suite Spring Sale makes an already great value even better.”

For families, the new KidSuites® are simply ideal. KidSuites® feature a unique room within a room concept, where kids and parents enjoy their own private space. Each unit features a partially separated sleep/play area for kids, with one set of bunk beds, cable TV with kid friendly channels, and play table or desk. The main sleeping area has a king bed, flat screen cable TV with premium movie channels, direct dial telephone with voice mail, coffee maker, in-room safe, AM/FM clock radio, hair dryer, refrigerator, iron and ironing board. KidSuites® are also ideally located on the ground floor adjacent to the resort’s award-winning KidSpree Vacation Club.

One-bedroom suites offer the ultimate in comfort and refinement for guests of the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay. Each of these ultra-spacious penthouse accommodations features a completely separate living area, full ocean view, private whirlpool, vaulted ceilings, dark wood accents, fine décor, flat screen TV with premium movie and sports channels, work desk, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, AM/FM clock radio, coffee maker, refrigerator, an in-room safe, and enough room to comfortably sleep up to five persons.

The Suite Spring Sale is valid on bookings made by April 29, 2015 for resort stays enjoyed between February 1 and April 30, 2015. There are no blackout dates and a minimum night stay of three nights is required for resort stays taking place February 12 – 17, 2015, as well as March 30 – April 5, 2015.

Savings apply to KidSuites® and One-Bedroom Suites room categories and include unlimited meals, snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, resort amenities (tennis, mini golf, fitness center, etc.), taxes, gratuities, and free nightly shuttle service to Margaritaville in the heart of Montego Bay’s nightlife center, The Hip Strip.

As an added value, free Wifi Internet service is accessible in all rooms and suites at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego, and all kids 12 and under stay, play and eat free when sharing accommodations with parents.

Group bookings are ineligible and revisions on current bookings are not permitted. Savings of up to 50% cannot be combined with any other promotion or consumer savings and can be withdrawn at any time.

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay is a 518-room full-service resort which combines the strength of the world’s most-trusted hotel brand with authentic Jamaican hospitality. Distinguished as the only 100% all-inclusive Holiday Inn*, the property helps travelers stretch their vacation dollars to new heights, offering a series of complimentary special programs benefiting families (KidSpree) and seniors (GoldenSpree). Those wishing to tie the knot can even take advantage of the Free Caribbean Wedding program (conditions apply). The resort continues to upgrade its facilities and amenities to better serve the modern traveler.  New room categories – Junior Suites for added elegance, and KidSuites® for more family fun – together with exciting dining options at the just-opened Kenko Teppanyaki Restaurant, upgraded rooms and common areas add a refreshed feel to the property, even for the most frequent of repeat guests. Additional amenities, such as the boutique Sol-Mer Spa & Salon, five restaurants/grill, four bars, two pools, tennis, mini golf, half-mile of pristine white sand beach and boardwalk, “Tek-it-Easy” private island, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, electronic casino, and more, affirm that the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay truly offers something for everyone.

 

For Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay reservations, visit www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica, or call 1-888-288-6006.
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Mango Bay Hotels Gear Up for Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival

The Mango Bay Hotel Group properties, Mango Bay Hotel and Island Inn Hotel welcome attendees of the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, taking place Nov. 20-23.

The Mango Bay Hotel Group properties, Mango Bay Hotel (www.MangoBayBarbados.com) and Island Inn Hotel (www.IslandInnBarbados.com), welcome attendees of the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, taking place Nov. 20-23.

This year’s edition of the annual festival will gather culinary superstars including celebrity chefs Tyler Florence, Marcus Samuelsson, Ann Burrell and Ed Baines to offer residents and visitors to the island the very best in food, wine, rum and culture.  For more information on the festival, visit www.FoodWineRum.com.

Mango Bay, located in the Holetown area on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, is a short walk from the posh Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. Here vacationers can shop till they drop at global luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Cartier.

The 76-room beachfront resort is known for its casual sophistication and all-inclusive value, an ideal tropical retreat.

A Mango Bay all-inclusive vacation provides hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including glasses of wine, use of the on-site gym, and nightly entertainment. Water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, pedal boats, a glass bottom boat ride and a catamaran trip to snorkel with the turtles are also included. Mango Bay is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2014 with discounted rates starting at $384 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, on an all-inclusive basis when booked directly.

For more information on Mango Bay, call (246) 432-1384, email reservations@mangobaybarbados.comor visit www.MangoBayBarbados.com.

The quaint, 24-room Island Inn Hotel is the perfect setting for a tropical vacation steeped with a rich, historic past, situated just footsteps from beautiful Carlisle Bay, less than one mile from the centre of Bridgetown and conveniently located near the UNESCO world heritage site in the Garrison Historic Area of Barbados, which also boasts numerous shops and nightlife options. The property amazes guests with its local past and chic décor.

An Island Inn Hotel all-inclusive vacation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and all beverages (except specialty wines, champagne and bottled water) as well as in-pool scuba lessons. Rates start at US$350 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.

For more information on the Island Inn Hotel, call (246) 436-6393; email bookings@islandinnbarbados.com or visit www.IslandInnBarbados.com.

 

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St. Maarten Resorts Entice Fall Getaway Travelers with Discounted Rates, Incentives

St Maarten resorts and hotels are providing discounts up to 40% off standard rates, along with other travel incentives and activities for fall getaways.

The lively and picturesque island of St. Maarten (www.VacationStMaarten.com) is enticing travelers to fall getaways with resorts and hotels providing discounts up to 40% off standard rates, along with other travel incentives and activities.

Mary’s Boon Beach Resort is offering travelers two special packages for those interested in visiting the friendly island this September. Guests who book three nights in a garden or beachfront studio will receive a fourth night free, starting from just $342 including tax and service charges. Those wanting to stay a full week in St. Maarten can book the seven-night package, with guests only responsible for the cost of five nights. The seven-night special is available for garden, beachfront and deluxe beachfront studios and starts at $570 inclusive of taxes and service charges. These fall specials include a 15% discount on additional nights, free welcome fruit/rum punch and free Wi-Fi. The specials are valid for travel through Sept. 30, 2014. To book, e-mail info@marysboon.com or call (800) 497-5834.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort is luring travelers with a variety of discounted rates throughout the fall season. Guests will enjoy 40% off standard rates when traveling through Sept. 30, 2014, 20% on travel Oct. 1 – 31, 2014 and 10% off travel Nov. 1 – Dec. 19, 2014. Oyster Bay Beach Resort is perched on a coral reef overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Oyster Pond Marina, and provides breathtaking ocean views, a white sandy beach and countless amenities.  For reservations, visit www.OysterBayBeachResort.com, call (866) 978-0212 or email reservations@obbr.com.

Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel is providing vacationers with a free rental car when booking directly with the hotel from Aug. 30, 2014 for reservations through Dec. 18, 2014. Princess Heights is located in a quiet and exclusive neighborhood with a multitude of activities including watersports, spas, casinos and restaurants only a few minutes away. Rates start at $139 per room, per night. Visit www.PrincessHeights.com, call (800) 881-1744 or e-mail info@princessheights.com to book.

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort Casino & Spa is affording travelers extra value with its Fall Into Savings special, offering a fourth night free plus $300 in resort credits for travel through Dec. 18, 2014, when booked by Sept. 30, 2014.  Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is a serene Caribbean haven and St. Maarten’s premier, limitless all-inclusive, adults-only resort. To book the Fall Into Savings special, visit www.Sonesta.com/GreatBay.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is also offering vacationers a Fall Into Savings special, providing a third night free, plus $200 in resort credits for travel through Dec. 18, 2014 on reservations booked by Sept. 30, 2014. This all-inclusive St. Maarten resort is a spectacular destination within a destination, offering endless activities for travelers’ enjoyment and relaxation. To book this deal, visit www.Sonesta.com/MahoBeach.

Brand new to the island this fall, Sonesta Oceant Point Resort is celebrating its soft opening with 35% off standard rates, plus a tour to St. Barth’s, on reservations seven-nights or longer. This special is valid for travel Nov. 1, 2014 – Dec. 24, 2015 and must be booked by Oct. 31, 2014. To be one of the first to experience this new property, visit www.Sonesta.com/OceanPoint.

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa is affording guests with discounted rates when booking two nights or more. For every night travelers pay the standard rate, they receive 40% off the next night. The property features 310 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 15 suites, with two restaurants, a lobby bar and swim-up bar, a poolside deli, a full-service European-style spa, fitness studio, casino, retail shops and a beachfront watersports shop. The Westin is the only major resort in the Caribbean to install and utilize solar panels to replace its energy consumption. This special offer is valid for travel through Dec. 31, 2014. For reservations, visit www.westinstmaarten.com or call (866) 716-8108 and mention rate plan ZB4.

For more information on St. Maarten, visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

Two Nations, Multi-Cultural

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair.  As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island’s 37 square miles has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions.  During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities.  The capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment.

Accommodations are varied and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spa resorts.  Air service is available to Princess Juliana International Airport from numerous U.S. and Canadian cities as well as from Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Find St. Maarten on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VacationStMaarten and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/StMaartenTravel.  For more information, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

 

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Atlantic City’s Free July 4 Fireworks Spectacular Moved to Sunday, July 6 at 9:30 pm

Atlantic City’s free 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular show scheduled for this Friday will be moved to Sunday, July 6^th at 9:30pm.

“While Hurricane Arthur is predicted to be far off shore Friday night, the effects on the ocean waves and the accompanying wind would hinder our fireworks show from reaching its full potential that night, and possibly create a safety hazard.  So we decided to move our fireworks show back to Sunday, July 6^th at 9:30pm,” Mayor Guardian said.

“In addition, we wanted to give residents and tourists an opportunity to end their 4^th of July holiday weekend with a ‘bang’.  We figured having the biggest fireworks show on the Jersey Shore on a Sunday night would be a perfect way to end the weekend.

So for those who are coming to Atlantic City this weekend, you won’t be disappointed.  The weather for both Saturday and Sunday looks terrific.  According to the Weather Channel, both Saturday and Sunday are forecasted to be completely sunny, with temperatures in the low 80s, and having a zero percent chance of rain.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  I will see you out on Atlantic City’s beaches, boardwalk, and Marina District!”

The “Sky Concert^tm” was created by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, and is presented by the Atlantic City Alliance.  Song selections were chosen “by the people” from a contest that was held by the Atlantic City Alliance.  Viewing locations will be near the Steel Pier, the Pier Shops at Caesars, and in the Marina District.  The program will begin at 9:30pm, and will include 10,000 fireworks shells and effects.  In the final 30 seconds alone, more than 1,000 shells will be fired.”

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Sand Sculpting World Cup Competition Convenes in Atlantic City, NJ Thru July 6

 

Matt Long gives a demonstration on competitive sand sculpting at Atlantic City, New Jersey’s booth at the recent New York Times Travel Show. The DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup is on now through July 6 © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Ever wonder what 20 of the world’s greatest sand sculptors can do with 500 tons of sand? The skillful art of sand sculpting has returned to its Atlantic City roots this summer as the multi-week DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup hits the free beach again with more action, world-class sculptors and a new location.

This year’s sand-sculpting event starts at noon on Thursday, June 19, and runs through the July 4^th holiday weekend to Sunday, July 6. The viewing hours on the beach have been extended this year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the competition.

The DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup event is free and open to the public and the sand art will remain on display through July 6.

Throughout the middle of June, the most noted sand-sculpting artists on the planet will be on Atlantic City’s Pennsylvania Avenue beach, adjacent to the famed Steel Pier and the Landshark Bar & Grill, crafting their masterpieces. The award ceremony — during which the final sculptures will be on display — is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

Sand sculpting returned to its Atlantic City roots in a big way in 2013 with more than 130,000 people coming to Atlantic City see the sand sculpting competition. This year’s DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup is looking to be the biggest event of its kind ever, with more talent, the biggest prize purse in the history of sand-sculpting, and the first-ever McCord Cup, named after famous sand-sculpting pioneer Philip McCord — who practiced his art, starting in the late 1890s, at the same Atlantic City beach where the competition is taking place this year —on the line.

The top 20 sculptors from around the world, recruited by event director and professional sand carver, Atlantic City’s John Gowdy, will come together on the beach at noon on June 19 to dig in and begin drawing and carving their lines in the sand. Gowdy has also secured a panel of the very best judges for this year’s competition.

This year’s event will include 500 tons of sand. This allows the artists to build higher and more detailed pieces. There are no agents used in the mixing of the sand during the work. It’s not until the sculpture is completed that a mix of biodegradable solution and water is sprayed on to provide a thin coating that helps the art stand up to the weather.

There will be categories for both Solo and Doubles carving. The Solo competitors will be actively carving 20 sculptures from June 19-22. The Doubles teams will be carving a total of 10 sculptures from June 24-27.

A demo sand sculpture created by Gowdy will be on display throughout the duration of the event and will be visible from the Boardwalk.

Also new this year, Cheekoting, a game of racing plastic marble-like balls on a sand course that developed on Italy’s lively beaches after World War II will be played on site at the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup. This will be the first time the game has been played before the public in the U.S. The course is like a mini-golf course built in sand, with hills, valleys and tunnels. Competitors will flick their plastic marbles along a very long and winding track approximately 1-foot wide, with banked sides so the balls doesn’t leave the track. The game will played on the World Cup site, near the Landshark Bar & Grill at Resorts.

To read more about this year’s event, the competitors, the history of sand sculpting in Atlantic City and for photos and video from last year’s event, visit doatlanticcity.com. 

From sandals to stilettos and foie gras to funnel cakes, Atlantic City offers something for everyone. Enjoy world-class entertainment, dining, shopping, casino gaming, relaxing on the beach and strolling the historic Boardwalk in the city created to escape the city. For more information visit www.doatlanticcity.com or:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/DOAtlanticCity

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/VisitAC

YouTube – http://www.YouTube.com/DOAC

Foursquare – http://www.foursquare.com/VisitAC

Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/DOAC

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/DOAtlanticCity

Twitter for Media Only – http://www.twitter.com/VisitACpress

 

 

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The Wildwoods Named #1 Boardwalk in the USA for 2014

The Wildwoods’ world-famous boardwalk in New Jersey was named the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com for the third year in a row.

The Wildwoods’ world-famous boardwalk was once again named the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com.

This is the third year in a row that the Wildwoods have appeared in the #1 spot on this list, having been named #1 Beach Boardwalk in 2012 and 2013 as well.

The website, in reference to the Wildwoods Boardwalk, said, “We keep (the) Wildwoods on our list of favorite boardwalks because it’s just so family-friendly and our kids love it!” They went on to say that with “more than 100 rides and attractions available, as well as shopping and dining along the 2-mile boardwalk – what’s not to love?”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized year after year as the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation,” said John Siciliano, executive director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA). “We owe this recognition to the hard work and determination of the hundreds of small business owners who bring their vision and innovation to the myriad of shops, attractions, arcades, games and eateries that together make the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk second to none. And we also owe our gratitude to the millions of families that come to enjoy all we have to offer—from the boardwalk and beach, to the great events, shopping, eateries and dining. Everyone at this destination works tirelessly in making the Wildwoods one of the country’s most popular family vacation destinations, and we are grateful that our work is paying off for our visitors.”

The Wildwoods’ Morey’s Amusement Piers were named in 2014 among the Top 10 Piers by Coastal Living Magazine. In 2013 the Wildwoods were also recognized as one of the Most Awesome Boardwalks in America by BudgetTravel.com; as the Favorite Shore Town by Delaware County Daily Times readers; as the Favorite Beach and Boardwalk by NJ.com readers; the Top Family-Friendly Beach Town by NerdWallet.com; and as One of America’s Top 10 U.S. Tourist Towns by families voting in FamilyFun magazine.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

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Spice Island Beach Resort Valentine’s Day Offer: 1 Free Night for 7 Nights Stay from May 1-Oct 31

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada , has extended its Valentine’s Day offer, which includes the seventh night free with weeklong bookings made through Jan. 31, 2014 for travel between May 1 – Oct.

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com), the #1 rated resort in the Caribbean based on TripAdvisor reviews, has extended its Valentine’s Day offer, which includes the seventh night free with weeklong bookings made through Jan. 31, 2014 for travel between May 1 – Oct. 31, 2014. Couples can bask in their love over dinner for two on the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach, enjoy a complimentary couples massage and a romantic sunset cruise.

Tucked away on pristine shorelines just 10 minutes from the airport, Spice Island Beach Resort is surrounded by immaculate tropical gardens and offers a world-class spa featuring treatments using local herbs and spices. The resort also offers an unmatched culinary program serving seven-course dinners ranging from diet-friendly to decadent.

Spice Island Beach Resort offers several suite categories including garden, beachfront and private pool suites. All suites are air conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including a large whirlpool, LCD flat panel televisions with cable, dvd player and iPod docking station, the softest Italian Frette bathrobes and linen, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, CD player/clock radio, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony. Several suites feature a private pool.

The resort recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation project which included a redesigned courtyard, reception area, residence lounge, restaurants and guest rooms, in addition to an extensive upgrade and expansion to the property’s full-service Janissa’s Spa.

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Program and Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection.

Click on http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com/imagelibrary for pictures of the property.  Visit http://www.spicebeachresort.com/VirtualTours.htm for a virtual tour.

For more information, contact Spice Island Beach Resort toll-free at 1-800-501-8603, tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

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Spice Island Beach Resort, Granada, Has “Child Stay Free” Deal Through Dec 15

Spice Island Beach Resort has a “child stay free” deal valid through Dec. 15.

Spice Island Beach Resort (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com), the luxury Grenada property just recognized as the #1 rated hotel in the Caribbean according to TripAdvisor reviewers, is offering a “child stay free” offer. One child 5 – 11 years of age can stay free in one of the resort’s charming Oleanander or luxury beachfront Sea Grape Suites (Sea Grape Suites pictured right) – a savings of $230 each per night. This promotion is valid now through Dec. 15, 2013 and can be combined with other offers.

Spice Island Beach Resort appeals to discerning affluent travelers with its reputation for service, luxury beachfront and private pool suites, inventive spa treatments incorporating local spices and ingredients, and an unmatched culinary program featuring seven-course dinners which range from diet-friendly to decadent.

When parents need some alone time, kids are well taken care of at the Nutmeg Pod, a supervised children’s program with complimentary enrollment for children ages three – 12 (children must be toilet-trained). A weekly schedule of organized activities is available to keep children entertained daily from 9 am – 5 pm, and includes arts and crafts, board games and more.

The Nutmeg Pod features a Nintendo Wii, a movie viewing area, the Nutmeg library and Sleepy Hollow, a place for resting and recharging between activities. A colourful mural created by local Grenadian artist Nadine Baksh tells the story of an Enchanted Spice Forest with local indigenous characters such as Manny the Manicou and the Nutmeg Princess.

When it is time to reluctantly depart, as a last rite, children are encouraged to dip their hand in a colorful paint and leave their handprint on the wall with their name and age. When they return on their next family vacation, they are eager to revisit the place they literally left their mark.

Guests staying at the resort from now through Dec. 15, 2013 can enjoy all-inclusive nightly rates as low as $946 per room, based on two people sharing an Oleander Garden Suite.

For the ultimate in casual elegance, vacationers can choose one of Spice Island Beach Resort’s signature Sea Grape Suites (pictured right) which open up directly onto magnificent Grand Anse Beach just steps away from the sparkling Caribbean Sea from $1,146 per room, double occupancy.

All suites are air-conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including a large whirlpool, LCD flat panel televisions with cable, dvd player and iPod docking station, the softest and smoothest Italian Frette bathrobes and linens, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, CD player/clock radio, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony. Several suites feature a private pool.

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a proud member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Program and Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection.

To book directly, contact Spice Island Beach Resort toll-free at 1-800-501-8603, tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

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Moon Dance Cliffs Resort, Negril, Offers Romantic Escape for Holiday Season

Not sure what to give your beloved this holiday season?  How about the gift of a romantic escape to Moon Dance Cliffs Hotel & Spa, an intimate seaside resort perched on the dramatically beautiful, westernmost edge of Jamaica.  Book now and take advantage the resort’s Holiday Specials offering up to 30% off nightly rates.

From December 22, 2012 through January 2, 2013, stay four 4 – 6 nights and receive 20% off Moon Dance Cliffs nightly rates.  Stay 7 nights and enjoy even deeper savings with 30% off its nightly rates.

Negril’s newest luxury resort, Moon Dance Cliffs features spectacular oceanview accommodations, luxurious amenities and a secluded, unique setting on the picturesque cliffs of Negril. Moon Dance Cliffs offers something for everyone—from the more active couples who want to join hands and cliff jump and snorkel off the resort’s shore to more laid-back lovebirds who would rather soak up the sun and then watch it slip behind the watery horizon together. The resort joins its sister property, the acclaimed Moon Dance Villas, located up the coast of Negril on a private stretch of famed Seven Mile Beach.

Upon arrival at Moon Dance Cliffs, our warm, attentive staff greets you with traditional Jamaican rum punch as you take in the sweeping seascape in our open air lobby — waves rising up to meet the captivating coastline — before settling in for your unforgettable stay at Jamaica’s hidden gem. Moon Dance Cliffs offers a superb selection of luxurious accommodations allowing you to relax and enjoy your idyllic home away from home as you celebrate the season.  These include 480- to 1,200 square-foot rooms and suites, along with 1-, 4- and 5-bedroom private, poolside villas – all with amazing Caribbean views.

Look and feel beautiful after a visit to Moon Dance Cliff’s Kamala Spa and Salon, where you can enjoy the resort’s signature Kamala Caress couples massage as the warm tropical breeze and rhythmic waves soothe your soul.   Eat, drink and be merry at Moon Dance Cliff’s poolside/swim-up sports bar or Annie’s restaurant, located next to the cliffs overlooking the ocean.  All-inclusive dining options are available, as are some of Negril’s best restaurants just a short walk away. For couples wanting an unforgettable romantic experience, staff can arrange a private, candlelit dinner in an intimate, Cliffside cave or gazebo.

“Moon Dance Cliffs is easily one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean,” said resort owner Randy McKay.  “The amazing views, lush gardens, secluded location and attentive staff that anticipates every need, while also ensuring your privacy, makes it a great place to get away from it all and just enjoy each other.”

For more information about Moon Dance Villas and Moon Dance Cliffs, visit http://www.moondanceresorts.com or call 1-800-621-1120.

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