Destination Resorts Give Warm Welcome from Winter Chill

Resort destinations like the Zemi Beach House, Anguilla, give a warm welcome to those who want to escape winter’s chill (Photo Credit: Zemi Beach House)

Looking for a warm weather destination resort? From Belize to Anguilla, and all the way to Dubai, we’ve rounded up several of the top destinations to escape winter’s chill:

Destinations for Families:

Mayakoba, MX – Banyan Tree Mayakoba

At Riviera Maya’s most exclusive five-star, all-villa eco resort, families looking to spend the winter vacation under the warm Mexican sunshine would be delighted to book one of Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s two room categories specifically constructed for families looking to spread their wings. Choose from either a Three Bedroom Family Residence or a Beachfront Three-Bedroom Pool Villa, each sleeping up to 6 with over 2700 square feet of space, a private plunge pool, hammocks and separate living room. Families staying on property will also have access to an array of innovative, experiential programs aimed at sustainability, wellbeing and stewardship – pillars that are innate to the Banyan Tree brand, including: Garden-Haab, an educational greenhouse experience where guests can learn about sustainable processes used on property to protect the local flora of Mayakoba, guided bike rides through nature trails to explore cenotes and learn about local fauna, Turtle Release experiences where you can release baby turtles and ensure they reach the sea safely, culinary classes ranging from Thai Spices and Mexican Cooking to Italian Favorites and Pastries, Jim McClean Golf School where families can take private golf classes in the first pure performance golf lab in the country, or learn how to make your notebook from scratch with the Recycling Paper Workshop. A newly renovated Kid’s Club is also available for those little ones looking for a safe sanctuary to do remote learning or have fun beachside.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai is the ultimate over-the-top destination ideal for family members of all ages! From Dubai’s famous Aquaventure waterpark with experiences such as near-vertical drop slides, sea lion cuddling, and an aquarium with 65,000 marine animals, to Atlantis’s Michelin-star restaurants such as Nobu and Hakkasan – the options are endless for families.. In addition to world-class dining and bucket-list experiences, Atlantis is home to some of the best nightlife and entertainment in the Middle East. For adults who want to escape the youngsters for a bit, guests can take advantage of Atlantis’s Kids club and 24-hour nanny services to enjoy all that Atlantis has to offer during the holiday season!

Altamer Resort, Anguilla

Altamer Resort is Anguilla’s hidden gem consisting of three private villas ideal for families. In addition to the Antilles Pearl (sleeps up to 10 guests), the Petit Topaz (sleeps up to 4), Altamer is days away from reopening the Blue Diamond Villa, a 13,000 square-foot villa sleeping up to 12 guests. Guests of Altamer can enjoy their own private beach, a butler and chef upon request, boat day charters, tennis lessons, yoga lessons and much more – the perfect destination for a private, secluded holiday.

Alaia Belize – San Pedro, Belize

Situated in the idyllic and historic town of San Pedro, Alaia Belize operates as the first true four diamond resort on Ambergris Caye. The beachfront hotel sits just 600 meters from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and featuring a piano bar, live art gallery, wine club, three restaurants, four bars, an onsite dive shop, a kid’s club, three pools including Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge with 360-degree views. Alaia Belize allows hotel guests and residential owners to intimately connect with their surroundings as it was designed to stimulate all five senses. With interiors curated by renowned Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar, the boutique resort is meant to invite guests to touch, stay and feel connected to Mother Nature, from the warm and harmonious ambiance, woven textures, natural fibers and touches of greenery. The design-forward hotel features 155 guest rooms and suites, ranging from studios to three bedrooms, with a natural color scheme to complement the stunning oceanfront views. Seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor settings, the rooms offer an average of 1,200 square feet indoors and almost 900 square feet in open air, per unit. 

Offer timeframe: The offer is available to book now for stays through November 2022. 

For Solo Travelers:

Picocanoa Rodavento – Veracruz, Mexico

Picocanoa Rodavento, an eco-lodge in Veracruz, Mexico, offers a one-of-a-kind warm weather escape for an adventurous holiday trip where thrill seekers can explore the surrounding jungle-clad hills by whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing and even zipping across the canyon and colorful treetops. Visitors can also relax and unwind as the glamping site offers traditional wellness treatments, including a traditional Mayan temazcal prehispanico steam bath, as well as an outdoor pool and bar surrounded by lush greenery, a campfire for enjoying traditional batucada drum parties and safari tents and cabins that travelers can book for $98/night on outdoor accommodation website Pitchup.com.

For Couples:

Zemi Beach House, Anguilla

Hugging the crystal waters and perched atop the powder white Shoal Bay Beach, Zemi Beach House is Anguilla’s award-winning luxury boutique hotel. Arrive in style by private plane or sea shuttle from St. Maarten and soak up all that Zemi has to offer—from the one-of-a-kind Thai House Spa to the unique pools and cabanas, to the variety of watersports and beachfront activities. Experience toes-in-the-sand dining with a special curated menu of Caribbean-style cuisine and visit the Rhummelier who will guide you through a sampling of high-end rhums in the chic Rhum Room – a truly unique place to end off the year just right.

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Club Med Launches ‘Fall Into Savings’ Sale, Extends Ski Getaways Sale With Up To 45% Off All-Inclusive Escapes

Book an all-inclusive ski vacation at Club Med’s first resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec (opening December 3, 2021), with rates up to 45% off thanks to Club Med’s extended Ski Getaways Sale.

Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive resort concept, invites families, couples, and solo travelers to take advantage of up to 45% off all-inclusive escapes, plus perks, at Club Med’s top mountain and beach resorts from Canada and Florida to Mexico and the Caribbean. From now through November 2, 2021, Club Med guests can Fall into Savings when traveling to their favorite Club Med beach-side resorts from September 4 to May 6, 2022. Guests looking to book their next ski escape can take advantage of the extended Ski Getaways Sale when booking now through October 18, 2021 for travel to Canada through April 10, 2022 and the Alps for travel through April 30, 2022.

Whether looking to lounge in the sun or partake in over 25 land and water sports, travelers can capitalize on Club Med’s Fall into Savings Sale and enjoy up to 45% off, plus added incentives such as free room upgrades and no single supplements at Club Med’s all-inclusive beach resorts in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Kids under 16 can receive up to 50% off stays while kids under 4 can stay for free at Club Med’s family favorite resorts, including the eco-chic, five-star, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, the first and only resort in the undiscovered region of Miches, Dominican Republic, featuring four distinct boutique villages (resorts within the resort), unlimited refined culinary options, and family-friendly activities such as flying trapeze, movies under the stars, and discovering the Secret Chocolate Room – a speakeasy ensuring fun for the whole family.  

Those who prefer snow over sand will find all-inclusive mountain escapes with Club Med are more luxurious and offer significantly lower prices than a do-it-yourself ski vacation. Travelers can book an all-inclusive ski vacation at Club Med’s first resort in Canada, Club Med Québec (opening December 3, 2021), with rates up to 45% off thanks to Club Med’s extended Ski Getaways Sale. A Club Med mountain vacation includes accommodations, lift tickets, group ski and snowboard lessons, all-day dining, après-ski activities, and ski-in, ski-out access to ensure peace of mind when conquering the slopes. Guests over age eleven can elevate their ski experience through Club Med Québec’s all new Ski Workshops, a curated program that aims to enhance guests’ ski and snowboard skills while exploring the wonderous ski domains of Le Massif de Charlevoix.

Club Med’s spacious low-density resorts are surrounded by nature, spread across 50 acres, and operate at a limited capacity. Paired with Club Med’s enhanced safety and hygiene protocols, free onsite antigen testing, and flexible policies, guests will enjoy total peace of mind and the freedom to unwind while creating cherished memories together. Guests will also enjoy unlimited culinary options on single plated dishes, premium accommodations, and activities for all interests – from skiing and snowboarding to standup paddle boarding and snorkeling – and families will particularly enjoy Club Med’s Amazing Family program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities designed to help families reconnect and experience a greater sense of reunion.

For full details on the Fall into Savings Sale, visit https://www.clubmed.us/o/best-all-inclusive-vacation-deals.

For full details on the Ski Getaways Sale, visit https://www.clubmed.us/o/early-booking-ski.

Fall into Savings Sale

• Up to 45% off* all-inclusive escapes at participating Club Med resorts in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico
• Booking window: Today through November 2, 2021
• Travel window: Select dates from September 4, 2021 – May 6, 2022 (blackout dates apply)
• 45% off* plus perks:
  • Free room upgrade
  • Kids under 4 stay free
  • No single supplement
  • Free Antigen testing
  • Flexible Cancellations^

Ski Getaways Sale

• Up to 45% off* all-inclusive ski packages to Canada & the Alps
• Booking window: Today through October 18, 2021
• Travel window:
  • Club Med Québec: Select dates through April 10, 2022
  • Club Med’s Alpine Ski Resorts: Select dates through April 30, 2022
• Perks include:
  • Lift tickets
  • Ski/snowboard group lessons
  • Kids under 4 stay free
  • Flexible Cancellations^

Participating Club Med Resorts
Travelers looking for opportunities to reconnect and create cherished memories with their families and loved ones on their next vacation will find that peace of mind is a destination at several Club Med resorts, including:

• Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic: The first and only operating resort in the undiscovered region of Miches – and Club Med’s only Exclusive Collection (5 Star) resort in North America – offers a luxury experience wrapped in an all-inclusive vacation. The eco-chic resort features four boutique villages specializing in wellness, adventure, kid-friendly, and adults-only concepts, catering to an array of travelers seeking a boutique hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Enjoy unlimited refined culinary options, Zen moments with treatments at the on-site Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes, yoga in the Tree Top Wellness Canopy, and relaxation at the naturally-filtered Zen pool, and also Must-Try Experiences for families from learning how to plant and compost ingredients at the on-site community garden to the Boho chic Sunset Ritual, the perfect way to end the day in paradise. Families can also satisfy their sweet tooth when discovering a Secret Chocolate Room – a first-of-its-kind kid’s speakeasy featuring unlimited sweets crafted with locally-sourced cocoa (and adults can get in on the fun, too!).
   
• Club Med Québec, Canada: Opening December 3, 2021. The four-season, all-inclusive mountain resort will be Club Med’s first in Canada, just an hour and a half away from Québec City in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region. With over 300 rooms spread across 300+ acres, the family-friendly resort will feature locally inspired culinary experiences, a private Exclusive Collection (5 Star) space, sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains, and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access on the biggest vertical slope east of the Rockies. Families can enjoy year-round activities, including skiing, biking, and hiking, as well as activities traditional to the region like ice skating and dog sledding. For added Zen, the resort offers an expansive wellness area with a 25-yard heated pool overlooking the river, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a variety of à la carte wellness experiences inspired by Nordic spas.
    
• Club Med Cancún, Mexico: An ideal location for families looking for some much-needed R&R, the only resort in Cancún with three private beachfronts, offers families a variety of opportunities to reconnect. Enjoy exhilarating land and water activities, from wind surfing and snorkeling to flying trapeze and archery, before partaking in outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming. Relax in the refreshed Aguamarina family oasis area, which features spacious two-bedroom oceanfront family rooms and a dedicated family pool, before kids head off to their respective kids’ club while adults enjoy treatments at the newly renovated Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE. For added exclusivity, guests can book an ocean view suite located in the resort’s Exclusive Collection (5 Star) space. Families looking for an added sense of adventure can explore the Mayan ruins at Chichén-Itzá (at an additional cost) or discover life under the sea by snorkeling through the world’s second-largest coral reef surrounding the resort with Club Med’s all-inclusive water sport activities.
   
• Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: On a 2,000-foot stretch of beach, Club Med Punta Cana caters to solo travelers, couples, and families alike with unlimited land and water sports, from golfing on an oceanfront PGA green to learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow at archery school. Adults can indulge in treatments at the Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE or relax in the adult-exclusive Zen Oasis area, where intimate cabanas, an oversized pool and dedicated Zen Beach await. Families can partake in the new Club Med Amazing Family program, featuring a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and create memories, like Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, an interactive playground with more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities for guests of all ages.
   
• Club Med La Rosière, France: From its perch at 1,950 meters above sea level overlooking the entire Tarentaise Valley, Club Med’s newest resort in the Alps features sweeping 180-degree mountain views and 395 spacious rooms emanating the cozy atmosphere of a refined alpine Chalet. The resort also offers a variety of accommodation styles catered to all travelers, including some interconnecting rooms for larger groups and some rooms offering private balconies. Guests can enjoy a variety of locally inspired culinary experiences, daily entertainment, and unlimited daily activities like skiing, snowboarding, Nordic walking, and yoga workshops.

Additional participating resorts include Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Port St. Lucie, Florida, Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean, Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean, Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos, Club Med Valmorel, France, Club Med Val Thorens, France, and Club Med Peisey-Vallandry, France.

Flexible Policies
To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med also offers:

• Flexible Cancellation Policy: for travel through December 31, 2021.
   
• Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before December 31, 2022 will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19. 
   
• Safe Together protocols: Implemented in all of the brand’s resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, these newly enhanced hygiene and safety measures were developed through recommendations from the World Health Organization, local health authorities, and the advice of an International Scientific Committee comprised of a specialized team of doctors and professors.
   
• PCR + Rapid Antigen Testing: As required for re-entry into the United States from international destinations, Club Med offers complimentary Rapid Antigen COVID-19 tests on-site. PCR testing is also available at an additional cost.

Full details on the above policies can be found here.

Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, is a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, offering approximately 70 premium resorts in stunning locations in 30 countries around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Each Club Med resort features authentic local style and comfortably upscale accommodations, superior sports programming and activities, enriching children’s programs, gourmet dining, and warm and friendly service by its world-renown staff with legendary hospitality skills, an all-encompassing energy and diverse backgrounds.

For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional. For an inside look at Club Med, follow Club Med on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet Lauded as Top Luxury Resorts

Jade Mountain’s high-rise vistas of The Pitons are breathtaking.

Naming St. Lucia’s iconic Jade Mountain the number one “Best Hotel in the Caribbean”, U.S. News & World Report rhapsodized about the resort’s high-rise vistas of The Pitons, with architecture that draws on St. Lucia’s natural beauty, and referenced the varied list of island sports, including snorkeling in its sister resort, Anse Chastanet’s clear waters, sunset sailing on the resort yacht and scuba diving with experts from the on-site PADI dive center.

With its rankings based on analyses of industry awards, hotel star and user ratings, U.S. News & World Report praised the resort’s ambiance: “As the site of the finale of the 14th season of ‘The Bachelor’, Jade Mountain knows how to create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can arrange for an in-room massage with the Kai en Ciel Spa or a private dinner on the Celestial Terrace. For other meals, there’s the Jade Mountain Club helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser.”

Turning to Jade Mountain’s sister resort, U.S. News & World Report reported that Anse Chastanet, spread across 600 tropical acres, is flanked by two sandy beaches. The resort’s 49 rooms are either perched on the verdant hillside or nestled beach level within a tropical garden.” The resort was rated number 49 in the world.

Both Jade Mountain and its sister resort Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia have been lauded as top luxury resorts © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The media outlet reported recent guests loved the relaxing, natural setting and their access to a host of activities, from yoga to jungle biking, and scuba diving in a marine reserve offshore. “To round out this nature-inspired retreat, travelers have their pick of five dining options, including one inside a treehouse,” they noted.

Meanwhile, Islands magazine declared Jade Mountain winner of its Readers’ Choice in its list of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts of the world, while Big 7 Travel, the global travel site, listed the resort among the world’s “50 Most Romantic Hotels in the World.” Big 7’s Top 50 list positioned Jade Mountain as number six in the world.

Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of both properties, was delighted by the latest of many accolades bestowed on her two resorts: “It’s heartening to see how these media houses noted the complementality of the adjoining sister resorts because that is precisely the sort of harmony with nature and each other which my husband Nick Troubetzkoy (the owner/architect) was aiming for.”

Islands magazine wrote about Jade Mountain: “There’s nothing quite like it. Even though there are other resorts with a similar concept – a nonexistent fourth wall, so your room is open to the sea and sky – we can honestly say that Jade Mountain guarantees you a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.”

Noting its editors and writers scoured the globe to find the best all-inclusive resorts based on “standout offerings, from top-notch dining options and cool bars to over-the-top suites and white-glove butler service,” Islands magazine reported on the “mesmerizing” rooms, called sanctuaries, “designed in a stunning blend of wood and stone elements. They’re massive (1,400 to 2,000 square feet) and layered atop each other, each with its own equally large (450 to 900 square feet) infinity pool offering unobstructed views of St. Lucia’s twin Piton peaks and the sapphire-blue sea.”

Troubetzkoy credited resort staff for their commitment to the sustainable aspects of the sister resorts: “We could not have achieved such mixing of luxury and conservation without the priceless contributions of our dedicated staff and their deep knowledge of the area.”

With only 78 rooms in total between the two sister resorts, the company employs more than 550 team members, 97 percent of whom are from the surrounding communities.

Anse Chastanet is set amid a lush 600-acre estate with two soft-sand beaches and breathtaking views of St. Lucia’s twin Pitons mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amidst St. Lucia’s lush tropical beauty, activities range from jungle biking, hiking and bird watching to snorkeling on the reef within swimming distance of the beach. The environmentally friendly, award-winning resort comprises 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 that are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. It offers innovative menus, one entirely vegetarian, in four different locations and features fresh produce served up from the resort’s organic farm. Guests can take in interactive chocolate-making classes in the resort’s chocolate laboratory and a variety of water sports are also on offer. For more information, visit www.ansechastanet.com.

Rising majestically above the 600-acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St. Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain St. Lucia. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. For more information, visit www.jademountain.com.

See: Honeymoon in Paradise: Anse Chastanet in Saint Lucia

 

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18 Hotels in The Palm Beaches Receive Highest AAA Diamond Ratings

The ultra-luxurious Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in tony Manalapan was one of three resorts in the Palm Beaches that received the coveted AAA 5 Diamond Rating. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Eighteen hotels within The Palm Beaches have been awarded Five Diamond and Four Diamond Ratings from AAA for 2018. The coveted ratings are the highest honors from the travel group, which represents an exclusive designation in the hospitality industry. Each year, AAA reviews more than 27,000 hotels, with only 0.4% making the AAA Five Diamond list, and only 5.9% making the AAA Four Diamond list.

“The Palm Beaches’ image as America’s First Resort Destination originated with the legendary hotels and resorts gracing our shores since the 1890s,” said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County. “This grand tradition of hospitality carries to the present, and is further reaffirmed by the 18 award-winning properties we are so proud to showcase to customers far and wide.”

“For those of us who are fortunate to visit these hotels on a regular basis, it is easy to see why they’ve become regular recipients of these awards in recognition of their beauty and exemplary service,” Pesquera continued. “We are grateful to the management teams of these hotels who’ve worked tirelessly to provide memorable experiences for our visitors, reaffirming our brand promise as ‘The Best Way to Experience Florida’.”

Three of the 10 Florida properties that received AAA Five Diamond Ratings are located within The Palm Beaches and include:

• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa — Manalapan (see story)
• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach – Palm Beach
• The Breakers Palm Beach – Palm Beach

Properties within The Palm Beaches that received AAA Four Diamond Ratings are:

• Delray Sands Resort – Highland Beach
• Hilton West Palm Beach – West Palm Beach
• Boca Beach Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Boca Raton
• Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Boca Raton
• Casa Grandview Historic Luxury Inn Cottages and Suites – West Palm Beach
• Delray Beach Marriott – Delray Beach
• Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa – Jupiter
• Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa – Riviera Beach
• PGA National Resort & Spa – Palm Beach Gardens
• Sabal Palm House Bed and Breakfast Inn – Lake Worth
• The Chesterfield Palm Beach – Palm Beach
• The Brazilian Court Hotel – Palm Beach
• Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – Palm Beach
• Waterstone Resort & Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton – Boca Raton
• Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place – Jupiter

Discover The Palm Beaches, formerly the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official tourism marketing corporation that promotes the collection of 39 cities and towns and 15 tourism districts spanning more than 2,200 square miles and 47 miles of pristine beaches from Boca Raton to Jupiter and Tequesta, commonly referred to as “The Palm Beaches.”  The Palm Beaches are home to nearly 17,000 hotel rooms, ranging from historic resorts to boutique inns. The destination features more than 100 family-friendly attractions, world-class luxury and antique shopping experiences, 125 miles of peaceful waterways for on- or in-the-water activities, more than 150 artificial reefs that line the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream current, 160 golf courses, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving entertainment scene boasting more than 200 art and culture organizations. For more information about The Palm Beaches, visit www.ThePalmBeaches.com and connect on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PalmBeachesFL, YouTube at Discover The Palm Beaches and the hashtag, #ThePalmBeaches.

See:

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa’s Secret for ‘New Fashioned’ Luxury: Playfulness, Surprise, Touch of Whimsy and Wit, and Surprise

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St. Kitts Welcomes Tourists as Airport, Cruise Port and Tourism Providers Resume Operations Unscathed by Hurricane Irma

The beachfront at the Marriott on St. Kitts. The island was relatively unscathed by Hurricane Irma and is back welcoming tourists to its airports, cruise ports and hotels. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 15, 2017) – St. Kitts’ tourism authority reports that the island’s airport, cruise port and all tourism providers are open and resuming normal operations, as it was fortunate to be virtually unscathed by Hurricane Irma.

American Airlines’ daily non-stop flights to St. Kitts’ Robert L, Bradshaw International Airport from Miami have resumed today with the Saturday JFK non-stop scheduled to resume on tomorrow. Seaborne Airlines’ daily non-stop flights to St. Kitts from San Juan have also resumed tomorrow. All hotels and resorts are fully operational and the Park Hyatt St. Kitts remains on schedule to debut November 1.

“We are thrilled to get back to business as usual and ready to welcome visitors,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry and Commerce. “For those who planning to travel to island, we look forward to providing a world-class experience and all the warm Kittitian hospitality for which we have become known.”

Cruise lines have resumed scheduled port calls to St. Kitts, with passengers from The Carnival Fascination enjoying the island’s various attractions and activities last Friday. Over the course of the next week, a total of four vessels are scheduled to dock at Port Zante, including Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas on September 21. With the arrival of the Carnival Magic on September 20, St. Kitts expects to welcome its one millionth passenger this year. A historic first for the island, the occasion also raises St. Kitts to marquee port status.

“At this time, we continue to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone who has been affected by the storm, particularly to those in need of emergency relief.” For anyone wishing to donate to the recovery efforts of those islands most severely impacted by the hurricane, two official Caribbean Relief Funds are:

The Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund at www.tourismcares.org/caribbean

The Caribbean Tourism Association Hurricane Relief Fund at www.gofundme.com/hurricane-relief-fund-cto

For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.

 

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Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada Awarded AAA 5-Diamond Rating

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada has received the ultimate distinction for hotels – the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award, only granted to six other resorts in the Caribbean.

GRAND ANSE BEACH, Grenada — Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada has just received the ultimate distinction for hotels — the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award, which has been granted to only six other resorts in the Caribbean and 118 hotels worldwide.

According to AAA, nearly 28,000 hotels are reviewed by AAA inspectors who use published guidelines to evaluate and rate properties for the AAA Five Diamond Award and only 0.4 percent make the AAA Five Diamond List. This achievement elevates the Spice Island Beach Resort from a Four Diamond status which it maintained for over 15 years and ranks the resort as a premier establishment esteemed by AAA professional inspectors, the hospitality industry and over 56 million AAA/CAA members.

“I am overjoyed and heartened by this accomplishment,” Chairman and Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort Sir Royston Hopkin, KCMG, said. “I continue to be encouraged by the hard work and dedication of the Spice Family which has brought us to this significant milestone of which we are extremely proud. I am only the custodian, but this success belongs to my outstanding team, my wife Betty, my General Manager Brian Hardy, my three children Nerissa, Janelle and Ryan, the rest of the management team and my entire staff who make it happen day after day. They are all important cogs in our wheel of success.”

This award comes on the heels of Sir Royston being honored last month by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences with a Six Star Diamond Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing his untiring service of over 51 years to Grenada and the Caribbean region as well as the resort’s third consecutive year of achieving Six-Star-Diamond status.

No stranger to awards, Sir Royston gave a brief insight into some of his strategy. “Over the years, I have invested substantially, both in the continuous upgrade of the physical plant and in the development of my most valuable asset, my human resources,” he said

“The key to our success is providing unforgettable and essentially priceless experiences with our guest-centric service philosophy as well as our attention to fine details,” noted Sir Royston. “In other words, we spare no effort in providing our guests with the finest and most luxurious amenities. The true Grenadian hospitality exhibited in the courtesy of all team members ensures seamless perfection. Each highly disciplined employee plays an important role in the creation of memorable experiences, personalized for each discerning guest.”

Spice Island Beach Resort

Tucked away on spectacular Grand Anse Beach (frequently named one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean) and just 10 minutes from the airport, Spice Island Beach Resort is surrounded by pristine tropical gardens and offers a world-class spa, culinary program, and a wide choice of super-elegant accommodation including beachfront suites, situated at the edge of the Caribbean Sea, providing a new spin on beachfront elegance in its Sea Grape Suites equipped with a luxurious large bathtub with views of the ocean. A 225 sq ft. patio with private garden, chaise lounges and double hammock provide the perfect romantic setting to absorb the Caribbean sunset.

The 1,200 sq. ft. Anthurium Pool Suites have 12′ x 16′ plunge pools, private terrace with a double daybed for relaxing.

The resort’s 1,500 sq. ft. Luxury Almond Pool Suites offer private luxury with a 16′ x 20′ residential-size swimming pool as well as guests’ own private entrance, tropical garden and outdoor dining terrace.

The Royal Collection Pool Suites are the quintessential honeymooner’s dream featuring a 16′ x 20′ pool and every amenity in the Luxury Almond Pool Suites, plus a full-scale living room, enchanting marble bathroom and private Cedar Sauna on the patio.

The palatial Cinnamon and Saffron Suites measure 1,440 sq. feet each and feature a romantic ambiance with a floating canopy bed, an elaborate marble bathroom, spacious living room with 47″ LCD television and Bose Lifestyle Entertainment System, wet-bar and dining area set for six and private patios with a double hammock.

All suites are air conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including flat panel televisions, iPod docking stations, Italian Frette bathrobes and linens, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony.

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, a full-service Janissa’s Spa, a fitness center and Omnicourt® tennis court, 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, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a proud recipient of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and was ranked the #1 property in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor according to traveler reviews in 2013. The resort has also received Virgin Holidays’ Gold Award as the #1 property in its exclusive worldwide Platinum Collection for 10 consecutive years from 2006-2015.

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.

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. Connect with Spice Island Beach Resort on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Off-Season Rates in Effect at Luxurious All-Inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Spice Island Resort, Grenada

Tucked away along a 1,600-foot stretch of spectacular Grand Anse Beach Sir Royston’s Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada, is one of the most luxurious all-inclusives in the world, and beginning April 16, travelers can take advantage of off-season rates, with savings up to 30% on elegant beachfront and private pool suites.

Beginning April 16, travelers can enjoy the ultimate in attentive-yet unobtrusive-service starting at $1,145 per suite, per night, based on double occupancy, while Sir Royston’s signature beachfront Sea Grape Suites open up directly onto magnificent Grand Anse Beach just steps away from the Caribbean Sea from $1,387 per suite.

For private pool suites, Spice Island Beach Resort offers three options: Anthurium, Luxury Almond and Royal Collection Pool Suites. Starting at $1,344 per suite, the 1,200 sq. foot Anthurium Pool Suites feature a private terrace with a double daybed for relaxing and reading as well as private sun beds with umbrellas right besides guests very own 12′ x 16′ plunge pool. Meanwhile, the 1,500 sq. ft. Luxury Almond Pool Suites, which offer a true oasis of private luxury with a 16′ x 20′ residential-size swimming pool, tropical garden and outdoor dining terrace, start at $1,601 per suite during the off-season. The Royal Collection Pool Suites feature a similar configuration to the Luxury Almond category with the added benefit of a full-scale living room, enchanting marble bathroom and private Cedar Sauna, starting at $1,872 per suite, after April 16.

Sir Royston’s most luxurious room category, the palatial Cinnamon and Saffron Suites(only one of each at the resort) offers a new spin on beachside elegance as guests literally step foot on the sand as they exit their lavishly decorated 1440 sq. foot suite. These suites can be reserved during the off-season for $2,155 per suite – representing a savings of $936.

Spice Island Resort, which is surrounded by pristine tropical gardens and offers a world-class spa and culinary program, and a wide choice of super-elegant beachfront suites situated at the edge of the Caribbean Sea, features the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, an Omnicourt® tennis court and an unmatched culinary program serving seven-course, table d’hote dinners at Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant and casual lunches at the Sea & Surf Terrace. Fabulous five-star amenities add to its lavish experience featuring the smoothest Italian Frette bathrobes and linens as well as Molton Brown bath and body amenities, large-screen flat panel televisions, iPod docking stations and more.

Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, Chairman & Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort, was honored with the AAHS Six Star Diamond Lifetime Achievement award, with (l-r) Lesley Hardy; Brian Hardy, General Manager at Spice Island Beach Resort; Lady Hopkin; Janelle Hopkin, Deputy Managing Director for Spice Island Beach Resort; Sir Royston Hopkin; Joseph Cinque, CEO of AAHS; and Karen Dixon, International GM for AAHS

Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, Chairman & Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort, one of the Caribbean’s leading hoteliers and Grenada’s Tourism Ambassador at Large, was recently honored at the world renowned Friar’s Club in New York, with the AAHS Six Star Diamond Lifetime Achievement award recognizing his untiring service of over 51 years to Grenada and the Caribbean region.

“I am humbled by this award,” said a surprised Sir Royston who thought he was there only to receive Spice Island Beach Resort’ s third-consecutive Six Star Diamond Award. “As my motto has always been, I serve with honor, but not for honor.  I am only driven by a deep desire to see my country and the Caribbean continue to grow, especially in the area of tourism” he added.  Sir Royston thanked his wife Lady Hopkin and his children Nerissa, Ryan and Janelle whose support he acknowledged “has been pivotal” to his success.

A recipient of Lifetime Achievement awards from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Sir Royston explained: “This recognition is particularly meaningful as it is very rarely bestowed. I am truly in the company of some of the most visionary entrepreneurs in luxury tourism.”

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented at a gala event held in honor of Spice Island Beach Resort’s third consecutive Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The resort prides itself on being family owned and operated, making each guest feel as they are personally welcomed into their home, and each employee feel they are part of the Spice Island family. Each month, the “employee of the month” is hosted at Sir Royston’s home for a cocktail party with resort guests, and then invited to dinner with the family.

The hallmark of a luxury resort is service and Spice Island has 210 employees (all who are local) for 64 rooms – which works out to more than two employees per guest.

Spice Island Resort is also known for its culinary prowess – the chef, a 12-year veteran – uses mostly locally sourced products (even the fish, with the exception of salmon, would likely have been fresh caught), and recipes from Sir Royston’s mother, who modified international favorites with local ingredients.

All inclusive means all the meals plus afternoon tea – even room service – as well as premium drinks are included in the price (pool suites have a $10 delivery charge).

The resort extends 1,600 feet along the beach; beach suites are just 20 to 25 feet from water’s edge; the pool suites are notable for privacy.

Other amenities include a tennis court (lighted for night play), a swimming pool (no chlorine), free use of non-powered water sports (snorkeling equipment provided, on-site scuba is available for a fee)

The luxury, beach setting and privacy – and location a 4 ½ hour nonstop flight on JetBlue from JF Kennedy International Airport in New York, and just 10 minutes from the international airport in Grenada –make Spice Island Resort ideal for destination weddings (limited to 24 people in size), and honeymoons.

“The key to our success is providing memorable and essentially priceless experiences with our guest-centric service philosophy as well as our attention to fine detail when it comes to amenities, from Italian Frette bathrobes and linen to Molton Brown bath and body products,” noted Sir Royston. “In other words, we spare no effort in providing our guests with the finest and most luxurious amenities.”

Equally as important to the amenities, if not more so, Spice Island Beach Resort’s unique service-oriented philosophy is cited among the top reasons for repeat guests’ loyalty to the resort.

“The true Grenadian hospitality exhibited in the courtesy of all team members ensures seamless perfection. Each highly disciplined employee plays an important role in the creation of memorable experiences, personalized for each discerning guest,” said Sir Royston.

“When a guest doesn’t cry when they leave, we feel have done something wrong,” said Janelle Hopkin, Deputy Managing Director, a graduate of hotel school in Switzerland. 

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Mango Bay Hotel, Barbados is All-Inclusive Beach Resort Ideal for Family Getaway

Mango Bay all-inclusive resort, Barbados

HOLETOWN, Barbados – Located on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, the 76-room Mango Bay Hotel provides fun in the sun vacations for families of all sizes. Mango Bay’s all-inclusive value allows vacationers to be entertained from sunrise to sunset – and every second in-between, regardless of age.

An all-inclusive vacation at Mangao Bay features hotel accommodations; all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including wine with dinner; various watersports including water-skiing, kayaking, hobiecat sailing, pedal boating and snorkeling; an on-property complimentary offering of scuba diving lessons; nightly entertainment; and off-property sightseeing excursions such as a glass-bottom boat trip and a catamaran sail.

Children three years of age and under sharing with two adults stay free-of-charge and children 4 to 18 years old are offered a reduced rate. For added convenience, cribs, extra beds and high chairs are available at no extra cost.

The Mango Bay restaurant provides children’s menus and earlier meal times can be set upon request. Organized games and activities such as movie nights, sand castle building and scavenger hunts can be arranged depending on the number of children staying at the resort. For an additional fee, babysitting services can be arranged so parents can steal some alone time.

Offering family-friendly vacation value, children four and up may participate in all watersport activities and children five and up have the option of attending the catamaran and glass bottom boat trips. Scuba diving lessons are given on select days in the pool from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  Kids eight years of age and older may participate.

Mango Bay has proven to be a great getaway for the whole family having been named a 2014 Family Vacation Critic Favorite in the first annual hotel awards on www.FamilyVacationCritic.com. Receiving this award means that Mango Bay has at least four stars or higher from the website’s editorial staff and have had at least 75% of families recommend the property with four stars or higher. The resort also received TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame.

Mango Bay Hotel also was recently included in USA Today’s Top 10 “Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts Have the Biggest Bang For Your Buck?”

Rates start at $660 per room, per night, based on double occupancy for travel Jan. 6 – April 30, 2016.

Contact Mango Bay at 246-626-1384, email reservations@mangobaybarbados.com or visit www.MangoBayBarbados.com.

 

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Barbados’ Island Inn Hotel Offers Early Booking Bonus, Saving 15%

The 24-room Island Inn Hotel, an ideal all-inclusive getaway for a couples retreat or family vacation on Barbados, is offering an early booking bonus of 15%.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The 24-room Island Inn Hotel, an ideal all-inclusive getaway for a couples retreat or family vacation, is offering an early booking bonus of 15% off stays that are a minimum of five nights when booked directly on the Island Inn website.

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 which are available by request. Island Inn also features a new mini gym on property for guest use. Through the early booking offer, rates begin at US$353 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Rates vary based on travel dates.

To take advantage of the early booking offer, reservations must be made on www.IslandInnBarbados.com by March 31, 2015 for travel by Dec. 22, 2015.

The quaint property 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 center 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.

Originally constructed in 1804 as a rum storage facility for the British Regiment, Island Inn amazes guests with its simplicity and old-world charm and is perfect whether visiting alone, traveling on a family vacation or staying on business. The newly renovated boutique hotel offers unrivaled warmth of atmosphere with contemporary ambiance and a true Bajan experience.

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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Mango Bay Hotel Voted Barbados’ Leading Boutique Resort at World Travel Awards

Barbados’ Mango Bay Hotel was voted Barbados’ Leading Boutique Resort at the World Travel Awards.

Barbados’ Mango Bay Hotel (www.MangoBayBarbados.com) has been voted Barbados’ Leading Boutique Resort at the World Travel Awards™, recognizing the property’s commitment to excellence over the last 12 months.

“I speak for the entire Mango Bay team in saying that we are truly honored to be voted as Barbados’ Leading Boutique Resort,” said Peter Odle, chairman of the Mango Bay Hotel Group.  “Our team members strive for outstanding service and are eager to meet guests’ needs, something which we feel is imperative in reaching this caliber of excellence,” he continued.

The World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry.  The annual program is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the field.

Nominations for World Travel Awards™ are based on past years’ winners, approved self-nominations and approved World Travel Awards™ commendations.  Once nominated, votes come from qualified executives working within travel and tourism and consumer travel buyers.  Votes are internally audited to ensure the validity of each individual vote.

Located in the historic Holetown area on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, the 76-room Mango Bay Hotel is known for its sophistication and all-inclusive value. This beachfront, boutique-style property is the ideal tropical retreat for travelers seeking an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, offering spacious accommodations, a picturesque beach, a centrally-located swimming pool and superb dining. The property is just a short walk from the posh Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, where guests can shop at global luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cartier, Michael Kors and more.

Mango Bay is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2014 with discounted rates starting at US$384 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, on an all-inclusive basis when booked directly.  A Mango Bay all-inclusive vacation includes 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. The property is also now offering room service as well as drink and food service at the pool and the beach.  Water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, pedal boats, a glass bottom boat ride and a catamaran trip to snorkel with the turtles are also included.

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