CARIBBEAN
The 11th Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange
Kicks Punta Cana into High Gear
Event in Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort Punta Cana.
D . O. C H R I S T I A N R I E G E R I V
Francisco Javier Garcia
Francisco Javier Garcia, the Dominican Republic’s Minister
of Tourism, told participants that, “Non-resident visits to the
Dominican Republic increased each month since September
2009. This year alone, tourism to our country was up 3.2 percent in March, with a 12 percent increase in U.S. visitors, 2.14
percent in February and nearly 6.0 percent in January."
Additionally, “The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of
16 • JUNE 2010
D.O. CHRISTIAN RIEGER
T
his year’s Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange
(DATE) met at the new Moon Palace Casino, Golf &
Spa Resort in Punta Cana from April 19th through
the 21st. The event was organized by The National
Hotel and Restaurant Association (ASONAHORES) and
sponsored by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
299 sellers of Dominican resorts, tours, transportation and
destination areas met in pre-scheduled business sessions
with 157 buyers who came from North American, Central and
South America and Europe.
It was the most number of buyers in the history of the event
and way above the previous year. Such a turnout demonstrates increasing tourism interest in the Dominican
Republic’s competitive resort product and the importance of
trade shows, as opposed to Internet conferencing.
Usually, by the last day of a trade show, the event floor is almost empty by noon. But not here. It was full and active till
closing at 4:00 PM. Alex Gray, U.S. Sales Manager of Gand
Palladium Hotels & Resorts said, “Palladium Resorts has
never missed a DATE. We have been at all 11 events and in
fact the very first DATE in 1999 was hosted at our hotel, the
Fiesta Santo Domingo.
“This year attendance was as high as it has ever been and it
gave us a chance to talk to operators that we don't usually
work with. The result of one such meeting allowed us to come
to an agreement with Minneapolis-based MLT Vacations, a
company we would have not been able to pursue without attending DATE. So for us, DATE is a key event and we plan on
continuing to attend every year.”
Haydee Rainieri, president of ASONAHORES, added, “I
see it as one of the best DATES ASONAHORES has had. I
feel proud of our country and our people and I believe that
this DATE proves the new orientation that our industry is taking: to move on according to the time and expectations of the
visitors and the incursion in a new niche of the tourism market: luxury.”
Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic
and Haydee Rainieri, President of The National Hotel and Restaurant
Association of the Dominican Republic at the 2010 DATE at the
Moon Palace in Punta Cana.
Tourism's has in place a five-year plan to develop rural
tourism in the 31 provinces. The plan includes developing
guest houses so visitors can explore the country as an alternative to staying at the all-inlcusives.
It feels like Vegas, baby!
The Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort, with a namebrand change in late summer to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Punta Cana, has the largest casino in the Dominican
Republic covering 45,000 square feet of gaming space. Plus
65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
It has 1,790 junior suites with in-bedroom Jacuzzis and double showers with real shower heads that actually water the
body and not go flinging off to the side over the shoulders.
Eight pools face the ocean, with four next to the beach.
Three pools look over a lagoon area. There are an additional
three kids pools with one featuring flumes and slides. Six
swim up bars dot the poolscape, so you do not have to walk
far from your room to swim up to a bar. By the time the transition is done, there will be 21 restaurants and bars.
The on-site Cana Bay Golf Club is a par-72 Jack Nicklausdesigned course. The signature “Rock Spa” is a 60,000
square foot facility with 48 spa suites and one of the world's
most complete hydrotherapy circuits.
The resort has a broad range of appeal from families, couples, and friends, to casino players, golf devotees and spa
lovers. The place is big and it is grand.
With Hard Rock’s outstanding music industry connections,
they brought in Jon Secada, one of the music industry’s
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CARIBBEAN
D.O. CHRISTIAN RIEGER
hottest Grammy-winning Latin cross-over singers to entertain on opening night. The guy was great, the music was
great, the food was great! If the opening night’s entertainment is any indication of a good time, ya gonna wanna book
New Year’s Eve.
Summer rates start at $134 ppdo. Palace Resorts is also
offering up to $1,500 in credits on golf, spa and other amenities per room, per stay, good for travel through the end of
2011. Travel agent rates start at $110.00 ppdo. The resort will
also have a special rate in September for travel agent appreciation month.
Who’s New
Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo has also been at DATE since its inception.
They took this opportunity to announced Summer Family
Values to new and old partners with savings up to $800.
These include a free category upgrade, two kids free when
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
D.O. CHRISTIAN RIEGER
Among the new vendor participants this year were JetBlue
Airways, El Sendero del Cacao, Dolphin Explorer, Go Golf
tours, Punta Cana Business Center, Splish Splash, Travel in
Style, Vista Cana, Las Cayas Eco-Lodge, Debbie´s Caribbean
Traveling Network, Balcones del Atlántico and Catlante
Catamarans.
Until this year, Catlante Catamarans has been catering for
nine years to the European market with cruises in the
Caribbean and in the Dominican Republic’s south coast for
five years. That is now changing to offer these to the
Canadian and United States market for which Valérie Cabana
is the region’s sales manager.
She says, “We manage and own the entire production chain,
from construction of our Catlante 600 catamarans at our shipyard in France, up to the B-to-B marketing for annual or seasonal charters with tour operators.
“The Catlante 600 incorporates knowledge acquired from
150,000 passenger charter weeks. It is an 18-meter catamaran equipped with 6 cabins (each with a shower), providing
comfortable accommodations for 12 passengers. It is the only
production boat that has been designed from the start to be
used for cabin charter cruises and as a result offers the absolute best in passenger comfort.”
It is an excellent alternative for customers who are looking
for more intimacy, conviviality and contact with nature. Their
first Caribbean destination for the North American market will
be the Dominican Republic with back to back weekly cruises.
The package prices are in line with the price of 4 or 5 star
all-inclusive resorts. Based on current rates from France including airfare, a cruise for the North American market will
be about $2,151 per person including flight, all meals and
premium drinks. And that is with food cooked the way the
French cook.
Meeting at the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange at the Moon
Palace in Punta Cana is: Jacques Abitan, president of The Vacation
Travel Mart, Miami Beach, FL; Erick Castillo, marketing & sales
manager, Fiesta Hotel Group, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic;
Alex Gray, U.S. sales manager, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts,
Wilmington, DE; Sonia Casaubon, sales & marketing manager for
Canada, Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada; and Bill Chlebek, commercial
director of North America for Grand Palladium, Wilmingtn, DE.
Discussing future business options at D.A.T.E. 2010 at the Moon
Palace in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic are Gabriel Rodriquez,
N. American Sales Manager, Princess Hotels & Resorts; Stephanie
Jones, Caribbean Product Manager, LibGo Travel Inc., Ramsey, NJ;
Karen Bontemps, Manager, Flight Centre USA, Ramsey, NJ; Jackie
Brown-Yurkin, Caribbean Product Coordinator, LibGo Travel, Ramsey,
NJ; and Manuel Serrano, Director Commercial Caribe, Princess
Hotels & Resorts.
sharing room with parents and 50% off connecting second
room for families traveling together. This is valid on new
bookings only through September 30, 2010, with a four night
minimum.
The Summer Sports Sampler is a three daypackage created
for families to learn, or hone their skills in ocean kayaking,
tennis and horseback riding. For two hours each day guests
can learn progressive skills in a single sport or become a
triathlete and learn all three sports. This is a supplement of
$169 for adults and $119 for children. Casa de Campo pays a
10% travel agency commission.
Through December 20th superior room rates start at $195
and three-bedroom villas start at $649.
Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange,
www.asonahores.com
JUNE 2010•
17
CARIBBEAN
EMBASSY SUITES BY
HILTON LOS MARLINS HOTEL
& GOLF RESORT MIXES
RELAXATION, BUSINESS
Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Marlins
Hotel & Golf Resort is located
within the grounds of the Metro
Country Club just outside of Santo
Domingo in Juan Dolio, Dominican
Republic.
Here, guests enjoy walks along beautifully landscaped surroundings, the Los
Marlins 18-hole par 72 golf course and
the clubhouse facilities.
With 125 suites in all, there are suites
for non-smokers, suites designed for physically challenged guests and Master Suites
for luxurious accommodations.
Spacious two-room suites are outfitted
with either a king-size bed or two
double beds, as well as an additional
sofa bed in the living room, crisp
linens and individually controlled airconditioning.
The meeting rooms provide 4,000 sq. ft.
of total area. The Grand Ballroom accommodates over 400 participants. The Royal
Salon seats more than 200 theater style,
and offers almost 2,000 square ft. of versatile meeting space.
An Executive Boardroom is ideal
for smaller meetings. The hotel’s business
center provides Internet, fax, copy
machines, secretariat as well as other
business services.
The Fairway Grill offers guests a complimentary breakfast that includes tropical
fruit, juice, yogurt and cheese selections,
homemade breads, cereals, cooked-toorder eggs and fresh coffee or tea. The
Fairway Grill is also open for a la carte
lunch and dinner.
The Bistro, with its rich dark woods
and cozy ambience, offers an international
menu with both beef and seafood
specialties.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Marlins
Hotel & Golf Resort,
www.losmarlins.embassysuites.com
CASA DE CAMPO OFFERS
A MENU OF SUMMER
FAMILY FUN
Casa de Campo in the Dominican
Republic has launched its Summer Family
Values program along with a Sports
Sampler for families to learn and play
together.
“During the school year everyone is busy
and there is not much time for families to
create fond ‘together’ memories,” said
Dr. Claudio Silvestri, President and CEO
of Premier Resorts and Hotels the management company for Casa de Campo and
This summer; kids staying free and
no single supplements for single travelers
18 • JUNE 2010
father of two. “This Summer connect
with your children, laugh and learn at
Casa de Campo.”
The Sports Sampler is a three-day
program created to enable adults and
their kids to learn or perfect skills in
ocean kayaking, tennis or horseback
riding. For two hours each day they
can learn progressive skills in a single
sport or become a tri-athlete and learn
all three.
The cost for the three-day program is
$119 per child (up to 17 years) and $169
per adult. Minimum ages for the sports
are: ocean kayak, 12 years; tennis, four
years; and horseback riding, seven years.
The choice of sports and time schedule
has to be reserved with the concierge.
An outline of the sports sampler
including day-by-day information is
available on the Casa de Campo
website.
All rates are per person, and tax and service charges are included in the rate. The
program is combinable with all Summer
Sale offers, and must be booked in advance. All prices are subject to change
without notice.
Casa de Campo’s Summer Values, valid
for travel through September 30, feature
a free room upgrade—new Elite room at
luxury room rate, or luxury room at
Superior room rate; two kids free when
staying in room with parents; and 50 percent off a connecting second room for families traveling together.
Guests staying in villa accommodations
will receive a $200 resort credit and
two kids free staying in the villa with
parents. A minimum four-night stay
is required in hotel and villa
accommodations.
Casa de Campo is home to three
Pete
Dye-designed
golf
courses
(including the Teeth of the Dog), the
La Terraza Tennis Center, a shooting
center, an equestrian center, private
Minitas Beach, world-class Marina &
Yacht Club, the Altos de Chavon village
and more.
Casa de Campo, 800-877-3643,
www.casadecampo.com.do
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Courtyard Santo Domingo
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino
800 593 8601
800 331 3542
On-site Restaurant & lobby bar,
outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness
center, high speed internet
access in all guest rooms &
public areas of this
Santo Domingo Hotel
The only resort-like Santo Domingo luxury hotel, ideal for
vacations and corporate meetings in Santo Domingo.
www.marriott.com
The
Palladium
Experience
Call Center: +1888 237 1226 (Toll Free)
GEPPGIRXIVEQIVMGE$½IWXELSXIPKVSYTGSQ
www.ÄLZ[HOV[LSNYV\W.com
HOTASA LUPERON BEACH RESORT
The complex consisting of two hotels
LUPERON BEACH & TROPICAL BEACH
MODERN ALL INCLUSIVE beach resort
providing excellent accommodations
dispersed through spacious bright pastel
colored buildings that are nostalgic of native
old style fisherman’s village nestled withing
lush tropical vegetation surrounded by
coconut and almond trees that line the beach.
Located on the westside of Puerto Plata, one of
the most beautiful areas of the Dominican North
Coast, thanks to its fine and white sandy
beaches, lush vegetation, the beautiful
Luperon Bay, and its historic surroundings.
info@donjuanbeachresort.com
www.donjuanbeachresort.com
www.hotasahoteles.com
Ocean World is an extraordinary entertainment complex
dedicated to offering visitors a once in a lifetime experience
that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the world.
For more information about Ocean World Casino, Marina or
Adventure Park please visit:
www.oceanworldcasino.com,
www.oceanworldmarina.com, or
www.oceanworldadventurepark.com
BLUEBAY
GRAND ESMERALDA*****
RIVIERA MAYA
MEXICO
BLUEBAY
VILLAS DORADAS****
PUERTO PLATA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
bluebayresorts.com
CARIBBEAN
MAJESTIC RESORTS SPECIALS FOR
WEDDINGS, GROUPS AT ITS TWO DR
PROPERTIES
Majestic Resorts’ two luxury all-inclusives in the Dominican
Republic’s dreamy Punta Cana—Majestic Colonial and Majestic
Elegance—are indulging brides and grooms and other group occasions with generous offers, including a free wedding program.
Couples who book just 15 rooms for a seven-night stay get their
wedding free.
This Free Wedding Package includes the following: the specialized assistance of a wedding planner, the location of choice—white
sand beach, magnificent gazebo or a private suite, room upgrade
(subject to availability) for the couple, early check-in and late
checkout (subject to availability), the services of a civil judge, a
beautiful decorated wedding cake, a bouquet for the table in tropical flowers as well as a tropical bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom, ironing of the groom’s tuxedo and bride’s
gown, a sound system and simultaneous translation of the ceremony
if needed, the marriage certificate in Spanish, the marriage certificate delivered by DHL, champagne for the group after the ceremony, a candlelit romantic dinner for the couple with champagne,
romantic breakfast in the couple’s suite, a complementary massage
for the couple and use of the humid area at the Spa, a basket of
fruits in their room during the stay, a bottle of champagne in the
room twice during the stay, and room service for the couple.
The resort includes a free bonus package for all honeymooners.
They simply need to include a remark regarding this when their
reservation is submitted.
Majestic Resorts is also offering 16th passenger travels free. This
is a favorite choice for groups of all types. They must book by
October 31 for travel between January 3 and April 30, 2011.
Majestic Resorts, infoweddings@majestic-resorts.com,
groups@majestic-resorts.com, www.majestic-resorts.com
CASA BONITA TROPICAL LODGE BLENDS
LUXURY AND NATURE
Located in Barahona, in the stunning southwestern region of the
Dominican Republic, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge perfectly combines luxury and nature.
Once the summer home of the Schiffino Diaz family, it is today a
boutique hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the Worlds.
It consists of 12 exquisite guest rooms and is situated on a hillside
with views of the Caribbean Sea, the Bahoruco mountain range and
the rivers that surround the magical setting. Each room features a
private balcony, wine cooler, Ipod-ready clock radio, wireless
phone, air conditioning and ceiling fan.
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge includes a restaurant offering Caribbean fusion cuisine, international bar, infinity swimming pool with
sea views, relaxation massage, room service, adventure tour desk,
meeting room, Wi-Fi, children’s play area and table games, mountain bikes, snorkeling equipment, surf boards and horseback riding.
As a result of its strategic location in the Southern region, Casa
Bonita Tropical Lodge is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, as it
is accessible to the region with the greatest biodiversity of the island, containing almost 40 percent of the country’s natural reserve.
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, info@casabonitadr.com,
www.casabonitadr.com, www.slh.com/casabonita.com
LIFESTYLE HOLIDAYS VACATION CLUB,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, DEBUTS NEW ADULTONLY EXECUTIVE SPA SUITES BY LIFESTYLE
Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), located in Puerto Plata
on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, has introduced
Executive Spa Suites by Lifestyle, located adjacent to Lifestyle
Holidays Vacation Resort with access to all resort amenities. The
adult-only property includes 18 one-bedroom poolside studios that
are directly across from The Spa, a luxury retreat dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation of body and mind, with a state-of-the-art
cardio room, hot and steam saunas, sea salt healing pool and an
array of indulgent treatments and massages.
The studios, providing accommodations for up to four, feature
Caribbean design in rattan, natural wicker and exotic bamboo,
choice of king-size bed or double beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan,
cable television, private bathroom with shower and sitting area,
mini-fridge and desk, and terrace overlooking the pool and
The Spa.
Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com
20 • JUNE 2010
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ANGUILLA
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
BOUTIQUE VILLA HOTEL
A Luxury Boutique Villa Hotel - West End, Anguilla BWI - www.sheriva.com
BIRD OF PARADISE VILLA
Anguilla, BWI
More than a place,
a state of mind...
Where Time is Sacred
Kú is situated on Shoal Bay East on two
miles of white sand beach which is
considered by many to be one of world’s
finest. Kú is designed after the minimalist
cool of South Beach and the relaxed
sohistication of St. Barts and offers some
of the fun that go with those destinations.
Dramatic. Sophisticated. Chic.
Crescent Beach. Panoramic Views.
“Seven for Five” Summer Special with
Executive Chef for Welcome Dinner
USA: 1.414.791.9461
AnguillaBird@yahoo.com
www.AnguillaBird.com
The essence of the Arawak
is relaxation and informality. We are a
simple, friendly Inn, with bright coloured
attractive rooms and very comfortable beds,
focussed on giving our guests good value
for their money and ensuring that they
enjoy their time with us.
877-427-2925
www.arawakbeach.com
ku@anguillanet.com
800-869-5827
www.ku-anguilla.com
West Indian, French and American Culinary
2-1/2 Miles of Dazzling White Sand
Gingerbread Style Laced Cottages
Footsteps Away from the Beach
Serene Powder White Beaches
Intimate & Romantic Hideaway
StylesPerfect Spot for Lovers
Picture Postcard Views
Sun Kissed Repose...
www.anguillagreathouse.com
Sirena Hotel is located away from mass tourism in the
heart of the trendy West End on the beautiful island of
Anguilla in the British West Indies overlooking and with
access to wonderful Meads Bay. It is a paradise for those
who appreciate quality, friendly people, stable government,
warm weather, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants.
Built in Mediterranean style with Caribbean colors, is run
personally by the owners together with an experienced
management team.
YOUR PASSPORT
TO
PARADISE
Simple and sophisticated travel between
San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla, BWI
Enjoying Anguilla’s delights has never been
easier than with Rainbow International Airlines
air charter flights between San Juan and
Anguilla. All flights take approximately
55 minutes each way and provide a seamless
connection with United States mainland flights.
866-966-1881
www.anguillaairexpress.com
– a secluded haven of tranquility –
Like Anguilla, the
Paradise Cove Resort
is small and intimate: a place to
escape to for a quiet, peaceful and
relaxing holiday. Our staff will give
a level of personal service and
individual attention unsurpassed
anywhere on the island.
www.paradise.ai
www.sirenaresort.com
CARIBBEAN
CARIBBEAN SPLENDOR AND SERENITY
AT ANGUILLA’S BIRD OF PARADISE VILLA
Located on one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands, the
Bird of Paradise in Anguilla is quintessentially Caribbean and offers unobstructed views to St Barth’s, St Maarten and beyond.
Designed by award-winning international hotel and resort architects, Wilson & Associates, spearheaded by lead architect, Guy
Courtney of Watermark Design Studio, the villa comprises a village-like collection of four separate, ensuite pavilions topped with
traditional wallaba shingles, and interconnected by walkways, a
bridge and lagoon-style pools.
UNSPOILED
A leisurely swim in sparkling
azure waters. A soothing
massage on your own private
balcony. An afternoon spent
gazing at the sun-splashed
Atlantic with not a cruise ship
or a care in sight.
The Sands at Grace Bay
UN C O M M O N
offers a soul-satisfying
tranquility along with inspired
cuisine, considerate service
and as much – or as little –
activity as you choose.
UNPRETENTIOUS
Providenciales • Turks & Caicos
an exceptional all suite
beachfront resort
For reservations, see your
travel professional or call
1.877.77.SANDS (72637)
www.thesandstc.com
22 • JUNE 2010
A whimsical outdoor living room acts as counterpoint to the
expansive, cornerless interior living room with Purple Heart mahogany and glass doors that fold back to allow unfettered views.
Avid travelers, the owners’ passion is reflected in the fusion of intriguing collectibles: primitive masks from the Solomon Islands,
rare basket weavings from the Sepik River and ornate Balinese
wall carvings. Wood, stone, pebbles, woven sea grass and raffia are
signatures of the design scheme. Interior designers, Tonya Burke of
Watermark Design Studio and Donna Sweet of Haven Interiors
chose a neutral palette for the ivory sheer drapes, canvas slipcovers, hand-textured wall finish and tropical hardwood furniture.
Interior features boast vaulted, stained cumara wood ceilings,
granite countertops and Kohler fixtures. Concealed ambient lighting, hurricane lanterns and candles combine with atmospheric pool
lighting to create the romance that pervades every aspect of the
property most notably, the beautifully appointed bedroom suites.
Frette linens and Bulgari amenities are used. Outside the master
suite, across the bridge over the lagoon is a fantasy sanctuary, complete with bar, celandon and pewter ceramics, outdoor shower and
plunge pool and a candle-rimmed whirlpool tub framed by two
giant windows of palms strung with fanciful fairylights.
Bird of Paradise, anguillabird@yahoo.com,
www.birdofparadisevilla.com
VERDANZA HOTEL, PUERTO RICO
LAUNCHES PACKAGE TO CELEBRATE
ITS FIRST SUMMER SEASON
Guests may enjoy the sultry days of summer at San Juan, Puerto
Rico’s Verdanza Hotel, with a package that offers accommodations
for two adults and two children up to 16 years of age at no additional charge, sharing a room with adults.
Each adult receives a complimentary Rondanza, Verdanza’s
signature cocktail made with Rums of Puerto Rico, and the
whole family enjoys two 12-inch pizzas, one mini-cooler filled
with a six-pack of Coca-Cola, and a 15-percent discount in food
and beverage at Verdanza’s three restaurants. The Feel the Vibe!
Package also offers a $10 match-play coupon for nearby casino as
well as a copy of the Puerto Rico Entertainment Book 2010, with
hundreds of discounts in restaurants, shopping, attractions,
and more. The summer package rate is based on double occupancy;
in addition to that up to two children are welcome to stay in the
room at no additional charge.
The package starts at only $79 ppdo per night, subject to a daily
nine-percent government room tax and eight-percent resort tariff.
The cost for an extra adult in the room is $25 per night, room only.
A two-night minimum stay is required. This rate is not applicable
for groups of ten rooms or more.
The package price is valid through August 31, 2010, subject to
availability. Restrictions may apply. No reimbursement will be
given for unused amenities/features. The package is commissionable at 10 percent for travel agents.
Verdanza Hotel, www.verdanzahotel.com
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CARIBBEAN
THE WESTIN RESORT, ARUBA OFFERS
FAMILIES ‘SUITE’ SAVINGS
Just in time for summer vacation planning, The Westin Resort,
Aruba, is offering a “Suite Family” getaway, allowing mom, dad
and the kids extra space to spread out and relax. Nightly rates
start at $399 this summer for an ocean view suite, complete with
one king bed and one full sleeper sofa, comfortably accommodating four guests.
The package, available when booking four or more nights, also
includes a daily $100 food and beverage credit and a 50-percent
discount off additional resort view rooms, perfect for larger
broods or inviting extended family along.
While vacationing at the resort, children and families can partake in a variety of fun, adventurous and educational activities,
planned daily by the resort’s resident “Director of Fun” Marielle
Smeets, ranging from sandcastle building and seashell hunting to
iguana feeding and coconut bowling.
Younger guests (ages four–12) can join The Westin Kids Club,
where they’ll engage in water balloon splashes, tie dyeing and
trips to the butterfly farm. When enrolling more than one child
in the Kids Club, the resort provides a 30-percent discount on the
total cost of the program.
While the younger set is occupied, mom and dad can spend time
sans kids trying their luck in the casino, shopping around the island or just relaxing by the pool. The Director of Fun also organizes playtime for adults, with nightly Unwind™ rituals that include a Taste of Aruba with Balashi Beer, Mix Your Own Mojito
or Create Your Own Caipirinha.
The whole family can reconnect with a variety of activities
like Movies under the Stars, Fireside Storytelling and
Stargazing, complete with professional telescopes. Daytime adventures include snorkeling, kayaking or visiting nearby Arikok
National Park.
The “Suite Family” package is valid now through December 18,
2010; mention should be made of rate plan SUITFB at time
of booking. The $399 nightly rate is per room, based on stays of
four-six nights; for stays of seven nights or longer, nightly rates
start at $379.
Offer is based on availability and does not include tax or
service. Discount for additional room will be credited at
check-in.
The Westin Resort, Aruba, 877-822-2222,
www.westin.com/arubaspecials, www.westin.com
MICHAEL SANSBURY APPOINTED
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SEVEN STARS
RESORT, TURKS AND CAICOS
Michael Sansbury, a 30-year hospitality veteran, has been
appointed Managing Director of Seven Stars Luxury Resort,
located on Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, Turks and
Caicos. Sansbury will oversee all resort operations and will
implement additional amenities, including a new restaurant
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
scheduled to open in 2011.
Prior to joining Seven Stars, Sansbury served as Executive
Vice President of Operations for Baha Mar, a $2-billion
destination resort currently under construction in the Bahamas.
Before that, he was a Regional Vice President and Managing
Director of Loews Hotels, responsible for pre-opening and
subsequent operation of three hotels at the Universal Orlando
Resort in Orlando, Florida. His experience with Loews also included regional responsibilities for the successful opening and operation of Loews Miami Beach, Don CeSar Resort and the Loews
New Orleans.
He has served as President of the Cornell Hotel Society, the
international alumni association of the Cornell University
School of Hotel Administration. He’s also a former Director
of the Bahamas Hotel Association and of the Nassau/
Paradise Island Promotion Board. In Florida, he served as
Chairman of the Board of the Florida Hotel & Motel Association,
Chairman of the Board of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging
Association, and was named 2001 Hotelier of the Year of the
Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. He was also named
2002 Resort Executive of the Year by the Resort Industry
Conference.
Seven Stars Luxury Resort, 866-570-7777,
www.sevenstarsgracebay.com
The beach is so close,
shoes are strictly optional.
Emerald green mountains as a backdrop. The turquoise
Caribbean Sea at your feet. Could there be any place
more charming than this picture perfect cove called the
Grand Case Beach Club ? Two powder white beaches.
Fresh water pool. Day and night tennis.
Delightful dining. Invigorating water
sports. Shopping and excursions.
Everything your heart desires.
For reservations see your travel professional
or call 1-888-845-5821.
www.grandcasebeachclub.com
JUNE 2010•
23
CARIBBEAN
CLUB COMMANCHE IN ST. CROIX, WITH
HISTORIC PAST, REMAINS POPULAR TODAY
SANDS AT GRACE BAY GIVES AGENTS
GENEROUS OFF-THE-RACK DISCOUNT
Built near The Royal Wharf in the 1750s for a Danish doctor, one
of St. Croix’s oldest buildings has been home to the Comanche
Hotel since 1948. Throughout the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, Club
Commanche was the social and business center of St. Croix. It was
a daily gathering place for businessmen, professionals and politicians. Hollywoood movie stars made regular visits.
Today, Club Comanche is still at the center of culture, tourism,
business and government in the Virgin Islands’ historic town of
Christiansted.
The hotel has been repositioned as St. Croix’s only executive boutique hotel and meeting and event center in the heart of downtown
Christiansted on the harbor boardwalk.
The Hollywood-style swimming pool, the first pool in the Virgin
Islands and formerly filled with recirculating harbor water pumped
by the windmill, is converted to fresh water and re-plumbed to meet
modern safety regulations.
The Commanche Mill Bar, formerly the Honeymoon Suite, anchors Club Commanche to the popular harbor boardwalk which
links the Historic Danish Fort and Customs House, shopping arcades with galleries, duty-free shops, custom jewelers, fine restaurants and waterfront bars, excursion boat operators.
Club Comanche Hotel, 866-975-2927,
info@caribbean-reservations.com, www.clubcommanche.com
The Sands at Grace Bay is offering up to 40 percent off the rack
rates for travel agents who book their own stay at this familyfriendly Caribbean Resort, for travel now through December 21,
2010. With discounted rates starting as low as $111 per night
ppdo for Studio Courtyard accommodations, it’s a perfect excuse
for travel professionals to take a fun family vacation or couples getaway this summer or fall.
Agents can visit the resort’s website for resort and rate information, but for reservations agents will need to call the hotel directly
at their toll-free number to request the travel-agent discounted
rate. They must provide their ASTA, NACTA, IATAN or CLIA
number when making the reservation, and present their card at the
front desk upon check-in. The travel agent discount will be applied
to qualified travel agents plus one additional guest, and reservations will be based on hotel availability.
A beach lover’s delight, The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the
world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as
Grace Bay Beach. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are available
by appointment. Guests are welcome also to enjoy the resort’s indoor fitness center, non-motorized water sports, tennis court, and
bicycles as well as complimentary WiFi in the rooms, restaurant
and lobby.
The Sands at Grace Bay, 877-777-2637, www.thesandstc.com
“Most Romantic
Resort in the World”
TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice,
4th consecutive year
Located on one of the Caribbean’s top 10 "Dream Beaches of the World",
the sophisticated and stylish Bucuti and Tara Beach Suites offer
Aruba's only refined and tranquil boutique resort experience.
Exchange your vows on our magnificent white sandy beach.
Let us make your honeymoon a celebration that you will cherish for a lifetime...
Eagle Beach • Aruba • Dutch Caribbean
info@bucuti.com • 888-4-BUCUTI
www.bucuti.com
24 • JUNE 2010
www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News