Miami, FL, November 29, 2011 – Preferred Residences®, a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts offered by an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), has added Blue Residence Club in Aruba to its exclusive exchange network. The property will feature 126 spacious condominium units that will be built in three phases, with the first scheduled for completion by summer 2013.
“Blue Residence will offer members access to premium quality accommodations and personalized service in one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations for leisure travelers,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Preferred Residences. “Having seen the plans for the resort, it’s impressive how every aspect of the property is designed to exceed the expectations of owners and guests.”
Blue Residence Club in Aruba joins Preferred Residences
“Our vision is to create a high-quality product with all the modern conveniences and services of a full-service resort. When we selected the site for Blue Residence in the heart of the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, we knew it was spectacular – it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic location,” said Alberto Perret-Gentil, principal and chief operating officer of The Pering Group, developer of the resort. “Whether our owners are staying at our property or exchanging their vacations through Preferred Residences, they can expect truly memorable experiences.”
Planned on-site amenities include a private beach protected by a jetty, two swimming pools, spa, fitness center, indoor hot tub, and landscaped sundeck. In addition to poolside and beach butler service, guests will have access to concierge services and be able to request pre-arrival grocery stocking and daily maid service.
Owners and guests also can enjoy water sports at nearby Eagle Beach or golf privileges at two nearby courses, including Tierra del Sol, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Just four miles from Blue Residence Club, Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad retains the charm of a quaint seaside village, although it has developed into a cosmopolitan, international tourist destination, with stylish shops, gourmet restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos. Other attractions are crystal-clear blue waters, miles of white-sand beaches, music festivals, and local cultural events.
Beyond the sales and marketing opportunities for developers, Preferred Residences offers owners “high-touch” exchange services and year-round leisure and lifestyle benefits tailored especially for sophisticated, affluent travelers. These include preferential pricing at participating Preferred Hotel Group affiliated properties worldwide, complimentary Prestige membership in Priority Pass airport VIP lounge program, personalized concierge services accessible 24/7 online and via phone, and enrollment in Hertz #1 Club Gold®.
by Kerry Chubb
It seems that from spring 2012 Royal Caribbean have decided to lower their drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on international cruises. This means that ships sailing from ports like Australia, Europe and Asia will be able to sell alcohol to anyone over the age of 18 instead of 21, but saying this the drinking age on ships sailing from North America will stay at 21.
Royal Caribbean’s policy at the moment does allow 18 to 20 year-old’s to purchase alcohol on-board as long as they have a waiver that is signed by their parents saying its ok for them to do so. You can read more about Royal Caribbeans policy’s here.
The reason for this change seems to be because the legal drinking age in many countries around the world is lower than it is in the United States. Royal Caribbean have said that they want to be able to provide their guests with an enjoyable environment that respects the cultures from around the world. In many places it is ok to drink at 18 except in Italy where you can drink from the age of 16.
Source: Cruise Ship News
HOLETOWN, Barbados (Nov. 10, 2011) – Vacationers can stuff their stockings early this year with two free nights at the boutique, all-inclusive, Mango Bay Resort (www.MangoBayBarbados.com) in Barbados through the “Book Seven, Pay Five” promotion. This offer is valid on new reservations made by Dec. 9, 2011 for travel Dec. 10 – 24, 2011.
All-inclusive rates start at US$350 per room, per night, based on single or double occupancy, and include hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including glasses of wine, use of the gym, watersports (waterskiing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling) and nightly entertainment. For guests looking to be pampered even further, indulge in spa treatments at Elements Spa for an additional fee.
Before departing, shopping enthusiasts can bring back holiday gifts from high-end stores such as Ralph Lauren, Armani Exchange, Agent Provocateur, Cartier and MAC Cosmetics located in the nearby Limegrove Lifestyle Center in Mango Bay’s hometown of Holetown.
Mango Bay Barbados
Located in the historic Holetown area on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, the 76-room Mango Bay is known for its casual 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 – an oasis where warm breezes, delightful Caribbean sunshine, and picturesque beaches are refreshing and revitalizing. Spacious accommodations, a centrally-located swimming pool, delicious dining and tremendous all-inclusive value make Mango Bay a truly exceptional “Uncomplicated, Unencumbered, Unforgettable” vacation paradise.
DENVER, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Evolve Vacation Rental Network today announced it is launching an online service that acts as a personal marketing, sales and service team for vacation rental owners.
Evolve has a new answer to a common question among vacation rental owners: Is it better to operate as a rental-by-owner or hire a local property manager? “Neither,” said Evolve Co-Founder and CEO Brian Egan. “We’re offering a third option, something that owners have never seen before.”
While vacation rental continues to grow in popularity (it’s a $24.3 billion market in the U.S. alone), the options for owners have remained the same. “Many owners feel trapped. They are forced to choose between the hassle and guesswork of renting on their own against the expense and inconsistent performance of full service property management. We built Evolve to fill the gaps in the status quo options and make it easier to be a vacation rental owner,” explains Egan.
Evolve’s service includes:
Listing Creation: Elegant, professionally designed listings that look great and compellingly describe the residence, access to amenities and the surrounding areas.
Listing Promotion: Placement on Evolve’s site, promotion via search engine marketing and social media, as well as reaching over 50 million travelers by listing on popular vacation rental sites like VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey and TripAdvisor, — all at Evolve’s cost.
Traveler Service and Booking: Prompt, professional response to all traveler inquiries and a simple booking process, including updated calendars, click-through rental agreements and credit card acceptance, to make it as easy as reserving a hotel room.
The company makes money by charging a 10% booking fee once a property is rented. “Large upfront fees, annual contracts and cancellation penalties only make things harder for vacation rental owners. You pay us when we perform: It’s risk-free and it’s a fraction of what you’d pay otherwise. It’s that simple,” said Adam Sherry, Co-Founder and COO.
Sherry emphasizes that the company’s approach helps vacation rental travelers as well, “Part of helping homeowners means helping their traveler guests. If we provide travelers with great service, they’ll be more likely to book our homes, which means more rental income for our homeowners. Everyone comes out ahead.”
As evidence of the impact the company is having, Sherry cites the number of Evolve homeowners entering the vacation rental market for the first time, “We’ve been shocked at how many owners haven’t been renting out their homes because of the effort or the expense. There are millions of homes sitting on the sidelines. That’s a huge opportunity for us and for the industry as a whole.”
Evolve currently operates in the continental United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and expects to grow rapidly in those markets and beyond in 2012.
Egan and Sherry come from Exclusive Resorts, which they helped to build from launch to an industry leader over eight years. In founding Evolve, they sought to apply some of their lessons learned. “Vacation rental is becoming a more complex and competitive market. Travelers are starting to expect more in terms of communication and service,” says Egan, “it’s difficult for the average owner, or local property manager, to meet that standard on their own.”
‘From Pirates to Hoteliers’ Historic Book on Caribbean Travel & Tourism Will Be Released
THE CARIBBEAN (Nov. 7, 2011) – The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2012 and will host a Golden Jubilee Gala on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 7 pm in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The formal event will feature a gathering of many of the individuals who have led the hospitality and tourism industry over the past 50 years along with the unveiling of From Pirates to Hoteliers, a glossy, 200-page coffee-table quality book that commemorates the history of Caribbean tourism.
“CHTA’s Golden Jubilee marks an historic occasion in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry,” said Josef Forstmayr, president of CHTA. “Our region and economies have thrived over the past 50 years as a direct result of the growth in Caribbean tourism.”
For the Golden Jubilee Gala, CHTA is bringing together the pioneers of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry, many who are now enjoying their retirement years. All past and present hoteliers, tourism officials and hotel association executives are expected to participate in the festivities making the event a historic gathering of those who shape the region’s most vital industry.
Complete details about the Golden Jubilee Gala will be announced in December. Individuals looking to attend the event can contact Iliana Colon, CHTA Conferences and Events, 305-443-3040 ext. 116 or email: logistics@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
CHTA commissioned HCP/Aboard Publishing, Custom Publishing Division of The Miami Herald Media Company to write and print From Pirates to Hoteliers. The book will be created in a hardcover coffee table format and will depict the vivid and illustrious history of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry, its impact on all aspects of life in the region and its place in the world as an association at the forefront of tourism leadership.
Historic images chronicling key events in Caribbean history will accompany stories dating from the earliest visitors to the region – from the colonial era to the famous “pirates of the Caribbean” – to the first tourists to the region, the rise of tourism after the Cuban revolution, and the formation of the CHTA.
Beautifully written with an introduction by the CHTA President, From Pirates to Hoteliers brings to life some of the most significant events, places, people, programs, and traditions that are all part of the Caribbean experience. It is a celebration of an industry that has played a key role in the development of the region and will continue to do so far into the future.
David Jessop, Executive Director of the Caribbean Council for Europe, and a renowned author, will write several chapters for the book setting some of the historic sequences in perspective.
Any company or individuals who would like to help “make history” for Caribbean or would like to know more about the project, please contact Garry Duell Jr. at 305-376-2686 or via email at gduell@hcpaboard.com.
Philipsburg, ST. MAARTEN (Nov. 7, 2011) – The highly regarded Westin St. Maarten Resort & Spa (www.Westin.com/St.Maarten) welcomes notable, 25-year industry veteran, Executive Chef Robert W. Reed to its culinary team.
In joining the team at the Westin, Chef Reed will be responsible for the direction and organization of all food functions and outlets within the resort, including all food operations for Westin’s steakhouse Aura and their contemporary restaurant Ocean as well as the resort’s pool-side deli, room service and catering ($4 million in annual food operation). Reed will join his new team of 80 culinary staff who are known for upholding the Westin brand standards.
Guests of the resort will delight their palettes with the veteran’s culinary concoctions. Reed developed a passion for food at an early age when he spent two years at the acclaimed California Culinary Academy in San Francisco before accepting an externship at the renowned Five Star, Five Diamond, Hotel Del Coronado. Reed excelled as an Executive Banquet Chef where he had the honor to service many celebrities including the Kennedys. Prior to joining the Westin team, Reed held positions at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, The Atlantic City Sheraton, Marriott Key Largo Resort & Spa and the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort and Spa. One of Reed’s most acknowledgeable moments is when he received the Certified Masters Chefs at the White House where he performed service twice.
About the Westin St. Maarten Resort & Spa
Situated along the southeastern shore of St. Maarten, the 317-room Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa reflects the relaxed elegance and beauty of the Caribbean surrounded by endless miles of sparkling blue water, acres of tropical foliage and sprawling white beaches. The Westin is one of the largest upscale resorts in the Netherlands-governed province with its exquisite guestrooms (140 ocean front; 39 ocean view and 138 resort or island view), 99 luxury condominiums and six suites (including three Presidential Oceanfront Suites and three Parlor Suites), a full-service European-style Hibiscus spa, fitness room, on-site casino, nearly 20,000 square feet of flexible function space, several retail shops, the largest infinity pool on the island and endless water sports activities, creating a haven of relaxation and recreation. Guests have the choice of five oceanfront restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant, sushi bar, poolside café, lobby and pool bar and room service to satisfy any appetite. Whether to relax and rejuvenate all day or play into the night the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa provides a blissful escape and true Caribbean holiday experience like no other. For more information please call 011-(599)-543-6700 or visit www.westin.com\stmaarten and our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/WestinStMaarten.
CALGARY, Nov. 4, 2011 /CNW/ – WestJet will launch its new, non-stop seasonal service tomorrow morning between Toronto and San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Toronto Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 3.
Media representatives are invited to the WestJet check-in counter on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 7:15 a.m. ET for entertainment and interviews marking the launch of this new service. The inaugural flight departs at 9:10 that morning.
Rosalie Bay Resort on Dominica retains Madigan Pratt & Associates for expertise in marketing luxury hotels and resorts, especially in the Caribbean. The digital marketing agency will design a new SEO-optimized website and launch a fully integrated marketing program for the 28-room eco-luxe and wellness Caribbean resort.
ECO-LUXE RESORT: ROSALIE
Madigan Pratt & Associates, specialists in hotel marketing, has been retained by the new eco-luxe Rosalie Bay Resort in Dominica for digital marketing, advertising and public relations efforts in North America.
Opened in November 2010, Rosalie Bay Resort is a 28-room eco-luxe wellness resort on the nature island of Dominica in the Caribbean. Named to the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler “Hot List” of new hotels, Rosalie Bay Resort sits at the foothills of the Morne Trois Pitons between the Rosalie River and the black sand beach of the renowned turtle nesting spot of Rosalie Bay.
The Williamsburg, Virginia digital marketing agency will begin by developing a new search engine-optimized website using the latest best practices in SEO. “With nearly 80 percent of people stopping on the first page of an Internet search, the importance of a hotel appearing on that page for top keywords has never been more important,” says Madigan Pratt, Managing Director at Madigan Pratt & Associates.
“The new rules of SEO make websites that are just a few years old obsolete. So it is critical for organizations, especially small, independent hotels like Rosalie Bay, to overhaul their site so that future guests can find and then, book them online.”
Under the agreement, Madigan Pratt & Associates will also create an integrated marketing program using online and database marketing, public relations, advertising and promotion to generate awareness of the one-year-old Caribbean resort, build customer loyalty and drive revenue.
Rosalie Bay Resort joins a distinguished portfolio of luxury clients, representing some of the world’s top resorts, at Madigan Pratt & Associates.
San Juan Puerto Rico (PRWEB) November 02, 2011
Historic El Convento Hotel in San Juan Puerto Rico, garnered two top spots in leading travel publications: Condé Nast Traveler, named it one of the Caribbean´s top ten hotels while Destination Weddings, labeled it as one of the best hotels for celebrating weddings in Puerto Rico.
The November 2011 Condé Nast Traveler, displays the 24th edition of the Readers’ Choice Awards, with El Convento securing a position within the top favorite hotels in the Caribbean.
Destination Weddings, with a readership of 175,000, chose El Convento Hotel among the top 25 hotels in the world for celebrating weddings. The article highlights the history, gastronomy and location of El Convento Hotel, built in 1651.
“These recognitions confirm what we already know: that Puerto Rico Does it Better!,” said Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director, Mario González Lafuente. “In terms of hotel accommodations, Puerto Rico offers everything from top-brand resorts, guest houses and Paradores that range from trendy boutique hotel venues, to 5-star accommodations like the W Retreat and Spa in the offshore island of Vieques. We thank both Condé Nast Traveler and Destination Weddings, for helping spread the word,” he added.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (PRWEB) September 08, 2011
While the traditional winter holiday scene includes snow capped hills and frosted windows, one Port of Spain, Trinidad, hotel offers a much warmer take on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This winter, holiday travelers should embrace the Southern Caribbean way of celebrating at the Courtyard Port of Spain: warm weather, sandy beaches and friendly hospitality, mixed with Santa Claus and New Year’s Eve parties.
Aside from the enjoyable weather and holiday festivities, this Trinidad hotel also offers two special holiday packages. Both of these holiday packages include a traditional Trinidadian breakfast for two adults and two kids and $50 dinner credit per room. Breakfast treats include smoked ham and pastilles.
Guests should start formulating their Christmas and New Year’s Eve plans today, as holiday travel tends to become more expensive closer to the season. Rooms at the Courtyard Port of Spain Hotel fill up quickly, as guests everywhere attempt to flee the cold and enjoy the winter holidays in paradise.
For guests experiencing the Christmas holiday in Trinidad, children are invited to enjoy treats with Santa Claus. New Year’s Eve travelers can participate in a cocktail hour for adults to welcome in 2012.
Both of these Holiday in Trinidad packages are available on December 15, 2011, until January 4, 2012, using promotional code PKG. These rates start as low as $159/night, so families everywhere can enjoy a Trinidad vacation to celebrate the holidays. Guests must stay a minimum of three nights to take advantage of either holiday vacation package.
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