Wednesday, November 3, 2010

SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010 SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010

As many of you know St. Lucia was hit my a category 1 hurricane, called Tomas.  Below is an update from the tourist board on the condition of the island and travel. 



SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010  SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010   

"No significant damage" reported as key tourism facilities remain operational
SAINT LUCIA (November 3, 2010) - Saint Lucia's airports in the north and south of the island are now fully operational following the passage of Hurricane Tomas, a Category 1 storm, over the weekend.
Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, reported that over the past few days Saint Lucians of walks of life joined hands in "true community spirit" to clear roads, clean debris and help communities return to a state of normalcy.
As of Tuesday, November 2, the island's two airports - Hewanorra International Airport in the south and George F. L. Charles Airport in the north of the island - were open for business; and American Eagle had increased services at George F. L. Charles Airport to move passengers who had previously been delayed between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Saint Lucia."We are pleased to report that major roads have been cleared and the Castries-Vieux Fort and Soufrière-Vieux Fort thoroughfares are now fully motorable," Senator Chastanet said, thanking the state authorities, businesses and private citizens for helping facilitate critical access between the north and the south.

Electricity has been restored to 80 percent of the island while power will flow to 90 percent of the country by this weekend. Most resorts currently have adequate water, and water supply should be restored in short order after detailed inspections revealed damage to the water dam is substantially less than expected. Most businesses resumed operations this week.

Senator Chastanet reported that "incredible improvements are being made every day to clean up debris littered throughout the island while tourism stakeholders intimated no significant damage to their properties and attractions."
Buoyed by the clean-up work of the Saint Lucian populace, the Tourism Minister declared, "We look forward to welcoming visitors by air from Europe, North America and the Caribbean with regularity from this Friday, November 5 - a week earlier than previously forecast."
Senator Chastanet also announced that cruise ships will resume calls to the island from November 7.
"Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters here and in the Eastern Caribbean who have been affected by this storm as well as those elsewhere in the region who are bracing themselves for its arrival over the next few days," said Senator Chastanet.
The tourism minister noted the government was working with local, regional and international partners to help deliver humanitarian assistance to communities that have been affected by Hurricane Tomas.

There will be a further update within 24 hours.

About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010  SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010   "No significant damage" reported as key tourism facilities remain operationalSAINT LUCIA (November 3, 2010) - Saint Lucia's airports in the north and south of the island are now fully operational following the passage of Hurricane Tomas, a Category 1 storm, over the weekend.Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, reported that over the past few days Saint Lucians of walks of life joined hands in "true community spirit" to clear roads, clean debris and help communities return to a state of normalcy.As of Tuesday, November 2, the island's two airports - Hewanorra International Airport in the south and George F. L. Charles Airport in the north of the island - were open for business; and American Eagle had increased services at George F. L. Charles Airport to move passengers who had previously been delayed between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Saint Lucia.
"We are pleased to report that major roads have been cleared and the Castries-Vieux Fort and Soufrière-Vieux Fort thoroughfares are now fully motorable," Senator Chastanet said, thanking the state authorities, businesses and private citizens for helping facilitate critical access between the north and the south.

Electricity has been restored to 80 percent of the island while power will flow to 90 percent of the country by this weekend. Most resorts currently have adequate water, and water supply should be restored in short order after detailed inspections revealed damage to the water dam is substantially less than expected. Most businesses resumed operations this week. Senator Chastanet reported that "incredible improvements are being made every day to clean up debris littered throughout the island while tourism stakeholders intimated no significant damage to their properties and attractions."Buoyed by the clean-up work of the Saint Lucian populace, the Tourism Minister declared, "We look forward to welcoming visitors by air from Europe, North America and the Caribbean with regularity from this Friday, November 5 - a week earlier than previously forecast."Senator Chastanet also announced that cruise ships will resume calls to the island from November 7. "Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters here and in the Eastern Caribbean who have been affected by this storm as well as those elsewhere in the region who are bracing themselves for its arrival over the next few days," said Senator Chastanet.The tourism minister noted the government was working with local, regional and international partners to help deliver humanitarian assistance to communities that have been affected by Hurricane Tomas.

There will be a further update within 24 hours.
About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

First All Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Opens in Punta Cana

So what do you get when you combine the world most renown "rock and roll" hotel and restaurant brand with one of the best all inclusive brands in the Dominican Republic? The First Ultimate All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, of course.  


Palace Resorts and the Hard Rock International have joined forces and completely transformed the largest resort in the Dominican Republic. (also the largest casino)  121 acres at Macao Beach in Punta Cana, the resort  has 1,800 guest rooms.  


This family friendly resort has something for everyone!  Golfers will be thrilled to hit the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that boasts 18 holes spanning across 155 acres. If you are looking for more of a Vegas style getaway you can seek solace in the more than 48,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino that has a high-limit poker room, 457 slot machines, a VIP lounge and 40 tables featuring games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. Even the gym is spectacular the Body Rock fitness center and the rock-climbing wall are endless cover 15,000 square feet . The resort even offers something for you tennis pros with 2 amazing courts.  When staying here don't forget to stop by for a game of pool at the billiards,play ping-pong and other table games. After a hard day of play, wind down with a massage or facial at Rock Spa.


Take advantage of what the Hard Rock Hotels are most known... their pools.  With 11 pools this resort is sure not to disappoint.  Come on over and garb a stool at one of the four that has a swim-up bar so you can relax poolside with a signature frozen drink. The resort also has a lazy river, a mini-golf course, water slides, a Kids Club and an ice-cream stand.  The possibilities are endless...

Whether you are a hard rocker or channeling your inner rock goddess this is the resort for you.  Plan your bachelor or bachelorette getaway, looking to get away with friends, or just escape with the family the hard rock lifestyle is perfect for a memorable vacation.  You can even get married in one of the three floating wedding pavilions.

 
This fall, in celebration of the opening, visitors to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana receive a $350Dec. 15Dec. 23, 2010. Guests can also take advantage of a $1,500 Resort Credit for use toward room upgrades, spa and beauty salon treatments, golf outings, romantic dinners, Precious Wedding Collection packages and off-site excursions, all when booking a five-night stay or longer. airfare credit per person, based on the adult rate with a maximum of two people, for travel through and a 20 percent discount off the average daily rate for travel through

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Dreaming of Dominicia and Beau Rive

Recently on a flight from Antigua to St. Lucia on my favorite Caribbean airline Liat we flew over the most majestic island I have ever seen in flight.  There was a bit of morning fog but the most amazing lush island appeared out of no where.  I turned to my husband who was reading a copy of the St.Lucia Star and before I could utter a word he was in full awe.  It was truly a vision in green with lush forests, winding rivers, beautiful cliffs, and crashing waves.  Mountains that your eyes followed every curve and valleys that seemed to sink into the core of every existence of my mind. Sure I have recommended the island a hand full of times but never had such a desire to go and stay myself.  An undiscovered paradise and perhaps my next ecoadventure!


Dominica (not the Dominican Republic) is part of the Windward chain and lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north, and Martinique to the south. From hiking the lush mountain peaks of almost 5,000 ft. to diving the dramatic vertical walls of our underwater terrain, it's no wonder Dominica took my breath away at every turn.

When I speak to my clients about the island and where to stay only one resort comes to mind  with simple sophistication and enough charm to feel like home.  The hotel is a gem, fully in harmony with the beauty of its lush surroundings.  

Welcome to Beau Rive!  


Beau Rive is situated 240 feet above sea level on the East (Atlantic) coast between the villages of Castle Bruce and Sineku. The hotel is nestled into a hillside amid three acres of tropical gardens and forest, with a dramatic view of the ever-crashing waves at Anse Francais and Wakaman Point. The setting is secluded and private and one can walk down through the forest and along the Richmond River to the wild and rocky beach. Here, the sea is too rough for bathing but there is a black sand beach at Castle Bruce one and a half miles to the south where it's possible to swim.

This secluded gem is just what I am looking for to escape life for a while, become one with nature, meditate, and simply be with the one I love.  Beau Rive boasts a humble 10 double suites all oceanview.  You will not find the standard room service, cable tv, and mini bar. This may upset some.  However, Beau Rive concentrates on quality of design, and a style of service rarely found today.  On resort you will find Roof terrace bar and dining room, Swimming pool Lounge / library, Citrus and spice gardens, and Forest trail to Richmond river.

Beau Rive is the perfect home base from which to explore the villages, markets, gardens, coastlines, beaches, trails, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and rainforests of Dominica.  


Dominica, like Beau Rive, is understated elegance and magnificently majestic.



For more information Beau Rive and other resorts in Dominica:

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Privilege Resort and Spa

Air, 5 Nts, All - Inclusive, Luxury, Award Winning Resort, Jacuzzi on Balcony $599

Spend five nights relaxing at one of Mexico's best kept secrets, the island of Isla Mujeres, for $599 per person. This all-inclusive getaway saves travelers $400 on the cost of booking air and hotel separately.
The Privilege Aluxes Resort, a 15-minute boat ride off the coast of Cancun, is a modern resort opened in 2009. Each room offers guests the added luxury of a private Jacuzzi located on the balcony.
This vacation includes roundtrip airfare, hotel, meals, drinks and activities. Packages are available for the first 200 bookings only for travel Nov. 1 - Dec. 16. 

 
Upgrade to a premium suite with ocean view and separate living room/bedroom for $99 more per person.
Fly from:
Click here for a quote on this and other Caribbean destinations.
Book by Oct. 22.
Note:  Travel over holiday weekends is available at slightly higher rates.  Roundtrip transfers from Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres are available for $45 per person, ask for details.

Terms :
  • Price per person based on double or triple. Rates do not include hotel charges typically paid by the customer directly to the hotel (e.g., room service, telephone charges, etc.), government imposed international travel taxes of up to $110.90, airport passenger facility charges of up to $18, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person and federal excise taxes of $3.30 which will be imposed on each domestic segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Other conditions apply. Total Vacation Package price will always be clearly displayed to you prior to purchase. Limited time offer is subject to (i) change without notice; (ii) availability (advance reservation is required As Always SkylineDestinations.com Brings you the best Deals Price is only valid until it sells out! Some cities may have an extra surcharge. 
 

ClubMed in Sandpiper Bay is perfect for Family Reunions, Destination Weddings, and Corporate Events!

Good afternoon all.  Recently I have gotten a few request for Corporate Events.  A few have been requesting destinations in the US however love the allinclusive concept.  Well look no further my friends.  Be the first to experience ClubMed in Sandpiper Bay, Florida, after 25 million dollars in renovation will reopen on December 17, 2010.  


Book one of their renovated club rooms at $150pp a night.  Need a little more time book today and you can enjoy 7 all-inclusive nights for the price of 3 nights only!

This property would also be a great choice for a destination wedding or the Bachelor / Bachelorette party before! 

For more information ClubMed Properties and other Caribbean Destinations: