Monday, December 21, 2009

Sandals' Whitehouse Reopens on Jamaica's South Shore

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa reopened following four months of upgrades and renovations to the Luxury Included resort, on pace with original estimates set in August by Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts.

The renovations to the resort further enhance the Luxury Included experience. Following the project, changes to the resort property included upgrades to soft goods and furnishings throughout the property and renovations to all resort restaurants, the main lobby area and treatment rooms at the resort’s exclusive Red Lane Spa.

The top two categories of suites -- the One-Bedroom Penthouse Honeymoon Beachfront Suite and the One-Bedroom Walkout Honeymoon Beachfront Suite -- were completely refurbished, adding updated furniture, upgraded soft goods and new plasma TVs, offering an enhanced setting for resort guests.

In addition, debuting with the reopening, guests of Sandals Whitehouse will be the first to experience Neptune’s, a new Mediterranean-themed dining concept. Created by Sandals Resorts International, Neptune’s offers Mediterranean cuisine with such dishes as a traditional meze of marinated olives, feta lamb kebabs and tzatkiki to saffron-infused bouillibasse.

Neptune’s will be located in the former Arizona Restaurant and there are plans to expand the concept to other Sandals Resorts in the New Year.

Recently named one of the top hotels in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Sandals Whitehouse is set within a 500-acre nature reserve on Jamaica’s undiscovered south coast. The resort features three seaside villages -- French, Italian and Dutch with piazzas and Mediterranean cuisine as well as pastry shops and European-inspired architecture. The 50-acre resort has 360 rooms and suites in nine categories all of which have beachfront views; eight restaurants and six bars; the largest freshwater pool in Jamaica; and a European-style square complete with duty-free shops, formal gardens, a piazza and cafes.

As with all Sandals Resorts Luxury Included vacations, a trip to Sandals Whitehouse includes butler service in select room categories; gourmet dining; unlimited premium brand wine and spirits; championship golf; and a wide array of watersports, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Guest of Sandals Whitehouse can also take advantage of savings of up to 65 percent off rack rates through select dates in 2010 when they book a minimum three-night stay by Jan. 7.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Kensington Tours Debuts Caribbean Catamaran Cruises

Kensington Tours added five Caribbean catamaran cruise itineraries to its portfolio.

Itineraries – all eight days long – include: The Bahamas – the Abaco Islands, including Great Guana Cay and Man-O-War Cay, and quaint towns such as Treasure Cay and Hope Town; French West Indies and Dutch Antilles – St. Martin, St. Barts, Anguilla, and the deserted islands of Prickly Pear Cay; Mayan Riviera and Yucatan – Mayan ruins, the lifestyle of Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and the beaches and natural parks of Contoy; St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Mustique, Bequia, Tobago Cays and Mayreau Island; and British Virgin Islands – Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Peter Island and Norman Island.

Each program features snorkeling along spectacular reefs, swimming, pristine (and in some cases secluded) beaches, picturesque views, and magnificent underwater marine life.

Scuba diving is an optional excursion that can be added upon request. All programs can be customized to suit the individual tastes, interests and budgets of a specific traveler.

All of Kensington's Caribbean cruises use Lagoon 440 catamarans with luxury accommodations for up to eight guests.

Providing ample privacy, comfort and storage space, each cabin features a queen-size berth with individual reading lamps, hanging closet, drawers, cupboards, and a bathroom with toilet, vanity, sink, medicine cabinet and shower/faucet.

Internet is limited to certain locations and not available in all destinations. Travelers can book a single stateroom and enjoy the company of two or three other adult couples, reserve all the cabins for family and friends, or charter the entire catamaran "just for two" for the ultimate private escape.

All sailing is done during the day; catamarans are anchored at night in protected coves and bays to assure a restful night's sleep. An experienced captain and professional hostess/chef, who focus on delivering optimum quality, comfort and service, accompany each trip.

Chefs spend weeks preparing a top-class menu to present the guests so they can dine in style while sailing the Caribbean. Rates for the Caribbean catamaran cruises start at $2,391 per person, based on double occupancy, and are dependent upon the specific itinerary and travel dates.

Kensington Tours offers custom private-guided tours to over 80 countries around the world.

Island Breeze Travel of Michigan is an authorized agent for Kensington Tours.

For more information, call or visit:

Island Breeze Travel of Michigan
www.island-breeze-travel.com

Toll Free - 877-858-8009

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

First All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Planned for Punta Cana

Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts said it has agreed to bring the world's first “ultimate all-inclusive” Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Slated to be re-branded in spring 2010, the 1,800-room Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will combine the atmosphere and guest experience of the Hard Rock brand together with the five-star Moon Palace Resort all-inclusive experience.

Hard Rock Punta Cana’s 121-acre property is located on Macao Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean overlooking the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The property will combine Hard Rock's signature “Rock Star” suites with Moon Palace Resort's all-inclusive luxury accommodations, including double Jacuzzis and double showers. The property also will feature an extensive collection of Hard Rock's authentic music memorabilia, highlighting both international and local artists, as well as incorporating diverse music genres throughout.

“We're eager to bring the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand to the Dominican Republic, and we look forward to establishing this property as a premier vacation and gaming destination in the Caribbean,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International. “Our collaboration with Palace Resorts and their track record of creating the best all-inclusive resorts in the Americas, we are confident this project will be a success.”

“We are very excited to develop the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana,” said Roberto Chapur, president of Palace Resorts, owners of Moon Palace. “Hard Rock has brought excitement to many destinations throughout the world and we are thrilled that the brand has chosen the Dominican Republic for its next project. We look forward to working with Hard Rock to create the most exciting hotel and casino concept in the Caribbean.”

Hard Rock Punta Cana will feature one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean with more than 48,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino plans to offer a high-limit poker room, a VIP lounge and a Race and Sports Book, in addition to 457 slots and 40 tables, where guests can try their hand at traditional Las Vegas-style gaming, including Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps and Roulette.

The property will be fully equipped to handle the largest events, from full-sized rock ‘n’ roll performances, to small groups. Hard Rock Punta Cana will feature more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Guests will be able to enjoy 11 expansive pools, four swim-up bars, a dedicated kids' pool and a lazy river. The resort also will feature a 15,000 square-foot Body Rock fitness center, the Xtreme Center's rock climbing wall, two tennis courts, mini-golf, billiards and ping pong. A dedicated Kids Club will offer daily activities and childcare services. Hard Rock Punta Cana's guests will have access to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Retail outlets, including Hard Rock's signature Rock Shop, a 1,200-seat amphitheater and the Caribbean's most expansive spa, will also be featured. Hard Rock's signature “Rock Spa” is a 60,000 square-foot facility with 48 spa suites, including 11 total indoor and outdoor couples' suites and two Golden VIP Suites, and one of the world's most complete hydrotherapy circuits.

Additional services include a beauty salon with kids' salon services and a wedding suite. For more information about Hard Rock Hotels, visit www.hardrock.com. For more information about Palace Resorts, call 800-635-1836 or visit www.palaceresorts.com.

You can also book your Hard Rock vacation with island Breeze Travel at 877-858-8009 or email mark@island-breeze-travel.com