Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides – All Access Arial Pass to the filming locations in Kauai

Hey Pirates of the Caribbean fans!! the new installment in the series opens tomorrow, June 20th, 2011 at theaters worldwide :0)

The staff of Island Breeze Travel will be one of the first in line to see the movie but we also wanted to put a bit of information out to some of you who might be considering a trip to the islands of Hawaii. Many of the scenes were filmed in various locations on Oahu and Kauai. Farther down in the post, we outline our recommendations for a trip to Kauai and an excursion that will give you VIP viewing of some of the popular filming locations with some of the most awe-inspiring backdrops on the face of the planet.

But first, a bit about the new movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

The official On Stranger Tides trailer promises all the usual Pirates of the Caribbean fare, sword-fighting, and sharp wit. Geoffrey Rush as Capt. Hector Barbossa, Depp’s Keith Richards-esque portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow, and some new elements. Among the new additions—mermaids, zombies, 3D effects, a love interest played by Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane as the legendary pirate Blackbeard and lots of Hawaii scenery.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides opens in theaters nationwide on May 20, 2011.

Official Trailer

Fly with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

For a VIP aerial tour of all the great filming locations for Pirates Of The Caribbean – On Stranger Tides, we recommend flying with the company Captain Jack Sparrow parlay’s with! Blue Hawaiian Helicopters was the official inter island helicopter transport service for Mr. Depp while he was on-island and they have the inside scoop and can give you a perspective into the filming like no one else can.

Captain Jack Sparrow arrives in Hawaii for the first day of filming!

Island Breeze Travel has a great relationship with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and we would be happy to arrange a VIP tour befitting a true Pirates Of The Caribbean fan!!

We recommend staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. The staff here is awesome and the concierge staff in particular bends over backwards to make sure you are well taken care of. Plus, being that it’s Hawaii – No Passports Required!!

Current promotions: Free Breakfast Buffet for 2, Every 5 night free, Breakfast for 2 and 20%!, Kids Stay FREE!, and more!!

For more information on the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – please click here for their website or contact us at 517-917-0510 / info@island-breeze-travel.com or see our website at www.island-breeze-travel.com

BFF Girls Getaway October 13-17, 2011

The BFF Girls Getaway Package is available October 13-17, 2011 for
$1,199 per person. All Luxury Included® getaways come complete
with deluxe accommodations, gourmet dining options, premium
brand wine and spirits, endless water sports, scuba diving for
certified divers, gratuities, airport transfers, and all resort taxes and
fees. *Double occupancy not required for October dates.

And – this just in!! We just received the proposed itinerary for the BFF trip and wanted to share it with you.

Thursday, Oct 13th

7:00pm-8:00pm
Private Welcome Cocktail Reception with Kinect™ for Xbox 360®
(Italian Village Trevi Pool Bar) Kick off your girls getaway as you sip on mixed drinks, nibble on delicious hors d’oeuvres, and test your dance skills with Dance Central on Kinect™ for Xbox 360®. Plus, meet all of the BFF sponsors while you learn what the weekend has in store for you! Dinner at Leisure. Grab your BFF and dine at one of our 16 Restaurants.

Friday Oct 14th

8:00am-9:00am
Walking Meditation and Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Watersports Center) Enjoy a morning walk along the ocean’s edge and start
the day centered and calm. Learn how this contemplative approach to walking can help you to slow down, feel more connected and cultivate gratitude for what is truly important in your life.
9:30am-10:30am
Morning Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Gym) Appropriate for all levels and taught from a point of safety, iyengar-style practice helps you to refine and deepen your yoga poses. All levels welcome.
10:30am-11:30am
AGE Smart Eye Reversal with Dermalogica® (Sushi Bar) Did you know the eye area is the first to show signs of aging, and the easiest to start treating now? From firming and reducing puffiness to a wrinkle solution, let our Dermalogica® Skin Experts teach you the professional’s way of treating and preventing the signs of aging around the eyes.
4:00pm-7:00pm
Private Sunset Sail-Away Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise (The Pier)
Set sail on a private cruise with Island Routes Adventure Tours for the ultimate party on the water! Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit so you can frolic in the crystal-clear Turks & Caicos waters!

Saturday Oct 15th

8:00am-9:00am
Walking Meditation and Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Watersports Center)
9:30am-10:30am
Morning Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Gym)
10:30am-11:30am
Rapid Resurface & Renew Your Skin / Join the FITE with Dermalogica®
(Sushi Bar) Millions of dead skin cells sit on the surface of your skin just waiting to be removed, and most skin has imbedded grime that triggers skin issues. This all leads to a dehydrated, dull complexion. Join our Dermalogica® Skin Experts so we can show you how to replenish and treat your skin with our hydrating formulas for a quick,
easy fix! At the same time, find out about our amazing concept of helping women entrepreneurs worldwide and join in the FITE!
2:30pm-4:30pm
Emeralds are a Girls’ BFF! (Italian Village - Colombian Emeralds)
Visit the Colombian Emeralds boutique and relax in the shade during your own private BFF shopping experience! Mimosas will be served as you try on jewelry, participate in raffle contests and save up to 50% on select jewelry!
4:30pm-5:30pm
Learn to Have it All Workshop with Jennifer S. Wilkov (Caribbean Village - East Caicos Board Room) Understand how to have a meaningful, romantic relationship while continuing to enjoy your successful dream career. Jen will show you the steps to envision
and create your dream life. Not only will they help you decide what you want, they’ll show you how to get it!
9:00pm
Beach Bonfire PJ Party sponsored by Harlequin® (Schooners Deck)
Bond with your girlfriends on the beach, next to a bonfire and over delectable chocolate treats. You’ll enjoy a steamy night of confessions…Let the games begin.

Sunday, Oct 16th

Oct 8:00am-9:00am
Walking Meditation and Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Watersports Center)
9:30am-10:30am
Morning Yoga taught by Kim Valeri (Gym)
10:30am-11:30am
Get Mapped and Get Results with a Double Masque Face Routine with Dermalogica® (Sushi Bar) Take this opportunity to sit down at the Skin Bar and learn how to take care of your skin with our experts
through Face Mapping. Did you know your skin can be divided into 14 zones, each with a unique need? We can meet those needs with the Dermalogica® Double Masque! We will teach you an easy and simple application for a professional double action masque at home.
4:00pm-5:00pm
The Power of Visualization Workshop with Jennifer S. Wilkov
(Caribbean Village - East Caicos Board Room) Learn how to turn your dream life into a reality. From creating your vision board to writing affirmations and more, you’ll get all the tools you’ll need to harness the power of visualization so you can take it home and start living the life you want.
5:00pm-6:00pm
Meditation taught by Kim Valeri (Caribbean Village - West Caicos Board Room)
6:30pm-7:30pm
Farewell Cocktail Party (Kimonos Bar) It’s a happy hour like no other! Start the evening off right by pairing delicious cocktails with tasty delicacies.
7:30pm-10:00pm
Farewell Group Dinner (Kimonos) Say goodbye to a wonderful weekend with your new Beaches Friends Forever. Plus, find out if you will be the lucky winner of your very own Kinect™ for Xbox 360®
Prize Pack complete with a Dance Central game.

Monday, Oct 17th

All Day Departures

www.island-breeze-travel.com

info@island-breeze-travel.com

517-917-0510

Department of Tourism Launches St. Croix Fantastic Flight Offer

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has re-introduced its St. Croix Fantastic Flight promotion, offering a rich booking incentive for U.S. travelers to enjoy a St. Croix vacation this summer.

Travelers who book the St. Croix Fantastic Flight promotion receive a $500 instant rebate on bookings of six nights or more, including the first night free at participating hotels plus credits toward dining, activities and shopping representing a total value of $700 in savings. The offer runs through May 12, 2011 for travel to St. Croix between June 10, 2011 and August 31, 2011.

In addition, two daily, non-stop American Airlines Boeing 737 flights will operate between Miami and St. Croix beginning June 10, 2011, offering travelers increased options for summer travel to St. Croix.

St. Croix hotels participating in the Fantastic Flight promotion include: The Buccaneer, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Club Comanche, Club St. Croix, Colony Cove, Company House Hotel, Divi Carina Bay Resort, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Holger Danske Hotel, Hotel Caravelle, King Christian Hotel, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Sand Castle on the Beach, Sugar Beach Resort.

The package applies to new bookings only and is based on double occupancy.  Credits are $250 per person booking incentive, with maximum two credits per booking for a total of $500. Reservations for this promotion can be made by contacting Island Breeze Travel at 517-917-0510 or email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

For more information about this offer, click here to visit the US Virgin Islands Tourism page. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel-including on-line check-in-making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever.  As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy at Sandals Emerald Bay

Island Breeze Travel is pleased to announce the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy at Sandals Emerald Bay happening June 11 – 18 and December 1 – 8, 2011!

During these dates, four (4) PGA certified Golf Pros will travel to Sandals Emerald Bay to teach one, two- and three-day golf sessions. Golfers enrolled in the Academy will enjoy the incredible Greg Norman-designed oceanfront golf course layout while receiving intensive on-course instruction and assistance with course management as well as V-1 video swing analysis.

As a special treat, legendary golf pro Greg Norman will also be hosting a special complimentary clinic on June 17, 2011 for those who participate in the Academy.

Program Details:

Resort:   Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas

Booking Window: February 10 – December 9, 2011  

Travel Window:  June 11 – 18, 2011 & December 1 – 8, 2011

Min. Night Stay:   3 Night Minimum

Room Category:  Any room or suite category

Cost: 

• 3 Day Program, including one round of golf:  $1,600.00
• 2 Day Program, including one round of golf:  $1,050.00
• 1 day Program $500.00
• Golf Clinic with Greg Norman on June 17, 2011: Complimentary for Academy participants

Inclusions: Two and Three-day programs: 4-hour instructional session with full swing analysis, increasing accuracy on approach shots, improving short game, making better bunker shots, and perfecting putting. 2-hour instructional session,  plus one 9-hole playing lesson with GNCGA instructor at Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club. V-1 computer & video analysis with personalized DVD and 60-day access to the GNCGA instructional website with applications to continue training from home.  One personalized teaching manual.

One day program: 4-hour instructional session with full swing analysis, increasing accuracy on approach shots and improving short game. V-1 computer/video analysis with personalized DVD.

 

For additional information please visit www.sandals.com/golf/golf-academy.cfm

To book this once in a lifetime experience, contact Mark Brown at Island Breeze Travel, your Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency at 517-917-0510 or email mark@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

Beaches BFF Update for October 13-17, 2011

Beaches is rolling out the red carpet for you and your girlfriends to go on a 4-night vacation in paradise at a very special rate. So, grab your girlfriends, kick back, relax and enjoy Caribbean-style fun at the Beaches Friends Forever (B.F.F.) Girls Getaway.

Exclusive B.F.F. Activities:

• Welcome cocktail reception
• Island Dance Lessons
• Skin-timate Skin Care Sessions
• Beach Bonfire Pajama Party
• Meditation Classes
• Beach Yoga and Seaside Pilates Classes
• Chartered Snorkeling
• Farewell Dinner

You also receive:

• $200 Red Lane® Spa gift certificate for the ultimate in pampering (Spa appointments can fill up fast so we can pre-register your appointment directly with the resort to save you time)
• 10% discount voucher to our specialty gift shops
• Free 5x7 picture
• Welcome goody bag filled with gifts!!

Sunset Sail Away Catamaran Cruise
Sail away on a catamaran cruise for the ultimate party on the water! (An $85 value)

First Hand Experience:

My first hand experience was last October and I can tell you it is something that I will never forget!  I went with my sister, mother-in-law and cousin.  I had been to Beaches Turks and Caicos before so it was great to experience it from the eyes of someone who had never been there before. Everything was seamless, from the arrival, to getting our “goodie bags” and with all of the scheduled activities.  You can do as much or as little as you want!

We had a great time hanging out with Andrew at the Cricketers Pub.

And let’s not forget the Chocolate parties…

 

Everyone had a great time and we can’t wait to return!

$200.00 per person reserves your spot for ultimate girls getaway!  For more information and to book your Beaches Friends Forever (BFF) Girls Getaway contact us at (517) 917-0510 or info@island-breeze-travel.com

American Airlines Launches Added Jet Service to Exuma, Bahamas

Guests of Sandals Emerald Bay can now enjoy easier access to the exclusive beachfront resort in Great Exuma, Bahamas, as American Airlines launches non-stop jet service from Miami, Florida to Great Exuma. On November 18, 2010, American Airlines flight 3688 launched daily service from Miami International Airport at 3:40pm, arriving at George Town Exuma International Airport at 4:50pm. American Airlines flight 3362 began jet service last Friday, November 19^th on Fridays and Saturdays, departing Miami at 7:00pm and arriving in Exuma at 8:10pm. Increased jet service to the Exumas is a direct result of growing tourism in the region and coalesces with the success of Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. 

Sandals Emerald Bay expands on the resort company’s Luxury Included® concept, offering an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites. 

The property is set on 500-acres of pristine white sand beach on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands, offering gourmet dining in a choice of five gourmet à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, airport transfers and gratuities.  An exclusive 29,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Spa is also available to guests, featuring 17 treatment rooms and premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region. 

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Free Catamaran Cruise At Sandals Resorts in Jamaica !!

When you book a Luxury Included^® Vacation at Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Whitehouse or Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, for 5 nights or more, you will receive a complimentary Island Routes Catamaran Cruise.

Venture out across the flat, calm waters of the sparkling blue bay, as you embark on a cruise where you will explore the exotic beauty of underwater marine life and then live it up as you sail along the meandering coastline.

Hurry, offer good for travel December 13 – 26, 2010!

Sail away on a catamaran cruise and you can:

• Delight in sightseeing as you explore Jamaica by sea and take in the views
• Enjoy a snorkeling expedition while you see marine life in its natural habitat

After all the fun in the sun, you will surely build up an appetite. You will enjoy:

• Delicious made-to-order exotic cocktails from the bar, made with premium brand liquors
• Caribbean inspired hors déuvres to tantalize your taste buds

Create memories that will last a lifetime as you:

• Learn all of the latest dance moves from our talented "Players"
• Rock to the island rhythm with your own onboard DJ

Offer is valid at the following Sandals Resorts:

Receive one Island Routes Island Vibes Catamaran Party Cruise per room for 2 adults. Offer available for new bookings only, 5 night minimum in any room category, made between 11/3/10 and 12/9/10 for travel to Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Grand Ocho Rios and Sandals Whitehouse between 12/13/10 and 12/26/10. Cruises departing from Grand Ocho Rios will not travel to Dunn's River Falls. Promo Code KATT22 must be mentioned at time of booking in order to qualify for this promotion.

Upon check in, visit the Island Routes Tour Desk with your hotel travel voucher to redeem this offer. Certain restrictions apply. Free Catamaran Cruise will be based on space availability and weather permitting. All excursion changes or cancellations are at the discretion of Island Routes. Free Catamaran Cruise package has no cash value, is non-transferable, and no refunds will be issued for any unused portions. All offers subject to change or can be withdrawn at any time.

Take a closer look at a lesser known destination – the Whitehouse area. Sandals Whitehouse is amazing and it boasts one of the largest remote beaches in the area – at approximately 2 miles, there's sure to be plenty of room to roam. Also close by in the south-coast area is YS Falls. Click here for a video and a closer look at Sandals Whitehouse. Then, click on The Resort Collection for the video.

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Disney Fantasy Maiden Voyage, 2012 Itineraries Released

Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to announce selected itineraries for 2012, including the maiden voyage of its fourth ship. The Disney Fantasy™ is scheduled to set sail on April 7, 2012, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Bookings for the Disney Fantasy started at 8 a.m. EDT on Oct. 20, 2010.

Building on the classic style of her sister ship, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy™ is the regal fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. Featuring 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1450 Cast and Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each and every day.

Want great food? Take a look at the Official Disney Fantasy Dining Page Here

To book, visit us at www.island-breeze-travel.com or email info@island-breeze-travel.com or call us at 517-917-0510

Fall Savings at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Palace Resorts is pleased to announce that effective November 1, 2010, Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort will officially transition into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana!

As the world's first all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the resort will be the ultimate vacation destination, offering guests the signature rockin' Hard Rock experience, combined with the lavish, five-star service and amenities of a Palace Resorts all-inclusive escape.

Plus, this Fall when you book at the all inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana you will enjoy a 20% discount off the rate and a $1,500 Resort Credit that can be used towards golf, spa services, room upgrades, tours, romantic dinners and much more!

Destination(s):Punta Cana - Departure City(s):All

Hotel(s):Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana

Travel Dates: 10/12/10 - 12/23/10

Book By:12/23/10

$1,500 RESORT CREDIT DETAILS:   

Receive up to $1,500 resort credit per room, per stay with a minimum 5 night stay and apply them to any of the services and/ or amenities included below or $750 resort credit per room when you stay 3 or 4 nights when you stay at  Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort. Valid for arrivals from June 1st, 2010 through December 23, 2011.

TOURS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit towards any of these select tours when you stay 5 nights or longer and 750 resort credit with a 3 or 4 night stay. Activities: Dominican Experience and Snorkeling in Paradise.

GOLF:Use up to $1,500 resort credit towards green fees, rental clubs and shared cart with a minimum 5-night stay or $750.00 credit when you book 3 nights or more. Golf Course: Cana Bay Palace Golf Course. The unlimited golf package and the golf with spa option package are combinable with this promotion.

SPA/ BEAUTY SALON SERVICES:Use up to $300 resort credit on spa and/or beauty salon services with a minimum 5-night stay or $150 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.  Services are subject to availability.

ROMANTIC DINNER: Use up to $1,500 credit on a Romantic Lobster Dinner (includes Moet & Chandon champagne) when you book a 5-night stay or $750.00 credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. Adults only.

UPGRADED WINE LIST: Use up to $1,500 resort credit from selected award winning wines when you book a minimum stay of 5 nights or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.

CASINO: Use up to the equivalent of $100 with a stay of 5 nights or longer or the equivalent to $50 for a 3 or 4 night stay to apply them to casino match play.

NIGHTCLUB: Effective fall 2010 use up to $1,500 resort credit at award-winning night club when you stay 5 nights or longer and $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. It applies to admission fee and drinks.

ROOM UPGRADE: Use up to $1,500 resort credit in room upgrade available upon arrival when you stay 5 nights or longer or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. Upgrades available on certain room categories and subject to availability. Restrictions may apply.

WEDDINGS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit on select Precious Collection Wedding Packages exclusively when you stay 5 nights or longer or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.

For a customized quote, email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Live it Up and Dive FREE at Sandals and Beaches Resorts

LIVE IT UP AND DIVE is an event for scuba divers who like to vacation in paradise, dine in world-class restaurants and enjoy premium-brand beverages, plus hang out with friends and family while diving in the world’s most beautiful destinations!

Taking place only between September 1 and October 31, 2010, LIVE IT UP AND DIVE can be found this year exclusively at Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa!

In addition to a phenomenal diving experience, guests will experience a variety of exclusive LIVE IT UP AND DIVE weekly activities, which include: Dive In cocktail pool party - one day per week, Dive Treasure Hunt one day per week, new SCUBAPRO equipment demos, Beach Bonfire and Photo Show and Tell activities.

There’s no additional charge for divers to participate in these events. All guests who book through this promotion will be invited to participate. Each of the resorts listed above will plan the days and times for the LIVE IT UP AND DIVE activities, and may vary at each resort.

This promotion is in addition to all existing promotions and discounts being offered by Sandals and Beaches.

For more information and to Book this great promotion, contact us at 517-917-0510 or email Mark at mark@island-breeze-travel.com or Ann at ann@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

U.S., Barbados Reach Open-Skies Aviation Agreement

Published on: July 6, 2010

The United States and Barbados have reached an Open-Skies Agreement that will liberalize U.S.-Barbados air services for airlines of both countries.

Barbados will become the 99th U.S. Open-Skies partner. Once the agreement is signed, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes, destinations and prices for both passenger and cargo service based on consumer demand and market conditions.

For those of us who enjoy travel to Barbados, this is a very big deal and it should bring more competitive airlift to Barbados. In addition, watch for the Barbados Tourism Authority and resorts on the island to team up and offer special incentives for those who are considering a visit to Barbados.

The agreement, which was reached on July 1, for the first time provides airlines of both countries with code-sharing and intermodal rights.

The previous U.S.-Barbados air service agreement, signed in 1982, contained restrictions on the cities that carriers could serve and placed limits on charter operations. The new agreement will remove these restrictions and provide important enhanced cargo rights.

For more information, or if you would like to stay current on all the latest Barbados developments, email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com or call us at 517-917-0510

A New Record for Wedding’s at Beaches Turks and Caicos

Wedding bells could be heard the whole month of May at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa with a record 109 weddings in just one month.

“It has been a very busy time for us,” wedding specialist Shayna Bigazzi told the fp. The resort is a favourite wedding spot for blissful nuptials, but “we have never had this many weddings in one month so far,” Bigazzi said.

In July it was announced that Sandals Resorts International and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. had entered a three-year partnership bringing customizable Martha Stewart Weddings to the various Sandals resorts, including Beaches Turks and Caicos, starting this year.

Martha Stewart Weddings at Sandals Resorts are available in six themes with something for every budget and wedding wish. Special Martha Stewart touches include a wedding cake designed by Pastry Guru Wendy Kromer-Schell of Martha Stewart Living, and of course elegant details designed by Martha Stewart herself.

For those wishing to marry on the pristine beaches of Grace Bay, the comprehensive wedding packages cover everything from the rehearsal dinner or lunch, the ceremony to the reception, up to and including the honeymoon. “Our wedding and honeymoon packages have been very popular,” Bigazzi explained.

In this belt-tightening economy, Bigazzi says many couples have to sacrifice the honeymoon. “With our packages, they are able to combine the two and not have to miss out on anything,” she explained.

This new trend has been a big hit at Beaches, where couples have opted for a weeklong combined wedding and honeymoon trip. Along with the wedding couple, family and friends are tagging along, being apart of the wedding, while also having their own vacation at the same time. Shayna says more than half the couples come with groups of 30 people or more.

Most Beaches weddings occur between Thursday and Saturday, but with more than 1,500 feet of beachfront and 10 different locations to hold ceremonies, Beaches offers couples every opportunity for a unique Turks and Caicos Islands wedding experience.

For more information on Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Contact us for a free consultation.

info@island-breeze-travel.com

www.island-breeze-travel.com

517-990-2470

Tulum, Mexico – New International Airport Planned

Dates of construction and completion were announced on April 15th 2010

After much speculation, the new Tulum airport project was officially launched by Mexican President, Felipe Calderon.

First news reports from CNN and Reuters said he started the bidding process to construct and operate the airport and the "bases" for the competition were published on April 15, 2010.

The project will need an investment of some $254 million and competitors are expected to include international investment consortiums and other airport operators.

Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon said that the Riviera Maya Airport will be the first in the country to be constructed by private investors under a concession scheme.

He said the new terminal forms part of an ambitious government infrastructure project. It will occupy 3,700 acres (1,500 hectares) on the edge of the Tulum real estate market and will have a capacity for up to 3 million passengers per year.

Potential bidders are thought to include: ASUR, operator of Cancun airport; OMA, operator of northern Mexican airports including Monterrey and Acapulco; OHL, one of Spain's largest construction companies; and Advent International, a private investment company.

Major public investment in the zone has already had an effect on the price of Tulum real estate and international property companies are rushing to build new projects along the Mexican Caribbean coastline.

Cancun today receives 12.6 million visitors annually, and it has no more space to grow. The Riviera Maya received 2.8 million visitors in 2009, but the government expects it to receive 17.9 million in 2025. The expansion will need greater airport capacity.

Clearly, the new airport wont be ready for new passengers arrivals for a few years, but when it does open, it will be a very welcomed alternative to flying into Cancun, and making the long bus ride down to the Tulum area.

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

Companions Fly Free to Sandals Emerald Bay

Booking Window: Now – June 04, 2010

Travel Window: January 04-June 23, 2010

Black-Out Dates: March 19-April 18, 2010 (All travel must exclude these dates)

Resort: Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas

Categories: All published room categories

Minimum Length of Stay: 4 Nights, except when flying from Florida, which has a 3 night minimum

Note: Bookings can not be made online.

Description of Promotion/Package: Companions Fly Free to Sandals Royal Bahamian & Sandals Emerald Bay.

-Free companion fare offer applies to base air fare only, maximum one per room, and excludes government taxes and fees.  Guest is responsible for taxes and fees and must pay at time of booking for first passenger’s air fare, and both passengers’ government fees and taxes. This is fully non-refundable and cancellation of hotel will result in cancellation of all associated airline tickets.

-Both passengers must be booked for the same flight and itinerary and cannot include stopovers.

-Free airfare applies to new bookings only and air must be purchased in conjunction with a minimum 4 night stay and minimum of double occupancy.

-Not valid for Business or First class.

-Applies to airfares on scheduled service out of US markets only.

-Any airline change fees or rate increases after ticketing on either ticket is the responsibility of the passengers.

Florida offer:

Companion Flies Free - Same as above except:

-Free companion air offer includes base fare, government taxes and fees

-Applies to stays of 3 nights or longer

-Applies to scheduled service out of Florida.

Contact us today for more details and to receive a custom quote.

mark@island-breeze-travel.com / 877-858-8009

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

Martha Stewart Crafts Studio at Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts and Martha Stewart Crafts™ are delighted to partner together to bring crafting fun for the whole family to the Caribbean. Together, we are proud to share some of Martha's techniques and know-how through the new Martha Stewart Crafts Studio™ at Beaches, a series of creative classes developed exclusively for Beaches Resorts. These creative, hands-on classes are fun for the entire family! Participants use Martha Stewart Crafts^™ tools and learn crafting techniques to create beautiful and personal souvenirs.

Beginning June 1^st, 2010 guests staying at Beaches Resorts will be able to enjoy crafting fun for the whole family. Whether guests are beginners or seasoned crafters, they’ll enjoy five unique classes: Fun With Glitter, Scrapbooking, Stencil Fashion, Punch & Stencil Fashions and Make Your Own Postcard.  Plus, they’ll come away with a personal handmade souvenir of their stay!

All classes cost $10 per person with the exception of the Make Your Own Postcard class which costs $8. All classes must be booked on property. For more information, please visit the Martha Stewart Craft Studio Landing page: http://www.beaches.com/craftstudio/.

For more information on how to book a trip to any of Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, email me at mark@island-breeze-travel.com or call me at 517-917-0510

Sandals Emerald Bay Discounts and Special Offers

Sandals Resorts is rolling out the Red Carpet to get visitors to check out their latest property. Sandals Emerald Bay has outstanding features including the following:

The World’s first All-Suites Butler serviced luxury included resort, a Greg Norman designed 7001 yard, par 72 Championship golf course with 6 signature Oceanside holes, and three fresh water pools including the Caribbean’s largest zero entry pool with a central fire pit. 

Sandals Emerald Bay also has 24 Hour suite service, Five exciting a la carte dining options to choose from, and a magnificent Red Lane Spa facility encompassing 16,000 sq. ft. with 17 relaxation rooms offering scientifically advanced Dermalogica skin care treatments and a state of the art fitness center.

Also featured, is a weekly Late Night Chocolate Buffet, and personalized off resort excursions arranged by our Island Routes Tour specialists. Sandals Emerald Bay sits on one mile of the Exuma’s best powdery white sand beaches with a panoramic view of the Emerald Bay. For more information on Sandals Emerald Bay, Click here to go to their website.

Here are the latest special offers for Sandals Emerald Bay:

Promotion Name:  Companions Fly Free to Sandals Royal Bahamian & Sandals Emerald Bay
Booking Window:  November 27, 2009 until further notice
Travel Window: January 04-June 23, 2010
Black-Out Dates: March 19-April 18, 2010 (All travel must exclude these dates)
Resort: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort, Nassau & Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Categories: All published room categories
Minimum Length of Stay: 7 Nights
Note: Bookings can not be made online.

Description of Promotion/Package: Companions Fly Free to Sandals Royal Bahamian & Sandals Emerald Bay.
-Free companion fare offer applies to base air fare only, maximum one per room, and excludes government taxes and fees.  Guest is responsible for taxes and fees and must pay at time of booking for first passenger’s air fare, and both passengers’ government fees and taxes. This is fully non-refundable and cancellation of hotel will result in cancellation of all associated airline tickets.

-Both passengers must be booked for the same flight and itinerary and cannot include stopovers.
-Free airfare applies to new bookings only and air must be purchased in conjunction with a minimum 4
  night stay and minimum of double occupancy.
-Not valid for Business or First class.
-Applies to airfares on scheduled service out of US markets only.
-Any airline change fees or rate increases after ticketing on either ticket is the responsibility of the passengers.

Florida offer:
Companion Flies Free - Same as above except:
-Free companion air offer includes base fare, government taxes and fees
-Applies to stays of 3 nights or longer
-Applies to scheduled service out of Florida.

**On March 29th, Delta Airlines and American Airlines announced new airlift to Exuma, which makes it even more affordable.

Book a luxurious Seaside Villa and receive a complimentary Island Routes Castaway Cay  Island Package valued at $550! Spend unadulterated time with the one you love on an exotic, secluded island!! Castaway Cay Island Package Includes:

-Complimentary transfer to dock, Private boat transfer to secluded Castaway Island, 4 Hours unadulterated time with your loved one on Castaway Island , Beach chairs and beach floats for your enjoyment, -A bottle of wine and a cooler with drinks,  Choice of 1 of 4 lunch options. Click here to learn more about Island Routes Castaway Island Package.

Promotion Name:  Sandals Emerald Bay Castaway Cay
Booking Window:  March 30 – April 30, 2010
Travel Window:  March 30 – December 15, 2010 (travel must be completed by 12/15/10)
Minimum Night: 5 nights
Resort:  Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Categories:    Royal Estate 2-Story One Bedroom Beachfront Suite with Pool, Prime Minister Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout One Bedroom Villa Suite, Emerald Bay Honeymoon Penthouse Beachfront Villa Suite, Harbour Bay Honeymoon Beachfront walkout Villa Suite

Complimentary Castaway Island package is valid for bookings to Sandals Emerald Bay Seaside Villas of 5 nights or longer for travel March 30-December 15, 2010. Blackout dates apply. Bookings must be made March 30 - April 30, 2010. Limit one Castaway Package per couple and must be used in same stay. Package must be reserved upon arrival at Sandals Emerald Bay at the Island Routes Tour Desk. No cash back for unused portions and is non-transferable. Offer combinable with current promotions and is subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply.

     Sandals Select Members Exclusive at Sandals Emerald Bay!

We are pleased to announce an incredible offer for Sandals Select Members staying at Sandals Emerald Bay.  Sandals Select Members can redeem double their existing account value*, receive a complimentary Hydrotherapy Spa Treatment during their stay and earn up to an additional 15,000 Sandals Select Points when they book a 6-night vacation at Sandals Emerald Bay!

Booking dates:  Now – March 31, 2010
Travel dates:   Now – December 15, 2010 (travel must be completed on this date)
Min. Stay:  6 Nights
Resort:   Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas

Offer: Guests can redeem double their existing account value. For example – if a guest has $250.00 in their Sandals Select “bank”, we are going to allow the guest to redeem $500.00! Guests will also receive a Hydrotherapy Spa Treatment.

Guests will also: Earn 15,000 points (valued at $375.00) when they book a Villa category in the Seaside Village.

*Double point redemption offer is valid on new bookings made now – March 31, 2010 for travel – December 15, 2010 on stays of 6 nights or longer. Maximum redemption per reservation is $750.00 USD. Offer not combinable with any other double point promotion. Sandals Select Members must be enrolled prior to final payment for the offer to apply. Bonus points earned are redeemable towards next booking. Limit one reservation per member. Spa treatment has no cash value. Booking names must match the Sandals Select Membership account or it will be null and void. Offer is applicable only for US and Canada residents.  Offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Other restrictions may apply.

Military and IAFF Firefighters Discount:
·    Sandals Resorts will continue to offer a year-round 10% discount to any Sandals or Beaches Resort for the Military or IAFF Firefighters in the US or Canada.
·    Sandals is now extending the Military and Firefighters an additional 5% savings to any Beaches Resort for Fall Travel (August 23, 2010 through October 31, 2010) as well.
·    This is above, beyond, and in addition to all existing promotions!!
·    All previous details of the promotion & proof of military affiliation remain the same

Island Breeze Travel is pleased to announce that the military discount is now also available to Military Veterans as well. Unlike other military personnel (active and/or spouse, retired, Reserves, National Guard, and D.O.D. (Department of Defense) who will present their Military ID card (DD form 2) as proof at time of check in, a Veteran will present their military discharge papers (DD214) at time of check in. Firefighters will present their IAFF card at time of check in.

**This discount has to be requested at time of booking and can not be done online. We have a dedicated representative at Sandals who assists us with our military clients. Email or call us and let us assist you with this booking. The Military discount is very important to us. Being Retired Military, we love to show our continued support to our brothers and sisters in arms. For more information about the Military Discount, click here.

Good News!  Military Deployment is now covered on all new trip insurance policies purchased Nov 1 2009 and after at no additional cost. This is very nice, because with most trip insurance policies, military deployment is not included as a covered event.

You also get 1 night free on seven night stays at Sandals Emerald Bay and we have a great line of communication with the on site sales manager, Sue Simpson. Any special requests our client have, we route through Sue Simpson and she gets the job done.

Not interested in Sandals Emerald Bay?? Here’s a great new tool to help you pick the perfect Sandals Resort: http://www.sandals.com/loveMatch/

Let us know if we can help out with your Sandals or Beaches Resorts vacations.

 

mark@island-breeze-travel.com or ann@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com or toll free at: 877-858-8009