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

Why Use A Travel Agent?

"Why should I use a travel agent?" As a veteran travel executive, that's a question I'm often asked. Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.

In January, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent.

The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.

Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided FREE or for a nominal charge, by travel agents:

1. Distilling the product information: Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4. Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save a traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: Travel agents share the to pack for different travel options.

7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the client's experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

10. Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumer's advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn't questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Sandals Royal Plantation Special Offer

Over the last five years, the Sandals Resorts' Luxury Included® concept has redefined the standard of luxury at Sandals Resorts. Sandals Resorts now offer unprecedented services and amenities, including celebrated partnerships with Beringer® Wines, and Martha Stewart, who offers a range of stunning wedding themes under the exclusive brands Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart™ and Beaches Weddings by Martha Stewart™.

With Sandals resorts offering so many quality inclusions, it felt only natural to bring our resort family closer together by welcoming the fabulously sophisticated Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, into the Sandals Resorts fold.

Same Lavishness, Just More Of It!

So what is the difference you ask? Sandals Royal Plantation, which offers 74 lavish oceanfront suites, plus offering all of the gracious amenities that Sandals Resorts is known for, including an award-winning Red Lane® Spa. Sandals Royal Plantation's transition into a Luxury Included® resort means you will find the same elegant accommodations, breathtaking beach and delicious gourmet à la carte dining.

Even more enticing, as a full-fledged member of the Sandals family, Sandals Royal Plantation will now offer guests full complimentary access to the facilities of the nearby Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, including their choice of 8 additional restaurants, 94 pools and 22 hot tubs, scuba diving, a host of sensational activities and superb entertainment.

Sandals Select Exclusive Offer: Earn Extra Points!

To mark the welcome of Sandals Royal Plantation into the Sandals dynasty, Sandals Select Members who book the Royal Peacock Oceanfront Suite level or above, will be credited with 4,000 bonus points*, valued at $100.00, which will be available for immediate redemption.

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

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

THE ROYAL in Cancun Offers Unlimited Golf Greens Fee Packages

Unlimited Play & Unlimited Fun-in-the-Sun at Cancun’s Only Five Star Diamond Resort
Cancun, MX –Golf till you drop at Real Resorts THE ROYAL in Cancun!

The all-suite, all-inclusive luxury THE ROYAL in Cancun is the destination’s only Five Star Diamond Resort that offers unlimited greens fees for golfers. The Unlimited Golf Greens Fee Package offers transportation to and from the renowned Cancun Golf Club by Pok Ta Pok. This package also includes greens fees and golf cart rental for two.

Located just a few miles from the resort the 18-hole signature golf course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and offers a challenging game at every level. Guests participating in THE ROYALin Cancun Unlimited Golf Package will also enjoy a 20% discount on any purchases made at the Pok Ta Pok pro shop and a 15% discount at the courses restaurant/bar.

At THE ROYAL in Cancun guests will enjoy a choice of deluxe guest suite accommodations, all-inclusive gourmet dining, cellar wines, international cocktails and discounts at the resort’s signature holistic SpAZUL, as well as the Logo Shop, and on the rental of a Mini Cooper.

John Hardie, a guest from Ottawa, Canada said, “We chose the Unlimited Golf Green Fees Package at THE ROYAL in Cancun because it is the best of both worlds. We enjoyed unlimited golf every day with transportation to-and-from the golf course, as well as ultra luxury accommodations, gourmet dining and a beachfront location in the heart of Cancun.”

Contact us today for rates and availability at THE ROYAL in Cancun