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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Island Breeze Travel and Apple Vacations Announce Black Friday Special!

In honor of Black Friday, Apple Vacations will be providing a Twitter and Facebook promo code to Apple Twitter fans and Facebook followers.

If you provide the code on Friday it can be used by us as an Apple Travel Agent partner.

We will need to enter the code at the time of booking for you to obtain the special discount.

To obtain the code yourself you must be a Apple Vacations Facebook Fan at www.facebook.com/applevacations
or follow Apple on Twitter at www.twitter.com/applevacations

Fan or Follow Apple Vacations today to get these exclusive codes Friday!

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

Toll Free - 877-858-8009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Sandals Resort, Martha Stewart Announce Wedding Contest


On Friday's special destination wedding-themed episode of 'The Martha Stewart Show,' daytime host Martha Stewart and editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings, Darcy Miller, announced the Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart contest.

The grand prize winner, who will be announced on 'The Martha Stewart Show' on Feb. 11, will be awarded a customized destination dream wedding created by Martha Stewart's team at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas.

The package also includes a six-day, five-night Luxury Included stay for the bride and groom at Sandals Emerald Bay; a four-day, three-night Luxury Included stay for 10 guests at Sandals Emerald Bay; plus, roundtrip airfare for the bride and groom, as well as all 10 guests.

The wedding will be filmed and featured on 'The Martha Stewart Show' and in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.

Couples who wish to enter the contest, which runs through Jan. 20, 2010, can go to marthastewartweddings.com where they'll be invited to submit a 90-second video explaining why they should win a customized Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart.

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts recently paired up with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. to offer six new and exclusive wedding themes at any of the 18 Luxury Included Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean.

Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart feature coordinated color palettes, beautifully designed wedding décor, complementary bouquets, invitations, cakes and favors, along with à la carte items, creating a memorable experience to suit every couple's unique preferences.

The Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart program is now accepting reservations for all six exquisite wedding themes, which include Vision in White, Flutter of Romance, Seaside Serenade, Chic & Natural, Island Paradise and Beautiful Beginnings.

In addition to the six themes, couples have the option to enhance their destination wedding with à la carte "finishing touches" for the ceremony and reception.

To learn more about the Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart, call 877-858-8009 or email ann@island-breeze-travel.com


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

Royal Playa del Carmen Completes Expansion

Real Resorts announced the new expansion at The Royal Playa del Carmen is now complete and ready to welcome guests this December in time for the winter travel season.

The new addition to the all-suite, luxury all-inclusive resort adds an additional 44 suites in the upper and deluxe categories. In addition, a new restaurant is opening, el Mediterráneo, and a new stylish coffee bar, as well as a 25-meter junior Olympic pool.

Of the 44 new suites, four are junior suites, 20 are ocean-view junior suites, 15 are master suites with an ocean view, and five are presidential suites with 360-degree views of both the sparkling Caribbean and city views of Playa del Carmen.

In addition, each of the presidential suites has a roof top terrace and private plunge pool. The new restaurant, el Mediterráneo, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a selection of Mediterranean-style food in a casual buffet or a la carte environment.

The restaurant will feature fresh fish, seafood and meats grilled and seared to perfection. With the addition of el Mediterráneo and the new coffee bar, guests of The Royal Playa del Carmen now have a selection of 11 casual and a la carte dining options including the exclusive Chef's Table Restaurant; Asiana for sushi and Asian-style dining; Maria Marie's for an elegant continental style dinner; and Spice, a buffet restaurant with made-to-order cooking stations, as well as several other fun and delicious options.

For more information, call 877-858-8009 or visit

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

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas

The New Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is a 500-acre resort set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas.

This resort offers a selection of 183 "magnificently appointed" luxury accommodations with styles that range from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings. Unique to the Great Exuma property is a stunning 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, reputed to be among the best in the Caribbean, as well as a 17-acre, stand-alone Emerald Bay Marina by Sandals, the first-ever marina for any Sandals Resort.

Book your Luxury Included® vacation to this Exotic Private Escape and save up to 50%*. Plus, get up to 1 Night Free!**

Resort Highlights
All accommodations will include our exclusive Butler Service
Three pools, including an infinity entrance pool
Five gourmet restaurants
Five bars, including a swim-up pool bar and piano bar
Red Lane® Spa with 22 indoor treatment areas and 6 outdoor sanctuaries
10,000 square feet of meeting space
Water sports including scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and much more
Land sports including tennis, lawn chess, croquet, volleyball, shuffleboard
A marina with 150 slips that can accommodate yachts of up to 240 ft. in length
18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course (greens fees available at an additional cost)
Airport transfers from Great Exuma Airport (GGT)
Taxes & gratuities included*Up to 50% offer is valid for traveling starting January 22, 2010. Golf and Spa are available at an additional cost. Not responsible for errors or omissions.**Free night offer is valid on bookings of 7 nights at Sandals Emerald Bay on select room categories, made from Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2009 for travel between January 22, 2010 - December 28, 2010 and January 1, 2011 - December 28, 2011.

Promotion is combinable with Sandals Select Points, and consumer savings promotions for 2010 and 2011. Offer is not combinable with any other "free night" promotion. Offer may not be applicable for group bookings. Offer can be changed or withdrawn anytime.

Contact us today to book - 877-858-8009 or email mark@island-breeze-travel-com

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