Tag: Caribbean

Starwood Hotels To Open New Westin Resort For Punta Cana Holidays In 2013

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Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is planning to build a new resort in the Dominican Republic after it signed an agreement with development partner Grupo Punta Cana. The Westin Puntacana Resort is expected to open to tourists taking Dominican Republic holidays in late 2013 in the Playa Blanca area of the Puntacana Resort and Club complex.

The new resort will have 204 luxurious rooms including 16 suites, and guests going on holidays to the Dominican Republic can enjoy facilities such as a large swimming pool, full service spa, fitness centre, 24-hour business centre, meeting and wedding rooms, children’s club, walking trails, lobby bar and a poolside grill.

Brian Povinelli, the Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels and Resorts, commented: “The Westin Puntacana Resort is a highly anticipated addition to our growing resorts portfolio, offering travellers a refreshing, island retreat on one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean.

“The new resort will offer all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to inspire wellbeing and send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”

During holidays in the Dominican Republic, travellers staying at the new resort will also have access to first-class amenities at the Puntacana Resort and Club, such as championship golf course, nine gourmet restaurants, a Six Senses Spa, a 1,500-acre ecological reserve and three miles of pristine white sand beaches.

The resort is the first of two Dominican Republic hotels that Starwood Hotels and Resorts is planning to open over the year or so. The first property, Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village, is due to open in October, 2012 and is also being developed by Grupo Punta Cana.

Punta Cana is situated on the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and travellers from all over the world head to the region every year to experience tropical Punta Cana holidays amid stunning natural scenery that is made up of white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, lush green landscapes.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to be able to share the Puntacana experience with even more travellers as they visit the Dominican Republic,” stated Alberto Abreu, the Executive Director of Hospitality at Puntacana Resort and Club.

He added: “The Westin Puntacana Resort will allow even more visitors from around the globe to experience the one-of-a-kind beaches, weather, and activities available in our country, and at our resort. We look forward to welcoming more guests into the Puntacana family as we move forward with this project.”

Things To Do In An All Inclusive Cuba Vacation

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Cubas wonderful climate and cheap accommodation options make it a much preferred vacation destination for almost everyone who loves a good life. If one of your cherished dreams is to visit the Caribbean beaches but because of money constraints you arent able to, an all Inclusive Cuba vacation could be just your solution to all your vacation woes.

Holidays in Cuba must always be planned well in advance so that you get to cover every popular location in a tranquil state. It offers breathtaking sand beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, light entertainment and an amiable crowd. If you desire some heavy partying, you can visit Cancun which has a lot of night clubs, guaranteed to make your night exciting. Other famous Cuban locations include Paradisus Cuba in Guardalavaca, Blau Varadero, Iberostar Varadero, Sandals Hicacos etc.

The first thing you must remember when planning to go for Holidays in Cuba is that the food there might not suit all taste buds and you definitely wouldnt want your trip to be ruined by some inane stomach pain. So although you can try out the local food there, carrying some readymade food with you will be a good idea just in case things get awry. However, you must try out the seafood buffet once because firstly, it is renowned and secondly, your trip to Cuba will be considered incomplete without it.

While in an all Inclusive Cuba holiday you need not spend any additional money than required, its highly recommended that you keep $50 at any rate for tipping the workers at your resort. It will get you much better service when the word gets around about your generous tipping. Moreover, if you are planning to go with your family, choosing the right resort is very essential. Most of them arent exactly family oriented and do not include things that children can pass time with. Some may not even allow children below a specific age to enter due to different reasons. So, always book in advance and state your requirements if you dont want to face a difficult and awkward predicament later.

Sandals Resorts In Key Caribbean Holiday Destinations Reap The Rewards Of Earthcheck Programme

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The Sandals Resorts brand has built itself a sterling reputation over the years and has long been synonymous with luxurious Caribbean holidays. Management at Sandals have proven that they are not satisfied to rest on their laurels as they continue to raise the standards they have set for themselves. Most notably, over the course of the past 12 months Sandals have been hard at work building an equally stellar reputation in the field of eco-friendly tourism.

A year ago Sandals announced the launch of their environmental management programme across all their Caribbean hotels and resorts with the Sandals Earthguard powered by EarthCheck.

Since then, the Sandals chain of resorts have reportedly come a long way with their flagship hotel the Sandals Royal Bahamian recently receiving a silver rating by EarthCheck while the Sandals Negril, one of the most popular with travellers booking luxury Caribbean holidays, has proudly maintained its platinum status previously acquired in 2008 under the groups former certification body, Green Globe.

Under the EarthCheck programme, Sandals have identified six key pillars necessary to reduce their environmental impact and improve their green credentials:

Staff Awareness
Energy Management
Waste Management
Control of Hazardous Substances
Social and Cultural Development
Water Conservation

Sandals work in the area of water management and water conservation has been particularly impressive given the number of travellers who stay at the many Sandals resorts during their holidays in the Caribbean and the demands that such a high level of occupancy places on water supplies. Across all Sandals Resorts water from ice machines are recycled and used for irrigation, while the Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has been harvesting well water to reduce its reliance on municipal supplies.

EarthCheck CEO Steward Moore stated the following of Sandals achievements, This achievement highlights the long term commitment that Sandals Resorts has shown to the communities and environment of the Caribbean. Theyre well ahead of most governments and industry players globally as a result of their efforts, and serve as a leader in the field of sustainable practices.”

Blue Diamond Hotels To Open Luxury Beach Resort In Varadero, Ready For Holidays In May

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Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts has added a new hotel in Cuba to its portfolio with the scheduled launch of the Memories Varadero Beach Resort this May. The luxury four-star resort will open its doors to tourists taking Cuba holidays on 1st May, 2012 after the property was refurbished and rebranded.

Formerly known as the Sirenis La Salina, the property has 1,035 rooms and suites and it is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in Varadero, Cuba. Memories Varadero Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the younger guests to enjoy throughout their holidays to Cuba including a Kids Club and Baby Club, two children’s swimming pools and daily entertainment.

Facilities and activities at the all inclusive hotel include three tennis courts, a spa and salon, a disco, Jacuzzi, two adults swimming pools, fitness centre, multi-sport court, beach volleyball, and watersports such as windsurfing, pedal-boating, snorkelling, scuba diving, and catamaran cruises.

Guests can upgrade to Diamond Club, which offers a personalised check-in/check-out service, including early check-in and late check-out; private access to the Diamond VIP Lounge; an exclusive beach area with beach butler service; and a dedicated concierge service.

The hotel boasts eight gourmet restaurants with a wide range of international cuisine such as Italian, Creole, Mexican, and Japanese, and there are eight bars and lounges where visitors can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or fruit juice.

Varadero Beach is situated in the province of Matanzas on the Hicacos Peninsula on the north coast of the Caribbean island of Cuba. The region is one of the most popular destinations for holidays in Cuba with more than 20km of pristine white sand beaches and several luxury beachfront Cuba hotels.

The area features beautiful natural landscapes include the Bellamar Caves and idyllic virgin cays and during holidays in Varadero, travellers can go scuba diving and snorkelling in the turquoise crystal-clear water; sailing and deep sea fishing; play golf against the backdrop of the sparkling ocean; and take excursions to explore Cardenas City.

The beach resort is a great place for a family holiday in Cuba with an array of museums, white sand beaches, and parks and fun attractions including the Delfinario, a natural pool for dolphins.

Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts operates several all inclusive resorts across the Caribbean and Latin America under “Memories Beach Resorts” and “Royalton Luxury Resorts” brands.

Elite Island Resorts Adds Morgan Bay Beach Resort In St Lucia To Its Collection

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As the temperatures in the UK begin to plummet even further, there is no better time to escape the cold weather and head to the Caribbean for sun, relaxation and luxury.

Elite Island Resorts are now providing luxury St Lucia holidays after the hotel group acquired the islands former Almond Morgan Bay resort, previously managed by the Almond Resorts group.

The property, which has been renamed Morgan Bay Beach Resort, St Lucia, joins the hotel groups impressive collection of upscale resorts and hotels across the Caribbean in destinations that include Antigua, Grenada, Tortola and St. Vincent, Nevis, and the Grenadines.

Situated on the north-west coast of the island, three miles from its harbour capital Castries, Morgan Bay Beach Resort is tucked into a secluded cove and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

The beachfront resort offers 345 stylish guestrooms and suites with ocean and tropical garden views with great facilities that make the hotel perfect for family holidays in St Lucia or romantic breaks.

The all inclusive programme enables guests to take advantage of a wide range of products, facilities and activities such as premium beverages, delectable meals, snacks and refreshments, live music and entertainment shows, plus other entertainment activities including windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, and table tennis.

During holidays to St Lucia at the newly renamed Morgan Bay Beach Resort, visitors can take a refreshing dip in any of the four freshwater swimming pools; play tennis at any of the resorts four courts; leave the children in an adult-supervised Kids Club; enjoy an energetic work out in the fully equipped fitness centre; or indulge in a pampering treatment at the full-service spa.

Speaking about the acquirement of one of the leading luxury St Lucia hotels, Elite Island Resorts President, Steven Heydt, commented:The purchase of Morgan Bay presented a unique opportunity for us to expand our destinations and was the obvious next step for our ever-growing collection.

Our understanding of marketing the Caribbean will help re-launch this all-inclusive resort to a greater audience of travellers. Further, Elites management expertise in creating an unparalleled all-inclusive vacation will enhance the guest experience on every level.”

Additionally, the resorts wealth of offerings and breathtaking surroundings are ideal for our family and value vacation markets. We are confident that we can deliver a superior vacation in St. Lucia while providing excellent value during these challenging times.

Erotic Vacation Getaway

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Have you ever dreamt of awaking to the gentle sound of waves washing up on a beautiful white sand beach and the lovely face of your companion on the pillow next to yours? Well, the time to make that dream come through may be right now. Due to many people tightening their belts and sticking close to home because of the economy, airlines and resorts have slashed prices. Now you can reward yourself for exercising financial restraint during the previous period of mad excess and financial speculation.

You can look forward to shorter lines at the airport, affordable resorts during peak season, and no crowds on the beaches. Even well beaten paths like the Dominican Republic have cut vacation package prices by as much as 40% in some cases. A year ago such bargains would have been unthinkable. Many of the resorts in the Dominican Republic have very beautiful and hospitable staff to cater to your every need.

Enjoy a sensual massage with fragrant coconut oil before cavorting on the beach with your companion. After working up an appetite allow yourself to be hand fed broiled Caribbean lobster with sides of steamed breadfruit and Spanish rice. In no time you’ll be feeling like royalty spoiled by a life of decadent pleasures. Of course, you will be enjoying this without paying a king’s ransom which in itself is a guilty pleasure.

Those traveling alone will find that company is the least of their worries in the Dominican Republic. This destination is well known for the friendliness of its people and finding companionship at one of the many resorts catering to single travelers is effortless. So there is no reason to sit at home eating microwave dinners and conversing with your cat. Book a trip now. Years from now you can tell everyone about your wild vacation while others share their boring stories about pinching pennies and eating canned beans during the recession.

Ellen Paderson Recommends The Best Resorts For Gourmet All-inclusive Holidays In The Caribbean

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The founder of Smiles and Miles Travel, Ellen Paderson, has recently shared some of her tips on booking an excellent all inclusive holiday for foodie and those concerned about the quality of food on an all inclusive meal plan. Paderson, who has made it her goal to search for the top Caribbean properties offering all inclusive service in recent years, can now enlist the best getaways for experiences the best all inclusive holidays in the Caribbean as well as the advantages of this type of holiday, sometimes rejected by travellers due to predisposition about the food, the activities or the price.

She points out that its much less stressful for guests, and makes it easier for them to relax, knowing that everything has been paid for in advance. By booking an all-inclusive trip, holidaymakers guarantee accommodations, meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), recreational service and gratuities. However, Paderson advises travellers to make sure they find out all the details before making a booking, since the concept of all inclusive is not always the same for all resorts.

Travellers should ask their travel consultant to get to the bottom line to avoid surprises, said Ellen Paderson Of course, if you like trying local restaurants, exploring other locales off the resort, touring, etc., the all inclusive option removes much of the spontaneity that can make nice memories too.

Nevertheless, many of these properties offer extras that arent included in the rate such as spa treatments, golf and baby-sitting. Paderson, who has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, has selected as her favourites what she considers to be the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean due to their fine culinary options, beautiful surroundings, excellent service and great recreational activities with no extra cost, such as scuba diving. The Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya, the Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma, the Sun Palace, the Beach Palace, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma by Karisma and the Beach Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa are in Padersons list of the highest-quality getaways in the region with great meal options for foodies.

If travellers are interested in going for high-end all inclusive holidays in Cancun at a truly luxurious venue, the Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya is a wonderful choice. Located just five minutes away from downtown Playa del Carmen, the hotel offers 5-star dining at any of its 15 restaurants and an excellent 24-hour butler concierge service. The Sun Palace and the Beach Palace in Cancun, Mexico, are also gems among luxury all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean. Guests at the Sun Palace will enjoy a stocked minibar and a liquor dispenser with brand-name label whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka in their rooms, as well as the privilege to use the amenities at other nearby Palace resorts, meanwhile at the Beach Palace, guests will have a stunning view of Nichupte Lagoon and will be able indulge in the Jacuzzi tubs that can be found in all the hotels rooms.

The two Karisma properties earlier mentioned, have excellent seafood choices in their restaurants as well as great service. The Azul Beach Hotel with a popcorn room service for guests who want to stay in with a movie is more suitable for families, while El Dorado Maroma, with its excellent cuisine and beautiful white-sand beach, will be ideal for holidaymakers looking to relax. El Dorado Seaside Suites adults-only resort is a perfect getaway for honeymooners, which includes two swim-up bars and offers great spa treatments such as the Beachfront Sky Massage. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, on the other hand, has excellent options for children such as scuba diving lessons, and a great waterpark. The hotel specialises in offering great food for guests who have certain allergies as well as vegans and vegetarians.

How to Make the Most of Choosing Chic Hotels

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For many people, the delight in looking for and choosing the most modern and glamorous chic hotels across the UK, is a time well worth planning for. Whether you travel occasionally or regularly, you probably desire the most stylish hotel in the location you are visiting.

Chic Hotels Reflect Their Clientele

When you prefer a hip and trendy hotel as you travel to your favourite locality in the UK, Europe, the Caribbean or the Far East, you would never want to have to settle fo r less than you expect. The coolest options around the world have been specifically designed to attract a clientele that feels at home in an exclusive residence and this can apply equally to small, medium an d larger establishments. For some people, the blend of style and fashion is an essential ingredient for your choice of accommodation. Where you shop at Harrods or around Knightsbridge, you will expect the highest of standards not just in the service from the employees, but from the design of the hotel all the way to the quality of the sheets and pillow cases in your room. You won’t expect to find bland white pillowcases in the best of the chic hotels, just as you will anticipate a blend of visitors that are dressed for the occasion.

The Decoration is Important

People who have style and a good fashion sense often prefer to stay in a place that reflects their own character so that they immediately feel at home and not out of place. You can immediately see the amount of effort put into decorating the bedrooms, as well as all of the common areas like the lounge, restaurants and bars, where you can feel the amount of time and effort and expense put into designing and decorating the rooms.

Location is Important

Many chic hotels are located in an area of town or city which are close to trendy shopping areas so that while you enjoy relaxing in your accommodation, you are very close to a range of shops who can provide you with that something extra special for the design of your home, for when you return. There are many online websites which can show you where the best boutiques for style and design are located, but if you remain unsure, your extra special hotel will know what to recommend for you when you explain what you are looking for.

There are many chic hotels across the UK and abroad which specialise in providing you with a certain style that you will enjoy. Some research could help you plan a great holiday, whether a quick weekend break or for a longer holiday.

Luxurious Cap Cana At Eden Roc Resort Scheduled To Open In March

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Solaya Hotels & Resorts is getting ready for the opening of its debut luxury resort, Eden Roc at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic next month.

Tourists will be able to enjoy Dominican Republic holidays at the brand new ultra-luxurious resort when it opens its doors to guests in March, 2012.

The new Eden Roc at Cap Cana boasts extravagant accommodation including 34 freestanding suites and three magnificent bungalows where guests can relax in a stylish and lavish environment.

Each of the suites has a private swimming pool and spa that has been designed by the famous Dominican architect, Franc Ortega.

During holidays to the Dominican Republic, visitors staying at the new hotel will be able to use the outstanding facilities that include three Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, tennis courts, a full-service spa, the Eden Roc Kids Club, the Caletn Beach Club and several gourmet restaurants.

Paolo Sanavia, the CEO of Solaya Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We consider opening Eden Roc in the Dominican Republic the most exciting prospect the destination has seen in years. Our mission is to create an exclusive beachfront haven that provides discerning travellers a new level of secluded luxury.

“With our choice location, personalised services and unmatched amenities, we will provide a diverse segment of luxury clientele ranging from families to honeymooners with tailored experiences that will last a lifetime.”

World famous Milan-based designers, Marina Nova and Carlo Belgir captured the spirit of the French and Italian Rivieras and combined it with traditional Caribbean influences to create a striking yet serene ambience throughout the resort.

The resorts jungle-themed Kids Club is fantastic for children enjoying a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. The club is surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna and has been designed to resemble a huge tree house. It offers a dining area, a mini spa, video games and many more fun activities.

Set upon 30,000 acres, Eden Roc Resort at Cap Cana is situated just 20 minutes from the International Punta Cana Airport on the eastern coast of the Caribbean island.

Cap Cana is a popular destination for holidays in the Dominican Republic due to its miles o beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, marinas, and luxury beachfront Dominican Republic hotels.

Solaya Hotels & Resorts is a privately-owned company that is in the process of developing a portfolio of luxurious boutique hotels across Latin America, the Maldives and Europe.

The Swinger Resorts Of Spain

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Holiday resorts for swingers have made swinging holidays highly popular. As the concept of living the swingers lifestyle is gaining social acceptance and respectability with the popularity of Swinger resorts is also increasing day by day.
For more than two decades, the Hedonism Resorts in Jamaica are providing a swinging experience to lots of enthusiastic couples. Recently, several Swinger resorts have been establishing themselves as popular holiday spots in Spain for the British and other European swingers.

The Spanish Swinger resorts are quite popular when compared to the Caribbean ones. Most of the British swingers don’t see this as a disadvantage, rather, they prefer to avoid the pre-organized events, which on the other hand are very much popular with the swingers of USA, who prefer the resorts present in the Caribbean. In Spain, the Swinger resorts are often no bigger than a large villa which is at least suitable for accommodating as few as four couples per holiday.
Around twenty minutes away from Spain’s Costa Blanca (the white coast), there is one such resort that consists of four luxury villas. These villas are located in a very beautiful valley and offer seclusion and natural beauty for all those who want to enjoy a quiet but still a highly erotic holiday.

Swinger couples who are renting these villas share naked sunbathing around a lovely swimming pool. The only time the holiday becomes a bit more organized is on Saturday nights when the swinger parties are held. Most of the people there are the visitors who may be staying at the Swinger resorts in that area and also there are some local swingers as well.

In Spain there is a swinger holiday hotel consisting of eighty rooms and three suites for swinger groups. The hotel is located on the Costa Del Sol very near to Malaga. Further east along the coast another similar villa offers swinger holidays with regular parties.

On the Canary Islands there are popular swinger resort, on Fuerteventura and Tenerife. On Gran Canaria there is a popular swinger party venue where one can find something going on any night of the week.

The Swinger resorts referred to above are just a few examples from the various resorts that are growing up in Spain. The ones which are described above are located in the coastal region but if one does not mind being an hour or so from the nearest beach then there are some very good resorts to be found further inland.