~ Beaches Resorts Continues its Partnership with Sesame Workshop to Offer Families New Fun and Educational Programs ~

Beaches Resorts is adding new and exciting activities to their exclusive Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® program. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street®, Beaches Resorts is the only Caribbean resort company to offer engaging educational activities with a colorful cast of furry friends including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and more!

Arriving this month, Beaches Resorts proudly welcomes Super Grover, a brand new character to the Sesame Street® line-up. This spunky blue hero observes questions, investigates and inspires children to do the same. Super Grover will take children on an age-appropriate journey through the scientific process and unleash their powers of investigation, with plenty of breaks for silliness along the way.

Super Grover and his furry friends will ensure children and their families can spend quality time together while having fun and learning. At Super Grover’s Super Science Fair, children to experience the joy of scientific exploration by digging for seashells and weighing them at Investigating Sand Treasures with Zoe, making their own bubble wand at Bert’s Bubble Experiment, and learning about things that float and sink at What Floats in Ernie’s Bathtub.

Super Grover soars into Beaches Resorts this month, in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos.

Coming this fall, Super Grover will make another exciting appearance at the Super Grover: Ready for Action Stage Show, where everyone’s favorite super hero is joined by his Sesame Street® friends on stage for some excitement and scientific-themed adventure and experiments.

Also new to the Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® activities beginning this month is Abby and Elmo’s Surprise Tea Time, where children team up with Elmo to dress up, wrap presents, make cards, and throw a surprise tea party for their friend Abby Cadabby. At the Elmo & Friends Rock N’ Roll Dance Party, children can play musical instruments such as tambourines, shakers and drums as they boogie down island style with their favorite Sesame Street® characters.

With so many hands-on programs available, there is an ideal activity for every child and every family. These exciting new educational activities will ensure children and their families can spend quality time together while having fun and learning.

Sandals Resorts is thrilled to announce that Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas has been recognized as the “Best Honeymoon All-Inclusive Resort” in the 2012 About.com Readers’ Choice Awards. 

 The About.com Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best products, features and services across a variety of topics.  Over the past month, readers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist in each category, and Sandals Emerald Bay was chosen as the fan favorite in the Best Honeymoon All-Inclusive category.

 Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas.  Sandals Emerald Bay boasts 245 magnificently appointed rooms and suites, gourmet dining in a choice of seven à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, anytime snacks, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, a world-class marina, gratuities and even airport transfers.  An exclusive 29,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Spa, featuring premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region, enhances this 500-acre resort, set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands.

Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort proudly welcomed Jamaican Reggae superstar Sean Paul for an exclusive concert on March 31.   Sandals Resorts partnered with Champagne Cognac producer Remy Martin, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours for this special event.

Forty lucky radio listeners won all-expense paid getaways to the Caribbean resort, which included a three-day, two-night Luxury Included® vacation at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, round-trip airfare, a fantastic catamaran excursion courtesy of Island Routes Caribbean Adventure  Tours, a private performance by Sean Paul, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the Reggae superstar.

Sean Paul’s performance came on the heels of an international tour to promote the release of his latest album. The concert was an incredible culmination of the getaway experience at the resort paradise, where prizewinners sipped fine Champagne Cognac compliments of co-sponsor Remy Martin before heading backstage at the all new Ochi Beach Club for a private meet and greet with the Reggae legend. Sean Paul greeted each winner and signed autographs at the resort’s Jaime’s Lounge for an after party complete with a house DJ.

During the daytime, guests relaxed on the exclusive stretch of the Jamaican coastline that surrounds Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort and enjoyed the myriad of amenities at the resort, including watersports, nearby golf at Sandals Golf & Country Club, and gourmet dining at 15 restaurants.  

Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts; the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Hon. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; the Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Adam Stewart, CEO Sandals Resorts International join together to announce the creation of Sandals Corporate University

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, Sandals Resorts International was pleased to mark the official launch of the Sandals Corporate University (SCU), the company’s adult education program for Caribbean nationals employed by Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts.  A celebration honoring the SCU was held at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

 In an effort to continuously elevate the skill level of its more than 10,000 employees across the Caribbean, the Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, along with CEO, Adam Stewart, announced the introduction of the SCU, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The SCU will certify staff members without formal academic qualifications, and provide eligible team members with an avenue to advance their education.

 Through partnerships with internationally-recognized universities, such as Canada-based Ryerson University, the SCU’s programs place staff members on a path that can ultimately lead to a masters and/or doctoral degrees.  Similar partnerships with the Western Hospitality Institute in Jamaica offer SCU participants the chance to obtain associate and bachelor’s degrees.  The Jamaica Foundation for Life Long Learning will also provide classes in Mathematics and English for those in pursuit of high school equivalency.

Covering an array of disciplines, courses and programs range from basic hospitality-specific training to professional certifications, and are designed to meet internationally accredited standards. Courses are administered by certified hospitality educators trained by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, as well as Sandals-trained certified departmental instructors.

SCU’s core courses are free to team members, and programs offered in conjunction with external institutions may have additional costs. To assist with these expenses, scholarship funds and opportunities are in place to help qualified team members. 

Students partaking in the SCU courses will attend classes at Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. Upon successful completion of each course or program, team members will be issued a certificate and their progress will be noted on their individual SCU ‘passport’ - a summary transcript of their learning journey, which will track their development and certifications.

~ His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales Spends His Last Night in Jamaica Honoring the Island’s Culture, Music and Cuisine at an Event on Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Private Island ~

 Britain’s Prince Harry is welcomed by Gordon “Butch” Stewart,” Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts, for an evening celebrating the unique culture, music, history and cuisine of Jamaica at Sandals Royal Caribbean’s private island in Montego Bay.

With the world watching His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales’ Caribbean tour to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Sandals Resorts was proud to host the Prince for his last night in Jamaica at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

“It was truly an honor for us to host Prince Harry at Sandals Royal Caribbean,” said Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International. “Sandals Resorts embodies the culture and vibe of Jamaica, and we were delighted to help him experience what our island is all about.”

Sandals Resorts hosted Prince Harry for a chic beach party on Sandals Royal Caribbean’s private island to celebrate Jamaica’s unique culture, music, history and cuisine. Throughout the evening, Prince Harry enjoyed traditional Jamaican cuisine including the world renowned Jamaican Jerk flavor, a dessert trio featuring delicious local fruits, and entertainment of Fire Dancers and a Steel Pan Band.  Additionally, a special presentation was created in his honor, which featured a musical journey of Jamaica through dance, showcasing varying styles of music from Quadrille and Ska to Rock-steady and, of course, Reggae. 

 During the event, Sandals Resorts Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart and CEO Adam Stewart welcomed His Royal Highness, and the Prince was presented with a piece of local Jamaican art from the Jamaica Tourist Board.  It was certainly a night that will be forever remembered by Sandals Resorts.

Sandals Says:

Sandals Resorts is proud to once again announce that the company has been  named a Consumer Superbrand in the United Kingdom, following an independent survey of over 2,000 British consumers undertaken by The Centre for Brand Analysis. The Superbrands’ ranking, now in its 13th year, is an influential barometer of brand strength in the UK.  Brands are judged for their quality, reliability and distinction, and Sandals Resorts beat tough competition to take its place on the prestigious list.

“The Sandals Resorts brand, now 30 years old, has been built on a commitment to exceeding customer expectations, and to driving product innovations that keep our offerings fresh, exciting and at the forefront of luxury,” says Karl Thompson, Sandals Managing Director for the UK and Europe.  “We are honored to be named a Consumer Superbrand again this year and this accolade is a testament to the hard work of each individual throughout our organization.”

The Consumer Superbrands survey has been compiled since 1995 and is the benchmark annual brand barometer.  Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the Superbrands Expert Council said: “A Superbrand is one which constantly delivers excellence and quality, and this year’s consumer poll reflects this.  It is a huge achievement that Sandals Resorts has made the official 2012 list, revealing its influence on today’s consumers.”

We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the newly-renamed Balmoral Tower at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Ilsand. After undergoing recent renovations, the Balmoral Tower now features a lighter, contemporary look and even more luxury.  This $17 million upgrade helps maintain Sandals Resorts’ high end Luxury Included® standard, providing guests with the highest-quality amenities and ensuring that they have the best possible experience.  The rooms and suites in the Balmoral Tower now boast travertine-style oversized rectangle tiling instead of carpet, mahogany entertainment units with a 42 inch plasma television, a bar area and refrigerator, neutral draperies with open-weave sheers, and gorgeous large-scale area rugs featuring teal, charcoal and amber accents.  The renovated bathrooms include contemporary stained mahogany his and her vanities with Carrera marble tops, backlit mirrors, and showers that feature white beveled subway tiles with blue, cream and amber glass accent tiles .  The most exciting feature is sure to be the large balconies that were added to 35 of the ocean view rooms.  An additional 11 ground-floor rooms have now become walk-out rooms, providing direct access onto the newly-finished white concrete pool deck, which incorporates local fauna and conch shells.  Beachfront fire pits and an expanded lounge area complete the Balmoral Tower’s new look. 

Did you know that triple digit wedding dates occur only 12 times every one hundred years and hence are hugely popular with engaged couples seeking a memorable date to tie the knot. Last year Sandals and Beaches Resorts saw record marriages on the momentous date 11/11/11 with over 150 couples choosing to wed at the 18 Luxury Included® resorts across the Caribbean and, as 12/12/12 will be the last triple digit date until the year 2101, couples should book their WeddingMoon® early to avoid disappointment.

Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic Caribbean vacation. In partnership with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Sandals Resorts offers engaged couples six thoughtfully-designed wedding themes featuring coordinated color palettes and beautiful wedding décor designed exclusively by the expert herself. The stunning Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart™ options can also be tailored to every couple’s tastes, as guests can choose from a myriad of options that perfectly reflect their personal style. Brides and grooms can plan every detail of their celebration from beginning to end, including resort destination, accommodation type, wedding décor, cake and color palette.

To help brides and grooms stay within their budget, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts offer a complimentary Beautiful Beginnings wedding to all couples who stay for six nights or longer in any room category*. That means couples can now get married at one of the 18 Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean for as little as $2,517 per couple for seven nights at the new Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica**.

Back by popular demand, Beaches Resorts is pleased to announce the return of Single Parent Fun (SPF) Months, making it easy for single parents to plan a trip with their kids that combine fun for all ages with a relaxing vacation experience for mom or dad, too.  Single parent families who book a minimum three-night stay at any Beaches Resort property from now through October 25, 2012 will be treated to a variety of special events and a waived single supplement fee of up to $220.  Travel must occur May 1 through May 24, 2012, or September 4 through October 31, 2012 in order to take advantage of this exciting promotion.   

Among the events for SPF, these families will be invited as special guests in the ever–popular weekly Beaches Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street™ Parades, where they will receive noise-makers, decorations and party favors.  Additionally, parents can bond with their children and meet other single parent families while playing all the latest Kinect™ games during Kinect™ for Xbox 360® Family Game Night, or painting their own musical designs directly onto complimentary souvenir records at the Scratch DJ Spin Art Session.  When night sets in, families can dip their feet in the water while snacking on popcorn and watching a movie on an inflatable floating screen at Dive-In Movie nights. Other exciting activities include Family Beach Bonfires complete with roasted marshmallows, and Beach Olympics, with special games and challenges right in the sand.  Families visiting Beaches Resorts beginning in September will also have an extra-special treat with the launch of Beaches Resorts’ all-new 2012 Sesame Street Activities and Stage Shows.

As with all Luxury Included® Vacations, a stay at Beaches Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company in the world with superior accommodations, endless gourmet dining options, unlimited premium brand wine and spirits, nightly entertainment, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving for certified divers and a myriad of other exclusive amenities.

To learn more about a Luxury Included® Vacation to Beaches Resorts today, please visit www.beaches.com or call 1-800-545-8283.