Travel Industry Professionals Blog - Canada

BEACHES RESORTS OFFERS NEW SESAME STREET® ACTIVITES

Sat, 05 May 2012 22:57:00 -0000

~ 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 EMERALD BAY RECOGNIZED IN 2012 ABOUT.COM READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:34:00 -0000

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 Hosts Sean Paul

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:22:00 -0000

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.

SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES SANDALS CORPORATE UNIVERSITY

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:26:00 -0000

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.

PRINCE HARRY SPENDS AN EVENING CELEBRATING JAMAICAN CULTURE AND CUISINE AT SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:03:00 -0000

~ 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 RESORTS IS VOTED UK CONSUMER SUPERBRAND

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:30:00 -0000

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.”

SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN OPENS THE NEW BALMORAL TOWER

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:26:00 -0000

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.

Triple Digit Wedding Dates

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:47:00 -0000

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**.

BEACHES RESORTS OFFERS SINGLE PARENTS EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS DURING SINGLE PARENT FUN MONTHS

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0000

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.

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts Recognized By Publication at The 2012 Caribbean Hotel & Tourism

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:55:00 -0000

I am very proud to share the following "Sandals Says" article with you all! Enjoy!

Sandals Resorts International is proud to announce several of the company’s resorts received accolades in the annual Caribbean Travel + Life “Best of the Caribbean” Readers' Choice awards. For the second consecutive year, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa received the award for “Best All-Inclusive Resort.” In addition to this prestigious award, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa also received an honorable mention for “Best Family Resort,” and Sandals Emerald Bay Great Exuma, Bahamas received an honorable mention for “Best All-Inclusive Resort.” These honors were presented at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Caribbean Marketplace held on January 22 - 24, 2012 in Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded and recognized by Caribbean Travel + Life’s Readers’ Choice awards,” says Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International. “It is truly gratifying to see positive results from our continued dedication to providing guests the best possible experience, as well as maintaining top standards in the travel industry.”

Always a fan favorite, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa features a seamless blend of European charm and Caribbean flair, all the while providing guests with every luxury imaginable. This enchanting resort is designed to satisfy all the needs and desires of the modern day family with luxurious accommodations, sixteen specialty restaurants; premium brand beverages, including wines from Beringer Vineyards; a wide array of land and watersports, including snorkeling and SCUBA for certified divers, Pirate’s Island waterpark, airport transfers and even gratuities. Additionally, as with all Beaches Resorts, the resort offers an XBOX® 360 Game Garage, exclusive Kids Camp with a full schedule of age-appropriate activities, as well as childcare provided by Certified Nannies. There is truly something for everyone at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

Each year, Caribbean Travel + Life invites its readers to vote for their favorite beaches, hotels, restaurants and resorts in the annual Best of the Caribbean Readers' Choice awards. This year, more than 150,000 votes were cast to determine the 2012 award winners. Award recipients will be featured in the annual “Best of the Caribbean” special issue of Caribbean Travel + Life which hits newsstands on February 14, 2012.

BEACHES RESORTS OFFERS MILITARY PERSONNEL EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR 2012 FALL TRAVEL

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:13:00 -0000

Beaches Resorts is proud to give thanks to the courageous men and women who have served, or are currently serving in line of duty, by offering a 15 percent Fall Military Program discount for U.S. and Canada Military personnel. For bookings made February 6, 2012 through October 25, 2012, military personnel can receive an extra 5 percent off their year-round 10 percent discount, for travel from September 4, 2012 through October 31, 2012 at all Beaches Resorts.

Just in time to welcome our service men and women home, this exclusive offer is available for all active and retired U.S. and Canada Military personnel and includes the Reserves, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Veterans, Department of Defense and Canada Department of National Defense. Proof of Military identification or discharge certificate is required upon check-in at the resort.

Take A New Look at Sandals For Groups

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:02:00 -0000

We have exciting news about group bookings! We have made some changes to our policies in order to make it easier for our clients to book more groups to Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Below are the revisions that have been implemented for new group bookings:

- Special pricing for groups of 36 – 100 rooms

- A private dinner is now included for all incentive groups of 10 rooms or more

- Set-up fees for incentive group functions have been reduced

- Special internet rates for Incentive groups

- We have increased the allocation of Single rooms allowed on ‘contracted’ groups from up to 15% to 20% of the total group size at the following resorts

Sandals Grande Riviera

Sandals Whitehouse

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Regency La Toc

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Grande Antigua

In addition, please find below a special Fall 2012 promotions for groups traveling between August 26 – December 16, 2012.

One (1) Complimentary room for every 10 paid rooms * applicable to the following resorts:

Sandals Grande Riviera

Sandals Whitehouse

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Emerald Bay

Beaches Turks & Caicos

Beaches Negril

Group inclusions for 10 or more rooms will be extended to groups of 5 or more rooms on all groups traveling August 26 – December 16, 2012

For complete terms and conditions or if you have any questions regarding groups please contact me at gtsirmpas@uvisandals.ca.

Cheers,

Gina

Free Renewal of Vows Offer

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:06:00 -0000

Whether your marriage is fresh in your mind or is an ageless passion that has stood the test of time, Sandals makes it easy for you to do it all over again and if you book by January 27^th, 2012 for travel between September 4 to November 10, 2012 you will receive all the inclusions below for free:

The Renewal of Vows Package includes:

Personal pre-planning vow renewal consultant

Personal on-resort vow renewal consultant

Ceremony styled by Martha Stewart

Wife's bouquet and Husband's boutonniere

Pre-recorded musical accompaniment

Vow Renewal officiant

Sparkling wine & chilled hors d'oeuvres reception for wife, husband and six guests

An elegant reception table set for eight with a floral centerpiece

Two-tiered wedding cake

Wedding gift from Sandals Resorts

One (1) 5x7 honeymoon photograph

Honeymoon dinner for wife and husband at a resort specialty restaurant with white-glove service and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine

Decorated honeymoon room

Full breakfast-in-bed and mimosas on a morning of your choice

To take advantage of this offer or for complete terms and conditions please call 1-800-545-8283.

Cheers,

Gina

Happy Holidays!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:00 -0000

I want to personally thank you all for your support in 2011! Our economy is still not doing as well as we had expected but I am proud to say that your support and dedication has made us stronger, we were able to end the year by not only achieving our goals but actually surpassing them! We recognize that this could not have been possible without all of you and we are truly grateful for your dedication, loyalty and support of Sandals & Beaches Resorts!

On a personal note, I would like to wish you all a very Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!

All the best to you and yours!

Gina

SANDALS RESORTS RECOGNIZES ITS SHINING STARS

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:34:00 -0000

Sandals Resorts celebrated The Tenth Annual Sandals Travel Agency Recognition (S.T.A.R.) Awards on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the newly transformed Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort.

More than 400 travel agents from around North America and the UK traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica last week as they were recognized for their diligence and fortitude in selling the world’s best Luxury Included® Vacations. The weekend consisted of activities and celebrations at Sandals Grande Riviera, as agents were awarded with trophies for their hard work this past year. Agents were also able to experience and enjoy first-hand the exclusive Luxury Included® amenities at the newly renovated Sandals Grande Riviera as well as neighboring Ocho Rios resorts including Sandals Royal Plantation and Beaches Boscobel, with an itinerary that combined relaxation, Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours and private events hosted by Sandals Resorts’ Chairman, Mr. Gordon “Butch” Stewart and CEO, Adam Stewart.

Sandals Resorts created the S.T.A.R. Awards in 2002 as a way to recognize top travel agencies and showcase the newest in resort products and on-island attractions. In addition to top product, regional and national categories, the S.T.A.R. Awards announced the Worldwide Top Ten Travel Agencies, the newest inductees to the Sandals Hall of Fame and introduced a new prestigious category this year: The Lifetime Achievement Awards. Awardees in this exclusive category were honored for proving their ongoing investment in the resort company’s brands year after year.