Caribbean All-Inclusives

In today’s economy, the demand for all-inclusives is higher than usual, so Travel Agent is bringing you the latest from some of the Caribbean’s most popular all-inclusive brands, which will give you a leg up for the rocky road ahead.

0302carib1_web

The Grand Lido Braco Resort and Spa will be rebranded as Breezes Rio Bueno later this year

SuperClubs to Re-Flag Properties, Open New Sites

On November 1, SuperClubs Resorts will rename its Grand Lido Negril and Grand Lido Braco hotels Breezes Grand Negril and Breezes Rio Bueno, respectively. Also this year, SuperClubs is opening two new Breezes resorts in Panama and Brazil and bringing its family-oriented Starfish Trelawny under its Breezes umbrella. When the rebranding exercise is complete, there will be 12 Breezes Resorts in six countries. The opening of Breezes Panama is not slated until this summer. That project, which Travel Agent has been following since it was announced roughly two years ago, will feature 300 rooms and a spa. Also, later this year,
SuperClubs will launch Breezes Buzios in Brazil. This project will include 330 rooms and suites and will also feature 110 villas. Travel Agent expects Buzios to grow within the next few years, and the addition of big brand names like SuperClubs is evidence of that potential.

Beaches’ New Water Park

We told you about Beaches Turks & Caicos’ new Italian Village in this issue’s cover story, but we didn’t mention that the property would also be unveiling its newly renovated water park in March. Pirate’s Island Waterpark is 10 times its original size, and includes a surf simulator, lazy river and seven new waterslides, plus an aqua-themed nightclub.

Sandals’ and Beaches’ Deals in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos

Beaches Resorts is offering up to 60 percent off packages at all four Beaches Resorts locations in both Turks & Caicos and Jamaica throughout 2009. Guests who book a minimum three-night stay by March 26 for travel from April 20 to June 5 or September 1 to December 19 will receive up to 60 percent off all room categories. Clients looking to stay at Sandals Resorts and book by March 26 for travel through December 26 will receive up to 60 percent off (three-night minimum stay) and up to two nights free (seven-night minimum stay).

0302carib2_web

Above: A king room at Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay


Elegant Hotels’ New Children’s Policy

Elegant Hotels Group is changing the minimum-age requirements for its children’s rates from 12 to 16, offering 30-percent savings for families traveling with children in this age group. In addition, the first child stays for free at the all-inclusive Turtle Beach Resort as well as Crystal Cove Hotel in Barbados. The new children’s rate policy is effective with all new reservations. Turtle Beach Resort child rates start at $100 per child, per night. Crystal Cove Hotel child rates start at $164 per child, per night.

0302carib3_web

This Photo: At the Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, accommodations feature spacious living areas and beachfront terraces

Sunset Resorts’ Jamaica Deals, Margaritaville Partnership

Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay completed a $7 million renovation in 2008 with a special focus on the resort’s restaurants, lounges, public areas and landscaping. In January 2009, the resort introduced a new entertainment pavilion. Sunset Resorts welcomes singles, couples and families for an all-inclusive Jamaican vacation. The new Spring Madness Sale is available at Sunset Resorts, the newly renovated Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay and the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios with rates starting at $124 per person, per night for bookings now through March 31. Sunset Resorts has also partnered with the world-famous Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for guests to enjoy free admission. Guests at Sunset Beach Resort will get free admission to Margaritaville MoBay on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights, plus complimentary transfers. Sunset Jamaica Grande guests enjoy free admission to Margaritaville Ocho Rios on Mondays and Saturdays, plus admission to the pool party (all you can eat and drink) on Wednesdays for $10 per person with complimentary transfers.

Five New Dreams Resorts & Spas Open

Dreams Resorts & Spas opened five new properties in December 2009. These openings—a record for the company—are part of Dreams’ aggressive plan to double the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand portfolio in just two years. In addition to its new properties in Mexico—Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa and Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa—the company also expanded in the Caribbean with the opening of Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa and Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, both in the Dominican Republic.

AMResorts’ New Brand to Enter Caribbean?

Although the opening of the Dreams properties was huge news for parent company AMResorts, the all-inclusive operator’s hottest topic lately is the introduction of its new Zoëtry brand. The Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya was launched at the end of the year to be the flagship property of the brand, formerly the Paraiso de la Bonita hotel in Mexico. AMResorts also hasn’t ruled out expanding the brand to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Costa Rica. Stay tuned, as this brand is sure to develop more news in 2009. 

0302carib4_web

The pool area of the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa