In our October 27 cover story, we reported on numerous Caribbean hotels that have either opened their doors this year or are slated to open in the first half of 2009. Since four pages weren’t nearly enough to include all the new selling points you’ll have for your Caribbean travelers, we decided to write a sequel. Enjoy!
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A bedroom at The Landings St. Lucia |
The Landings St. Lucia
Where: St. Lucia
When It Opened: The Landings St. Lucia began its first phase of construction on December 19, 2007, and continues to expand until the scheduled completion date in 2010.
Overview: The Landings St. Lucia is located on Rodney Bay, spanning 19 acres and nearly 800 feet of beachfront. It features one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each featuring a fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom for each bedroom, two balconies or landscaped terrace and views of the ocean, inlet or harbor. The ground- and top-floor units have plunge pools. The Landings’ amenities and services include a 7,000-square-foot Rock Resorts Spa, fitness center, salon, private marina with 60 yacht slips, beach club, water sports, tennis courts, swimming pools and a shopping area. The Landings currently has a deal for a fourth night free plus resort credit.
Best Room(s): The best rooms are the Premium Beachfront Villa Suite and the Grand Villa Suite with Plunge Pool. They are very spacious, and offer some of the resort’s best views of the marina or Rodney Bay. Guests staying at the Grand Villa have their own private plunge pool.
Who To Sell It To: The property is a great fit for all luxury clients. We suggest families since the property is well suited for large parties.
Contact: Agents should contact John M. MacMullen, area director of sales and marketing for the Rock Resorts Regional Sales Office, at 305-396-4082 or [email protected].
Website: www.landings.rockresorts.com
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A deluxe courtyard room at the Marley Resort & Spa in the Bahamas |
Marley Resort & Spa
Where: Nassau, Bahamas
When It Opened: July 4, 2008
Overview: The Marley Resort & Spa, located one hour away from Miami near Cable Beach, offers 16 themed suites that reflect the musical legacies of Bob and Rita Marley. The property has two free-form pools, a personal concierge service, boutique featuring Cedella Marley fashions, music gallery and a Caribbean fusion restaurant that offers some of the Marleys’ favorite dishes. The resort is offering a deal that offers clients 50 percent off.
Best Room(s): The best rooms are the three Royal Suites, which feature a signature Royal Chaise Lounge, mahogany furniture, African prints, hardwood floors and oceanfront views. Of these, Love, the resort’s signature honeymoon suite, has an in-room Jacuzzi tub for two, dual rainfall showers and great views.
Who To Sell It To: Couples, honeymooners and all spa enthusiasts.
Contact: Agents should contact Stephanie Marley, CEO of Marley Resort & Spa, at 242-702-2800 or [email protected].
Website: www.marleyresort.com
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A standard guest room at the Westin Le Paradis, St. Lucia |
Westin Le Paradis
Where: St. Lucia
When It Will Open: June 2009
Overview: The 554-acre property in Praslin Bay will be home to a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course; a spa with 26 oceanside massage treatment cabanas; a deepwater marina for yachts up to 200 feet long; a Marina Village that will include gourmet restaurants, upscale boutique shopping and a yacht club; extensive conference facilities; floodlit tennis courts; a residents’ beach club; Westin Kids Club; a golf academy; an aquatic center; a wellness center; an equestrian center; and a helipad. The resort, which will feature 192 guest rooms and suites is also working with onsite environmentalists on programs that include solar hot-water generation and a computerized controlled-irrigation system to help conserve water.
Best Room(s): It’s safe to say that there really won’t be any bad rooms at the Westin Le Paradis, St. Lucia, since every one will offer an ocean view. But the one-bedroom suites are perfect for romantic getaways or even small families as they have about 1,000 square feet of space and a 260-square-foot balcony.
Who To Sell It To: Sell this property to luxury clients, whether couples or families. This is ideal for the more affluent traveler.
Contact: Agents should contact Rachael M. Palumbo, director of sales and marketing, at 954-624-1764 or rachael.palumbo@starwood hotels.com.
Website: www.leparadisstlucia.com
LaSource
Where: Grenada
When It Opened: Okay, this one isn’t exactly new, but reopened in February 2008 after nearly four years.
Overview: Located on Pink Gin Beach, LaSource is a spa resort with just 100 rooms. Guests at LaSource can indulge in one spa treatment per day, a dive each day for certified divers, a try-dive course for new divers and a wide variety of activities, including yoga, t’ai chi, sailing lessons, windsurfing, golf, tennis lessons and more. It has three restaurants, including the brand-new, open-air Oscar’s Beach Restaurant.
Best Room(s): The most impressive rooms at the resort are the Luxury Ocean Front Junior Suites, which are located adjacent to the sea with a great view of the pool, beach or ocean and are close to the main hotel complex.
Who To Sell It To: Again, this is a great pitch for luxury clients, especially couples. The minimum age for guests at LaSource is 16, except in summer when the minimum age is 10.
Contact: Agents should contact Denis Thomas, reservations manager, onsite at 473-444-2556 or [email protected]. In the U.S., agents can contact Kristen Appelmann, sales and marketing director, at 516-432-5388 or [email protected].
Website: www.theamazingholiday.com