Ladies First: Caribbean Resorts Target Girlfriend Getaways

It’s a good sign for the industry that Caribbean resorts are again targeting niche markets. This wasn’t a luxury that properties in the region had in the last few years, especially back in 2009 when the economic climate first began to tank.

Since then, it was all about resorts desperately looking to fill beds no matter what the client’s age, reason for visiting or time of the year.

In 2012, however, Travel Agent is noticing an abundance of resorts that are again targeting specific clientele, an indicator that perhaps they may not be as desperate as they were two years ago.

This week, especially, the Caribbean is setting its sights on Girlfriend Getaways. Here is a sampling of some Caribbean resorts that are beginning March with ladies on the brain.

Beaches Resorts recently re-launched its popular B.F.F. Girls Getaway Package. Ladies who book the four-night package for select dates in 2013 at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa will receive a welcome cocktail party, private catamaran cruise, seaside yoga and meditation, skincare classes, beach bonfire PJ party and more.

As an added bonus, Beaches Resorts is tossing in a $200 Red Lane Spa credit, a 10-percent discount at the resort’s gift shop, a welcome goody bag, welcome gift and a complimentary 5X7 photograph to remember this experience for years to come.

Dates for the 2013 B.F.F. Girls Getaways are April 25 through April 29, 2013 and September 26 through September 30, 2013. Rates for this special promotion are $1399 per person.

For girls who are looking to getaway in 2012, the B.F.F. Girls Getaway weekends are still available from April 26 through April 30, 2012 and October 18 through October 22, 2012, with rates starting at $1299 for the four-night package. Visit www.beaches.com/bff.

Meanwhile in Antigua and Barbuda, Lighthouse Bay recently announced its "Ladies in Luxury Getaway" on a private island in Barbuda.

The four-day/three-night package includes roundtrip helicopter service for the group to and from Antigua; four days/three nights for four friends in two rooms; arrival welcome champagne; all meals and beverages during the stay; day charter complete with lunch, snorkel and sail gear; one hour of horseback riding; group cooking class with Chef Lennox; beach BBQ and bonfire; one-hour full body massage for each guest; detoxing and rejuvenating scrub for each guest; manicure and pedicure for each guest; and pre-loaded iPad with fun, girls-night music.

The package is available for four people starting at $19,999 from March 13 through August 12. Visit www.lighthousebayresort.com.

Travel Agent also met this week with representatives of the Tryall Club, just outside Montego Bay, Jamaica. We were told that the family-oriented resort is looking to aggressively attract the girls getaway market. And we think it will soon become one of Jamaica’s top contenders for this niche market.

The resort is offering ladies a new opportunity to craft their own healthy weekend. Specialists at the resort can help plan each day’s menu in advance, featuring fresh caught fish, fruit smoothies and other healthy Caribbean specialties. If your clients want a hands-on experience, they can arrange to work together with a chef to learn the preparation of these dishes.

During the day guests can enjoy a customized program of yoga (inside or out), nature excursions, or time by the pool to relax. Ladies can also arrange to have poolside massages, as well as in-room treatments. Visit www.tryallclub.com.

El San Juan Resort & Casino in Puerto Rico has also unveiled a new girls' escape package. (Good to note - this package can also be tailored for the fellas!)

With nightly rates starting at $269 based on double occupancy, the resort's new "Girls Getaway" package includes accommodations; daily breakfast buffet for two; welcome drinks upon arrival; a $25 casino match-bet coupon; free admission to Club Brava; complimentary wi-fi; buy-one, get-one massage; buy-one, get-one mani/pedi; and amenity upon checkout.

Visit www.elsanjuanhotel.com.

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more updates on this niche market.