CARIBBEAN three-bedroom beachfront suites, for nearly 40 years and at Nisbet Plantation for more than 20 years. Next year Caribbean Marketplace will return to Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas January 23-25, 2012.
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com
GRAND CASE BEACH CLUB INCREASINGLY AGENT FRIENDLY
A newly updated website makes it easier than ever for agents to book their clients into the Grand Case Beach Club. The site provides the latest developments at the oceanfront resort adjacent to Grand Case Village, the culinary capital of the island. It also includes a price-match guarantee in the section “Why Book With Us?” To confirm a room, agents just click the icon “Make a Reservation;” there are in-house benefits for each booking. Agents can also use any of the following GDS codes: Amadeus: IPSFG122; Apollo: IP29999; Sabre: IP11637; or Worldspan: IP8194. The Grand Case Beach Club’s high level of service and hospitality is strongly supported by comments from TripAdvisor, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine—whose readers named it one of the Caribbean’s best medium-size hotels, and Apple Vacations which gave it the “Golden Apple” award. Expedia has repeatedly placed the resort on its Insiders Select List, which features only about two percent of its total hotel and resort clientele. As part of its ongoing effort to create more memorable guest experiences, Grand Case Beach Club invested over $800,000 in 2009 and close to a million dollars in 2010 in a major renovation program encompassing 26 units . The Grand Case Beach Club’s “Honeymoon Magic” package is ideal for honeymooners and incurable romantics alike. Rates through April 15 begin at $1,055 per couple for three nights and $2,375 for seven. Included are accommodations with private balcony or terrace; continental breakfast daily; one-day car rental (gas and insurance extra; picnic basket for two one day; welcome cocktail; bottle of either red or white wine; Grand Case beach bag; island floral bouquet; and use of all non-motorized water sports equipment. Amenities include two white sand beaches; the Sunset Cafe open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Happy Hour seven days a week; tennis court; swimming pool; fitness and water sports centers; island boutique, and the Boardwalk. Grand Case Beach Club, 800-340-3016, www.grandcasebeachclub.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
GENEROUS VACATION PACKAGES OFFERED AT TREASURE BEACH HOTEL BARBADOS A quintessential Caribbean getaway amid colorful gardens and gigantic mahoganies and palms, the boutique Treasure Beach Hotel (TBH) is located on Paynes Bay Beach, reported to be the nicest on Barbados. Guests only need walk a mere 50 feet before their toes touch the Caribbean Sea. They can snorkel or Jet Ski the day away. Treasure Beach is offering a great getaway for an even greater price. When guests stay for 11 nights, the resort will pick up the room tab for an additional three nights, or they can stay five nights and the resort will throw in two more for free. Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included for all guest paid nights. Rates start at $752 a night and include tax and gratuities. Kathy’s restaurant, nestled among TBH’s tropical gardens with views of the sea, is popular for guests and locals alike. The menu offers international fare featuring mouthwatering new appetizer and entrée selections daily. . Treasure Beach, reservations@treasurebeachhotel.com, www.treasurebeachhotel.com
CASA BONITA’S ROOTS REACH OUT TO ECO-LUXURY AND GLORIOUS NATURE Once the weekend retreat of the Schiffino family, Casa Bonita in Barahuco, Barahona, was nudged by nature to open its doors to outside guests and become an eco-lodge. Blessed by the beauty and microclimate of the neighboring Sierra Barahuco Mountains, Rio Barahuco and Riosito River, the property, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, consists of 12 cabanas, a spa and a restaurant. Products from its organic garden are used in the restaurant and the Tanama Spa. Polibio Schiffino, Casa Bonita’s resort’s owner and project manager, has assumed the challenge of putting Barahona on travelers’ radar. Schiffino’s passion comes from his childhood memories of growing up in the area. “My most treasured times are of watching my grandfather work this land and teaching me to love its surroundings,” he said. Schiffino’s vision is to grow Casa Bonita to 36 cabanas and lodges by adding 24 villas with private pools and a jeep in each as an amenity. He also plans to add a nature conscious real-estate project, all to be completed by 2014. One of the biggest challenges he faces is educating international travelers on the region. People think of the Dominican Republic as an all-inclusive beach and sun destination, but overlook its natural riches. The area is privileged to have some of the most pristine beaches, such as Bajia de los Aguilas. Schiffino, conscious of his surroundings, gives back to the community as well as to his neighbors. To support the Haiti cause, Casa Bonita is pledging a percentage of its revenues. “Haiti is in our backyard,” said Schiffino, “and we need to do all we can to help.” To add incentive to reservations, guests will receive a $100 lodge credit for bookings made until March 30, 2011, for travel between through April 30, 2011. Casa Bonita, 800-961-5133, erosario@casabonitadr.com, www.casabonitadr.com MARCH 2011•
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