El Conquistador Resort Ranked Among "Best of the Best" Hotels in the Caribbean

Following a long list of industry awards and accolades that continue to rank it one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region, El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, has been recognized by discerning travelers in Celebrated Living magazine's 2010 Readers' Choice Platinum List. The island resort ranked number five in the "Top 10 Caribbean Hotels" list as a favorite overall hotel. The Platinum Lists are based on critiques given by thousands of Celebrated Living readers, who judged their favorite hotels worldwide based on factors ranging from quality of service to functionality. Editors then categorized the favorite hotels by location, region and/or specialty area.

"Being named a 'Top 10 Best Caribbean Hotel' by readers who represent many of our past guests only proves that El Conquistador Resort continues to provides unmatched service, top-rated amenities and a getaway guests will never forget," said Sharyl Toko, hotel manager, El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection.

This latest distinction comes soon after two notable recognitions recently received by the resort - Hotel of the Year Award, presented at the recent Que Pasa! TV Network's (QPTV) first annual People's Choice Awards; and the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award received for the second consecutive year under the Waldorf Astoria Collection brand.

Located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico near the fishing village of Las Croabas, and dramatically set along the length of a 300-foot bluff, the El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection spreads across 500 acres and overlooks the converging waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort destination offers 750 redesigned guestrooms and suites, boasts the recently opened Coquí Water Park; private Palomino Island, which offers an array of water sports and other recreational activities along white sand beaches; a renowned Golden Door Spa; an Arthur Hills 18-hole golf course; tour desk offering excursions to San Juan and the famous bioluminescent bay; a casino equipped with table games and a new collection of slot machines; as well as numerous dining options including an outpost of New York's famed steak restaurant, Strip House.

For more information on El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, please call 888-543-1230. Guests can also call Waldorf Astoria Collection reservations at 800-WALDORF (1-800-925-3673), or visit www.ElConResort.com or www.WaldorfAstoriaCollection.com.

Buccament Bay Resort Opening Summer 2010

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts to Open First 5-Star Luxury Resort in St. Vincent

Buccament Bay Resort announces its soft opening as the first luxury resort on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The 368-room resort will be the first from the new hotel brand, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts and is positioned to redefine tourism on the island, creating massive sustainability and growth into the economy and its community.

The hotel’s unprecedented partnerships will provide extensive facilities and amenities such as The Alaia Spa, Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, Trader Vic’s along with several other bars and restaurants, a Diving & Water Sports Centre and a Marina.

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts understands the impact a large-scale resort development has on a relatively small tourism industry and is committed to being a responsible and considerate community partner by striving for a positive economic impact and supporting social development in St. Vincent. This will include a sustainability strategy involving sourcing local resources for building materials and food, maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing water waste and pollution and reducing the carbon footprint made by transporting goods and guests within the resort. Harlequin is also recruiting its workforce locally and Buccament Bay Resort will employ more than 700 local people in the operation of the resort.

Accommodations from sprawling beachfront villas to chic hotel suites, including nine different categories are being constructed to the highest specifications.

Inspired by the rich jewel tone colors of a tropical sunset, Dallas-based interior design firm Jones Baker incorporated tropical hardwoods, natural stone, and luxurious textiles to create a memorable guest experience. Catering to an upscale clientele, special attention was given to design details such as custom bedding, luxurious baths with rain showers, and numerous other guest amenities including in-room technology, custom lighting and private terraces.

With several restaurants, bars and lounges, Buccament Bay Resort will provide the best of world cuisine. Restaurants include Jack’s Steak and Seafood, Arlecchino Italian fine dining, Trader Vic’s offering a blend of Pacific Island, Asian and American cuisine, Ginger & Co. Asian fusion restaurant, and The Bay Beach Club serving drinks and snacks throughout the day. An attraction in its own right is The Pearl, a galleon that will be moored just offshore at the hotel to provide a fantastically original surrounding.

Buccament Bay Resort will feature the Caribbean’s most varied, and respected sports facilities and activities. The Pat Cash Tennis Academy will offer expert tennis coaching for both adults and children along with annual tournaments featuring Grand Slam players. Further, the resort will be the first Caribbean destination to feature a partnership with a football (American soccer) club with the opening of the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School. The courses at the school will be designed to be fun, challenging and interactive with courses available for children of five years and up. The facilities will also be available for professional teams to undertake pre-season training.

The Harlequin Performing Arts Academy will offer a wide range of upbeat classes and a unique opportunity for children of all ages to learn and develop performance skills, with tailor-made programs led by West End and Broadway performers, actors, choreographers, vocal coaches and musicians. Master-classes can also be arranged for aspiring adults.

The resort marina will have berths for cruising yachts and offshore anchoring mooring buoys for larger yachts. Buccament Bay Resort will offer a wide range of water sports through its Diving & Water Sports Centre including a range of PADI certified diving tuition and guided dives. Other water sports offered will include kayaking, and snorkeling.

The Alaia Spa, designed by ESPA, will have a range of relaxing and restorative treatments and therapies. Services will include hot stone therapies, Shiatsu, Aromatherapy, holistic body and Thai massages as well as traditional beauty treatments. Yoga, Pilates, Reiki and meditation will also be offered, reflecting the spa’s holistic focus and guests will be able to experience outdoor treatment suites, bordered by herb gardens and shaded by tropical vegetation.

Wedding ceremonies will take place in an antique gazebo being shipped from Spain overlooking the resort’s white sand beach and the Caribbean Sea. Packages will have exclusive use of a villa for a champagne and canapés reception.

Additional resort amenities include several boutiques, a white sand beach, swimming pools with concierge service, a children’s pool, , business center, Teen Club, babysitting and Little Harlequins, Buccament Bay Resort’s signature kid’s club.

For reservations and more information, please visit:
www.harlequinhotelsandresorts.com

St. Thomas' Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa becomes All-Inclusive

Beginning July 1, the AAA three-diamond-rated Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa will become St. Thomas’ only true 100 percent all-inclusive resort.

Seeing a growing demand from budget-conscious travelers for an all-inclusive resort, Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa plans to offer unlimited food and beverages, entertainment half-day access to the supervised Kid’s Club, and a comprehensive activities program featuring snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, miniature golf and family movie nights.

The resort will launch its new status with unprecedented discounts including Summer Getaway rates starting at $387 per night double occupancy for travel through Sept. 30 and a family special featuring 50 percent off a second room to accommodate up to four children.

All-inclusive summer rates vary by travel dates, beginning with rooms from $405 per night, double occupancy, and the second room for $201 per night for travel through Aug. 22. Visitors booking stays from Aug. 23 through Sept. 30 will enjoy the lowest prices of the season, with double occupancy rooms from $387 per night and the second room for just $193 per night. Children under the age of 12 who share a room with their parents stay, play and eat from the children’s menu at no additional charge. Rates are subject to availability, and certain restrictions may apply.

As an added bonus, passports are not required for U.S. citizens who visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, making travel to St. Thomas easier than to other Caribbean destinations.

To book a summer getaway at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, please call (340) 777-7100 or (888) 582-9104. (must book direct for summer rates)

www.sugarbaywyndham.com

I Do at 700 ft in Jamaica

Couples fly high in Jamaica with "I Do at 700 Feet" wedding packages at Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain. The Ocho Rios eco-adventure destination hosts nuptials above the treetops in pure Jamaican hospitality.

Fresh mountain air and stunning ocean views create a mystical environment perfect for a wedding day. "I Do at 700 Feet" wedding packages include a marriage officer, bridal bouquet, boutonniere for groom, on-site wedding coordinator, professional photography and more. Ceremonies take place flying high on the Sky Explorer or atop Mystic Mountain. Afterwards, couples slice into a one-tier wedding cake and toast with Champagne. There is also a professional photographer and album keepsake.

Discover the rush of weddings at 700 feet with Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain! Please see below for more information. Customized pricing is available at (876) 974-3990,
(876) 974-3991 or www.rainforestrams.com

Toronto to Aruba

Aruba announces additional charter flights from Canada, operated by Canadian tour operator Sunquest, using WestJet aircraft. The charter will be in service from May 1 through October 30, 2010.

The WestJet B737-700 or 800 aircraft with either 136 or 166 seats will provide Canadian travelers an additional flight option when traveling to Aruba. The weekly flights are scheduled to depart on Saturdays at 1:20 PM local time and arrive in Aruba at 6:19 PM local time. Return flights depart Aruba on Saturdays at 7:10 PM and arrive in Toronto at 12:16 AM.

“We are very excited to welcome the additional charter service from Toronto,” said Geraldine Coutinho, area director North America for the Aruba Tourism Authority. “With the increased service from Canada, we are now even more accessible to that market and we’ll be able to share the beauty of Aruba with a wide variety of travelers.”

Below is a sampling of packages that Sunquest and Aruba hotels are offering travelers this summer:

• Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – all-inclusive 7-night package with air starting at $1,565.16
• Divi Aruba All Inclusive Beach Resort – all-inclusive 7-night package with air starting at $1,638
• Occidental Grand Aruba – all-inclusive 7-night package with air starting at $1,888
• Tamarijn Aruba – all-inclusive 7-night package with air starting at $2,285
• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino – includes air and hotel for 7 nights starting at $2,005.16
• Radisson Aruba – includes air and hotel for 7 nights starting at $1,775
• The Mill Resort & Suites – includes air and hotel for 7 nights starting at $1,245
• The Westin Aruba Resort – includes air and hotel for 7 nights starting at $1,475

**The above rates indicate starting prices, based on fares for departure dates in mid June and double occupancy. Prices listed above are in Canadian dollars and include all taxes. Rates may fluctuate based on dates and availability.

For more information about vacations in Aruba, please visit online at www.ARUBA.com or call 1.800.TO.ARUBA.

Sonesta Resort

Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts add sizzle to stays with the Seduction in St. Maarten romance packages. Couples enjoy three nights of beachfront accommodations, romantic dinners, turn-down service and more for $229 per night through December 18, 2010 (additional nights $150.00). A minimum three-night stay is required.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino's Seduction in St. Maarten package includes:
. Round trip Transfers from Airport
. Sparkling wine and chocolates in the room
. In room dinner for two from a special menu (one per stay)
. In room breakfast for two from a special menu (one per stay)
. Nightly turndown service
. 20% off Treatments at Good Life Spa.

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino's Seduction in St. Maarten package
includes:
. Ocean view accommodations
. A bottle of champagne and Belgian chocolates upon arrival.
. Romantic dinner for two in one of the resort's restaurants
(one glass of house wine per person included)

. Free US$ 20.00 casino match bet per person
. Daily Turn Down Service

Couples can find St. Maarten's best thrills at Sonesta Maho Beach & Casino. Featuring a Las Vegas-style casino, nightclub and tantalizing dining options, the beachfront property awaits on the island's southwest shore. Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino lies in the oasis of Great Bay Harbour on a one-mile stretch of white beach with three swimming pools, two whirlpools, white-sand beach and a short walk to duty-free shops, boutiques and restaurants.

For more information, please call 1-800-223-0757 or visit
www.sonesta.com/stmaarten.