Elite Island Resorts Adds Morgan Bay Beach Resort In St Lucia To Its Collection

As the temperatures in the UK begin to plummet even further, there is no better time to escape the cold weather and head to the Caribbean for sun, relaxation and luxury.

Elite Island Resorts are now providing luxury St Lucia holidays after the hotel group acquired the islands former Almond Morgan Bay resort, previously managed by the Almond Resorts group.

The property, which has been renamed Morgan Bay Beach Resort, St Lucia, joins the hotel groups impressive collection of upscale resorts and hotels across the Caribbean in destinations that include Antigua, Grenada, Tortola and St. Vincent, Nevis, and the Grenadines.

Situated on the north-west coast of the island, three miles from its harbour capital Castries, Morgan Bay Beach Resort is tucked into a secluded cove and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

The beachfront resort offers 345 stylish guestrooms and suites with ocean and tropical garden views with great facilities that make the hotel perfect for family holidays in St Lucia or romantic breaks.

The all inclusive programme enables guests to take advantage of a wide range of products, facilities and activities such as premium beverages, delectable meals, snacks and refreshments, live music and entertainment shows, plus other entertainment activities including windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, and table tennis.

During holidays to St Lucia at the newly renamed Morgan Bay Beach Resort, visitors can take a refreshing dip in any of the four freshwater swimming pools; play tennis at any of the resorts four courts; leave the children in an adult-supervised Kids Club; enjoy an energetic work out in the fully equipped fitness centre; or indulge in a pampering treatment at the full-service spa.

Speaking about the acquirement of one of the leading luxury St Lucia hotels, Elite Island Resorts President, Steven Heydt, commented:The purchase of Morgan Bay presented a unique opportunity for us to expand our destinations and was the obvious next step for our ever-growing collection.

Our understanding of marketing the Caribbean will help re-launch this all-inclusive resort to a greater audience of travellers. Further, Elites management expertise in creating an unparalleled all-inclusive vacation will enhance the guest experience on every level.”

Additionally, the resorts wealth of offerings and breathtaking surroundings are ideal for our family and value vacation markets. We are confident that we can deliver a superior vacation in St. Lucia while providing excellent value during these challenging times.

Sandals Survey Reveals One In Three Women Would Propose To Boyfriends

Once every four years, women get the chance to get down on one knee and pop the question to their loved ones on Leap Day.

According to a recent survey carried out by Sandals Resorts, one in three women would consider proposing to their boyfriends on Leap Day, 29th February, and for a third of couples, the Caribbean would be the favourite choice for romantic destination weddings.

The survey revealed that 20 per cent of the women asked said they would be scared in case the proposal was rejected but it appears that 40 per cent of men would accept and two thirds of them would not be embarrassed.

It appears that the majority of women who would propose come from the East Midlands while women in Wales are the least likely to take the plunge. Ladies living in the North East might find they have more luck because half of the survey participants from the region say they would like their girlfriends to ask them to marry them.

The results of the survey have been revealed just as recent research shows that more couples in the UK are getting married and weddings abroad are on the increase.

Geoffrey Beattie, a Professor of Psychology and Relationship Expert, commented: This new research by Sandals Resorts shows that the Leap Year tradition of women taking the initiative in proposals of marriage is now chiming with the underlying attitudes of people in the UK today.

More and more women (and men) seem happy with the idea that it is perfectly acceptable for women to pop the question. This seems to reflect a more egalitarian society in terms of relationships and dating, with women no longer prepared to play second fiddle, and taking the initiative whenever it is necessary. Given that marriage is a key milestone in many people’s lives it is refreshing to see that things are changing.

A third of the respondents said that they would choose Caribbean weddings and honeymoons for their special occasion which is good news for Sandals Resorts.

Sandals Resorts owns and operates several luxury hotels and resorts across the Caribbean that offer the perfect venues for romantic destination weddings and relaxing honeymoons.

With properties in St Lucia, the Bahamas, Antigua, and Jamaica, engaged couples can choose beach weddings or elegant tropical ceremonies within lush fragrant tropical gardens.

Couples getting married abroad at any of Sandals’ resorts can take advantage of the complimentary Beautiful Beginnings WeddingMoon package at Sandals Resorts if they book a holidays for a minimum of six nights. Wedding packages are also available and can be tailor-made to suit individual requirements.

Ellen Paderson Recommends The Best Resorts For Gourmet All-inclusive Holidays In The Caribbean

The founder of Smiles and Miles Travel, Ellen Paderson, has recently shared some of her tips on booking an excellent all inclusive holiday for foodie and those concerned about the quality of food on an all inclusive meal plan. Paderson, who has made it her goal to search for the top Caribbean properties offering all inclusive service in recent years, can now enlist the best getaways for experiences the best all inclusive holidays in the Caribbean as well as the advantages of this type of holiday, sometimes rejected by travellers due to predisposition about the food, the activities or the price.

She points out that its much less stressful for guests, and makes it easier for them to relax, knowing that everything has been paid for in advance. By booking an all-inclusive trip, holidaymakers guarantee accommodations, meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), recreational service and gratuities. However, Paderson advises travellers to make sure they find out all the details before making a booking, since the concept of all inclusive is not always the same for all resorts.

Travellers should ask their travel consultant to get to the bottom line to avoid surprises, said Ellen Paderson Of course, if you like trying local restaurants, exploring other locales off the resort, touring, etc., the all inclusive option removes much of the spontaneity that can make nice memories too.

Nevertheless, many of these properties offer extras that arent included in the rate such as spa treatments, golf and baby-sitting. Paderson, who has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, has selected as her favourites what she considers to be the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean due to their fine culinary options, beautiful surroundings, excellent service and great recreational activities with no extra cost, such as scuba diving. The Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya, the Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma, the Sun Palace, the Beach Palace, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma by Karisma and the Beach Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa are in Padersons list of the highest-quality getaways in the region with great meal options for foodies.

If travellers are interested in going for high-end all inclusive holidays in Cancun at a truly luxurious venue, the Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya is a wonderful choice. Located just five minutes away from downtown Playa del Carmen, the hotel offers 5-star dining at any of its 15 restaurants and an excellent 24-hour butler concierge service. The Sun Palace and the Beach Palace in Cancun, Mexico, are also gems among luxury all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean. Guests at the Sun Palace will enjoy a stocked minibar and a liquor dispenser with brand-name label whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka in their rooms, as well as the privilege to use the amenities at other nearby Palace resorts, meanwhile at the Beach Palace, guests will have a stunning view of Nichupte Lagoon and will be able indulge in the Jacuzzi tubs that can be found in all the hotels rooms.

The two Karisma properties earlier mentioned, have excellent seafood choices in their restaurants as well as great service. The Azul Beach Hotel with a popcorn room service for guests who want to stay in with a movie is more suitable for families, while El Dorado Maroma, with its excellent cuisine and beautiful white-sand beach, will be ideal for holidaymakers looking to relax. El Dorado Seaside Suites adults-only resort is a perfect getaway for honeymooners, which includes two swim-up bars and offers great spa treatments such as the Beachfront Sky Massage. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, on the other hand, has excellent options for children such as scuba diving lessons, and a great waterpark. The hotel specialises in offering great food for guests who have certain allergies as well as vegans and vegetarians.

Luxurious Cap Cana At Eden Roc Resort Scheduled To Open In March

Solaya Hotels & Resorts is getting ready for the opening of its debut luxury resort, Eden Roc at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic next month.

Tourists will be able to enjoy Dominican Republic holidays at the brand new ultra-luxurious resort when it opens its doors to guests in March, 2012.

The new Eden Roc at Cap Cana boasts extravagant accommodation including 34 freestanding suites and three magnificent bungalows where guests can relax in a stylish and lavish environment.

Each of the suites has a private swimming pool and spa that has been designed by the famous Dominican architect, Franc Ortega.

During holidays to the Dominican Republic, visitors staying at the new hotel will be able to use the outstanding facilities that include three Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, tennis courts, a full-service spa, the Eden Roc Kids Club, the Caletn Beach Club and several gourmet restaurants.

Paolo Sanavia, the CEO of Solaya Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We consider opening Eden Roc in the Dominican Republic the most exciting prospect the destination has seen in years. Our mission is to create an exclusive beachfront haven that provides discerning travellers a new level of secluded luxury.

“With our choice location, personalised services and unmatched amenities, we will provide a diverse segment of luxury clientele ranging from families to honeymooners with tailored experiences that will last a lifetime.”

World famous Milan-based designers, Marina Nova and Carlo Belgir captured the spirit of the French and Italian Rivieras and combined it with traditional Caribbean influences to create a striking yet serene ambience throughout the resort.

The resorts jungle-themed Kids Club is fantastic for children enjoying a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. The club is surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna and has been designed to resemble a huge tree house. It offers a dining area, a mini spa, video games and many more fun activities.

Set upon 30,000 acres, Eden Roc Resort at Cap Cana is situated just 20 minutes from the International Punta Cana Airport on the eastern coast of the Caribbean island.

Cap Cana is a popular destination for holidays in the Dominican Republic due to its miles o beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, marinas, and luxury beachfront Dominican Republic hotels.

Solaya Hotels & Resorts is a privately-owned company that is in the process of developing a portfolio of luxurious boutique hotels across Latin America, the Maldives and Europe.

All Inclusive Luxury Resort – Sandals Golf & Scuba Included

Looking for a golf included, scuba included vacation? Or how about an all inclusive luxury resort providing all these facilities in the middle of the beautiful pristine waters of the Caribbean? The Sandals All inclusive luxury resorts provides the perfect getaway! Golf, scuba diving and water sports galore. If youre looking for an adventure filled holiday, Sandals is the perfect spot for you!

Golf And More Golf

If youre looking for a vacation filled with a whole lot of golf, then Sandals challenging golf courses in Jamaica and St. Lucia will have you sweating it out! These green globe certified luxury resorts. The Sandals Golf and Country Club is huge, with 18 holes and a yardage of 6502!

Its scenic location at a height of 750 feet among the hills of the Ocho Rios makes it a perfect place to admire natures beauty AND play your favorite sport! If youre looking for a golf included vacation, then this is definitely up to the mark, to say the least! Oh and did I mention that tipping is completely optional?

Theres more golf from Sandals at St. Lucia too! This course however is smaller with just about nine holes and a yardage of 2475.

But in no way is it any less challenging because it is set among rolling hills and challenging fairways! If youre a Sandals guest, green fares is included for you! So when I said golf included, I meant it! There are also complimentary PGA golf clinics on the properties of these all inclusive luxury resorts!

Scuba Included Too!

Luxury included vacations at the Sandals all inclusive luxury resorts are made even more special because they come with scuba included packages. You can enjoy he most amazing dives in the Caribbean and all with the help of the guidance of certified professionals, not to mention high quality equipment! In fact, if youre a newbie, you can also learn diving to a depth of 30 ft underwater!

You have to pay a fee for this lesson of course!

Not just scuba diving, Sandals offers a whole range of water sports for your comfort and pleasure. These include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, hobie Cats, windsurfing and even Aquastrikes. However, do keep in mind that water skiing and glass bottom boats are not available at all properties. This can however be overcome if you go in for their Stay at 1, Play at 7 offers, which allows you to enjoy the facilities of ALL resorts even if you stay at just one property!

At the Sandals Luxury included vacations are beautifully done and the staff goes out of their way to ensure that you have a pleasant stay at Sandals all inclusive luxury resorts!