SANDALS WHITEHOUSE EUROPEAN VILLAGE & SPA REOPENS ON SCHEDULE

~After four months of renovations and upgrades, Sandals Whitehouse opens on track before the holiday season~

 Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa today reopened following four months of upgrades and renovations to the Luxury Included® resort, on pace with original estimates set in August 2009 by Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts.

“The resort looks fabulous and is in top-notch operating condition,” said Stewart.  “While we regret the inconvenience of the closing, the wait was worth it and we are thrilled to share the new and improved Sandals Whitehouse with our guests.”

As part of Sandals Resorts’ commitment to exceeding guests’ expectations, the renovations to the resort will further enhance the Luxury Included® experience for all resort travelers.  Following the project, changes to the resort property included upgrades to soft goods and furnishings throughout the expansive resort property and renovations to all resort restaurants, the main lobby area and treatment rooms at the resort’s exclusive Red Lane® Spa.  The top two categories of suites – the One Bedroom Penthouse Honeymoon Beachfront Suite and the One Bedroom Walkout Honeymoon Beachfront Suite – were completely refurbished, adding updated furniture, upgraded soft goods and new plasma TVs, offering an enhanced setting for resort guests.

In addition, debuting with today’s reopening, guests of Sandals Whitehouse will be the first to experience Neptune’s, a new Mediterranean-themed dining concept.  Created by Sandals Resorts International, Neptune’s offers classic Mediterranean cuisine, a growing favorite among diners worldwide not only for its contribution to healthy living, but for its robust flavor and emphasis on fresh seafood.  Diners will delight in Neptune’s’ casual European elegance while feasting on such dishes as a traditional Meze of marinated olives, feta lamb kebabs and tzatkiki to saffron-infused Bouillibasse.  Neptune’s will be located in the former Arizona Restaurant and there are plans to expand the concept to other Sandals Resorts in the New Year.

Recently named one of the top hotels in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Sandals Whitehouse is beautifully set within a pristine 500-acre nature reserve on Jamaica’s undiscovered south coast.  The resort features three enticing seaside villages – French, Italian and Dutch – allowing guests to experience a true sense of Europe in the Caribbean, from enchanting piazzas and Mediterranean cuisine to quaint pastry shops and European-inspired architecture.   The 50-acre resort boasts 360 rooms and suites in nine categories – all of which have breathtaking beachfront views; eight restaurants and six bars; the largest freshwater pool in Jamaica; and a sophisticated and authentic European-style square complete with duty-free shops, formal gardens, a stunning piazza and romantic cafes.

As with all Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® vacations, a trip to Sandals Whitehouse includes: superb accommodations; exclusive butler service in select room categories; gourmet dining; unlimited premium brand wine and spirits; championship golf; and a wide array of watersports, including snorkeling and scuba diving.  Guest of Sandals Whitehouse can also experience the award-winning hotel at spectacular savings of up to 65 percent off rack rates through select dates in 2010 when they book a minimum three-night stay by January 7, 2010.

To book a stay at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, one of the top-ranked hotels in the Caribbean, please call Penny (888) 336-8133

Sandals Resorts:

Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 14 Luxury IncludedÒ Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California’s legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivaled watersports including the Caribbean’s largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart^TM; and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region.  In January 2010, the all suite Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas will debut, offering 183 all-butler service rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship Greg Norman-designed golf course and 150 slip marina.

December 09, 2009

Sandals Dunn’s River is scheduled to close permanently on July 1.  As we say in this business about everything - always subject to change.  I wanted to share this with those of you who consider it your home away from home in case you want to go one more time.

Before the rumors start flying around the Internet - here’s the real scoop.

Sandals lease on this property was due to expire.  When it was being reviewed for re-newel the owners said they wanted an additional fifty million over the next ten years and Mr. Stewart told them no. Will keep you posted.

Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included^® vacation created for two people in love, is making Valentine’s extra special for 2010. One day of romance is simply not enough, so we have made the entire month of February a celebration of love!

Book a Luxury Included^® vacation to any Sandals Resort and stay 3 nights or longer, for travel February 1, 2010 through March 15, 2010, and your guests will enjoy our exclusive With Love, From Sandals Valentine’s package which includes:

v      A Complimentary Bottle of Sparkling Wine

v      Two Celebration Crystal Champagne Flutes by Marquis by Waterford– $100 value* 

v      Chocolate Covered Tropical Fruits

v      Turn Down Service with Caribbean–inspired Love Notes and Chocolate Kisses

v      Complimentary 15-minute Photo Session & Keepsake Romantic Photo

Offer valid for US bookings only, made between November 16, 2009 and January 31, 2010 for arrivals February 1, 2010– March 15, 2010. Applicable on minimum 3 night stays in a third room category or higher (must be third rate break to qualify). Not applicable for group or group wedding bookings.

 *Flutes will be shipped after travel to address registered during time of resort check-in.

All promotions are applicable to change and subject to availability. Offers may be changed or withdrawn without notice. Not responsible for omissions or errors.

010.

New non-stop service to the Caribbean

JetBlue Airways has expanded its international route this fall with new service to St. Lucia. The airline will serve St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport with flights to and from New York (JFK)

To the Caribbean via US Airways

- Philadelphia (PHL) to Barbados (BGI) as of 10/1/09 Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun and then daily service on 12/09 for the winter season.
- Phoenix (PHX) to Montego Bay (MBJ) 12/18/09 Seasonal (12/18/09-4/12/10) Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon
- Boston (BOS) to St. Thomas (STT) 12/19/09 Saturdays

To the Caribbean via American Airlines

- Miami (MIA) to Eleuthera, Bahamas (ELH) daily starting on 11/19/09
- Miami (MIA) to Treasure Cay, Bahamas (TCB) starting on 11/19/09 every Sat, Sun, Tues, Thurs
- Miami (MIA) to Governors Harbour, Bahamas (GHB) starting on 11/19/09 every Sun, Mon, Tues, Fri

FACT SHEET
SANDALS EMERALD BAY, GREAT EXUMAS, BAHAMAS
~The Newest Property in the Sandals Resorts Repertoire Debuts on January 22, 2010~

LOCATION: A sprawling island retreat, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas occupies a sublime, one-mile-long stretch of beach on Great Exuma, largest of the 360 islands comprising the Exuma district of the Bahamas. Great Exuma, which is joined to Little Exuma by a small bridge, is just a 45-minute flight from Miami.

OVERVIEW:
The new Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, is a 500-acre luxury resort with five restaurants, an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, full-service marina and 183 beachfront rooms and suites. The property previously operated as the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay, a favorite of trendsetters from around the world.

Partnering classical elegance and sophistication with a sense of tranquility, Sandals Emerald Bay will offer guests an experience that extends hospitality to boundaries never seen before. Everything imaginable is included during a Luxury Included® vacation at Sandals Emerald Bay, such as luxurious accommodations, gourmet à la carte dining, premium brand wine and spirits, anytime snacks, land and watersports, gratuities and even airport transfers. Additional amenities include personalized Butler Service for all room categories and an exclusive Red Lane® Spa featuring premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region.

BUTLER SERVICE:

Sandals Resorts’ newest gem, Sandals Emerald Bay will offer a choice of luxurious accommodations, all featuring Sandals Resorts exclusive private butler service. Guests can opt for beachfront rooms, suites and villas, all of which have furnished terraces or balconies overlooking Emerald Bay. Guest suites will be decorated in rich, dark woods and rattan offset by pastel walls and sunny artwork.

After being welcomed by their personal butler and presented with a Kir Royale and chocolate-covered strawberries, guests will be whisked away to their room or suite, where amenities include a welcome bottle of sparkling wine; down duvets and pillows; Frette linens; personal pillow menus; flat-screen televisions; DVD players; iPod docking stations; in-room safes; refrigerated private in-suite bars with spirits, a selection of wines, and soft drinks; espresso coffee makers; a selection of bath salts and exotic oils; and Wi-Fi Internet access. Bathrooms will be equipped with lighted make-up/shaving mirror, hair dryer and cotton bathrobes.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

The resort features rooms in 16 categories in three villages, including:
• Seaside Village
o Royal Estate 2 Story 1 Bedroom Suite with Pool
o Prime Minister Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout 1 Bedroom Villa Suite
o Emerald Bay Honeymoon Penthouse Beachfront Villa Suite
o Harbour Bay Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Villa Suite

• Ocean Village
o Crystal Honeymoon Penthouse Oceanfront 1 Bedroom Suite
o Grande Isle Honeymoon 1 Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
o Crystal Honeymoon Penthouse Oceanfront Junior Suite
o Grande Bahamian Honeymoon Oceanfront Junior Suite
o Pink Sands Penthouse Oceanfront Luxury
o Coral Reef Oceanfront Luxury

• Emerald Bay Village
o Bay House Honeymoon 1 Bedroom Oceanview Luxury Suite
o Great Exuma Honeymoon 1 Bedroom Suite
o Halfmoon Cay Grande Oceanview Junior Suite
o Palm Bay Oceanview Luxury
o Honeymoon Luxury Paradise Junior Suite
o Exuma Honeymoon Luxury

A first for Sandals Resorts, guests staying in all room categories at Sandals Emerald Bay are entitled to Sandals Resorts’ exclusive Butler Service. Trained to the highest standards by the elite, London-based Guild of Professional English Butlers, Sandals Resorts Butlers pamper guests throughout their stay from un-packing and packing luggage, drawing scented bubble baths, serving private meals on the terrace and much more. Butlers will also confirm guests’ preferences prior to arrival, to ensure that guests’ every wish is met before they even set foot in their suite. All rooms also offer fully stocked in-suite bars, His & Hers plush robes and slippers, and exclusive 24-hour room service.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS:

Barefoot by the Sea – One of the most popular Sandals Resorts dining concepts, this restaurant serves up a variety of different types of seafood fresh from the Bahamian waters. Guests enjoy outdoor dining with their feet in the sand for à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Drunken Conch - A traditional British Pub gives sports enthusiasts a piece of London in the heart of the Caribbean, serving up local and imported ales as well as authentic English grub for lunch and dinner.

Dinos - For the old world taste of Italy, an authentic wood-fired brick oven pizzeria serves up made-to-order, crisp, hand-tossed pizzas laden with a choice of delectable toppings from savory prosciutto with roasted red pepper to sweet banana with gorgonzola.

Il Cielo – Guests are treated to exceptional European-style service compliments of an array of traditional Tuscan dishes, such as Bistecca Fiorentina and Risotto alla Milanese at this Italian fine dining restaurant.

Bahama Bay – As the sun rises in the East, this casual dining setting offers a gourmet breakfast from. As the sun sets in the West, guests will enjoy the ultimate in Mediterranean cuisine with a Caribbean flare.

Guests can also partake in the British tradition of High Tea each afternoon, enjoying the finest teas of Britain with delicate sandwiches and European-inspired pastries.

Swim-up Pool Bar – Guests can quench their thirst in the heat of the day without ever having to leave the cool comfort of the Caribbean’s largest pool.

Bahama Breeze Bar – This bar offers an excellent choice of tropical beverages, mixed specialties and, of course, the signature Bahama Breeze cocktail.

Barefoot Bar – Located on the beach, guests will unwind and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather while sipping on their drink of choice.

Vodka & Caviar Bar – Serving Ciroc, Roberto Cavalli and David Beckham’s vodkas alongside the best Russian caviar.

The Drunken Conch – Traditional British Pub serving both imported and domestic ales.

Discerning enthusiasts can also enjoy hand-selected Cuban cigars with their after-dinner drinks.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Guests at Sandals Emerald Bay are treated to an array of entertainment, including cooking classes by celebrity chefs, dance lessons, introductory golf and tennis clinics, live music, Jazz performances, bonfires, dueling pianists and Appleton Reserve rum tasting classes. Guests looking for a slower pace can also browse the resort’s classic library, boasting historical information on The Bahamas and Great Exuma.

LAND SPORTS:

To enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather, the resort offers outdoor games and activities including table tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, outdoor checkers and chess, bicycles, bocce ball, croquet, billiards, cards and board games.

The resort also features a fully-equipped tennis center with six Har-tru courts lit for night play and professional stadium seating fit for competition.

GOLF:
Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas features a Greg Norman-designed 7,200-yard, par 72 championship golf course that rivals any oceanside course in the world. Norman, a native Australian and avid diver and boater himself, immediately saw the potential of the site and created not one, but six signature holes hugging the perimeter of Emerald Bay’s scenic peninsula.

With fairways lining the ocean and prevailing southeastern tradewinds, the golf course at Sandals Emerald Bay provides a challenging experience for novice and professional golfers alike. Its first 10 holes wind through a mix of seaside dunes and mangrove preserves, while holes 11 through 18 play along the rocky peninsula offering unparalleled views along the turquoise waters of The Bahamas. Native vegetation dots the course throughout, including sea grapes, silver buttonwood, sand fly bush and cabbage palms. Ground cover includes crimson-hued sea parsley and indigenous grasses.

WATERSPORTS:

Sandals Emerald Bay offers a comprehensive array of watersports including kayaks, daily snorkeling trips, windsurfing, aqua cycles, hobie cat sailing and scuba diving for certified divers.

For those not certified, a “Discover Scuba Diving” resort course is available for $70 per person.

MARINA:

For more than a century, the Exumas have been a yachtsman’s paradise. The islands’ hidden coves and cays – including Hog Cay which was featured in the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films – contribute to spectacular sailing. Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas will continue to attract boaters from across the globe with The Marina at Emerald Bay, the first-ever marina at any Sandals Resort. This fully protected 17-acre deepwater marina, which is also open to the public, offers 150 slips and is equipped to accommodate and service yachts up to 240 feet in length.

BEACH: To complement its sublime ocean views, the property will debut three pools including a brand new freshwater pool. Encompassing over half an acre, this spectacular pool will entice guests with a Jacuzzi, swim-up pool bar and unique fire-pit seating area in the center. Flanking the pool will be misting columns and luxurious cabanas equipped with wireless internet access. Sandals butlers will provide poolside service to all guests, including Evian spritzers, fresh towels with cucumber slices, and cool sorbet to refresh and replenish.

The 500-acre Sandals Emerald Bay occupies a sublime, one-mile-long stretch of beach on Great Exuma. All room categories at the resort feature ocean views.

RED LANE® SPA:

For those looking to be pampered, Sandals Emerald Bay offers guests the Red Lane® Spa experience, which awakens the senses to the unique delights of the Caribbean. The 16,000 sq. ft. facility will offer signature treatments, available for an additional cost, which utilize ingredients indigenous to the region such as Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and sweet ortanique oranges.

FITNESS CENTER:

Conveniently located near the Red Lane® Spa, an enclosed modern air-conditioned fitness center offers state-of-the-art, Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength equipment for optimal workouts. The Fitness Center will also offer personal training, aerobics and spinning classes.

MEETING & BANQUET SPACE: A state-of-the-art conference facility awaits corporate and group meeting planners at Sandals Emerald Bay, offering 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space. This includes three large ballrooms with separate event entrances that can be converted into smaller rooms, all with access to a dedicated conference facility kitchen and two meetings rooms, which are all supported by round-the-clock conference and technology.

*Greens fees and Red Lane® spa services are at an additional cost.

About Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas:
Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Debuting January 22, 2010, the resort is the fourteenth Sandals Resort and, expanding on the company’s Luxury Included® concept, the first to offer a Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront suites. Additionally, the new Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas will offer gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, anytime snacks, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, gratuities and even airport transfers. An exclusive Red Lane® Spa featuring premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region enhance this 500-acre resort, set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands. Introductory rates start at $324 per person, per night, a savings of 50 percent.

Call Penny today (888) 336-8133

Here are just a few things that you may not know about Sandals:

-Each and every resort employee must undergo 120 hours of training each and every year

-We do not have bartenders, we have “showtenders”

-When we open a “specialty” restaurant such as a Thai restaurant we actually bring in a chef from Thailand to stay and work on our property, did you know we have over 155 restaurants in our chain

-Our butlers have a maximum of 4-6 suites that they tend to – other hotels that offer butler service have their butlers tending to over 20 suites at a time

-Beaches Turks and Caicos has been given a 6 star rating

-We host over 13,000 destination weddings a year

-All of our resorts are Green Globe Certified