ALL SANDALS & BEACHES RESORTS

 ●          There is now a certified PGA instructor who will be conducting lessons at

Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Effective immediately, there are no longer free golf lessons

 ●          Candlelight Dinner rate changes as follows:

                                    Jamaica                                    $160 per couple

                                    Antigua & St. Lucia                 $180 per couple

                                    Bahamas & Turks & Caicos    $180 per couple

 

Private Candlelight Dinner Package Inclusions:                                

Four course dinner

Private white-glove wait service

Personalized menus

Sparkling Wine

Long stem rose

  SANDALS MONTEGO BAY

 ●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Dwight Anderson        Resort Sales Manager

                    

 SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN RESORT & PRIVATE ISLAND

 ●          The Courtyard Restaurant has been upgraded to an exquisite French restaurant called

 “Le Jardinier”.  The restaurant is open from 6pm – 10pm nightly and reservations are required.

 ●          Guests can now enjoy the comfort of working out in the upgraded gym which is now enclosed and fully air-conditioned.

 SANDALS INN

 ●          The tennis court was resurfaced

  SANDALS NEGRIL BEACH RESORT & SPA

 

●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Brian Sang                   General Manager (promoted)

                        Departed:       Wayne Cummings        General Manager (transferred to SRI)

 ●          All 109 rooms in the Paradise Block received new drapes

  SANDALS GRANDE OCHO RIOS BEACH & VILLA RESORT

 ●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Brian Roper                 General Manager (transferred from SRI)

                        Departed:       Peter Brauer                General Manager (transferred to SGL)

 

 SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT & SPA

 ●          The resort now boasts a newly refurbished, fully enclosed and air-conditioned fitness center. Hours are 6am to 10pm.

  SANDALS REGENCY LA TOC GOLF RESORT & SPA in St. Lucia

 ●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Denise Benoit              Resort Sales Manager (transferred from SHC)

 ●          Furniture in all gazebos has been changed to wooden chairs and tables

 ●          Spanish coffee is available nightly at the Piton Restaurant from 7:30 to 9:30pm

    ●          The bridge from the Pavilion Restaurant to the pool deck was retiled.

SANDALS HALCYON BEACH ST. LUCIA

 ●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Nadia Augustin           Resort Sales Manager (promoted from SGL)

                        Departed:       Denise Benoit              Resort Sales Manager (transferred to SLU)

 ●          All plastic lounge chairs on the Sunset Terrace were replaced with wooden lounge chairs and cushions. 

  SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN SPA & BEACH RESORT

 ●          Management Changes:

                        Appointed:     Peter Brauer                Hotel Manager (transferred from SGO)

Departed:       Winston Anderson       Hotel Manager (transferred to BSB)

                  

●          All the chairs in the Bayside Restaurant have been replaced with ones and the fountain outside has also been replaced

 ●          New menus were introduced at Bayside Restaurant and the Old London Pub; see attached

 ●          The Pizzeria is now open from 11am to 6pm daily

 SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN SPA RESORT & OFFSHORE ISLAND

 ●          Gordon’s on the Pier is closed on Sundays. The restaurant also has 3 new menus; see attached

 ●          The coffee bar that was at the Manor Bar has been relocated to the Cricketer’s Pub. It serves coffee, cappuccino and pastries from 7:30am to 3pm

 ●          The Casanova Restaurant in now open for breakfast 8:30am – 11am daily

 ●          Reservations for dinner at Baccarat, Café Goombay and Crystal Room now have to be made 48 hours in advance at the resort

 ●          All rooms in the Manor building now have iPod docks

 ●          The showers at the beach have been upgraded with new tiling, new fixtures and a new design for       the walkway out to the two showers

  ●          New dress code for dinner: Beach Wear, Rubber Flip Flops, Tank Tops or Sleeveless shirts are not permitted in any of our Restaurants for Dinner.

Baccarat and Crystal Room: Long Pants required for Men

Casanova/Spices/Gordon’s/Kimonos/Café Goombay: Dress Shorts are permitted 

BEACHES NEGRIL RESORT & SPA

 ●          “Club Liquid” offers tweens and teens a cool place to visit when the sun goes down, is open until 3 am and no parents are allowed inside

 ●          The Seville Restaurant is now an adult affair for 16 year olds and older.   Reservations are no longer required and the dress code will be enforced

           The all new Xbox 360® Game Garage has new flat screen plasma TVs and Xbox 360® game consoles

 BEACHES SANDY BAY

 ●          Management Changes:

Appointed:     Winston Anderson       General Manager (promoted from SGL)

 ●          The exterior of all 7 room blocks have been repainted

  BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS RESORT & SPA

 ●          The Sesame Street character shows are now done 5 days per week! The Sesame Street Caravan and Parade have been combined and now take place every Tuesday night

 ●          Turtles Bar was refurbished – new paint job, art work and new furniture

 ●          Coffee and cookies are now available at the French Village during check-in

 ●          Schooners Bar was refurbished – larger space, marble top counters and two new waiter stations were added

 ●          New armoires and new patio furniture were installed in the Governors One-Bedroom Suites

 ●          Six (6) Balinese gazebos have been placed at Arizona and in the Watersports area

 ●          A Diamonds International jewelry shop is now open at the resort

 ●          A classroom (with furniture) has been set up at the Watersports department to enhance the learning experience for prospective watersports (diving, etc.) clients

 ●          The WeddingMoon Lounge was refurbished with new furniture, shelving, etc.

 ●          New menus were introduced at Schooners Restaurant and the Sushi Bar;

NEGRIL GARDENS BEACH RESORT

●          The transition from Negril Gardens to Grand Pineapple Beach Negril will be complete on

June 1, 2008.

Air Canada

 

 

Air Canada said today that it will implement changes to its checked baggage policy on flights within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S. including Hawaii, effective May 15, 2008 for travel on or after July 15, 2008.

 

Under the new policy, customers who purchase Tango and Tango Plus tickets may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Tango and Tango Plus customers will continue to have the choice of customizing their fare including obtaining a discount when traveling without checked luggage.

 

 

There is no change in the checked bag policy for customers purchasing Latitude and Executive Class tickets. As well, Air Canada Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members maintain their current baggage allowance when purchasing Tango and Tango Plus fares.

http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/080425.html?src=hp_wn

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines

 

 

The baggage rules and fees noted below apply to tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2008, for travel on or after July 1, 2008. Free baggage allowance consists of 1 checked bag per ticketed passenger. Baggage can be a maximum of 62 linear  inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds. Excess baggage charges apply to additional pieces, overweight pieces between 51 and 100 pounds and oversized pieces of luggage. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip).

http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/CheckedBaggage.asp

 

 

 

American Airlines

 

 

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.

Updated Checked Bag Policies

 

 

 

Continental Airlines

 

 

Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.

This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change.

 

 

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/checkbag.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delta Airlines

 

 

Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008. This policy applies to domestic travel.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.

 

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp#checked

 

Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.

 

 

 

Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.

 

 

 

Jet Blue

 

 

Each customer may bring two bags free of charge until June 1, 2008. On or after June 1st each customer may bring only one bag free of charge.

Please note:

 

Customers who booked their reservation prior to May 1, 2008, may continue to bring two bags free of charge.

 

Second Bag Fee

 

 

(Effective June 1, 2008)

Customers who booked their flight on or after May 1, 2008, will be charged an additional $20 fee for checking a second bag on flights on or after June 1, 2008.

3rd + Baggage

  

Customers checking three or more bags on their flight will be charged a $75 fee per bag if they booked on or after May 1, 2008.

 

 

http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGIBIN/

webisapi.dll/,/?St=76,E=0000000000015217217,K=357,Sxi=12,Case=obj(634)

Checked baggage

 

 

 

North West Airlines

Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America on or after May 5, 2008.

This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

Note: Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change.

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html#domestic

 

 

 

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html#domestic

 

 

 

Spirit Airlines

 

 

All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag

Effective June 10, 2008, fees for bags paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com are $10.00 each way for the first bag only. The fee for Bag 2 is $20.00 each way, and items 3 – 5 are $100.00 per item each way. When paying at the airport, fees for the first and second bags are $20.00 per bag each way. (Customers will receive a 50% discount for the first bag when purchased online).

 

https://www.spiritair.com/welcome.aspx?pg=SalesInformation&number=334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Airlines

 U

 

nited has published a new checked baggage policy for customers who purchase Economy tickets for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Customers purchasing any domestic Economy ticket and who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in

Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy change. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.

 

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Us Airways

 

 

US Airways has announced a new baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.

The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

Note: Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.

 

 

 

http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros for checking bags in:

1. You will have a lot less hassle at security and throughout the airport.

2. You don’t have to cram your gels and liquids into three-ounce bottles and you can buy duty free abroad as you can check larger bottles that you can’t carry on board.

3. You don’t have to worry or hustle for overhead bin space once you board the aircraft.

4. You aren’t forced to pack light and wear the same outfit day after day, or purchase clothing abroad.

5. If you have minimal time between connecting flights you are much more mobile if you must run for your next flight.

6. You avoid the evil glare that the flight attendant gives you.

Pros for carrying on:

1. There is no danger of the airline losing or damaging your bags.

2. You don’t have to wait for your bags at the baggage carousel.

3. You can access the contents of your bags at all times.

4. You can use the computer check-in function more freely.

5. You get the flight attendant to give you an evil glare as opposed to the painted-on smile.

There are valid points on both sides, but you have to find a happy medium. Aren’t you disgusted when you’ve decided to adhere to the carry-on restrictions, when lo and behold, here comes Mr. Last Minute with what seems like 13 carry-on bags? You know in your heart when it is right to check-in your bags. Act on that instinct.

Here are some quick carry-on tips:

1. Size matters. Get a roller-board suitcase that fits into the overhead with the wheels or handle first. Many times the ones that have to go in sideways take up too much room and are difficult to find space for.

2. Shut it. Make sure the overhead bin shuts because even though you might have been there first, a protruding bag will be the first one yanked.

3. Try to be a softie. Use a soft exterior bag with some give to it. Many times hard cases just don’t fit regardless of how much you shove.

4. Water works. The liquids and gel ban is still in effect. At security checkpoints, travelers are permitted to carry travel-size toiletries (three ounces or less) that fit comfortably in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

5. Weight it out. The golden carry-on rule is if you bring it on board you need to be able to lift it and store it. Most flight attendants are not covered by their insurance if they injure their backs with your luggage.

6. Close by. Try to use an overhead bin in your immediate area for safety and security reasons. It doesn’t have to be directly overhead, but you should be able to see it from your seat. When opening an overhead bin, always put your hand up, ready to catch anything that might drop out.

7. Give it up. If your bag is selected to be checked at the gate due to space limitations, don’t worry, as it is pretty much guaranteed to be on that flight and will probably be the first one out at baggage claim.

8. It’s not personal. If you have something in your bag that you do not wish the security personnel to see, put it in your checked luggage. Trust me on this one.

9. Lend a hand. Help out those in need, especially mothers. Don’t get too mad at those who abuse the carry-on policy, be amused instead, but be sure to duck and be prepared if they are utilizing the overhead directly above you.

10. Utilize common sense. Recognize when your bag is too big to be considered carry-on and check it in.

All that stuff you hear about packing little toys for kids to unwrap on the airplane or stocking up on travel games to play in the car is, in my experience, pretty much useless. Such things will distract the kids for about 10 seconds and leave parents with more stuff to clean up. Snacks are important, especially on planes where food is increasingly limited, but jamming a thousand toys into a backpack or buying every new travel gadget on the market is only going to ensure that you have more stuff to keep track of.

Which isn’t to say I’m anti-stuff. I live and die by the portable DVD player, two if your kids are at an age, as mine are, when they will fight about the air molecules they breathe. Books are good, though remember it’s always fun to buy new books on your travels, so you don’t have to take a library. Ditto for crayons and a coloring book. If your child is consistently soothed by a stuffed animal or two, by all means take them. My kids tend while packing to develop sudden attachments to toys they then ignore or lose during the trip, so our stuffies stay home.

Still, the questions most parents ask of those who have traveled more or farther most often begin with “Should I bring …” the stroller, the car seat, the portable crib. Here, based on this mom’s experience, is a brief guide to good travel stuff.

CARRIER

For infants, I swear by the Baby Bjorn Infant Carrier ($79 to $99 at www.babiesrus.com), which keeps your hands free, the baby warm and takes up no room. When we went to Paris with our 2-month-old, we didn’t bother with a stroller (which is a pain in any city with a subway or metro — all those steps). Because it was winter, we also got a Baby Bjorn carrier cover ($39 at www.babierus.com), which kept little Darby warm and dry. (You know you have made a good purchase when a Parisian mother asks you where you got something.)

For older kids, if you are going to do a lot of hiking, a Kelty Child Carrier backpack ($119 to $240 at Sport Chalet, www.sportchalet.com) is a must. Yes, you tough dads can go miles with a kid on your shoulders, but when that kid falls asleep (and he or she will), you are balancing a sack of cement on your head.

STROLLER

When your baby is too heavy or squirmy for a Baby Bjorn, you need a stroller, and if you’re going to travel a lot or go to places with cobblestones or off-road walking, you should invest in a really good umbrella stroller. I have a Chicco C6 ($59.99 at www.amazon.com) that works well, and Maclaren has great lightweight portable urban strollers ( www.amazon.com, $174.95).

CAR SEAT

The great debate — take or rent. I say take. You can check them with your luggage or at the gate, and nothing’s worse than renting an infant seat you don’t like or trust. Also, the car seat guarantees you have somewhere safe to put an infant when you’re in your hotel room or apartment, which is nice. For older kids, a very cool thing is a Gogo Kidz Travelmate ($89 at www.gogobabyz.com) — a car seat that turns into a stroller by pulling out a handle and wheels. Although it’s too low to the ground to act as a real stroller, it is great for airports. And if the airline allows it, putting a car seat in the plane seat makes things much easier. Your child is more secure, for one thing, and there is a soporific effect about a car seat that cannot be overlooked.

GROBAG

These British zippered blankets are like big sleep sacks, and they come in handy because they will keep a child as warm as any blanket and not fall off during the night or get lost during the flight. Get a size up from your child’s regular size, and it will also work in a stroller. At $55 ( www.amazon.com or www.gro-group.co.uk), they aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it.

PORTABLE CRIB

Leave it at home. Most hotels and rentals will provide a crib, and even the good portables are heavy and bulky. You can take a Travel Bed (Gentle Air Dr. Watters Portable Overnight Bed, from $60.75 at www.amazon.com, is popular) but frankly, if it’s a question of a bed being too high, you can just pull the mattress onto the floor. Or with an older child, you can pack a collapsible bedrail.

In the end, it’s best to remember two things about travel stuff: You should take only things you know are going to make your life easier, and if there is something you need but do not have, you can probably buy it wherever you are. You might even find products that are better than the ones at home. I still believe every parent with a newborn should travel to Paris or Italy to choose their stroller because the strollers are so much better there and — even with the value of the dollar against the euro — less expensive. And it’s fun to have a sippy cup from Germany or a teething ring in the shape of a Maryland crab. Kids’ products are everywhere, just like kids. That’s why it’s so great to travel with them.