Resorts
Sandals Emerald Bay Re-Opens
Following a brief closure due to Hurricane Matthew, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort in Great Exuma, Bahamas reopened its doors on Dec. 15 with a new restaurant added to enhance the guest experience. The Jerk Shack, serving authentic jerk-style cuisine, now brings the resort’s impressive array of 5-Star Global Gourmet dining options to a total of eight restaurants. “Sandals Emerald Bay is back and better than ever,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “Sandals Emerald Bay has a longtime reputation as being a leading...
Karisma Executive Urges Agents To Pick A Side
Travel agents must support the suppliers that support them otherwise they risk losing that backing, a prominent industry exec bluntly told a group of 600 Canadian and US travel agents in Mexico recently, reports managing editor, Michael Baginski in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “You have to co-brand yourselves with a company that supports you,” stated Karisma Hotels & Resorts senior VP of Sales & Marketing, Mandy Chomat, adding, “You better start vertical integration. We have to count on you.” Chomat's matter-of-fact comments came at the...
Hôtel de Glace To Open Jan. 4
For the 17th year, Quebec's Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) invites visitors to discover the beauties and mysteries of the North Pole. From the pole star to the Arctic wildlife, the Northern Perspectives theme is the inspiration behind the architectural design of the 2017 Hôtel de Glace and its unique suites. From Jan. 4 to March 26, travellers are invited to experience the joys of winter in a truly enchanting decor at Valcartier Vacation Village. For the artistic director of the Hôtel de Glace, Pierre l’Heureux, this year's theme offers a fun way to explore different...
Sandals South Coast Unveiled
Sandals Resorts' Whitehouse European Village & Spa has been re-introduced in Jamaica as Sandals South Coast. The totally re-imagined Luxury Included resort unveiled recent renovations that “embrace and incorporate the natural beauty and bounty of the 50-acre property’s stunning beachfront setting in Jamaica’s South Coast region.” “With this re-launch, we have brought our most innovative ideas and concepts to absolutely re-imagine the guest experience,” says Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts International. “The results further...
Transformation Complete
Toronto's Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre hotel has emerged from a multi-million-dollar renovation which is all part of the ongoing reinvention of Marriott Hotels – the signature brand of Marriott International. At the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, rooms have been transformed to feature brand new 49" flat screen TVs in guest rooms and 55" flat screen TVs in all suites. Most Bathtubs have been replaced with deluxe walk-in showers and spa-like lighting to provide a relaxed and upgraded bath experience. And new furniture including large chaise lounges that double as a...
Earn Extra STAR Points, Cash
From now until Jan. 31, Sunwing is offering agents the opportunity to earn additional STAR points and cash, in partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Sunwing is offering double the STAR points, while Karisma Hotels & Resorts are offering double the Karisma Canada Cash (which can be converted into items like gift cards) for agents who book customers for a minimum of three nights at either Sensimar Seaside Suites and Spa or Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, for departures from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Plus, customers booking either property will receive an...
Karisma Takes Things Up A Notch
Karisma Resorts & Hotels -- which manages such brands as El Dorado, Azul, Generations and Nickelodeon -- has announced an aggressive expansion plan to keep up in the booming, highly competitive all-inclusive field, reports PressToday's Mike Baginski. Currently boasting 26 properties with over 4,500 rooms spread across seven countries, the resort group says it will double capacity and have 35 resorts by 2021. Highlights of the expansion, made at Karisma's annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants (GIVC) Awards at the Eldorado Royale in Mexico, include: A new destination...
InterContinental Toronto Front and Centre
The general manager of the InterContinental Toronto Centre says his hotel's location is literally spot-on. Alexi Hakim told a Dec. 6 gathering at his property that his hotel is near the Rogers Centre, Toronto's famed theatre district, the financial quarter and a host of other prominent draws for visitors to the city. The upscale hotel literally adjoins the city's convention centre and is also a stone's throw from The CN Tower, Toronto's most visible tourist attraction. “This [the hotel] is in the centre of it all,” Hakim said. “I could go on and on [about the benefits of his...