Resorts
Big Times In The DR
The Dominican Republic's tourism industry is gearing up for a busy 2017, setting aggressive new targets that are underpinned by new developments, increased investment in infrastructure and growing cruise traffic. In 2016, the Dominican Republic broke a number of arrival records, posting a 9% increase over 2015. Perhaps more impressive, is the 67.5% increase in cruise arrivals, which grew to 580,000 during the year. As well, Punta Cana airport arrivals increased 7.1% over 2015, and it continues to be the most popular airport in the Caribbean, accepting over 2.4 million arrivals each...
Sandals Hosts Prince Harry
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort recently welcomed Prince Harry of Wales, who spent two days in Saint Lucia, the third stop on a tour of seven Caribbean nations with strong historic links to the monarchy. The prince arrived at the resort on Nov. 24, to a royal welcome from Sandals general manager, Winston Anderson and his team of resort executives. Anderson said: “Upon his return to the resort, the prince and a select group of 13 others took advantage of the culinary expertise of Sandals’ chefs in an intimate setting in the Langara Room. Rave reviews from the...
Taj, Shangri-La Form Alliance
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Mumbai-based Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have formed a strategic alliance to broaden their reach and offer more unique experiences to guests across Asia and the world. The alliance will officially launch in March 2017 with the introduction of the “Warmer Welcomes” program, which integrates Taj InnerCircle and Shangri-La’s Golden Circle guest loyalty programs, thereby provide members reciprocal and seamless benefits. As well, the “Warmer Welcomes” program will offer Shangri-La and Taj’s 6 million loyalty program...
No Reservations About New RIU Policy
RIU Hotels & Resorts has eliminated the need for guests to make reservations at its a la carte restaurants at properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, a policy the company dubs, “No Reservations, No Limitations!” The news was revealed “in Canada first” at the chain's annual Sunwing Group co-sponsored Christmas luncheon for top producers in Toronto yesterday. “This is such a great market for us,” said RIU director of business development & partner marketing Hugo Aguilera of the choice to make the announcement here. Aguilera, and colleague Sergi...
Travel Is The Secret To True Happiness
No matter what kind of holiday people take, it's a universal truth that travel makes everyone happy. And now, Booking.com has commissioned new research that reveals that travel gives people such an emotional boost, that they consider planning and going away on holiday more vital for our happiness than other big life occasions – such as a person's wedding day (49%); going on a date with a partner (51%); landing a new job (50%); getting engaged (45%); and even having a baby (29%). Furthermore, 77% say they book a holiday just when they’re in need of a happiness boost. The new...
InterContinental Gets Festive
With only a month left until Christmas, “12 Days of Christmas Cocktails” is being offered at all InterContinental Hotels in Canada. InterContinental Toronto Centre, InterContinental Toronto Yorkville and InterContinental Montreal are spreading holiday joy during December with 12 festive cocktails infused with the flavours of the season. Festive herbs and spices such as cinnamon, rosemary and thyme to the tastes of cranberries, lemons and apples are paired with specially selected rums, gins, liqueurs, vodkas and other spirits to warm guests on a cold winter’s night. The festive...
Secrets Debuts Cap Cana Resort & Spa
AMResorts continues to expand its Secrets Resorts & Spas brand with the opening of Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa. The 457-room, adults-only resort, located within the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, marks a new destination for the AMResorts Collection and the 15th property in the Secrets Resorts & Spas portfolio. In addition to offering guests its signature Unlimited-Luxury concept, where everything is included, adults can expect elegant accommodations, including bungalow-style and swim out suites, romantic inclusions such as Make a...
Hilton’s Curio Collection Set For Costa Rica
Hilton is expanding its portfolio into Costa Rica with the signing of the Botánika Osa Peninsula to Curio - A Collection by Hilton. The resort, slated to open in 2018, will be on the Osa Peninsula, an unspoiled tropical rainforest that is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. The property will be nearby the Golfo Dulce, where one of the world’s few tropical fjords is located and migrating humpback whales can be seen seasonally. With the new eco-friendly Botánika resort, guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in one of the most remote locations in Costa Rica while...