Don’t Break the Bank : Selling Luxury for Less in the Caribbean

If you’re in the mood for vacation but don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend, the Caribbean is ripe with high season bargains that won’t break the bank. From air and hotel packages to gratis room nights and generous add-ons like complimentary weddings on the beach, a reasonably priced winter respite can easily become a reality for couples looking for a break from the blustery winds at home.

(credit: BTA) 

Swap the taxi rides for a bicycle and ditch the fancy spa for yoga on the beach and you’ll discover a vacation under the sun doesn't mean taking out a second mortgage.  From St. Lucia to the Bahamas and Grand Cayman to St. Maarten, a tropical getaway can easily become an affordable winter reality.

Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman ( credit: M. Reffes )

Guavaberry Emporium St Maarten ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Sun-Soaked Bargains

Choice Hotels International is big on low prices with generous discounts at several of their Caribbean properties. A rate slice of up to twenty-five percent with a minimum stay of four nights invite at properties in the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.  " This is the first time we've rolled out region-wide promotions like these," said Bill Clegg, regional vice president, “ for those who stay fewer than four nights , they can earn twenty  percent off all Caribbean properties once advanced booking requirements are met."  www.choicehotels.com 

Ascend Collection Puerto Rico ( credit: Choice Hotels ) 

 With nightly rates as low as $119.00, Comfort Suites in Turks & Caicos may be the best bargain on the turquoise island.   Upscale without the price tag, the hotel shuttles guests to the beach in a golf cart and stages impromptu steel pan concerts in the lobby. “We offer a resort feel without resort prices, “explains David Crofts, manager, “We’re a big hit with travelers who appreciate our little extras like free Wi-Fi and Miss William’s famous triple layer coconut cake on our breakfast buffet.” www.comfortsuitestci.com.

Comfort Suites Provo ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Sitting pretty on the shoreline, Aruba Marriott hugs the calm waves of Palm Beach and tempts with delicious suites, fine eateries, all-night casino, Mandara Spa and health club. The Sand Dollar package is a tempting winter deal with a ‘book three nights, get one free” offer that includes a daily $50.00 resort credit for travel through December 21. For sports fans, Champions Restaurant at adjacent Marriott Ocean Club is a win-win crowd-pleaser with thirty big screen television screens and enough Balashi beer to keep the gang happy all night. www.arubamarriott.com.

 Aruba Marriott (credit: M. Reffes) 

This writer hard at work at the Aruba Marriott ( credit: Diamond PR) 

The luxury road less traveled often means lower prices and at Rosalie Bay resort in Dominica, daily rates include yoga classes and breakfast with a bounty of healthful choices made from fruits and vegetables grown in the organic garden.    A twenty-eight room eco-luxury property, the wind and solar powered resort is big with nature lovers from March through October who come to see three species of endangered turtles who nest and hatch on the Bay’s protected black sand beach. Through October 31, a saving of thirty-three percent is offered with room rates starting at $149.00 for suites oozing luxury with chi-chi bathrooms and relaxing rain showers. www.RosalieBay.com.

Rosalie Bay ( credit: RBR)

No haggling required in St. Lucia where rates at the Fond Doux Plantation are discounted during the winter season.  In the picturesque French town of Soufriere, ten cottages sit on a 19^th century plantation along with two restaurants and a collage of swimming pools.  "It's still Christmas in St. Lucia," said Eroline Lamontagne, manager, “we want to ensure that guests visiting in 2012 can allow us to pamper them at a fraction of the regular cost. “Warm Winter Retreat" packages include seven nights, breakfast,  airport transfers,  bottle of  bubbly and two spa treatments at the new Mamma La Terre Spa with a menu of massages that use  organic products from Fond Doux's grounds. www.fonddouxestate.com.

Abaco Beach ( credit: Bahamas Tourism) 

Luxury never had it this good with rates for a two-bedroom villas starting at $300.00 per night at the Bahama Beach Club on Great Abaco Island. From snorkeling in the sea and beach barbecues on the sand to exploring the underwater caves and deep sea fishing for blue marlin and wahoo, the ‘Warm Winter Savings” package is too good to pass up with one night gratis when three are confirmed, unlimited long distance calls to the USA, on-site concierges who whip up gourmet meals in the villas or pre-stock the kitchen with Bahamian treats. www.bahamabeachclub.com

Steak Me Home Tonight

Smack dab in the middle of Simpson Bay in St. Maarten, the ‘3 Palms On The Rocks’ is the latest eatery on the culinary horizon.  Owners Phil and Patty Lennox are all about a Caribbean chill-out with the tables painted in Rasta-inspired yellow, green and red and two dollar mugs of beer.   A magnet for yachties and the women who like them, the funky eatery is action-central for the Heineken Regatta taking to the sea this month.    www.simpsonbayresort.com.

 3 Palms on the Rocks (credit: Simpson Bay Resort) 

Even if you can’t afford caviar and foie gras, a treat once in while is the stuff of luxury vacations. Fronting the famed Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Westin Casuarina is revered for the trademarked Heavenly Beds, hip lobby bar and Wine Dinners in Casa Havana, the island’s only Cuban eatery. Big tickets include the “Tapas and More ‘dinner on March 23 and ‘Tour de France ‘on May 25 that brings ooh-la-la French flair to the beach.   www.westingrandcayman.com.

With a staff so friendly you’d swear you’d met them before, Pelican Bay in Provo, Turks & Caicos excels with mains like a succulent lobster so fresh it’s still angry. Ask for the house pepper sauce to take home as a souvenir that is more memorable than a fridge magnet or a t-shirt. www.pelicanbaytci.com. South Beach meets the tropics at Vino Tiempo, a hip and happening yet reasonably priced wine bar in the swank Regent Village. Owned by wine connoisseurs Tony Garland and Murad Mohamad, the bar tantalizes with fine wines, minty mojitos and potent cocktails, shaken or stirred, with local Bambarra rum. “Tourists flock to the bar as a reminder why they booked a vacation in the first place, “says Tony Garland whose knowledge of wine (and vacations) is legendary. www.vinotiempowinebar.com

Another Day in Paradise ( credit: M. Reffes) 

-          30 -

Reggie Medford - Artiste Extraordinaire -

Setting the stage for what promises to be another stellar conference, the 13^th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC – 13) will be held from April 15 to 18 in Guyana.  Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the eco-astute event is the most important gathering on sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.

Guyana Parliament Buildings ( credit: GTA)

Nestled on the north-eastern shoulder of South America, Guyana is the only official English-speaking country on the continent celebrated for its unspoiled beauty, spirited indigenous culture and thundering waterfalls like the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single drop waterfall, five times higher than Niagara Falls and twice the height of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world along the Zambezi river in Zambia. Also iconic, the Jaguar is the national animal that sits proudly on the country’s Coat of Arms. The largest cat in the Americas, the spectacular spotted creature is generally elusive; however, it can be seen in the Iwokrama rainforest along the Rewa River.

Kaieteur Falls ( credit: GTA) 

Jaguar cat (credit: GTA)

Kanuku Mountains ( credit: GTA)

Giving the keynote address, Bharrat Jagdeo, former president of Guyana, will discuss the deployment of the regions tropical rainforests as a strategy to curb global warming. “The former president has developed a strong reputation globally for his relentless advocacy for action to avert the worst extremes of climate change,” said Gail Henry, product specialist, (CTO), “We eagerly anticipate a dynamic and highly relevant keynote presentation from him.”

With the theme ‘Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining our Resources’, the conference will be held the Guyana International Conference Centre with headquarters at the 200-room Princess Hotel  , the largest conference center and casino in the country.  Additional participating hotels include the Roraima Duke Lodge, Roraima Residence Inn and the Cara Lodge Hotel. 

Princess Hotel ( credit: TripAdvisor)

Adhering to the mandate of furthering environmental sustainability, the CTO has enlisted the artistic endeavors of Bajan artist Reggie Medford to craft the aptly named “Reggie “ award presented to the country hosting the event .“ We have been impressed with the work of Medford Mahogany for many years, “said Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO, “when Reggie Medford offered to donate a mahogany trophy to the Sustainable Tourism Conference, we readily accepted. His generosity illustrates his support for the ideals of the conference and gives us an opportunity to highlight the involvement of small, indigenous enterprises in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.”

Heart of the Art

  

Working in his studio on a picturesque hillside overlooking Bridgetown, Reggie is a self-taught artist and one of the islands natural treasures.  His gallery aptly named ‘Medford Craft World ‘showcases his unique sculptures he crafts from the mahogany wood found in Barbados. “Historically, all the plantation houses in Barbados would use this type of wood for their furnishing, “he said polishing one of his masterpieces, “When I entered this trade I found myself using only mahogany and have used it for the past thirty-six years with absolutely no regret”.

Reggie at work ( credit: Zimbio) 

Reggie in his studio ( credit: D. Roberts) 

A labor of love for the gracious sculptor, he was once a student of the sciences but followed his heart to the world of personal creativity. "I think it all happened within a couple of months, “he remembers, “during my last year of school, I was getting prepared for exams when I realized that I would rather work for myself  because too many people are not doing what they want to do. “  Inspired by the coconut palms growing in the yard where he grew up, his passion turned to art and the rest is island history. “I wanted to find something to do that I will grow to love. At that point, I had no idea what that was, I was drifting around ideas until I started to fiddle around with coconut shells, hacksaw, varnish and sandpaper “he smiles.

Medford Crafts (credit: D. Roberts) 

Fiddle he did by cutting the shell in half and then crafting exquisite pieces of jewelry like earrings and bracelets that he still makes today.  “The coconut tree was right there so I had no need to buy anything and years later I am still here.”

A charming gentleman of fifty-six years young, Reggie perfected a sanding process that results in a smooth and fine finish. "It is the speed of the process that makes it interesting, “he says fashioning a decorative box from mahogany,” the traditional chisel and knife is very slow and places a lot of pressure on the fingers, in other words there is more blood and sweat and tears doing it that way.” After transporting the tree to the Craft Center, Reggie and his dedicated colleagues use every part from root to branch to fashion their signature works of art. 

Decorative Box ( credit: BTA)

Medford Crafts ( credit: D. Roberts) 

His exhibits have earned critical acclaim throughout the Caribbean, USA and Europe, he was the youngest recipient of The Barbados Centennial Honour and his work is proudly owned by global Heads of State including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.  

Reggie Medford has carved out a life and a legacy and is delighted to share his vision with visitors to the island, “travelers should be able to see unique sites, eat unique foods and purchase unique gifts , “ he adds proudly, “ and that is just what they do when they visit this shop."

Get in Touch

For register for STC-13, visit www.caribbeanstc.com.

For more information on Reggie’s art, visit http://medfordcraftworld.com/

-    30-

Selling the Caribbean : Marketplace 2012

Hosted by The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), Islands Of The Bahamas, MasterCard and Virgin Holidays, Marketplace 2012 was held at the Atlantis on Paradise Island from January 22 to 24.  Renamed’ Caribbean Travel Marketplace’ and marking its 30^th anniversary this year, the annual trade show is the largest marketing event in the region where suppliers meet, greet,  network and  negotiate with buyers from around the world. 

Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island (credit: M. Reffes) 

 For the first time since 2008, the show attracted 276 supplier companies, 695 supplier delegates, 140 buyer companies and 336 buyer delegates from eighteen countries including Russia and Japan.  The total of 1,190 delegates was a slight dip from the 1,518 who attended last year in Montego Bay. 

Andre Rojer, marketing manager, Curacao Tourist Board doing business on the floor (credit: M. Reffes) 

“We begin 2012 with the hope that this year will mark a distinct point of recovery and return to sustained growth for tourism in our region,” said Hubert Ingraham, prime minister, Bahamas addressing delegates during the gala opening ceremony that featured high-spirited performances of The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.

Credit: B. Cancellare 

Credit: M. Reffes 

 Noting Marketplace is the region’s most important convention, Josef Forstmayr, president, CHTA told delegates “the Caribbean remains the most tourism-dependent region in the world and the substantial volume of transactions generated by the 15,000 appointments will bolster the Caribbean nations’ economies directly resulting in a better standard of living for our citizens. “  Adding 2010 was a banner year for tourism with 23.1 million visitors to the region, Forstmayr said 2011 numbers are also looking good, “the forecast is for a four-percent growth for a record of 24 million arrivals.” Referring to the new “Tourism is Key” advocacy campaign, Forstmayr added, “There has to be a strong consensus of our leaders and the public so that tourism will receive the full support it needs as the Caribbean’s most vital export industry. “

Hubert Ingraham, prime minister, Bahamas and  

Josef Forstmayr, president, CHTA (credit: B. Cancellare )

Bahamas Buzz

Visitor numbers for 2011 show an impressive spike of 6.3% or 5.6 million visitors. “Most of these were cruise arrivals,” noted Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, minister of tourism, “air arrivals were down due to bad weather last January in the US and a hurricane that impacted the island in August.”  A surge in November and December boosted year-end numbers with Nassau showing a 7.1% hike and Grand Bahama Island recording a notable spike of 15.9% over last year. 

Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, minister tourism, Bahamas ( credit: M. Reffes)

Set to debut in March, a new marketing initiative by the Ministry of Tourism will focus on the sixteen island groups in order to draw visitors beyond Nassau and Paradise Island. “We have divided the islands into separate groups, all represented by their own logos,” said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, tourism minister, “We want the islands to become a multiple-destination experience within one destination.”

Abaco Beach ( credit: Bahamas Tourism )

Following fires that destroyed the building, a brand new $12 million Straw Market is open on Bay Street in Nassau.  An iconic symbol of Nassau, the new venue has extensive fire safety measures including a sprinkler system with on-site water storage and fire hoses.

New airlift from Nassau, Delta will fly nonstop service from LaGuardia in March while JetBlue announced direct flights from White Plains, a suburb of New York City.

One-Stop-Shop

MLT Vacations grew business in the Caribbean by over 46% percent in 2011. To highlight this growth, the one-stop-shopping package provider has launched a Caribbean sale offering up to 10,000 bonus miles per person and reduced rates at select resorts through their Delta Vacations and United Vacations brands.  The sale is open for bookings through Feb. 18 and valid for travel from April 1 – Sept. 30.

 Additional flights via Delta from New York (JFK) include service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and from New York (LGA) to Nassau.

Sound Bites from the Floor

“December was our best month ever in terms of room revenues in Nassau and Paradise Island. “   Frank Comito, VP, Bahamas Hotel Association.

Wyndham Nassau ( credit: M. Reffes) 

“Nothing stimulates tourism like low cost, high quality and frequent air service. The Bahamas has fifty government owned and operated regional airports and fifteen international airports. ” Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, minister of tourism, Bahamas

“Jamaica is already synonymous with entertainment; however, we are making a concerted effort now to market Brand Jamaica with a focus on our music. After all, everyone in the world knows Bob Marley,” Wykeham McNeill, newly elected minister of tourism and entertainment, Jamaica.

Marley Museum Kingston ( credit: M. Reffes) 

“We are now putting an emphasis on fashion after one of our locals, Ayoung-Chee Anya, won the last "Project Runway" television competition. The plan is to have her help promote tourism to the destination.” Sandra Perkins, CEO, Tourism Development Company of Trinidad & Tobago.

Sandra Perkins, CEO, Tourism Dev. Co. T & T and this writer (credit:  Y. Montes)

“In September, we will launch 721 as the new area code for Dutch St. Maarten which will be based on the North American system. This will make it easier for our American guests to call the island. ” May-Ling Chung, director tourism, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

May-Ling Chung, director tourism, St. Maarten  Tourist Bureau (credit: SMTB)

“If St. Maarten is a good place to live then it must be an even better place to visit.” Emil Lee, president, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association.

Great Bay Beach ( credit: M. Reffes)

“I brought in a pizza chef from Italy to bake pies at our brand new Bella Napoli Pizzeria which is earning a reputation as the best pizzeria on the island. “  Armando Pizzuti, general manager, Sonesta Maho, St. Maarten.

Sonesta Maho ( credit: M. Reffes) 

“Our message for this year is that Anguilla is affordable for all visitors not just the rich and famous.”  Marie Walker, director tourism, North America, Anguilla Tourist Board.

Marie Walker , director tourism, NA, Anguilla Tourist Board ( credit: M. Reffes) 

 “We are one of the most popular resorts for spring weddings with confirmations already for April. One couple has booked all our villas for what we know will be one spectacular celebration. “ David Lyon, director of sales,  CuisinArt Golf Resort, Anguilla

Villas at CuisinArt ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

“Due to the relatively mild winter in the northeast, we are offering discounts for bookings through April 8.  This is the first winter we have offered these kinds of incentives but we feel it necessary in order to ensure high occupancies through the high season.”  Paul Robinson, director sales, The Reef, Grand Cayman.

Sandra Spannheimer, reservations manager & Paul  Robinson , director sales , The Reef Grand Cayman ( credit: M. Reffes) 

“We are re-launching our vacation website, www.Caribbeantravel.com , with a significant financial commitment to redesign the site which debuts in August.” Josef Forstmayr, President, CHTA

Mark Your Calendar

April 17 - 19 : Organized by the Dominican Association of Hotels & Restaurants ((ASONAHORES) in association with the Dominican Ministry of Tourism (MITUR),Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE)  will take place at the  Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Punta Cana ( credit: Barcelo Resorts)

April 24 – 26: CHTA Investment Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico

May 16-18:   St. Maarten Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART) Radisson Blu www.shta.com.
June 16:  CHTA celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a Golden Jubilee Gala, Montego Bay.

June 20 – 25:  CHTA’s Taste of the Caribbean, Miami.

October:  CHTA Small Hotels Conference, Venue TBA

For more information:  www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/

credit: M. Reffes

Royal Bahamas Police Force Band ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Credit: M. Reffes

- 30 - 

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort

Following a soft opening in October, Marriott Frenchman's Reef and adjacent Morning Star Beach Resort in St. Thomas re-opened earlier this month with a grand party attracting the island’s glitterati. With 302 rooms and suites, the newly renovated Frenchman’s Reef is a stunning showpiece of architectural splendour with sweeping vistas of Charlotte Amalie, one of the Caribbean’s most majestic yacht harbors.  Next door, Morning Star tempts with ninety-six rooms and sea views to beat the band. Renovations on the beachfront property will start in September 2012 although bookings will not be affected.

Frenchman's Reef is an island icon ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Mornings at Morning Star are sublime ( credit : M. Reffes ) 

“For the last forty years, said Rob Steigerwald, chief operating officer, southern regional Americas, Marriott International “the resort has been the place to go where friends and families gather for a meal, a meeting or a vacation. “

Looking ahead, general manager Jose Gonzalez noted bookings for 2012 look ‘extremely strong’ including queries regarding convention bookings for 2015.  “This is a welcome change from the shorter booking windows we’ve become accustomed to in previous years, “ he added, “ for our continued success, it is vital that the island open up to tourists outside the USA even though at this time more than 90% of our business is from the US. We are starting to open up to a global customer base with Air Canada starting direct nonstop flights from Toronto in December and charters from Denmark also making the trip. “

The Frenchman's lobby is the perfect pit stop ( photo credit: M. Reffes ) 

Serenity in the harbor ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Tropical gardens and a tennis court equal a Caribbean sunny afternoon ( credit:  M. Reffes) 

With an eye to the future, Alex Fiz, VP, sales and marketing, Caribbean and Latin America noted ‘two new properties include the Reserve in Puerto Rico to open next year and a JW Marriott scheduled to open in 2013 in Coco Beach, also in Puerto Rico. ‘

  

Size Matters

Brand-reliable and fresh from a US$48 million five-month facelift, Frenchman’s Reef is open for business and the shining star in St. Thomas.  Sitting pretty on a hilltop overlooking soft sands and aquamarine waters, the largest property in St. Thomas is making quite a splash with refined Caribbean décor in island colors of sand beige, sunset sage and ocean blue, resort-wide wireless internet, gourmet eateries , funky bars, expansive spa  and the Marriott trademarked and oh-so-comfy Revive brand bedding and fluffer  pillows . “ The renovations have really opened up the resort, said Jose Gonzalez, general manager, “ letting in more sunlight through wide open spaces and our new air  conditioning system uses sea water which is not only good for the environment but provides fresher air for our guests .”

R & R at its finest ( credit: Marriott Resorts) 

New infinity pools with Jacuzzis, water sports galore and sun loungers are relaxation par excellence while a kids-only pool and splash zone is tops with the younger set. “My recommendation for the most romantic room is #5124 with its nighttime lullaby of the waves below, “added Jose Gonzalez, general manager, “f or the best view, check into room #4324 that faces the harbour with the twinkling lights of the cruise ships at night and for singles, a room by the Rum Bar is the hippest part of the hotel.  “

Water fun for the entire family ( credit: M. Reffes) 

The Rum Bar aims to please ( credit: M. Reffes) 

The morning view from Room 1722 at Frenchman's ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Both properties share restaurant and sports facilities and with shuttle service between the two, the complex is a one-stop-shopping vacation.  Ferries make the five-minute run across the harbor to downtown Charlotte Amalie for meandering and dining. “These renovations indicate the commitment of Marriott and the owners of Frenchman’s Reef to keep the Reef as the premier tourist destination resort in the USVI,” added Rob Steigerwald, Marriott International’s COO, Americas, southern region. 

 Whet Your Appetite

Wake up with the sun at the Aqua Terra Oceanfront Grill and an all-American breakfast buffet with an omelette station, creamy grits and delectable waffles along with healthy choices like fresh fruit and platters of smoked salmon. For a cocktail as the sun sets, the Sunset Bar on the beach is the go-to-spot. For a quick bite, grab one of three open-air tables and enjoy a freshly brewed espresso at the Presto Market.  Fresh pastries and sandwiches fit the bill while the view from the high back chairs are the perfect perch to watch the boats gracefully glide in the harbor as the winds breeze through the top of the stately coconut palms. For a nightcap with friends, the Rum Bar showcases fine spirits and picturesque views and for 24/7 balcony dining, room service delivers a wide array of treats from apple cinnamon French toast and a Cuban sandwich to dinner of  grilled snapper with a glass of a superb Italian Pinot Grigio.

  

At Morning Star, Coco Joe's is a spirited affair with steel drum bands, nachos with grilled jalapenos, juicy burgers and if it’s Saturday night, it must be the seafood buffet chockablock with lobster, shrimp, oysters and a host of sides.

The culinary piece de resistance, Havana Blue is a divine medley of upscale Latin-fusion cuisine in an open air restaurant with billowy blue curtains. Described by the owners Nicole and Eric Horstmeyer as ‘experiential dining’, the menu includes creative cocktails like the Dirty Chica cocktail that mixes vodka with jalapeno-soaked onions and hot pepper-infused olives and a black cherry mojito that aims to please. Appetizers from crispy wonton shells stuffed with lobster, shrimp and roasted corn salsa or the owner’s favorite, Cuban sliders with pulled pork, manchego cheese and blueberry-flavored mustard set the stage for a fabulous dinner.  Sexy sides like creamed spinach with hot peppers add zing to the lemongrass glazed sea bass, chili-blackened tuna and a perfectly prepared steak with cilantro mash.

Medley of Massages

From manicures and massages to pedicures and paraffin wax treatments, the brand new Lazule Sea Spa is a guilty pleasure that delivers. With eleven treatment rooms, sauna and spa pool with cabanas, relaxation never had it this good.

For those preferring the privacy of their own suite,  in- room massages are popular with showstoppers that include a Sea Mud massage for tired muscles, Caribbean Sea Scrub for silky smooth skin and an Island Detox Body Wrap to fix everything else that needs fixing.  “Couples can choose their own treatment and we’ll tailor it for a side-by-side experience, “said Garth Hudson, spa director.

Saying I Do

Five thousand couples over four decades have said “I Do” at the resort and so far in 2011, five hundred couples have taken the plunge. “We can do eight weddings a day on the beach but only two at sunset, “smiles Jessica Klein, wedding coordinator, “the most popular venues range from seafront to our sea cliff gazebo or one of our grand ballrooms.” 

Dreams come true in the wedding gazebo ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Lucky couple on 11/11/11 ( credit: M. Reffes) 

 A sign of the changing times, an increase in ‘second time around’ and ‘third time lucky’ weddings are big business along with a hike in cruise ship weddings with the ceremony performed on land and the reception held on the high seas.   “We arrange every detail, all couples have to do is go to the courthouse in St Thomas to sign their registration papers, relax in one of our day rooms papers and say I Do on the beach, ” adds Jessica Klein.

Relaxation never had it this good ! ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

A Click Away

www.frenchmansreefmarriott.com

www.havanabluerestaurant.com

http://www.visitusvi.com/

-          30 -