Jetsettersblog

A leading Caribbean resort is capitalising on a growing trend of customers wanting to balance a busy career and a healthy home life by mixing business with leisure.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Saint Lucia knows the savvy traveller has the solution for an ideal work/life balance, combining business trips with family vacations to maximise family time.

The solution is called ‘bleisure’, which is a phrase coined by the London based trend forecasting company, Future Laboratory. Research by Bjorn Hansen, dean of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sport Management of New York University showed that the trend began when the number of dual career families increased. He said: “All of a sudden there was more money but less time” and blended travel became “a way for families to spend time together.”

Statistics gathered by a “Wellness in Travel” survey by Westin Hotels & Resorts showed people are failing to take all of their vacation dates and fear not looking crucial to their department. Personal financial issues and job losses due to the difficult current economic climate are a major factor.

Mark Ozawa, managing director of Windjammer Landing, said: “At Windjammer, we pride ourselves on making sure that families enjoy their quality time together, but we also want to let parents know that they don’t have to compromise on their work needs. We are seeing a rise in visitors combining their family trips with work, as we have the facilities for remote working, to minimise the disruption of leaving the office behind. Our visitors know they can work here in comfort, but they have the luxury of being able to log off and immediately enjoy holiday time with the family on the beach or in one of our restaurants.”

Windjammer Landing has internet connection in every room, conference facilities and the supply of screens and projects, fax, photocopying and televisions and can even offer a personal assistant for an additional cost to assist business travellers with their out of office experience.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the resort has undergone a $500,000 refurbishment programme to mark the occasion. This means customers also have the opportunity to enjoy the ‘Forever 21′ rejuvenation package including a free 21 themed spa treatment, a shopping trip, sunset cruise and themed cocktails when staying seven nights or more.*

The resort also boasts over 1,500 feet of white sand beaches with a full water sports programme, five swimming pools and an outdoor Jacuzzi. It offers endless amenities including the shopping “village” where guests can enjoy five restaurants, three bars, several boutiques, a mini-market, a fitness centre, flood-lit tennis courts and conference facilities plus an array of excursions.

Voted Saint Lucia’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards, Windjammer Landing boasts 161 Mediterranean style villas and suites.

A seven night stay at Windjammer Landing for a family of four (room only) starts at approximately £2324 (dependent on exchange rates).

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, PO Box 1504 Castries Saint Lucia, Tel: FREEPHONE from the UK on 0808 101 7261, email tgills@windjammer-landing.com, or visit www.windjammer-landing.com

* Forever 21 offers are only valid with rack rate bookings – not valid in conjunction with any other offer or package. Subject to availability. Offers can be withdrawn by Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort at any time.