Jetsettersblog

Air Jamaica said a preliminary targeted transaction date of April 12, 2010 has been set when its operations will begin the transition to Caribbean Airlines. Air Jamaica said this transaction date is in line with the airline’s major schedule change that was previously announced.

But the transaction date could change as the details of the transition are finalized. As of April 12, Air Jamaica will offer four daily flights from Fort Lauderdale, three daily flights from New York (JFK) and daily flights from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Toronto.

The transition to Caribbean Airlines will be phased over a period of up to one year in order to ensure that customers continue to get the best possible travel experience.

Air Jamaica aircraft will continue to be utilized during the transition period. Current Air Jamaica pilots, flight crews and ground staff will operate the aircraft for the schedule already published. All customer services, including reservations, website and sales, will continue to operate in much the same way as today, for a period of time.

“We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with our loyal customers in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, as well as throughout the Diaspora, and we are pleased to advise that our company is also committed to continuing these relationships, doing everything possible to earn your loyalty and trust,” said Bruce Nobles, Air Jamaica’s president and CEO.

Meanwhile, The Jamaica Observer newspaper reported that Caribbean Airlines will only be taking over Air Jamaica’s profitable routes to ensure Jamaica maintains its tourism lifeline with its major markets in North America and Europe, but will not assume any of the airline’s debt.

The newspaper also reported the jobs of Air Jamaica employees will be made redundant on April 12, since Caribbean Airlines has only been contracted to take up the slack in service on Air Jamaica’s routes.

For more information or reservations, call 800-523-5585 or visit www.AirJamaica.com

Grenada’s LaSource luxury-inclusive spa resort is offering a Summer Special promotion which offers seven nights for the price of five.

Valid on travel June 1 to Nov. 1, the special includes all of LaSource’s activities including daily spa treatments (aside from the days of arrival and departure,) yoga, sailing, diving, tennis and more.

Rates at LaSource also include airport limo transfers, meals at four restaurants, beverages and master’s classes (when available) that give guests the opportunity to take part in intense fitness and holistic sessions taught by leading international instructors.

Certified divers can explore Grenada from below the surface with a dive each day (aside from the days of arrival and departure) that is also included in the nightly rate.

The Endless Summer Special offers 14 days for the price of 10.

Bookings for the both promotions must be made by March 31.

For more information, call 888-527-0044

or visit www.theamazingholiday.com

Right now, Funjet Vacations is launching its Best Prices Under the Sun sale.

 Guests who book a hotel or a flight and hotel package by March 25 for travel to Dec. 31 to Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Costa Rica get Funjet’s lowest hotel price.

During the sale shoppers will also find deals on Las Vegas, Florida, California and New York vacations.

If prices drop after booking, Funjet will refund the difference of the hotel portion of the vacation package.

Roundtrip airport/hotel transportation is included with Mexico and Caribbean hotel-inclusive vacation packages.

Travelers to Cancun/Riviera Maya, Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, Punta Cana and Jamaica will receive a complimentary “Experience More” card — Funjet’s exclusive vacation enhancer that offers discounts for popular nightclubs, restaurants, activities and more.

Clients have the option to choose an all-inclusive resort, with meals, beverages, entertainment and tips included in the price.

Exclusive hotel offers, including kids stay, play and eat free, complimentary room upgrades, spa or dining credits and other value-added inclusions.

For more information about Funjet Vacations, visit the banner at right.

This month saw the unveiling of the latest sculpture for Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park. Since its inception in 2006, the Underwater Sculpture Park at Molinere Bay by British sculptor Jason Taylor has encapsulated Grenada’s history and folklore and has brought a unique dimension to both diving and snorkeling in Grenada.

The park has received international acclaim and been featured in top international newspapers, magazines and television shows. It has become one of the “must see” attractions for visitors to the island.

Recognizing the success and future potential of the park both to the environment and to the island’s economy, a motivated action group of local people have made a personal commitment to the ongoing maintenance and development of the park and ensuring its sustainability.

Their focus is on the concept of a renaissance for the park, embracing local talent, ideas and expertise to ensure the park continues to develop as an attraction Grenada can enjoy and be proud of. The placement of this latest sculpture is a key step in working towards these goals.

The new sculpture, titled “The Silent Cry,” the first of a series of seven planned sculptures, is the work of local sculptor Rene Froehlich.

The artwork was produced by Froehlich and local craftsman Jefferson Thomas (know as Buju of Grenville) at his roadside studio and workshop in Westerhall, Grenada.

At seven feet in height, it will be the largest sculpture to go in the park to date.

Constructed of stainless steel and concrete, the sculpture captures the feel of the great trees of the Grenadian rainforest with a representation of a sinuous organic root system and the impression of a human form within.

The design’s concept was to “encapsulate the peace, tranquility and weightlessness of the underwater environment. It is a place where you can be still and enjoy the grace and movement of the water, leaving all of life’s threats and problems at the surface, should you wish to take a silent cry where no one will hear,” according to Froehlich.

For more information, call 800-927-9554 or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

Grenada is currently experiencing many developments that are expected to positively affect the country’s tourism industry in 2010 and beyond. Delta will begin nonstop weekly service to Grenada this summer from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to the Maurice Bishop International Airport in St. George’s starting from June 5.

The non-stop, twice a week service departs JFK at 12:50 a.m. and arrives in Grenada at 5:40 a.m. with the return flight scheduled to depart at 6:40 a.m. and arriving in New York at midday.

The Port Louis Marina and Creole Village, which was officially opened in January 2008, continued apace with the completion of phase six of its construction of berth spaces along the Lagoon in St. George’s.

Its main focus was to add to its present complement of 50 berths. An additional 120 berths to accommodate yachts ranging in size from 100 feet to 300 feet was recently completed, just in time for the winter cruise season.

For more information, visit www.cnportlouismarina.com

Visitors to Grenada will soon have an additional trail to hike with the commissioning of the Morne Longue Fedon Camp eco-tourism attraction, developed and funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for human security to restore the livelihood in a post-Ivan and Emily context.

The hunting village of Morne Longue in St. Andrew was selected because the livelihood of many of its residents was badly affected due to the destruction of most of the trees in the village.

The new trail will allow visitors to experience a wide range of birds in their natural habitat, monkeys, views of the eastern seascape and the ruins of Fedon Camp.

Training of persons within the community is being planned so that direct benefits can accrue to the residents of the Morne Longue Communities.
Cruise ship visitors to Grenada for the 2010 winter/spring season now have easier access to the Inner Court Yard or Citadel of Fort George in St. George’s.

The Sally Port Entrance was recently introduced to enhance the opportunity for visitors to explore the historic town. The new Maroon & Regional String Band Music Festival is being planned for April 30 to May 2. Its primary objective is to preserve the island’s culture by having it showcased at a professional level.

For general destination information, call 473-440-2279 or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

The fully-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada is offering a Winter Blues getaway special featuring up to $600 off per stay, for travel through March 31.

Through the special, guests who book a minimum of five nights or longer will receive $600 off per booking, based on double occupancy, and $500 off for single occupancy in a Royal Collection Pool Suite or Luxury Almond Pool Suite.

Travelers booking all other room categories will receive $500 off per booking, based on double or triple occupancy, and $400 off for single occupancy.

Guests booking seven nights or longer will also receive a complimentary Swedish massage per booking at Janissa’s Spa, a luxurious, full-service, 5,600-square-foot facility.

The Winter Blues getaway special is valid on new reservations for four nights or longer, made for travel through March 31.

Savings varies based on occupancy and room category.

This offer may not be combined with any other promotion.

For more information, call 473-444-4258, email

spiceisl@spiceisle.com  

or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com

Young Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ seven-night Lover’s Package includes ocean view accommodations, three meals per day, a foot massage per couple valued at $70 and 10 dives with Dive St. Vincent.

The package with 10 dives is $3,880 per couple, for travel through March 31.

Young Island Resort is located off the southern coast of the main island of St. Vincent, a three-minute water taxi ride away.

For more information, call 800-223-1108 or visit www.youngisland.com

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, the new five-star brand that debuts its Buccament Bay flagship property in St. Vincent & The Grenadines on July 1, is taking some creative steps.

The first Harlequin Performing Arts Academy will afford guests at the Buccament Bay Beach Resort the chance to explore and evaluate their interest in singing, drama, dance and music in a wide range of workshops and master classes led by experienced Broadway and West End performers.

Children ages 8 to 18 can also join programs to learn and develop performance and communication skills in a fun environment.

The Harlequin Performing Arts Academy is a novel vacation concept that combines arts training with recreation and relaxation in a fine resort setting.

Ultimately, each of Harlequin’s resorts in the Caribbean will feature a Harlequin Performing Arts Academy.

Additionally, the academy plans to include technique courses in stage management and make-up.

Regular performances by the academy at the resort will give class participants the opportunity to showcase their talents.

World-class talent has been engaged to direct this entertainment enterprise. Michael McCarthy, whose portrayal of Inspector Javert rocketed him to stardom in the West End and Broadway hit productions of “Les Miserables,” will head a group of individuals whose theatrical credits include West End and Broadway roles in “Miss Saigon,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Blood Brothers” and “Les Miserables.”

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is creating luxury resorts in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

Each resort will offer five-star amenities; The Harlequin Sports Academy will include a Liverpool FC Soccer School and Pat Cash Tennis Academy.

Themed restaurants developed by Trader Vic’s will be accompanied by other bars and restaurants. There will be a Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, Island Sanctuary Spa and a Diving and Watersports Center. Most of the resorts will have a marina.

The Marquis Estate in St. Lucia will have a Gary Player Signature Golf Course in addition to the world’s first Gary Player Hotel and Gary Player designed villas.

For more information, call 011 44 1702 297495 or visit www.harlequinproperty.co.uk

Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clipper (0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk ) is offering a new fifteen night luxury Caribbean spa and cruise holiday, combining eight nights at the premier beachside spa resort `LaSource’, Grenada, with an inclusive daily spa treatment, followed by a week sailing through the islands of the Eastern Caribbean on board one of the world’s most spectacular, fully crewed tall ships, Royal Clipper.

The spa & cruise sailings are available for travel between January and March 2010 and from November 2010 to April 2011 and cost from £3,215 (based on 5th November 2010 departure).

For those who can’t wait to experience this brand new cruise offer, departing on January 9th and February 27th 2010 the 15 night holiday costs from £3380, including port taxes, full board accommodation at La Source, transfers, return flights and all meals on board Royal Clipper.

Star Clippers’ new spa & cruise holiday provides a unique opportunity to chill out on the beach at LaSource before a seven-night voyage from Barbados to St Lucia, cruising the islands of Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique, before returning into Barbados.

LaSource is located on Grenada’s Pink Gin Beach, surrounded on three sides by the sea.

As well as three pools and a nine-hole golf course, there’s a stunning spa, four restaurants and three bars, complimentary yoga, tai ch’i and meditation and a wide range of land and watersports, all included in the price.

Qualified divers can have one free dive a day and then continue their exploration of the Caribbean on board Royal Clipper, which carries a dive master and Zodiac boat as well as a resident marine biologist.

Life on board Royal Clipper is akin to a cruise on board a private yacht, with an attentive crew, fine food, expansive teak decks, three swimming pools, the convivial, al fresco Tropical Bar and a comfortable piano bar. Dress code is casual and the daily schedule is delightfully unregimented.

Star Clippers new `spa & cruise’ package includes return flights from the UK; transfers in the Caribbean; flight from Grenada to Barbados; eight nights’ all-inclusive accommodation at LaSource; and seven nights on Royal Clipper, with all meals and entertainment. Prices range from an inside cabin at £3,215pp to an ocean view cabin at £3,415, based on departure on November 5th 2010.

For details of Star Clippers’ Caribbean cruises or to book, contact Star Clippers reservations on 0845 200 6145, e-mail star.clippers@fredolsentravel.co.uk , or www.starclippers.co.uk  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about La Source.

US Airways Vacations is giving clients a $300 Discount when paying with MasterCard card.

They can save up to $100 when booking, up to $100 at their destination and can receive a MasterCard gift card valued at $100 after travel has been completed.

Vacations must be booked before Feb. 1 for travel occurring until June 30.

Customers can save up to $100 when they book their vacation to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico by using promo code SALE100 (minimum six-night stay required). Travelers wishing to take a vacation closer to home can save $50 on all domestic vacations, excluding Hawaii, by using promo code SALE50 (minimum four-night stay required).

Vacationers, booking via US Airways Vacations at www.usairwaysvacations.com/sale  can receive up to $100 in resort credits at their destination when staying at a participating hotel and resort with partners such as Starwood, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Breezes Resorts, Riu Hotels and Resorts, Wynn Las Vegas and more.

Customers who book their travel to select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Antigua, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, or Turks and Caicos) and pay using their MasterCard card will receive a MasterCard Gift Card valued at $100.

Travelers who book using their MasterCard card to any other destination will receive a MasterCard gift card valued at $50. For more information on this and other specials, and to book a vacation, customers can visit US Airways Vacations at www.usairwaysvacations.com/sale

US Airways Vacations offers customers a one-stop shop to book vacation packages to dozens of exciting destinations, including Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona and Europe. Packages include roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and other options such as tours and rental cars. US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,000 flights per day and serves more than 190 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America.