Jetsettersblog

Several Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America will offer “Authentically Local” packages designed to introduce travelers to local culture and language. Packages are available through Dec. 31, 2012, and feature hands-on cultural experiences specific to each hotel and destination, including dance lessons, cooking classes, cocktail tastings and boat tours.

The program also provides guests who want to learn local languages with a language immersion pin identifying the guest as an Authentically Local participant; team members will then speak to the guest in the local language. Packages also include English/Spanish/Portuguese/Papiamentu dictionaries and a list of area language schools.

Guests can also pursue hiking through a forest at the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa or snorkeling in local waters at the Hilton Curaçao, or opt for tango lessons at Hilton properties in Brazil or seek rumba lessons at Hilton hotels in Colombia.

Authentically Local “culture consultants” are available at each property to provide guests with menus of local experiences. To book the packages, guests can contact participating hotels directly or call a local Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office, and request an Authentically Local package.

Single-parent families who book a minimum three-night stay at any Beaches Resorts property from now through Oct. 25, 2012, will be treated to a variety of special events and a waived single supplement fee of up to $220 under the resort’s Single Parent Fun (SPF) months program.

The offer applies to travel from May 1 through May 24, 2012, and from Sept. 4 through Oct. 31, 2012.

As part of SPF, families will be invited as special guests at the weekly Beaches Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street parades, where they will receive noise-makers, decorations and party favors.

Additionally, parents can bond with their children and meet other single-parent families while playing all the latest Kinect games during Kinect for Xbox 360 Family Game Night, or painting their own musical designs directly onto complimentary souvenir records at the Scratch DJ Spin Art Session.

Other activities include family beach bonfires with roasted marshmallows, and Beach Olympics with special beachside games and challenges.

Sandals Resorts launched “In the News” a blog featuring news, awards and accolades, product updates, and current promotions, from Sandals Resorts and sister brands Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, the Sandals Foundation and Fowl Cay Resort. Travelers can search for information about Sandals Resorts, and travel agent subscribers can use the blog to stay current on new promotions, special offers, events, announcements and individual property updates.

Tropical Treatment: The Somerset on Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Welcomes New Wedding Planner and Exciting News for 2012
*Under new management, resort gears up with Family, Romance and Seasonal offers**

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, January 23, 2012 — It happens suddenly. In the course of everyone’s winter, a weekend escape changes from something that sounds tempting to something you desperately need.

If you live in the northeast, you’re no doubt yearning for somewhere that’s reliably warm yet somewhere you can be immediately (or at least by lunchtime).

A resort with that just-right blend of intimacy and sophistication. After a few months swaddled in fleece, a beach would be a definite bonus and great food. Yup, it would have to have a decent restaurant (or possibly two?). And while we’re dreaming, would a plush, spacious suite be too much to ask? As it happens, no it wouldn’t. That fantasy of yours sounds a lot like The Somerset, the boutique resort on Grace Bay, arguably the finest beach in the Caribbean.

The Somerset offers a variety of 53 luxurious, spacious villas and estates ranging from 1,400 square-foot, one-bedroom Garden Villas to 5,300 square-foot five-bedroom Ocean Front Estates.

The property has two restaurants and bars and private dining options along with in-room spa choices and full concierge services.

“This year The Somerset has turned up the dial on customer service,” says Ulrich Krauer, the new managing director who joined the resort from Kona Village in Hawaii. “We are still a fairly new property, having originally opened in November 2006. Our owners are committed to giving guests at The Somerset a five-star resort experience, and we are well on the way to becoming one of the best full-service properties on Grace Bay Beach.” Krauer has revamped the family and weddings programs, upgraded amenities and services, and implemented a new restaurant team for a new and improved guest experience in 2012.

The Somerset on Grace Bay News for 2012

Destination Weddings at The Somerset; New Resort Wedding Planner

The Somerset is extremely popular with destination weddings, hosting more than 20 weddings and bridal events each year. New for 2012, the resort now has its own Wedding Planner — Rosalind McKensie, formerly with NILA Destinations in Turks & Caicos. Special group rates are available.

For couples getting married at The Somerset, the bridal party can opt for a two-bedroom villa with additional “bridal party suite” for hair/makeup/spa treatments.

This third accommodation is attached with separate entrance and can be transformed into a relaxing spa room for exclusive use during the stay.

Wider Range of Activities This Year

By land or by sea, The Somerset has all new activity equipment for water and beach fun. This winter season the resort offers paddleboards, windsurfers, Hobie Cat sailboats, kayaks, snorkel gear and more. All equipment is for guest use on a complimentary basis, lessons are required for use of Hobie Cats, wind surfer and paddleboard for a one-time charge and complimentary use thereafter. Those who prefer to stay dry can have fun playing beach volleyball, corn hole, ladder golf, lawn croquet, beach yoga and more.

Food & Beverage Upgrades

O’Soleil, the island’s renowned Caribbean-Mediterranean restaurant, has re-opened under the helm of new Executive Chef Joel Rheaume, formerly of The Grace Bay Club. O’Soleil is an upscale dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and dinner. For a more casual lunch, the Somerset features LunAsea Bar & Grill by the pool and beach area; waiter service is available on the beach.

Somerset for Families: Free Kids Club; Extended Family Suites

The new “Caicos Kids Club” program for children ages 5 – 12 is complimentary this year. The Club is operated by certified teachers from a local school who are qualified to ensure a fun and educational experience. The daytime program changes daily to give a variety of activities and on select evenings a group kids dinner and entertainment is offered (sundown-8pm) to give parents the opportunity for a “date night” dinner together if they wish.

Every accommodation at The Somerset is equipped with a full kitchen, outfitted in Viking® appliances. A new grocery order program is available for those who would like their kitchen fully pre-stocked with their family’s favorite items upon arrival (billed at cost by The Somerset, plus nominal delivery fee).

Inquire about this program with reservations, and check back on the website soon as the order form will also be available online this winter.

For families traveling with extended family members, the two-and three-bedroom Ocean View Villa suites include as one of the bedrooms a ‘Queen Guest Room’ with a separate entrance.

This accommodation is luxuriously appointed with a queen bed, four-piece bath with therapeutic spa bathtub and separate shower, as well as a kitchenette. It is an excellent option for families with adult children or in-laws (also a great option for families traveling with a babysitter or nanny).

Rates at The Somerset on Grace Bay in winter start at $900/night, based on double occupancy, for a 1,400 sq. ft. one-bedroom Garden View Villa. As of April 8, rates start at $650/night for the same category. All rates include continental breakfast. For more information or to make a reservation please visit www.thesomerset.com  or call 877-887-5722. Special offers are available, click here to view. Follow The Somerset on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheSomerset  and Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheSomerset.

The Somerset is a 10-minute ride from Providenciales International Airport (PLS) with direct air access from the U.S. on jetBlue (New York JFK, Boston), Continental (New York JFK, Newark), American Airlines (New York JFK, Miami and Dallas in winter season only), Delta (Atlanta), and US Airways (Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston). In Canada direct access is available on WestJet from Toronto and Air Canada from Toronto and Montréal.

*** 4-Night Scuba Dive Travel Package Deal Features $350+ In Savings!

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos – The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with Ocean Vibes LTD – a leading PADI dive and snorkel facility in Providenciales – to offer an incredible “Deal To Dive For” travel package for new bookings made at this popular Oceanside resort for travel now through April 6, 2012.

The 4-night package features a 20% resort rack rate discount plus 20% discounted rates for two days of Scuba Diving.

This travel package deal enables dive enthusiasts to score more than $350+ in savings at a luxurious resort coupled with a top notch PADI Dive operation, offering World Class Scuba Diving that explores Turks & Caicos, rated one of the world’s top 10 dive destinations.

Starting from approximately $1656 per couple (rooms are based on double occupancy), the complete “Deal To Dive For” package includes the following:

• 20% OFF 4-Nights at The Sands at Grace Bay in Studio Courtyard Accommodations

Including Hotel Taxes & Service Charges (specially priced from $278 per night, down from $345+ per night)

• 20% OFF Two days of Two-tank Dives offered through Ocean Vibes, which includes free hotel pick-up and drop-off, a scenic 45-foot boat ride that will transport guests to the best dive sites around the island, state-of-the-art, SCUBAPRO dive equipment including regulators, wet suits and BCDs and a complimentary lunch and snacks/refreshments (specially priced at $272 per person, down from $340pp)

This popular small group dive excursion takes approximately six hours to complete and all Scuba Divers are required to provide valid certification from a recognized training agency in order to dive. Ideal for both beginner and advanced divers, each day’s dive will be based on the local conditions and the skill levels and interests of the participating guests.

Included in the total package price, dive certified guests will receive the special 20 percent discounted rate for the two days of diving for only $272 pp, including dive equipment rentals. Without valid certification, guests must first complete a “discover scuba” course with one of the Ocean Vibes instructors before they are able to dive on this excursion.

For those without a valid certification, the discounted per person price of $340 pp includes a pool training dive session plus the two days of two-tank diving. For more information on the Ocean Vibes Dive Packages, please visit http://www.oceanvibes.com or call Toll-Free at1-866-450-DIVE (3483).

The Sands at Grace Bay’s “Deal To Dive For” travel package is valid for new bookings made for four consecutive nights or more now through April 6th, 2012.

The offer includes two discounted Scuba Dive Day Trip excursions offered through Ocean Vibes, with the option of adding on additional daily dive excursions.

This offer is valid for all room categories and rates will vary based on room type, additional night add-on’s and hotel availability at the time of booking.

To book, guests must call the resort’s toll-free reservations line from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; or from Canada (800) 567-5327 and request the “SCUBA DIVE” travel package.

For more information about this package or the resort, visit www.thesandstc.com .

About The Sands at Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach – voted the #1 Beach & Sun Destination In The World by Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice’ Awards. This gracious, family-friendly 114-room resort located on six oceanfront acres offers accommodations in studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings.

Suites also come with fully equipped kitchens appointed with stainless appliances, granite countertops, coffee makers and more. The Sands at Grace Bay is the home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar – a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite – where guests can enjoy gourmet selections and island specialties seven days a week. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are also available by appointment.

MLT Vacations launched a Caribbean sale offering up to 10,000 bonus miles per person and reduced rates or additional amenities at select resorts throughout the Caribbean through the Delta Vacations and United Vacations brands. The sale is open for bookings through Feb. 18, for travel April 1 to Sept. 30.

MLT is promoting its Caribbean product in an effort to build on an impressive year in the Caribbean in 2011, when the company grew business in the Caribbean by 46 percent over the previous year.

MLT Vacations offers a variety of hotels, rental cars and activities in the Caribbean. MLT Vacations manages multiple vacation brands, including Delta Vacations, in partnership with Air France Holidays and Alitalia Vacations, United Vacations, and Worry-Free Vacations.

For more information, call 800-727-1111.

Sandals Resorts is offering free vow renewal ceremonies with receptions to couples who book stays of six nights or more in any room category at any of the company’s Caribbean resorts. Ceremonies feature services of a personal consultant and a romantic “honeymoon” dinner the evening of the ceremony. Ceremonies include recorded musical accompaniment, a reception with chilled hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine, a renewal of vows official and a personalized commemorative certificate.

Following the festivities, couples also receive a full breakfast in bed on the morning of their choice, a romantic in-room turn down service, a 5-by-7-inch “second honeymoon” photograph and a branded beach bag. For families, Sandals’ sister brand Beaches Resorts is also offering the free vow renewal promotion with stays of six nights or longer. For more information, call 877-SANDALS.

Sandals Resorts is offering a free night’s stay to travelers who book a minimum six-night, land-only or air-inclusive vacation at Sandals Grande Riviera by Jan. 12, 2012, for travel through Dec. 26, 2013. The package feature accommodations in an Ocean’s Edge Riviera Honeymoon beachfront one-bedroom suite, or an Ocean’s Edge Riviera beachfront one-bedroom suite. Each room category comes with butler service and deluxe amenities.

Guests can also receive a free night with a minimum seven-night stay in select villas, suites and rooms in resort’s three distinct areas: the Riviera Seaside, Riviera Great House and Riviera Villas. For more information, call 800-SANDALS.

The Turks & Caicos’ Seven Stars Resort announced a “Winter Special Offer” featuring 25 percent off published rates. Under the offer, rates start at $537 per night and travelers receive every fourth night free when they book four or more nights.

Guests also receive a $100 resort credit, which can be used at the spa, restaurants and bars. The Winter Special Offer has an open booking window and is valid for stays from Jan. 2 through April 14, 2012.

For more information, call 866-570-7777.

Sandals Resorts is extending its $350 airfare credit offer for guests who book either a land-only or air-inclusive vacation at any Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort in the Caribbean.

Travelers who book a minimum six-night stay by Jan. 26, 2012, for travel between Aug. 10, 2012, and Jan. 31 2013, or to any Beaches Resort from Aug. 20, 2012, through Jan. 31, 2013, will receive an airfare credit of $350 per room.

Sandals is also offering a last-minute air credit offer under which travelers who book a minimum six-night, land-only or air-inclusive vacation at Sandals Grande Riviera by Jan. 16, 2012, will receive a $285 per-room airfare credit for travel through Aug. 9, 2012. For more information, call 800-SANDALS or 800-BEACHES.