My Barbados Blog

Almond Resorts announced May 1 as the official date of the opening of its new Barbados property, Almond Casuarina - formerly Casuarina Beach Club and Resort.

The resort has six categories of rooms, ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites. The family-oriented, all-inclusive resort will offer dining at three gourmet restaurants and four bars serving premium brand drinks, three swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, golf, a range of water sports with free tuition and a fully equipped Kids’ Club with amenities to suit all age groups from newborn to 16 years old and up.

Spa services will also be offered, but not included in room rate.

Hello!
It's good to be back. I've been on vacation, along with attending a family reunion. Getting away is always good for the spirit, but it's back to business as usual with catching up on e-mail and blogging - Linda

Celebrity Cruises will offer Caribbean cruises on five ships in late 2009 and early 2010 - Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox (shown here), Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.

The ships will call at 26 ports during sailings of seven to 14 nights, departing from Fort Lauderdale and San Juan - and bookings opened for sale Wednesday.

Celebrity Equinox will sail 10- and 11-night "Ultimate Caribbean" cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, featuring ports such as St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. The 11-night itinerary includes a stop at Roatan, Honduras, which Celebrity has not visited since 2007.

Celebrity Constellation offers several 14-night "Exotic Southern Caribbean" sailings roundtrip from Miami, featuring calls at St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, Aruba and Curacao.

For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com or www.celebritysolstice.com

I've received several e-mails about our posting on the Africans stranded in Barbados after their charter flight failed to return and pick them up. The question asked by everyone is what has happened to these people - Linda

Notes from the Margin blog tracked a story out of Ghana which states that the Government of Ghana will charter an aircraft to bring their countrymen home.

Also Radio Jamaica's site has an article stating that the media in Barbados has reported that the government has been in discussion with the Ghanaian Embassy in Cuba on the return of the passengers.

A link from Notes From the Margin to a Ghana website states that "the passengers had hopes of crossing over to the US, Canada and other developed countries for greener pastures", which brings up the question of whether there was a scheduled return flight from the onset. Still very much a controversial story.

See links to both articles for more info
 
Ghanaian Government Will Charter Plane To Fly Ghanaian’s Home!
Tracking a story out of Ghana this morning that the Government of Ghana will charter an aircraft to bring their countrymen home.

90 Ghanaians stranded in Barbados
Barbados media reported that the government has been in contact with the Ghanaian Embassy in Cuba to discuss the return of the passengers.  

I ran across Notes from a Small Island blog, and Ingrid Persaud dishes the goings on at Holder's Season in Barbados. Ingrid's account brought back memories of the last Holder's Season I attended - and yes a visit to Wendy Kidd's homes is worth a visit - even if you are not a cultural fan - Linda

Ingrid starts out with . . .
'Tis “the season” to be jolly on our small rock. Visitor numbers peak as the winter birds settle into their villa nests on the West coast. Those who cannot afford to nest here from November through to April make the pilgrimage for a week or two as a brief escape from the punishing northern winter.

We put on major cultural shows for them – international culture rather than the stuff that makes up our other major local culture event, Crop Over. This being little England we particularly thrive on a little of the English cultural and social scene.

Winter birds want to be able to report back to the less fortunate of Abergavenny and Aldershot that they did not miss out on anything and they got a tan. You saw Much Ado About Nothing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Festival Hall, London? We did it at Holders Festival in a Globe Theatre, London production. Wish you were there darling!

Read the rest of Ingrid's post at Notes From a Small Island

I agree with the survey results that money is not the main factor when celebrating a second honeymoon. We have booked six couples celebrating second honeymoons for Barbados this year.

The majority of the six have been married for over 20 years, and let's face it - you want something really special after that length of time. Five couples have booked at The Crane, with the remaining couple booking at Crystal Cove.

Hawaii topped the list for second honeymoons in the survey, but since we specialize in Caribbean travel - with a strong emphasis on Barbados, our results are obviously slanted towards this region. But I wholeheartedly agree that travel agents are the first to notice trends, and those of use who specialize in one particular area are less affected by new trends in travel.

While the Caribbean is not the first destination Americans choose for travel, our travel business continues to be strong for 2008. The main downside we see is the weak dollar forcing many Americans to travel closer to home, or in the case of the Caribbean, look for cheaper markets and travel specials - Linda

For overall travel, here's the results of ASTA's survey of agency owners and managers . . .

In its annual “Hot Spots for Summer” survey, the American Association of Travel Agents (ASTA) polled 585 travel agency owners and managers to determine the most popular second honeymoon destinations and uncover other emerging travel trends for 2008.

“Agents typically recognize travel trends long before anyone else,” said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president and CEO.

“However, ASTA conducts these surveys to keep all of its members informed, especially those who specialize in one or two specific areas of travel and are generally less affected by trends. When agents are aware of current consumer demands, they are able to prepare and assist any client regardless of their travel expertise.”

According to respondents, Hawaii was the most popular second honeymoon destination with 24.4% share of the total response. While Hawaii can be more expensive than other destinations, respondents reported that money was less of a determining factor for couples who were taking a second honeymoon destination, compared to couples taking their first.

Cruising was ranked number two, with 11.6% share of the total response. Respondents routinely book cruises for second honeymooners because this type of vacation offers variety, convenience and, on-shore excursions, dining and shopping excluded, an all-inclusive package.

The third most popular second honeymoon destination, the Caribbean, also offers travelers endless options due to the number of islands that comprise this tourist-friendly oasis.

Jamaica and Cancun, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, rounded out the top five most popular second honeymoon destinations.

Although in the bottom half of the top 10, Europe, ranked number six, and Italy, ranked number seven, prove that interest in European vacations is still strong despite the current weakness of the US dollar.

With 3.5% share of the total response, Mexico claimed the number eight position. Tahiti, with 3.2%, and St. Lucia, with 3.0% of the total response, fell into ninth and tenth place respectively.

ALMOND BEACH CLUB AND SPA
This adults-only All-Inclusive in the laid-back parish of St James features balcony rooms, dining, nightlife, water sports, a gym, Jacuzzi, a spa, golf, tennis, water sports, & more.

Book by  04/01/2008 - Valid for Travel:  06/01/2008-07/07/2008

Package Includes:
Round-trip midweek air to Barbados
Transportation to and from hotel
Accommodations for number of nights selected
All meals & beverages
Land and non-motorized water sports
Hotel taxes and service charges
$400 Air Credit per couple
7th Night FREE
FREE Honeymoon Package includes Bottle of Champagne with 2 glasses, 1/2 hour Massage, Manicue/Pedicure and Basket of Fruit/Flowers

More U.S. Departure Cities Available:

New York - Kennedy - 7 Nights - $1689    

Newark International - 7 Nights - $1689    

Boston - 7 Nights - $1645

Philadelphia - 7 Nights - $1639

Miami - 7 Nights - $1589

Hartford / Springfield - 7 Nights - $1569

Baltimore / Washington Intl - 7 Nights - $1659

Atlanta - 7 Nights - $1715

Chicago - O'hare - 7 Nights - $1779

Los Angeles - 7 Nights - $1799

Houston - Intercontinental - 7 Nights - $1819

Prices based on round-trip midweek air departing Monday-Friday. Airfare for other departure dates may be higher.
    
(Hotel Code:BGIABC  Program Code:BGIALL  Destination Code:BGI)     

NOTES:
Savings already reflected in package price.
Must book by 4/1/08.
Airfare subject to change.
Other travel dates available.
Children under 16 not allowed.
7 night minimum stay required.

The RSS News Feed from the White House reads . . .
President Bush to Welcome Prime Ministers of The Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize
 
President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham of The Bahamas, Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados (shown here), and Prime Minister Dean Barrow of Belize to the White House on March 20, 2008.

The Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize are longstanding friends of the United States and countries with whom we share deep social and familial ties as well as the values of democracy and respect for human rights.

The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues--including strengthening democracy in the region, increasing social and trade ties, cooperating on security and crime, and improving the lives of the region's citizens - with these new Caribbean leaders, all of whom have been democratically elected within the past year.

Source: The White House

The Spa at Sandy Lane in Barbados, one of the Caribbean's largest spa facilities measuring at 47,000-square-feet, has introduced a new range of luxury treatments that are aimed specifically at golfers.

The resort features 45 holes on three distinct golf courses - the Old Nine, the Country Club, and the Green Monkey.

As such, the Spa team at Sandy Lane has worked extensively alongside trainers to formulate Sandy Lane's new spa packages made to provide pre-game and post-game relaxation and rejuvenation, complement the superior golfing offered at Sandy Lane.

Special golf treatments include a Pre-Game Treatment and a Post Golf Treatment.

Rates for 2008 at Sandy Lane range from $950 to $3,900 for rooms, $1,700 to $5,800 for suites, and $3,800 to $9,600 for penthouses, and $8,000 to $25,000 for the Villa at Sandy Lane.

One more exciting Barbados island water activity in addition to my last posting - Linda

Barbados is the only country in the world offering a tour in a boat like this!!

Sit back and relax as you're taken on an adventure of a lifetime, which people of all ages can enjoy. The Sea Eye will glide effortlessly across the azure of the Caribbean Sea, giving you the chance to view this beautiful Island under a warm tropical sun.

The Sea Eye will take you to view the sea life and the turtles through its enormous viewing screen, the first of its kind in the world. You will also feed the fish and snorkel with the turtles in the crystal clear coastal waters of Barbados.

You can view the underwater world and the intriguing shipwrecks through the viewing screen, sipping on your rum punch listening to light reggae rhythms in the comfort of the air cooled dome.

Snorkeling equipment is provided for those who wish to get in the water!

Tour commences with pick-up from your hotel, cruise ship terminal or from Blue Monkey Paynes Bay, St James

For more info, or to book this one of a kind tour, click here

 

Experience an adventure of a lifetime in Barbados on board the Atlantis Submarine!

Explore beautiful coral reefs and marine life at 55 feet, then descend down to depths of 115 to 150 feet to discover a sunken shipwreck from the view port of this real submarine!

We are offering special pricing of $99.00, a savings of 10% off the regular rate of $110.00. Hotel pick-up can be arranged from most Barbados hotels at a charge of $7.50 per adult and $5.00 for children.

Find out more on this special Barbados offer

See More Barbados Tours and Activities - Day Tours, Sightseeing, Day and Night Cruises

**And we always provide roundtrip airport "transfers" in order that visitors to Barbados can securely book their transportation from the aiport to their hotel/resort, and the return trip to the aiport in advance**

Just look under "transfers", choose which area of the island your hotel/resort is located, and get this additional charge taken care of prior to getting to the island.

Saw this posting at Terry Breen's blog, and thought it was certainly worth posting. Terry is popular on the cruise lecture circuit, has written a cruise friendly onboard guide, and has sailed around Cape Horn 39 times, and through the Panama Canal 61 times! - Linda

The cruise ship terminal in Bridgetown, Barbados is so large it can now accommodate eight ships at one time. Not only are they calling on the island for traditional one day port stops, many cruise lines are now using Barbados as an embarkation and debarkation point port as well. Departure out of Barbados allows ships a chance to visit Caribbean and South American ports not accessible from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale on a typical seven day cruise.

Terry says that "one such itinerary that particularly caught my eye was offered by Fred Olsen Cruises" - From Barbados the Braemar sails to Manaus and back in fifteen days. All the Amazonian stops are included like Santarem and Parintins including an encore presentation of the ever popular Boi Bumba Festival.

Though most of the guests are coming from the United Kingdom, the chance to see the Amazon with the convenience and added savings of flying round-trip out of Barbados makes the opportunity an attractive one not to mention the opportunity to spend a few extra days in Barbados!

Source: Terry's Blog
 

Visit Cruise Friendly Onboard Guides

Air Jamaica is running a Springtastic Sale cutting up to 35% off vacation packages from the U.S. to all of its destinations in the Caribbean.

The sale is being offered through Air Jamaica Vacations and other tour operators. Packages are valid for travel from April 1 through June 30, making spring travel particularly affordable. Packages must be purchased by March 20.

Special Springtastic Sale packages are available from all Air Jamaica gateways in the United States and to a number of destinations in the Caribbean including: Jamaica, Barbados, Curacao and Grenada.

Departure cities include:

New York (JFK), Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.

Sample packages include:

7 Night Vacation (EP) (Best of Barbados) from New York (JFK) to Accra Beach Hotel & Resort, Barbados -$795

3 Night Vacation (EP) from Atlanta (ATL) for Samsara Cliff Resort, Jamaica, $355

3 Night All-Inclusive Vacation (AI) from New York (JFK) to Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Jamaica $515

Richard Sealy, Barbados Minister of Tourism says that Americans stay at brand hotels like the Barbados Hilton, and when visiting China choose McDonald's to eat. To sum Americans up, Sealy says, "That's just how they are, they like brand"

Just got through reading an article in the Barbados Nation News about the Barbados government looking at the possibility of building brand name hotels to attract more American visitors - *smch*

As much as I love Barbados, I get so tired of hearing about the efforts to attract Americans to the island.

Let's be real - tourism officials have only targeted Americans who make more than 100K per year. Last year the president of BTA (Barbados Tourism Authority) said that they know exactly where their target market is located in the U.S. So what's the problem?

I'll tell you what the problem is - The most popular islands that Americans visit in the Caribbean do not target a particular American market - they assume ALL Americans can and will visit their island - "It's Better in the Bahamas", and "Come Back to Jamaica". The average American watches a lot of TV! We Americans know these marketing slogans by heart, because we see and hear them all the time. Americans tend to latch onto things we see a lot - that's because we are bombarded with so much information, and so many advertising images. Hit and miss advertising campaigns do not win in America!

The Jamaica and Bahamas commercials brand the "island, it's people, and the culture" - so it's not about a certain hotel brand, or hardly the desire for a cheap burger. It's about a need to get away from stress, cold weather, and bask in the Caribbean sun and warm waters. It's about a feeling that the background music from these commercials bring - and it's tropical, friendly, entertaining and they want you to come! They tell you over and over again how much they want you to come - so American's do, it's really that simple.

But Barbados tourism has another marketing plan

The target group that Barbados spends all its effort, time and money on are the upscale American traveler who makes 100K per year or more. Now, the first downside is where are they getting these annual salary figures from? I ask because people lie a lot about how much money the make, or will possibly spend on a vacation.  

Okay, for those really in the target group, they love an island like Barbados, but they also love many other destinations in the world - particularly if offering unusual, unique properties with top notch service, food and amenities. This is a restless group that becomes easily bored with the same destination, because they can go just about anywhere in the world to vacation. They investigate destinations, get advice from family and friends, subscribe to upscale travel magazines, are member of elite travel clubs, and have experienced travel agents. Trust me, this group does not get all excited about brand name hotels unless it is something that is "one of a kind", and in the current world of travel, that's really saying something. This is also not the group that travels all the to China to dine at McDonalds - unless the kids really beg them.

Actually there are far more Americans that make less than 100K per year - so the tourism numbers are in this group. These are the travelers that spend thousands of vacation dollars every year in Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, the Dominican, Puerto Rico, USVI, and other Caribbean islands.

So all along Barbados has been marketing to the wrong crowd of Americans. The upscale group travels to anywhere worth visiting, but only targeting to this group will eventually dry up American tourism numbers because there are only so many of them, and they are always in search of the next best destination.  On the other hand, travelers making less than 100K a year love a great vacation spot where they feel comfortable, that's affordable, and they can get to know the island well year after year. Target this group with the smaller property market on Barbados, add some consistent TV ads, and you have the start of growing more tourism from America.

And Americans are unpredictable, so do not think you know us so well Mr. Sealy, because this later group will also step up to the plate with upscale lodging - especially for a special occassion - so you are missing out big time ignoring them.   

The article also mentions UK visitors in comparison with Americans. From what I personally know about the UK tourism market, Brits tend to stay a lot longer than Americans. Most of them are not wealthy, and they know the Barbados lodging market, and the island quite well. First they make next years reservation as soon as they arrive on the island, or have a standing reservation from year to year. Second, they stay at smaller properties, or rent houses, and manage their budgets quite well for a month or two month stay. They also know where to get the best deals on everything because they have built relationships with local Bajans over the years. So, there really is no comparision between UK and American travelers except they both desire a great vacation destination. But if the Brits can stay for up to two months, surely an average American can have a great, affordable stay for a week or two.


Gov't Looking to 'Brand-Name Hotels' - Barbados Nation News

All Inclusive 7 Night Stay from $1320 - Plus Additional $400 Air Credit per room

ALMOND BEACH VILLAGE
ALMOND BEACH CLUB & SPA
ALMOND CASUARINA BEACH RESORT

Book from February 25 - April 1, 2008
Travel from May 1 - July 15, 2008

Package Includes:

    * $25.00 voucher Dinner for 2 at Oistins Fish Fry
    * Car rental for 2 or more days & get 1 FREE day at participating rental companies
    * Buy one get 2nd half price on all participating ground activities
    * High value discounts at numerous retail stores in Bridgetown
    * Superb Accommodations
    * Gourmet Cuisine with choice of A La Carte Restaurants
    *
    * All beverages including full bar Water sports (some motorized), Fitness Center
    * Kid's Club & Exciting Activities
    * Entertainment Nightly
    * Taxes and Gratuities

Crane Barbados Early Spring Special
Save Up To 20% per room
Book by  03/15/2008 for Travel from 03/29/2008 - 04/25/2008

Save 20% On Spring Travel, Book Now!
This luxury hotel is perched on a cliff above one of the most spectacular beaches in Barbados. This truly unique property combines elegance, old-world charm and natural beauty with a sense of seclusion.

Package Includes
Round-trip midweek air to Barbados (except for land only package)
Transportation to and from hotel
Accommodations for number of nights selected
Hotel taxes
Save 20%

Departure Cities - other cities are available

New York - Kennedy - 5 Nights - $1215    
Newark International - 5 Nights - $1215
Boston - 5 Nights - $1295
Philadelphia - 5 Nights - $1349
Miami - 5 Nights - $1219
Hartford / Springfield - 5 Nights - $1265
Atlanta - 5 Nights - $1269    
Baltimore / Washington Intl - 5 Nights - $1319
Houston - Intercontinental - 5 Nights - $1459
Chicago - O'hare - 5 Nights - $1465
Los Angeles - 5 Nights - $1455    
Land Only - 5 Nights - $875

(Hotel Code:BGICRA  Program Code:BGIGCA  Destination Code:BGI)     

NOTES:
Savings already reflected in package price.
Must book by 3/15/08.
Airfare subject to change.

Prices based on round-trip midweek air departing Monday-Friday. Airfare for other departure dates may be higher.

Save Up To 30% per room
Book by  03/31/2008 - Valid for Travel:  06/01/2008-09/15/2008

Elegance & Old World charm define this secluded retreat perfect for honeymooners and other couples. Stroll through tropical gardens, swim in freeform lagoon pools, dive, snorkel & more.

Package Includes:

Round-trip midweek air to Barbados (except for land only package)
Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel
Accommodations for number of nights selected
Hotel tax & service charges
Save 30% per room
Buffet Breakfast daily
$100 Food & Beverage credit per room

Departure Cities - Other Departure City Pricing Available

New York - Kennedy - 5 Nights - $1179
Newark International - 5 Nights - $1179
Boston - 5 Nights - $1135
Philadelphia - 5 Nights - $1129
Miami - 5 Nights - $1079
Hartford/Springfield - 5 Nights - $1059
Baltimore/Washington Intl - 5 Nights - $1149
Atlanta - 5 Nights - $1195
Chicago - O'hare - 5 Nights - $1269
Los Angeles - 5 Nights - $1289
Houston - Intercontinental - 5 Nights - $1315
Land Only - 5 Nights - $715

(Hotel Code:BGICOL  Program Code:BGIMMD  Destination Code:BGI)     

NOTES:
Savings already reflected in package price.
Must book by 3/31/08.
Airfare subject to change.
5 night minimum stay required for Food & Beverage credit.

Last week I posted about airline news in the U.S. and Caribbean. Air Jamaica made a decision to stop its service to St Lucia in April, and I posed the question about continued service to Barbados.

Well that question has been answered - Air Jamaica is increasing  it's service to Barbados, along with Grenada - Linda  

Air Jamaica is increasing its seat capacity from JFK to both Barbados and Grenada, effective April 1, 2008.

Air Jamaica’s Sr. VP announced that the airline will continue to serve the New York - Barbados route with daily non-stop flights, and upgrading the existing A-320 Airbus aircraft to the larger A-321 which carries an additional 38 seats.

“Barbados will continue to have the most convenient schedule to the island from the northeast United States - we’ll be first on the beach and last off the beach,” said VP Pennicook, who explained that the fully dedicated Barbados flights from New York and Jamaica will not be shared with any other Eastern Caribbean nation.

The airline executive explained that the new schedule also opens up daily non-stop flights between Barbados and Kingston, Jamaica - an important and profitable intra-Caribbean business route - and connections from Kingston to the U.S. may also be added.