My Barbados Blog

The Hilton Caribbean's Tee-Off Time package is available now through Dec. 31 at five Hilton Caribbean hotels and resorts.

The Hilton Barbados Tee Off packages starts at $389 per night, and includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, two rounds of golf including cart rental or caddy per person, as well as transfers.

Rates for other Hilton island properties are as follows:

British Colonial Hilton Nassau, Bahamas from $314; The Hilton Kingston Jamaica from $259; The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, Puerto Rico from $299; and The Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre from $325.

COCONUT COURT BEACH HOTEL

Book by  08/01/2008 - Valid for Travel:  09/01/2008 - 09/30/2008

$600 Air Credit, FREE Nights/ Breakfast Daily

This family-operated, eco-friendly resort is a beachfront oasis of lush gardens and white sand, conveniently located near the bustling nightlife hubs of Bridgetown and St. Lawrence Gap.

Green Globe certified, it's involved with protecting the local marine environment. Fun educational programs engage guests in the preservation efforts.

Package Includes

Round-trip midweek air to Barbados
Transportation to and from hotel
Accommodations for number of nights selected
Hotel tax & service charge
$600 Air Credit per couple
FREE Night
Full Breakfast daily

Other Departure Cities Available at additional price

FROM
New York - Kennedy - 7 Nights - $575

Newark International - 7 Nights - $575

Boston - 7 Nights - $439

Philadelphia - 7 Nights - $439

Miami - 7 Nights - $479

Hartford/Springfield - 7 Nights - $599

Baltimore/Washington Intl - 7 Nights - $499

Atlanta - 7 Nights - $515

Houston - Intercontinental - 7 Nights - $595

Chicago - O'hare - 7 Nights - $639

Los Angeles - 7 Nights - $659
  
Savings already reflected in package price.
Must book by 6/30/08.
Airfare subject to change.
$400 air credit valid for travel 10/1-12/20/08.
7 night minimum stay required.
Air credit valid for up to 2 persons.

NOTE:
Fuel surcharge tax is included in price -
Taxes NOT included - U.S. Government Departure Tax, Barbados Gov't Departure Tax, and any additional baggage charges by individual airlines

Leave on Fri, Jun 13 - Return on Sun, Jun 15
$617.77 per person  ($1235.54 total)

Stay at Barbados Plum Tree Club
The Rockley Plum Tree Club offers apartment-style accommodations situated on the grounds of the Rockley Golf & Country Club, approximately six miles from Barbados International Airport and Bridgetown.

Other properties available at additional cost - however in our estimation - this is the best choice!

All prices are per person, double occupancy, and priced in USD. Package prices include all taxes & fees.

*Extra-person or extra-bed charges may apply if you reserve one hotel room for more than two people (including children).

Last minute vacation offer tremendous savings. If you don't see what you are looking for on the island of Barbados, or other Caribbean islands - bookmark this site and check back every 14 days. We usually have a great inventory of last minute deals on unsold hotel rooms and available airline seats.

Also don't think you always have to plan at the last minute. Plan your vacation, and check out last minute deals within 2 weeks of travel, and save up to 60% - Linda

Check out Last Minute Deals 

From honeymooners looking for a private, beach front suite in St. Lucia, to families looking to reconnect in fun-filled Jamaica, to individuals looking for a quiet escape from the frenetic pace of every day living in the Virgin Islands, or  Barbados.

Find out more about timesharing in the Caribbean at our website . . .

http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com/CaribbeanTimeshares.html

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.

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 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.

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 Minute Vacations are booked with 3-14 days of travel. Many travelers think they can only take advantage of "last minute vacations" at the last minute. However you can plan your vacation time well in advance, and then book with two weeks of travel and save up to 60%.

We advise all our travel clients to bookmark the "last minute travel" page of our database, and check back right before their travel dates.

One of the best travel letters was received back in November. A young couple wanted very badly to get away and celebrate a honeymoon they never got to take because of the husbands military service. While they had their sites set on the Caribbean, they ended up taking a trip to Paris for $389 per person! I have to admit that even I was impressed with the price they managed to get.  

That price included air, hotel and taxes. Needless to say they were thrilled going on a trip they never thought they could ever afford. Upon return, both stated they had a wonderful, romantic honeymoon, and even had money left over to buy a few souvenirs. They are sold on "last minute vacations", and will book another in August - hopefully to Barbados.

Here's a listing of "last minute Barbados" vacations, along with several other islands. You may want to bookmark this page, because you never know where you might end up, and you will definitely save lots of money if you can be somewhat flexible on your destination.  

Last Minute Barbados Vacations 

Sorry I'm so late in posting this, but it's been one of "those" days in the sometimes crazy world of travel - Linda

The Barbados Workers Union strike was called off, but not before American Airlines cancelled their evening flights from Miami and Puerto Rico to the island leaving lots of people stranded. 

The strike was due to start one minute after 12 this morning, and reports say the union is giving the government a chance to mediate. I hope both sides are able to come to an agreement, because just talk of a looming strike is enough for airlines to cancel, and cruise ships to divert to other ports.

Here's what the Barbados Nation News reported - Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry Relieved the Strike is Off

National strike in Barbados on Wednesday - one of the biggest tourist days. When I first heard rumors of the strike, I wasn't sure it would actually come about, but according to these three blogs (Barbados Free Press, Cheese on Bread, and Notes From the Margin) - it's definitely possible! So rather than re-hash what has already been said, I have posted these blogs, and you can follow the links - Linda

Barbados Free Press says, "I had to laugh at the quotes from Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association President Alvin Jemmott that the day chosen for the nationwide strike - Wednesday - is the worst day because it is the busiest tourism day of the week. Ah…. Yes, Mr. Jemmott: that is precisely why the BWU chose Wednesday for the strike."

According to BFP Sandy Lane, the most expensive property on the island, has been stocking up on supplies - but the question is will locals cross the picket line. This could get real messy, and cause lots of media attention for the posh resort. Read Sandy Lane to Fly in Strike Breakers

Cheese on Bread Blog posted "Royal Mess", and says, "Well, it's looking like Barbados is headed for a national strike on Wednesday. According to the DAILY NATION, "the central issue in both cases has to do with the dismissal of workers, as the employers stand their ground not to rehire the 29 people involved in the disputes."

Notes From the Margin Blog Posts "Down to the Wire" - A national strike does seem to be about to happen in Barbados, (barring a last minute settlement by the intervention of the  Prime Minister) In both cases of dispute (Sandy Lane and the Royal Shop) no one seems to be shifting their position.

Affordable guesthouse located on Barbados West coast, and property is close to beach.

Seven Unit Apartments on 2 levels. The ground floor consists of 2 large double rooms and 1 standard double room, kitchen, bistro and breakfast area, and patio. The upper level offers 2 double rooms, 2 apartments and terrace.

Rates - $65 to $100 per day

Click Here to View Property, and order FREE Villa Marie Brochure

Also - we have additional FREE Barbados Brochures for cruises, tours, diving and MORE!

Go Here to order FREE Barbados Brochures from Travel Suppliers

Travel Agent Magazine was on hand for the annual Super Bowl "Big Game Week" at Almond Beach Village.

Almond's general manager told the magazine about the plans to add six new spa treatment rooms to attract more American guests to the resort.

Currently Almond Beach only has one spa treatment room, and the plans are to develop the new rooms on space occupied by two squash courts that have been underused. No time frame was given for the construction date.

Plans are also underway to make Almond Beach Village's Super Bowl Party more luxurious for 2009.

This includes adding bigger projection screens so guests can view the game from docked yachts. At this year's party, the resort rolled out a projection screen onto the beach, where guests watched the game from more than 50 tables set up alongside the ocean. The plan calls for doubling the size of the main screen and arranging for several yachts to be docked nearby.

Visit www.almondresorts.com/resorts/almondvillage

Source: Travel Agent Central