JamaicaMania

New Adults Only All Inclusive Jewel Paradise Cove Resort in Jamaica

Gary — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:16:16 +0000

May 2, 2013: Aimbridge Hospitality Chosen to Rebrand and Manage Third Upscale All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica: new Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa opening Fall 2013

Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation’s second largest independent hotel management and investment firm, announces that it has been chosen to rebrand and manage the former Hotel Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in St. Ann’s, Jamaica, as Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa, an exclusive adults-only endless vacation concept. The secluded 225 key oceanfront property, acquired in February 2013 by Sagicor Life Jamaica, joins the flagship Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and the Jewel Runaway Bay Golf Resort & Spa as the third Jewel resort property in Jamaica.

The extensive transformation of Jewel Paradise Cover Resort & Spa will be a dramatic departure from the current resort. All 225 rooms and suites will be redesigned as colonial contemporary, yet casual island style, with the modern amenities, including designer bath areas, high speed internet access, flat screen LCD televisions, and plush white duvet bedding packages with all new linens. Floor to ceiling French doors and windows will open to panoramic vistas of the Caribbean Sea. Landscaping, picturesque walkways and tropical gardens will adorn the property. Jewel Resorts branded gourmet and specialty dining concepts, such as Jade Samurai, Moonstone Italian and the beachfront candlelit dinner under the stars will be added.

Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa will be the first property to introduce an expanded all-inclusive health, spa and fitness theme, to include juice and smoothie bars throughout the property, a variety of healthy cuisine options and an extensive list of watersports activities included in the pricing. A new addition to the resort will be The Radiant Spa, the Jewel branded spa concept, acclaimed for its specialty spa treatments such as the in-ocean three therapist massage.

Read the full press release from Aimbridge Hospitality here.

Update on Breezes Grand Negril–to Become “Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa” Once Again

Gary — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:39:08 +0000

The above photos were taken by JamaicaMania when this resort was a SuperClubs Resort, the Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa. It later became Breezes Grand Negril Resort & Spa, and will now once again be the Grand Lido Negril.

Thanks to the Travel Desk at BroadwayWorld.com for the below update. Read their full article here: http://travel.broadwayworld.com/article/Memories-Resort-Set-to-Open-in-Negril-Jamaica-20130403

Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts has announced that effective April 17, 2013, it will take over the management of the legendary Breezes Grand Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica. The resort’s transition is expected to be seamless while the resort remains open. The property will be lightly refreshed and will now welcome guests of all ages. Blue Diamond will honor all bookings at the hotel and will continue to offer the conditions and features of Breezes Negril until June 1, 2013. The hotel features 210 beachfront suites, nestled on a stunning 2 1/2 mile bay of perfect white sand. In addition to Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa’s all inclusive standard services the resort will also feature complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all areas of the resort as well as hassle-free, no reservation required dining.

About Blue Diamond Resorts: Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts is an innovative hotel management company that specializes in creating differentiated brands to suit each market’s demands. It currently operates over 5,000 rooms in all inclusive resorts in 6 outstanding Caribbean destinations under its “Memories Resorts & Spa” and “Royalton Luxury Resorts” brands.

Legends Beach Resort Negril Jamaica All Inclusive Living Social Deal

Gary — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:37:53 +0000

Escape Kit: to Book Click Here & scroll down to All Inclusive Jamaican Resort

A Four-Night Stay for Two in a Standard Garden Side Room ($556)
Or, a Five-Night Stay for Two in a Standard Garden Side Room ($695) with an Automatic Upgrade to an Oceanfront Room for the First 25 Purchasers
All-Inclusive of Meals, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Activities, Taxes, Fees, and Shuttle Service to Sister Property
Combine Vouchers to Stay Up to Ten Nights

The Destination
Situated on a famed seven-mile stretch of powdery white sand on Jamaica’s far-western tip, Negril has solidified itself as one of the planet’s most beautiful destinations, earning a spot as one of Frommer’s top ten beaches in the world. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, Negril offers some of the most sought-after snorkeling and scuba diving on the island, where rare coral reefs and warm azure tide pools play home to hundreds of exotic aquatic life systems. Soaring jagged cliffs beckon thrill seekers to make a splash from heights of more than 40 feet into the warm waters below, while the sweeping views of the sinking sun invite a more languid way to soak it all in.

The Digs
Seven miles of white-sand beach and endless opportunities for indulgent relaxation await at Legends Beach Resort—Negril, a 50-room, oceanfront boutique hotel mere steps from the azure shallows of the beckoning Caribbean sea. Plush pastel exteriors give way to vibrant island-inspired guest rooms, accented with fresh flowers upon each arrival. Outside, you’ll have your pick of paradisiacal settings within which to laze away the day: Choose from the resort’s lush gardenside pool with its expansive sundeck or the private beach outside your door. Walk easily to local shops and restaurants or hop on the complimentary shuttle to the Legends’ sister property, Samsara Resort—an adventurers haven at the foot of the island’s famed oceanside cliffs and the perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving near the country’s thriving reefs.

The Diversions
Skirt the issue of choosing to swim in just one of the properties’ two freshwater pools by hopping on the courtesy shuttle down to the cliffs after breakfast. If tired joints from treading water have you on edge, indulge with a massage at Samsara’s seaside spa. After, take the plunge into calm waters with a scuba diving adventure, or flip over the greens at Negril Hills Golf Club. Before the sun sets, find a lounge chair on the beach and enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand. Then, let the evening end with a jaunt to Rick’s Cafe.

Club Ambiance, Adults-Only All-Inclusive Groupon Deal

Gary — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:11:17 +0000

Groupon: From $549 All-Inclusive Stay at Club Ambiance in Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort with Lively Nightlife

From the rolling rhythms of its reggae music to its dress code of swimsuits and flip-flops, Jamaica embodies the concept of “laid-back.” Club Ambiance, an adults-only all-inclusive resort located on the island’s secluded north coast, channels that concept of free-spiritedness: it has live entertainment, unlimited cocktails, a clothing-optional beach, and a disco that stays open until the last person leaves. This laissez-faire atmosphere is one of the reasons the hotel attracts repeat guests, many of whom refer to Club Ambiance as a home away from home.

You can enjoy a lazy afternoon on one of the property’s three white-sand beaches, which stretch along the Caribbean Sea. Wade in small swimming coves, sunbathe on the secluded nude beach, or take to the water on complimentary paddleboats and kayaks. There’s a lively scene at the ocean-view pool, where people frequently partake in volleyball games.

The tempo picks up when the sun goes down. The resort’s weekly theme nights, such as reggae Mondays and Saturday barbecues, include live music and cabaret shows, and restaurants serve buffets and à la carte dinners (extra fee). After the bars stop mixing cocktails at 11 p.m., head to the Disco Club, where the party doesn’t end until the last person leaves or melts the stereo system.

Erik (the VW Super Bowl Commercial guy) from Wisconsin at Mystic Mountain Jamaica

Gary — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:41:21 +0000

Happy is a state of mind. Watch as our friend Erik Nicolaisen (VW Super Bowl Commercial) entices travelers from Wisconsin to find their happy on a Jamaican bobsled at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios.

Thanks to Jamaica Tourist Board for sharing!

Jamaica Set for First Disney Call, New Luxury Hotels in 2013

Gary — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:02:08 +0000

Photo Credit: Travel Agent Central

Great article by Joe Pike from Travel Agent Central about some new offerings in Jamaica…

Some bullet points:

New projects in Port Antonio:

the oceanfront, 13-villa Trident Hotel and the landmark Trident Castle has been converted into an eight-room luxury hotel
- The Trident Hotel (opening April 15) comprises 13 studio and one- and two-bedroom villas with private, heated plunge pools, and terraces overlooking the sea. Amenities include outdoor soaking tubs, steam rooms, wet bars, and sleek, modern interiors complete with flat-screen Apple TVs and Wi-Fi. It was thoroughly renovated but maintains most of its original Jamaican-Georgian exteriors. The public spaces include an infinity swimming pool; screening room that doubles as an art gallery; a boutique; gym with a Jacuzzi, yoga deck and spa treatment room; library; indoor and outdoor dining; two indoor bars; and its own private beach and beach bar.
- The Trident Castle’s charm and a bit of its old glamour still reigns on this sprawling seven-acre oceanfront estate offering a one-of-a-kind luxury experience. Much of the original furnishings and interiors have been refurbished and kept intact, creating a distinctive retro-chic ambiance. Built as a private residence in 1979, the Castle has become a symbolic landmark of Port Antonio’s history, with eight bedrooms (en-suite bathrooms) and modern amenities such as 500-thread-count sheets and more.

Photo Credit: Travel Agent Central

the Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Villas
- Later in 2013, a destination within a destination to bring locals and tourists together to enjoy the legendary aquamarine waters of this natural wonder. Blue Lagoon will act as a full-service recreational, dining, and accommodation resort situated on the scenic north shore. Plans for the revival of this landlocked cove include a heritage museum, botanical gardens, public beach area, restaurant, pier-side craft kiosks, and luxury villas.
a new All-Inclusive
- Karisma Hotels and Resorts has acquired the former Beaches Sandy Bay Resort in Negril which will now operate as the Seashore Bay Beach Resort
Disney Cruises Into Jamaica
- the Disney Wonder will visit Jamaica’s newest port in Falmouth as part of the ship’s latest seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary, which will launch from Galveston, Texas

Read the full article by Joe Pike from Travel Agent Central here!

Whopping winter storm nearly in Sandy’s path

Gary — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:28:17 +0000

Sharing this story from CNN about a potentially historic winter storm closing in on New England. The storm has canceled thousands of flights and could bring 2 feet of snow.

Read the full article here: Whopping winter storm nearly in Sandy’s path

Yet another reason why you must never travel without travel insurance!

Our Votes for Best Super Bowl 2013 Commercial

Gary — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:28:24 +0000

Couldn’t resist sharing my favorite Super Bowl 2013 commercials! Thanks Volkswagen–great work!

Some ignorant people view this commercial as offensive to Jamaicans or racist in some way, but in fact, Jamaica views it as a compliment and fully endorses it.

The commercial’s premise is that buying a VW will transform its owner to embody the happy, “no problem, mon” vibes exemplified by the people of Jamaica. The commercial is complete with background music by renowned Jamaican musician Jimmy Cliff, who sings his version of “Come On, Get Happy.”

“We view the commercial as a compliment to the island,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Happiness is synonymous with a Jamaican vacation. What’s not to love? Great people, delicious food — people should tap into the spirit of Jamaica and Get Happy each day. Our motto is ‘Out of Many, One People’ as the island is very diverse. In fact, Jamaica has a strong German heritage with an existing Germantown community where people may look and sound like the gentleman in the commercial. He was spot on!”

Click here to unsubscribe from Jamaica Travel Specialists

Also see: Jamaica ‘Gets Happy’ with post-Super Bowl buzz
Also see: Jamaica Music and Books
Also see: Surprise Reggae Flash Mob in Union Square

How Important is Travel Insurance?

Gary — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:11:30 +0000

You love to travel, or you would probably not be reading our travel blog. When you book a vacation, you’re not just buying travel, you’re buying memories. But even the best-planned trip can incur unforeseen issues. I would never travel without travel insurance. Travel insurance should really be thought of more as travel protection, because it includes so much more than just trip cancellation insurance.

Did you know that when you travel out of the country, your medical insurance may not cover you? Did you know that if you obtain your travel insurance from the provider (i.e., buying the cruise line’s insurance protection plan) you will not have financial default coverage if that provider goes out of business before your trip?

Still not convinced that travel insurance is for you? Ask yourself, “Can I afford to lose my vacation investment?” Sickness, injury, or worse can occur when you least expect it–not only to you, but to a non-traveling family member. Without travel insurance…

Would you be able to pay all of your emergency expenses out of pocket and in advance?

Would you be covered if you injured yourself on your trip and required emergency assistance or medical evacuation back to the U.S.?

Would you be able to leave immediately if an elderly parent passed away or there was a medical emergency in your family back home while you were on your trip?

Would you get your money back if something happened before your trip and you needed to cancel?

Travel insurance helps protect against unforeseen emergencies which can occur at any time. It also helps protect you against other circumstances like travel delay, lost or stolen baggage and personal items, missed connections, hurricanes and so much more. In short, travel insurance is Peace of Mind. It allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worry. If you don’t think it’s worth the cost, just ask someone who’s needed to file a claim.

TravelSafe Insurance is one of the nation’s largest and most well-respected providers of travel insurance. What distinguishes TravelSafe from their competitors is their experience – over 40 years. Since 1971, their family-run business has been working hard to protect the traveler and serve the travel agency community all the while remaining on the forefront of innovation and product development. TravelSafe offers the most comprehensive travel insurance coverage in the industry. Travel insurance providers are not all the same and neither is the protection they may claim to offer. By insuring with TravelSafe, you get decades of travel insurance experience in every policy – plus the attention, the personalized service and the coverage your clients they need to allow them to relax and enjoy their vacation.

Some common misconceptions about travel insurance:

Misconception 1: 78% don’t buy travel insurance because they think they do not need it. However, the US State Department reports that 310,000 passports were lost and stolen abroad last year and the Air Transport Industry Baggage Report indicated that 25 million bags are mishandled every year. Travel insurance and travel assistance can help consumers with these common mishaps.

Misconception 2: Many travelers think travel insurance coverage is mainly for overseas medical emergencies only. However, nearly half of travel insurance purchasers (48%) bought travel insurance for travel inside the Continental U.S. More than half of purchasers (55%) buy travel insurance for all or most trips and nearly a third (31%) buy for some trips.

Most good travel insurance policies provide:

Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption due to sickness, injury, or death
Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption due to per-existing medical conditions, if policy purchased within 15 days (time period depends on provider)
Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption due to cessation of services of a common carrier due to an unannounced strike, mechanical breakdown, or bad weather
Trip cancellation for involuntary termination of your employment, if been with employer for 1 year (time period depends on provider)
Coverage for trip cancellation due to residence, workplace, or destination made uninhabitable by fire, flood, or natural disaster
Protection against default, bankruptcy, or financial insolvency of your travel supplier, cruise line, or tour operator
Coverage for baggage delay beginning at 12 hours (time period depends on provider)
Coverage for travel delay due to sickness, injury, common carrier delay, quarantine, hijacking, strike, natural disaster, terrorism, riot, lost/stolen passports or travel documents
Optional “cancel for any reason” that pays up to 100% cash back depending on what cancellation penalty level you would be facing from the travel provider
Coverage for hurricane warning coverage for trip cancellation
Coverage for pandemics and epidemics (e.g. H1N1)
Coverage for trip cancellation due to revocation of previously approved time off work
Coverage for revocation of previously approved military leave due to war
Coverage for missed connections
Coverage for non-medical emergency evacuations due to political unrest, natural disasters (e.g, recent incidents in Egypt, New Zealand)
Coverage for terrorism, hijackings, quarantines, jury duty
No deductibles
Coverage for airline cancellation fees
24/7 Worldwide customer service help line for medical, legal, or other emergency assistance
Some policies include (or available as an add-on) business-related coverage, which enhances your trip cancellation coverage by adding work-related covered reasons including Required to Work.
Many travel insurance providers offer a Free 10-Day Look which allows you to obtain a refund of your insurance premium if you have not filed a claim or departed on your trip

Contact Island Time Travel to discuss your insurance needs and to get a quote, or visit TravelSafe or Allianz

Congratulations to Funjet Vacations for 39 Years!

Gary — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:21:52 +0000

This week marks an important anniversary for Funjet Vacations–for 39 years, they have worked with travel agents to provide unforgettable vacation experiences to millions of customers.

Since they opened their doors, a lot has changed in the travel industry. Other competitors are now owned by an airline, online travel agency, competing retail travel agencies, and invested in by a venture capitalist firm. Funjet Vacations remains the only large scale tour operator that is still owned and operated by the family that founded the business. Click the logo to price and book a complete vacation online!