Caribbean Travel Roundup

Newsletter - Gert van Dijken, Editor


Caribbean Travel Roundup
Gert van Dijken, Editor
Edition 127
September 1, 2002

Last Update August 31 2002

| CTR Homepage | Island Index | Search |


1/ PRESS RELEASES AND OTHER NEWS

ALTAMER NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2002 BY CHRIS MASON

Dear Editor,  Please include a  mention of the latest  newsletter from
Altamer  Resort,  Anguilla, in  your  Caribbean  Travel Roundup  (CTR)
September 1 edition.

The newsletter is available at
http://www.altamer.com/newsletter/august2002email.pdf

This issue features many exciting topics including:
  
* Our new Conference Center
* A  recipe from  Executive Chef  Maurice Leduc  for your  next dinner
  party
* Anguilla's new golf course approved!
* And for your  reference and planning; the Altamer  Villa Calendar of
  Availability

For                 the                 full                newsletter
http://www.altamer.com/newsletter/august2002email.pdf

For       current       availablity,       please       log       into
http://www.altamer.com/calendar.html   for  weekly   updates   to  our
calendar

Thank you for your assistance.

Chris Mason 
Altamer Resort 
masonc@altamer.com


BVI: PETER ISLAND RESORT TEMPTS TRAVELERS WITH 2003 PACKAGES OFFERING ROMANCE, DIVING, SAILING AND SAVINGS

** Combines  Private  Island  Luxury  with  Custom-Tailored  Caribbean
Vacations **

New York,  NY (August  15, 2002) ­  Peter Island, the  largest private
island resort  in the British  Virgin Islands, announces  packages for
2003  that  cater  to  various special  interests,  providing  upscale
travelers with the vacation experience of their choice.  The following
packages are available for either four or seven night stays:

Ashore/Afloat  ­ Providing  the best  of  both land  and sea,  sailing
enthusiasts explore the sparkling waters of the British Virgin Islands
for two  nights aboard the luxurious 41-foot  sailing yacht, Silmaril,
along with either two or five nights of accommodations at the resort. 
This package  is available  April 5 through  December 19,  2003.  From
April 5 to  May 2, 2003 at rates  of $3,970 for an Ocean  View room or
$4,556 for a Beachfront Junior  Suite for four nights; $5,751 / $6,765
for seven nights.  From May 3 through December 19, 2003, the rates are
$3,575 / $4,111 for four nights and $5,060 / $5,986 for seven nights.

Island  Romance ­  Cool  Caribbean breezes,  swaying  palms and  waves
crashing  against  pristine  white-sand  beaches  create  an  aura  of
tropical  romance that  is the  perfect complement  to  Peter Island¹s
package, which includes an invitation to a gourmet vintner dinner, two
one-hour massages, a  welcome bottle of champagne and  the choice of a
day trip to Charlotte Amalie,  St.  Thomas or Virgin Gorda.  Rates are
$3,656 for four nights, $6,050 for  seven nights in an Ocean View room
or $7,047 for seven nights in a Beachfront Junior Suite from January 1
to April 4, 2003.   From April 5 to May 2, 2003,  rates are $2,839 for
an Ocean  View room or $3,409  for a Beachfront Junior  Suite for four
nights  and $4,620  /  $5,617 for  seven  nights.  Between  May 3  and
December 19, 2003, rates are $2,444 / $2,964 for four nights or $3,929
/ $4,839 for seven nights.

Aqua  Adventures ­ A  world of  wonder awaits  divers below  the clear
azure waters off Peter Island, with two 2-tank dives per person in the
four night package or four 2-tank  dives per person in the seven night
package.  Uncertified divers can  take one ³resort course² plus either
one  shallow dive  per person  with the  four night  package  or three
shallow dives in  the seven night package.  This  package is available
from April  5 to December 19,  2003.  Rates are $2,797  for Ocean View
accommodations or $3,367 for a Beachfront Junior Suite for four nights
and $5,001  / $5,998 for  seven nights from  April 5 to May  2, 2003. 
From May  3 to December  19, 2003 rates  are $2,402 / $2,922  for four
nights or $4,309 / $5,219 for seven nights.

Paradise Now!  ­ >From  May 3  to December 19,  2003, this  five night
package  allows guests to  experience the  essentials of  Peter Island
luxury at an  excellent value, offering up to  40 percent off standard
high-season rates.   Included are accommodations and  a private picnic
lunch on a secluded beach.  The  rate for an Ocean View room is $2,475
and  the rate  for a  Beachfront Junior  Suite is  $3,125.  Additional
nights are each $495 or $625, respectively.

All packages are for two guests  and also include a Full American Plan
(breakfast, lunch  and dinner), round trip  transfers, unlimited ferry
service  to  and from  Tortola,  an  arrival  and departure  gift  and
unlimited use  of island  activities, including water  sports, tennis,
mountain biking, fitness center and more.   The resort¹s 32 Ocean View
rooms are housed in two-story poolside cottages and feature a separate
seating area and balcony or terrace while the 20 new beachfront suites
each boast Jacuzzi tubs, a  private terrace or balcony and spectacular
beach views.  Peter Island¹s annual  closing dates will be September 2
through October 9,  2003.  Located in the region  known as the sailing
and yachting  capital of the  Caribbean, Peter Island  Resort combines
the sophistication  and luxury  of a private  island retreat  with the
relaxed, understated  elegance of the British Virgin  Islands. With 52
rooms and suites, 1,200 acres of lush, untainted tropical island, five
stunning  beaches, spa  facilities,  a private  yacht, tennis  courts,
hiking and biking  trails, scuba diving, deep sea  fishing and a staff
that goes ³above  and beyond² to satisfy guests,  Peter Island has all
the makings of  a true ³Caribbean Classic.² Travel  + Leisure¹s August
2002 ³World¹s Best² issue highlights Peter Island as #2 out of the top
25 resorts  in the Caribbean and among  the top 100 hotels  and top 25
small hotels worldwide.  For reservations or more information, consult
your    travel   agent    or   call    1-800-346-4451.     Or,   visit
www.peterisland.com.


EXTEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH A ^ÌBONUS NIGHT¹ AT PETER ISLAND RESORT

** Stay Five Nights and Receive a Sixth Night Free in January **

       New York, NY  (August 15,  2002) --  Peter Island,  the largest
private island resort  in the British Virgin Islands,  gives a gift to
travelers this holiday  season and yet another reason  to relax in the
beautiful Caribbean in January ­ the sixth night is free to guests who
stay at  least five  nights.  Guests staying  at Peter  Island between
January 4  and February  7, 2003,  for a minimum  of five  nights will
receive one additional night free of  charge added on to their stay, a
savings of  approximately 17% on  the entire visit.   Rates  per night
are  $840  for  Ocean View  rooms  or  $990  for the  newly  renovated
Beachfront  Suites, based  on double  occupancy and  include:   a Full
American Meal Plan daily  (breakfast, lunch and dinner); unlimited use
of  island  activities including  snorkeling,  wind surfing,  mountain
biking, tennis, sailing, kayaking and more.  Taxes and service charges
are additional.  This offer applies  to regular room rates only and is
not valid for package bookings.

Located in the region known as the sailing and yachting capital of the
Caribbean, Peter Island Resort  combines the sophistication and luxury
of a private island retreat  with the relaxed, understated elegance of
the British Virgin  Islands. With 52 rooms and  suites, 1,200 acres of
lush,   untainted  tropical   island,  five   stunning   beaches,  spa
facilities, a private yacht,  tennis courts, hiking and biking trails,
scuba  diving, deep  sea  fishing and  a  staff that  goes ³above  and
beyond² to satisfy guests, Peter Island  has all the makings of a true
³Caribbean  Classic.² Travel  + Leisure¹s  August 2002  ³World¹s Best²
issue highlights Peter  Island as #2 out of the top  25 resorts in the
Caribbean and  among both the top  100 hotels and top  25 small hotels
worldwide.  For reservations or  more information, consult your travel
agent or call 1-800-346-4451. Or, visit www.peterisland.com.

WINDSURFING: KING OF THE CARIBBEAN FREESTYLE PRO AM BY ANN PHELAN

12/11/2002 - 12/15/2002

ONLY CARIBBEAN STOP on the PWA Tour

In  December,  Bonaire and  the  Bonaire  Sailing  Foundation will  be
hosting the  first annual international  freestyle windsurfing contest
called  the "King of  the Caribbean  Freestyle Pro-Am".  This windsurf
freestyle contest will attract world-class windsurfers from around the
Globe to compete along side  local and regional sailors. The Freestyle
Pro-Am is modeled after the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA)
"King of the  Lake" Freestyle Contest on Lake  Garda, Italy. This year
at our  sister event King  of the Cape (www.kingofthecape.com)  we had
Pros  from around  the globe  attend including  Daida  Moreno, Ricardo
Cambello and  Brian Talma.  2002 in Bonaire  promises to be  even more
power packed.  Bonaire is the home  of the Bonaire  Sailing Team. This
internationally known group excel in  their sport. They also happen to
train in  one of the BEST  Caribbean settings. Lac  Bay offers PERFECT
onshore trades  blowing all day.  The Bonaire Sailing Team  is rapidly
advancing in  the world  of windsurfing. Three  members have  gone pro
this year.  They deliver a power  packed freestyle show  for all. With
world cup  sailors and the kids King  of the Caribbean is  going to go
off.

For information,  registration and accommodations  contact 
Ann Phelan, PR/Event Coordinator at:

ann@bonairewindsurfing.com  
011-599-791-5682 (Bonaire  Until  Aug. 12)
508-385-8174 (US After Aug. 14th)

BONAIRE: WINDSURFING: MADURO AND CURIEL'S BANK KING OF THE CARIBBEAN FREESTYLE PRO AM BY ANN PHELAN

12/11/2002 - 12/15/2002

In  December,  Bonaire and  the  Bonaire  Sailing  Foundation will  be
hosting the  first annual international  freestyle windsurfing contest
called the "Maduro  and Curiel's Bank King of  the Caribbean Freestyle
Pro-Am".  This  windsurf freestyle  contest  will attract  world-class
windsurfers  from around  the Globe  to compete  along side  local and
regional  sailors.   The  Freestyle   Pro-Am  is  modeled   after  the
Professional  Windsurfing   Association  (PWA)  "King   of  the  Lake"
Freestyle Contest on Lake Garda,  Italy. This year at our sister event
the 4th Annual Verizon King of the Cape (www.kingofthecape.com) we had
pros from  around the globe  attend including Ricardo  Campello, Daida
Moreno and Brian Talma. 2002 in Bonaire promises to be even more power
packed.  Bonaire  is  the  home  of the  Bonaire  Sailing  Team.  This
internationally known group excel in  their sport. They also happen to
train in  one of the BEST  Caribbean settings. Lac  Bay offers PERFECT
onshore trades  blowing all day.  The Bonaire Sailing Team  is rapidly
advancing in  the world  of windsurfing. Three  members are  going pro
this year.  They deliver a power  packed freestyle show  for all. With
world cup  sailors and the kids King  of the Caribbean is  going to go
off.

Sponsored by:

Maduro and  Curiel's Bank,  TCB inc., BONHATA,  Sun Rentals,  Da Kine,
Curtis  Fins,  Dagger  Optics,   Venus  Swimwear,  Air  Jamaica,  KLM,
Heineken,  Jibe City, The  Place, Sand  Dollar Resort,  Divi Flamingo,
Hertz Bonaire, Cellularone Bonaire,  Bonaire Travel and Tours, Habitat
Resort,  Coco Palm  Garden,  Kontiki, Yacht  Club Apartments,  Bonaire
Reporter,  Bonaire  Web  Cams/Bonaire  Talk, Caribbean  Wind  and  Sun
Vacations, Uzzi Amphibious Gear

Contact: Ann Phelan,  Event Coordinator at: ann@bonairewindsurfing.com
or 011-599-791-5682

BONAIRE: WINDSURFING: PWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WINDSURFING FINALS BY ANN PHELAN

NEWS UPDATE – 19 August 2002

Purse of U.S. $65,000 set for
PWA World Championship Windsurfing Finals

December 11-18 on Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Professional and  amateur windsurfers from around the  world will meet
on  the  island of  Bonaire,  Netherlands  Antilles (Dutch  Caribbean)
December 11  to 18 for the Professional  Windsurfing Association (PWA)
World Championship Freestyle Finals  2002.  The event, also designated
as the “King of the  Caribbean Pro-Am,” will offer a total
purse of  US $65,000,  with $55,000 for  the men’s  category and
$10,000 for women.

The “King  of the  Caribbean” Championship Finals  will be
the World Cup Finale to the  2002 PWA World Tour.  The event will also
include competitions for  all levels: Professionals, Amateurs, Novices
and Juniors  with eight categories for  competition.  The Professional
winners will be crowned  “King and Queen of the Caribbean”
as well as PWA Freestyle Champions for 2002.

In  addition to the  competitions, there  will be  island-wide parties
throughout   the    week,   featuring   the   music    of   the   band
“Sugero” from the USA,  the food exposition “A Taste
of Bonaire,” a Culture and Christmas Fair in the town of Rincon,
and  water-side  parties  almost  every night.  Qualifying  heats  for
Professionals will  be 12 December with  competition for Professionals
and amateurs beginning on 13  Dec.  Final event for Professionals will
be 17 December.

Windsurfing competitions will  be held at windy Lac  Bay of Bonaire in
the Netherlands Antilles.  This small  island of just 12,000 people is
fast becoming one  of the top windsurfing locations  in the world with
almost constant  on-shore trade  winds that usually  average 17  to 22
knots.  For years  Bonaire has also been known as one  of the top dive
destinations in  the world  and has often  set the world  standard for
ocean and reef protection

Bonaire is the home of the  now sixth ranked PWA champion Tonky Frans,
as well as his brother Tati  Frans, who is ranked 31 and Keke Dammers,
ranked  27th.   All three  are  still in  their  teens  and have  just
recently  become  professional  competitors.   Now the  entire  sports
community can see where these new hot shots live and train.

Divisions for competition for the December event include:

Pro Division  -- for  those who can  perform AERIAL  freestyle.  There
will  be  a  Men’s  Pro   Division  with  a  $55,000  purse  and
Women’s Pro Division, with a $10,000 purse.

Amateur  Divisions --  for those  who can  perform  PLANING freestyle.
There  will  be a  Men’s  Amateur  Division,  a Masters  Amateur
Division  for men over  35, a  Women's Amateur  Division and  a Junior
Amateur Division for boys and girls 16 or under.

Novice  Division -- for  those who  can perform  NON-PLANING freestyle
there will be  an Open Competition for men and  women competing in the
Novice Division and a Junior Novice  Division for boys and girls 16 or
under.

Special  travel  packages  have  been  arranged by  Air  Jamaica,  the
official carrier  for the  event and also  with KLM from  Europe. Both
have offered  a special  promotional rate for  competitors as  well as
spectators.    There   is   also   a  discount   rate   for   shipping
competitors’ gear.   However, the number of  discounted seats is
limited so travelers are urged to order their tickets early.

The special Air Jamaica fare may be accessed by calling Air Jamaica at
800-523-5585  and referencing "Maduro  and Curiel's  Bank King  of the
Caribbean".  Reservations must be booked  in B or M class using ticket
designator GD20.   Last ticket date  20 November, but  competitors and
spectators are urged  to purchase tickets earlier due  to heavy travel
during December.

KLM  (Royal  Dutch  Airline)   is  offering  special  group  rates  to
competitors and  spectators from Europe.  Contact for  these rates and
reservations is  Emile at Maduro Travel, telephone:  +(31) 70 356-2850
or e-mail: vergeer@maduro.nl

If  the  Air Jamaica  and  KLM  flights  fill, American  Airlines  and
American Eagle have daily flights  to Bonaire via San Juan Puerto Rico
but do  not offer cargo service for  competitor’s equipment.  If
all direct  Bonaire flights fill, Curacao  and Aruba can  be used with
connections to Bonaire via Dutch  Caribbean Express, Divi Divi Air and
Chogogo Fast Ferry  from Curacao or Avia Air  and Aruba Royal Airlines
from Aruba.

Hotel  accommodations,  car  and   gear  rental  can  be  arranged  by
contacting Ann Phelan, event coordinator at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com
or 800-219-0118 or 508-385-8174 or by visiting our website (soon to be
released)   which  will  have   links  to   many  island   hotels  and
accommodations and sponsors.

Preliminary  schedule for  the  weeklong event  and island-wide  party
starting on 11 December is as follows:

 

 * Day 1: Press conference and registration at Kontiki on windy Lac
   Bay.  Opening  ceremonies with  “A  Taste of  Bonaire”
   party featuring the USA band “Sugero” in Kralendijk.

 * Day 2: competition for professionals in the day, Cultural Night at
   Hollandse Grill at night.

 * Day 3: Competition for professionals, amateurs and juniors in the
   day; Caribbean Beach Dinner and Party at Plaza Resort at night.

 * Day  4: Competition during  the day,  dance party  at City  Cafe at
   night

 * Day 5: Competition  in the day, Amateur and  Junior Awards Ceremony
   at night  followed  by an all-island party at Karels Beach Bar with 
   the Sugero band.

 * Day 6: Professional competition in the day with a Culture and
   Christmas Fair in Rincon in the evening featuring local bands.

 * Day 7: PWA World Cup final competition for King and Queen of the
   Caribbean, the World Freestyle Champions.  Followed by Coronation
   Ceremony and party at Sorobon Beach.


The Bonaire Sailing Foundation, a non-governmental organization on the
island, is  organizing the event  and Maduro & Curiel’s  Bank is
the primary  sponsor.  The event  is a Professional  Windsurfing World
Cup event  and other sponsors  include Reda Sosial, the  Bonaire Hotel
and  Tourism Association, Bonaire  Hospitality Group,  Bonaire Tourism
Corporation and many more local companies and organizations.

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION

In the  USA: Ann Phelan, coordinator  at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com or
by telephone: 508-385-8174

On  Bonaire:  Byron   Trump,  bonairepilots@bonairelive.com  or  Elvis
Martinus 011 -599-717-2288 theplace@bonairelive.com

A website will be announced soon.


PARADISUS RIVIERA CANCÚN CELEBRITY SPORTS INVITATIONAL TO BE HELD OCT. 9-13 IN PUERTO MORELOS, MEXICO

PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico (Aug. 5,  2002) ^Ö The Paradisus Riviera Cancún
Celebrity  Sports Invitational  will take  place at  Paradisus Riviera
Cancún, All-Inclusive All-Suites Beach & Spa Resort Oct. 9-13, 2002 in
Puerto Morelos just outside of Cancun.

Celebrities from  motion pictures,  television and sports  will attend
the Marjoe  Gortner-produced multi-sport celebrity event.   It will be
hosted  by  host committee  members:  Billy  Baldwin, Joe  Pantoliano,
Academy  Award  winner,  Marcia  Gay  Harden,  Matthew  Modine,  Chazz
Palmintieri and  with Peter Frampton in special  concert.  In addition
to Paradisus  Riviera Cancún, sponsors will  include haircare provider
Paul  Mitchell, Alaska  Airlines, Yamaha  WaveRunner,  Tommy Hilfiger,
Fonatur   (Mexico^Òs  Trust  Fund   for  Tourism   Development),  Gran
Centenario Tequila, Camacho Corojo Cigars and Hawaiian Tropic.  Events
scheduled during  the sports  invitational include tennis,  golf, wave
runner  races and a  volleyball tournament.   Proceeds from  the event
will benefit The Creative Coalition.

The  Creative  Coalition   is  the  premier  non-profit,  non-partisan
organization  comprised  of  members  of the  arts  and  entertainment
community dedicated  to educating and  advocating on behalf  of social
and  political  issues,  specifically   in  the  areas  of  the  First
Amendment, arts advocacy and public education.

^ÓParadisus Riviera Cancún looks forward to hosting such an important,
charitable  event   and  welcoming   some  of  the   world^Òs  biggest
celebrities^Ô, said general manager Ken Dittrich.

The  spectacular  all-inclusive   Paradisus  Riviera  Cancún  provides
all-suite  accommodations  with  terrace,  garden or  pool  views  and
24-hour  room  service.   The  resort  features  daily  entertainment,
activities  and  nightly  shows.    Guests  have  full-access  to  the
resort^Òs spa  including steam baths, Jacuzzi, sauna  and health club,
kid^Òs club, tennis courts  and shuttles to Cancun.  Paradisus Riviera
Cancún features  a concept of a  ^Óhotel within a  hotel^Ô through its
^ÓServicio  Real^Ô (Royal Service).   This exclusive  service provides
travelers  with  personalized  check-ins  and checkouts.   Guests  are
greeted in  a private lounge  with a cold,  scented towel, a  glass of
sparkling wine or choice of assorted fresh fruit juices, coffee or tea
and  fine  pastries.   When  entering their  superior  accommodations,
guests choose  from an assorted  pillow menu and enjoy  luxurious body
and bath amenities.  Continuous  coffees, sodas, hors d^Òoeuvres, fine
pastries, teas and international brand cocktails are served throughout
the  day.   Servicio  Real  offers  currency  exchange,  24-hour  room
service,  beach  lounge  chairs  and  palapas  reservations,  personal
butlers,   dry   cleaning,    secretarial   services   and   ticketing
arrangements.

Paradisus  Riviera  Cancún is  located  on  the  beautiful beaches  of
Mexico^Òs Yucatan  Peninsulas. Situated near ancient  Mayan ruins, the
entire   resort  is   engulfed  in   lavish  vegetation   and  natural
surroundings.  This resort features four swimming pools, a children^Òs
pool, two  tennis courts, spa  facilities and daily  beach activities.
Six fine dining  restaurants are located onsite offering  a variety of
venues  ranging from French  cuisine to  Caribbean dishes.   Also this
resort features over  9,000 square feet of ballroom  and meeting space
perfect for business and group affairs.

Sol  Meliá Hotels &  Resorts is  one of  the world^Òs  most successful
hotel companies with its four brands ^Ö Meliá Hotels, Tryp Hotels, Sol
Hotels and Paradisus  Resorts ^Ö with over 350 hotels  in more than 30
countries worldwide.   Sol Meliá^Òs 2002/2003  expansion plans include
new  properties in Brazil,  Peru, Puerto  Rico, Mexico  and throughout
Asia Pacific and Europe.

Individual reservations can be made  through a travel consultant or by
calling  toll-free 1-800-33MELIA (63542).   Group reservations  can be
made through  a professional meeting and incentive  planner or through
Sol  Meliá^Òs  group desk  (CIMAS)  by  calling  1-888-33MELIA or  via
e-mail: Cimas@sol-group.com.   Hotel information can  also be obtained
by accessing Sol Meliá at www.solmelia.com.

| CTR Home | << Back | ToC | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Next >> | Search |