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Caribbean Travel RoundupNewsletter - Gert van Dijken, Editor |
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New for 2003: Cozumel travel information DVD - FREE to those planning their Cozumel vacation. Currently in production by Roldan Video (www.roldanvideo.com) a Cozumel-based video production company, is this interactive informative DVD. Loaded with information about this popular caribbean destination, plus hotels, restaurants, tours, and other Cozumel businesses. Just send an email to info@roldanvideo.com specifying when you are planning your trip to get on their waiting list.
COZUMEL, Mexico (July 30, 2002) ^Ö Hotels and resorts in Isla Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, offer families a great vacation destination. Cozumel^Òs Caribbean setting and natural habitat provides families with relaxation and an array of unique outdoor activities throughout the island such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, discovering Mayan archaeological sites and beautiful reefs and beaches. Chankanaab Ecological Park is a must see for families with its beautiful natural lagoon, tropical inhabitants, gardens and dolphin encounter attraction. The San Gervasio archaeological site and the Museum of the Island of Cozumel provide a fascinating history lesson on the cultural and ecological origins of the island. Hotels throughout the island offer accommodations for families with extra beds, Kid ^Òs Clubs, babysitting, nightly entertainment and special family programs. Allegro Resort Cozumel, all-inclusive accommodations, features 294 standard guestrooms with connecting rooms on request. Amenities include on-site restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, outdoor theater, four illuminated Hartru tennis courts, nightly entertainment and outdoor water activities. The resort offers a Kid^Òs Club from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for kids ages four to 12 years old. Activities consist of board games, beach soccer, tennis lessons, Mexican bingo, sand castle contests, Spanish lessons, kid swimming pool and playground. A variety of family activities intended for all ages include snorkeling lessons, aqua aerobics, pool and beach games, basketball, beach volleyball and group tennis lessons. For more information or to book reservations call 1-800-858-2258 or e-mail: reservations@drcozumel.allegroresorts.com. Coral Princess Hotel & Resort offers 139 guestrooms including one, two, three bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, dinning room and living room space ideal for families. Additional amenities include ocean view terrace and balcony, one restaurant, three bars, two swimming pools, beach volleyball, laundry services, car rental and babysitting services. For more information or to book reservations call 1-800-215-2200 or e-mail: ventas@coralprincess.com. Costa Club Cozumel Beach Resort features 180 standard guestrooms with available roll away beds and cribs, private balcony, large swimming pool, three restaurants, three bars, volleyball court and fitness room. The resort offers a Kid^Òs Club open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children two to 10 years of age. Activities include arts and crafts, video games and water sports at the kid^Òs pool. For children between the ages of six and 10 years old supervised scuba diving lessons at the swimming pool are available. The resort provides a variety of family activities including nightly entertainment, karaoke, themed parties and the Beach Club with a game room, playground and tennis court. Up to two children receive free all-inclusive basis when sharing a room with parents. For more information or to book reservations call 1-877-454-4355 or e-mail: costaclubczm@cozunet.finred.com.mx. El Cozumeleño Beach Resort, all-inclusive accommodations, offers 252 guestrooms including connecting rooms and studios. The resort features ocean view balconies, five restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, two Jacuzzis, tennis court, 18-hole miniature golf course, game room, gym, babysitting services, assortment of on-site shops, outdoor water activities and nightly shows. A Kid^Òs Club is offered for children ages five to 12 years old open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Activities include pool games, Mexican lottery, feeding fishes, hunting for seashells, arts and crafts and jewelry making. Additional activities for the whole family include pool games, snorkeling tours, Bingo and the game room. For information on family packages or to book reservations call 1-800-437-3923 or visit: www.elcozumeleno.com. Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort features 226 guestrooms including standard rooms and suites ideal for families, private balconies with hammock, four restaurants and bars, tennis court, sand volleyball court, scuba diving, beach club and water sports. The resort offers the Fiesta Kids Club open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include entertainment, free scuba lessons in swimming pool and beach activities. Families can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and bike tours. For more information or to book a reservation call 011-52-987-87-29600 or e-mail: pahernandez@fiestaamericana.com.mx. Paradisus Cozumel All-Inclusive Beach Resort Golf & Country Club offers 147 guestrooms with 88 deluxe rooms and 47 junior suites ideal for families, ocean and garden view, two swimming pools, two tennis courts, gym and snorkeling. The resort features a Mini Club open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for kids ages four to12 years old. Kids take part in building sand castles, snorkeling lessons and feeding fishes. Family activities include snorkeling tours, scuba lessons in the pool, tennis, beach volleyball, and nightly entertainment. Two children stay free when sharing a room with parents, valid until Dec. 25, 2002. Three restaurants and five bars are located on-site. For more information or to book reservations call 1-888-341-5993 or e-mail: paradisus.cozumel@solmelia.com. Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel Cozumel, a four-diamond resort, features 254 guestrooms and suites, private terrace and ocean view, three restaurants and bars, tennis court, private beach and swimming pool. The resort offers a kids club, Chiqui Club, for children five to 12 years old, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children at the Chiqui Club learn Spanish, create and paint Mexican handcrafts, learn authentic Mexican songs and dances, play Mexican games and find out how to make piñatas. Additional activities include pool and beach games, children^Òs aerobics, movies, sandcastle building, treasure hunts, tug-of-war contest and many more outdoor activities. For more information or to book reservations call 1-800-327-0200 or e-mail:cozumel@interconti.com. Reef Club Cozumel, all-inclusive resort, offers 264 rooms including connecting rooms, suites and studios ideal for families. The resort features two swimming pools, gym, two restaurants, 200-seat theater, themed parties, assortment of shops, game room, outdoor water activities, horseback riding and babysitting. A Kid^Òs Club is available to children four to 12 years old open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, sand castle contest, video games, snorkeling lessons, seashell collecting, movies, beach and pool games. Family and adult activities consist of tennis, dance lessons, snorkel tour, bingo, pool and beach games, kayaking, Spanish lessons and aqua aerobics. Child rates are available for kids ages six to 12 years old. For more information or to book reservations call 1-888-773-4349 or e-mail: reefclubcozumel@prodigy.net.mx. Additional hotels offering kids programs or family rates and services include: Casa Del Mar (1-800-437-9609), Days Inn Villa Iguanas (1-800-325-2525), El Cid ^Ö La Ceiba Cozumel (1-800-435-3240), Hacienda San Miguel (011-52-987-87-21986), Iberostar Cozumel Hotel (011-52-987-87-29900), Park Royal Cozumel (011-52-987-87-20700), Playa Azul (011-52-987-87-20119), and Sol Cabañas Del Caribe (1-888-341-5993). Named "Cuzamil" by the Maya who inhabited it more than 2,000 years ago, Isla Cozumel or "land of the swallows" is located in the state of Quintana Roo, east of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel, approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, has an international snorkeling and diving reputation with the world's second-largest reef network featuring limestone caves, tunnels and rare black coral. Visit Cozumel on the World Wide Web at www.islacozumel.com.mx.
COZUMEL, Mexico (Aug. 14 2002) ^Ö The 147-room Paradisus Cozumel All-Inclusive Beach Resort Golf and Country Club and its sister property, the 48-room Sol Cabañas del Caribe announce Manuel Chávez as General Manager. Chávez joins the resort with 22 years of hotel management experience in Peru, Venezuela and Mexico. Manuel Chávez comes to Paradisus Cozumel from the Meliá Cancun Convention Center Beach & Spa Resort. Chávez joined Sol Meliá in 1993 after holding various managerial positions with Sheraton hotels and resorts. He has participated with Sol Meliá in the grand openings of Gran Meliá Sao Paulo Hotel and WTC Convention Center in Brazil. Born in Peru, Chávez obtained his degree in Business Administration from the Superior Institute of Business Administration in Lima, Peru. In 1991, he was recognized as the executive of the year with Sheraton hotels. The 147-room Paradisus Cozumel All-Inclusive Beach Resort Golf and Country Club combines European elegance with the magnificence of Mayan architecture -- all on a tropical island overlooking the Caribbean Sea, known for its world-class diving. Located on the island of Cozumel, off the northeast coast of Mexico, the resort keeps with Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts^Ò tradition of spacious settings and offers 88 deluxe garden view rooms, 46 junior suites with ocean views, 12 oceanfront honeymoon suites with Jacuzzi and one presidential suite. The Paradisus Cozumel All-Inclusive Beach Resort Golf and Country Club offers the largest and best beach in the area along with all-inclusive rates that feature accommodations, meals, unlimited beverages, snacks, activities, taxes and tips. 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.SolMeliá.com.
Hollywood, FL August 29, 2002 ^Ö Now you can find out the Best of Jamaica 2002 Worldwide without ever searching all over the web, calling a travel agent, searching through travelogues or boarding a plane. On September 1, 2002 Jamaicans.com will publish online the results of the ^ÓBest of Jamaica 2002^Ô poll. Wherever you are in the world, there are influences of Jamaica from food to music. Whether you are a native or simply a lover of Jamaican culture, our ^ÓBest of Jamaica^Ô survey results has something for you. Jamaicans and visitors alike have the opportunity to view the best in Jamaican food, accommodations and culture in Jamaica as well as major cities across the U.S.A., Canada and Europe, where there is a large Jamaican national population. Questions ranged from the Best Tourist Attraction in Jamaica to the Best Jamaican restaurant in London, England. So if you are a Jamaican or have an interest in Jamaican culture and would like to view the best of Jamaica 2002, visit the website at http://www.jamaicans.com/bestofjamaica . About Jamaicans.com Jamaicans.com is a leading Internet website of all things Jamaican that averages over 1.75 million hits per month. The site has been in operation since 1995 serving the Jamaican community in Jamaica as well as overseas and the ever-expanding vacation market interested in vacationing on the island of Jamaica. The site provides a wealth of information on the travel and vacation opportunities for vacationers and the culture related to the beautiful and vibrant island of Jamaica. There are extensive guides to Jamaican ^Ópatois^Ô (pronounced patwah), Jamaican music and a large database of Jamaican recipes. One of the main feature and most active area of the site is the Community Bulletin Board. Many regular visitors to the site use the Community Bulletin Board to maintain contact with other Jamaicans living all over the world including Jamaica and also as a place where they can research their travel options for trips back to the island to visit their families and friends. For more information contact: Xavier Murphy at xmurphy@jamaicans.com
all you need to know about this tiny Caribbean island in the exquisite St. Vincent Grenadines. The non-profit Bequia Tourism Association has just launched its new official website at www.bequiatourism.com, replacing the excellent www.bequiasweet.com which now continues as a privately maintained site. The new site includes detailed information about travel, accommodation, shopping and services - the Marine Supplies and Services section is particularly well covered - as well as basic facts, weather links, interesting background pieces on the island's history, low season offers, special events and national holidays. The wealth of information, coupled with a clean, clear layout, refreshingly free of gimmicks and distracting background effects, and very user-friendly navigation, make this latest Bequia website a real pleasure to browse. The site includes a contact email, info@bequiatourism.com, which gives browsers an opportunity to request more specific information, or to provide feedback - an essential tool in helping the Bequia Tourism Association preserve and enhance the island's natural assets and unique appeal. For more information contact: BEQUIA TOURISM ASSOCIATION Box 146 Bequia St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tel: 784 458 3286 info@bequiatourism.com
I'm Harry S. Pariser, author of a number of travel guides for the Caribbean and Central America. And I'd like to introduce the readers of Caribbean Travel Roundup to a few of tips on some of the places that I write about. First of all, I don't write for Fodors or Frommer's, so my books have more background information and tend to cover the smaller places more than the large resorts, although they are included as well. I supply a lot of background information, more than most guides. And, as someone interested in nature and in culture, I write about these topics as well. My belief is that travel should be education rather than just escape. So, if you are the sort of person who wants to get out off the beaten track a bit and really explore and find out where you are, then my guides are for you. My latest guide is Explore the Virgin Islands (Manatee Press, $17.95, ISBN, 1-893643-53-0) which covers the United States and British Virgin Islands. These islands certainty can be expensive to visit, but I supply lists of campgrounds as well as other information which can help you cut costs and enjoy your stay more. Because it is a major cruise ship destination, St. Thomas can be quite touristy. There are, however, some small and friendly bed and breakfasts such as the Crystal Palace and the Danish Inn. My favorite place to visit is the Seven Arches Museum where you can enter an old home and meet the owners. St. John is absolutely spectacular. Most of it is a national park. It's one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. However, it is very expensive. The campsite ($25 per tent) is pricey but is the most affordable alternative. Aside from snorkeling, hiking is really great. I recommend a day hike down the Reef Bay Trail. St. Croix offers two great historical towns, Frederiksted and Christiansted. Allow a half-day or more for each. The Whim and the St. George Botanical Gardens are other must sees. A wonderful new addition is the historical trail, which gives you a route to tour the island as well as learn about it. A great place to go is the lookout at Point Udall, on the eastern end of the island. My favorite British Virgin is Anegada, a small coral atoll with great beaches and camping as well as some small inns. It's not easy to get to, so allow some flexibility with your schedule. Find out more on the web at http://www.savethemanatee.com/VI Over on Puerto Rico, I really love the atmosphere of Old San Juan. The streets and fortresses and museums are wonderful. Unless you are going to San Juan strictly for a resort-and-beach atmosphere, you'll want to hang out here. Michael Giessler's La Caleta can help you find a room for short or long-term stays. The outlying islands of Culebra and Vieques are popular destinations as is the surfing area around Rincon on the west coast. While difficult to navigate, a drive along the Cordillera Central is not to be missed. Coming in September is Explore Puerto Rico (Manatee Press, $17.95, ISBN, 1-893643-52-2). Find out more on the web at http://www.savethemanatee.com/PR Barbados has a lot of historical sites. The standard of living is relatively high, so you won't be confronted with the same degree of poverty you will find elsewhere. The people are personable and hospitable. There are some smaller hotels and B&Bs such as Sea U! in the surfing village of Bathsheba. Some of my favorite Bajan attractions include Future Centre, Animal Flower Cave, the Barbados museum, Welchman Hall Gully and the small town of Speightstown. Surprisingly, there're some great places to go hiking in Barbados. And it has some great events such as Cropover and the Barbados Jazz Festival. Read more in Explore Barbados (Manatee Press, $18.95, ISBN, 1-893643-51-4). Find out more on the web at http://www.savethemanatee.com/BB Finally, Costa Rica is also part of the Caribbean, although few people may think of it as such. Much of the Caribbean coast was settled by immigrants from Jamaica. In fact, it's better than going to Jamaica, as the people are a whole lot less contentious and bitchy. However, it's not for resort travelers. Tortuguero National Park is great for birdwatching and canal voyages. Cahuita, to the south, has a marvelous beachside national park. Further south, the surfing capital of Puerto Viejo is a great village to hang out in. Sort of like visiting the Caribbean of yesteryear. Find out more on the web at http://www.savethemanatee.com/CR I write about all of these and more in my guides. And I include useful websites and e-mails. I love to get practical suggestions from readers (or just visitors), so if you would like to contribute feel free. You may order the guides above from your local bookstore, on Amazon and on many other sites on the internet, or direct from Manatee Press. (We accept Pay Pal). Special offer: Readers of Caribb can receive one copy postpaid for $20; two copies of any guides for $30. The books are Explore Puerto Rico, Explore Barbados, Explore the Virgin Islands, and Explore Costa Rica. We also have older (but still useful) copies of Explore Belize Explore the Dominican Republic, and the out-of-print travel classic Jamaica: A Visitor's Guide as well. Make checks payable to Harry S. Pariser and send to PO Box 225001, SF, CA 94122-5001. http://www.savethemanatee.com/
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