by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Belgium- Small Explosion at Brussels Central Station (June 20, 2017)

June 20, 2017

A small explosion occurred at Brussels Central Station. Local police tweeted saying “The situation is under control but please follow the instructions [of police].”

The Grand Place, a major tourist site, was evacuated along with the station about 200 meters (656 feet) away.

The Associated Press reports:

Belgian media are reporting that explosion-like noises have been heard at a Brussels train station, prompting the evacuation of a main square.

Broadcaster RTL quoted Fires Services spokesman Pierre Meys confirming that some kind of an explosion had happened in the city’s Central station on Tuesday. Meys could not say what had caused the blast.

He could only confirm that firefighters were at the scene.

The Belgian capital’s Grand Place, a major tourist site, was evacuated along with the station about 200 meters (656 feet) away.

Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people on the Brussels subway and at an airport on March 22, 2016.

According to BBC News:

Brussels Central Station has been evacuated after an explosion, with Belgian police saying the situation is under control.

A person wearing an explosive belt was “neutralised” inside the station, reports say.

The city’s main square, the Grand Place, was also evacuated.

In March 2016, 32 people died in attacks on Brussels airport and the metro system which were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Soldiers guarding the station neutralised one person inside the station after a small explosion and there are no other casualties, Reuters news agency reports.

Brussels Central Station is one of three main terminals in the city.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: France- Ongoing Police Operation on the Champs Elysees (June 19, 2017)

June 19, 2017

A car intentionally hit a police van on the Champs Elysees and exploded. No officers or pedestrians were injured.

Some news reports state the situation is “under control” but police are still blocking the area. The nearest metro station, Champs-Elysées Clémenceau, has been closed.

Reuters reports:

A French police vehicle was hit on Monday by a car on Paris’ Champs Elysees avenue and the driver was arrested, police said, adding that no officers or bystanders were injured and the situation was under control.

Police cordoned off the area only a short walk away from Elysees presidential palace and the U.S. embassy, Reuters reporters on site said.

A police Twitter account advised the public to avoid the area.

France has been on high security alert following a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, including the shooting of a policeman in an Islamic State-claimed attack on a police bus on the Champs Elysees in April.

According to BBC News:

A car has crashed into a police van before bursting into flames around the Champs Elysees area of central Paris, police officials say.

The driver, who was armed, was knocked unconscious and is seriously injured, French media report.

Police say the situation is now under control, and neither law enforcement nor civilians were injured.

France is currently in a state of emergency after being hit by a wave of deadly terror attacks in recent years.

The national police Twitter account had earlier said (in French) that there was an “ongoing police operation”, warning people to respect the security cordon.

French media, quoting police sources, say the act was deliberate.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: England- Van Rams Worshippers Leaving London Mosque (June 19, 2017)

June 19, 2017

Last night, a man drove a van into worshippers near Finsbury Park Mosque and the Muslim Welfare House in north London.

The deliberate nature of the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack.

BBC News reports:

Metropolitan Police’s deputy assistant commissioner Neil Basu said the “terrorist attack” began when the van was driven into a man who was already being given first aid by the public on the pavement.

Several of those in hospital are “seriously injured” and there are currently no other suspects, he added.

Eight people were taken to hospital after the attack outside the mosque, which is also a community centre.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Extra police are being deployed to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramadan, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said.

This is the fourth terror attack in the UK in four months, after incidents in Westminster, Manchester and on London Bridge.

According to the UK’s Guardian:

A van has driven into a crowd of worshippers after they left a mosque in north London.

A man died on the scene but was already receiving first aid from members of the public when the attack took place, police said. It is not yet known whether his death was a result of the attack.

Eight people are in hospital, two with very serious injuries, and two others were treated at the scene.

All of those injured were members of the Muslim community. The attack took place outside the Muslim Welfare House, a few hundred metres away from Finsbury Park mosque.

The van driver – a 48-year-old man – was arrested at the scene by the police on suspicion of attempted murder after being detained by members of the public.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Turkey- Potential Terrorist Threat in Istanbul (June 16, 2017)

June 16, 2017

Summary: Turkey-Potential Terrorist Threat in Istanbul

All,

The U.S. Consulate in Istanbul issued a Security Message for Americans. It’s in response to a potential terrorist threat and increased security in the Sisli and Mediciyekoy Districts of Istanbul.

According to the Security Message:

The U.S. Consulate General Istanbul would like to inform U.S. citizens of a heightened Turkish security presence in the Mecidiyekoy district of Istanbul, especially in the vicinity of Sisli Agaoglu Sokak, in response to a possible terrorist threat. At this time, the Consulate General does not have additional information regarding specifics about this threat, but U.S. citizens are reminded to refer to existing guidance in the Travel Warning of March 28 . Americans residing in the area should exercise heightened caution.

U.S. citizens are reminded to be aware of their immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places when possible, especially in locations where Westerners, tourists, and expatriates are known to frequent, including but not limited to restaurants, commercial centers, places of worship, and transportation hubs.

We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, ensure communication connectivity, be aware of local events, monitor local media for updates, keep your loved ones informed of your welfare and whereabouts, and take the appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Cuba- White House Announces Changes to Cuba Travel (June 16, 2017)

June 16, 2017

Summary: As widely expected and reported, there will be changes to U.S. policy on Cuba travel.

According to the White House Fact Sheet on Cuba Policy:

The policy enhances travel restrictions to better enforce the statutory ban on United States tourism to Cuba.

Among other changes, travel for non-academic educational purposes will be limited to group travel.

The self-directed, individual travel permitted by the Obama administration will be prohibited. Cuban-Americans will be able to continue to visit their family in Cuba and send them remittances.

The Department of Treasury has provided FAQs:

1. How will OFAC implement the changes to the Cuba sanctions program announced by the President on June 16, 2017? Are the changes effective immediately?

OFAC will implement the Treasury-specific changes via amendments to its Cuban Assets

Control Regulations. The Department of Commerce will implement any necessary

changes via amendments to its Export Administration Regulations. OFAC expects to

issue its regulatory amendments in the coming months. The announced changes do not

take effect until the new regulations are issued.

2. What is individual people-to-people travel, and how does the President’s announcement impact this travel authorization?

Individual people-to-people travel is educational travel that: (i) does not involve

academic study pursuant to a degree program; and (ii) does not take place under the

auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such

exchanges to promote people-to-people contact. The President instructed Treasury to

issue regulations that will end individual people-to-people travel. The announced

changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.

3. Will group people-to-people travel still be authorized?

Yes. Group people-to-people travel is educational travel not involving academic study

pursuant to a degree program that takes place under the auspices of an organization that is

subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people

contact. Travelers utilizing this travel authorization must maintain a full-time schedule of

educational exchange activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban

people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from

Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and

individuals in Cuba. An employee, consultant, or agent of the group must accompany

Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

each group to ensure that each traveler maintains a full-time schedule of educational

exchange activities.

4. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect individual people-to-people travelers who have already begun making their travel arrangements (such as purchasing flights, hotels, or rental cars)?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Provided

that the traveler has already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as

purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to the President’s announcement

on June 16, 2017, all additional travel-related transactions for that trip, whether the trip

occurs before or after OFAC’s new regulations are issued, would also be authorized,

provided the travel-related transactions are consistent with OFAC’s regulations as of June

16, 2017.

5. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect other authorized travelers to Cuba whose travel arrangements may include direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations.

Consistent with the Administration’s interest in not negatively impacting Americans for

arranging lawful travel to Cuba, any travel-related arrangements that include direct

transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services

that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy will be permitted provided that those

travel arrangements were initiated prior to the issuance of the forthcoming regulations.

6. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect companies subject to U.S. jurisdiction that are already engaged in the Cuban market and that may undertake direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations.

Consistent with the Administration’s interest in not negatively impacting American

businesses for engaging in lawful commercial opportunities, any Cuba-related

commercial engagement that includes direct transactions with entities related to the

Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba

policy will be permitted provided that those commercial engagements were in place prior

to the issuance of the forthcoming regulations.

7. Does the new policy affect how persons subject to U.S jurisdiction may purchase airline tickets for authorized travel to Cuba?

No. The new policy will not change how persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction traveling to

Cuba pursuant to the 12 categories of authorized travel may purchase their airline tickets.

8. Can I continue to send authorized remittances to Cuba?

Yes. The announced policy changes will not change the authorizations for sending

remittances to Cuba. Additionally, the announced changes include an exception that will

allow for transactions incidental to the sending, processing, and receipt of authorized

remittances to the extent they would otherwise be restricted by the new policy limiting

transactions with certain identified Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. As

a result, the restrictions on certain transactions in the new Cuba policy will not limit the

ability to send or receive authorized remittances.

9. How does the new policy impact other authorized travel to Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction?

The new policy will not result in changes to the other (non-individual people-to-people)

authorizations for travel.

Following the issuance of OFAC’s regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with

prohibited entities identified by the State Department generally will not be permitted.

Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.

10. How will the new policy impact existing OFAC specific licenses?

The forthcoming regulations will be prospective and thus will not affect existing

contracts and licenses.

11. How will U.S. companies know if their Cuban counterpart is affiliated with a prohibited entity or sub-entity in Cuba?

The State Department will be publishing a list of entities with which direct transactions

generally will not be permitted. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new

regulations. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are

issued.

12. Is authorized travel by cruise ship or passenger vessel to Cuba impacted by the new Cuba policy?

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction will still be able to engage in authorized travel to

Cuba by cruise ship or passenger vessel.

Following the issuance of OFAC’s regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with

prohibited entities identified by the State Department generally will not be permitted.

Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Alexandria, VA- Shooting at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park (June 14, 2017)

June 14, 2017

A shooting has taken place at a park less than two miles from our offices in Alexandria, VA.

 

 

Multiple news sources are reporting that Congressional members were at baseball practice when a shooter opened fire. Among the injured is House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

According to WUSA-TV:

A Congressman is among the people injured in a “multiple shooting” at a baseball field in Alexandria Wednesday morning, according to a CBS News Special Report.

The shooting happened in the 400 block of E Monroe Street, according to police. The incident happened at a Congressional baseball practice behind the YMCA.

CBS New reports Rep. Steve Scalise (R) from Louisiana was shot. At least for other people were shot. Some 50 shots were reportedly fired.

Authorities report that at least one person was taken to the hospital.

A suspect is believed to be in custody, Alexandria police reported.

CNN.com reports:

Rep. Steve Scalise was shot Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia, a House colleague told CNN, in what sources are calling an apparent “deliberate attack.”

Rep. Mo Brooks told CNN he was on deck at a practice for the congressional baseball team when the shooting occurred. Scalise, a member of the House Republican

leadership as the majority whip, appeared to have been shot in the hip and it appeared two Capitol Hill police agents were shot, Brooks added.

According to both congressional and law enforcement sources, the shooting appears to be a “deliberate attack.” Alexandria police said earlier Wednesday they were responding to a “multiple shooting” in the city. The tweet also said the suspect is in custody “and not a threat.”

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

San Francisco (June 2016)

 

 

FAM Report by Martha McNeile

San Francisco Weekend – June 17 -June 20, 2016 

 

Having never been to San Francisco I decided to join my husband on a business trip for a quick look at the city and Wine Country.

Friday June 17th  – Parked at the Airport Sheraton – which I have found to be the quickest and easiest parking/shuttle.  My husbands business was right next to the airport so we stayed at The Embassy Suites SFO Airport.

Saturday, June 18th – With a typical large included breakfast and a free shuttle to Union Square we headed to the city.  The Shuttle dropped us at The Westin St. Francis (The Grand Dame of the city).  This was a good starting point.  Looking to get some tourist stuff taken care of we asked the closest spot to take a Cable Car ride up to Nob Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf.  We soon found out that all the long lines we saw along the roads were the lines for the Cable Cars.  The bellman at The Westin said the waits were 1 ½ – 2 hours and suggested heading down Market Street to the Vintage streetcars which bring you to Fisherman’s Wharf.  The cost was $1.50 per person each way.  We got off at Pier 39 Boardwalk.  Here you will find  many shops and restaurants.  This is also where the tours to Alcatraz depart.

**Important note – If you have any clients interested in the Alcatraz Tour they must book in advance. Just for informational purposes we tried to get tickets for any tour over the weekend…no luck.  During the busy season they are sold out months in advance.  When I returned and talked about this Beth checked quick for clients that were going the next week and could not get them tickets during their stay.**

There are several harbor cruises ranging from 30-minutes to 4-hour dinner cruises departing from Pier 39. Because we had such limited time we chose a 30-minute cruise.  This took us around Alcatraz Island and up close to the San Francisco Seals. It was a very reasonable $30.00 per person but I learned the hard way the difference in the Atlantic Ocean and The Pacific.  I am comfortable on any size boat but was not prepared for the rough water of the San Francisco Bay.  I would advise to look for the largest boat available!

We walked past Old Fisherman’s Wharf to Ghirardelli Square.  Our plan was to take the Cable Car back down to Union Square only to find the lines were now 3 1/2-hours long.  So it was back up by the Vintage Streetcar.

I stopped in to the Westin St. Francis and also The Sir Francis Drake. Both good locations and would recommend.  However, I have to say I was not prepared for the homeless situation in San Francisco.  Just one block from the Westin makes a big difference.  I don’t think I would recommend anything else in Union Square area.  Nob Hill will be my recommendation from now on.  After walking around, I understood why our shuttle driver who saw we were unsure which way to turn when he dropped us off on the side of the Westin, said turn right – you don’t want to turn left.

Sunday, June 19th

Today we headed to Sonoma and Napa.  We took the Golden Gate Bridge.  Definitely a sight to see.

We lucked out with a beautiful sunny day and a beautiful view of the bridge. Once over the bridge and out of traffic we relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather and ride to wine country.  We stopped in Sonoma for lunch and a quick walk through the shops in town.  We then headed to Napa.  A quick call to a family member who is a wine conoisseur for her expert advice we had some suggestions for their favorite wineries:

Silver Oak for the best Cabernet, Chateau Montelena for the spectacular grounds and wines, Duckhorn for an excellent tasting & Beringer for an entertaining tour. Again, we had a time restraint and could only try one.  We settled on Beringer.  The tour was entertaining and the grounds beautiful.  I was surprised to taste some of their better wines and found my new favorite – Beringer Estates Collection – Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvigon 2013.

It was evening as we returned to San Francisco via Route 1 – through farm county – and savored the view of the lights of the city as we headed back over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just a note about going over The Golden Gate Bridge. You pay the toll on the return trip.  However, there are no cash tolls.  Everything is online.  You can go online and pay ahead of time (Fas Trak) or Pay by Plate with no stopping at the Toll Plaza.  With this option you will need to go online and pay within 48- hours of your crossing.  Your license plate is photographed as you cross the bridge.  The website is www.goldengate.org. The toll is $7.00.

 

Although this was a very quick visit I was really able to get the lay of the land in San Francisco and a better idea of hotel locations.  The highlight was wine country, which is definitely a must return!!!

 

Submitted by: Martha McNeile

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

St. Martin & Anguilla- Island Destinations (May 2016)

 

 

FAM TRIP TO ST. MARTIN AND ANGUILLA

HOSTED BY ISLAND DESTINATIONS

MAY 16-22

 

I first have to say that our hosts Gabriel and Elina from Island Destinations were outstanding and we had a great group of agents on the trip. We were a small group consisting of agents from Boston, the New York area, Sao Paolo, Oklahoma City, LA, Charlotte and myself, so it was quite a mix.

This trip consisted of inspections of resorts at La Samanna in St. Martin, Cuisinart Golf and Spa Resort,  Malliouhana, Cap Juluca, Kishti Villas, Element Villas, and Viceroy that are all in Anquilla. All of our transportation was provided by Fun Time Charter with our (Asian) driver Rodney.

LA SAMANNA

Our first stop and overnight was at The Belmond La Samanna. This resort of consists of 83 rooms and suites, 8 three and four bedroom villas. I stayed in a one bedroom terrace suite which had a large sitting area, bedroom, small kitchen, oversized bathroom with a rain shower and Jacuzzi bathtub with L’occitaine amenities, private balcony leading to a rooftop terrace. My suite was overlooking the beach and the pool/beach bar. All of the rooms are ocean view and we were able to see the deluxe rooms, two bedroom suite, terrace suite, 2 bedroom cottage. This resort has a wonderful dining venue such as the Trellis Restaurant serving French cuisine, the Interlude which offers a buffet breakfast each morning, and the Beach Bar offering salads, grilled fish and light fare during the day. The resort has 2 pools – one main pool and one infinity pool near the beach bar and beach cabanas are also available to rent on a daily or weekly basis. We visited the Spa which had 6 massage rooms and 2 facials and an outdoor shower. They have three professional tennis courts and a stunning fitness center with a full range of exercise equipment.

After the site inspection was over we were sent to one of the private villas located on the cliff for dinner which was prepared for us by the executive chef and hosted by Tracey Fentem, Director of Sales and Marketing. He prepared a wonderful dinner consisting of appetizers, cucumber soup, tuna tartar, and Sea Bass.

CUISINART GOLF REOSRT AND SPA

The next morning we were met at the resort and taken to the ferry for our twenty minute ride to Anguilla. We had a private transfer to our next stay for 2 nights at Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa. We were met by our hosts Angelique Peterson, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Christy Connolly, Senior Sales Manager. I have to say that they were my favorite resort hosts on the trip and I would like to thank them for making my stay at Cuisinart a memorable one.

This resort offers everything – pure and simple – and it has the most amazing beach. They have 98 suites, and private villas with pools. They are located on Rendezvous Bay with the most amazing beach. They also can guarantee connecting rooms if you have a family with small children. If you book with ID they almost always upgrade your clients to the beachfront suite, which was where I was fortunate to stay for the next few nights. My room was very spacious with large bedroom with a private sitting area, a huge walk-in closet, large balcony, and the bathroom has a private shower, oversized bath tub and L’occitaine amenties. The resort offers a wonderful spa facility, 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, cooking classes and wine tastings. If you are a beach person they offer sunfish sailboats, Hobie cats, windsurfers, snorkels, masks and fins. I did a little bit of snorkeling while the beach staff set up my chair. They provided me with towels and water and at 3 PM they gave me a sorbet which was a wonderful treat. They also had a nice pool located in the center of the resort. Although my stay was short we were given a tour of the Hydroponic Farm and a cooking class by Executive Chef Jasper.  We also had lunch at the Café Mediteraneo and dinner at Tokyo which was delicious.  The resort also has a Chef’s Table , Italian and French Restaurant located on the property. The only thing that I would recommend them would be to update the balcony furniture.

CAP JULUCA

We had some time during our stay at Cuisinart to do a site inspection at Cap Juluca which had recently gone through a 22 million dollar renovation. This resort is located on Maunday Bay which is around the corner from Cuisinart. The resort consists of 15-20 Moorish style buildings. The accommodations are spread out and all facing the mile long beach. All rooms have French doors that open up to your private balcony or patio, all rooms are ocean view. I was able to see the newly renovated Jonquil Suite which a 3200 sq ft villa featuring  2 master bedrooms, a sitting room, full service kitchen, oceanfront dining terrace and a Jacuzzi with a freshwater infinity pool. I was also able to inspect a superior room, luxury room and a Jr. Suite with one being slightly larger than each other. All rooms had TV and Cable, Bose wave music system, wireless internet, air conditioning, ceiling fan, telephone, refrigerator, marble bathroom with separate shower area and bidet, with the Jr. Suites having a soaking tub.  The resort has three restaurants, Pimm’s: European Cuisine, Spice: Pan Asian cuisine, and Blue: Caribbean Cuisine. After our site inspection we had dinner at Pimm’s hosted by Kevin Carty who is Manager of Operations. Although I didn’t see the pool I know that one exists. The hotel offers a variety of water sports and also a has a spa and tennis courts.

MALLIOUHANA

Our next overnight stay was at Malliouhana. This resort had been closed for 4 years and has recently re-opened. We arrived at 10:30 and they immediately checked us into our rooms. This resort consists of an impressive lobby, 44 rooms with garden view, ocean view, Jr. suites and 2 bedroom suites. The only connecting room option in this resort is a king/king which I found quite odd. The resort has 2 restaurants – The Restaurant at Malliouhana and the Sunset Bar. The bathrooms have dual vanities, separate soaking tub and shower. The rooms themselves are very bright featuring either 2 queen bed or a king, private sitting area and the TV is in located in the mirror, and all rooms are connected to wireless internet. The balconies are very large with bright orange rocking lounge chairs with a table and 2 chairs. The pool area consists of 2 infinity pools, one adult only and one family pool and they are located right next to each other. They have 2 beach areas, one on Mead’s bay and one on the other side of the resort which is very private.  There are a lot of steps to get down to the beach but they will give you a ride if necessary. They also have a fitness center, spa and bikes on property.

KISHTI VILLAS

We were able to see Kishti East and West. These villas are located right on Meads Bay and right on the ocean. Kishti East is a 6 bedroom villa located closer to the ocean, and the West is a 5 bedroom villa which is set further back. In high season a chef is included and in the off season a chef will be at the site 3 times only serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a prep kitchen, TV room, and fitness area which is located in the basement, wireless internet and a rooftop sunbathing deck. All of the windows are floor to ceiling which offers fabulous views of the ocean. Each villa has its own private pool with  lounge chairs.

ELEMENTS VILLAS

There are 3 villas in the Elements Villa collection – they are Sand, Sea, and Sky. We were able to see the Sea and Sky villa. The Sea villa is a 5 bedroom and the Sky villa is a 4 bedroom. All villas are beachfront with a private staircase to the beach. Each villa comes with continental breakfast daily, butler service for 8 hours daily, housekeeping daily, outside dining area, infinity pool, ceiling fans throughout, heated Jacuzzi by the pool, large outdoor showers, and high speed internet.  Some of the bathrooms have outdoor showers. They also offer a full fitness center and tennis courts. If you want a private escape this would be the place to go.

VICEROY ANGUILLA

This resort is the largest on the island with 188 rooms, suites and villas. We stayed in a 4 bedroom ocean view villa with private infinity pool for 2 nights. It had a master suite with a large bathroom, separate shower, bath tub, and toilet, with a private outdoor shower with access right out to the pool the Jr. suite had the same amenities with a smaller bedroom area., the third bedroom had 2 double beds with a private bathroom. The fourth bedroom was located outside from the main villa. Most people use this room for the nanny. All of the villas have a large kitchen, laundry facilities, living area with cable/tv and wireless internet through the resort. The resort boasts an 8,000 sq. ft. oceanfront spa, 3 championship tennis courts, saltwater adults only infinity pool, family pool, fitness center, five dining and lounge locations. We had dinner at Coba at the sunset lounge. They offer continental breakfast each morning at Aleta, but it was more than continental breakfast. They offered a huge selection of breads and rolls, fruits, cook to order omelets, and yogurts. This resort has 2 beaches one on Mead’s bay where you can find a host of water sports and another one which is on the villa side and is more private. The is also a wonderful place for lunch on the villa side called the Half Shell.  If you want to see and be seen this is the place to be.

 

 

Anguilla happens to be my favorite island now!

Thank you ID for the invite, I can’t wait until the next time!

Kris Levy

East Greenwich

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

UNN Port Ferdinand & St. Peters Bay- Barbados (April 2016)

FAM Report

 

 

Accommodations:

  • 8 of us were lucky enough to stay at Port Ferdinand Luxury Residences
  • This is located nearby historic Speightstown on the Northwest coast of Barbados.
  • Offering 82 residences and 120 berths, each home has its own uninterrupted view of the marina, with many of the homes also offering direct views beyond the marina to the Caribbean Sea.
  • The villas are decorated with a combination of restoration hardware meets beachy comfort. While it was beautifully appointed, I felt the furniture was comfy, cozy, and laid back.
  • The villas come either 2 or 3 bedroom style, including a fully equipped kitchen with all the modern amenities, the living room and bedrooms are equipped with beautiful flat screen tv’s. Each bedroom has a full bathroom attached as well.
  • The staff was EXTREMELY attentive. The concierge staff is absolutely amazing.

 

Accommodations: site inspection of St Peters Bay—sister property of Port Ferdinand.

  • This resort is geared much more towards families with larger accommodations, more expansive beach, and a 160 foot lagoon pool.
  • Similar villa style accommodations to Port Ferdinand. Their luxury three bedroom fully furnished homes range in size from 2700 square feet to their expansive 4 bedroom penthouses offering over 6300 square feet of living area.
  • Every home enjoys amazing “picture postcard” views of the beautiful coconut trees, the beach, and the ocean.
  • St Peter’s Bay only dining option is The Gazebo Bar & Grill which offers simple food with a stunning ocean view. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers bar service throughout the day. Nothing better than sipping on arguably the best rum punch I have ever had, watching the sunset.

 
Dining:

  • The resort has 2 restaurants plus room service. A personal chef can be hired too.
  • 13/59 is the fine dining restaurant. Drawing on their extensive knowledge from around the world, they combine beautiful Barbadian ingredients with modern techniques. We had dinner and brunch here and the food was over the top with an array of choices. I had freshly caught Wahoo fish for dinner and chicken and waffles for brunch so you can see the variety there.
  • The Quarterdeck/Pool Island Bar offers full cocktail and lunch service. Food service is also available on the beach from the pool island restaurant.
  • The cost of the food is additional as this is an EP resort.
On-Site Entertainment & Activities

  • Both resorts offer well equipped fitness centers with personal training.
  • Port Ferdinand has a great kids club, all included
  • Port Ferdinand has an “adult games room” fully stocked with card tables, pool table, and a golf simulator, perfect for a rainy afternoon.
  • St Peters Bay has a beauty lounge for salon services but the Sandbox Tree Spa located at Port Ferdinand with its private outdoor showers and quaint, quiet backyard, cannot be missed.
  • The resorts are connected by a quick 10-minute water taxi which not only brings you between the 2 resorts but will stop at a grocery store along the way to pick up groceries for your villa and other local restaurants and shopping.
  • Port Ferdinand is located adjacent to Six Men’s Beach via water taxi or about a 10 minute walk over, guests can enjoy lots of water sports all included (for the time being). I jetskiied, water tubed, and snorkeled all minutes away from my room.
  • Live jazz music fills the restaurants and dockside at Port Ferdinand during most days/nights.

 

 

General Comments:

  • Jetblue Mint service is really a premium class experience for not much more of a cost than economy. In the airport, Mint allows clients faster airport check in, speedy security lines and early boarding. While onboard guests can enjoy open bar, full meals and unlimited snacks, beauty boxes, and free Wifi and DirectTV.
  • Both resorts have the added benefit of skipping the customs line when you land in Barbados. With that said, I had landed, gone through customs, and got into my transfer all within 15 minutes.
  • Docked right at Port Ferdinand, we boarded Cool Runnings, a private Catamaran for a sunset cruise dinner. It is very popular among guests. Fantastic staff and the food was all prepared by a chef with local ingredients.
  • Few local things that are a MUST: Friday nights at Oistins Fish Fry—a small fishing village with a town square lined with little food huts and a big stage where local events are held. Guests come and fill their plates with all the local fixins. Very informal, very delicious! Sunday nights at Raggamuffins—every Sunday the small street in Holetown shut down for a block party. One restaurant stays open where all locals and guests can listen to music and get some drinks. The best part is the VERY low budget drag show at Raggamuffins with the queens in sky high heels singing some of the classics like Celine Dion, Rihanna (obviously) and Tina Turner. The whole place was up and dancing.
  • Barbados is known for its rum and it is NOT a myth. The rum punches are NO JOKE. It is part of Bajan hospitality to offer any guests a rum punch and you don’t turn them down.. With local rum and spices, it is perfectly unique to the island.
  • Speaking of local rum, the main rum distillery is the famous Mount Gay Rum. However, I was able to tour a smaller, more quaint St Nicholas Abbey distillery, the only rum made from pure sugar cane. Lots of history and education on the distilling process.
  • I was also able to take part in an island favorite of swimming with turtles. Couple of the water sports guys took us out on a boat armed with snorkel gear and raw fish to lure the turtles over. Such majestic creatures and such a fun experience.
  • The GM of St Peters Bay is super hands on with clients. Him and his family are very active and love to involve guests on moonlight kayaking trips, night fishing, and sunrise hikes. I jumped at the chance to see the sunrise on the last morning and hiked up Chalky Mountain at 5am.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

Iberostar Rose Hall Suites- Jamaica (December 2015)

 

 

 

FAM Report by Leslie P

Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Jamaica

 

I had the pleasure of spending 4 nights with my family at this property, our stay was fantastic!

 

Took Exceptional to Logan, please be careful when departing on American from Logan. We were 1st dropped off at the original American section of terminal B, but we needed to be on the other side where the old USAir flights departed from.  Fortunately an AA rep. knew from our flight number, so we jumped back in car and was taken to other side  – it’s walkable but just a pain if at wrong area of terminal B.   AA flights were all good and on time, non-stop flight was perfect. Cleared customs in Charlotte, on the return (not too long) but that airport seems to get busier and busier!

 

I booked through our TL/ The Resort Collection as they offer each office a 3 night stay.

I stumbled across it on Mercavia: http://www.mercavia.com/Mercavia/Suppliers/Hotels/TheResortCollection/index.htm

There were 2 teens in our room, they were an additional $95 per night, so much for free … darn kids, haha!

 

Transfers: Iberostar did not include transfers.  I pre-booked with Jamaica Tours Ltd, it was $25 roundtrip per person, shared, gave 10% discount for agents.  Took about 40 minutes to get to hotel.

 

Iberostar Suites is a resort within 3. Iberostar Grand (adults only, access to all 3 resorts), Rose Hall Suites (access to Beach resort) and then the Beach Resort (limited to this resort)

 

I have nothing but great reviews, from check-in to check-out, every staff member was accommodating, friendly. The suites offer 2 beds (some a king) and a large sitting area with a pull-out sofa, balcony, garden or ocean view, huge double vanity, soaking tub, stand up shower, in-room WiFi, also at the pool and beach area. The hotel only has two family suites that includes an extra king bedded room (floor to ceiling window – no balcony in the extra room).  They do not sell this room as a category but try to upgrade people with families or more than 1 child.  We were fortunate to get this upgrade.  I highly recommend requesting if you have 2 older kids in the room, but it can’t be guaranteed.  The rooms are on 4th floor, offer an ocean view but are not oceanfront.The railing of the balcony was so high, when you sat in the smaller patio set, you couldn’t see over it – my only downfall of the room.

Mini-fridge stocked with water, soda and beer, coffee maker. TV with a most movie channels.  Turndown service a pleasure – room feels refreshed when you come back up for the night.  Hotel offers lunch/dinner (not breakfast) menu for room service – took a while, but food was good (kids had to try it of course).

Resturants were all fantastic, but reservations are required. We were not able to get into the 2 nicer restaurants (Mare Nostrum or Calabash) they were either booked or closed on certain nights.  I really didn’t think that time of the year would be difficult but if going at a peak time, they should make reservations as soon as it is open.  The Steak House, Mexican and buffets were all excellent.  We never had a complaint.  Staying at the Suites you can also dine at the Beach Resort restaurants, 4 additional restaurants to pick from, it’s a nice option if you cannot get into the main restaurants but even they were booked on short notice.  Booze was very good quality.

 

The Beach is rather large considering you can walk the distance of all 3 resorts. Water is ok, it’s not the typical turquoise blue clear water, it’s a little cloudy.  Included watersports are really only snorkel or kayaks, limited to 1 hour per day, per room.  There are other activities all at a cost and cannot be billed to the room, it’s a separate company but very professional.  Girls went parasailing; it was $130 for the 2 of them. The activities directors are constantly doing something, the pool area is loud when the typical activities are happening (water aerobics, arm wrestling contests, bingo etc), but there is a smaller pool if you want a little quieter, the lazy river is small – but really perfect!

 

I did a site inspection of the Grand (adults only), amazing property, the lobby, pool and all restaurants are stunning. Pool has a concierge for towels, suntan lotion.  Each room has butler service, stocked mini bar with nips and you can request large bottle of booze of the smaller nips.  All booze is top shelf. 24 hour room service including small breakfast menu. The pool area has beautiful beach bed and cabanas that are 1st come 1st service, even the beach chairs look more comfortable than the other 2 resorts.  Being adult only – it was MUCH quieter than the Suites or the Beach Resort.

 

The Suites and Grand share the water sport beach booth, and between the two is a circular atrium where the theater, shops, spa (use of the wellness pool, saunas and whirlpool are complimentary for both, not the Beach resort), huge gym with Pilates/yoga classes, casino, shopping center, billiard room/bar and disco are located and all shared.

The shows were excellent and rather entertaining.

 

I would recommend the Suites or Grand to anyone, if not much more the Suites is well worth the upgrade from the Beach Resort, especially for all the added dining options, larger rooms – it’s well worth the upgrade!! The hotel has a shuttle that runs evey hour on the hour and will take you to the shopping center a few miles down the street, it looked very nice, it’s a true shopping center not an outdoor market.

 

We went on a zip lining tour, it was great Chukka Tours, it was $79 per person, we hit about 10 zips, lots of walking and the zillion mosquito bites were at no additional charge, that was after using the Jamaica bug spray too!  Good trip fun.

 

I’m so glad I went to Jamaica, I’ve not been in about 15 years, the island has changed so much. There’s so much to do now, it’s not just Dunn’s River or Negril for tours, lots of parks and adventurous things to do.  I’m eager to return!!!!

 

Thanks! Leslie P

 

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