What’s New On St. Lucia World Class High End Hotels Spruce Up The Landscape

By Walter Greene

THE LANDINGS
St. Lucia is becoming a high-end escape for the well heeled. New properties are popping up out of the lush greenery that has made St Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous islands. The Landings, on the north of the island, on Rodney Bay opened it’s doors recently and is still being spruced up with finishing touches. During a real St Lucian breakfast of Salt Fish and Bakes, with hot `cocoa tea’, David Abraham, the interim General Manager explained that there was still a lot of elements to be put into place before the lush resort is finalized.

“The resort opened it’s doors in November 2007, 62 rooms are completed and there will be 260 rooms once everything is finished. The final completion is due by the end if 2008,” revealed David. The Landing’s initial attraction is the vast lobby which is called `The Pavilion.’ a lofty ceiling, tall pillars, a circular balcony and a huge cascading waterfall catches the eye. “This space is great and people love to gather here at night....We offer a very unique peaceful high end level of service.”

Responding to the upsurge of high-end properties on St. Lucia, and the state of smaller boutique and family type properties, David stated; “I think anything tries to seek it’s balance. St. Lucia has seen it’s share of high end properties and a lot of them are being discussed. I don’t see them tipping the scales. There are some phenomenal small properties, the Minister of Tourism, Allan Chastanet is very wise to keep that balance.”

Emphasizing that the key to the whole experience comes back to the hospitality of the St. Lucian’s, David said; “Again I go back to the people and the geography, St Lucia is an exciting and diverse place. There is an easy and frequent smile. The people of St. Lucia are warm and welcoming. They say `make yourself at home’ and they mean it, the people here are fun, happy and have a great sense of humor. Our staff know that we are all in the service industry and they like it. In some countries, the service industry workers do it because it’s the only job. Here in St. Lucia they like it and are very good at it.”

The Landings services a huge boat culture and cater to yachts and boats in it’s 80 slip marina. The beach is phenomenal and `The Yacht Haven’ restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast is truly exquisite. By completion, there will be a second restaurant and a special Sunday brunch, plus Bar-B-Que will be in place.

David also alluded to the fact that a special children’s program is in development. An ultra-modern gym with personal trainers available is just next door to the 7,000 square foot Rock Resort Spa, which has eight t reatment rooms. Guests can choose their own music during treatments that include: body wraps, facials and soothing massages. A full service beauty salon feature Susan Posnick Cosmetics and the `Sparitual’ Beauty line.

Meanwhile, also in the north end of St Lucia, right next door to Almond Smuggler’s Cove, the new Cap Maison is quickly taking shape and due to open in the middle of September. The Ritz Carlton is coming on board in Vieux Fort on the south of the island in the vicinity of the airport. The massive Paradis Beach, Golf & Marina Resort in Dennery on the south of St Lucia, is in construction upon 600 acres of the seaside greenery. A world-class 12 hole Greg Norman Championship Golf Course is being built on that property which is scheduled to be more than just a resort, Paradis will also feature a privileged collection of residences.

 

Hoofing it in St. Maarten

Philipsburg, St. Maarten,– With tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and 37 sun swept beaches, there is no lack of beautiful landscapes and natural diversity in St. Maarten.  Visitors to this beautiful Caribbean nation can opt to explore the different parts of the island in a way that’s as unique as St. Maarten itself – on horseback.  There are several equestrian tours available for novice and expert riders that offer an extraordinary way to see the sites.
 
On horseback, riders can explore rarely traveled nature trails leading to hidden coves or pristine waterfalls, ride alongside the beautiful turquoise water as the sun sets in the distance or discover the lush St. Maarten vegetation and beautiful overlooks that showcase this picturesque island. Embarking on a horseback ride enables visitors to tackle more rigorous terrain and discover off the beaten path areas that are difficult to access on foot.  With numerous historical sites that are scattered throughout the island, travel by horseback also allows entry to cultural and historical wonders that cannot be accessed by car.
 The ease of traveling by horseback is also ideal for families, benefiting both children and adults looking for an easier way to reach some of St. Maarten’s highest peaks to experience some of the country’s most breathtaking views.

Lucky Stables, one of St. Maarten’s top equestrian centers, which has been in operation since 1985, offers guests a wide selection of well-kept Antillianos horses, a local breed that is famous for being friendly and well-behaved. Guests of Lucky Stables can choose from a number of horseback riding adventure packages that include such trips as a one-hour and two-hour trail ride or sunset ride, as well as a night champagne ride. Each of these three tours pass through the rolling hills of St. Maarten, often just yards away from the blue water edge. The trips also feature breathtaking views of neighboring islands of Saba, St. Kitts and Nevis and will lead you to the most southerly tip of the island where you will traverse acres of green, unspoiled wilderness that forms part of a nature reserve.

The cost for participation ranges from $50 - $70 per person, and includes an introductory riding course.  For more information, call +011 (599) 544 5255 or visit http://luckystables.shoreadventures.net/
 
Bayside Riding Club, situated on 7 ½ acres bordering a nature marine reserve, this local riding club is located in French St. Martin near Le Galion Beach. In operation since 1992, this picturesque facility is home to a wide selection of rescued horses from around the world. This equestrian center not only acts a retirement home to horses but also offers guests a host of horseback riding excursions that can last from 1 or 2 hours and visit a number of local attractions. Ideal for new riders or families with small children, the bayside Riding Club also offers pony rides for children under the age of 7.

 

Jamaica Enjoys Increased Airlift 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – August 13, 2008 – Jamaica will enjoy increased airlift from Delta Air Lines on its Atlanta/Montego Bay route beginning this winter.  Starting December 20, 2008, travelers will have three daily flights to select from when flying to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).  The Atlanta gateway allows for connection from all primary U.S. gateways to Montego Bay.
 
“Delta Air Lines is one of Jamaica’s strong air partners in the Southeast, continuing to meet growing consumer demand for flights to the island,” said Basil Smith, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.  “The increase in flights to Jamaica, during a time when many airlines are decreasing existing routes, shows the continuing popularity of the destination.”
 
Following are details on the daily flights between ATL and MBJ:
 
Flight Departs Arrives Frequency 357 Atlanta at 8:30 a.m. Montego Bay at 11:24 a.m. Daily 358 Montego Bay at 12:14 p.m. Atlanta at 3:13 p.m. Daily 359 Atlanta at 9:45 a.m. Montego Bay at 12:38 p.m. Daily 360 Montego Bay at 1:38 p.m. Atlanta at 1:38 p.m. Daily 361 Atlanta at 2:35 p.m. Montego Bay at 5:25 p.m. Daily 362 Montego Bay at 3:10 p.m. Atlanta at 6:14 p.m. Daily  

Additionally, Delta will offer service to Montego Bay from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport resuming on December 20, 2008.
 
In addition to increased airlift, Jamaica is also experiencing growth of its on-island tourism product.  New hotel rooms are coming on board with the construction of new hotels, including Palmyra Resort & Spa and the Fiesta Group’s Grand Palladium Hotel.