MONTPELIER
PLANTATION INN in Nevis is the sole Caribbean resort
selected to join Relais & Chateaux in 2006. The associations
roster of 453 luxury hotels, resorts and restaurants in 50
countries on five continents includes 34 new members in Europe,
Africa, Asia, North America and South America in addition to the
Nevis resort. Six Caribbean properties are current Relais &
Chateaux members, including Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda,
British Virgin Islands; Cobblers Cove, Barbados; Hotel Cap Est
Lagoon Resort & Spa, Martinique; the Horned Dorset Primavera,
Puerto Rico; and Eden Rock and Le Toiny, both on St. Barts. For a
complete listing, visit www.relaischateaux.com.
ANGUILLAS Ministry of Infrastructure and
the Taxi Association set a new rate structure for taxi fares.
Anguilla is now divided into 10 zones, and additional charges apply
when entering a new zone. The new structure replaces the old point
system, which only indicated taxi rates from the ports of entry.
All drivers now are required to display the new zone charges in
their taxis. Copies also are available from members of the Anguilla
Hotel and Tourism Association. In addition, rates are posted on the
Government of Anguilla Web site at www.gov.ai.
WEB
SITE-INGS
" St. Barth
Properties launched The St. Barth Insider at http://stbarth.com/travelagents.fhtml. The site
contains information about St. Barth [Barts], including events,
updates on restaurants and boutiques and descriptions with photos
and rates of more than 140 commissionable villas and 20 hotels in
the St. Barth Properties collection. Agents can submit reservation
requests and make bookings directly on the site.
" Peter Island
resort in the British Virgin Islands launched the first
phase of its new Web site at www.peterisland.com. The site is double the
size and scope of the previous version. In phase two, slated for
the first quarter of 2006, the site will address travel agent
benefits and rewards, a comprehensive guest loyalty program and an
on-line booking solution.
LODGEPODGE
" To combat
the onset of the winter blues or -- clinically speaking,
Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD] -- several hotels on Aruba are
offering escape packages, valid from January through April.
Properties include La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort & Casino
with daily rates from $292, single or double, from Jan. 2 to April
16, www.lacabana.com; Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort &
Casino, seventh night free when six are booked, from $460 per
night, double, Jan. 3 to April 29, www.hyatt.com; and Aruba Marriott Resort &
Stellaris Casino, five-night minimum stay on a Soul Mates package
with picnic, massage, candlelight dinner, and salsa lessons, from
$555 per night, double, Jan. 2 to April 30, www.arubamarriott.com. For a complete list of
properties, visit www.aruba.com.
" Bolongo Bay
Beach Resort, St. Thomas offers savings of $437 per couple
on its seven-night Christmas Special, Dec. 20 to 27, which must be
booked by Dec. 15. The price of $1,225 per couple covers
accommodations, use of kayaks and water sports equipment and an
in-pool scuba lesson. Santa arrives by waverunner or parasail on
Christmas morning with gifts for the kiddies. Mention the promotion
name when booking at (800) 524-4746.