KINGSTON, Jamaica – An attractive range of special packages offers great value for travel to Jamaica this winter season at leading resorts across the island.
Half Moon will launch its Winter Escape package on January 5, 2008, providing extraordinary value for large families. Groups of eight to 14 people staying a minimum of five nights in villa accommodations enjoy credits of US$1,000 for a five-bedroom villa and US$1,400 for a seven-bedroom villa. The package includes daily breakfast and round-trip airport transfers. Guests have a choice of water, waterfront or garden views (www.halfmoon.com).
Breezes Montego Bay is offering tremendous savings with oceanfront suites starting at US$140. Guests staying at least three nights now through December 20 can book a cabin for just US$104 per night and a Deluxe Ocean View from US$128 (www.superclubs.com).
Starfish Trelawny’s SuperSale runs now through December 20. This family-friendly, all-inclusive resort boasts four pools and six dining options. Rates start at US$81 for a SuperSelect package, or US$99 for a Mountain View room (www.superclubs.com).
Beaches Resorts are offering savings of up to 45 percent off regular rates this winter. With specials for the whole family, parents can take a break with the Parents’ Night Out bundle, which includes: a 50-minute couple’s massage at the exclusive Red Lane® Spa; sundown Champagne and a chocolate-dipped tropical fruit treat on the beach; a private four-course candlelight dinner with personalized menu. Three hours of private nanny services and special activities for one- to 12-year-olds keep kids safe and happy. Beaches’ Pirate Island Waterparks, exclusive Crayola Art Camps and Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street are just some of the exciting child-friendly escapes for younger guests (www.beaches.com).
A Secret Rendezvous for the holidays at any of the four Couples Resorts is a great choice for last-minute getaways. Rates in November begin at just US$275 per night, per couple, representing savings of almost 40 percent off regular room rates. Guests choose and book their dates of travel, then learn their resort location seven days prior to departure. All Couples Resorts offer premium accommodations and inclusions (www.couples.com).
Savings of approximately 45 percent are offered at Sandals Resorts, where luxurious accommodations feature a side-by-side couple’s treatment at Sandals’ exclusive Red Lane® spa and marble bathrooms; and fine dining includes unlimited wine and premium-brand spirits. Sandals also offers a wide range of tour excursions and land and water sports. (www.sandals.com).
Weddings, Honeymoons and Babymoons
Rondel Village in Negril offers a comprehensive wedding package for couples between January 7 and 23, 2008. Priced from US$625, the package includes: the services of a marriage officer; cost of a marriage license; a bouquet for the bride; a boutonnière for the groom; a bottle of Champagne; a one-layer Jamaican wedding cake; an elegantly decorated beachside setting; and a photographer to capture it all for lifelong memories. Also offered at Rondel Village is a special honeymoon package that includes: a tropical fruit basket; a bouquet of flowers in the villa or room upon arrival; breakfast in bed one morning; nightly turndown service; and a bottle of Champagne. This program is priced at US$155 (www.RondelVillage.com).
Parents-in-waiting can relax at Grand Lido Resorts & Spas, where pampering five-day/four-night Babymoon packages are priced from US$2,200 per couple. Features include personal training sessions for him and specialized in-room manicures and pedicures for her. Couples can enjoy time together with a rejuvenating foot massage for two, or reserve a hammock on the beach for romantic sunset viewing. Guests who stay five nights or longer receive an additional spa credit of up to US$350 per room. The Babymoon package additionally offers future savings with a 10-percent discount at any of four family-friendly affiliated properties when the couple brings along its newly expanded family (www.superclubs.com).
Winter Adventures
A romantic choice for exploring Jamaica by boat is the Chukka Ocean Safari designed specially for two by Chukka Adventures. Guests are escorted in grand style to their own private beach, where a Chukka guide will give partners an orientation and test their skills before they take to the open sea.
Couples will head up the picturesque coastline of Jamaica’s garden parish St. Ann, to a private sanctuary, home to the indigenous snow-white Egret. Chukka guides provide a history of Jamaica and its landmark sites during the tour. A visit to a select private spot offers great snorkeling before the return journey to the beach for relaxation, and a delicious tropical drink (www.chukkacaribbean.com).
