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November 24, 2003 WUSA TV – Washington DC
Is an All Inclusive Vacation for You?
The description “all inclusive” isn’t just a Sandals, Couples or SuperClubs in the Caribbean but also encompasses cruises, barging on canals and rivers in France, England and throughout the world. Nearby we have resorts like the Greenbrier and Homestead. Many destinations that are not always described as all inclusive have special offers that will include all your meals and activities in a package.
My own all inclusive experiences include a variety of cruises, stays in many Caribbean, US and other foreign “all inclusive” properties equaling about 25 percent of my total travel. To be truthful, I’m a fan of most.
Here are some of the advantages and items you want to check in any agreement and brochures.
1. Most all inclusive resorts say they offer exceptional value by including
every aspect of the vacation experience with no hidden charges including no tipping so can keep your wallet in the resort or room safe.
In real life with a family or couple not everyone will partake in all the available activities you’re paying for. Some people just enjoy sitting on the beach, reading a book and the freedom of not being concerned about a single decision beyond an entree choice. Just the aspect of not one hassle from the airport to your beach front room is wonderful these days when flying has become a stressful undertaking.
2. Although there is a wide range and you need to verify these items, most all inclusive packages include accommodations, all meals and premium brand cocktails, land and water sport activities (with instruction and equipment--in some locations non motorized only), recreational activities, entertainment, complimentary beauty and spa service, hotel taxes, airport transfers, even full-service weddings (couples are responsible for necessary legal fees. Competition has led Couples and others to constantly add amenities and inclusions including horseback plantation tours, catamaran cruises, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, tours to Dunn’s River Falls, trips to Negril’s famous Rick’s Café, shuttle service to shops, breakfast in bed and internet access.
3. In a marketing effort to overcome objections to the possible monotony of the same place and same dining room for a week, many feature dine around and some even a sleep around exchange with affiliates at no extra cost. You can visit other properties for amenities, meals and in some cases even overnight stays.
4. The Wedding and Honeymoon. Couples Resorts, the original all-inclusive resort for couples only, where gratis ceremonies and hassle-free planning make wedding bliss a reality, is now performing over 2,000 weddings per year.
This is a big booming part of business for resorts from 1000 Islands in New York State to all over the Caribbean.
The complimentary wedding package at each of Couples three Resorts includes a non-denominational ceremony, champagne, two-tier cake, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, his and her half-hour massages, and matching commemorative t-shirts. Couples may also arrange for photographs and edited versions of a videotape of their wedding at an additional affordable cost. Professional, on-site wedding planners take the trouble out of planning leaving no worries for bride and groom.
What I’ve seen at several resorts over the past year is the brilliant idea of bringing the family and friends to the resort for the wedding and they can stay the week before or after as it fits their schedule. Another friend of mine will be attending a wedding and its celebration on a four day Caribbean cruise with the couples family and friends this spring. Last year in upstate New York at 1000 Islands I met a couple who were there for their wedding and lived less than a mile from my house in Arlington, Virginia!
5. Security. At the Grand Lido, Negril, Jamaica, security guards were located near the beach, generally resort personnel were always visible on the grounds and around the buildings. The entry gate was manned for screening visitors.
It was a similar situation in Nassau at the Sandals Royal Bahamian
Resort and Spa and their smaller exclusive Royal Plantation in Jamaica.
When ever we went on excursion around Jamaica, either the taxi driver hired by the hotel or other staff stayed close by. Several times on cruise ships we have opted to go off on our own hiring guides at the dock area. In the case of taking video equipment for a few hours visit in the Dominican Republic, we had two local “muscular” guides. In San Jose, Costa Rica, although museum guards warned us to be careful on the cities street as pickpockets were an issue, we (two women) never encountered any problems.
I stayed at all inclusive resorts in popular vacation areas of Malaysia and never felt any concern for my self or belongings. Nor have I ever experienced the loss of any item from a hotel or resort room or any threat to myself personally.
Tourism is the third largest industry in the world and in many countries number one. No one in the industry, any government or any other aspect of the travel industry ever wants you to be harmed or injured in anyway. That also goes for all of North America.
6. Upgrading your package. At many properties, including the multi award winning 4 star Half Moon in Jamaica, they are not an all inclusive but have several cost-effective packages, including a Golf Plan, Wedding Plan, Spa Plan, Imperial Plan, and the Platinum Plan.
The Platinum Plan includes airport transfers, bottle of champagne and welcome gift on arrival, Manager’s Cocktail Party, entertainment, all meals, bar drinks, a Dine Around and Sleep Around program at ERI hotels, golf green fees, water sports and other activities. Tax and service charge also included. The Platinum Plan is $150 per person, per day in addition to regular room rates. Half Moon also offers membership in a Vacation Club, which allows a vacationer to buy a certain number of weeks in a spacious suite over many years – similar to a time share.
Another nearby member of the Elegant Resorts International is the secluded enclave of Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Maintaining its mystique, Round Hill has attracted celebrities since the 50’s seeking its tranquil elegance and natural beauty including many who retain a villa here.
Water sports include snorkeling (a colorful coral reef is within easy swimming distance), scuba diving, water skiing, sunfish sailing, and windsurfing. In addition, deep-sea fishing and yacht charters may be arranged. Round Hill has five all-weather tennis courts, jogging and walking path, and a weekly nature walk. The Spa at Round Hill, is in a celebrated 19th century plantation on 10-acres of waterfront property next door to the Resort. This is a luxurious, full service spa, state of the art fitness center and tranquil beach facilities.
Vacationers seeking a pre-paid getaway may choose the all-inclusive “Platinum Plan” here too for $150 a day per person which is added to the accommodation rate. It includes airport transfers, all meals and bar drinks, afternoon tea, champagne, and gift basket upon arrival, aerobic classes, use of fitness center, a ½ hour in-room massage, day and night tennis, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboats, kayaks, glass bottom boat ride, nightly entertainment, manager’s cocktail party, all taxes and gratuities, one scuba dive per person, a raft ride on the Great River and a tour of Belfield 1794 Great House.
Platinum Plan members may also participate in the ERI Dine Around Program which enables them to eat at other Elegant Resorts in Jamaica or at one of four selected restaurants in Montego Bay at no extra cost.
Rates range from $260 to $550 per night, per room or suite, double occupancy from April 1 until December 14, and from $420 to $850 per night, from December 15 to March 31. Weekly rates in the villas range from $3,500 to $6,500 per week from April 1 to December 14 and from $7,000 to $13,000 in January and March. Meal plans include breakfast only at $25, breakfast and dinner at $80, and all three meals at $100.
7. Barge cruising is another ultimate inclusive “We always say everything is included, one literally has no requirement to put ones hand in ones pocket from Day 1” said Derek Banks of Go Barging-European Waterways. Available in Europe, Asia and throughout the world, my trip on the Mirabelle out of Dijon was typical with magnificent fresh food, 42 kinds of wine in a week, open brand-name liquor bar and at least as many glorious cheeses.
This is a wonderful trip for even the non-drinker – there is an entire culture around wine and wine making, as well as, brewing beer and distilling whiskey, rum and other beverages. It is easy to enjoy the scientific and many other aspects and the domains are frequently of great interest architecturally and historically. Winemakers, brew masters, blenders all themselves a unique group of characters, anxious to expand the public’s knowledge of their skillful processes. On most barge trips there is a bit of detail about the particular wine and other local specialties being served according to Naomi Kabak of E Waterways.
After nonstop eating for the second or third day one becomes adventuresome, and takes the bicycle to ride through the various picturesque towns and villages that run alongside the canal. A picnic lunch is provided for those who really wish to "adventure" on their own and do some sort of independent exploration. As to the river barges, this is more difficult. Independent sightseeing for the adventurous can be done only once the barge is moored in the village.
Some ideas on pricing. If one were to take the cruise only in regular season booking with E Waterways the cost would be $1990. In value season the cost is $1690. In March and November the cruise, transfers from specified point to the barge and return, 2 nights at a 3 star hotel in Paris and round trip air transportation from most U.S. cities is $1999 depending on the particular barge. So for only $9 more than the cost of the cruise in season I get the hotel, air, transfers etc. The package includes wine with lunch and dinner as well as daily sightseeing. Tipping is not included. The barge cruising companies, some listed below, offer several specials during the year.
Disadvantage? - Too much good food?
8. A private island escape. Kamalame Cay is a private island residence surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas. Located on a 96-acre private island off the coast of Andros Island, the resort hideaway is accessible only by ferry and is an exclusive experience in elegance, adventure, romance and luxury.
Guests at Kamalame Cay choose their own individually named villa or garden suite, each with its own stretch of white-sand beach. Appointed with cool, Indonesian-style furnishings and a wall of French doors facing the sea-even the bathrooms have views overlooking the ocean.
Gourmet Caribbean-inspired meals are served in the Great House, or, for a more intimate experience, at individual villas. For those who truly wish to be pampered, Kamalame Cove, a West Indian plantation style estate, comes equipped with its own private staff and chef, who will delight guests with local cuisine or prepare requests for specific tastes.
With proximity to the second largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere, underwater enthusiasts and anglers of all levels will find the surrounding waters offer spectacular scuba diving and fishing options just a few minutes from the island. The resort offers a freshwater swimming pool, tennis court, windsurfing equipment and sea kayaks.
Kamalame Cay single bedroom villas and cottage suites start at $510 per night and two-bedroom villa suites start at $1,190. The private island resort is adjacent to Andros Island in the Bahamas and an Island Outpost hotel.
9. Cayman Islands. Here is a small sample of what is available in the Cayman Islands and points out that in some cases to find the right property for your vacation and a special price you need to do some significant research or find people including travel agents that have actually been at the property for more than 20 minutes.
Although I had some sources for the Cayman Islands and hotels,
it was not an easy task to get more in-depth information. First I tried the website for Bass Hotels for the Holiday Inn. This was not too helpful and didn't provide much information on the property. Then I called Holiday Inn’s 800 number seeking information about the all inclusive program – it is briefly listed on the web site but the reservationist had no information in her computer. She was very nice and tried everything she could think of. Then I tried the Cayman Connection which is actually a trip wholesaler to the Caribbean. Debbie, there had visited every hotel and was familiar with the Holiday Inn and like my other source thought it was a nice property in a quiet location and across the street from the beach.
This exercise points out that sometimes you need to make quite a few calls to get information – questioning people for all the facts that they can contribute. It is my understanding that a two for one airfare by Cayman Airways will or is being offered to the Island. Unfortunately Cayman Airways told me they had no information and I would have to contact the Cayman Connection!
The Holiday Inn is a best value deal, nicest property, quite new with 231 rooms and across the street from 7 mile beach at the quiet section. All inclusive rates start at $169 per person.
Directly on 7 mile beach, Beach Club Colony is a 41 room property with an excellent reputation; they have all inclusive rates and many programs and seasonal specials. Check the website or e mail them per below.
Comparison chart prepared by Superclubs
SuperClubs (Super-Inclusive) 7 Nights (Deluxe Accommodations)$1999Airfare (2 Guests)$700Resort Taxes Included$0Tipping Included$0Open Seating Gourmet Dining$0Drinks (Alcohol, Wine & Soft drinks)$0Entertainment Included$0Golf (Unlimited) Green Fees? $0Snorkeling (Unlimited) Included$0Total
$2700
Cruise* (Partial Inclusive) 7 Nights (Outside Cabin)$2,200Airfare Included$0Port Charges$240Tipping$105Dining with Extra Cost Options$20Drinks (Alcohol, Wine & Soft drinks)$250Entertainment Included$0 Golf (1 Round, 2 People)$150Snorkeling (2 Excursions, 2
People)$120
Total_____$3,085
SuperClubs, the world's only Super-Inclusive resort group, includes properties in three SuperClubs brand categories: SuperClubs Grand Lido Resorts, SuperClubs Breezes Resorts, SuperClubs Hedonism Resorts.
SuperClubs
1-800-467-8737
www.superclubs.com.
Half Moon on Montego Bay
Jamaica
876 953 2211 Tel
876 953 2731 Fax
www.halfmoon.com.jm
Roundhill, Montego Bay
Jamaica
Call (800) 972-2159
876-956-7050
Fax 876-956-7505
reservations@roundhilljamaica.com
www.roundhilljamaica.com.
GO BARGING - European Waterways Ltd
35 Wharf Road, Wraysbury, Middx,
TW19 5JQ, ENGLAND
USA: 1 800 394 8630
Tel: 44 (0) 1784 482439
Fax: 44 (0) 1784 483072
www.GoBarging.com
EWATERWAYS
Toll-free Tel. (800) 676- 6613
Local Tel. (212) 685-4998
Fax (212) 689-5456
www.ewaterways.com
www.continentalwaterways.com
Sandals Resorts
1-888-SANDALS
or
1-888-BEACHES
www.sandals.com
Couples Resorts
1-800-COUPLES
www.couples.com.
Kamalame Cay
1-800-OUTPOST.
www.islandoutpost.com
Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism- government website has "$specials" and booking engine/information for all properties.
www.caymanislands.ky
Beach Club
Cayman Islands
www.caymanresortsonline.com/beachclub/rates.htm
E mail bchclub@candw.ky
Holiday Inn
Grand Cayman
1-800-HOLIDAY
www.basshotels.com
The Cayman Connection
1 800-468-6426
The Homestead
U.S. Route 220 Main Street
P.O. Box 2000
Hot Springs, VA 24445
800-838-1766
or 540-839-1766
Fax: 540-839-7670 (to reach our Reservations Department)
Fax: 540-839-7656 (to reach guests and our Business Center)
E-mail: Homestead.info@ourclub.com
www.thehomestead.com
The Greenbrier
300 West Main Street
White Sulphur Springs
West Virginia 24986
1 800 453 4858
1 304 546 7864 fax
www.greenbrier.com
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