Neckermann Awards 4 Cuba Hotels In Varadero, Guardalavaca And Cayo Santa Maria

Four hotels in Cuba have recently been honoured with receiving the Primo Awards 2011, in recognition of their exceptional facilities and services and awarded by German tour operator Neckermann Reizen, one of Germanys most important travel companies and part of the Thomas Cook travel group, among the largest in the world.

The awarded Cuba hotels were located in three of the islands most popular tourist hotspots and beach resorts, with two winning hotels in Guardalavaca, one in Varadero and one in the pristine key of Cayo Santa Maria, an exclusive beach resort growing in popularity among travellers seeking a more paradisiacal Cuba holiday experience in an isolated key that is still connected to the mainland by a causeway. The awarded Varadero hotel was the Iberostar Varadero, the Melia Las Dunas was the awarded resort in Cayo Santa Maria while the proud receivers of the award in Guardalavaca were the ultra-romantic Paradisus Rio de Oro and the secluded, peaceful and serene Playa Pesquero.

All of the Cuba hotels awarded were five-star all inclusive resorts and they received this latest German recognition for the high quality of service they offered to guests staying at said properties during luxury Cuba holidays on the beach and the outstanding level of customer care they received during their relaxing holidays in Cuba at three of the islands most popular resorts for gentle recreation under the sun.

The Neckermann awards are bestowed upon one hundred hotels worldwide, depending on the ranking they receive by customers of the travel company, who score higher points to their preferred hotels. The award-winning hotels in Cuba mentioned above were among the 10 best hotels of the 20 long-distance, meaning those located in countries with more than six hours of flight from Germany.

For decades the 20-kilometre-long beach stretch of Varadero has been attracting millions of holidaymakers seeking pristine beach getaways with modern comforts and outstanding hotels with modern facilities and superior service. Varadero hotels have for long enjoyed the status as one of the island’s best but after efforts made by Cuban authorities to open up new resorts and develop them for the international tourist market, now holidaymakers have started to look at new upcoming beach resorts like Guardalavaca and Cayo Santa Maria, promising outstanding accommodation and unique experiences. The luxury all inclusive, adults-only Paradisus Rios de Oro in Guardalavaca, for example, has started 2012 on a great note, after also winning the coveted title of “Travelers’ Choice 2012 Winner” by travel community TripAdvisor. Likewise the Iberostar Varadero was also declared this year’s TripAdvisor winner in the same category as Varadero’s number one choice for travellers.

The Playa Pesquero on the other hand is a totally secluded eco-friendly haven, set on a protected stretch of Playa Pesquero beach, near the Naranjo Bay National Park and set amidst thriving flora and fauna. Having been awarded several times in recognition of their green efforts as well as conservation and environmental protection, this exceptional eco-village ranks high on the list of eco-concerned travellers seeking eco-friendly holiday experiences in Cuba. The Melia Las Dunas on the other hand, has for long been a favourite among travellers visiting the virginal Cayo Santa Maria key. It distinguishes itself by providing top-notch all inclusive service and a large number of quality facilities for guests of all ages and families while enjoying a premium idyllic setting right on the beach.

Neckermann has been operating in the Cuba holidays market since 1992. Senior Product Manager for Africa, Caribbean and Latin America of Neckermann, Roland Junker, said that the tour operator “has witnessed the rapid development of the tourism industry of the island and the growth of the flow of travelers from Germany and other European nations to the Caribbean country.”

Blue Diamond Hotels To Open Luxury Beach Resort In Varadero, Ready For Holidays In May

Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts has added a new hotel in Cuba to its portfolio with the scheduled launch of the Memories Varadero Beach Resort this May. The luxury four-star resort will open its doors to tourists taking Cuba holidays on 1st May, 2012 after the property was refurbished and rebranded.

Formerly known as the Sirenis La Salina, the property has 1,035 rooms and suites and it is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in Varadero, Cuba. Memories Varadero Beach Resort offers plenty of activities for the younger guests to enjoy throughout their holidays to Cuba including a Kids Club and Baby Club, two children’s swimming pools and daily entertainment.

Facilities and activities at the all inclusive hotel include three tennis courts, a spa and salon, a disco, Jacuzzi, two adults swimming pools, fitness centre, multi-sport court, beach volleyball, and watersports such as windsurfing, pedal-boating, snorkelling, scuba diving, and catamaran cruises.

Guests can upgrade to Diamond Club, which offers a personalised check-in/check-out service, including early check-in and late check-out; private access to the Diamond VIP Lounge; an exclusive beach area with beach butler service; and a dedicated concierge service.

The hotel boasts eight gourmet restaurants with a wide range of international cuisine such as Italian, Creole, Mexican, and Japanese, and there are eight bars and lounges where visitors can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or fruit juice.

Varadero Beach is situated in the province of Matanzas on the Hicacos Peninsula on the north coast of the Caribbean island of Cuba. The region is one of the most popular destinations for holidays in Cuba with more than 20km of pristine white sand beaches and several luxury beachfront Cuba hotels.

The area features beautiful natural landscapes include the Bellamar Caves and idyllic virgin cays and during holidays in Varadero, travellers can go scuba diving and snorkelling in the turquoise crystal-clear water; sailing and deep sea fishing; play golf against the backdrop of the sparkling ocean; and take excursions to explore Cardenas City.

The beach resort is a great place for a family holiday in Cuba with an array of museums, white sand beaches, and parks and fun attractions including the Delfinario, a natural pool for dolphins.

Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts operates several all inclusive resorts across the Caribbean and Latin America under “Memories Beach Resorts” and “Royalton Luxury Resorts” brands.

Starwood Hotels To Open New Westin Resort For Punta Cana Holidays In 2013

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is planning to build a new resort in the Dominican Republic after it signed an agreement with development partner Grupo Punta Cana. The Westin Puntacana Resort is expected to open to tourists taking Dominican Republic holidays in late 2013 in the Playa Blanca area of the Puntacana Resort and Club complex.

The new resort will have 204 luxurious rooms including 16 suites, and guests going on holidays to the Dominican Republic can enjoy facilities such as a large swimming pool, full service spa, fitness centre, 24-hour business centre, meeting and wedding rooms, children’s club, walking trails, lobby bar and a poolside grill.

Brian Povinelli, the Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels and Resorts, commented: “The Westin Puntacana Resort is a highly anticipated addition to our growing resorts portfolio, offering travellers a refreshing, island retreat on one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean.

“The new resort will offer all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to inspire wellbeing and send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”

During holidays in the Dominican Republic, travellers staying at the new resort will also have access to first-class amenities at the Puntacana Resort and Club, such as championship golf course, nine gourmet restaurants, a Six Senses Spa, a 1,500-acre ecological reserve and three miles of pristine white sand beaches.

The resort is the first of two Dominican Republic hotels that Starwood Hotels and Resorts is planning to open over the year or so. The first property, Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village, is due to open in October, 2012 and is also being developed by Grupo Punta Cana.

Punta Cana is situated on the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and travellers from all over the world head to the region every year to experience tropical Punta Cana holidays amid stunning natural scenery that is made up of white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, lush green landscapes.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to be able to share the Puntacana experience with even more travellers as they visit the Dominican Republic,” stated Alberto Abreu, the Executive Director of Hospitality at Puntacana Resort and Club.

He added: “The Westin Puntacana Resort will allow even more visitors from around the globe to experience the one-of-a-kind beaches, weather, and activities available in our country, and at our resort. We look forward to welcoming more guests into the Puntacana family as we move forward with this project.”

How to Make the Most of Choosing Chic Hotels

For many people, the delight in looking for and choosing the most modern and glamorous chic hotels across the UK, is a time well worth planning for. Whether you travel occasionally or regularly, you probably desire the most stylish hotel in the location you are visiting.

Chic Hotels Reflect Their Clientele

When you prefer a hip and trendy hotel as you travel to your favourite locality in the UK, Europe, the Caribbean or the Far East, you would never want to have to settle fo r less than you expect. The coolest options around the world have been specifically designed to attract a clientele that feels at home in an exclusive residence and this can apply equally to small, medium an d larger establishments. For some people, the blend of style and fashion is an essential ingredient for your choice of accommodation. Where you shop at Harrods or around Knightsbridge, you will expect the highest of standards not just in the service from the employees, but from the design of the hotel all the way to the quality of the sheets and pillow cases in your room. You won’t expect to find bland white pillowcases in the best of the chic hotels, just as you will anticipate a blend of visitors that are dressed for the occasion.

The Decoration is Important

People who have style and a good fashion sense often prefer to stay in a place that reflects their own character so that they immediately feel at home and not out of place. You can immediately see the amount of effort put into decorating the bedrooms, as well as all of the common areas like the lounge, restaurants and bars, where you can feel the amount of time and effort and expense put into designing and decorating the rooms.

Location is Important

Many chic hotels are located in an area of town or city which are close to trendy shopping areas so that while you enjoy relaxing in your accommodation, you are very close to a range of shops who can provide you with that something extra special for the design of your home, for when you return. There are many online websites which can show you where the best boutiques for style and design are located, but if you remain unsure, your extra special hotel will know what to recommend for you when you explain what you are looking for.

There are many chic hotels across the UK and abroad which specialise in providing you with a certain style that you will enjoy. Some research could help you plan a great holiday, whether a quick weekend break or for a longer holiday.

Planning A Wedding Abroad With Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Weddings, moving house and divorces are meant to be the most stressful things to go through in life and as more brides and grooms are opting to tie the knot abroad, the stress levels are likely to increase.

However, help is available for couples planning weddings abroad via Faith Wishnie, the director of wedding services for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.

According to Wishnie, the rising number of destination weddings is down to the changes in todays modern society.

“Awareness of destination (wedding) options has really jumped. This is because of family and friends being spread across the world, people are travelling more now, and the Internet has played a big part because it’s easy to do the research,” she explained.

Beach weddings are a popular option for loved-up couples who are seeking romance and a picturesque setting. Destinations such as the Caribbean are among the favourites due to the large number of all inclusive resorts, tailor-made wedding packages and considerably lower costs compared to weddings in the United Kingdom.

Many of the resorts offer free wedding planners who can take care of all of the details, from the marriage licence and legal documents, to the flowers, photographer, music and catering.

“The trend is (for brides) who want to have the planning simplified and have everything taken care of,” added Wishnie.

Karisma Hotels and Resorts has 12 wedding planners who can help brides and grooms plan their dream Cancun weddings via email and over the phone, plus 15 onsite wedding coordinators who are available at the hotel groups seven properties across Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

The resorts also offer a separate groom’s room, so the bride and groom can both get ready in privacy before the ceremony.
Wishnie offers a couple of tips for couples so they can enjoy stress-free weddings abroad:

Don’t check-in anything that you’ll absolutely need or want for the big day. Carry your dress with you and/or buy anything there that you definitely want for the wedding, she said.

Don’t bring party favours with you. We can work with you to get favours or flowers and decorations cheaper (onsite).”