Hotel & Resort Update

Jamaica
Upon completion of a $25 million renovation (including the addition of 20 rooms and enhancements made to the main pool), Couples Ocho Rios will re-emerge as Couples Tower Isle, opening its doors to the public in April. The new name is a historical reference to the resort’s beginnings as a private island paradise and a 1950s and 1960s Hollywood hangout.

IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has now opened its third property in Jamaica, the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Grand, to add to its two other properties in Jamaica, the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach Hotel and the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites, all of which are situated just 20 minutes from the Montego Bay airport. The resort has 977 rooms.

Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s newest property is the Lighthouse Bay Resort located in Lower Bay, Barbuda on the pink sands of Palm Beach. This boutique property, opened in December 2008, is the newest resort on Barbuda and offers just nine luxuriously appointed ocean front rooms and suites. All rooms feature flat screen TV, laptop computer, ipod compatible surround-sound stereo, wireless internet and private balcony. Resort services and amenities include a roof top restaurant with 360-degree ocean views and a resident gourmet chef, fitness centre, swimming pool and 24-hour concierge.

The private island getaway, situated on a strip of land 1.5 miles from the mainland, is an ideal base from which to explore Barbuda’s tranquillity and signature activities of diving, sailing, exploring hidden caves and bays, shell hunting and horseback riding. Getting there is as easy as a 15-minute plane or helicopter ride, or a 90-minute ferry from the island of Antigua.  For further information visit www.lighthousebayresort.com.

Antigua is looking forward to the 2009 spring opening of multi-million dollar Hodges Bay Club located on the northern shores of the island. Working together with the Syntax Group, the architects behind world famous resorts such as Chiva-Som in Thailand. With a beachfront location and landscaped lush tropical gardens, Hodges Bay Club will offer a total of 114 keys, comprising both hotel and residential accommodation, and facilities including a beachfront infinity pool (one of three swimming pools), its own coral sand beach, a spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre, two tennis courts and a range of dining options. For further information visit www.hodgesbayclub.com

The luxurious Carlisle Bay, on Antigua’s south coast, has launched a series of Vitality Programmes until August 2009. The four or seven night programmes offer relaxation. The Vitality programmes commencing 9 November 2008 and 17 May 2009 will include yoga classes led by Maya Fiennes, one of the most sought after teachers in London. 
For further information visit www.carlisle-bay.com/vitalityprogrammes

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts have announced a $26 million renovation of Jumby Bay Antigua. The $26 million project, which will include the complete redesign of guest accommodations as well as the addition of a new resort spa, oceanfront infinity and the total renovation of the open-air restaurant. The renovation is scheduled for completion in mid 2009  For further information visit www.jumby-bay.com