Exciting times at Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours! I am really thrilled to tell you about the newest addition to our fleet of sleek and exclusive catamarans. Soul Rebel—a 54’, state-of-the-art, custom-fitted catamaran that sports the very latest in technology, a new design and absolutely every feature possible to create the ideal cruising and partying experience—will be arriving in Jamaica within a month’s time!

I don’t want to reveal too much about the ultimate destination for this incredible katt—the 6^th catamaran in our Island Routes stable. Where do you think Soul Rebel will end up? Well, why not book a catamaran tour for you and your clients on this amazing new boat and be amongst the very first to find out where Soul Rebel will call home. With its space age hull construction and soaring mast, the ride on this katt will be unbelievably smooth. And, with all the built-in amenities like a fully stocked bar serving up premium brand drinks, a thrilling waterslide, its very own DJ spinning the latest tunes, and lots of other carefully designed details that only Island Routes could think up for your pleasure—Soul Rebel will provide the ultimate way for you and your clients to cruise the Caribbean in style and comfort, partying all the way!

Check out the lines on this catamaran! Soul Rebel is definitely built for speed, comfort and good times on the high seas.

When I first told you last year about the formation of our new company, Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, I think it was kind of obvious that I was pretty excited about this venture. And things have worked out even better than I imagined! So far, Island Routes has debuted in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Antigua to rave reviews. Because it’s run by people who are born and bred in the Caribbean, each and every one of Island Routes’ tours offers the real deal—a truly authentic and over-the-top experience of the islands that’s been tried and tested by people who really know this place like the back of their hand.

Now, I’m happy to announce that Island Routes has arrived in the Bahamas, in the chain of over 300 islands, known as the Exumas. Our Island Routes team, true to form, has scoured every inch of this incredible destination to find the absolutely most thrilling and unique adventures possible—and they’ve come up with some pretty amazing stuff! Visitors can head out on an Eco Kayak Tour to explore the spectacular Bahamian ecosystem, or dive under the surface of the sea to have a face-to-face encounter with some sharks, or hop aboard a bus to discover all there is to know about the local culture—Island Routes has got the very best of the Exumas covered.

I can’t tell you how great it is to be able to show off and share some of the best-kept secrets and hidden spots of the Exumas now that Island Routes has arrived in the Bahamas. And, in the months and years to come, we’ll be adding even more tours and more thrills in islands all across the Caribbean. And you’ll hear about all of it right here!

Paddling through the Moriah Marine Park with a local guide, you’re clients can learn all about nature in the Exumas, as part of the Eco Kayak Tour.

There’s nothing quite like being out on the open ocean on board Island Routes’ custom-fitted 40’ Hatteras, as you try your hand at some deep sea sport fishing.

It literally doesn’t get any more exciting than observing sharks in their natural habitat!

Exciting times in the Bahamas! Recently I was down at our spectacular newest resort, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, to greet the very first guests to stay at the all-new, all-butler Sandals gem. These first arrivals, who flew in just after we hosted many of our best travel agents for a first-hand look at our newest addition, really enjoyed the beach, the all-butler service, the endless amenities and the magnificent crystal blue waters that occupy these out islands of the Bahamas.

So did our newest partner—Greg Norman, the world-famous PGA golfer, who originally designed Sandal Emerald Bay’s unbelievable 7,001-yard, par-72 course, which features 6 signature ocean-side holes. Greg was at the resort to sign a partnership agreement to become a lifestyle spokesman for Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club. I couldn’t believe it when I found out that, even though Greg had designed the course for the Four Seasons, he had never actually stayed at the resort. We were happy to make up for that oversight and he seemed truly impressed by what he saw and experienced of the property and the Sandals Luxury-Included concept.

Greg even ran into a familiar face here, Henry Diaz, one of his Sandals Emerald Bay butlers, who just happened to have served as Greg’s butler many times before—in Dubai! As soon as Greg saw Henry, who works for Sandals now, he instantly recognized him and they had a reunion of sorts. Of course, Henry already knew all of Greg’s preferences down to a tee, which made his stay run even smoother. Quite a coincidence!
 

Exciting days lie ahead and I can’t wait to share them with you. So check back here early and often for the very latest news!

Hanging out in front of the pool with General Manager John Keating; some of Sandal Emerald Bay’s first guests, David Hobden and Marina Vassilieva; and the Chairman.

Greg Norman on the state-of-the-art golf course he created, with a stunning backdrop of the sea behind him.

There’s the Chairman and Greg Norman signing a partnership contract by the pool, with Unique Vacations President, Kevin Froemming, and I looking on.

In front of the pool at Sandals Emerald Bay with Unique Vacations President, Kevin Froemming; the Chairman; Greg Norman; and Bart Collins, the President of Greg’s Great White Shark Enterprises.

Greg checks out an amazing view of the ocean from the fairway of the golf course he designed at Sandals Emerald Bay.

Greg Norman is reunited with Sandals butler, Henry Diaz, his former attendant in Dubai, who was only too happy to make sure that Greg had a memorable stay at Sandals Emerald Bay.

As the devastation in Haiti continues to unfold, it is hard not to feel extreme sadness at the sight of so much suffering, especially in a neighbor country. But the resiliency and strength of the Haitian people and the amazing response of the rest of the world which has reached out to help relieve conditions on the island also has made me feel a lot of hope and convinced me that slowly, but surely, things will get better in Haiti. Especially if we continue to do our part!

I mentioned last time that The Sandals Foundation, through the establishment of the Haiti Relief Fund was launching a series of initiatives to aid the Haitian people in their recovery from this disaster. Well, I’m proud to report the very latest news about our efforts. The Sandals Foundation has joined forces with American Airlines, and their regional carrier American Eagle, to deliver much-needed supplies, including water, food, shoes and medicine, as well as medical personnel to the island. Through the incredibly generous donations that we have already received from our Sandals Resorts' team members, from Unique Vacations employees and from caring people like you all over the world, The Sandals Foundation is underwriting the cost of 10 humanitarian relief flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Haiti, which will start flying on February 2nd and continue three times a week through February 23rd. Our partner in this mission, American Airlines, will coordinate the relief supplies and will fly them down to the island on American Eagle ATR-72 aircraft, which have the capacity to transport 10,000 pounds of supplies and relief workers per flight!
 

So, while Haiti continues to struggle with the aftermath of this awful natural disaster, at least we can keep on doing everything in our power to reach out and deliver the help that they need in order to begin rebuilding their country and their lives.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress of our ongoing initiatives as we move forward. Thank you for all that you’ve done and given and please know that any further contributions that you are able to make will surely be appreciated.
 

Together we are helping Haiti to emerge from the rubble and start over!

These photos, provided by Salesian Missions, one of The Sandals Foundation’s partners in carrying out our Haiti Relief Effort, really show the spirit and resilience of the Haitian people, especially the kids, even in the face of so much destruction.
 

Still smiling even in front of all the ruins behind them.

Even with very little resources available, the people make do and create makeshift shelters and temporary homes.

Signs that the aid relief efforts are starting to make an impact can be seen in this tiny tent city.

Even small children are doing their part to make sure that water gets delivered.

In the middle of so much chaos and rubble, this little girl is determined to offer hope for a better day ahead.

Words cannot express how truly saddened we are by the recent catastrophic events that took place in Haiti. Our hearts go out to the folks and their families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. The unspeakable devastation that has taken place with our Caribbean neighbor has deeply affected me and the entire organization, and we’re stepping up to do what we can for our sister-island to help get her back on her feet.

I must say, though, that at times like these, I’m very proud of how we’ve all come together so quickly to help make a difference, so that Haiti can recover as fast as possible from this unfortunate incident.  In the name of disaster, you surely see how small the world is, and it’s during times like these that we have to put aside our own goals and reprioritize in order to help out in whatever way we can.

So naturally, The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of our organization, immediately snapped into action to initiate a Haiti Relief Effort and Fund for our friends going through this earth shattering time.   We tried to figure out what kind of resources we had that could make the most impact.   And Thursday, we used our corporate jet to fly the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Bruce Golding, to Haiti to officially dispatch the Jamaica Defence Force that would assist with disaster relief efforts.  We also joined forces with the Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association, to bring in much needed supplies like linens, non-perishable items, and clothing to the island. 

The Haiti Relief Fund we’ve set up is delivering support and monetary donations to several organizations including the Salesian Missions and Popular Services International (PSI), which have more than 100 years of combined experience and presence in Haiti and a taskforce made up of hundreds of workers and volunteers that are out in the trenches right now trying to lend their support.   A companywide initiative across all of our resorts, on all five islands, is taking place to collect much needed funds for Haiti, and many of our team members on-property have started their own unique fundraising relief efforts.

We’ve been getting so many calls from our partners asking what you and your clients can do to lend support and make a difference. And what Haiti needs most right now is funds to bring this island back to life. We know we can always count on you to help out when we ask, and whatever you can do to support this nation, however small, will surely be remembered. So, through the Haiti Relief Fund, you and your clients can donate money directly through The Sandals Foundation just by logging on to www.SandalsFoundation.org to see how you can help out now.

Haiti has a long road to recovery, but together we can do our part to help make a difference!

Thanks again for all that you do!

Jamaica Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding (second from left) talks with Lt. Col. Jamie Ogilvie (far right), alongside Leader of the Opposition Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller (far left) and Information Minister Hon. Daryl Vaz (third from left). This was at the airport right before they boarded the jet for the trip over to Haiti.

I’ve been glued to the news and the internet, but no matter how many times I see photos like these, I just cannot imagine the devastation and demise that has taken place in Haiti.

Season’s Greetings!

Christmas to me is all about spending time with family and giving back in order to bring a smile to someone’s face.  Especially during the holiday season, a gift from the heart can be anything and often times it means so much more than any gift could offer!

You know, celebrating Christmas in the Caribbean is really no different than celebrating it anywhere else, except instead of snow-capped mountains and freezing temperatures, we have clear horizons and warm, tropical breezes and nights with the background as the beautiful Caribbean Sea. A picture-perfect backdrop that even Santa and his Elves from the North Pole look forward to visiting each year!

Now’s the time to reflect on what’s truly important in life and share the spirit of joy with those you around you. When I think about what means most to me, those things that enrich my life, I think about my family and close friends; and, of course, my extended family, you, our valued travel agents.

At this time, I'd like to extend my most heartfelt thanks to all of you who continue to support our hotels and for selling our Luxury Included resorts with confidence year after year. We recognize that our success in 2009 was made possible because of your continued loyalty.

As 2009 draws to a close, I would like to extend my best wishes for the holiday season.  I hope that for all of you, it is a time for relaxing with family and friends, reflecting on your blessings, and finding ways to help those who are less fortunate. And, no matter where you may call home, always remember, that your Sandals and Beaches family is here to welcome you back anytime.

Happy New Year!
 

Christmas at Sandals is a whole lot "cooler" with the Island Vibes and the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop.

All I want for Christmas is my Own Private Idaho - or Island that Is!  Santa and his Elves wave as they drive past Sandals Cay, the Private Island at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, spreading holiday cheer.

Santa trades in his reindeer for a MasterCraft and some skis... this is how we fly in the Caribbean!

Santa and his lovely Elves float-in, "Island-Style" to spread Holiday joy, love and laughter at the resorts made for two people in love.

I can never get over some of the amazing events and experiences that I participate in—all thanks to my job. Recently I even was able to welcome a head of state to Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and host a luncheon for him and his lovely wife.

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania came to Jamaica for an official, four-day visit aimed at bilateral attempts to improve relations between the two nations. And we at Sandals Resorts had the honor and pleasure to hold the Official State Luncheon for the visit at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. It was an incredible function, attended not only by the Tanzanian leader, his wife and his delegation, but also by official representatives of the Jamaican Government and local dignitaries.

I really enjoyed spending time with President Kikwete and showing him some of the aspects of Jamaica that make this island so special. President Kikwete was particularly impressed with the unbelievable feast prepared by Sandals Grande Ocho Rios’ chefs. He also thought that the grounds of the property were beautiful and the Honeymoon Villas made a big impression on him.

By the end of the luncheon, after President Kikwete had toured the property, sampled some of our delicious Sandals food and received some Sandals souvenirs from yours truly in the gift shop.  I believe that the leader of Tanzania and his delegation came away with a great impression of Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and, of course, Jamaica. And, for my part, I can’t wait to return the favor and take a trip of my own to check out Tanzania for myself!
 

There I am face-to-face with President Kikwete of Tanzania, as we meet at the Official State Luncheon of his visit to Jamaica, held at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

Here I am exchanging a few words with President Kikwete’s wife, the very gracious Excellency Salma Kikwete.

The President of Tanzania addresses a gathering of dignitaries and government ministers from both his country and the nation of Jamaica at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

President Kikwete really admired some of our Sandals gear.

I so enjoyed introducing President Kikwete to Jamaica and to Sandals. Check out how much fun we’re having in the gift shop.
 

In my enthusiasm to spread the word about Sandals and Beaches Resorts and all the amazing new initiatives we are spearheading, such as The Sandals Foundation and Island Routes Luxury Adventure Tours, I am happy to travel just about anywhere. Recently, I headed across the Atlantic to London to attend the World Travel Market. This is an incredible event that attracts almost 50,000 travel professionals each year, from every corner of the planet, who come to see and share the very latest innovations, destinations and trends in the hospitality industry.
 

The World Travel Market gave me the perfect opportunity to let everyone know about all of the exciting things that have been happening at Sandals and Beaches over the past 12 months and to announce the unbelievable plans that we have for the future. It was a whirlwind couple of days for me and I managed to pack in a lot. Jet lag was definitely not an option!
 

The festivities began at the World Travel Awards, which were held at the historic Dorchester Hotel in London. You’ll be happy (but not surprised at all) to learn that Sandals and Beaches cleaned up—we won 12 awards that night! Over the rest of my time at the World Travel Market, I was thrilled to deliver a series of presentations on our newest developments, such as our partnership with Martha Stewart, the upcoming opening of ultra-luxurious Sandals Emerald Bay and our plans for overwater suites at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. I met many new people and got to hang out with old acquaintances and friends. All in all, it was a productive and fun trip and I can’t wait for next year!

It’s kind of hard to tell (because the lights are turned down to make it easier to see the screen), but that’s me giving a presentation at the World Travel Market in London.

Here I am with Karl Thompson, the Managing Director of Unique Vacations in London, as we go over a few details of my presentation.

Big smiles all around—especially from the Chairman—as we show off the unprecedented 12 awards that Sandals and Beaches won at the World Travel Awards!

One of the reasons that I am so pumped about our new tour company, Island Routes, is because it allows me to share with you, and with all the guests at Sandals and Beaches resorts, so many of the Caribbean’s most incredible experiences. I’ve grown up practically living outdoors—swimming, fishing, off-roading and exploring every inch of these islands and their waters. Up until now, most of these experiences have been unavailable to anyone but natives like us, people who know the best spots and the easiest ways to get there. But Island Routes has changed all of that. We’ve opened up the doors and made all these unbelievable encounters accessible for everyone who loves a thrilling adventure in the midst of tropical nature.
 

To give you an idea of what a typical Island Routes tour might be like, I thought I’d take you along on one of my recent off-road excursions up into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Many people might not be aware that these mountains are incredibly high—with some peaks reaching up to well over 7,000 feet! They are also truly beautiful, with impossibly green hillsides and valleys, plus clouds that can come right down and cover everything in mist. This place has to be one of the most spectacular spots I’ve ever seen.
 

Yet, before now, it’s been virtually unknown to most tourists. Why? Because there are very few good roads; the terrain is difficult to navigate and many of the most gorgeous sites are hard to get to, unless you know where you’re going and what you’re doing. So, basically, up until this point, if you wanted to really check out the Blue Mountains and you weren’t a local who knew these mountains well—like we do—you may have had a hard time accomplishing your goal.
 

But, luckily, Island Routes has arrived to save the day! With our fleet of off-road vehicles, like the Land Rover I was riding in on this trip, and our amazing native tour guides, you too can see and feel these hills and these islands just like we do. I am so excited about Island Routes because I know that it’s going to open up a whole new side of the tropics and give everyone who’s interested an insider’s view of the Caribbean, one that you’re absolutely going to love.

Here I am with my super-cool vehicle of choice—ready to tackle the Blue Mountains and explore some tough and breathtaking terrain.

Behind the wheel, stopped for a few minutes to figure out where to head next and also to take in the silence and the scenery. By the way—no roads in sight….

A convoy of me and my buddies makes our way along a dirt road deep in the mountains. (I’m in the Land Rover with the Island Routes logo on the spare tire.)

Don’t even ask me where I was going! All I know is I was having a really good time getting there. Island Routes will take you places in the Caribbean that you never thought existed.

Check out the angle of my Land Rover. Is there anywhere that Island Routes can’t take you? I seriously doubt it.

When you go in search of great off-road experiences, this is the perfect transportation. At Island Routes we believe that only the very best will do!
 

In my job there’s never a dull moment. I had a real blast recently when I got to meet and hang out with 60 of the world’s most cutting edge social media journalists at the amazing White Nite Fantasy Party, which Sandals hosted at Sandals Cay, the private island off Sandals Royal Caribbean.
 

The journalists, who were from industry leading organizations like ABC, AOL, Newsweek, the New York Times, Cosmo, Esquire and People Magazine, were all down in Jamaica as part of the top secret JetMystery Weekend trip organized by JetBlue Airlines, the Jamaica Tourist Board and the online magazine, Thrillist.
 

The White Nite Party was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. Over 300 people dressed in white came out to eat, drink, dance, see and be seen. The music was jumping, with dancehall beats from Craig “Serani” Marsh. The food was delicious, provided by our incredible Sandals chefs. The drinks never stopped flowing. And all the while, all the action was being tweeted and facebooked in real time. It was an unbelievable night!

Check out all the smiles as I pose with John Lynch, Chairman of the JTB; Ben Lerer, the CEO of Thrillist; Chad Myerson, the Head of Caribbean & Latin American Sales; and Adam Rich, Editor in Chief of Thrillist.

Ciao Bella’s Michelle Rousseau and interior design stylist Gillian Henry show the rest of us how to look really cool in white.

Stilt-walker Errol Rowe gives a big thumbs-up, as he soaks up the party vibes with Unique Vacations’ Executives Ryvis Sierra and Yoni Epstein and Sandals Lifestyle’s Lisa Lake.

People Magazine Editor Amy Keith looks like she’s really enjoying her evening on Sandals Cay!
 

Here I am giving everyone a warm welcome and inviting them to let go, take in the chic, tropical vibes and enjoy the party!

Serani wows the crowd with some of his most smokin’ hits.