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.

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.

There’s been a lot of buzz lately around the opening of a brand new adventure tour operation in the Caribbean, Island Routes, which offers excursions designed by natives of these islands—like myself and my family—who grew up finding and playing in the best and most beautiful spots in the whole region.
 

Since I first told you about the formation of Island Routes—an independent company that is affiliated with Sandals and Beaches—earlier this year, I’ve been truly looking forward to the moment that we could get the ball rolling and officially kick off this incredible venture. And that’s just what we did earlier this week with a three-day extravaganza of touring, dining and celebrating throughout the North Coast of Jamaica. We invited local and international members of the press to come and participate in Island Routes’ grand opening events and it definitely seemed like a good time was had by all.
 

During the days, people could choose from a whole range of unbelievable excursions, like swimming with the dolphins, deep sea fishing or river tubing. And at night we all got together and had a blast. One of the evenings we all took a sunset cruise on a catamaran and ended up dancing on the beach to some totally authentic Caribbean vibes. At the end of the three days, I think everyone was blown away by the range of choices and the quality of the thrilling adventures that Island Routes has to offer. Island Routes really allows us to show off the magical sights and experiences of the Caribbean—something I never get tired of doing. You should definitely come and check it out for yourselves!

Carmen Munoz of Casa Naranja Media Group in New York and James Ruggis, Executive Editor of Modern Agent, wave to the camera as they enjoy one of Island Routes tours—being poled down the Martha Brae River on an authentic bamboo raft.
 

Here I am pointing out something interesting to Peter Zaremba, the travel writer from the New York Daily News, as we sail along on a sunset cruise.

Striking a pose and sharing a laugh aboard the sunset cruise catamaran with Dominique Peterkin, the General Manager of Island Routes and Roberta Garzaroli, the President of the Atrebor Group, the PR Agency that’s representing Island Routes.
 

Island Routes General Manager, Dominique Peterkin, shows off some stylin' moves, as she shares a dance on the sand with Walter Greene, the Travel Editor for Carib News.

Showing some real commitment to her job (and some impressive rhythm), Island Routes GM, Dominique Peterkin and a group of Island Routes Team Members lead the whole crowd in a traditional Jamaican dance during the launch party.

I know that I say this all the time, but the truth is: sometimes I absolutely have the best job in the world. Not too long ago some of the most beautiful women on the planet arrived in the Bahamas, one of the most breathtaking places on the globe, to take part in the Miss Universe Pageant. And I got to meet and hang out with many of these inspiring people—including the eventual winner, Miss Venezuela.

As part of the festivities leading up to the actual contest, Sandals threw a party for the contestants and for all those involved with putting on this incredible function. The Chairman personally hosted the evening at gorgeous Sandals Cay, our offshore island at Sandals Royal Bahamian, and an amazing time was had by all. Between the natural beauty of the sea, sand and tropical surroundings and the unbelievably good-looking contest participants, it was a really dazzling night.

Then, on the occasion of the pageant, itself, the Chairman and I were proud to attend and represent Sandals and Beaches. After the judging was over and the tough decisions were made, it was our privilege to congratulate the newly crowned Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez!

From start to finish, the Miss Universe Pageant was a truly impressive event and we at Sandals and Beaches were very excited to be a part of the celebrations. From a personal standpoint, I have to admit, I enjoyed every minute of it!

Representing the island of Jamaica…. The Chairman and Miss Jamaica share a moment at the party for Miss Universe contestants at Sandals Cay, the gorgeous offshore island of Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Big smiles all around from the Chairman and some of the lovely Miss Universe participants at the function at Sandals Cay.

The Miss Universe Pageant contestants take a pause from having fun at Sandals Cay to strike a pose holding a Sandals banner.

As you can tell from our happy expressions, the Chairman; Joe Cinque, the President of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences; and I were thrilled to pose with the brand new Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela.

I’m really excited to officially announce—although most of you already have heard about it—our acquisition of a totally amazing vacation getaway destination in the Exumas, the soon-to-be-opened Sandals Emerald Bay resort. This former Four Seasons property is in impeccable shape. However, we’ll still be spending the next few months Sandalizing every aspect of the resort.

And, when we’re done, you’ll be thoroughly wowed by all the extra-special touches and luxurious amenities this place has to offer, such as a state-of-the-art, championship golf course, designed by world-famous PGA pro, Greg Norman; a 133-slip, full-service marina that can accommodate yachts of up to 300 feet; 24-hour room service for everyone; and our unparalleled English Guild Butler Service for each and every room. So, mark your calendars for January 22, 2010, when we’ll be celebrating the debut of Sandals Emerald Bay!

The location—on Georgetown, Great Exuma—is one of the reasons that makes this resort so special. Set one a one-mile stretch of the most beautiful beach you’ll ever see, Sandals Emerald Bay is surrounded by spectacular azure waters, with some of the best fishing and boating you’ll find anywhere on the planet. I am constantly amazed at the fact that, even though the island is just a short, easy flight away from the US, you still feel like you’ve found a real, secluded hideaway. Make no mistake about it, Great Exuma is a true out island with a touch of Old-World, British-Colonial charm and the simplicity and freshness of an untouched paradise mixed in with the sophistication of an exclusive destination that offers the very latest in modern pleasures and conveniences.

No matter how hard I try, it’s impossible to really describe this spot in a way that does it justice. To actually feel its impact you simply have to go there and surround yourself with all the sights and sounds of the Exumas and the resort. That’s why, last week, I took a group of executives down to the property to introduce them to this newest and most incredible Sandals. As you can imagine, everyone was absolutely blown away.

We swam, ate, boated, fished and checked out some neighboring island landmarks. We water-taxied across to the Chat ‘N’ Chill (http://www.chatnchill.com/about.html) where we spent the day chowing down on ribs at the beach, petting stingrays over by the conch shack and hanging out with the incredible owners, K.B. and Kwanza. We tried the special, secret cocktail concoctions that the bartender at the island’s first hotel, Peace and Plenty (http://www.peaceandplenty.com/en/resorts-club.html), has been whipping up for over three decades! And we ate what was, in my opinion, the best conch I have ever tasted at Big D’s (Phone #: 242-358-0059). Everywhere we went, we got to experience firsthand the friendliness and warmth of the people who live on these islands. And believe me they are all as excited and happy as we are that Sandals is coming to town!

Along with us for our grand tour of Great Exuma was the newly appointed General Manager of Sandals Emerald Bay, Teresa Alfonso, a highly recognized and industry-accomplished professional who we’re happy to have as Sandals’ newest Vice President.

I can’t wait until all of you can come down and see for yourselves the unmistakable awesomeness of Sandals Emerald Bay—a true gem that will take your breath away and announce, in no uncertain terms, that Sandals is determined to exceed even the most demanding expectations and define a whole new meaning to the word perfection.
 

The gang gets ready for a day of adventure in the Bahamas aboard the bus that will take them into Georgetown and all over the island of Great Exuma.

The team waits to sample some mouthwatering conch right on the beach.

Welcome to an afternoon meeting--Sandals style--on the beach at the Chat 'N' Chill, a local hangout spot over at a nearby island that we reached by water taxi. You can tell we're all in a good mood, especially the chairman waving at the camera. It doesn't get any better than this!

Miles away from reality and yet really close to home, these islands are the ultimate getaway just a short flight from the coast of the US. Check out the perspective from Chat 'N Chill Beach.

Sampling the specialties and having a cool drink at the Chat 'N Chill. They look pretty happy to me.

Watching the master at work at the Conch Bar on Chat 'N Chill Beach—two team members look on as the local expert chef prepares a fresh conch salad, a true Bahamian favorite.