Recently in Caribbean Category

Rafael Nadal, recently ranked as the world's number one in men's tennis, has purchased a home in the residential complex of Playa Nueva Romana, in the Dominican Republic, promoted by Bahia Principe.

The residential complex, located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Caribbean, will have 1,200 luxury homes, a marina, a five-star hotel, and an 18-hole golf course. This new development represents an investment of more than US$180 million and covers an area of 620 acres of coconut groves, just 45 minutes from Santo Domingo's international airport.

The project is part of the Pinero Group's expansion strategy within the real estate sector, based on the potential for development of tourist residential complexes. Located next to the hotels that the Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts chain has in the Mexican Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, it offers residents a chance to enjoy all the services of the hotel complex.

For its most exclusive customers, Bahia Principe Residences & Golf Resort has created a Founders Club, offering investors unique opportunities. In addition to owning a lovely property on the Mayan Riviera Maya or Playa Nueva Romana, they can upgrade their investments with benefits like preferred location, unrivalled views, VIP treatment at the golf course, membership in Vitalicia Familiar, a private club in the Clubhouse, personalized golf cart, buildable land, VIP service packages and more.

This new project is backed by one of the most important Spanish companies in the industry at the international level, the Pinero Group, with more than 35 years' experience in the tourism market.

Soltour, whose main business centres on the development and sale of tourist packages to various vacation destinations, is recognized as one of the most solid tour operators in Spain, Portugal and Russia.

Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts' all-inclusive five-star hotels are located in the finest vacation destinations: Mayan Riviera, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Tenerife. The hotels are situated right on the beach, making them perfect for enjoying luxury vacations in an incomparable setting of nature and comfort.

SOURCE Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts / Grupo Pinero

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's privately owned collection of award-winning luxury retreats, is delighted to collaborate with British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board, and offer guests the opportunity to experience a taste-infusing culinary tour with some of the world's leading chefs and winemakers.

Necker Island will host the very first 2009 Winemakers Dinner on the 16th July 2009, one of eight private dinners that will take place throughout July and December at selected exotic locations. The dinner at Necker Island will feature a seven course gourmet meal prepared by master chefs. Each course is paired with two fine wines selected by the very best winemakers in the world. One of the wines that will be poured at this dinner will be the Pio Cesare Barolo 2004 which was ranked #6 by the Wine Spectator in the top 100 Wines of the World in 2008.

Even more convenient is the fact that this special occasion takes place during only one of six 'Celebration Weeks' where Necker Island accommodates guests on an individual room basis.

Jon Brown, Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition, commented: "We're thrilled to support the BVI Tourist Board on this project. Not only will guests be able to combine a stay on one of the world's most exclusive islands with such an unforgettable and unique culinary experience as the Winemakers Dinner, but they will be supporting the local community, as all net profits made from the event will go to the BVI charitable fund which benefits schools, youth programmes and the local Red Cross organisation."

To support this experience Virgin Limited Edition has created a special 'free night' offer for guests who wish to participate in the Winemakers Dinner on Necker Island. For arrivals on the 15th July 2009, guests can book to stay for four nights and pay for just three, or they can stay for eight nights and pay for seven nights, this offer is only valid for arrivals beginning on the 15th July 2009.

The price for a four night stay for two guests starts from US$12,900 and includes accommodation, all meals and drinks, as well as two special Winemaker dinners - one on Necker Island and the other on a neighbouring island

The late-18th-century mansion that overlooks the Atlantic from cliffs on the southeastern coast of Barbados and forms the heart of this development has been operating as a hotel since it was first expanded in 1887, making The Crane the island's oldest resort.

There are only 18 rooms in that historic structure, with antique furnishings and hardwood floors, so in recent years the resort's owners have been adding buildings with condos that can be rented to serve as hotel rooms. Now 116 one- to three-bedroom units have been completed, and more condos are being built; the rooms in the original building are also sold as residences. Buyers choose either whole ownership or deeded residence club membership, offered in weekly, monthly or three-month increments. The villa-style penthouse residences have plunge pools; many condos have pools as well; and there are six communal pools. One of the resort's three restaurants serves Thai and Japanese cuisine. The village, which will have shops, more restaurants, a general store, a movie theater, a gallery and a small spa and fitness center, is expected to be completed by this fall. A larger beachfront spa and fitness center is planned.

Full ownership of residences starts at $425,000. Residence club membership ranges from $11,400 for a week in summer to about $225,000 for three months in the high season.

A new village area began opening in March. The latest phase of 18 residences is expected to be completed late this year.

CONTACT INFO (246) 423-6220 or www.thecrane.com.

Source: The Crane / Millennium Investments Limited.

Elite Island Resorts, the second-largest independently owned hospitality and green certified group in the Caribbean, announces a "Vacation Stimulus Package" to Antigua this Spring and Fall with savings of up to 60 percent. Now through June 30, 2009 and repeating September 1 through October 31, 2009, travelers can seek vacation relief without breaking the bank with all inclusive nightly double occupancy rates starting at $229 for a Hillside Suite at The Verandah Resort & Spa; and $259 for a Club suite accommodation at St. James's Club & Villas, both on Antigua.

Known for its green-certified, casually elegant Caribbean resorts, stunning locations and caring, personal service, Elite Island Resorts' nightly double occupancy, all-inclusive rates include all meals, top-shelf liquor, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, tax and service charges. Both resorts cater to couples, families and singles. Children may stay at $60 per night, with a maximum of two children sharing a room with their parents. Additional adults sharing a room are $75 per night.

"Travelers seeking stress free time will find Elite Island Resort's 'Vacation Stimulus Package' a welcome incentive to escape to Antigua, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean this spring or fall. With up to 60 percent savings on all-inclusive Caribbean vacations, this is the ideal time to plan a vacation and escape for some quality time," states Steven E. Heydt, Elite Island Resorts' president.

The Verandah Resort & Spa, an upscale eco-friendly resort adjacent to a national park, is situated on 30 spectacular waterfront acres along the pristine northeast coast of Antigua. Villa-style suites feature the resort's glorious namesake verandahs with incredible ocean views and indulgent touches such as flat-screen TVs, king-size beds, Internet access, and oversized soaking bathtubs. The resort features two white sand beaches, kayaking, hiking and more.

St. James's Club & Villas, tucked away on a secluded 100-acre peninsula on the southeastern coast of Antigua, exudes a casual, club-like ambience. Two white sand beaches rim the resort. There are also four swimming pools and a marina. Accommodations offer sweeping water views and ample privacy amid the palm trees and lush greenery. Numerous sporting activities abound. For reservations, call (800) 345-0356 or visit www.eliteislands.com .