Here's the latest U.S. Virgin Islands update sent May 3 by Martin Public Relations, the territory's P.R. firm, to the national press and travel agents.
Palm Courts to Expand Its Facilities
The Palm Courts Harbour View Hotel on St. Thomas is currently undergoing renovations for expansion. Construction plans include a new 9,000 square-foot ballroom and convention hall, as well as additional rooms for guests staying at the hotel.
The new first-floor convention center will open next week with the capacity to hold up to 525 people. Expected to open no later than the first week in July, the second-story grand ballroom will be able to accommodate up to 750 people. Construction has begun for the addition of 30 new guest rooms.
Future plans are under way to increase the total number of rooms from 30 to 90. For reservations or more information, call (340) 774-5292.
Art Classes Offered to Guests at Caneel Bay
Caneel Bay resort's resident artist Lucinda Schutt is offering art workshops twice a week at the resort. After displaying her artwork at Caneel's Turtle Bay Great House for more than five years, Schutt is now giving visitors the opportunity to develop their artistic and watercolor talents.
Classes are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Outside guests may also sign up for the classes depending upon availability.
For more information, call the activities desk at Caneel Bay at (340) 776-6111.
St. Croix Resort Offers Honeymoon Package With Activities for Two
Honeymooners staying at the Buccaneer on St. Croix can enjoy a host of activities and amenities for two with the resort's "Honeymoons are Forever" package.
The package includes: a sunset cruise; a snorkeling trip to Buck Island National Park; a guided island tour; entry fees to Estate Whim Plantation Museum, St. George Village Botanical Gardens and other sites; a daily shuttle to Gallows Bay and Christiansted for duty-free shopping; a half-hour massage for two; chilled champagne and memento glasses; round-trip private airport transfers; and a welcome bouquet of tropical flowers.
This honeymoon package is available at a rate of $475, when couples stay a minimum of seven nights in any of the resort's beautiful accommodations. Room rates are not included in the honeymoon package rate.
For reservations or more information, call (800) 255-3881 or (340) 773-2100.
New St. John Villa Features Ecologically Sensitive Design
St. John is world-famous for its eco-friendly resorts, activities and sustainable tourism efforts that allow environmentally concerned travelers to enjoy and preserve the wonders of nature while on vacation. Now St. John has a unique new villa featuring both ecologically sensitive design and beautiful Caribbean architecture.
The Waterfront Villa, located on two acres of coastline waterfront, has many environmentally friendly features such as a biological system for sewage treatment, a gray water cistern for rainwater collection and recycling, and several solar-powered renewable energy systems that serve as backups in case of a power outage.
Douglas White Architect (DWA), the architectural firm that built and designed the new villa, specializes in eco-friendly design, historic restoration, green building features, renewable energy systems and interior design.
For more information about Waterfront Villa, call (340) 775-9112.
Bolongo Offers Commissionable Scuba Diving Packages
Bolongo Bay Beach Club & Villas on St. Thomas has made its "Unlimited Scuba Diving" package commissionable to travel agents at 10 percent. The package offered through the St. Thomas Diving Club, the resort's on-property diving facility, includes: unlimited dives to offshore reefs; beachfront accommodations; daily continental breakfast; complimentary use of non-motorized watersports; membership in the Bayside fitness center; beach volleyball; tennis; basketball; and nightly entertainment. Equipment rental is not included.
Effective for travel now through Dec. 19, three-, five- and seven-night packages are available at rates ranging from $298.50 per person to $747.50 per person.
Bolongo is also the first hotel on St. Thomas to offer its guests the benefits of nitrox diving, which gives divers extended bottom time and decreases the necessary surface intervals.
For reservations or more information, call 800) 524-4746 or (340) 775-1800.
St. Thomas Gears Up for Annual Fishing Tournament
The Northside Sportfishing Club on St. Thomas will host its 12th annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament, July 11, at Larry's Hull Bay Hideaway.
The one-day inshore event is expected to attract as many as 400 anglers and 100 boats to compete for top cash prizes. A $2,000 cash prize will be awarded to the competitor who catches the largest kingfish. Other cash prizes, trophies and prizes will be awarded to men, women and junior anglers. Following the fishing, there will be food, drink and entertainment.
For more information, call (340) 774-6827.
St. John Resort Offers Honeymoon Discounts
St. John's Gallows Point Suite Resort has a special honeymoon package for couples celebrating their new life together. The package includes: ocean-view accommodations, an off-property dining voucher for two; a day sail with champagne, lunch, snorkel gear and snorkeling instructions; a one-day car rental; roundtrip transportation from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay ferry dock; and a bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival.
This all-suite condominium resort offers a superb view of the Caribbean and numerous upscale amenities. Rates now through May 31 range from $1,155 per couple for a four-day/three-night stay to $2,275 per couple for an eight-day/seven-night stay. Newlyweds can take advantage of additional savings between June 1 and Oct. 31, 1999.
For reservations or more information, call (800) 323-7229 or (340) 776-6434.
St. Croix Hotel Offers Summer Savings
Summer is almost here, and Hibiscus Beach Hotel on St. Croix is offering visitors spectacular savings during the summer season. Effective now through Dec. 20, 1999, visitors can stay at the 37-room beachfront resort for as low as $140 per night, based on double occupancy.
The West Indian-style accommodations are equipped with air-conditioning, private bath, phone and cable television. A pool, beachfront bar and restaurant are on the property.
For reservations or more information, call (800) 442-0121, or visit the Web site at www.1hibiscus.com.
