Jamaica Observer

Sandals Resorts International will manage the brand new five-star Princesa Del Mar hotel in Varadero, Cuba, bringing to three the number of resorts now being run by the all-inclusive chain in that Caribbean island.

The 434-suite hotel came under Sandals management on November 1, 2004 after Sandals and Gaviota, one of Cuba’s largest and well-respected hotel companies, signed the management contract.

“We are excited about this new development,” said Sandals director Dr Jeffrey Pyne. “Our travel partners, particularly in Europe, the UK and Canada, have given tremendous support to our business in Cuba and we are thrilled to be able to include such a spectacular resort in our Cuban operations. We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to welcoming our guests to this special world-class facility.”

Of the 434 suites at Sandals Princesa Del Mar, 360 are junior suites, 72 are full one-bedroom suites, and two are presidential suites.

According to Sandals, travel professionals have described the new resort as a getaway of grace and seclusion.

“It offers the most indulgent amenities and top-notch facilities and services available at other Sandals resorts,” a news release from the hotel chain said. Among these are an array of land and water sports and state-of-the-art entertainment and fitness facilities.

The resort boasts eight gourmet specialty restaurants offering French, Italian, Japanese and Caribbean cuisine among others, and guests have access to 10 full-service bars, including a one-of-a kind cigar bar.

A full European Spa, one huge fresh water pool, two plunge pools and seven jacuzzis also form part of the resort’s facilities. Additionally, it offers meeting and banquet facilities for up to 500 persons and a full range business centre.

Sandals first brought its world acclaimed management expertise to Cuba in March 1999 when it assumed control of the 350-room Beaches Varadero resort. The group expanded its Cuban operations in September 2002 when it took over the management of Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort & Spa.

Both resorts, which are also situated in Varadero, are managed by Sandals under an agreement with Cubanacan, another major Cuban hotel company.