Travel Agent - August 20, 2007 - (Page 32)

Destinations Westin’s Plans in the D.R. Still on Track First phase of 10-year, seven-resort development plan for Roco Ki BY JOE PIKE jpike@questex.com Caribbean & Bahamas The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, Punta Macao, Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort to hear the details about the first property to open on a 2,700-acre property just outside of Punta Cana. The Westin is slated to open in May of 2008, making it the first U.S.-branded resort in the region, says David H. Krech, director of sales and marketing for Weston Hotels & Resorts. Following the opening, about six other resorts and an additional golf course are expected to follow in Roco Ki, says Nicholas I. Tawil Fernandez, president/CEO of Macao Beach Resorts, Inc. For now, let’s focus on the first of this more than 10-yearlong master plan. Although you won’t be able to book the Wes- T ravel Agent recently sat down with representatives of the tin until as early as December, you can start teasing clients with some details we recently learned about the property. Krech says that clients who have stayed at a Ritz-Carlton before would be ideal for this property. Its main clientele is families and couples, primarily honeymooners. Krech says he expects it to gain popularity as a wedding destination as well, noting that he is already receiving inquiries about such vacations. The property will include Nick Faldo’s 18-hole championship course, Campo Alto Verde, which will feature a variety of golfing opportunities, including cliff-side and ocean view holes, tropical mangrove forest, lake, marsh and lagoon water hazards and the unique “Los Dos Rezos,” or “The Two Prayers” 18th hole, with its challenging water hazards and undulating green. Top-Notch Restaurants, Spa and Accommodations The resort’s dining facilities, which will all be offered to locals as well as guests, will include Casibi, a casual all-day dining restaurant serving Caribbean and international cuisine, Amarti, an upscale Italian trattoria, and Sabor, a Nuevo-Latino specialty restaurant. Guests can also grab steak entrees at Anacaona Steakhouse, while those seeking more casual fare can visit Apito Verde, a bar and grill at the Golf Clubhouse. Poolside, guests can choose between El Risco, serving casual Caribbean fare and drinks, and El Bohio poolside bar & grill. In the lobby, Cohaba Lounge will feature island specialty cocktails, while Baqua Grill and El Rincón Market Place will offer snacks, beverages and sundries. The 18,000-square-foot Spa at the Westin Roco Ki will include 15 treatment rooms, a fitness boutique and separate cardio, yoga and styling salons. The spa will offer a variety of treatments, such as aroma therapy, body wraps, facial and Continued on page 34 32 TravelAgent August 20, 2007 http://www.pinkbeach.com http://www.pinkbeach.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - August 20, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week Cover Story: Hot Cruise Ports: 2008 and Beyond Central & South America: Costa Rica’s New Resort Europe: Heathrow Upgrades Hawaii: Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa Caribbean: Westin’s Plans in the D.R. Still on Track Africa: Pacific Delight Tours’ South Africa Itinerary Hotels: West Virginia Icon Gets Makeover Tech Advisor: Search Engine Optimization 101 Spa Luxury Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information Classified Marketplace People & Places

Travel Agent - August 20, 2007

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