DESTINATIONS

“Puntarenas was an excellent tourist destination 30 years ago, we want to recapture that,” Marketing director of the project, Ana Casafont, said. The port town has seen its glory days as a tourist destination, and is now most known for its cruise ship dock and for being the jump off point to get to the more idyllic beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula by ferry. However, with recent community cleanup efforts, a beach face lift (which earned an Ecological Blue Flag) and a healthy dose of ‘passers through’, the new development may be the final ingredient to spark a renaissance in the ocean front community.

Add to that the new San Jose - Caldera highway that is slated for completion at the end of this year, allowing Josefinos to jet to the beach in under an hour, and one might stop questioning Arquidea’s foresight.

Another recent project, the Marina Papagayo just inaugurated its first phase last month within the Desarollo Papagayo project, which houses the Four Seasons and Hilton Papagayo. The new international marina currently has space for 180 vessels, though eventually they hope to have high tech facilities for 380 ships. The land portion of the project, Marina Village, will have more than 500 residences with exclusive access to resort facilities like the Arnold Palmer Golf Course and the Prieta Beach Club & Spa.

TOURISM BEAT

THREE OF THE TOP FIVE MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN

For the past few years THE trend in tourism has been medical tourism—traveling to foreign countries for lower cost medical care. Medical tourism destinations have emerged all over the globe, from Thailand to South Africa, and even European countries such as Hungary. The industry anticipates a great deal of growth in the coming years, from a 2004 estimate of $40 billion to $100 billion by 2012, according to statistics produced by McKinsey & Company and the Confederation of India.

Experts believe that medical tourism will have a positive impact on the economies of destination countries and benefit skilled and unskilled trades alike. The medical tourism phenomenon may also bode well for foreign investors who hold an interest in those countries.

Currently, three of the Top 5 Medical Tourism Destinations in the world are in the Caribbean Basin. These destinations are deemed to offer the attractive opportunities for medical tourists and foreign investors alike. The destinations were selected based on quality and affordability of care, as well as receptiveness to foreign investment.

Another real plus is that the medical staffs in the Top 5 are largely English-speaking, which eliminates a serious obstacle for the majority of foreign patients. In order, the Top 5 are:

TOP FIVE MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS

1.    Panama
2.    Brazil
3.    Malaysia
4.    Costa Rica
5.    India

Let’s see what our three Caribbean destinations have to offer:

Number 1: Panama

Panama offers significantly lower costs for medical procedures just south of the U.S. border. Costs, on average, are 40 to 70 percent lower than costs of similar surgeries in the U.S., according to a report on medical tourism published by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) last November. Although costs for medical procedures are generally higher compared to those of Southeast Asian countries, travel costs from the U.S. to Panama are considerably lower.

Panama is a relatively “Americanized” country and an attractive place for both regular tourists and medical tourists to visit. Panama City is a relatively safe and modern destination; the U.S. dollar is the country’s official currency, and many of the physicians are U.S.-trained. Consequently, U.S. patients are less likely to experience a high degree of culture shock when seeking care in Panama.

Medical tourism should have a positive impact on Panama’s economy, which relies heavily on the services industry. The medical tourism industry can also help to utilize Panama’s labor force of approximately 1.5 million people, which has a surplus of unskilled labor, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Number 2: Brazil

Brazil has become an international mecca for cosmetic and plastic surgeries. Its road to fame in medical tourism began with Ivo Pitanguy, the world-renowned plastic surgeon who opened a clinic outside of Rio de Janeiro more than 40 years ago. It is the second largest market for plastic surgery in the world, behind the U.S., which is most likely attributed to the high quality of service and low cost compared to other countries. Brazil is also becoming a medical tourism destination for other types of procedures in its own right. In terms of general medical treatment, Brazil has the most hospitals of any country outside the U.S. that are fully accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO), the largest U.S. hospital accreditation organization, according to the website for medical tourism service company MedRetreat.

São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is considered to have some of the world’s best equipped hospitals, advanced evaluation procedures and highly skilled physicians, according to BrazilMedicalTourism.com, a website hosted by Sphera Internacional. Brazil can be reached from most U.S. cities within eight to 12 hours by plane.

Number 4: Costa Rica

Costa Rica, like Panama, has become a popular destination among North American patients for inexpensive, high-quality medical care “without a trans-Pacific flight,” according to experts quoted in the University of Delaware’s UDaily news in 2005. The convenience of travel has made the country a particularly attractive destination for American patients, as Costa Rica can be reached from most U.S. cities within seven to 10 hours of flight time.

Around 150,000 foreigners sought care in Costa Rica in 2006, according to the NCPA report published last November. Often, foreign patients travel to Costa Rica for the low costs of dental work and plastic surgery. Costs of procedures in Costa Rica are generally less than half the cost of the same procedures in the U.S.; the price of a dental veneer, for instance, is approximately $350 in Panama, whereas the same procedure is $1,250 in the U.S., according to the website for Medical Tourism of Costa Rica, a medical travel service company.

TOURISM EVENTS

THE HEINEKEN REGATTA IS SET TO SAIL IN ST MAARTEN

One of the major boating events of the year is the Heineken Cup Regatta, now in its 29th year. The Regatta runs from March 5 – 8 2009, and features an event with a race each day. Last year 281 yachts (including a number of the +100ft. “Big Boats”) from all over the world came to enjoy the clear skies and steady breezes; it really is yacht racing at its best. A week long Heineken racing program gives you the chance to train as a crew before testing your skills against some of the best boats out there.

For over 20 years, every March, St. Martins' waters become the ultimate Caribbean playground for sailors and 'landlubbers' alike! Being a magnet for the nautical scene year round, it's the Annual Heineken Regatta that turns the eyes of the sailing world on this little island. This grand sailing celebration brings sailors from Europe and North America to challenge their Caribbean brothers in a friendly, high level competition.

More than 250 mariners assemble to compete in the St. Maarten trade winds making it the largest regatta in the Caribbean. The regatta of 2005 brought 256 challengers from 24 nations, in 17 classes from the smallest 17' cat to a 162' schooner and 120 charter boats. The races start on the Dutch side and finish on the French side amidst much 'pomp and partying'.

The highlight of the regatta is the Big Boat Class with its amazing beauties and high-tech racers, though it's not only the race that makes the event so notorious. Keeping to its motto 'Serious Fun' the regatta includes nightly feasts in Philipsburg, on the Marigot Waterfront and Simpson Bay. Supporters or crews, winners or losers, residents or visitors; after the race everybody joins a whirlwind of music, Heineken and happiness to enjoy the spirit of friendly competition that is the Heineken Regatta.

The March 2009 schedule is as follows:

Sunday 1st            WARM UP Race for the Heineken Regatta
Tuesday 3rd           Budget Marine Match Racing Cup
5th - 8th March     The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

HOTEL HOT TIPS

TWO CARIBBEAN INNS NAMED TO COASTAL LIVING'S MOST ROMANTIC INNS IN THE WORLD LIST

If you’d like a romantic getaway why not sneak off one of the two top ten most romantic inns in the world as recently named by Coastal Living.  Why only two romantic inns to visit? Because those two heavenly hideaways are in the Caribbean, of course!.

Number 1: Petit St. Vincent, Grenadines
The fantasy: Your own sun-blessed, beach-fringed island in the Caribbean, with sailing, snorkeling and other pastimes available at your whim, and a staff to provide anything from meals to massages.

The reality: At Petit St. Vincent, it's the same as the fantasy. Twenty-two understatedly elegant stone cottages, overlooking the water and open to the breezes, scatter across this 113-acre island. With rates starting at $675 a night, Petit St. Vincent qualifies as a splurge, but the price covers all activities and meals. Open November through August.

Number 7: Casita de Maya, Cozumel, Mexico

Don't confuse it with Cancún, the party-hearty spring break destination a few miles north. The laid-back Caribbean island of Cozumel attracts scuba divers and snorkelers, beach bums and honeymooners who prefer quiet togetherness. Tucked away next to the airport, of all places (but away from the flight paths, so jet noise does not intrude), Casita de Maya provides the perfect headquarters for a getaway. The four rooms, beautifully appointed in earthy colors, open onto a pretty little courtyard with a pool. Owner Dan Komorowsky and his staff can answer any question about the island and arrange expeditions. They also know when to disappear and give guests time for themselves. Rates from $59.

HILTON ADDS THREE RENOWNED PUERTO RICO HOTELS TO ITS PORTFOLIO

Hilton Hotels Corporation recently announced the addition of three of Puerto Rico's most renowned luxury hotels to the company's lavishness and lifestyle brands portfolio.  El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa and El San Juan Hotel & Casino join the Waldorf Astoria Collection on February 24, 2009 and April 7, 2009 respectively, while Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino will be welcomed by Conrad Hotels & Resorts on March 12, 2009.

These newest additions mark each brand's debut in the Caribbean and demonstrate Hilton's expansion of its luxury and lifestyle brands into key markets worldwide. Sprawling across a cliff top high above the sea, El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa joined the Waldorf Astoria Collection on Tuesday. Spread over 500 acres of tropical landscape in the fishing village of Los Croabas, the resort comprises unique villages designed to combine tranquility with ultimate luxury.

The resort overlooks the converging waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is 31 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico and the international airport. Upon completion of a $120 million property-wide renovation in 2008, El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa, The Waldorf Astoria Collection boasts a complete redesign to all 750 guestrooms and suites, the recently opened Coqui Water Park, an outpost of NYC steakhouse Strip House and the addition of the 21,090-square-foot Grand Atlantic Ballroom, bringing the resort's total meeting and event space to over 100,000 square feet.

This luxury getaway is complemented by Las Casitas Village, an intimate resort within a resort, with luxury villas, a secluded infinity pool, tropical spa services and personalized 24-hour butler service for guests and families seeking a higher level of privacy and pampering.

The beachfront El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa, The Waldorf Astoria Collection features an array of recreation activities including an Arthur Hills 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, Golden Door Spa - the Caribbean's largest spa with 25 treatment rooms, seven freshwater swimming pools and private Palomino Island for sunbathing, water sports, horseback riding and more.

A 9,500-square-foot circular world-class casino, seven tennis courts, fitness center, retail shops and a 25-slip private marina offering deep-sea fishing charters, sailboats, catamarans, and yachts are also available, while dining options seem limitless with nearly 20 onsite restaurants and cafes.

Set on one of Puerto Rico's most picturesque beaches in the fashionable Isla Verde district just five minutes from the international airport, the El San Juan Hotel & Casino has long been considered one of the Caribbean's leading hotel and casino properties. On April 7, 2009, the renowned hotel joins the Waldorf Astoria Collection following a $52 million renovation completed in 2007. With 382 guest rooms and meeting spaces designed by Robert Barry of Barry Design and an alluring pool and beachside experience - Encanto Beach Club, by acclaimed architect Stephane Dupoux - the El San Juan Hotel & Casino offers an exciting and vibrant escape.

The El San Juan Hotel & Casino, The Waldorf Astoria Collection's elegance is revealed in all guest rooms and bath elements combining energy, comfort, and pleasure. Outdoors, the hotel invites guests to a poolside experience at the Encanto Beach Club, a social setting featuring 24 canopied, double-sided daybeds along the shoreline, three private cabanas, 25 versatile lounging pods, hammocks, swings, a swim-up bar, and more.

An Edouard de Paris Day Spa is a full-service oasis with five treatment rooms. A 16,500-square-foot casino delivers a warm, friendly atmosphere with elegant opulence, while eight award-winning restaurants present an array of culinary delights.

After a great meal, guests can relax with beverages and live music in one of the resort's bars, lounges or nightclubs, including the Lobby Bar consisting of The Gold Bar, The Silver Bar and The Blue Bar, each with its own attitude.  Additional amenities at the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, The Waldorf Astoria Collection include 35,000 square feet of versatile event space, including 14 rooms and unique outdoor spaces, business center with Internet access, complimentary children's activities, rooftop fitness center, and La Galeria, an air-conditioned shopping arcade.

Located on San Juan's Condado strip, the renovated Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino is a welcome addition to the Conrad line of hotels and resorts. The Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza will debut on March 12, 2009 showing off a $70 million dollar redesign completed in 2008 which included an intensive refurbishment of all rooms, public areas, an impressive new lobby, and 40,000 square feet of meeting space.

Just 15 minutes from the international airport, this urban oceanfront hotel has the distinction of being the only hotel to overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Condado Lagoon.

AIR TRAVEL

FIRST ANGUILLA AIR EXPRESS ARRIVES IN ANGUILLA

Anguilla's Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming led the welcome team on the tarmac at Wallblake Airport to greet the arrival of the first Anguilla Air Express service into the island on Saturday, February 14, 2009.

The inaugural flight was carrying a select group of travel industry VIPs to experience firsthand the new service and enjoy a special Valentine’s weekend hosted by the Anguilla Tourist Board. Special festivities were held at the airport to celebrate the occasion.

"This new service is a big step in improving direct access into Anguilla, and helps fill a major void. Travelers now have three daily options for a safe, reliable and easy connection between San Juan and Anguilla, and most importantly, it gets our visitors to Anguilla early enough for them to relax and enjoy their first day of vacation,” stated Donna Banks, Special Advisor Tourism, Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism.

The luxury King Air Turboprop A 100 seats 8 passengers and departs San Juan daily at 11:30 am, 2:45pm and 5:45pm, with departures from Anguilla at 8:00am, 1:00 pm and 4:00pm, conveniently scheduled to meet the US mainland flights. Operated by Rainbow International Airlines Inc., one of the premiere charter companies in the region, the new service provides guests the comfort, luxury and convenience of a private jet service.

The emphasis of the Anguilla Air Express is on first class, personalized service, with an agent meeting all passengers at the gate and escorting them through security and to the departure gate in San Juan, and through Immigration and Customs on arrival in Anguilla, with the same VIP service on the return.