Elegant Hotels reaches out to Canadian partners

Elegant Hotels' Vice-President of Sales Sylvia Scholey paid a visit to Canada this week to meet with travel partners, promoting the Barbados-based brand to a source market she believes has plenty of potential for growth.

There are five properties in the Elegant portfolio including Colony Club, The House, Crystal Cove and Tamarind on the island's west coast, plus the Canadian favourite, Turtle Beach, on the south coast.

"We have everything from family-fun all-inclusive to chic adults-only options," Scholey said at an event on Feb. 24, noting that the common threads between all options is that each immerses guests in the destination while providing premium service.

While the VP considers Colony Club and The House the two most luxurious of the choices, she pointed out that Turtle Beach has gained popularity in the marketplace because of its family-friendly amenities, which can be otherwise hard to find on the island. It boasts 161 newly renovated suites, two free-form fresh water swimming pools and a kids' splash pool, plus the complimentary Flying Fish Kids Club and a range of activities, from calypso dancing & limbo lessons to water sports and offsite hiking excursions, to name a few.

For multi-generational vacations, Scholey recommends Colony Club, an AAA Four-Diamond resort, whereas The House is the adults-only choice of understated elegance, where guests won't find a traditional lobby or waiters, concierges or bellmen, but instead, property Ambassadors who cater to every need around the clock. In fact, as soon as guests arrive to this property, they are greeted with a complimentary 30-minute jetlag revival massage and a tropical drink.

As for the 88-room Crystal Cove, this property caters to both families and romantics but is especially well-known for its swim-up bar, which is tucked in a little nook behind a man-made waterfall. Tamarind offers 104 contemporary guest rooms and suites with Mediterranean-style buildings, great dining options and an energy that attracts a range of clientele.

This year, Elegant plans to have more partners experience the product, especially by encouraging participation in its rewards program, found at www.elegantrewards.com. Service to Barbados is available daily from Toronto with Air Canada and four-times weekly with WestJet, plus three-times weekly from Montreal with Air Canada.

The Collection, according to Elegant:

Colony Club: Timeless retreat for the discerning traveller

Tamarind: A contemporary & chic beach family getaway

The House: Adults-only hideaway

Crystal Cove: The premium all-inclusive escape for romantics

Turtle Beach: Ultimate all-inclusive beach resort for all