TravelSmart VIP NewsLetter
Year 2 No. 8 Autumn 2015
New Awards for:
Royalton Punta Cana
Chic Punta Cana
Memories Splash Punta Cana
Coming Soon:
Royalton ST. LUCIA
FEATURING:
THREE OF THE BEST
CARIBBEAN
GOLF COURSES
LETTER From the Editor
Dear TravelSmart Member...
On February 1971, an astronaut named Alan Shepard smuggled into the Apollo 14 a makeshift 6-iron and hit two
golf balls on the lunar surface, becoming the first (and only) person to play golf anywhere other than Earth.
A lot of people would say that Shepard had the best view while swinging his golf club, but if you have played at a golf
course in the Caribbean you would also say that the views here are as splendid.
In addition to playing in marvelous courses designed by top golf architects, what makes golfing in the Caribbean
such an unforgettable experience is not only blending yourself with nature, but delighting your eyes with turquoise
waters and the vivid greens in the foliage, while playing under the perfect weather created by the gentle morning
sun rays.
It wasn’t easy, but we went through the best golf courses all across these beautiful Caribbean islands in order to
bring you three of the top courses and you will find them in this TS News issue.
We also want to tell you about the Royalton Saint Lucia, now under construction and scheduled to open in the Fall of
2016. This is a new complex full of luxury for all TravelSmart Members to enjoy. Check it out in our Resort Collection
News while you read about the most recent awards and certifications that your Club Resorts achieved!
Embark yourself into the Autumn Issue of TS News, because your next getaway is just around the corner.
Enjoy!
TSNEWS
2 Autumn 2015
Resort Collection NEWS
TripAdvisor names “Eco Leader” to hotels in Punta Cana
The solid environmental practices carried out by hotels in
Punta Cana, on the country’s easternmost region, have
received international recognition.
Memories Splash Punta Cana
According to TripAdvisor, one of the world’s most important
travel websites, several of these hotels have been chosen
as “Eco Leaders” facilities, a program it co-sponsors with
the United Nations Program for the Environment. Among
these hotels, Memories Splash Punta Cana has received
the Gold Category distinction, while Royalton Punta
Cana and Chic Punta Cana received the Silver Category
Distinction.
Memories Splash Punta Cana received the Gold Category
thanks to all of its standard regulations and high quality
procedures. Memories Splash have light controls in all
rooms, waste recovery systems, recycling facilities, room
temperatures set to save energy, and use of biodegradable
products.
Chic Punta Cana
On the other hand, Royalton and Chic Punta Cana
received the Silver Category thanks to their Green Globe
certifications, control of the usage of energy, energy
saving controls in every room, its highly trained staff on
environmental measures and its program of donation of all
leftover materials.
Additional program co-sponsors are: the U.S. Green
Building Council, Energy Star and the Canada Center for
Responsible Tourism.
Punta Cana hotels have been included in three important
“Eco Leader” categories. Only three hotels were chosen
in the “Eco Leader” Gold Category and eight in the Silver
Category among all the region.
Royalton Saint Lucia will open its doors in 2016
We are excited to continue adding more value to your
TravelSmart VIP Membership by announcing the opening
of Royalton Saint Lucia on the late 2016.
Smuggler’s Cove closed its doors during the early 2015
to start with this new outstanding project taking its place
under the Royalton brand.
This paradisiac island, located in the eastern Caribbean
Sea, lying between Martinique to the north and St. Vincent
to the south, is the biggest of the Caribbean’s Windward
Islands.
Its beautiful green valleys and its astonishing blue coves are
nothing compared to the breathtaking volcanic landscapes,
dominated but the twin peak of the Pitons; making of Saint
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Lucia a unique experience through all the Caribbean Sea.
An incredible paradise.
Royalton Saint Lucia will count with all the luxury
amenities that have made Royalton Resorts to stand out
from all other resorts in the world. Royalton Saint Lucia
will offer its innovative modern All-In Luxury™ concept
with an array of world-class all inclusive features including
the premium, handcrafted DreamBed™, unlimited
reservation-free luxury dining, 24/7 concierge service,
'All-In Connectivity™' with complimentary WiFi and in
room long distance calling, a Sports Event Guarantee™,
and more.
Definitively, an experience that a TravelSmart VIP
member should not miss!
3 Autumn 2015
Resort Collection NEWS
Royalton Punta Cana Wins the Golden Apple Award
for the Second Year in a Row
On the evening of September 14, Royalton Punta Canawas
awarded its second Golden Apple during a reception by
Apple Vacations in Chicago, IL. The award, given to hotels
that provide the highest level of exceptional service, is the
only travel industry award based solely on feedback from
its own clients.
The Golden Apple award is the ultimate “People’s Choice”
recognition based on the Apple Vacations Satisfaction
Questionnaire, a survey completed by hundreds of
thousands of travellers upon their return home. Royalton
Punta Cana received a score of 83 points out of 100 and
this award now provides a benchmark for consumers
when they shop for a vacation providing a testament
to Royalton Luxury Resorts’ focus: to provide the bestpossible vacation experience. Exceptional ratings were
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given for the resort’s luxurious facilities, outstanding
amenities and excellent guest services.
“This award represents the voice of our guests and we’re
pleased that our investment in quality has been recognized
and appreciated,” said Mauricio Zarate, General Manager of
Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino. “Receiving this award
for the second consecutive year is a sign we have a great team
who is committed to delivering excellent guest experience.”
With no doubt, this award is one of many proofs of why
Royalton Punta Cana is one of the tops favorite destinations
of TravelSmart VIP Members. Staying at Royalton Punta
Cana while being part of TravelSmart is and experience
no-one should miss and everybody should repeat!
When’s your next getaway to Royalton Punta Cana?
4 Autumn 2015
COVER STORY
Three of the best
Good news is that you don’t have to go to the moon to
enjoy a superb view and to have quality time.
CARIBBEAN GOLF
COURSES
Architects all over the world have specialized on
designing golf courses. This has led to beautiful places
with outstanding and breathtaking sceneries made out
right from nature.
Although the golf origins might be under
dispute, the earliest known reference to golf
is made by King James II of Scotland in 1452;
when he banned the playing of golf because
it was keeping his subjects away from archery
practice. This was until King James IV of
Scotland repealed the ban of golf and started
playing the game himself. The rest is history.
Nowadays, golf has achieved such importance in human
life that it has even been played on the moon, when
Astronaut Alan Shepard hit a golf shoot using a 6-iron in
1971.
We went out finding the best courses not only for golfers;
but to anyone who wants to create memories of a lifetime
during their vacations.
So, whether you are a golf enthusiast or you just love to
delight your senses with majestic landscapes; do not miss
these golf courses.
According to medical studies, a spa treatment is especially
beneficial for back pain, reducing the need for painkillers
by 36%.
We give you our Top 5 choice of Spa Rituals at The Royal
SPA for you to get healthier and feel better during your
vacation.
PUNTA BLANCA
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Designed by the famous Nick Price – double winner of the
PGA Championship and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame – and
considered the best golf course in Punta Cana according to top golfers,
this golf course blends its 18 holes into a sumptuous landscape that
it even is used for special events such as weddings among the Punta
Cana exclusive society.
If you like a challenge, then this is the best place to golf. On these
7,174 yards, Par-72 landscape, built around natural wetlands, you’ll
find yourself having to be creative and strategic on more than one occasion. Nevertheless, we know that you’ll have a
great time with friends and family as you come up with ways to strike your ball over swamp-like hazards, which are no
easy feat, trust us.
Facts:
6 minute drive from Royalton Punta Cana
Holes: 18
Par: 72
7174 yards
Slope: 123
Tee Off Times: 7.30 am to 2.00 pm
Rental Clubs: Callaway, Titleist and Kin Cobra
Golf Lessons Available
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TripAvisor Reviews:
• “Very nice golf course that was well manicured
with a variety of holes that provided challenges
for most golfers. Nice pleasant day as we golfed
at a leisurely pace.”
• “I've never seen a golf course as beautiful as this
one […].”
5 Autumn 2015
WHITE WITCH – MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Considered as one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean
and rated as the top golf course by Condé Nast Traveler, White
Witch located in Montego Bay offers a spectacular ocean view in 16 of
its 18 holes; thanks to its great geographic location; at one of the most
beautiful and historic sites in Montego Bay.
Carved from the rolling countryside of Jamaica’s historic Rose Hall
Plantation, these 6,758 yards, Par-71, breathtakingly beautiful golf
course will leave you speechless. With mountainous terrains, cool trade
winds and colorful foliage, White Witch welcomes golfers of all levels,
including kids.
Facts:
20 minute drive from Royalton White Sands
Holes: 18
Par: 71
6,758 yards
Slope: 139
Tee Off Times: 7.00 am to 4.00 pm
Rental Clubs Available
Golf Lessons Available
TripAdvisor Reviews:
• “This is a challenging but beautiful golf course. I
have never played golf prior to this trip but the
caddie was amazing at teaching me […] .”
• “This is a great layout, up and down, primarily
through the jungles of the mountainside. It is not
easy but the views and layouts are good even for
the less skilled one time.”
EL TINTO – CANCUN, MEXICO
Designed under PGA standards, El Tinto has been considered
as the new example of golfing excellence in Latin America.
Another work of art by Nick Price, this golf course has it all.
Its attention to detail, and luxurious amenities make El Tinto one of the
best VIP and most exclusive experiences through the Caribbean.
We have all imagined ourselves as pro players at least once in our lives,
well on these 7,435 yards, Par-72 golf course; you will actually feel
like a pro.
When built, the natural flora and fauna were preserved to ensure you an enjoyable view while walking fairways that,
who knows, one day might be written down in the pages of golf history.
Facts:
15 minute drive from Royalton Riviera Cancun
Holes: 18
Par: 72
7,439 yards
Slope: 137
Tee Off Times: 7.00 am to 2.00 pm
Rental Clubs and Gear: TaylorMade
Golf Lessons Available
TripAdvisor Reviews:
• “[…] I played the course and was very impressed
by it. Defenitively will return when I go back to
Royalton in 2016”.
• “Amazing layout, lots of fun to play […] Overall,
a great round at a great course!”
Ask your TravelSmart Vacation Concierge to arrange you everything you need,
from a reservation to transportation.
TSNEWS
6 Autumn 2015
MEMBER'S CORNER
#travelsmartVIP
This is how we travel...
This past August, Royalton Riviera Cancun’s Executive
Chef gave and exclusive cooking class at the resort.
This lesson was broadcast on Canadian Living Culinary
Experience and was an exclusive event for TravelSmart
VIP Members!
We were thrilled watching TravelSmart Members having
such a great time, but the best part of it for us was
when the members shared their experience with us.
TravelSmart Member Services Team is now wondering
if everybody wrote down the new delicious recipes they
learned how to prepare.
TravelSmart will host more exclusive events at our
resorts. Just let us know, what you would like to
experience next?
We're Social!
Don’t forget to follow TravelSmart and share your pictures,
thoughts or anything you want with us!
TSNEWS
Facebook: /TravelSmartVIP
Twitter: /TravelSmartVIP
Instagram: TravelSmartVIP
Pinterest: TravelSmartVIP
7 Autumn 2015
FAQ
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS...
1. How can I check my statements and do my Membership payments?
You can download your balance statements by visiting travelsmartvip.com and signing in with your Membership
information.
Once you’ve signed in, go to the Statements section; where you will be able to download your statements in a PDF
Format and keep it for your records.
If you want to make payments regarding your membership, just go to the Payments section, where you will be able
to do so using a credit card.
2. How can I book using my Travel Benefits?
You can use your Travel Benefits (Sunwing Benefits) any time you want.
Just go to travelsmartvip.com and click on the button named “Travel Benefits Access”. This will take you to another
screen that will ask you to sign in with the information that you were handed out on the day you joined the club.
Once you signed in, you will be able to spot all the vacation packages you want, using the Sunwing travel network.
As a TravelSmart VIP Member, you will always see a preferential rate. If you want to use your SmartPoints to get a
better deal, just call the Reservations Center and a specialist will gladly to it and confirm it for you.
TSNEWS
8 Autumn 2015
Contact us!
TSVC service center numbers:
US & Canada(888)544-1114
Spain91-572-3108
Germany0800-723-4359
France0800-945-609
Europe (other countries)(34)91-572-3108
Mexico5283-0975
Mexico (interior)01-800-841-4930
Argentina(800)122-0374
Brazil(800)892-3369
Peru(800)00947
Chile(800)835-149
South America (other countries)(52)555-283-0975
www.travelsmartvip.com
[email protected]
TSNEWS
9 Autumn 2015