TEN REASONS TO VACATION IN THE CARIBBEAN THIS SUMMER

Chapel Hill, NC (May 2, 2008) - Summer in the Caribbean?  Absolutely!  Though many travelers think of the Caribbean as a winter-only destination, summer is a good time to visit and explore these amazing islands!  People presume that the Caribbean is too hot to be enjoyed during the summer months, but due to constant trade winds, temperatures remain pretty consistent year-long.  Summer is just a few degrees warmer.  See below for 10 reasons to vacation in the Caribbean this summer: 

1.      Great beaches.  Some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are in the Caribbean.  From lively to remote expanses of sand, the Caribbean has them all.

2.      Cheaper airfare.  Airline tickets are usually less expensive and easier to secure during summer months. 
3.      Direct flights.  There is easy, non-stop access from major cities to certain locales.  For example, fly direct from Houston and Atlanta to Bonaire, New York or Boston to Aruba, Chicago and Newark to St. Maarten, Miami to Barbados, or Atlanta to St. Croix.  Other cities also offer direct flights, giving the most vacation time possible.

4.      Terrific deals.  Deals abound across the Caribbean.  Divi Resorts (www.diviresorts.com), which specializes in the Caribbean with nine resorts on six islands, offers a “Summer Fun” sale with room rates reduced 30 percent until August 31 at most of its properties.  At the Aruba property, the Divi Golf and Beach Resort, kids stay free in Divi’s all-inclusive summer program with a starting rate of $220 per night, per adult, with a maximum of two kids up to the age of 17.  The special includes meals, drinks and non-motorized sports and golf for adults after 3:00 p.m.  Divi makes summer last longer in Aruba, extending this deal through December 23.  Booking has to be by May 30.  Many of the Divi resorts are all-suites properties, making them ideal for family vacations.

5.      Cultural multiplicity.  Once high tourism season comes to a close in April, Caribbean islands host many festivals such as the Crop Over Festival in Barbados and jump-ups (street fairs) that celebrate local heritage and lifestyle.  There are also a slew of water sport competitions to entertain locals and visitors alike under the azure skies.

6.      Try something new.  Learn to landsail in Aruba, dive in Bonaire, see how rum is made in St. Croix or visit a plantation in Barbados.  Take golf lessons at the Divi Golf and Beach resort in Aruba.  The excursions, whether they are adventure based or just for leisure, are innumerable!  

7.      Entertainment for every whim.  In many cases, you won’t even have to leave the resort.  Beachside activities, delicious meals and live cultural entertainment are often right at the vacation property.  However, duty-free shopping, rolling the dice at a casino, dancing at a nightclub, a glass-bottom boat tour, or a hike through a rain forest are only minutes away.  Kids will be entertained morning until night.  

8.      No passport needed.  Visitors get a taste of both island life and Danish culture in St. Croix.  No passport required to this island, which is part of the US Virgin Islands.

9.      Relax.  After April, the crowds die down, which means shorter lines, if any, to swim with the dolphins and more available lounge chairs by the pool!

10.     Island hopping.  Take a boat or a plane to another island for a delightful day trip and a chance to see yet another island culture.

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean with a collection of nine premium resorts on six stunning Caribbean islands. With vacation stays as well as full and fractional ownership, the resorts provide myriad vacation pleasures from relaxing on white sand beaches and indulging in spa services to embarking on scuba diving adventures and perfecting one’s golf swing.  For more information on Divi Resorts call 1-800-367-3484, or visit www.diviresorts.com.  The Divi Resorts logo is the Service Mark of Divi Hotels, Inc.; its use represents the group of resort companies owned by the registrant or operating under the registrant’s Divi Resorts brand.