WIMCO'S CARIBBEAN SUMMER PACKAGES 2000

-- NEWPORT, RI, March 2000 -- WIMCO’s eagerly awaited Caribbean Summer Packages 2000 brochure showcasing a customized selection of hotels and resorts throughout the region is now available. Since the 1980’s, WIMCO has been instrumental in making the Caribbean’s eight-month summer season accessible to North American travelers by offering exceptional values for exceptional accommodations.

The summer season, which lasts from April 15 to December 14, is ideal for the vacationer who wants to get maximum value without losing any of the pleasures of the Caribbean. WIMCO’s participating hotels and resorts offer extremely reasonably priced accommodations during this time, often with complimentary extras such as car rentals, a bottle of champagne or even a day cruise or fishing trip.

For those who prefer a villa to a hotel, savings on villa rentals during the summer can range from 25 to 40 percent and in some locations the number of bedrooms used for further savings can rent larger villas. Adding to the satisfaction of saving money are the advantages of being in the Caribbean in summer when restaurants, shops and beaches are uncrowded and the weather, thanks to cooling tropical breezes, remains delightful.

“The high price of a summer vacation in the Hamptons, on Nantucket or at other American watering holes makes the Caribbean look especially appealing,” said Janis Gordon, WIMCO’s director of sales and marketing. “Prices here in the U.S. are expected to rise 15 to 40 percent over last year. Even those who can afford these steep increases are considering other places on the basis of the overspending principle.”

Included in the Caribbean Summer Packages 2000 brochure are details on sports, shopping, golf, tennis and other activities, said Gordon.

“Of special note is the island of St. Barts, where the French franc is at an all time favorable exchange rate making meals, shopping and car rental very attractive,” she added.

For example, Eden Rock offers a seven-night program for Apr 10 – Nov 14, 2000, that starts at $1,575 per couple inclusive of luxury accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, car rental, a beach lunch, half-day boat excursion, airport transfers, tax and service.

Another package at Le Toiny from Apr 25 – Aug 31 or Oct 23 – 31 offers five nights at $3,000 per couple inclusive of luxury accommodations, champagne and fois gras upon arrival, fresh flowers daily, en-suite daily continental breakfast, a candlelit dinner for two, complimentary cruise or gourmet lunch, massages, use of jeep throughout hotel stay, chauffeur driven airport transfers, a picnic lunch, tax and service.

As the international vacation villa specialist, WIMCO provides a custom-designed vacation. Taking care of every detail, WIMCO removes planning stress by coordinating all aspects of clients’ getaways from the moment they leave their front door to include: arranging airline reservations, car rentals, boat and plane charters, domestic help, touring itineraries, dining reservations and countless other logistics -- right down to making sure the fridge is stocked upon arrival!