Sandals Resorts is a step closer to bringing over-the-water suites to St Lucia at its Sandals Grande St. Lucian Village development.

After receiving approval from the Saint Lucian government for the concept, Sandals Resorts, which was named World’s Leading All-inclusive Company and the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards 2010, is proceeding with construction plans. 

The over-the-water suites, which will be the first-of-their-kind in Saint Lucia, are set to begin welcoming guests in late 2012.

In addition to the newly-opened Sandals Grande Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, the over-the-water suites will help further introduce guests to the next level of the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included holiday experience.

“We want to thank the government of Saint Lucia for their support of this project and are thrilled to begin moving forward this summer,” said Adam Stewart, chief executive of Sandals Resorts.

“The Caribbean is one of the world’s most exquisite and gorgeous destinations and easily accessible for many travellers.  Now, with these suites, guests will no longer need to travel halfway around the world to enjoy the popular over-the-water experience.”

The 26 over-the-water suites will be available to guests in three luxurious categories and will feature see-through glass floors, over-the-water hammocks, outdoor showers and Jacuzzis, and lit water for night viewing.  All 26 over-the-water suites will also include butler service, courtesy of Sandals Resorts’ exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

The new village will also feature 11 of the popular Beachfront Rondoval Suites, lavish private suites in the round, with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis for each; 19 plunge pool suites, similar to the Crystal Lagoon Swim-up suites found at Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean; and 24 indulgent beachfront villas.

Guests of the newly expanded village at Sandals Grande St. Lucian can enjoy gourmet dining; unlimited premium brand wine and spirits; and a wide array of land and watersports, including snorkelling and scuba diving for certified divers. 

This latest development in St Lucia comes on the heals of the news that Sandals plans to invest $US500 million to expand its offering in the Caribbean over the coming decade. The group currently offer 3 properties in St Lucia, including Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halycon Beach.

St Lucia is one oft the most sought after Caribbean destinations, with a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, including the twin peaks of Les Pitons and Diamond Falls.

On October 7th the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica will play host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & Americas Gale Ceremony.

City.Mobi

Also in the Indian Ocean today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Castries.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Castries.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.