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For Immediate Release

Guests leave credit cards at home and head to the beach

Sandals and Beaches Resorts offersuperior product and personalised service,activities and local produce;shaking the stigma of the all-inclusive of yesteryear

Monday, 16 February 2009 – Finding ways to reduce the holiday budget will be crucial for consumers in 2009, making the all-inclusive option more appealing for sun-seeking,budget conscious travellers looking to control costs and avoid extra expenses on this year’s week in the sun.

The stigma associated with all-inclusives conjures up images of drinking games and eating from the same buffet each day, however the market has since developed many more sophisticated options. Sandals and Beaches Resorts long ago evolved to offer guests a discerning holiday experiencewith stylish suites, gourmet food in beachfront locations.

Picking an all-inclusive is one way of ensuring that the whole family is entertained without racking up costs for holiday treats such as ice creams, snacks, drinks and excursions. With Beaches, the credit card can stay at home, as it is all part of the price.

Dedicated, Personalised Service

With Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the butler service, available through the resort suites, ensures guests bags areunpacked on arrival, mini-bars stocked in advance with a guest’s favourite drink and sun loungers laid out with towels, sun cream and treats on the beach.

Yoga to Scuba Diving – activities for all

For budding divers or advanced yogis, Sandals and Beaches Resorts includesa more extensive range of water and land-based activities including sailing, PADI scuba diving and deep sea fishing, yoga and Pilates, unlimited rounds of golf*, tennis all without extra charge. Each resort is equipped with the latest fitness suite and feature multiple swimming and relaxation pools.

Location Destination

Sandals and Beaches are located in some of the world’s best beach locations: unspoilt stretches of white sand and private islands: Sandals Negril sits on Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach, one of the world’s most famous stretch of sand, while Sandals Cay, Bahamas, offers guests a half-mile offshore island, the perfect tropical island escape.

For those who like to explore the local culture of the destination, the Sandals and Beaches tour desks can also make arrangements for off-resort tours*. All the resorts have partners with local guides and eco-tour companies for hiking and soft adventure tours of local islands and surrounding seas.*Off-resort tours are available at extra charge

Fresh Local Produce

Sandals and Beaches use locally grown produce and change their menu according to the season. Each resort has a great range of culinary delights, including barefoot dining on the beach serving freshly caught seafood and local produce. Guests can dine on sushi, Japanese tepenyaki, French and Caribbean style dishes and most resorts offer up to 11 different restaurants.

Red Lane Spa

The resorts are home to the award-winning Red Lane Spa, which features treatments and products that reflect the essence and spirit of the Caribbean region for the ultimate pampering and well-being. The calming scent of lemongrass infuses throughout each spa, offering a feast for all the senses. Facilities include hot and cold plunge pools, Eucalyptus steam baths and saunas, full-service beauty salons and many also include a secluded garden sanctuary.

7 nights in St Lucia

Seven nights in St Lucia with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to St Lucia, accommodation at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort on an all inclusive basis with transfers included starts from £1,879. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures between 01 Sep-04 Dec 2009

Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected

or call 0844 557 3859

7 nights in Turks & Caicos

Seven nights in Turks & Caicoswith Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Miami, includes onward flights to Turks & Caicos. Accommodation at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages on an all inclusive basis with transfers included starts from £1,615 per adult and £849 per child. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures between between 01 June- 30 June 2009.

Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected

or call 0844 557 3859

Sandals Resorts:

Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing the most romantic holiday experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 12 Sandals properties located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodation in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification programme; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons® and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region.

Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the luxury included holiday and has been voted the World's Best at the World Travel Awards for 13 years in a row. For more information, call your local travel agent or 0800 742 742 or visit