News
Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire and Dive Friends Bonaire Unveil Brand New Dive Facility
The Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire has unveiled a 3200 square-foot retail dive center at the hotel near the Flamingo International Airport. The new facility was designed and created in conjunction with Dive Friends Bonaire, the largest provider of scuba diving and related services on the island. A gala unveiling ceremony to celebrate the opening was held at the facility last Friday evening.
According to Director of Hotel Sales Mingli Chung, the new facility was designed with scuba diving guests in mind. “The Courtyard Bonaire provides guests with all the amenities, benefits and comfort expected from a Marriott property. Our new dive center provides the added convenience, service and expert knowledge that guests who dive also demand. We are pleased to offer this added benefit for our hotel guests and are honored to be opening our Dive Center together with Dive Friends Bonaire.”
The 140-room Courtyard Bonaire represents two significant “firsts” in the local Bonaire market. The new hotel, which opened in December, is the first US-branded hotel to open on Bonaire. In addition, the property is the first Courtyard by Marriott in the world to open an on-site scuba diving center.
Dive Friends Bonaire, a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, will provide full-time staff, equipment, training and technical expertise at the Courtyard Bonaire property. Dive Friends Bonaire, which has six different dive facilities (soon to be seven) and four retail shops strategically placed across the island of Bonaire, can handle virtually any diving-related request, equipment or training need with its team of dedicated professionals.
“This facility allows Dive Friends Bonaire to provide even better service to visitors coming to Bonaire,” said Pascal De Meyer, General Manager. “We are proud of what Dive Friends offers our diving guests and this new facility is an extension of that commitment. We look forward to building on our partnership with Courtyard by Marriott with this new facility.”
The new retail facility offers a complete selection of equipment, diving accessories, training materials, accessories and much more. In addition, there is an on-site classroom, secure locker facilities for gear storage and the capacity for two convenient “drive-up” stations for air and nitrox tanks.
Courtyard Bonaire offers diving guests the unique opportunity to use Marriott Rewards points for their stay AND the unique opportunity to earn bonus points when booking nights at the hotel. There are multiple package programs available for all levels of scuba divers.
Source: www.divenewswire.com
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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