R ADISSON B LU R ESORT S T. M A R T I N , F R E N C H W E S T I N D I E S
N O V E M B E R 1 2 - 16 , 2 0 1 0
Dear Mini Club Winners and Guests, Congratulations on the outstanding effort that has qualified you for our fabulous trip to St. Martin. Your commitment to excellence has paid off and now it is time to celebrate your success. And what a celebration it will be. St. Martin is one of the world’s great resort destinations – powder soft beaches, warm golden sunshine, brilliant blue skies, sparkling azure seas, great Mini Club events, a spectacular resort hotel and, best of all, the warm friendship and camaraderie of our CA family. This booklet is packed with all the details you’ll need to get ready for Mini Club. Please take a few minutes to read it thoroughly. Then, if you have any questions, please contact one of the CA Travel Specialists in Islandia. Again, congratulations on qualifying and I look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, Kevin Tumulty SVP, Head of Sales, Europe
IMPORTANT Included with this trip booklet are... • E-Ticket Confirmation Please check your e-ticket confirmation carefully to be certain of your dates and times of travel. • Baggage Tags — two per person Please complete the information on the back of the tags and attach one to each of the suitcases you intend to check with the airlines. • Some Mini Club attendees will have additional travel confirmations: If you have made individual travel arrangements with the CA Travel Specialists, enclosed with this booklet is a confirmation of those arrangements. If you have any questions regarding your trip, or if any of the above items is missing, please phone the CA Travel Specialists in Islandia at 001 210 253 7279.
©2010 CA. All rights reserved. CA confidential and proprietary information for CA internal use only. No unauthorized copying or distribution permitted.
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Index Activities, Mini Club ......................................27, 43 Airline E-Tickets ..................................................15 Airport Transportation ........................................16 ATMs ....................................................................23 Attire – Suggested Dress ......................................17 Climate ..................................................................17 Credit Cards ..........................................................22 Dining....................................................................25 Electricity ..............................................................20 Emergency Contact ..............................................22 Entry Requirements, St. Martin ..........................15 Gratuities ..............................................................23 Health & Safety ....................................................21 Hospitality Desk....................................................26 Hotel – Radisson Blu Resort ................................11 Incidental Expenses ..............................................23 Internet ..................................................................27 Itinerary – At a Glance............................................4 Itinerary – Day-by-Day ........................................29 Luggage – Airline Allowance ................................18 Luggage – Misplaced ............................................19 Luggage – Security ................................................18 Luggage Tags..........................................................19 Mini Club Includes ..............................................40 Money Matters ......................................................22 Name Badges ........................................................26 Packing Suggestions ..............................................17 Return Flights........................................................24 Shopping ..............................................................27 St. Martin, French West Indies ..............................7 Time Zone ............................................................28 Travel Documents ................................................15 3
Itinerary Friday, November 12 Depart your home city for St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Please refer to your e-ticket confirmation for flight details. Arrive Princess Juliana International Airport where you will be met by our Travel Staff. Transfer to the Radisson Blu Resort Hotel check-in and Mini Club Registration Afternoon at leisure 19:00 – 22:00 Welcome to Paradise Party at the Radisson pool
Saturday, November 13 7:00 – 11:00 Breakfast at leisure in Le Marché Daytime Choice of CA sponsored activity or day at leisure Evening Shuttle to Grand Case for dinner on own
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at a Glance Sunday, November 14 7:00 – 11:00 Breakfast at leisure in Le Marché Daytime Choice of CA sponsored activity or day at leisure Evening Dinner on own
Monday, November 15 7:00 – 11:00 Breakfast at leisure in Le Marché Daytime Shopping shuttle to Philipsburg or day at leisure 18:45 – 22:00 Farewell Party at Waikiki Beach Restaurant
Tuesday, November 16 7:00 – 11:00 Breakfast at leisure in Le Marché Depart for home
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SINT MAARTEN NETHERLAND ANTILLES
Terres Basses
FRENCH WEST INDIES
St. Martin
E A
Simpson Bay
Lagoon
Simpson Bay
S
Marigot
A R I B B E A N
PRINCESS JULIANA INT’L AIRPORT
Terres Basses
C Grand Case
Great Bay
Philipsburg
Salt Pond
Sint Maarten
St. Martin
Baie de Grand Case
Radisson Blu Resort
Anse Marcel
A
O
C E A N
T L A N T I C
Orient Bay
OUR MINI CLUB DESTINATION
St. Martin
F R E N C H
W E S T
I N D I E S
If it were possible that a location could have a split
personality, St. Martin/Sint Maarten would be the perfect example. It is the smallest inhabited sea island in the world to be shared by two sovereign nations, The Netherlands and France, creating a Europeaninfluenced vibe with a Caribbean flair. Dutch Sint Maarten is lively from dusk to dawn, its bustling Las Vegas-style casinos and nightclubs packed with tourists. Sophisticated French St. Martin, on the other hand, is more laid back and regularly serves up haute cuisine in the small cafés and bistros. The Dutch side of the island has high-rise buildings, American-style sports bars and up to 15,000 cruise ship passengers on any given day. On the French side you’ll find farms, stunning vistas of lush hills, sapphire seas and wide-open spaces. But don’t let these differences fool you. The two sides of the island have a lot in common and the distinctions between the two continue to blur. Of the 100,000 residents, there are over 140 nationalities - a mixture of natives, Europeans, Americans and West Indians, all drawn by the island's vitality. And they have all put their stamp on the island - this is truly the 7
‘melting pot’ of the Caribbean. The border these two countries share is unassuming and unguarded. If you blink, you’ll miss it entirely. Locals and visitors alike cross back and forth over the invisible border without even realizing they’ve done so. The biggest thing these two nations have in common are the beaches. Reports vary on the exact number, but no one disagrees that the island’s 36 or more beaches are all breathtaking, with crystal clear waters of aqua blue. Some are long stretches of white powdery sand, lined with beach bars & restaurants. Others are small secret coves and calm inlets with coral sand, enclosed in tiny intimate bays. Each one is different in its own way. You can jump in almost anywhere into the warm, clear Caribbean and find beautiful sights and fascinating marine life. All of this is to say that St. Martin/Sint Maarten is a paradoxical union of the local and the cosmopolitan. It is full of contrasts, yet is the perfect blend of languages, cultures and flavors, of European chic and Caribbean tranquility. History This island was first settled by the Arawak Indians, a peaceful tribe who migrated from the eastern coast of South America. On November 11, 1493 Columbus sighted the island as he sailed by it. Because November 11 is known as the holy day for St. Martin of Tours, Columbus named the island Isla de San Martín, claimed it for Spain and went along his merry way, never having set foot on land. The Spanish were in the midst of heavy colonization at the time and couldn’t be bothered with little San Martín. By 1631 the Dutch West India Company had heard about the island’s rich salt ponds. The Dutch settled on the southernmost point of the island and soon discovered a small French settlement to the north. 8
The Spanish soon got wind of this. Fueled by their opposing roles in the Eighty Years War, the Spanish were determined not to lose St. Martin and the Dutch were passionate about the salt revenues. The struggle ended in 1633 when the Spanish reclaimed the island. A counter-attack by the Dutch in 1642 ended in failure, but they didn’t have long to wait for a lucky break. Deciding to concentrate more on Puerto Rico, the Spanish abandoned Philipsburg permanently in 1648. The old stone forts that guard many of the island's inlets are proof of this turbulent time in its past. The Dutch and the French settlers wasted no time: Driven by their desire to share the island in harmony and mutually reap the benefits of its strategic position, they structured the Treaty of Concordia on March 23, 1648. The treaty divided the island into two nations, at that time forming the smallest territory shared by two sovereign powers. The island’s residents have peacefully co-existed ever since. Geography and Population Referred to as the ‘crossroads of the Caribbean’, St. Martin is centrally located 300 kilometers east of Puerto Rico in the westward Lesser Antilles, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west. The 87 square kilometers of land are divided 60/40 between France and The Netherlands. While Marigot in French St. Martin is the most populated city, more than 50% of the residents live on the Dutch side of the island. The total population is slightly less than 75,000. Language Dutch and French are the two official languages, but English is widely spoken throughout the island. Other minor dialects include French-based Creole and Papiamento, a language spoken by immigrants of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. 9
Economy Like most Caribbean islands, St. Martin’s economy centered around sugar cane and salt in the 1600’s. With the abolition of slavery in 1848, the island fell into an economic depression for about the next 100 years. In 1939, the island was declared a duty-free port and things began to look promising. Since the mid 1900’s, the economy has relied heavily on the tourism industry. Today, more than 85% of the labor force is engaged in this sector.
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YOUR HOTEL
Radisson Blu Resort F R E N C H
W E S T
I N D I E S
With a modishly boutique Côte d'Azur ambience,
the Radisson Blu Resort is surrounded by hills on three sides and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean on the fourth. Situated on 7.29 hectares in Anse Marcel and boasting 488 meters of crescent-shaped beachfront, the setting is one of the most picturesque in all of the Caribbean. The pathways and fountains scattered over the finely groomed lawn appear to be lifted from an 18th century French manor. Resort facilities include a 90-meter long infinity pool, spa and fitness center, a 150-slip marina, and a variety of motorized and non-motorized water sports equipment, such as banana boats, canoes, kayaks and wave runners. Enjoy C Le Restaurant, a chic, beachfront gourmet restaurant that takes contemporary French/ Caribbean culinary style to a whole new level. For more casual dining, Le Marché is an open-air bistro which also features a brick oven for pizza and rotisserie. The resort’s 252 guest rooms are decorated in EuroCaribbean furnishings and accented in baby blues and sea greens designed to glow in the rising and 11
setting sun. Each room has a flat-screen satellite television, iPod docking station, DVD player, mini bar and espresso machine. Complementing the resort’s magnificent facilities is a staff of hospitable professionals who provide outstanding personal service. Restaurants Le Marché
Cuisine International Bistro
Hours Breakfast 7:00 – 11:00 Dinner 18:00 – 22:30 Closed for dinner on Sunday
C Le Restaurant
Gourmet/ French
Lunch 12:00 – 15:30 Dinner 18:00 – 22:30 Closed for dinner on Sunday
Le Lobby Bar
Cocktails/ Aperitifs
12:45 - 00:00 Live Music 18:30 - 23:00
Pool Bar
Cocktails/ Snack Bar
11:00 – 18:00
RADISSON BLU RESORT BP 581, Anse Marcel 97056, St. Martin FWI - Antilles Françaises Tel. +590 590 87 67 00 Fax: +590 590 87 30 38 www.radisson.com/stmartin
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Radisson Blu Resort F R E N C H
W E S T
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I N D I E S
Travel Information E-TICKET CONFIRMATION Mini Club attendees and guests will fly from their home cities to St. Martin. Enclosed with this booklet is your electronic ticket (“e-ticket�) confirmation. Please check it carefully, take special note of your departure time, and plan to arrive at the airport two hours before that time. Note: The name on your e-ticket must be exactly the same as the name on your passport.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL Everyone will need a valid passport to enter St. Martin. National Identity cards are no longer accepted. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area do not require a visa. Citizens of the following countries require a visa, and a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Grenada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mongolia, Morocco, 15
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you are unsure of which document you need for admission to St. Martin, please visit the CA Travel Incentive Home Page at https://km.ca.com/sales/compassclub/emeaminiclub/default.aspx and select the “Documents & Resources” link under “Europe Mini Club”. Fees incurred for qualifier and primary guest passports and visas can be expensed to CA. Hint: We suggest you make a photocopy of the first two photo ID pages of your passport before leaving home. Bring the photocopy with you on the trip, but store it separate from your passport. If your passport is lost, the photocopy will help expedite the issuance of a new one.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION CA is providing round-trip transportation between the Princess Juliana International Airport and the hotel on the Mini Club group arrival and departure dates of Friday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 16 only. Travel to and from the airport and hotel on all other dates is by personal arrangement and at your own expense.
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GETTING READY FOR
Mini Club CLIMATE St. Martin's temperature remains constant yearround, averaging about 27° C during the day. You can expect evening temperatures to be about 3 - 5° lower. The month of November typically gets 97 mm of rain so there’s always a possibility of a shower.
SUGGESTED DRESS St. Martin is a charming and laid-back island. Resort wear is accepted almost everywhere. Select restaurants and some of the casinos require elegant resort wear during evening hours. Resort casual attire is accepted in Grand Case restaurants. CA is hosting two evening events: a Welcome to Paradise Party by the hotel pool and a Farewell Party at Waikiki Beach Restaurant. Resort casual attire is suggested for both evenings.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS On your packing list should be:
• Comfortable walking shoes • Beach sandals or waterproof shoes 17
• Hat • Sunglasses • Sunscreen • Swimsuit and cover-up • A light rain jacket • Camera & flashcard or film If you take prescription medicine, you should bring enough to last the entire trip. Always pack medicine, passports and valuables in your carry-on luggage; never pack them in the suitcases you check with the airlines. To avoid any possible customs problems both at home and in St. Martin, keep the medicine in the container you received at the chemist. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring along an extra pair.
AIRLINE LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE Airlines have substantially restricted their checked luggage policies, but the following rule applies on most international airlines most of the time. Each passenger is permitted to check one bag free of charge; total weight not to exceed 23 kg. The sum of the dimensions (length + height + width) of the bag may not exceed 158 cm. If you are charged to check an additional piece of luggage, you may expense the fee back to CA. If you have any questions regarding the luggage allowance in your country, please contact your airline. Carry-on bag restrictions are strictly enforced on international flights. Dimensions of the carry-on bag may not exceed 114 cm, and weight allowances vary from 6 to 12 kilos. In addition you are usually allowed a personal item such as a camera case, purse, small backpack, or laptop case.
LUGGAGE SECURITY Please check your carry-on bags carefully to make sure you have no sharp objects such as knives, scissors, 18
or knitting needles. Cigarette lighters are no longer forbidden, but many airports now require they be carried on your person and not inside your carryon bag. Safety matches are also permitted. Restrictions concerning toiletries, liquids and gels packed in your carry-on bag are as follows: You may bring small travel-size containers of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and perfume in your carry-on, but these cosmetics and toiletries must be in individual containers no larger than 100 ml. The containers must be packed together in a clear plastic re-sealable one litre bag, no larger than 20 cm x 20 cm. When you arrive at airport security control, the sealed plastic bag must be removed from your hand bag and placed on the conveyor belt separately for screening. Please be aware that if you plan on bringing liquor or any other beverage such as water or juice from home, the bottle(s) must be packed in your checked luggage.
MINI CLUB LUGGAGE TAGS Along with your airline tickets and travel itinerary are your Mini Club luggage tags. Please print your name and address clearly on the tags and attach one to each of your suitcases. This will greatly assist in the identification of your luggage at the airport and hotel. The name you print on the luggage tag should be the same as the name on your airline e-ticket.
MISPLACED LUGGAGE One of the unfortunate facts of travel life is that every once in a while a few pieces of luggage are misplaced by the airlines. We have all lived through it and understand how disconcerting it can be, especially when traveling long distances. The airlines
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have gotten better at keeping travelers and their bags together, but we find that about 5% of our guests’ luggage will not arrive when they do. Delayed luggage usually does not catch up with its owner for approximately 24 hours. To increase the chance that your luggage arrives at the same time you do, please attach a Mini Club luggage tag to each bag you check with the airline. In addition, we suggest you place a business card or a card containing your name and address inside the bag. In case your luggage tag is torn off your bag, the airline can still determine who the bag belongs to. Many couples bring two suitcases and pack 50% of their clothes in each. Just in case one bag is lost, they each still have 50% of their things. In addition, plan to arrive at your home airport about two hours before flight time. And finally, before walking away from the ticket counter, check that the airline agent has tagged your luggage correctly. The three letter airport code for St. Martin is SXM. On arrival in St. Martin, if you do not see your luggage in the baggage claim area, please report the missing bag to an airline representative. You should complete a lost luggage form before leaving the area. Also, report the loss to a member of the CA Travel Staff before leaving the airport. With all of this in mind, we suggest you pack a change of clothes, swimsuit and cover-up, personal items, prescription medicine, and anything you can’t live without in your carry-on bag.
ELECTRICITY The electrical service in St. Martin is 220 volts. European style two pin wall sockets are standard.
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HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES People generally return from St. Martin healthier than when they left home. The clean air, sunshine and idyllic surroundings tend to make one relax immediately. Most health problems experienced by visitors are related to sunburn and dehydration. These problems can be easily avoided – drink plenty of water, and use a strong sunscreen. Violent crime against tourists is virtually non-existent, but pickpockets do exist, especially in crowded areas. Use common sense; don’t flash rolls of €100 bills, be mindful of your wallet, purse and camera at all times, and do not leave these items unattended on the beach. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough to last the entire trip. Finding a chemist is not a problem, but seeing a doctor and going to a chemist will take up precious vacation time. And remember, pack medicine in your carry-on bag and never in the suitcase you intend to check with the airlines. To avoid any possible customs problems, keep the medicine in the container you received from the chemist. Medical Emergency and Insurance In the unlikely event that you experience a medical emergency, there is a hospital nearby. CA has obtained additional medical insurance for qualifiers and their guests who are not insured when traveling outside of their country by their medical insurance at home. For further assistance regarding health insurance, please see the staff at the CA Hospitality Desk.
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Emergency Contact If there is an emergency at home, your family should first call your mobile phone. If unsuccessful, they should call the Radisson Blu at +590 590 87 67 00 and ask for your room. If there is no answer in your room, and the call is between 7:00 and 19:00 local time (St. Martin is on Atlantic Standard Time), the caller should ask to be connected to the CA Hospitality Desk. Our staff will take the message and do their best to locate you.
MONEY MATTERS The Euro vs. the Guilder The unit of exchange in St. Martin is the euro. Sint Maarten, on the other hand, uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder, also known as the florin (ANG). The guilder is subdivided into 100 cents. Denominations are 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 250. Coin denominations are 1, 2.5 and 5 guilders, and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Sint Maarten, as is the Euro to a lesser extent, but change is given in guilders. As of early October, 1 euro is worth about 2.49 guilders. The best rates of exchange are found at banks. Normal banking hours for currency exchange are 8:30 to 15:30 Monday through Friday. Credit Cards Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, and to a lesser extent American Express, are accepted in hotels, most shops and restaurants. Please do not assume that the island’s smaller restaurants or shops will accept credit cards. The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express in payment of your bill.
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ATMs Automatic Teller Machines on the island recognize most card banking systems. If you intend to use ATMs to replenish your supply of cash, we suggest you check with your bank to determine if your ATM card will work in St. Martin. Keep in mind that the cash supplied by these machines will be in the local currency or in U.S. dollars. You will find an Automatic Teller Machine just outside the hotel’s front door. The machine will dispense your choice of euros or U.S. dollars. Incidental Expenses The hotel will establish an incidental account for you when you check in. You may then charge to your room any personal expenses not covered by CA. Such expenses include: laundry, telephone charges, mini bar, beverages other than described in the itinerary, and room service. Hotel gift shop purchases may not be charged to your guest room. Gratuities Gratuities are included for bellmen, maids, and all CA sponsored events and meals. French St. Martin participates in the legal practice of including service charges in all pricing, therefore, when dining on your own at the hotel or anywhere on St. Martin, the bill is presented inclusive of service charge. Additional gratuities for good service are entirely at the discretion of the guest. If the service has been very good, you may round up your bill. No more is expected. Please note that additional gratuities at restaurants on the French side of the island may not be added to a credit card; you must pay these in cash. On the Dutch side, it’s best to ask if the gratuity is included, as practices vary. If it has not been included, the standard gratuity is 10%.
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RETURN FLIGHTS Your return flights will be reconfirmed for you by the Travel Staff. If you have any questions about these flights, please see the staff at the CA Hospitality Desk. On Sunday night you will receive a departure notice in your room. This notice will confirm your flight departure time and specify the time to have your luggage available for collection and the time you will leave the hotel for the airport. If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Travel Staff.
ENJOYING
Mini Club DINING St. Martin has long been regarded as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. You’ll find everything from ribs at ‘lolos’ (BBQ shacks), to first class French fare cooked by famous chefs imported for the season from Paris. Here dining is very much a reflection of the island – diverse and multi-cultural. The fusion of French, American and ethnic Caribbean influences yield an exceptional palate of cuisine. Worldwide cuisine is also well represented: Italian, Tex-Mex, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese and Chinese, to name a few. The island has over 280 restaurants – more per square kilometer than any island in the Caribbean. Stop by the Hospitality Desk for restaurant suggestions from our staff, to view sample menus, or to make dinner reservations. Restaurants in St. Martin are primarily located in Grand Case and Marigot. On November 13, you’ll have an opportunity to taste some of the island’s best offerings in Grand Case (so named because its restaurants are housed in colorful traditional houses, or cases). The CA dining shuttle will depart the Radisson every 15 minutes from 18:00 until 25
20:30. Return transportation from the Blue Martini in Grand Case will depart every 15 minutes from 20:00 until 23:00. Should you miss the last shuttle back to the Radisson, the taxi fare is approximately €15. Although not required, reservations are highly recommended for Grand Case restaurants. The restaurants will require a credit card to hold the reservation. Cancellation penalties will apply. Resort casual attire is accepted in all Grand Case establishments. Restaurants are open from 17:00 and take their last reservation about 21:00. The following meals are included in Mini Club: • Four breakfasts: Breakfast is served in Le Marché from 7:00 to 11:00. • Two dinners: • Welcome to Paradise Party at the hotel pool on Friday, November 12 • Farewell Party at Waikiki Beach Restaurant on Monday, November 15
CA NAME BADGES During Mini Club Registration at the hotel on November 12, you will receive a name badge. Please wear the badge to the two Mini Club dinners only.
CA HOSPITALITY DESK Our desk is the local “operations center” at the Radisson. Visit us at the desk if you have a question, need information, would like assistance with dinner reservations, or if you have a problem of any kind. On November 12 we will be located just outside the main lobby. On the remaining days of Mini Club we will be located in the hotel lobby. Desk hours are from 7:00 to 19:00. To telephone the desk simply call the hotel operator and ask to be connected to the CA Hospitality Desk. 26
INTERNET Complimentary wireless internet service is available in all guest rooms and in the hotel lobby.
MINI CLUB ACTIVITIES During your stay in St. Martin, you will have the opportunity to participate in one of the following exciting activities, including: Catamaran Snorkel Sail, Ocean Safari Adventure, Sea Trek or a massage or facial at Le Spa. These are the same activities you were able for sign up for during online registration. If you have registered for an activity, when you come to Mini Club Registration on November 12, a member of our Travel Staff will confirm your activity and time. If you have not signed up for an activity but wish to do so, the staff will check availability for you. A detailed description of the activities is included in the back of this booklet.
SHOPPING As a completely duty-free island, St. Martin has some of the best shopping in the Caribbean. If it tells time, smells exotic, sparkles, or has a designer label, you can find it here! Since there is no government-imposed luxury tax on these items, you won’t pay a penny more than the sticker price. Philipsburg, Sint Maarten is best known for electronics and jewelry. Here you can spend endless hours looking at stones in Diamonds International or Columbian Emeralds. Fendi, Gucci and Versace are just a few of the high-end time pieces to be found in Philipsburg. Store hours in Philipsburg are from 10:00 to 16:00. CA will provide a complimentary shopping shuttle to Philipsburg on November 15 for those looking for a tax-free bargain.
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Marigot, on the French side of the island, has its share of jewellers and perfumeries, but is best known for the very elegant shopping in original boutiques offering the sophisticated designs of Parisian couturiers. Chanel, Lacoste and Christofle can be found here. Store hours in Marigot are from 9:00 – 19:00, but the shops will be closed from 13:00 – 15:00. Caveat to shoppers: Although there are no taxes on items purchased on the island, there may be limitations on what you can bring into your home country duty free. If you are bringing items back home, please refer to the duty policy of your country.
TIME ZONE St. Martin is on Atlantic Standard Time. When it is noon in St. Martin, it is….. 16:00 in London 17:00 in Paris and Munich 18:00 in Tel Aviv
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Day-by--DayItinerary Friday, November 12 DEPART HOME WELCOME TO ST. MARTIN Please take a moment to check your e-ticket confirmation to be sure of your airline and departure time. Your e-ticket confirmation should be enclosed with this booklet. If it is missing, or if you have any questions regarding your itinerary, now is the time to call the CA Travel Specialists at 001 210 253 7279. Before you leave home for the airport... Please be sure you have the following in your possession:
• Valid passport (with visa if required) • E-ticket confirmation • Luggage with Mini Club tags attached • Prescription medication packed in your carry-on bag
• Cash and credit card At your home city or originating airport… Airlines request that you arrive at the airport two
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FRIDAY
hours prior to flight departure time. When you arrive at the ticket counter, present your e-ticket confirmation and your passport. Please make sure you have no sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or knitting needles in your carry-on bag. Any toiletry or cosmetic containers or aerosols that are larger than 100 ml need to be packed in the luggage you will check with the airlines. Before walking away from the airline counter, look at the claim checks to see that your luggage has been tagged properly all the way to St. Martin. (The three letter airport code you should see on the tag is SXM.) After check-in, you will need to clear airport security before proceeding to your departure gate. This process may take longer than airline check-in, so please allow plenty of time. At the entrance to the security checkpoint, you can expect to have your boarding pass and passport checked. Remove your mobile phone and all metal objects from your pockets and place them in a plastic tray you will find next to the X-ray machine. If you are traveling with a laptop computer, you must place it by itself in a plastic tray. If you are carrying cosmetics or liquids, you must place the plastic bag with the 100 ml containers in a tray. Remember, you will not be allowed to carry liquids other than medication and the small amounts of toiletries through security, so wait to buy something to drink until after you have cleared security. You may now proceed to your departure gate and wait for your flight to be called. In case of flight delays en route... If you experience a delay and miss your flight, please call the CA Travel Specialists at 001 210 30
253 7279. The agent will book you on the next available flight and inform our Travel Staff in St. Martin of your new arrival time.
Arrive St. Martin Welcome to St. Martin! Upon arrival, please follow signs to Immigration and present your passport and visa (if required). Then follow the signs to the baggage claim area. If you do not see your luggage, please locate an airline representative and inform him or her of the situation. You will be required to complete a lost luggage form before leaving the baggage claim area. Please notify a member of the CA Travel Staff before departing the airport. Our staff will stay in contact with the airlines and help locate your luggage. Upon exiting the airport, you’ll be directed to transportation that will take you to the pier. Here your Mini Club experience begins! You’ll board 8 – 20 passenger boats for the 25 minute transfer to the Radisson’s marina. Don’t worry about your luggage. We’re sending it separately to the hotel. Hotel Arrival & Check-in Procedure Welcome to Mini Club. At the hotel you will be directed to our private check-in area. Here you will be asked to present a credit card to cover the cost of 31
FRIDAY
Every once in a while, bad weather, air traffic, or a mechanical delay will require the airlines to reroute passengers to a different flight and maybe even a different airline. If this happens, our Travel Staff won’t have any idea where you are. It is possible, therefore, that there will be no one to meet you on arrival. If this is your situation, simply take a taxi to the Radisson. The taxi fare will be approximately €50. A member of the CA Travel Staff will reimburse you for the fare once you arrive.
FRIDAY
any incidental expenses you may incur during your stay. Please remember the hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Join us next for Mini Club Registration, where you will receive your name badge and activity confirmation, hotel facilities information and restaurant recommendations for your Saturday and Sunday evenings at leisure. At this time you may also… — sign up for an activity (if you have not done so online) — make dinner reservations for Saturday and Sunday evenings Once registered, the hotel staff will direct you to your guest room. The bellmen will deliver your luggage within an hour or less. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the hotel and surroundings, and perhaps take a dip in the Caribbean Sea. 19:00 to 22:00 Our Welcome to Paradise Party takes place in a perfect setting – by the hotel’s infinity pool, overlooking the beach. French and Caribbean specialties will compete with the cool island breezes and the fabulous entertainment tonight.
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Saturday, November 13 MINI CLUB ACTIVITIES OR DAY AT LEISURE DINNER SHUTTLE TO GRAND CASE 7:00 to 19:00 The CA Hospitality Desk is open in the hotel lobby.
Today you have your choice of one of the activities sponsored by CA – a Catamaran Snorkel Sail or a spa treatment. If you chose to participate in a CA sponsored activity tomorrow, today is yours to enjoy however you wish. Please note the following activity times: 9:00 to 12:00 Catamaran Snorkel Sail 13:30 to 16:30
Catamaran Snorkel Sail
Please see your confirmation for time.
Massage or Facial
For more information about these activities, please see the descriptions in the back of this booklet. This evening… Tonight you are free to have dinner where and when you choose. If you have not made dinner reservations, please stop by the CA Hospitality Desk and our staff will be happy to help. CA is sponsoring a shuttle to Grand Case – the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. In Grand
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SATURDAY
7:00 to 11:00 Breakfast is served in Le Marché. Please identify yourself as a member of Mini Club to the Maitre D’.
Case you will find everything from the freshest local cuisine to fine French and Italian fare.
SATURDAY
As this is a Saturday night, we recommend that you make an advance reservation with the CA Hospitality Desk. Credit cards will be required at the time of booking and cancellation penalties will apply. Shuttle transportation to Grand Case will depart the hotel every 15 minutes from 18:00 to 20:30, returning from Grand Case every 15 minutes until 23:00. Please note that the ride to Grand Case takes about 15 minutes, so if, for example, you have a 19:15 dinner reservation, you will be best served by taking the 18:45 shuttle from the hotel. Dinner tonight is a personal expense.
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Sunday, November 14 MINI CLUBACTIVITIES OR DAY AT LEISURE EVENING AT LEISURE 7:00 to 19:00 The CA Hospitality Desk is open in the hotel lobby. 7:00 to 11:00 Breakfast is served in Le Marché. Today you have your choice of one of the exciting activities sponsored by CA – Ocean Safari Adventure, Sea Trek or a spa treatment. If you chose to participate in a CA sponsored activity yesterday, today is at leisure.
13:00 to 16:00
Sea Trek
Please see your confirmation for time.
Massage or Facial
For more information about these activities, please see the descriptions in the back of this booklet. This evening… You are free to spend the evening however you choose. Perhaps you’ll want to go into Marigot for fine dining, or if you’re feeling lucky, you may decide to visit one of Philipsburg’s casinos. Whatever your choice, transportation and dinner tonight is a personal expense. Since taxis are limited, we suggest reserving one with the bellman or
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SUNDAY
Please note the following activity times: 9:00 to 12:30 Ocean Safari Adventure
concierge. The average taxi fare is €25 to Marigot, €30 to Philipsburg and €40 to Maho.
SUNDAY
Tonight you will receive a letter confirming the details of your departure from St. Martin and your flight home. If you have any questions about the procedure, please stop by the CA Hospitality Desk tomorrow.
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Monday, November 15 CA SPONSORED SHOPPING SHUTTLE OR DAY AT LEISURE FAREWELL PARTY AT WAIKIKI BEACH RESTAURANT Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Spend the day reading and relaxing at the pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or venture out and find a secluded beach. If you’d like to have a look around Philipsburg and do some shopping or have lunch, CA is providing a complimentary shuttle to the town. 7:00 to 19:00 The CA Hospitality Desk is open in the hotel lobby. 7:00 to 11:00 Breakfast is served in Le Marché.
18:45 Depart for Orient, the island’s most famous beach, for our Farewell Party. The evening begins with a reception followed by a sumptuous dinner at Waikiki Beach Restaurant. After dinner, we continue the celebration with live music and dancing.
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MONDAY
10:00 to 14:30 The CA Philipsburg shopping shuttle will depart the Radisson every 30 minutes. Returns from the Government Building in Philipsburg will depart every 30 minutes from 12:00 until 16:00. Please note – there are two large cruise ships in port today, so Philipsburg may be crowded.
Tuesday, November 16 DEPART FOR HOME Please refer to the letter you received on Sunday night for details concerning your departure today. During the night, the hotel staff delivered a copy of your incidental bill and an Express Check-Out form under your door. Please take a moment to review the bill. If it is correct, simply fill out the form and drop it with your key at the front desk when leaving the hotel. Keep the copy of your bill as your receipt. If you find an error in your incidental bill, you must check out in person with a hotel clerk. If this is the case, please allow extra time, as the queue can be long. From 7:00 The CA Hospitality Desk is open. Please stop by if you have any questions. 7:00 to 11:00 Breakfast is served in Le MarchĂŠ.
TUESDAY
Most of you will be departing the hotel in the late morning. If you are leaving after the check-out time of 12:00, you may continue to use the hotel’s facilities. A courtesy room, where you can change clothes before leaving for the airport, will be available. Before boarding the transportation for the airport, make sure you have all your personal items and watch as your luggage is loaded onto the vehicle. The ride to the airport will take approximately 45 minutes. When checking in with the airline, make sure your luggage is tagged to your final destination. After check-in you will proceed through security and immigration, and on to the gate area. 38
Once on board the aircraft, you can again relax and take a few moments to remember this enchanting island. Thank you for making Mini Club a great event and have a pleasant trip home.
TUESDAY
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YOUR MINI CLUB INCLUDES: • Accommodations for four nights at the Radisson Blu Resort, St. Martin
• Flights from your home city to Princess Juliana International Airport and return for you and your spouse or guest
• Round-trip transportation between Princess Juliana International Airport and the hotel on Friday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 16
• Breakfast daily • Welcome to Paradise Party • Farewell Party at Waikiki Beach restaurant • Choice of one CA sponsored activity on November 13 or 14
• Dinner shuttle into Grand Case on November 13
• Shopping shuttle into Philipsburg on November 15
• Luggage handling throughout the program • Services of the CA Travel Staff and Hospitality Desk Staff
• All service charges, gratuities and taxes on all program features
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Not included: • Lunch on all days • Dinner and beverages on the night of November 13
• Dinner, beverages and transportation on the night of November 14
• Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, laundry, room service, mini-bar charges and beverages other than those described. Note: The award pursuant to Mini Club is not considered earned until the day that they are paid. Accordingly, winners must be active CA employees at the time the award is made to be eligible to receive the award. CA reserves the right to terminate and/or change the terms and conditions of this contest at any time, for any reason. CA may publish, post or otherwise notify you of any such changes. The interpretation of the terms and conditions of this contest, including eligibility to participate and eligibility to receive an award pursuant to this contest shall be made by CA, in its sole discretion.
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MINI CLUB
Activity Descriptions O
n November 12 or 13, you will have the opportunity to participate in one of the very best activities St. Martin has to offer, including:
CATAMARAN SNORKEL SAIL Offered Saturday, November 13th 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:30 Cast off for a half day of sailing across the cobalt blue Caribbean and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in one of St. Martin’s coral reefs. St. Martin’s warm tropical waters create an idyllic aquatic environment for an abundant collection of exotic marine life. This is your chance to get away and enjoy the sea and sun. About an hour into the trip you will make a 75-90 minute stop for swimming and snorkeling. After snorkeling, the bar will be open so you can enjoy a rum punch or a cold beer during your leisurely return sail. Wear your swimsuit and cover-up, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll be on and in the water for approximately three hours. Snorkel gear, instructions and towels will be provided. Snacks and refreshments will be served. 43
OCEAN SAFARI ADVENTURE Offered Sunday, November 14th 9:00 to 13:00 Pilot your own two-man inflatable motorboat which is safe, sturdy, reliable, and tons of fun! Following your experienced guide, you’ll first maneuver safely through boat moorings and cruise alongside mega-yacht marinas to get the feel of the boat. Once comfortable, you’ll exit the lagoon to the French side capital of Marigot and make your way to one of St. Martin’s best beaches. On the way you'll see the spectacular tropical coastline the way it was meant to be seen – from the water. You’ll have a one hour stop at one of the pristine beaches near a coral reef where you will experience the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world and its amazing inhabitants. On your return to the marina, you will be given the opportunity to test the throttle of your sea craft. Your transfer from the hotel to the Ocean Safari headquarters will take approximately 40 minutes. You’ll be on and in the water about 2.25 hours. Please wear your swimsuit and cover-up, sport sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. There is a small, dry compartment to store a camera etc., but space is limited. Snorkel gear, towels, beverages and snacks will be provided. Please note: There is a weight limit of 170 kilos (375 pounds) per vessel.
SEA TREK Offered Sunday, November 14th 13:00 to 16:00 This activity is especially great for those who don’t want to snorkel or can’t swim but don’t want to miss having an up-close look at St. Martin’s wondrous undersea world. Before the scuba tank, there was the underwater helmet. This device allows you to walk on the ocean floor 15-20 feet (5 – 7 meters) below the surface while breathing air pumped into your helmet from a launch floating on the surface. Small groups of you will walk around with a guide, communing with the colorful fish, and you will never even get your hair wet! You will also see shipwrecks and even a sunken submarine. Here’s how the tour works. A 30 minute transfer will take you from the hotel to the Sea Trek headquarters. From here you’ll take a short boat 45
trip to the platform where the helmet dive takes place. You’ll receive some brief instruction, and then the fun begins. When you’re not doing your helmet dive, you can relax on the platform, snorkel or swim. You’ll be on and in the water for about 90 minutes and you’ll be under water for about 30 minutes. Wear your swimsuit and cover-up, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (a storage area where you may place your cover-up and shoes will be available). If you use prescription eye glasses, you can wear them under the helmet. Towels and snorkel gear (if desired) will be provided. Bring a credit card in case you want to purchase an underwater camera, a souvenir tee shirt or a photo of yourself in the helmet, but do not bring a purse. Note: This activity is not recommended for those with acute sinus problems or difficulty breathing.
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SPA TREATMENT – FACIAL OR MASSAGE Offered Saturday, November 13th and Sunday, November 14th Pamper yourself with a massage or facial at the hotel’s Le Spa. Treatments are available throughout the day and will last approximately 50 minutes. You may request a morning or afternoon appointment when you sign up, but specific appointment times will be assigned at random. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. After you have checked in at the spa’s front desk, you will be led to either the men’s or women’s locker area and given a robe and slippers. Note: We understand that some of you may have a preference for male or female massage therapists, but we cannot assign therapists at the time you sign up. All therapists will be assigned at random.
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CA Technologies Incentive Travel Desk (877) 723-7369 outside U.S. call +1 (210) 253-7279 CompassClub@ca.com