Photo Courtesy of Divi Resorts
Seeking sunshine? Looking for romance? Consider the Caribbean:
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort , which overlooks a secluded palm-lined beach on sunny St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, continues to offer discounts to servicemembers and veterans in 2016. Here are the offers:
- Active duty servicemembers get a 30-percent discount off ocean-view accommodations at the laidback 64-room hotel. Regular rates start at $297 a night (so the military price starts at about $208). You’ll also pay a hotel room tax, resort fee, and energy surcharge.
- If you hate nickel and diming, you may prefer an all-inclusive plan. Military all-inclusive rates start at $385 a night (the regular all-inclusive price starts at $550), with taxes and resort fees included (but you’ll still pay a $10 a day surcharge). Stay at least five nights under the all-inclusive plan, and take a complimentary Sunset Cocktail Harbor Cruise aboard the resort's 53-foot catamaran ($110 value).
- Complimentary for all guests: unlimited use of non-motorized water sports including Hobie Cats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, windsurfers, aqua cycles, swim mats, snorkel equipment, and Discover Scuba Diving pool lesson.
- Thinking of tying the knot while you’re there? The resort offers servicemembers a 50-percent discount on wedding packages. Choose from the casual Barefoot on the Beach wedding (regularly $1,000 — your price is $500) or the upgraded Paradise Wedding, which includes several additional amenities and perks (regularly $2,100, your price is $1,050). Learn more about wedding packages here.
Call (800) 524-4746, or book online using promo code: Military. The offer is valid through Dec. 24, 2016.
The above Bolongo Bay wedding packages include a non-denominational officiant and all other details. But if you’re marrying elsewhere, you might have to find an officiant and arrange everything on your own. Here’s one idea: Officiant Michael Motylinski regularly charges $195 for his wedding and vow renewal services, but his military price is $125. And if servicemembers wears their uniform, the price is free. He also offers military discounts on wedding-photography packages in St. Thomas and St. John (regularly $470, the military price is $350). Contact him via email at michael.motylinski@gmail.com or call (340) 201-6069.
Divi Resorts also extends its military offer — 20-percent off best available rates to all who have served (active duty, reserve, and retired servicemembers and their spouses and children and disabled veterans). No minimum stay is required. Divi Resorts are located on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten. “The resorts provide a multitude of vacation pleasures, from relaxing on white sand beaches and indulging in spa services to embarking on scuba diving adventures and perfecting one’s golf swing,” says spokesperson Sara Beth Doherty. (And, in case you were wondering, the “Divi” name comes from the Divi Divi tree, which is native to the Caribbean.) Call (800) 367-3484 for reservations or information, and show your ID at check-in.