CINDY LANDLUST TO HEAD UP TRAVEL TRADE SALES & MARKETING FOR SAMOA IN THE UK & EUROPE

Samoa Tourism Authority is delighted to announce the appointment of Cindy Landlust, formerly of VisitBritain, as the UK and Europe Travel Trade Manager for Samoa.

Cindy is Dutch with six years’ experience in the travel industry. Her extensive knowledge and experience includes product management, e-commerce and account management.

Furthermore Cindy has hands on experience of the cruise industry, acquired during her time as Business Development Manager working closely with all departments in Sales and Business Management at NCL. Prior to this Cindy worked for Thomas Cook in Germany and gained a solid understanding of the hotel business.

Cindy joined in time for WTM and has since visited Belgium, “Although known for its’ rugby, Samoa aims to establish itself as the “must see” destination it merits on any round the world or down under holiday. I look forward to continuing the ground work undertaken to date working with tour operators across the UK and Europe.” Commented Landlust.

                           

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Alison Cryer/Anna Wolstenholme

Tel: +44 208 877 4508/511

E-mail: anna@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Samoa Celebrates The 2014 Commonwealth Games By Welcoming The Queen's Baton Relay On 22 November 2013

  

On 22 November 2013 Samoa will be welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay as part of the prelude to the Commonwealth Games taking place in Glasgow in 2014. The relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all Commonwealth nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

Samoa made its Commonwealth Games debut in 1974 and has only missed one since, winning medals in both boxing and weightlifting. To celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton, Samoa will be showcasing the destination’s eclectic mix of art, culture, tradition, gastronomy and sport that constitutes the Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life.

Samoa is fast becoming the sports capital of the South Pacific. Rugby is almost a second religion for Samoans and with traditional sports such as Kilikiti – Samoan cricket – and a variety of other sporting activities such as game fishing tournaments, fautasi long boat racing, the Samoa Half-Iron long distance triathlon and the Samoa Swim Series.

Celebrations will also involve a feast, known as an umu, cooked the traditional Samoan way in an earth oven heated with hot stones. The food is prepared and placed amongst the hot stones and covered with banana leaves to seal in the heat. Visitors are advised to try the delicacies on the Samoan menu including palusami (young taro leaves baked in coconut cream) and oka, (raw fish in coconut cream). 

Over a period of 288 days the baton will visit 70 nations and territories, cover 190,000 kilometres and involve a third of the world's population, making it the world's most engaging relay.

On 9 October 2013 the Queen's Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace, at a ceremony where Her Majesty The Queen placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton and will conclude its journey at the Games opening ceremony in Glasgow on 23 July 2014. For more information visit www.glasgow2014.com.

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Anna Wolstenholme

Tel: +44 208 877 4511

E-mail: anna@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Air New Zealand operates daily flights via Los Angeles and Auckland (except Sundays). Auckland to Samoa is a short 4 hour flight time. Virgin Samoa offers direct flights from Auckland to Samoa six days a week (except Sunday) and twice a week from Sydney, plus once a week from Brisbane. Air Pacific fly direct from Fiji and once a week from Honolulu in Hawaii. The main entry point into Samoa is Falelolo International Airport, 35 kms from Apia on the island of Upolu.

SAMOA HIGHLIGHTS LUXURY AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT 2013 WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

Samoa Tourism Authority will be exhibiting at the 2013 World Travel Market on the South Pacific Tourism Organisation Stand AS265 and will actively be promoting its luxury offerings with the opening of several high-end resorts on the South Coast of Samoa's main island of Upolu. The Aga Reef Resort opened earlier this year and Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa unveiled six over-the-water bungalows and the reopening of SaMoana Resort have all been part of Samoa’s recent high-end opening trend. Future scheduled luxury property launches include Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Return to Paradise Resort and the Taumeasina Island Resort development.

Samoa Tourism Authority representatives will also use WTM as an opportunity to highlight its sustainable and eco products in particular its wealth of locally owned accommodation options such as the traditional style beach fales which are unique to Samoa. While Samoa welcomes tourism it is not over developed and the destination is keeping the ethos of a tourism development guided by a respect for the needs of its inhabitants and the environment.

Agents visiting the stand can also take part in a recently launched agent incentive allowing them to win a five night stay in Samoa including flights from Australia or New Zealand if they finalise a booking to Samoa before 31 December 2013. To enter, agents just send an email confirmation of their booking to samoa@representationplus.co.uk.

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

VOTE FOR SEABREEZE RESORT, SAMOA TO WIN “NUMBER ONE HONEYMOON HOTEL IN THE WORLD” IN THE HITCHED BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS 2013

Seabreeze Resort, Samoa has been shortlisted in the Hitched Breakthrough Awards 2013 (www.hitched.co.uk) as one of the Top 10 favourite Honeymoon Hotels in the world.

This is further recognition of the 12 villa boutique retreat. Seabreeze was recently crowned a winner of the Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific and Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by Trip Advisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards, and overall winner for the 2013 Trip Advisers Travellers Choice Award.

Samoa is already established as an idyllic “off the beaten track” honeymoon destination. Seabreeze is located on the South Coast of Samoa’s main island, Upolu. Set in a lush, secluded, tropical cove with panoramic views out onto the turquoise Pacific Ocean.

Seabreeze are offering couples the chance to book a wedding and honeymoon to take place between 1 November 2013 and 31 March 2014 and receive their wedding ceremony free. A minimum of 6 nights’ accommodation must be booked to receive the Free Wedding Ceremony & Honeymoon Bonus Promotion. Payment 45 days prior to arrival. For more information, visit www.seabreezesamoa.com.

For those that want to marry on island, marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide, with many of the hotels, resorts and tour operators offering wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators. Application forms for a marriage license must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia and this can be done through a local wedding coordinator.

The authentic and unspoilt Polynesian islands of Samoa feature powder-soft beaches, warm tropical seas and fascinating coral reefs full of marine life, plus wildlife, waterfalls and lagoons. Adventure or relaxation – spas, pampering, sunbathing, hiking, cycling kayaking and snorkelling... have a little or a lot of whatever your heart desires!

Voting in the Hitched Breakthrough Awards closes on 05 November 2013 so make sure to visit www.hitched.co.uk/HBA/vote before then and show your support for Seabreeze Resort and Samoa as a world class honeymoon destination.

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails. 

English Cricket Fans Can Have A Wicket Time In Samoa This Winter

English cricket fans heading to Australia this Winter for the 2013-14 Ashes series can make the most of their trip to the region by paying a visit to Samoa, the Sporting Capital of the South Pacific. The country, a short flight away from Australia, has a rich and proud sporting history and visiting cricket fans can take in a game of Kilikiti, an alternative form of cricket played by Samoans.

Kilikiti was introduced to the Islands in the nineteenth century by visiting English missionaries and is played in villages across the country. Unlike cricket, there is no limit to a team’s size in Kilikiti and passers-by are encouraged to join in. A typical game is a multi-day community event filled with singing, dancing, and ending with a feast.

As well as sampling a flavour of Samoan sport, visitors to Samoa can also expect to witness unrivalled natural beauty, including lush green fertile valleys, tropical rainforests, rugged volcanic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, beautiful beaches and brilliant blue lagoons. The ten islands which make up this beautiful country each offer very distinct and different environments for visitors to explore.

Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming with turtles are just some of the aquatic activities that visitors to this water wonderland can dive into. Sporty types who prefer to stay on dry land can explore Samoa’s biggest island Savai’i on bicycle by touring the coastal roads or hiking in the vast rainforest interior. For those who just want to put their feet up and relax, Samoa is home to luxury and boutique retreats and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For the authentic Samoan experience, visitors can overnight in one of the many locally owned beach fale resorts and enjoy a “sleep under the stars” experience.

Samoa is a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane with Virgin Australia, making the islands an easy South Pacific add-on to a trip to Australia. www.virginaustralia.com

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 For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Cuisine, Culture and Competitions at Samoa's Annual Festival

The Teuila Festival which started yesterday and is running until the 7 September is an annual celebration of Samoa’s unique and fascinating culture with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. Founded in 1991, the festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. www.teuilafestival.com

Each September, thousands pour into the capital city of Apia to witness the array of cultural displays that represent everything that is Samoan. The week long festival sees choir performances and dance competitions as well as the crowning of Miss Samoa. For a true taste of cultural Samoa, visitors can join the crowds in cheering on the teams at outrigger paddling regatta and witness the amazing skills of the Siva Afi fire knife dancers.

Culture vultures can take in the craft demonstrations such as wood carving, with carving competitions taking place everyday at the Samoa Cultural Village and participate in traditional weaving lessons. See the long-established art of tattooing the Samoan way, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation to create such distinctive warrior-like designs. Food lovers will also have the opportunity to sample the cuisine with food stalls serving up Samoa’s local specialities and a traditional Samoan barbecue on hand to feed the crowds.

On the last day, visitors are encouraged to come to the official prize giving ceremony to honour all those who have participated over the week, followed by the famous Alo Paopao celebration concert and beach party. For more information on Samoa and the Teuila Festival, visit www.samoa.travel.

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel

VISIT SAMOA THE ACTION CAPITAL OF THE PACIFIC THIS SUMMER AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER WARRIOR AT THE FIRST EVER SAMOA HALF IRON TRIATHLON ON 10 AUGUST 2013

Samoa is shaping up to become the Action Capital of the Pacific during the Southern Hemisphere winter months where sport-lovers can push themselves to the limit with a variety of sporting competitions, namely the inaugural ‘Samoa Half Iron Man’ Competition, on 10 August 2013 Samoa’s first long distance triathlon. Visitors are encouraged to get involved in all events and put their fitness levels to the test against the might of the Polynesians.

The Half Iron Man course runs across the main island of Upolu, a diverse landscape dotted with a lush green mountainous interior. Visitors are encouraged to come and find their inner warrior for the inaugural Samoa Half Iron triathlon. The 2km swim course will take place in Apia Harbour with the 90km ride passing through the villages to the east on the north coast of Upolu taking in some of the island’s most magnificent scenery. The 21km run is the final leg and takes in two circuits of the historic Apia Harbour. www.samoahalfironman.com

The event is the pinnacle of Samoa’s sporting summer calendar of ocean swims and multisport races. The Triathlon series is already well underway in Samoa with its fourth race taking place on 22 June 2013 providing a perfect warm up to the upcoming Samoa Half Iron Man. The Triathlon features both a long and sprint course, with the fifth race taking place on 20 July 2013 featuring an Olympic distance event with a 1km swim, 30km bike ride and a 4km run. In addition to the adult events, there is also the Tamatoa Kids Triathlon for budding athletes.

The Samoa Swim series 2013 is another perfect way to limber up muscles with some last minute training. The event runs from 31 July until 02 August 2013 and features three great swims in three days. Over this time, swimmers will cross the clear deep waters of the South Coast Tafatafa Lagoon, through the fish and coral at Falefa Falls with the final leg across the Mulivai Lagoon ending at Maninoa Beach. For experienced open water swimmers who still have the energy after the gruelling three days, there is the Pacific Open Water Challenge on 06-07 August 2013 with a 10km race around the Aggie Greys Resort Course on the first day followed by a gruelling 5km loop race around Apia Harbour on the second day.  www.swimseries.com

Find your inner warrior and come and test your strength against some of the best. For more information visit the events section on www.samoa.travel

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Interested in a Press Visit to experience the Samoa Half Iron Man yourself? Contact Samoa Tourism Authority's London Press Office for more information.

"Fish the Dream" at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa

Fishing Charters

SAMOA

Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa offers a range of Water Sports Activities to make your Holiday full of Fun and Adventure!!!

With the Pacific Ocean at your feet, explore an undiscovered haven for Game Fishing, Snorkeling and Surfing where conditions are second to none.

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa management were delighted to see the return of their game fishing boat, “Fish the Dream” recently. After several months of repair the 9 metre Catamaran and hydrofoil-blade runner is back in the water to do what it is best at… catching fish!!

The boat caters to 5-6 Anglers at a time and promises to live up to its name. Captain Tautua who hails from Saaga Beach is thrilled to be back at the helm of his much loved “Fish the Dream”. He adds a local twist to his fishing excursions by proclaiming his inherent connection to the Sea and knows like it like none other. Management supports Tautua’s claims, as he is yet to be proven wrong.

For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority, UK & Europe
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

New jewel for the treasured islands - Aga Reef Resort to open its doors March 2013

Samoa Tourism Authority is proud to announce the opening of Aga Reef Resort - the newest 4 star resort on the picturesque south coast of Upolu. Aga Reef Resort, the brain child of former Samoan Trade Commissioner to New Zealand, Apete Meredith, is the newest addition to Samoa’s stellar line up of deluxe beach front resorts and is expected to be one of the hottest beachfront properties amongst travellers to the islands.

Set along the beautiful Lalomanu Beach, recently included in Lonely Planet Top 10 Paradises on Earth, Aga Reef Resort has a private island which houses 3 island villas, a Sunset Bar for delicious sun downers as well as a swimming pool.

The island is connected to the mainland by an overwater walkway constructed carefully as to not disturb the beautiful coral clusters and marine life that feature in the waters surrounding the resort. Waterfront villas, Ocean View hotel rooms as well as the reception, main restaurant, bar, spa and the main swimming pool are located on the mainland section of the resort. The kitchen will be headed by Chef Kit Foe - an award winning chef from Wellington who plans to develop a seafood focused, European/Samoan fusion offering to delight Aga’s patrons.

“Many people naturally gravitate to the nation’s capital of Apia not realizing that the best beaches and waterfront resorts are found along south coast of Upolu,” says Samoa Tourism Authority. Aga Reef Resort joins Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, Seabreeze Resort and Coconuts Beach Club as one of the island’s signature boutique beach retreats.

Aga Reef Resort has released some amazing opening specials, visit www.agareefresort.com.

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority, UK & Europe
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

BE THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO GET MARRIED ON YOUR WEDDING DAY IN SAMOA

Samoa is the first country to see the dawn break and the islands of Samoa are fast becoming a popular wedding and honeymoon destination where early risers can be the first couple to get married on their wedding day.

Marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide, with many of the hotels, resorts and tour operators offering wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators. Application forms for a marriage license must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia and this can be done through your local wedding coordinator.

Samoa is not short of churches for those looking for a religious wedding and formal service. For those looking to tie the knot in a more informal manner, Samoa has many striking beauty spots and breathtaking back drops including cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, uninhabited islands and sunset cruises. 

Newlyweds looking to plan a honeymoon can choose to stay in a honeymoon suite at a number of resorts on the pristine Lalomanu Beach. The location is perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to the beaches rich coral lagoons and boasts one of the best views in Samoa with Nu'utele Island in the distance and spectacular sunsets. Highlights include exploring the protected marine reserve or taking a guided walk to an extinct volcano crater to witness the army of flying foxes. 

There are many luxury hotels in Apia, Samoa’s capital, where newlyweds can pamper themselves with romantic couples’ spa treatments. Whilst in the capital, couples can explore the destination’s cultural heritage at the Museum of Samoa, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the Apia Fish Market. 

Those who like a little more adventure should hire a car and explore the different islands at their own pace. Activities range from swimming with turtles to the rainforest canopy walkway along a hanging bridge on the island of Savaii, to the Falease’ela River Walk through Samoa’s pristine natural environment or a scenic inland drive along the Le Mafa Pass on the island of Upolu. 

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For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel


Notes to editors:
Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails. 

Travel Package:
Samoa’s Seabreeze Resort has recently been chosen as one of the winners in the following categories, Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific and Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards. This private resort provides the ideal romantic getaway for honeymooners and those seeking luxury and intimacy without blowing the budget.  
Austravel has a 17 day holiday combining the Seabreeze Resort in Samoa with Auckland and Sydney from £2,995 per person.  The holiday includes return international and internal flights with Qantas and Air Pacific, three nights accommodation at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney, three nights at the Mercure Auckland hotel with an additional stop-over at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney again before going on to spend nine nights at the four star Seabreeze Resort in Samoa.  Price based on departures May 2013. For more information, visit www.austravel.com or call 0800 988 4834.

SEABREEZE RESORT IS HONOURED IN THE 2013 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE HOTELS AWARDS

"What a great day for an amazing location" as owners & staff celebrate, the luxurious Seabreeze Resort announced today that it was chosen as one of the  winners  in the following categories Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific  Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers’ Choice winners.”

Seabreeze is no stranger to receiving awards and in 2012 Seabreeze was the overall winner of the New Zealand food & wine challenge.  With the focus on exquisite cuisine, personal service, and genuine Samoan hospitality, Seabreeze provides a standard of accommodation and services that makes this intimate resort more than another resort in Paradise, but one of the most sought after resorts for total exclusivity in Samoa!

Opened in July 2011 and hidden amongst coconut palms, this private resort provides the ideal romantic getaway for Honeymooners and those seeking luxury, intimacy and a place that is surpassed only by the beauty of its coastline & the genuine hospitality of its staff!

Owners of Seabreeze Chris & Wendy Booth say: “Today is a proud day for Seabreeze, this has been a team effort, & an awful lot of hard work by all of us.  With the exception of our head Chef every member of the staff have been hand trained here at Seabreeze, taking young villagers & turning them into trained professionals is a rewarding experience. It has created a feeling of belonging for all of us, with an exciting future ahead of us Seabreeze has some exciting new plans to unravel and with guests enthusiasm at a peak we are determined to continue to exceed the expectations of our guests.”