Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet’s “resort within a resort” on St. Lucia, has rates available for travel agents.

During their stay, agents will receive a complete tour of the 600-acre property, a complimentary spa treatment, a complimentary scuba or snorkel experience, a jungle biking or kayaking pass and a half day sailing cruise on the hotel’s yacht, Serenity.

From July 30 through October 31, 2008, the industry rate is $329 per person, double occupancy, for run-of-house accommodations in an “Infinity Pool Sanctuary,” inclusive of tax/service and breakfast and dinner. Rates from November 1through December 19, 2008, the rate is $399 per person.

Alternatively, those wishing to have guaranteed room reservations in specific room categories will receive a discount on the published daily rates: 50 percent will be applied in “superior” and “beach deluxe” categories, and 25 percent in “hill deluxe” and “premium” category. Anse Chastanet’s themed weekly packages are available to agents with a 25 percent overall discount in the various room categories.

Contact jademountain@ansechastanet.com.

The new Barbados tourism minister, the Honorable Richard Sealy, paid a visit to New York recently to give an update on what’s happening with the island’s infrastructure.

“We’ve already started restructuring the agency to expand the mandate of greater investment,” Sealy said, who said the goal is to increase the number of branded hotels on Barbados. “The Hilton is the only branded hotel on the island and does well with U.S. market,” said Sealy, who hinted that there will be “tangible news the month after next.”

While nothing’s been announced yet, we hear that Rosewood may indeed be the next luxury brand to enter the island’s market, which we feel would give Sandy Lane a good run for its money. What we can confirm is that The Four Seasons has already been announced for a 2010 opening on the west end of Barbados.