SunStream Travel Blog

Welcome! As employees of SunStream and residents of Southwest Florida, we thought this blog would be an excellent opportunity to share what we love about living here with our guests. Enjoy!

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Archive for March, 2009

DiamondHead Beach Resort Adds Romance and Value to Intimate Weddings

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Treva J. Marshall, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; treva@tjmcommunications.com

Dipika Joshi, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; dipika@tjmcommunications.com

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT
Adds Romance and Value to Intimate Weddings

(FORT MYERS BEACH, FL) – Emerald waves lap gently at the pristine white-sand beach as close friends and family gather for the blissful event. A guitarist strums a choice wedding tune, and the glowing bride, red roses in hand, strolls toward her groom, who waits beneath a picturesque arch. “I do” resonates with meaning against the idyllic seaside backdrop as the couple becomes husband and wife.

DiamondHead Beach Resort provides an enchanting setting by the tranquil Gulf of Mexico for couples who want over-the-top romance on their wedding day – minus a big price tag. The Ruby Wedding Package offered by DiamondHead Beach Resort, a SunStream Hotel & Resort property, presents an intimate fairy-tale wedding for 20 or fewer guests for a $2,100 value.

Couples can book their big day with family and friends between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and their wedding package includes:

  • Beach setup of a charming arch and white folding chairs, plus complimentary parking for guests
  • An officiant to perform the wedding ceremony
  • A bouquet of beautiful roses for the bride and boutonniere for the groom
  • A guitarist to play at the ceremony
  • A professional photographer to capture the magical event
  • Choice of two wedding portraits and 12 four-by-six photos plus copy of the photo CD
  • A premium wedding-night beachfront suite for the happy couple, including a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, his-and-hers plush bathrobes
  • Dinner for two at the resort’s elegant Chloe’s Restaurant (up to $125)

If the guest list grows past 20, DiamondHead Beach Resort offers the perfect value with its Emerald Wedding Package for a minimum of 20 persons. For just $135 per person, the package includes:

  • A beach ceremony with decorated arch and white folding chairs
  • White chair covers and choice of sash
  • A four-hour dinner reception with choice of one entrée, salad, two hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast
  • Choice of reception linen colors and centerpieces
  • Premium wedding-night beachfront suite for the bride and groom
  • Breakfast for the bride and groom the next morning at the hotel’s restaurant, Chloe’s
  • Complete list of local recommended vendors including: churches and notaries, photographers, spa and salon services, DJs and entertainment, wedding cakes and florists

The natural beauty of Fort Myers Beach provides the ideal honeymoon for newlyweds who want to escape to sun, sand and calm waters while staying within their budget. The nearby dynamic Times Square entertainment district heats up for nighttime fun. The signature Esterra Spa & Salon offers couples massages for total pampering and relaxation. Water sport rentals and sightseeing charters offer extra activities. DiamondHead Beach Resort provides first-rate amenities including fitness center, heated pool, outdoor whirlpool spas and beachside dining on fresh-caught seafood and other gourmet treats. And the icing on the wedding cake? Spectacular Gulf sunsets keep lovebirds on a romantic wavelength throughout their stay.

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT, Fort Myers Beach. DiamondHead Beach Resort, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. DiamondHead Ballroom and Terrace offers memorable settings for larger weddings of up to 400 guests. For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts weddings and romantic vacations, please call 888-865-58 44 or 239-765-7654 or visit DiamondHeadFL.com.

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The Partnership For Florida’s Tourism

Monday, March 30th, 2009
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Tourism has been key in sustaining Florida’s economic livelihood for years, with touristic expenditures generating 19 percent of our total state revenue last year. With state government, businesses and everyday Floridians in clear need of a strong solution to the current economic crisis, tourism is a viable solution that can generate significant dollars – but visitors don’t just show up; it takes experienced marketing to bring them here.

VISIT FLORIDA and Florida’s tourism industry partners have a track record of successfully marketing our state as a prime tourist destination, but now they need your help.

As Florida experiences staggering budget cuts, increasing unemployment rates and an economic recession, we must capitalize on our state’s strongest resources for creating revenue and jobs. The reality is that the global travel business is hugely competitive and Florida’s tourism industry must hang on to its piece of the pie. Just last year, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts directly attracted 12.5 million visitors – and $9.75 billion in tourism spending to Florida. Losing this resource would be a devastating blow.

As our state faces a budget shortfall this session, lawmakers have the opportunity to view VISIT FLORIDA as part of the budget solution so that we continue to bring visitors to the Sunshine State.

Florida’s tourism industry supports Governor Crist’s recommendation to sustain public funding for VISIT FLORIDA in FY 2009 – 2010. We must continue to invest in tourism marketing to bring visitors to our state and generate additional revenue.

The Florida tourism industry accounts for:

  • $65.5 billion in travel spending
  • $3.9 billion in sales tax collections
  • $513 million in TDC tax collections
  • 991,300 Floridians directly employed in travel related jobs

The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism needs you to visit the Capitol and speak with Legislators about why VISIT FLORIDA and tourism marketing are integral to our state. Share your story – tell how tourism affects your business and your community. Florida lawmakers need to hear from you. To take action, please visit www.FloridasTourismCounts.org.

Ladies Luncheon at DiamondHead Beach Resort

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

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Chloes Fresh Seafood & Steaks – located at the DiamondHead Beach Resort – is continuing their Chef Lunch Series this Thursday with a Ladies Luncheon! Everyone is invited to join Chloes Executive Chef Chris for a tantalizing cooking demonstration. Watch and learn how he professionally prepares a full luncheon while you sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne and feast on the delicious creations. Recipe cards will be provided to inspire your next culinary adventure!

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After lunch, relax with a massage or hand exfoliation compliments of the Esterra Spa & Salon! Representatives will be domonstrating their products and services and handing out goodie bags!

When? Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
Where? Chloes Fresh Seafood & Steaks (DiamondHead Beach Resort)
Cost? $25 per person
RSVP to 239-765-0595

Chef Luncheon Menu:

House Salad with Gorgonzola & Toasted Walnuts
Pan Seared Macadamia Crusted Grouper with Orange Ginger Sauce
Jasmine Rice and Vegetable Du Jour
Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Ice Cream

The Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade Video

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

The Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade was today and we had a blast!

Did you attend the parade? What did you think?

If you have any great photos, feel free to email blog@sunstreamforms.com and we’ll post them on the site!

Special thanks to the Ku Ku Ku Nu Ku trolley!

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Friday, March 13th, 2009

The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is this weekend! There will be a parade, food, fun, crafts, world-famous Shrimp dinners and the crowning of the 51st Shrimp Festival Queen! It should be a great event! Check out the Shrimp Festival website for more details.

Matanzas Bridge will be closed from 9am – 12pm on Saturday, so it’s best to get to the beach early!