Bolongo’s Richard Doumeng Voted President-Elect of Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

Richard Doumeng, our Managing Director was just voted President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) for 2012 – 2014!

Richard has always been a strong leader and dedicated to promoting St. Thomas, and the US Virgin Islands. In 2009, he received the CHTA’s highest honor of Caribbean Hotelier of the Year

Now he’ll be sharing his experience and leadership skills to engage tourism throughout the Caribbean. 

He’s has served on the CHTA Board of Directors for 19 years and has been a Vice President of the association for the past 10 years. Currently, he is the First Vice President and a Trustee for the CHTA Education Foundation. He is also the past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association.

When Richard takes the reins in 2012, he says that his first priority will be to reach out to as many individuals in the Caribbean tourism industry as possible and build membership.

“I’m honored to lead the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and represent its members throughout the region,” says Richard. “The Caribbean is full of diversity and unique qualities that attract visitors from all over the world.”

Our Bolongo Bay family is extremely proud of Richard, who is dedicated to tourism not only to our beautiful destination in the US Virgin Islands but to the entire Caribbean region.

Congratulations from all of us here at Bolongo Bay.

Two Blue Ribbons for Bolongo!

The Virgin Islands Daily News polled their readers to determine the 'Best of' St. Thomas and Bolongo Bay is proud to take home two blue ribbons!

Looking to have a good time? Plan to join us Tuesday nights for karaoke at Iggies Beach Bar - St. Thomas's 'Best Karaoke Bar'. If you prefer to simply listen to good music then you are in luck because Iggies offers live entertainment 365 days a year! Come down and see for yourself why Iggies is one of the Caribbean's best beach bars!

Date night? Lobster Grille was awarded the 'Best Ambiance Restaurant' for 2011. Our open-air restaurant provides a cool breeze, beautiful ocean views and a delicious menu. Choose from endless lobster dishes, a N.Y. strip steak cooked to perfection, fresh grilled Mahi-Mahi and more.

Thank you to the readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News for your support!

Surf's Up! Paddle Boarding Craze Comes to Bolongo

Stand up paddle boarding (also known as stand up paddle surfing) is now available at Bolongo Bay! And it's free to try with either rate plan along with our other non-motorized water sports. We began with just one board but it's been so popular with guests that we're already adding a second one!

With roots in Hawaii, this water sport is gaining popularity around the world. So what is it? It's a mix between paddle sports and surfing. Standing (or kneeling if you're a beginner) you use a paddle to propel your surfboard around the ocean.

It may not be easy, but it's a lot of fun! It's a great core workout and requires some balance (so maybe try it before you have cocktails).

Never tried it? Don't worry. Our Activity Coordinators at the Beach Hut will have you paddle boarding in no time!

"It's pretty easy to learn, and 9 times out of 10 women are standing up and paddle boarding more quickly than the men," says Activity Coordinator Joe Ottaviano. "All the effort is worth it as the perspective and views you get from standing up is amazing. And it's easier to see the sea life!"

At work with Richard Doumeng

St. Thomas' local newspaper, the St. Thomas Source, went to work with our "big boss" Richard Doumeng last week. Get the scoop on what led our once aspiring actor to take the helm of our hotel and what he's most proud of.

Check out the article online.
 

About.com Results are in!

The votes have been calculated and the results are in for the About.com Readers' Choice Awards.

While we didn't take home the #1 title, we did solidify the #3 spot (with 20% of the votes!) for Best All Inclusive Resort. This is a huge honor for us, and we are SO grateful for your support.
Read the full story at About.com
Our 62-room beach resort was the smallest in the running, but our big offerings and loyal fans helped us earn the recognition as one of the top All Inclusive resorts in North America and the Caribbean!

Thank you again! We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with you on your next visit over a rum punch at the weekly Meet-the-Managers party.
 

US Airways Magazine Names Bolongo as Top All Inclusive

If you’re flying US Airways this month, you’ll see a familiar name! In the August 2010 issue of US Airways Magazine, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is named as one of the “14 Top Hassle-Free All-Inclusive Beach Vacations.” We’re the only resort in the US Virgin Islands to be featured.

For those who won’t be flying the airline soon, here’s how they described us: “Casual Bolongo Bay Beach Resort knows the key to a happy family vacation: sun, surf and activities for every age and interest.”

Hassle free is exactly what we’re about! Read more about our St Thomas All Inclusive Packages.
 

Richard Doumeng Honored at Caribbean Hotelier of the Year

Managing Director Richard Doumeng was named the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year for 2009. Everyone here at Bolongo is so proud of him and his accomplishments, and the honor bestowed on him and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. 

The Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, recognizes excellence in Caribbean hotel operations by demonstrating superior achievement in: Resort Operations, Food & Beverage, Marketing and Sales, Resort Maintenance, Staff Training and Motivation, Innovative Management, Environmental Practices, Community Affairs, and Involvement with National and Regional (CHTA) lodging industry associations.

Richard is the second Doumeng to win the prestigious award. Dick and Joyce Doumeng were recognized in 1988, the first and only husband and wife team ever to win.