Destination Management Services, Inc. - Marriages Made in Paradise

DMS would be happy to organize a site inspection visit to Barbados with the programme coordinators. This will assist in planning the group programme and familiarize the trip director with the facilities and activities available. A DMS group coordinator will be available throughout your visit and will set up your itinerary with the necessary transportation and appointments as requested. There is no charge for this service and we will procure as many complimentary entrance fees or tours as possible, but DMS will bill you for any expenses incurred on your behalf during the site inspection.

DMS staff will assist participants through local Immigration and Customs formalities by requesting assistance for special handling from airport authorities for your group. Should you require assistance with the importation of any special displays, awards, meeting materials or conference information, DMS will arrange customs brokerage if necessary, for the incoming material and provide advice on the set up of any bonds which might be required.

All persons entering Barbados are required to have proof of citizenship. The required documents for US and Canadian citizens is a valid passport or an original birth certificate (with raised seal) accompanied by a photo ID such as a driver's license. Citizens from other countries may require visas, please have your clients check with the local Barbados Consulate in your area before going to the airport. Airlines will not board any passengers without proper proof of citizenship documents.

All persons arriving in Barbados must also pass through Customs. There are a number of regulations regarding which items can be brought into Barbados without duty or import licenses and which items are dutiable. If you are planning to bring or ship ANY group related material, please let us know a minimum of 2 weeks prior to arrival so we can confirm the entry requirements with Customs officials. Every effort is made to assist with any group request made well in advance of the group's arrival, but import licenses, stamp duties and related paperwork takes time to process. A complete description listing the number of items, value of items and country of origin is necessary to make any inquiries.

The numbers of participants for every group must be guaranteed a minimum of 24 hours prior to the event. Certain events may require guarantees further in advance. In any case, all event guarantees will be outlined in writing on the confirmation of the programme services. Should the required guarantees not be received by the specified time, DMS will bill on the numbers originally contracted or subsequently specified by your company, whichever is higher.

An initial deposit of 10% of the estimated programme cost is required to block your programme features. Upon receipt of this deposit, DMS will reserve all required programme features on your behalf, but will not make any deposits nor guarantee pricing of the features.

A second deposit, equal to 50% of the total estimated programme cost is required 45 days prior to arrival. On receipt of this second deposit, DMS will guarantee all pricing.

A final deposit of 35% of the total estimated programme cost is required 14 days prior to arrival. DMS will then make all the necessary deposits on your behalf to contracted suppliers. All deposits paid to DMS will be held in our registered Trust/Escrow Account until such time as funds are required to be paid out for programme guarantees and operation.

All notice of programme cancellations must be in writing and received within the specified cancellation period or penalties will apply.

Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the group's arrival will be entitled to a full refund of all deposits less any out of pocket expenses incurred by DMS up to that point. Documentation of expenses will be provided with the refund payment.

Cancellations received less than thirty days prior to the group's arrival may be subject to charges of 25% of the total programme cost plus any out of pocket expenses.

The following special events and themes are only a small sampling of what DMS can provide for your group ... give us your ideas and we'll put together a unique event!

Please note that pricing for these events has not been included, as each function will be customized for your group - and pricing will be based on your group's requirements and the number of participants.

'KADOOMENT' CARNIVAL BALL BANQUET

Unlike the usual 'carnival' celebrations of Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Trinidad which tie in with the religious holidays of Lent and Easter, 'carnival' in Barbados does not have any such religious significance, but rather this summer festival was born as a celebration of the end of the sugar cane harvest - or the "Crop" as it is almost always referred to. Thus, this carnival-like festival in Barbados has come to be known as CROP OVER.

The climax of the month's festivities is 'Kadooment Day' - costumed bands portray themes of Bajan life, uninhibited revelers dance in the streets, fireworks explode - and the Crop Over Festival ends in a dazzling display of color and light. It is our pleasure to be able to bring you a little bit of Crop Over tonight. We'll introduce you to some of the sights, sounds and unique characters - we'll take you through the ceremony and festivity - and we'll involve you in the spirit and fun. So, come with us tonight and be part of the KADOOMENT CARNIVAL BALL!

A most spectacular way to end your programme! The Kadooment Carnival Ball Banquet incorporates the festive spirit of a Caribbean Carnival with the elegance of a formal Farewell Banquet. Glitter...glamour...color and festivity combine to provide an evening of enchantment.

Including:

Hostesses at the reception dressed in Carnival costumes;
Native flowers for distribution to ladies as they arrive at reception;
Decoration of the hotel ballroom with streamers, balloons and floral centerpieces;
Decorative lighting and staging for Carnival show;
Souvenir menu design and printing;
Masks, horns and party novelties for each guest;
Fully choreographed Carnival show.

17th CENTURY PLANTATION FEAST

The classic elegance, grace and charm of a 300-year-old historic private sugar plantation "Great House" can be exclusively yours tonight. Dating from 1665 - before the Great Fire of London, American Independence and the French Revolution - one of the most important traditional Plantation Houses of Barbados is available through DMS for a sumptuous Planter's Feast. Staff in period costumes, a vibrant chorale group performing under tropical stars, a classic string quartet in the ballroom of the house - usher you into an era when sugar was King. Experience a side of the West Indies unknown to many visitors as a cornerstone of Barbadian and Caribbean history comes alive exclusively for you!

Package includes:

Open bar cocktail reception with light hors d'oeuvres
Exploration of the house and its private collections
Plantation Feast dinner
Carefully selected red and white wines
Performance by chorale group before and after dinner
Classic string quartet during dinner
Exclusive use of House and Gardens
DMS staff to manage and coordinate the event

MINI-MOKE SAFARI

Perhaps one of the most unique ways for participants to view the island 'on their own' is with the customized Mini-Moke Safari. Groups of four people per mini-moke (fun jeep) follow the special Safari map, which takes them around the island with stops at some of the most scenic and historic sites where refreshments are served - and the 'winning markers' are collected. The winning team is the one that answers the most questions correctly and finds the most markers.

A variation on this theme is to use mini-vans (6 seaters) and a driver. This allows them a more relaxed safari with no driving worries. The drivers are part of the fun and aren't allowed to cheat when collecting the markers and answering the questions.

Package includes:

Rental of mini-mokes with a full tank of gas and insurance coverage
Purchase of one Barbados Driver's Permit per vehicle
Specially printed Safari maps
Buffet lunch with beverages
Refreshments at check points
"Winning markers"

DMS staff to coordinate and manage the event

JOLLY ROGER PIRATE KIDNAP & CRUISE

Charter the 'Jolly Roger', an authentic wooden schooner the pirates of the Caribbean used for over four centuries with real cannons and muskets and full of historical memorabilia. The evening begins with a twilight cocktail party on the beach. Guests are advised to dress casually and encouraged to take off their shoes. A calypso group starts to play Caribbean folksongs and guests can dance in the sand when the music starts. Torches and candles in paper bags full of sand complement the informal mood.

There is suddenly a loud commotion and out of the darkness several pirates appear and kidnap one of the 'fair maidens' (someone who has been pre-arranged to participate in the fun). The pirates then point to the Jolly Roger, which has sailed up in the darkness and is waiting offshore. All must board the infamous pirate ship or the lady will 'walk the plank'. The guests then take a barge from the beach to the ship (10-15 minute transfer) where they are told by the pirate crew to have a rollicking good time or else.... The captain and his pirate crew entertain you with onboard activities, while you sail up the coast. The Captain's Locker is well stocked and open any time for a cool refreshing drink. A hot barbecued dinner is served on board this 3 1/2-hour cruise. A live band rounds out the evening's entertainment.

The Pirate kidnap package includes:

3 1/2 hour private cruise
Costumed staff throughout kidnap & cruise
Beach pick up by Jolly barge (where possible)
Live band (2 - 45 minute sets)
All drinks (famous Jolly Roger rum punch, beer, wine, whiskey, vodka, juices, soft drinks)
Buffet dinner with a choice of steak, chicken or fish

Menu and premium brands bar upgrades are available on request. Should you wish to charter the boat during the day - the following features are included: rope swinging, walking the plank, a trip to the beach on the Jolly Barge, snorkeling at the Marine Park (mask & snorkel provided)

For a really spectacular finish, a fireworks display on the beach is available at an additional charge!