18Apr/130

OVC Colonial Zone Tour: Great Success!!

“Great tour”. “We had a lot of fun!”. “The Colonial Zone is beautiful” are just some of the expressions our members used on the way back to Punta Cana after an afternoon walking around Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Our “Members Only: tour was a great success, and it was because of our amazing members and their great energy. During the tour, we visited Columbus Castle, National Pantheon, The First Cathedral of The New World and many other historical sites. Members had the chance to share with each other their experiences with the Club while having typical dominican lunch and enjoying the "Mangulina" dancers.

Scroll down and see for yourself! Pictures speak louder than words!

The group of members on our first "OVC Colonial Tour"

 

Dominican lunch at "El Conuco"

 

Cheers!!

 

At the Larimar Museum

 

Want to see more? Click here!

18Apr/133

Meet the Staff: Natividad Manzueta

She has curly hair and a glowing smile. Meet Natividad Manzueta, a face you always see in our First Club in Grand Punta Cana. 

Hello, my name is Natividad Manzueta, and I am Guest Service at Occidental Grand Punta Cana, in Dominican Republic. I’ve been working for OVC for over a year, and this is the second time Occidental gives me the opportunity to do something I really love: serve our member and help you feel like home when you are staying with us.

I’ve always said that our jobs are part of our daily life, so we must love what we do!

I’m from Puerto Plata, a beautiful place in the northern side of the island. I like to dance, play chess and spend all my free time with my children. I’d love to share with you all the good things we have for our members here in Punta Cana. I invite to come a visit us, and you will feel like part of the family.

16Apr/130

Namnum’s Corner: OVC Club Rewards Program is Very Close!

Hola Amigos!

We just returned from the world’s largest convention for timeshare clubs and developments.  I am pleased to report that the consensus is our industry has weathered some of the hardest economic storms and is beginning to grow once again.  What that means to you as members is that your Club will benefit from this vibrancy as we continue to make improvements and expand options for vacation experiences and destinations around the world.

More good news:  our OVC Rewards program is very close to launching. Watch your email, our Share the Joy blog and Facebook for more details on how you can save money, earn valuable points for referring family and friends and, in general, have more fun with your Occidental Vacation Club membership.

Hope you are all enjoying springtime no matter where you live and that we see you soon!

Luis Namnum

19Mar/130

Namnum’s Corner: Spring is around the corner.. come and stay with us!

Dear Members,

Spring is right around the corner, along with the celebrations of Easter, Passover, Holy Week and Spring Break come as stay with us. We want to make everything perfect for your vacation!

Remember as an Occidental Vacation Club member you have even more options to choose from. With the additional of Club La Costa we now have great resorts to visit in Spain.  This might be more important to our European members, but we can certainly help U.S., Canadian, Mexican and South American members in their arrangements to visit another part of the world.

We are getting closer to announcing a terrific rewards points program for everyone.  You’ll get more out of your membership and save money on your annual fees and upgrades.  Watch your email inbox for these important reminders.

And, my friends please don’t hesitate to send me an email if there is anything I can do to improve your membership experience.  I am always eager to hear from members like you.  Especially if it will make our Club better.

Happy Spring to you all…

Luis Namnum

19Mar/130

Brand New Rooms in Grand Papagayo!

The last few years have been especially exciting, full changes, innovations and renovations. Now it was Grand Papagayo’s turn. After an investment of  $US2.1 million, we are more than happy to present our brand new First Club units in Occidental Grand Papagayo!

We're so excited to share the new rooms with you and can't wait for your visit! But in the meantime, these pictures will let you see how we've updated the units to be even more special.

You'll feel right a home in these spacious rooms. All rooms are outfitted in the latest in comfortable, contemporary furniture. The natural wood furnishings, tile floors, and neutral colors add to the total harmony of the room.  And, our units still have the private balcony or terrace for you to view the spectacular scenery of Guanacaste!

For those of you unfamiliar with Guanacaste, or need a reminder of just what you may be missing...Guanacaste is Costa Rica's most beautiful and popular area accentuated by many diverse geographical features.  Its stunning shoreline provides a multitude of activities...surfing, snorkeling, tropical bird watching, windsurfing and more. Its Eastern area is a naturalist's dream! There you'll find National Parks and Caldera volcanoes, lush dense forests with exotic plants and wildlife, and hiking trails featuring breathtaking views.

Situated on prime property in the expansive Gulf of Papagayo, the Occidental Grand Pagagayo merges perfectly with the environment of the area and its natural beauty. Just a 35-minute ride from Liberia International Airport, Grand Papagayo is easy to get to, but SO hard to leave!!

We will say no more! Scroll and see more photos of our brand new rooms!



 

 

18Mar/132

Meet the staff: Belinda Martinez

You've seen her face, you know her name and she knows yours. She greets you every tome you step into Grand Aruba's First Club. Did you know she's an animal lover? Keep reading and get to know a bit more about Belinda Martinez, Guest Service at Occidental Grand Aruba.

Belinda Martínez, our Guest Service at Occidental Grand Aruba

Hello, my name is Belinda Martinez and I’m Guest Service for Occidental Grand Aruba. I’ve been working at Occidental Vacation Club for almost 4 years now. I love working here: I get to meet members from all over the world, and also make great friends with our members that come back year after year. I love making our members happy providing them with service beyond all expectations and make their vacations most enjoyable and unforgettable.

I’m from Aruba, I like going to the beach with my dogs, also fishing and playing tennis. In my free time I also volunteer at our local animal shelter.

See you soon in the Happy Island!

4Jan/130

What’s on Occidental Vacation Club’s Agenda for 2013!

It's going to be hard to follow a great year like 2012, but 2013 is shaping up to be just as impressive!  Of course, Occidental Vacation Club will continue its popular all-inclusive model, and high level of quality and service that won it top awards this year from RCI, and TripAdvisor. Also, high marks were received on traveler-based websites like Travelocity.

More Upgrades!

OVC will continue its ongoing commitment to upgrade its existing properties, while adding on to its current eleven resorts. First up, President, Luis Namnum, reports an investment of $2.1 million to remodel and refurbish units in Grand Papagayo, Grand Xcaret, Grand Cozumel, Grand Punta Cana and Grand Aruba.

More Travel Choices!

Members now have more travel choices! Occidental Vacation Club has affiliated with Club La Costa. It's the largest of its kind in Europe and features 28 mixed use resorts. More to come on this club's exciting options. Watch for newsletter updates!

More Rewards!

"OVC Rewards" are coming!  We listen to our members, and because of your feedback we will soon introduce this members' loyalty program. OVC Rewards will enable you to find great rates, book travel, and reserve rental cars. In addition, you can use it to shop and dine at some of your favorite places. When you make a transaction, you earn OVC reward points to use to pay for future vacations, amenities, and maintenance fees. You can soon access OVC Rewards at http://my-ovc.com where you can now manage most aspects of your club membership. (The former members' area will go out of service by mid 2013.)

More Ways to Communicate!

Don't forget to use our internet bulletin board that helps new and existing members learn how to make the most of their vacations. Go to http://my-ovc.com/forum.  Also, catch us on Facebook, and check out our popular blog, "Share the Joy." (http://sharethejoy.occidentalvacationclub.com) This lively blog has all the travel information you will need for a great trip, plus pictures, and membership information. From posts on both these sites, it looks like our members are enjoying their vacations!

Let us know if we missed anything! We always like to hear from you!

17Dec/120

Useful, Affordable and Fun Gift Ideas for Travelers!

Are you looking for a unique gift for the intrepid travelers in your life? Here are some gift suggestions from Occidental Vacation Club that are NOT luggage tags and passport covers!

Gift Cards and Vouchers

We know...some people say gift cards are given by those with no imagination...but think about it.  They are convenient to use, and an easy way for your travelers to purchase entertainment choices to enhance their travel experience.  With iTunes gift cards travelers can load their mobile devices with music, movies, digital books, games, and more. You can also load up credits to your travelers' Skype accounts, or upgrade them to Skype Premium for group video calling. They can Skype you, and show you what a great time they are having.

Gifts Cards are an easy and convenient gift for travelers!

Customized Sleeves for Tablets or Laptops

Give your travelers a "one-of-a- kind" cover for their tablet or laptop.  At Timbuk2.com create a custom sleeve for their device. Choose from four sizes and 57 fabrics in various colors and patterns. The high-density foam and scratch-resistant liner will protect all devices, and is TSA friendly.

Indestructible Cell Phone Case

For the traveler who is the ultimate adventurer, and takes his cellphone everywhere, get him the virtually indestructible Grace Digital Audio's Eco Pod. Its polycarbonate casing with exterior pressure relief valve, can offer protection from water, sun and sand. Even the ear buds are waterproof!

Get Personal

Gifts that show some effort on your part are always appreciated. Put together a flight kit of items to make your travelers more comfortable on the plane. Stash it with ear plugs, neck pillow, eye shades, and noise canceling headphones or a soft throw

Give them a book about the country they are visiting, or a phrasebook of the country's language.  Inscribe it with a wish for a good trip.

Buy a travel journal with a cover that reflects their destination in some way. Most people like to keep a journal of their trip experiences, and one that also acts as a travel organizer is very handy. Look for a journal/organizer that provides sleeves and pockets for plane and other tickets, a world map with time zones, mini address book for hotels and attractions, pages for day-trip itineraries, and plenty of room for journal entries. Write them a heartfelt note inside, and wish them Bon Voyage!

20Nov/121

“There’s No Place Like Home”… Unless… It’s an Occidental Vacation Club Resort!

Sometimes you just can't wait to get back home from your vacation to sleep in your own bed, and enjoy all the comforts of home. BUT, when you're staying at an Occidental Vacation Club Resort, you'll have all the comforts of home, and you may even decide to stay an extra week!

Stay at any of OVC's resorts in Mexico, Nuevo Vallarta, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Aruba, and experience spacious accommodations, with all the amenities and furnishings that make you feel right at home. Whether you are traveling with a spouse, children, or relatives and friends, we can make you feel comfortable. Most of our properties have three unit types:

Studio or Junior Suites - Kitchenette included. Accommodations for two adults and up to two children.

One Bedroom Apartments - Bedroom plus an independent living room and dining room, and two bathrooms (in most properties). Maximum capacity of four adults and two kids.

Two Bedroom Villas -Master bedroom, additional bedroom with two queen beds, two and a half bathrooms, separate living room, dining table for six, full kitchen. Accommodates up to six adults and two children

Three Bedroom Penthouses- (Available in Aruba and Nuevo Vallarta) Maximum capacity of up to eight people.

Most of our units also include a full-size furnished balcony, or terrace where you can catch a spectacular sunset, and revel in the beauty of your surroundings.

You’ll find signature amenities and plush robes to relax in…plus a complimentary bar set up with premium liquor and great bear.  Bring along your iPod and relax to your favorite sounds pumped throughout your suite via state of the art BOSE speakers.  Whatever your heart’s desire, just ask the First Club concierge and we’ll take care of it in a jiffy. So click your ruby slippers together and say, "There IS a place like home," and contact Occidental Vacation Club Resorts now!

 

16Nov/120

Let’s talk about vacation value

Have you ever heard a friend say, "I don't think the money I spent on that vacation was worth it?" That probably means that the quality of their vacation, based upon what they paid, didn't live up to their expectations. It wasn't a good vacation value.

That's something you'll never experience when you are a member of Occidental Vacation Club membership.  Good value is what our membership is all about.  Both economic value and quality of life value are guaranteed.

Being an OVC member is an investment in a vacation lifestyle that promotes well being, peace of mind and a sense of inclusion.

Truth be told, the real value of your purchase is an investment. Not just a monetary investment but one in a vacation lifestyle that promotes well being, peace of mind and a sense of inclusion. When you are an Occidental Vacation Club member you get more "bang for your buck" including flexible choices, all-inclusive vacations and a place to call your own in the Caribbean.

When purchasing the all inclusive package at selected hotels, members command a 35% to 50% discount off the hotel's regular rate. They are guaranteed at least 15% off any discounted or specially advertised hotel rate at any time. So no matter what, the Occidental Vacation Club member pays less.

Our true and trusted all-inclusive vacation club grants its members with the flexibility of gaining access at exclusive properties and resorts in paradisiac destinations in faraway places throughout the world.
As part of the Occidental Hotels & Resorts Group, we have been awarded distinguished accolades, such as the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and the 2012 RCI President’s Club Award for our outstanding achievement.

Good value is what our membership is all about.

And what about those quality of life services...like larger and better equipped rooms, exceptional amenities, exclusive members only areas, First Club lounges and Grand Level sections, knowledgeable and accommodating staff, high level of service, multiple locations in the most popular and beautiful destinations...the list goes on and on. Contact an Occidental Vacation Club representative today and find out first-hand what good vacation value is truly all about.