Q. How have your careers evolved?

Di: I joined Bridge Travel in 2000, then Flight Centre and Jetset. After a short career break, I went to Holidaysplease then moved to a support role. After Travel Counsellors took over, I chatted with Designer Travel co-founders Amanda Matthews and Karen Pocock, and became a BDM in May 2023. 

Toni: I was an employment lawyer for 10 years. It was stressful. I love travel but struggled getting started as everyone wanted experience, so I set up my own website. I ended up in an agency then Holidaysplease. When they sold to Travel Counsellors, I moved to Designer Travel in May 2024.

Q. Tell us about being on Designer Travel’s sustainability panel, established three years ago.

Di: The panel was spearheaded by Karen. She’s passionate about sustainability. There are seven of us on the panel to drive our Little Steps Big Impact sustainability policies. I went to Sri Lanka with Exsus, finding out about hotels employing locals and the conservation of wild elephants and now I’m comfortable selling it. 

Toni: We’re always spotting articles that cause concern and spark conversations. On LinkedIn, one guy said luxury travel is creating problems, [so I said] luxury hotels install solar panels, water filtration systems, use organic food and employ locals and we’ll see that trickle effect in tourism; three-star hotels will benefit from five-star hotels’ investments. On Intrepid Travel trips, you visit projects and the money goes to the people involved. G Adventures plants a tree for each day of a tour and focuses on tourism leakage, making sure money stays in destinations.  

Q. How have agents benefitted from Designer Travel’s collaboration with training provider Kiwano Tourism?

Di: More than 50 agents are certified; it’s intensive but gives you confidence to have conversations [about sustainability]. Tourism leakage is a big topic, as is gender pay inequality. Ultimately, people are not going to stop travelling, but it’s about the choices you make.
 
Toni: Making our agents sustainability experts will give them the edge. We’ll be at the forefront and reap the rewards. We also do sustainability webinars with suppliers and have a monthly digital magazine with a sustainability spread. The training is eye-opening. What concerned me most was that I’m worried about the environment but I fly a lot. How can they sit alongside each other? These places need tourists, so if we don’t go, that’s not good. We’ve just got to do it better.

Q. Is the sustainability situation improving?

Di: More operators and hotels are sharing more information about sustainable practices. We are seeing change and it’s important to share success stories, otherwise it’s all doom and gloom.

Toni: If you focus on positives and talk about, say, an amazing five-star hotel with renewable fuel and community initiatives, people will want to go there.

Q. What about the cost of being sustainable?

Di: EasyJet is streets ahead of some airlines, making real differences. [Sustainability] shouldn’t be exclusive to expensive hotels – many boutique and family-run hotels employ only locals. They’ve ditched buffets so food wastage is declining, and they grow their own fruit and vegetables. Intrepid has tours that appeal to backpackers. Clients shouldn’t have to pay more.

Toni: On a webinar about Nevis, three-star ​Oualie Beach Resort is incredible; everything is sustainable – they create their own electricity, hot water and use locally grown lemongrass. I always sell the benefits and tell customers: “On this tour, they support the environment, or grow trees, or you can help the community”.

Q. What’s your Loved Again scheme?

Toni: It’s like Vinted. Karen decided to have a shop at our Designer Fest so we all took clothes. It reuses material, because so much goes into landfill. 

Di: The money is donated to three charities. 

Tell us about winning the Champion of Change honour at this year’s ATAS Recognition Awards
 
Di: Going on stage, I was so excited. We’ve written about the award on our website. Atas is doing its bit too – you can learn a lot from its members. 

Toni: It’s all about sharing. We create material, such as our animal welfare policy and savvy traveller guide, to share. Train travel has increased, especially in Europe. Intrepid Travel has cut the number of internal flights in Vietnam and ans is using trains. I’ve written tips such as packing a lighter suitcase for flights, or packing donations – agents can ask charities what people need. 

Di: Karen [Pocock] knew about a school in South Africa that needed items so we donated a laptop, boots and footballs after our ‘Kick A Coffee’ fundraiser, asking people to give the money they’d spend on coffee. On the Exsus Sri Lanka trip, we bought food for stray dogs, and we donated after the Rhodes wildfires. Amanda and Karen made a conscious effort to support Morocco and Jamaica [after the earthquake and hurricane]. The more we talk about it, the more sustainability is a success story.

NEVIS, April 1, 2025 - Source: Nevis Tourism Autorithy

​The 2025 Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim saw an impressive turnout on March 29, 2025, as swimmers from around the world took on the challenging open-water race. The event featured a record-breaking 479 registered participants, beginning at Oualie Beach on Nevis and concluding at Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts.

A total of 425 swimmers crossed the starting line, with 396 successfully reaching the finish. Among them, 389 completed the course in under three hours, demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination. Unfortunately, 29 swimmers were unable to complete the race.

In addition to the athletes, at least 250 spectators traveled to the islands to witness the event. Of these visitors, 50% stayed in Nevis, choosing accommodations at Oualie Beach Resort, Mount Nevis Hotel, Paradise Beach, and Four Seasons Resort Nevis, while the remainder stayed on St. Kitts.

The 2025 Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim continues to grow in prestige, attracting international athletes and adventure seekers to the twin-island federation. With its combination of athletic challenge, stunning scenery, and vibrant community spirit, the event remains a highlight on the Caribbean sporting calendar.

The annual event invites swimmers of all abilities to take on the exhilarating challenge, spanning 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across the picturesque 'Narrows' between the sister islands. The race provides a truly unique and rewarding experience, drawing elite open-water swimmers from around the globe while also welcoming non-competitive swimmers who use fins and snorkels for assistance. With warm, inviting waters and local marine life accompanying swimmers on their journey, the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim is a dream come true for open-water enthusiasts.

Expressing gratitude, race director Jane Hanson said, "Despite challenging weather conditions, we successfully delivered a safe and well-executed event, with many swimmers already vowing to return next year to improve their 2025 times. We made significant investments to ensure the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim operates at the highest global standard. The introduction of chip timing, tailored participant communications, a dedicated safety crew, and enhanced international marketing initiatives have propelled the event forward, attracting swimmers from as far as Australia and New Zealand, as well as new markets like Eastern Europe. Beyond the race itself, many participants took the opportunity to fully experience Nevis hiking Nevis Peak, exploring the island’s diverse dining scene, and immersing themselves in the beauty of the ocean. It is truly rewarding to see the swim serve as a gateway for visitors to discover Nevis in its entirety."

Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley remarked, "The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim has become a bucket list global sporting event. It continues to be a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our people. This year's record-breaking participation underscores the growing international appeal of this prestigious event. We are proud to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world to experience not only this challenging swim but also the warmth and hospitality of our islands. Congratulations to all participants, and we look forward to an even greater event in the years ahead."

The swimmers' journey across the channel not only showcased their athletic prowess but also highlighted the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean seascape, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local authorities, sponsors, volunteers, and participants in promoting sports tourism and showcasing the region’s natural splendor.

The competition featured outstanding performances across all categories. The top three overall finishers were:

1st Place: Robert Margalis – 00:58:55
2nd Place: Ricardo Valdivia – 01:00:20
3rd Place: Pepijn Vriezen – 01:03:11

The event also recognized remarkable individual achievements. Eleven-year-old Greyson Burrel received the Youngest Swimmer Award, while 82-year-old Mervyn Goldbas was honored as the Oldest Participant.

This year’s participants represented a diverse global audience, with swimmers traveling from:

United States: 65%
United Kingdom: 13%
Canada: 3%
St. Kitts & Nevis: 11%
Other CARICOM nations: 4%
Netherlands: 1%

Mark your calendars! The Nevis to St. Kitts Cross-Channel Swim returns on March 28, 2026.
Registrations: www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com

London, 17th November 2023
 
Sponge Marketing & Events, in partnership with SwimTrek, is delighted to announce the new ownership of the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim. Jane Hansom (founder of Sponge) and SwimTrek will be jointly taking over this extraordinary island-to-island crossing from Winston Crook, who founded and nurtured the event for the past two decades.

​The Cross Channel Swim is set to undergo an exhilarating transformation as Sponge and SwimTrek aim to elevate the race to legendary status, attracting hundreds of open water swimming enthusiasts from around the world. This partnership opens new opportunities to showcase an already historic event to a wider audience, securing its place amongst the world’s best-known international swimming events. 

The iconic 2.5mile (4.1 km) swim from Oualie Beach on Nevis to Cockleshell Beach on St Kitts takes place in crystal clear, tropical waters teeming with sea life. Like hands across the water, the swim bridges both islands via the ‘Narrows’, which separate the sister Caribbean islands. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, included in the World Open Water Swimming Association’s Top 100 Most Iconic Swims. 

This is not the first time Sponge Marketing and Swim Trek have collaborated to promote the dual-island nation. SwimTrek have been bringing swimmers to St Kitts and Nevis for the past 7 years since Sponge first contacted SwimTrek to suggest the destination as the perfect addition to their swimming holiday portfolio. Notably, this ownership transition represents a significant milestone for the tourism industry in St Kitts and Nevis. As the Cross Channel Swim gains momentum and expands its international reach, it promises to put the spotlight on the picturesque beauty of St Kitts and Nevis. Both islands will benefit from increased tourism and the influx of participants, further establishing them as world-class destinations for open water swimming enthusiasts and vacationers alike.

​​Expressing her excitement about this new chapter, Sponge founder, Jane Hansom stated, “The Cross Channel Swim is an extraordinary event, rich in history and challenging in nature and one that I have personally participated in for the past 11 years. I am thrilled to collaborate with SwimTrek and bring my team’s marketing and event expertise to ensure an elevated and memorable experience for all participants. Together, we will take this iconic race to new heights, promoting the beauty of Nevis and St. Kitts to a global audience.” SwimTrek’s founder, Simon Murie, equally enthusiastic about the partnership, said: “We are proud to be part of the Cross Channel Swim’s legacy. We are excited to incorporate this incredible race into our international swim race portfolio, inviting swimmers from all corners of the world to experience the thrill of this iconic island-to-island swim. We look forward to working closely with Jane and her team to create an unparalleled event for participants and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

​The 2024 event will be the 23rd year of the event. Join word-class athletes and adventure-seeking swimmers in tropical Caribbean waters and soak up the camaraderie and spirit of adventure as we showcase the unique beauty of two islands and one paradise that is St. Kitts and Nevis.
 
The 2024 Nevis to St Kitts crossing will take place on 6th April 2024. Registration is now open at: www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com

​For media inquiries, please contact:
Jane Hansom
[email protected]
+44 (0) 7703 481 478
 
About Sponge Marketing:
Jane Hansom is the founder of Sponge Marketing, a marketing and PR consultancy specialising in sports and destinations. Hansom and her team bring a passion for sport and the Caribbean region together with marketing expertise to create extraordinary event experiences and destination marketing opportunities.
 
About SwimTrek:
Simon Murie is the founder of SwimTrek, a globally recognized provider of open water swimming adventure holidays. With a wealth of experience in organizing swim races and expeditions, SwimTrek offers participants an opportunity to explore the world’s most breathtaking swim locations.

MEDIA CONTACT
John Yearwood
Oualie Realty Limited
P: 869-662-9740
​E: [email protected]

Source: www.caribbeantoday.com

Charlestown, Nevis – After a two-year pandemic induced break, the Nevis Triathlon returns on November 5, 2022 for its 19th edition. This year the event will occur at Oualie Beach, Nevis, on the beach and grounds of Oualie Beach Resort.​

Greg Phillip, President of Nevis Multisport, the organization which organizes both the Nevis Triathlon, and the Nevis Marathon and Running Festival, said, “We are happy to present the Nevis Triathlon this year, and are looking forward to the future with plans and a vision to make it even bigger. We moved it to the Oualie Beach Resort just before the hiatus, because it is a spectacular location that fits into our future plans.”

The atmosphere is planned to festive, with music, and a barbecue on the beach for the general public. In other words, participants should expect both a beach party and a triathlon. All races begin at 7:00 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022, and the festivities continue until 2:30 pm.
The event has new branding with a fresh logo that depicts Nevis Peak, the island’s mountain and signature skyline, and incorporates the word “Nevis” with the word “triathlon” beneath. Not only is the branding new, but there is also new impetus and vigor to grow the race into a more significant event on the calendar.
The event also welcomes new sponsorship from Nevis Sun Tours, a St. Kitts and Nevis based Tour Operator and Destination Management Company, Always Aim High Events, a sports event company based in Wales in the UK, and assistance from the Nevis Island Administration’s Ministry of Sports. There are also some sponsors from the past who are continuing to support the event, these include Rams Supermarkets, Carib Brewery, The Oualie Beach Resort, and GMP Graphics and Printing. The trophies and medals are also locally made from Nevis stone by Nevis stone artist Marvin Chapman.

Oualie Beach Resort announces the return of chef Ricky Finch. He brings with him expertise from having worked at Cuisine Art Resort in Anguilla on an educational exchange while at Oualie.  He has experience from several other establishments around Nevis as well . He begins his new position as Head Chef as of O1 October 2022. We look forward to working closely with Ricky as he and the staff work to elevate the already delicious and varied cuisine offered at Oualie Beach Resort. Welcome, Ricky!

​Oualie Beach Resort (www.oualiebeach.com) wishes to celebrate the amazing job being done by the NHS in the fight against Covid-19 in the UK by donating week-long free accommodation stays to  20 deserving front line staff +1.
 
"Many of our Resort's clients are from the UK and we are saddened by the daily devastating news of loss of life and loss of livelihoods," says John Yearwood, host and Managing Director of the Resort. "The courage of the frontline staff of the NHS in risking their own health to save lives is truly inspiring and deserves recognition".

​The Oualie Beach Resort located on the twin island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis and is a 32 room, family-owned, eco-friendly boutique hotel, right on the beach and designed to appeal to travelers seeking a laid-back, personalized experience.  UK visitors fly BA or Virgin from Gatwick to St Kitts via Antigua.

​​The Island of Nevis has so far had only 4 confirmed cases of the virus and all 4 patients are recovering well. The Government sealed the borders, closed all non-essential businesses and placed the population on stay at home lockdown to prevent any further spread.
 
"Once our borders re-open and quarantine restrictions on incoming travellers are lifted, we look forward to welcoming NHS staff for a free well-deserved vacation in the sun," says Karen Peterson-Yearwood, co-host and Director of the Resort.  "John and our Oualie staff join me in sending best wishes to all our UK guests.

​Please stay safe and we hope to see you all again soon".
 
Reservations may be made through your local UK travel agent, favourite tour operator or by calling Resort Marketing International at 01245 459 900.

Lounging on a sunny beach, listening to the waves, and enjoying pleasant conversation or a good book is a relaxing experience that can help the stress of everyday life melt away. That's why so many choose to flock to the coast when they're on vacation. If your idea of a great trip involves spa treatments, delicious food, and fun water activities, the beach resorts listed here are worth looking into. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

​Finally, arriving at #5 is Oualie Beach Resort, a family-owned hotel situated on the coast of Nevis in Oualie Bay. Begun as a modest beach bar in 1980, today it stands as an eco-friendly 32-room property providing peaceful accommodations and a multitude of outdoor activities. From the sustainable design of its cottages to the use of local ingredients at its oceanfront restaurant, the resort gives guests a soothing, authentic Caribbean experience that's deeply attuned to the rhythms of the natural environment.

There are plenty of ways for nature lovers to explore Oualie's lush surrounding areas, including through scuba diving, biking, rain-forest hikes, and horseback riding tours along the shore and mountains. Guests can also take advantage of deep-sea fishing, sunset cruises, and taxi and catamaran tours. Slower-paced options include yoga, meditation, and the opportunity to visit the famous Lovers Beach, one of the most secluded in the world.

About Ezvid Wiki

Established in 2011, Ezvid Wiki has grown from a small user-generated forum into the largest and most comprehensive video wiki on the planet, providing useful, unbiased information and actionable guidance to hundreds of millions of people around the world, in thousands of knowledge categories. Ezvid Wiki is one of the world's leading non-fiction websites and recieves hundreds of thousands of visitors per day.

Source: https://wiki.ezvid.com/m/5-luxurious-beach-resorts-worth-visiting-f_leDW64uJFXI