May-June 2015 Newsletter - Wyndham Reef Resort, Grand Cayman

May-June 2015 Newsletter
Dear Reef Members,
Happy Spring everyone! As you know we have just officially branded as the new Wyndham Reef Resort. Between the obvious
property improvements and the internal changes, our Members that were on site were invited to participate in our Grand Opening
event. It was a lot of fun for everyone and we have a short you tube video that was put together by one of our social media experts.
Hope you enjoy it and, as always, we look forward to seeing you during your next visit to Grand Cayman.
Kindest Regards,
Gaetan Babin
Resort Director
Important Contact Changes
Starting May 18th, we have a new number for our Internal Reservations. The new contact number is:
Toll Free 1.844.306.REEF (7333)
Local US Number 1.317.805.8164
When you dial this number, please select option 1 for your reservation information.
We are available during the following hours:
Monday - Friday 9 am - 9 pm ET
Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm ET
Exciting New Fee Changes
We are very excited to let you know about some changes to our fees for internal exchanges.
Starting May 18th:
• Internal exchange/banking/borrowing fees areREDUCED from $140 to only $99.
• ELIMINATION of cancellation fees for internal bookings.
RCI FAQ's
Dear Members,
As we discussed in our earlier message announcing our transition to RCI we have tabulated a series of Questions sent by our
Members.
Please also note the important information at the end of the document regarding deferring your membership with RCI for up to one
year from the date of May 10, 2015.
Question: Is the Reef no longer associated with Interval International?
Answer: That is correct but it needs clarification. We are no longer affiliating new Members as of May 10th
, 2015. However as long as our existing (II) Members maintain a Membership in Good Standing with Interval International,
exchanges can be facilitated the same as before.
Question: Do we have to stay with Interval?
Answer: No
Question: I have my 2014 and 2015 weeks deposited with Interval- can they follow me to RCI if I switch?
Answer: No, once a week has been deposited with Interval it cannot be switched to RCI
Question: If renew my II membership in June when it expires, do I still get the free RCI membership for a year?
Answer: Yes that option will be available based on conditions explained at the end of this Q&A.
Question: Are my points transferrable from Interval to RCI?
Answer: No, any deposits with Interval have to stay with Interval and points solely refer to your Membership at the Reef.
Question: We don't recall signing up for RCI membership.
Answer: RCI has provided you a complimentary membership. To take advantage of the offer, please complete the attached
enrolment form (directions provided on the last page of this document). You will receive an email or letter from RCI as well with your
RCI Weeks membership number and instructions for activating your RCI account on line to enable online RCI.com
transactions. Please complete the enrolment and mail to the address provided.
Question: We are members at the reef through the points system. What happens with our points?
Answer: Nothing. Your point's membership at the Reef remains the same. We enrol with RCI in the week's system, the same as we
did with Interval.
Question: Is there a separate number to call for RCI
Answer: As of May 18th all member transactions, such as Internal Exchanges, Points bookings, Floating week bookings, availability
checks as well as RCI International Exchanges will be handled through our new Reservations Office, which can be reached on:
Toll Free
1-844-306-7333
International 1-317-805-8164
Question: Can the Reef Resort owners trade within Wyndham? Will I be able to exchange my week for another week at
Wyndham resorts somewhere else?
Answer: We have affiliated with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. We are not part of the Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO).
However, WVO is part of the RCI Network therefore you can request an exchange at any Wyndham Vacation Ownership Properties.
Question: Do members automatically receive the RCI membership for a year or is there something we need to do to be
able to access and use the RCI site after May 10th?
Answer: We have an agreement with RCI that all our existing members will indeed receive a one year membership at no cost. Some
of our Members have already received notification
Question: I am already RCI with another resort. Why would this be a different RCI account? What's the point in having two
years of the same thing running simultaneously?
Answer: We can add the unit you own at the Reef to your existing RCI membership with no extra fee. In this case the membership
details (names, address, etc) have to match on both accounts.
Question: I assume it is their Points program rather than their Weeks program. Is that true?
Answer: No, we have affiliated as a Weeks Property.
Question: Are we receiving a membership number in the mail? Or how does this work?
Answer: RCI is contacting all our Members with details through emails and mail that we have on file at the Reef.
Question: I understand The Reef is transitioning to RCI on 5/10, what is the process for someone like ourselves to view
and potentially book an exchange vacation via RCI after May 10?
Answer: You may call (844) 306-7333 and make that request.
In brief, RCI will contact every Member at the Reef and offer a free Week Membership valid for 1 year. The Membership is for 1 year
starting May 10th, 2015.
For those Members that would like this offer to be deferred, we have attached a form from RCI that needs to be completed (the first
page only) and sent back to the address below by June 30th, 2015. This will be the final date which would give you the option to
defer. Please send the completed and signed form to:
RCI
Attn: Wyndham Reef Enrolments - CLJ
4901 Vineland Road, Suite 250
Orlando, FL
32811
To complete the form, please provide the following information
a) Date:Please choose your start date between now and May 10, 2016
b) Name, address, phone and email
c) Sign and date the document
Please note that the Applicant Names submitted to RCI must match your membership at the Reef Resort
After June 30th, 2015 it will be assumed by all that your RCI membership start date is May 2015. There will be no exception to this
offer. The offer from RCI will give you the opportunity to defer your Membership Start Date until May 10th, 2016.
Please note that the applicant names submitted to RCI must match your membership at the Reef Resort
It is important for everyone to know that even though you may presently be affiliated with Interval International, RCI has many great
features besides simply trading your week. RCI has availability through their network to many destinations, be added to a waitlist for
the resorts of your dreams, get best-rate guarantee on air, car, cruise rates and can provide you with additional holidays without
even trading your week.
We are looking forward to talking to you more about RCI during your next stay at the Wyndham Reef Resort.
Gayle's Travel Tips
RCI Update
We are so excited to bring RCI and all that it offers to our Members at the Wyndham Reef Resort. Here is a little information to help
you get acquainted with RCI.
RCI was the world's first exchange company and to this day is still the
largest Timeshare exchange company. As an example RCI has over
4,000 resorts in over 100 countries. They have more inventory, more
availability and more quality resorts than any other Exchange
Company. According to Trip Advisor, RCI offers the highest quality
vacation exchange network in the world. A very important component
is that nearly 50% of RCI Properties are Gold Crown, the highest designation within the RCI Network. This means higher quality
exchange for our Members. This is very exciting news that we are thrilled to bring forth. RCI is without
question the number 1 exchange company in the world with brands such as Disney, Hilton, and Wyndham
amongst others.
What does that mean to you, our existing Members?
All existing Interval International Members at the Wyndham Reef Resort are grandfathered. This basically
means that if you choose to maintain your membership with Interval, you have with no obligation to
change. RCI will offer all our Members a 1 year Membership at no cost to you whatsoever. You would then
have one year to assess if you want to carry on with Interval or with RCI or both.
RCI also offers an app for your smartphone or tablet available through iTunes or Google Playstore. This
will give you easy access to resort and booking information as well as the opportunity to share your
vacation photos with the RCI community.
Our team here at theWyndham Reef Resort is excited to share all the possibilities of RCI with you.
RCI Last Call Vacations
The Regency Club Tenerife (#1658)
Adeje, Tenerife Canary Islands
With a backdrop of the islands volcano and National Park, The Regency Club Tenerife is located in the Torviscas area of Playa de
las Americas, from the resort you can stroll down into Playa de las Americas; at this resort you can enjoy relaxing in the chill out
area, or enjoy a massage and beauty therapy in the very Spa. The resort has a very inviting swimming pool and lush garden areas,
where you can enjoy the views of the southern coast of Tenerife and the neighbouring island of La Gomera from the resorts
panoramic viewpoint.
June 30-July 7, 2015
1 bedroom (Sleeps 4)
USD $269
For more information on booking your Last Call Vacation, contact Gayle Miller at 1.866.231.9706 [email protected].
Maintenance Update
As we continue to upgrade our resort and accommodations as part of our transition to Wyndham, we are pleased to announce our
new bed linens and toiletries have arrived.
Also, as a welcome to our guests, when you check in on your first night, you will have coffee and tea as well as 2 bottles of water
waiting for you in your room.
We are also pleased to let our members travelling with young children know that we are now offering Graco Pack N' Play beds (play
yards) for their little sleepers. Please contact the concierge to reserve one for your stay as there is limited availability.
Local Interest
Health City, under the direction of Mr. Gene Thompson, has been nothing less than an international success and is right in our back
yard. The hospital, just a year in its operation, has received the highly recognized award of JCI (Joint Commission International) and
is now properly recognized and accredited as a world class facility providing the highest standards in care.
We are very proud to say that the Thompson family is the Caymanian partner in this project.
2015 MAC Meeting
We are pleased to announce the date for our 2015 Annual MAC Meeting on September 2, 2015. Members are welcome to join us
for the Meet & Greet from 9:30 to 10:00 am.
We also would like to thank our exiting members Phil Fields and Brad Towne, who served for 4 consecutive years, for their
commitment and the time they spent being part of the MAC.We welcome our new members Kathy Fields and John Zikias to the
MAC 2015.
2016 Week Zero Alert
Please be reminded that in 2016 the Wyndham Reef Resort will have a week ZERO. The dates for week zero are Jan 2 - 9, 2016
which pushes back the normal dates of your timeshare week at the Wyndham Reef Resort. Please make sure to double check the
dates of your week(s) in 2016 by emailing [email protected].
This is why it is necessary to add a Week 0 every 5-6 years:
There are 52 weeks sold as Timeshares during the year although you can only sell 51
weeks per condominium. Some resorts close for one week for maintenance purposes and
others just shut down one or more units at a time to do their maintenance. Regardless, the
the exchange companies use a system based on a 52 week calendar. The week numbers,
from week 1 through 52 have different starting dates that ensure all weeks 51 include
Christmas and that all weeks 52 include New Year. The reasoning behind this is that those
weeks are usually sold at a premium for those who wish to have a guaranteed holiday
during the festive season.
If you multiply 52 weeks x 7 nights it adds up to 364 days, one day short of 365. This is why you see the dates for each week
usually change by one day every year. The only way to correct this offset is for resorts to add another week every 5/6 years to their
calendar. Assuming you follow the math, if you add 5 years of 52 weeks plus one year of 53 weeks, the outcome is 365 days per
year average. It does change some holiday dates such as President Week, Remembrance Day, etc. Unfortunately it is the only way
to work within the system as this has been a constant since 1974.
Hope this explains Week 0 as it only happens on average every 5-6 years.
If you are the owner of a week 52/2015 or week 1/2016 you are eligible to trade into week 0/2016 so you can accommodate
consecutive weeks or to accommodate the dates you prefer. Please contact reservations at 866.554.8175 to request the rebooking
as soon as you make vacation plans. The availability is limited, therefore book early to avoid any disappointment. First come, first
served - we do not guarantee availability for week 0.
Member Referral Program Update
Should you want to refer friends or family to stay at the Wyndham Reef Resort, they are entitled to a 25% discount off the cost of the
week. This price is dependent on the size the unit and the time of the year.
If the party you have referred decide to purchase a membership with us, you will be
entitled up to a $500 credit that can be applied towards your maintenance fee
account. Even if they don't decide to purchase a membership, if they are qualified
and attend the presentation, you will receive a $50 credit!
Here's the fine print: In order to be eligible for this offer, this shall be the guests' first
time visit to the Wyndham Reef Resort. They must attend a mandatory sales presentation. Minimum age is 28 years. They must be
employed and married/cohabitating and both adults must attend. Non-refundable stay to be paid at the time of booking. No
gifts/premiums will be given as part of the sales presentation. If the guests fail to take the tour, the regular nightly rate will be
charged instead.
Upcoming Events
What: KPMG Glow Run 5K - National Trust Fundraiser
When: June 6, 2015 @ 6pm registration
"Light up the Night for a Brighter Future". The 2nd annual Glow Run 5K will start and end at
Margaritaville with a glow after party. Participants are encouraged to deck out in sparkling
costumes, face paint, luminous accessories and flashing lights. Enjoy music by Cayman's top
DJs. The race will loop throughout George Town and officially starts at 7pm with registration at
6pm.
Compass Cayman
Explore Cayman
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
National Gallery Events Calendar
National Trust for the Cayman Islands
There is always so much to do when you stay at our all beachfront suites resort. Did you know we publish a weekly activity
schedule? At the time of your check in, you will receive a copy of this schedule with your check in package. If you are currently
staying at the resort, please contact a member of our concierge team for any further assistance making arrangements should you
need it. We hope you enjoy another beautiful day in Grand Cayman! Email us at [email protected].
Interval International Contacts
Please note, there is a new phone number for our members to contact Interval International regarding membership or
exchanges. The new number is:
1.800.828.8200
If you are calling us directly, the number is:
305.666.1884
Interval International Getaway
Amatique Bay Resort & Marina
Puerto Barrios, Izabal, Guatemala
The resort is located at Río Pichilingo, an ideal place to begin an ecological adventure in the land of the Maya. The natural contrasts
between the Caribbean coast and the highlands of Guatemala are enchanting. Amatique Bay Resort & Marina has its own marina,
and a botanical garden and ecological site on the premises.
July 5-12, 2015
1 Bedroom (sleeps 6)
Gold $422 USD
Platinum Upgrade $397 USD
For more information on booking your Getaway, please contact Gayle Miller at 1.866.231.9706
or email [email protected].
May Recipe
Caribbean Shrimp Spring Rolls
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped
3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Dash ground allspice
4 cups shredded Chinese or napa cabbage
1/2 cup mandarin oranges
3 green onions, thinly sliced
8 spring roll wrappers or rice papers (8 inches)
Hot cooked rice and sweet-and-sour sauce
1. In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry shrimp in 2 teaspoons oil until shrimp turn pink. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, stirfry broccoli in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
2. Stir in the coconut milk and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add cabbage; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until cabbage is tender.
Remove from the heat; stir in the shrimp, oranges and onions.
3. Soak each spring roll wrapper in cool water for 1 minute; place on a flat surface. Place 1/2 cup shrimp mixture down the center of
each wrapper to within 1-1/2 in. of ends.
4. Fold both ends over filling; fold one long side over the filling, then carefully roll up tightly. Place seam side down on serving plates.
Serve immediately with rice and sweet-and-sour sauce.
Yield: 4 servings.
Pina Colada Cups
1/3 cup Oreo Baking Crumbs
1 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 can (14 fl oz / 398 mL) crushed pineapple in juice
1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
2 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
1. Divide baking crumbs between 12 paper-lined muffin cups.
2. Mix cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add crushed pineapple and coconut.
3. Stir in whipped topping. Spoon mixture over baking crumbs. Sprinkle with additional coconut.
4. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, let cups stand at room temperature for 10 min.
Website Log In
Please note to log in to our new and updated website, you will need the password.
The password is: turtle