3rd Annual Nevis International Culinary Heritage Exposition

Nevis is hosting the 3rd Annual 3rd Annual Nevis International Culinary Heritage Exposition October 19-21, 2007. The weekend long event will host cooking demonstrations, seminars and gourmet lunches and dinners prepared by the chefs of Nevis and throughout the Caribbean. There are 4 main stops on the island-wide culinary tour: Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Oualie Beach Hotel, Tequila Sheila's, the Botanical Garden of Nevis. Also on the tour are stops at local farms and produce markets. Local Caribbean bands will provide entertainment for the event while local bars will be offering signature cocktails of the island for refreshment. Contact us to check rates!

Cap Juluca Offering 7th Night Free!

Cap Juluca is one of Anguilla's most prized resorts. The resort is located on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Guests are housed in Moorish-inspired villas, each one home to no more than 6 guest rooms. Known for its first-class cuisine and all star staff and amenities, this resort is offering a fabulous fall special! Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 nights (7th night is free). Valid categories: Superior Room, Luxury Room and Junior Suite. Minimum stay: 7 nights. New bookings only. Not combinable. Promo code: 7TH NT FREE. Booking Window: 06/19/07-12/16/07 Travel Window: 06/19/07-12/16/07. Check rates!

Jamaica is Open for Business!

I am absolutely thrilled that Hurricane Dean spared Jamaica the depth of damage we were all expecting. For the most part, the island only experienced flooding and landscape damage. Being the tropics, the flora and fauna will grow back very soon! The Jamaica Tourist Board has launched an official page with updates from the island's tourism sector. If you or a loved one has plans to visit Jamaica in the near future, you will find this information helpful and reassuring.

Hurricane Dean Update From The Weather Channel!

(Story taken from Weather.com on 8/20/07 as of 11:20AM.)

Hurricane Dean has moved away from Jamaica after lashing the island nation with sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour, and gusts of at least 138 miles per hour. This came from an observation in Kingston as Dean swept buy to the city's south.
Some locations along the south shore may have experienced even more ferocious winds. The north shore escaped the worst that Dean had to offer but likely experienced hurricane gusts and tropical storm-force sustained winds during the height of the storm.

At 11 a.m. ET, the center of Hurricane Dean was located about 125 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. It is moving toward the west at about 21 mph. Dean is expected to continue on a west or west-northwestward track throughout the remainder of the day. Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with further strengthening likely. In fact, Dean may reach category 5 status within the next several hours.

The Cayman Islands will feel the greatest impact today but fortunately has they have avoided a direct hit. The center of Dean has recently passed about 125 miles to the south of Grand Cayman. Heavy rain, high winds, dangerous surf, and storm surge have all impacted Caymans today.

Hurricane Dean Increases in Strength

My family and I moved from Miami to Atlanta in Dec. 2005 after enduring 5 hurricanes in 18 short months. Because my Caribbean travel business is affected by any regional hurricanes, living in a hurricane zone myself was too difficult. So now, as I sit in the sunny comforts of my Atlanta office I remember the fear that many of my Caribbean friends and family are facing right now. Hurricane Dean quickly became a category 4 storm today and is likely to become a cat 5 before making landfall in Jamaica... my favorite island. I will be monitoring the storm as I can't stray too far from the office because of the many clients I have that are trying to adjust their travel plans around this storm. I am happy to know that my clients can easily reach me rather than waiting for extended periods to contact the airline or hotel if they had booked direct.

While each airline and each hotel chain do have full hurricane details on their websites by now, along with CNN, the Weather Channel and others, the state department's website is also helpful.

We sit, watch, wait, and hope for the best.

Taste of Barbados Festival

Food & Wine Magazine is sponsoring the 2007 Taste of Barbados Festival. This 10 day event is the national showcase of Barbados' fine cuisine and local culture. From rum-tastings to one-on-one prime time seating at celebrity chef's tables, the Taste offers something for everyone! Taking place October 11 to 14 at venues located across the island, the festival is not to be missed for any true Caribbean foodies! New this year is a "Farm to Table Tour" where you will follow your meal from harvest to preparation in the presence of a professional chef. While some events range in cost up to $500/per person, there are many complimentary events. Check the schedule for full details. Enjoy!

Get Married at Almond Resorts, Get a Free STAR!

Almond Resorts, with properties located in Barbados and St. Lucia, has topped the standard complimentary resort wedding package by throwing in a free star! Weddings at their resorts are free if you stay at least 7 nights and now if you get married between September 1, 2007 and December 20, 2008, a star will be named in your honor!

Free Wedding Package Includes:
Government fees (for wedding), ceremony charges and registrars cost
Decorated site
Local flowers for bride and boutonniere for groom
Wedding cake
Bottle of champagne
8"x10" photo in engrave frame*for stays less than 7 nights, a charge of $350 will apply. Ask about our inclusive Honeymoon Package.

Star Package includes:
Star named in honor of the couple through International Star Registry
16"x12" full-color, personalized parchment certificate
16"x12" sky chart showing name, date and location of star
Astronomy booklet with additional sky charts
Letter of congratulations

Call 866-236-1924 for rates!

Fall Escapes at Windjammer Landing, St. Lucia!

Gogo Worldwide Vacations, one of my favorite wholesalers is offering great packaged deals to Windjammer Landing Resort in St. Lucia for Fall 2007. Rates start at $975/per person for 5 nights, round trip airfare from Miami, (Other US departure gateways are available!) round trip ground transfers, and hotel taxes and service fees. You must book by 12/1 for travel between 9/1 and 12/10.