Hurricane Gustav Update!
Having lived in Miami for 2 years during the turbulent hurricane seasons of 2004-2005, my heart goes out to all facing the wrath of Gustav. Hurricanes are a very serious, life-changing matter, and the reason we relocated to Atlanta. Hurricane Gustav wrecked havoc on Haiti and Cuba, neither of which are destinations I sell and thankfully did not have any clients affected. Gustav did side-swiped the South Coast of Jamaica. I have been in contact with many of my South Coast & Negril hoteliers and villa owners and there has been no major damage and ALL are open for business. A quote from the AP, regarding Jamaica's encounter with this wild storm:Gustav ripped off roofs, downed power lines and pounded rain into Jamaica, triggering landslides and flooding and four deaths before moving out to sea Friday.
Here is an article from the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper!
Nikki Beach Debuts in the Turks & Caicos!
Oh the love... one of my favorite haunts from my years in Miami (Nikki Beach Club on Ocean Drive) is now a full-blown resort in the Turks & Caicos. What a thrilling combination of the best of both worlds. Nikki's chic sophistication takes the beach vacation to a new level. While flip flops and frothy fruit drinks with bright umbrellas are still acceptable, the norm at Nikki is more tropical martinis and embellished tunics. One of the coolest draws to this resort is its "dance 'till dawn" entertainment options - a rarity in the quiet Turks. Rates start at about $350/night - contact me for packaged deals!Luxurious Baths:
Bright & Airy Restaurant:
Beachside at the Resort featuring the casita beds that made Nikki Beach so popular:
Negative-edge pool with plenty of room:
Cool and breezy guest rooms:
The Carib House - Luxury Villa on Antigua
If you ever doubted that a villa vacation was for you, this video should convince you! A short, breathtaking glimpse into a villa vacation with style at The Carib House, located on one of Antigua's 365 pristine beaches. The Carib House accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 well appointed bedrooms. With an amazing pool, lush gardens, and tranquil hammocks, it is impossible NOT to relax. Contact us and let us plan you Carib House Vacation today! Enjoy!An Untouched Treasure - Mona, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is known worldwide for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Travelers come to this Caribbean Island paradise to take advantage of the natural beauty and luxury Puerto Rico Resorts. What many don’t get to experience are the 'untouched' natural wonders found in this fascinating country.Located in the Mona Passage, Mona Island is something you don’t read much about. This natural preserve is a flat plateau surrounded by dazzling cliffs on most sides. On Mona, you’ll find many species that are either endangered or cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If is for this reason that Mona is often compared to the Galapagos Islands.
Take a tour of Mona and you’ll find countless species of animals. On land, the Mona Iguana freely roams the island but cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You’ll also find several species of rare birds. In the ocean, several endangered species of sea turtles swim freely amongst the unspoiled mangroves and rich coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins or humpback whales.Things to do in Mona
Most visitors spend a great deal of time exploring the island. With plenty to see, this can easily keep your attention for your entire visit. For ocean-lovers, it has been said that Mona offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Healthy coral reefs, clear visibility and warm waters attract ocean-lovers from around the world to this island paradise.
Camping in Mona
You won’t find any hotels on Mona. In fact, the only way to stay overnight is to pitch a tent on the inland. Camping is allowed on three different beaches and is restricted to weekends-only during hunting season.
Getting to Mona
Accessing Mona can be done from the towns of Mayaguez and Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico. Charter boats carry visitors to the island. Since the trip takes 6 hours, you may want to plan to spend at least a couple days.
Next time you’re in Puerto Rico, consider spending a couple days away from hotels in Puerto Rico and visiting the natural wonder that is Mona Island.
A Day Trip to El Yunque
Caribbean beaches, luxury resorts and the only rain forest in the US National Forest System- Puerto Rico has it all. Just a short ride from many Puerto Rico resorts, El Yunque National Forest offers a unique opportunity to step out into nature and enjoy all that she has to offer.El Yunque is located in northeastern Puerto Rico in Rio Grande. This 28,000 acre part has a year-round tropical climate differentiates this forest from all other US national forests. Most of the forest rests on the Sierra de Luquillo with an elevation of 3,533 feet. 240 species of plants, 50 bird species, waterfalls and several species of wildlife comprise this living forest, making it an absolute pleasure to explore.
There are a few ways to experience El Yunque:
Guided forest adventure tours - Professionally guided tours are available for visitors interested in learning about the forest as they hike through seeing various species of plants, birds and animals on the way. These tours are given several time per day on a first come, first serve basis.
Hiking - Visitors who want to trek through the forest on their own have the opportunity to do so by hiking the 24 miles of recreational trails. Portions of these trails will take you by attractions in the forest such as LA Mina Falls, La Coca Falls and Mt. Britton Lookout Tower.Biking - Many of the trails within the national park allow foot traffic only. There are private trails, however, where bikes are allowed. Private tour companies will take you up into the rainforest and guide you down bike paths of varying degrees of difficulty. This is a great way to see much of the forest in a short amount of time.
Camping - Camping is allowed on a very limited basis in El Yunque. Plan ahead because you’ll need to get a camping permit from the forest ranger before your trip.
El Yunque is a great day trip for visitors enjoying the Puerto Rico resorts and beaches for their vacation. It’s just another reason that so many call Puerto Rico, paradise.
Make a Difference - Caribbean Conservation Corporation
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation is one of the oldest Caribbean conservation efforts in existence. Since it's inception in 1959, the CCC's team has worked tirelessly to improve the survival outlook for my favorite animal, the sea turtle.
Visit their website or their page on Facebook to see what you can do to help!
Last Minute Fall Specials!
Check out these great FALL Specials I found for Caribbean Vacations and Mexico Vacations!Rates include roundtrip ground transfers between the airport and hotel, hotel accommodations, the all-inclusive meal plan when indicated, and ALL taxes, service fees. Discounted Airfare sold separately.
Antigua – 4 nights at 45% Off at the Verandah Resort & Spa – 3.5 Stars - $553/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 11/15/2008 for travel NOW to 11/30/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2956
Aruba – 4 nights & $100 Food & Beverage Credit at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Spa – 4.5 Stars - $537/per person! Book by 11/29/2008 for travel NOW to 12/18/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2958
Romantic rooms with great views at the Radisson:
Aruba – 4 nights at the Tamarijn Aruba Resort & Spa – 3 Stars - $595/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 11/29/2008 for travel NOW to 12/15/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2960
Bahamas – 4 nights at the Sheridan Cable Beach Resort – 4 Stars - $320/per person! Book by 8/30/2008 for travel 8/10/2008 to 10/29/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2961
Bahamas – 3 nights at the Atlantis Beach Tower – 4 Stars - $440/per person! Book by 9/2/2008 for travel 8/28/2008 to 10/29/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2962
Cabo – 5 Nights, free room upgrade, and $50 Resort Credit at Melia Cabo Real – 3.5 Stars - $544/per person! Book by 11/15/2008 for travel 10/1/2008 to 11/30/2008. Book by 10/16/2008 for travel 10/1/2008 to 10/31/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2963
Some of Cabo's clearest water at the Melia:
Cancun – 4 Nights at Great Parnassus Resort & Spa – 3 Stars - $256/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 10/16/2008 for travel 10/1/2008 to 10/31/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2964
Cancun – 3 Nights at Excellence Rivera Maya – 4.3 Stars - $557/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 9/1/2008 for travel 10/1/2008 to 10/31/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2965
Jamaica – 4 Nights at 35% Off at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa – 3.5 Stars - $336/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 11/13/2008 for travel 8/24/2008 to 12/16/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2966
Jamaica – 4 Nights at 40% Off at Beaches Boscobel- 4 Stars - $818/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 9/15/2008 for travel 9/1/2008 to 9/30/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2967
Puerto Rico – 4 Nights at 40% Off at Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa – 4.5 Stars - $362/per person! Book by 10/17/2008 for travel NOW to 11/1/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2968
Puerto Rico – 4 Nights with Buy One Night, Get One Free at Gran Melia Puerto Rico – 4 Stars - $363/per person! Book by 9/29/2008 for travel 8/18/2008 to 12/12/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2969
Punta Cana – 4 Nights at 30% Off at Grand Paradise Bavaro – 3 Stars - $249/per person ALL-INCLUSIVE! Book by 8/30/2008 for travel 9/1/2008 to 12/21/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2970
Punta Cana – 4 Nights at 30% Off at Excellence Punta Cana – 4.5 Stars - $496/per person ALL-INLCUSIVE! Book by 8/30/2008 for travel 8/24/2008 to 10/31/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2971
St. Thomas – 4th Night free at Bolongo Bay Resort, $50 Resort Credit, $100 AMEX Gift Cheque – 3 Stars - $432/per person! Book by 10/14/2008 for travel 9/1/2008 to 10/27/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2972
Turks & Caicos – 5 Nights with $400 Resort Credit & Daily Breakfast at the Regent Palms – 5+ Stars - $1275/per person! Book by 9/29/2008 for travel NOW to 10/31/2008. Contact Us and mention REALDEAL #2973
First class luxury at the Regent:
Caribbean Islands Represent at the Olympics
I am watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games and can't help but get excited as I see the Olympians parade across the screen representing so many places yet to be explored. As a child, I loved the Olympics. I loved being able to get a brief glimpse into the cultures and people who lived in the lands I wanted to explore. I was a child who preferred reading National Geographic and then tearing through my treasure chest of dress up clothes to see if I could recreate the outfits worn by the exotic people I read about... rather than playing with Barbies. Tonight I am reminded how great it is that even some of the smallest countries in the world, many located in my beloved Caribbean, have produced athletes for these games. Their smiles say it all... what an opportunity! I look forward to watching the events and giving my "virtual" support. Honestly, the Olympics are the ultimate reality TV show! Enjoy!Buy One Night Get One Free at Westin St. John!
This is as good as it gets! Book one night at the charming Westin St. John and get ONE NIGHT FREE!This fabulous family-friendly resort is a high-energy, high-end resort on a white-sand beach, attracting couples, families, and groups. This lively luxury resort is secluded on 47 lush beachfront acres along calm Great Cruz Bay and near the Virgin Islands National Park.
The Buy One Night - Get One Night Deal starts at $617/per person for 4 nights and includes:
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers
- Hotel Tax & Service Charge
- Kids under 12 Stay & Eat Free
- Stay at least 5 nights and get a $200 Resort Credit
The strings attached? You must book by August 18, 2008 and travel before December 24, 2008! Contact us for a custom quote and discounted airfare from your departure city. Enjoy!