The new Sandals Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in the Exumas opened in January of this year. I can't wait to visit! I leave the peace and tranquility of the Out Islands of the Bahamas. The clarity of the water and ample stretches of deserted beaches are what dreams are made of. Step inside the rooms and living spaces at Sandals Emerald Bay and that feeling only continues...

Book NOW and take advantage of their low introductory rates!

Sandals Resorts newest property is a gem! Sandals Emerald Bay is located in the Exumas, the Out Islands of the Bahamas. Enjoy these photos of some of the beautifully appointed common spaces on property:

The Boathouse Restaurant is reminiscent of a posh yacht club...

Being that Sandals Emerald Bay is a new hotel, there are some great promotion rates right now - up to 65% off + 1 night free! Combine this with great airfare rates from the US or cheap flights to the Caribbean from London.

Radisson Aruba

Breezes Grand Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica

Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia

Almond Beach Village in Barbados

Radisson St. Martin + daily breakfast

The House in Barbados + daily breakfast

Comfort Suites in Nassau, Bahamas + daily breakfast & full use of Atlantis facilities

Paradisus Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Riu Ocho Rios + kids 12 and under stay and eat free

Body Holiday @ LeSport in St. Lucia + 1 complimentary spa treatment daily

CuisinArt in Anguilla + $100 resort credit

St. Kitts Marriott Resort + $50 resort credit & buffet breakfast daily

Sunset at the Palms in Negril, Jamaica

Excellence Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic

Somerset on Grace Bay + breakfast daily

Book by January 7th and experience a new Luxury Included vacation at the newest Sandals Property in Great Exuma, Bahamas.

Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is a 500-acre resort set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. This all butler-service resort will offer a selection of 183 magnificently-appointed, luxury accommodations with styles that range from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings. Unique to the Great Exuma property is a stunning 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, reputed to be among the best in the Caribbean as well as the 17-acre Marina Emerald Bay, the first-ever marina at any Sandals Resort.

ALL RATES INCLUDE:

All accommodations include exclusive Butler Service
All meals, snacks and unlimited drinks including Beringer® house wines
All land and water sports including scuba diving†
Roundtrip airport/resort transfers*
Resort tax and service charges
Red Lane® Spa options††
Entertainment and much more!

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS:

Three pools, including a 1 acre infinity entrance pool
Five gourmet restaurants
Five bars, including a swim-up pool bar and piano bar
Red Lane® Spa with 21 indoor treatment areas and 4 outdoor sanctuaries
10,000 square feet of meeting space
A marina with 150 slips that can accommodate yachts of up to 240 ft. in length
18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course**

Relax... the Holidays don't have to be stressful! You can getaway from the cold rush of the city and warm up in Mexico with this great value added package from the Grand Velas Riviera Maya!

Rate is $705/per person, per night!

Sandals and Sagicor Life Jamaica have decided to part ways. Sandals next July will cease managing the 256-room Sandals Dunn's River Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann. The two companies issued a joint press release on the decision. Sagicor is actively seeking a hotelier to manage the property, whose official lease to Sandals ends on May 31. The announcement brings to nine the number of hotels being operated by Sandals in Jamaica under the Sandals and Beaches brands.

In local Jamaican press reports Sandals is denying that the move was made in response to the current economic situation by pointing out that the company recently acquired Emerald Bay in the Bahamas from Four Seasons. Sandals also cited other investments in existing properties, such as the new River Suites at Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean. In addition, the company is constructing Sandals City in Kingston and renovating the Dragon Bay Resort in Portland. Located on Jamaica’s northern shores, the hotel has been in operation since 1959 and has undergone several name changes, modernizations and renovations subsequently. Sagicor purchased the hotel in 1989 and in 2006 invested $15 million in renovations.

“After 15 years of successful partnership and in an amicable arrangement, Sandals Resorts International has decided to terminate its lease with the owners of the Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa property in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on May 31, 2010,” Sandals said. “Sandals Resorts International chooses an ownership strategy as a whole, and as such the Sandals Dunn’s River lease no longer fits our current business model. We continually strive to improve our products for consumers and therefore require the flexibility to implement changes without restrictions and to improve, upgrade and maintain our resort product on an ongoing basis. This was not possible under our current lease terms at Sandals Dunn’s River and was the guiding reason behind our decision.”

Guests scheduled to stay at Sandals Dunn’s River following July 31, 2010 will have the option to change their booking to any like accommodation at other Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean without penalty or change fees. Airline change fees may still apply if guests change to another destination or change travel dates. Call 866-498-3218 or visit Sandals Website.

Broadway Sensation Kiril Kulish to Star in “The Nutcracker” at the Occidental Grand! The Occidental Grand Aruba is a beautiful all-inclusive resort on one of Aruba's best white sandy beaches.

Book Your Trip Online Now and then contact me to book your Nutcracker tickets.

I hope you enjoy these photos from my recent trip Beaches Turks & Caicos! Beaches is offering some of the lowest rates EVER right now! I'd love to help you get the best value for your Caribbean Vacation at Beaches... Enjoy!

Grace Bay Beach is rightfully listed on most 'Top 10 Beaches' lists from every major travel magazine and publication. It IS that fantastic! Sugary white sand and crystal clear water...

Even at sunset the water keeps it turquoise hue...

There are 16 restaurants at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Two are for Adults Only but the others all offer kid menus and some even offer kid sized dining rooms:
The fun doesn't stop after dark. On most nights you'll find glowing musicians joining Elmo & crew in a parade. The mix of the beat and sea breeze is intoxicating...

The Best Caribbean Fall Travel Deals for 2009!

Below is a short compilation of some of the best deals I’ve seen for FALL travel to the Caribbean!

Bahamas – Insane Discounts!
Seriously , I thought this was a typo. The Wyndham Nassau Resort & a few other Bahamian hotels are offering up to 50% off rates, $300 instant resort credit off room, $50 food/beverage credit on arrival! The Wyndham’s package starts at $115/per person for 3 nights. The Sheraton Nassau is $219/per person. Book and travel by 12/23.

Sandals Resorts – Up to 65% Off!
Sandals Resorts are almost always on sale – but not at 65% off! Take advantage of this amazing discount now. Sandals Resorts are tops on my list of all-inclusive. They offer luxury included, worry free vacations. Book now!

US Virgin Islands – Free Nights!
Many hotels on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are participating in a 4th Night Free Promo & Offering a $100 Resort Credit. Book by 12/1 and travel by 12/15. You DON’T even need a Passport to visit the US Virgin Islands!

Mexico – Fly Free!
Receive up to 2 free airline tickets when you stay 5 nights or longer at participating hotels. Two of my favorite hotels are participating in this deal – Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa AND Excellence Playa Mujeres! Email me for rates! Book by 11/4 for travel through 4/10/10.

St. Martin – 50% Off!
St. Martin offers two vacations in one, with the split island nations Dutch and French Culture. Enjoy the delicious French cafes and then hop over to St. Maarten for lively entertainment and casinos. The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is 50% off starting at $499/per person! Book and travel by 12/19.

Check out my Caribbean Travel Blog for FALL deals showcasing other islands such as Grenada and Villas in St. John.

Do you TWITTER? If not, you should for access to great deals! I’ve been on for only a few months and already seen some fabulous deals on airfare + hotels direct from suppliers. One of my favorite campaigns is the “Trick or Tweet” fun offered by Marriott Resorts. Follow along and earn free drinks, meals, massages, and even room nights!

If you want a customized quote on a FALL vacation – contact me – Laura @ CaribbeanJourney.com or 866-236-1924.

Thanks for your support! I look forward to hearing from you!

Just say the word Grenada and I think of my first visit... lured to the 'island of spice' at the recommendation of a local who kept referring to the island as "Greens"... because it was just that - super lush. It seems almost every plant flowers in Grenada and every flower turns into an exotic spice, spices that are sold in the colorful markets around the island. To think of Grenada, makes me smile. And now it’s your turn! Grenada is ON SALE! Here is a sample of the rates you will find:

RiuLand was conceived to give Riu’s entertainment and activities program for children an improved and modern twist. The activities are planned with different age groups in mind (Club 4 to 7 and Club 8 to 12), and to place a premium on physical group activities outdoors instead of more static pastimes, such as handicrafts and table games. RiuLand comes complete with a new image and a song of its very own.

Well, it's been a work in progress for the past few years, but we finally added Cancun & the Mayan Riviera to CaribbeanJourney.com! I am so excited to expand my online portfolio and offer this colorful region of Mexican coastline. Cancun, and Mexico in general has taken a beating in the tourism sector in the past year. To counter the drop in visitors, they are offering some fabulous rates and value added packages! Visit my pages for Cancun and the Mayan Riviera for links to pictures and information on my favorite hotels... and check back often because we will be added new properties every month! And as usual, if a property you love is not listed on my site - I can still book it for you! I hope to hear from you soon!

WHERE - The islands of Barbados & St. Lucia

WHY - Almond Resorts are renowned for their comprehensive all-inclusive programs and superb fusion of first class service and Caribbean hospitality.

HOW - Contact Laura @ CaribbeanJourney.com to reserve your space today!