Healing Hotels of the World
Just Launched - Caribbean Vacation Sale!
Meet Sandals & Beaches Resorts Culinary Consultant
I just returned from a fantastic trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos. There are plenty of new upgrades at the resort, including a higher-end feel to many of the menus and cuisine quality. When I inquired as to why, I learned that Sandals & Beaches Resorts employs a famous Culinary Consultant.
Walter Staib is the Culinary Ambassador to Sandals & Beaches Resorts and founder of the Caribbean Culinary Federation. How cool is that? Being one that will do almost anything for a fine meal, I immediately researched Mr. Staib... a name I had heard, but could not place. Mr. Staib has had a long career in hospitality cuisine, consulting for many of the worlds finest hotels and restaurants. He is has contributed to many cook books and made appearances on the Food Network. Read more about him here and book your next culinary vacation to Sandals or Beaches Resorts!
Lighthouse Bay, Barbuda
Pristine Beaches...
Delicious Cuisine...
Comfortable Accommodations...
Beautiful rooms...
What more could you ask for?In case you missed it...
Breaking Sandals Resorts News...
Every now and again I scour the web for fresh press releases on Caribbean topics. In a 24 hour period, I have come across two HUGE Sandals Resorts related newflashes...1. Martha Stewart Omnimedia has parented with Sandals Resorts to offer Sandals Destination Wedding clients signature Martha Stewart Wedding Packages starting January 1, 2010. Packages available for purchase starting this October. Martha Stewart craft classes are coming to Sandals in 2010 as well. Read about it here.
2. Supposedly, Sandals Resorts has contracted to buy the former Four Seasons Resort property in Exuma, Bahamas. Read about it here.
Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine debuts on the Travel Channel
Once Again... the CARIBBEAN FALL SALE is here!
Barbados - 3.5-star FROM $399*
INCLUDES 5 nights, Turtle Beach Resort, all-inclusive & hotel
transfers. BONUS 2 free nights & $300 air credit per person.
Plus on-island discount & gourmet dining card, $25 Oistins Fish
Fry voucher.
Antigua - 4-star FROM $549*
INCLUDES 4 nights, The Verandah Resort & Spa, all-inclusive &
hotel transfers. BONUS save up to 50% & $100 resort credit.
St. Kitts - 4.5-star FROM $259*
INCLUDES 4 nights, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach
Casino & hotel transfers. BONUS save 50%.
Curacao - 4.5-star FROM $299*
INCLUDES 4 nights, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino
& hotel transfers. BONUS save 50%.
*Rates are Per Person! Contact ME for a custom quote!
Scuba Diving in Antigua
Except for the hurricane season, Antigua has blissfully warm waters all year round. The place offers clear dive locations, great scuba diving tour operators and services, and is overwhelmed with physical and natural beauty. There are a great number of hotels and resorts that provide luxurious accommodation, even in the low budget arena. The place also offers a large number of scuba diving schools and tours, depending on your skill level.
The water around Antigua is unmatchable. As it is surrounded by very well preserved coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks, the water is very clear and the underwater visibility ranges from 40 to 150 feet. The southern and eastern coasts of the island are surrounded by shelves, which make it a great spot for diving or snorkelling, especially for less experienced divers.
Advanced divers can go to many other diving spots, with the most popular being the ledge at Sunken Rock, located on the southern coast of the island. The dive depths may range from 25 to 80 feet. Most of the diving spots are located near Antigua, and can be reached in just five minutes. However, there are some diving spots that could take up to 40 minutes to reach. The wreck of Andes is a popular spot in Antigua, where a merchant ship sank. With plenty of tropical marine plants and underwater life, you can enjoy a lot while underwater.
It is possible to sign up for various scuba diving courses or tours while on the island. If you are a beginner and have not yet learnt anything before arriving on the islands, it is a good idea to enrol in a one day course which is short, yet intensive enough to teach you all you need to know for basic dives. The instructors are highly professional and will teach you all the proper techniques and theory, along with the important safety tips before they let you go under water. Furthermore, they also make sure that you are well prepared to go under water before they issue you any equipment.
If you are a certified diver, you can sign up for either daily dives, or three or five day packages, with or without equipment rental charges. For entry on the island, you need to have a return ticket, but if you are from the Unites States or Canada, or possess a British passport, you do not need a visa to set foot on the island. In any case, you just need to prove that you have the finances to cover your stay and accommodation charges. Furthermore, you also need to assure them that you will leave before your six months are up, as that is the maximum stay allowed on a visit visa.
So, if you're looking to spend your vacations scuba diving and spending time relaxing on the beautiful beaches, then Antigua is the right place for you.
For Luxury Holidays in Antigua try the Carlisle Bay Hotel
Sandals Resorts up to 60% OFF!!
January Special @ Elite Island Resorts!
Elite Island Resorts is the property management company for the following resorts... and they are offering 20% off and the 5th night free for stays from now until January 31, 2009!Antigua
Galley Bay
Verandah Resort
St. James Club
St. Lucia
The Village Inn
The Windjammer Resort
The Grenadines
Palm Island Resort
Tortola
Long Bay Beach Resort
Nevis
Nelson Spring Beach Villas & Spa
Antigua For A Day
Here is a great article reprinted with permission from the Telegraph in the UK. Photo is Getty Images via Telegraph. Enjoy! For the Love of Palm Trees
They are the quintessential sign that you have arrived... in the tropics. I haven't met a person who does not love them, in all their varied forms. From short and stubby to tall and proud, palm trees are as diverse as they are grand. Here is an except from A Passion for Palms, originally printed in Caribbean Homes & Lifestyle Magazine in the Autumn 2007 issue. Words and pictures by Janie Conley:
The image of the palm tree has long been a recognisable emblem associated with the Caribbean region. Whether to illustrate palm fringed beaches or as a symbol of pride incorporated into designs for coats of arms by several nations: the Palm Tree is an important icon firmly attached to the Caribbean. Our most celebrated palm is the Coconut - a member of the arecaeae palm family and ubiquitous within our region. Our love for the palm is one of a passionate nature and in visiting Andrew Goodenough’s garden at Rotten Hill in Antigua I have been able to witness this passion in its most creative form. Andrew is more acclaimed for his architectural designs rather than for his ‘green fingers’, but he is nevertheless an enthusiastic amateur gardener. He was first introduced to the subtle pleasures of gardening at an early age in the rather cooler climes of rural England. A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Andrew has been practising and living in Antigua for over 25 years, having set sail from England for the Caribbean in 1979. The gardens of Andrew’s hilltop home pay tribute to his sailing past... read more here.
Caribbean Airlines
Small isn't necessarily a bad thing in the travel industry. In fact, for years I have seen a growing trend in my clients requesting smaller, more intimate hotels, namely boutique hotels. Whether or not Caribbean Airlines wants this title, I feel they do qualify as a boutique airline. The beauty of smaller companies is often more attention to detail, a lower staff to guest ratio, and overall more personalized service. Well, the Trinidad based Caribbean Airlines offers all of the above.
I don't usually take a stand on recommending one airline over another - honestly, at this point in time all the major players have disappointed me and my clients with last minute inconvenient schedule changes, fare hikes, and commission cuts. I am loyal to Air Jamaica - primarily from my own wonderful experiences of flying with them on over 50 occasions. But, the smaller Caribbean Airlines deserves attention too! Caribbean Airlines is available to book directly or through many wholesalers, including one of my favorites, Travel Impressions. Caribbean Airlines service the following islands: Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Caracas, Guyana, and Surinam from Fort. Laurderale, Toronto, Miami, London, or New York. 
Let me know if I can arrange your next vacation with Caribbean Airlines!
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!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:
Sandals Resorts New Honeymoon Policy Rocks!
Sandals Resorts is now offering honeymoon perks to every honeymoon couple that stays with them as long as they pre-register their stay on Sandals website at least 3 days prior to their arrival. The perks are fabulous:- Bottle of chilled sparkling wine
- First night turn-down service, including fresh flower petals
- One Special breakfast-in-bed
If your honeymoon dreams include an endless stretch of white sand beach and calm, crystal clear water, then check out Sandals Whitehouse - the beach is 2 miles long and ALL rooms have ocean views:
And if you're looking for something innovative, with access to a great pool and fabulous beach, then the new River Suites at Sandals Negril are it:
And last but not least, if view is most important, then the cliff side suites at Sandals Regency in St. Lucia are tops:
Adults Only Caribbean Resorts
Lately, the most frequent question I hear is "What resorts in the Caribbean are for Adults Only?" Below is my short list of faves and you can view more on my website! Picture is from one that always tops my list of recommendations, Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica.ALL Couples Resorts in Jamaica
ALL Sandals Resorts, Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, St. Lucia
Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Galley Bay in Antigua
Dian Bay in Antigua
Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados
La Source in Grenada
Grand Lido in Negril, Jamaica
The Caves in Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Grand Lido Braco in Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Le Sport in St. Lucia
Rendezvous in St. Lucia
Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines
Check back for a list for Mexico's Playa del Carmen and Mayan Rivera!
Snow in Atlanta & the St. James Club
We woke up this morning to snow in Atlanta. This is the 3rd snowfall this winter. Having lived all of my life in warm clients - Scottsdale, Arizona and Miami, Florida, the snow was welcomed by everyone in our household. It is beautiful to watch. With snow falling blowing every which way, I am mesmerized by the stillness that accompanies an event of so much action. We enjoyed steaming mugs of hot cocoa before venturing out into the cold to bathing suit shop. Yes, definitely not the most ideal day for this, but with our Jamaica trip only 9 days away, it was necessary. As I peeled off layers and layers of clothes and tried on dozens of suits, I thought of some of my favorite trips to the Caribbean. One was to the St. James Club in Antigua a few years ago. It was one of the most relaxing vacations for our family. There are 3 beaches located on property and plenty of room for all guests. The water is calm making watersports enjoyable for even the youngest kids. The entry level rooms are basic Caribbean... the club rooms a tad more impressive... and the BEST rooms are the villas located hillside with expansive views and convenient access to the best restaurant on property, Piccolo Mondo. While the $35 surcharge the restaurant charges to those on the all-inclusive plan can be a cause of complaint, it is well worth it. The service, cuisine, and views are amazing. My daydream down memory lane in multiple fitting rooms at the mall caused me to look up the St. James as soon as I returned home. I found the following special just in time for the Summer booking season: the all-inclusive plan is offered at a reduced rate, kids 2-11 are free. Book before March 31, 2008 and travel between May 28 and August 28. Contact us for rates!