For years, Buena Vista Villas & Casas have been been the TOP choice for my Costa Rica bound clients. They love the private villa atmosphere, the option to keep cool drinks and snacks on hand in the granite kitchen, or BBQ some fresh catch on their verandah. They also enjoy the private beach at Tulemar. All beaches in Costa Rica are public, but because this one is landlocked by private land, it is private! Because Buena Vista Villas are super popular, we haven't always been able to get our clients in when they book at the last minute. The only other option on property are the Tulemar Bungalows - however, I never mentioned these to my clients because they weren't up to par. They reminded me of the places I stayed at when I was backpacking Central America 12 years ago! Fast forward to 2010 and Tulemar is getting an upgrade! Check out a few sneak peak photos below! Rates start at only $195/night.

Ready for a little Costa Rica in your life? We can make it happen:

info @ caribbeanjourney.com or 866-236-1924

The luxurious Round Hill is home to many designer villas. After all, Ralph Lauren owns a home here and played a part in the decor of the common areas so the property is synonymous with classic island style. Surely to impress, is this lovely villa decorated by Meg Braff, featured in Coastal Living, and first spotted by Moi, right here. {her smart little remarks fill you with a "be here now" moment or two}

If I owned a hotel... in the US... in some random state like, I don't know, maybe New Jersey, in a city most of the country and surely the world has never heard of, like Wildwood, I would name my hotel The Caribbean Hotel and have a sign just like this:

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**

Starwood Resorts, the group that includes Westin, Sheraton, Luxury Collection, and St. Regis, has launched a "Love Your Family" Vacation Package at each of its resorts. Packages include:

Guaranteed connecting rooms or suite
Daily $100 resort credit
Souvenir cup with unlimited refills
Kids under 12 eat free (additional terms apply)
Age-appropriate amenity for each child
Complimentary crib and rollaway
On-site evening ritual

Enjoy these perks at any of the following Caribbean Starwood Hotels:

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Westin Aruba

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.

There are getaways.... and then there is Parrot Cay...

A Turks & Caicos 5 Star private island resort...

Just so you know... you don't have to skip the feast if you decide to spend Thanksgiving in the Caribbean. Check out this delightful menu from the Westin Resort St. John:

From The Cold Kitchen:
Oven Dried Pear, Candied Walnuts,
Spinach and Winter Green Salad
Mozzarella ‘Caprese’ Salad, Fresh Basil,
Olive Oil and Balsamic Reduction
St. John Caesar Salad with Rustic Croutons
Seafood Pasta Salad with Vegetables
Pulled Jerk Chicken and Apple Salad
Peel & Eat Shrimp with Creole Remoulade and Cocktail Sauce

Maybe you've heard of this little island off the coast of Puerto Rico? Perhaps you've been lucky enough to visit, to swim in the clearest water around, lay on the beach with sand reminiscent of baby powder, or dine on fresh local seafood. The island's overall vibe is a throwback to the funky beach towns of yesteryear, surfers on the hunt for the perfect chill bar, bikinis as the accepted attire at most places... If you've never been, there's no time like NOW to plan your great escape... ...and stay at the brand new W Retreat Vieques! Opening in March and accepting reservations for May 1, 2010 onward. This hotel is sleek & chic in design but warm and sunny with personality. Learn more HERE.

With a chill in the air, the beaches of Barbados are more tempting than ever! Sugar sand and deep blue seas combined with first class amenities, makes for a perfect holiday vacation at Sandpiper Barbados.

The Sandpiper in Barbados is one of the West Indies’ most exclusive small hotels, The Sandpiper is tucked away on St James Beach, on Barbados’ west coast. Enjoy!