Before You Go... Don't Pack Any Camouflage

Did you know? The wearing of camouflage or military apparel is illegal in Antigua & Barbuda, and Barbados and clothing will be confiscated and persons charged accordingly. While it is not illegal on other islands, I would not advise wearing anything camouflage in the Caribbean. 

Cheers,

Exciting new upgrades at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort

Cue the applause... these upgrades at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios look AHHH-mazing! 

We can't wait to visit! For the best pricing on Sandals Resorts - jump over here! 

Cheers,

Curtain Bluff Makes a Difference

{Some of the 150 kids Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua have helped send to tennis camp.}

We really enjoyed meeting Ron Sherman, the GM of Curtain Bluff last week. We were charmed by his larger than life personality and impressed upon learning about how much his hotel gives back. 

The resort’s founders, Howard and Chelle Hulford, started the Old Road Fund in 1974, naming it after the village that sits just outside the resort's gates. Initially its purpose was to supply basic necessities to the community’s neediest families, but it quickly out-grew these modest goals thanks to support from the resort and its guests. To date over $US 1 million has been spent on university scholarship assistance, additional college expenses, sending children to the U.S. for summer camp or to work as camp counselors, and providing medical and emergency relief to the local community.

In the last twenty years alone more than 150 children have gone to tennis camp in the U.S. and 45 have received a full university education. Eleven students are currently enrolled in college in the U.S. Over 20 have had major healthcare benefits. Through the fund, computers have been donated to the Old Road Primary School, and new uniforms and sporting equipment purchased for the village football (soccer) and cricket teams.

Book at stay at Curtain Bluff and know that you are helping them help others! 

Cheers,

Looking for an easy slice of Paradise?

Look no further than Grand Pineapple Antigua. Rates are currently up to 65% off, depending on what week of the year you book. 

I visited this property in 2010 and was immediately smitten. It isn't the normal luxury property that I am attracted to, but the Grand Pineapple Antigua IS an easy slice of paradise and that was very appealing. 

Check out my visit to Grand Pineapple Antigua. 

Ready to book your own visit? Drop us a line and we will get started.

If you aren't ready to commit to the hotel stay just yet, you may secure your airline tickets now and keep an eye on hotel rates to book a week that falls into the 65% promo! All major airlines, including Delta Airlines, fly to Antigua.

Cheers,

Blue Waters Antigua - Brand NEW Spa!

Introducing Blue Waters Spa and brand new Cove Restaurant at Blue Waters Resort

Antigua, West Indies (January 31, 2012) – Blue Waters, Antigua, a luxury privately owned resort is pleased to announce the opening of its new spa, The Spa at Blue Waters and new restaurant, The Cove. Located on the most northerly point of the resort, the two facilities have undergone an exciting $1.1 million development.

The Spa at Blue Waters
The Spa at Blue Waters can be found in the location of the former Cove restaurant, and in collaboration with leading luxury skin care brand Elemis the new spa comprises of four spacious treatment rooms.


All rooms, one of which being large enough to be used for double treatments, feature terrace doors overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Step outside, once you have indulged in your treatment and relax on the 1,500 sq. ft. spa chill out area, offering fantastic views of the azure sea and the North West Coast of Antigua. This area also benefits from an infinity edge pool, designed to feel as if it is suspended on the hillside overlooking the sea with stunning sunset views.

The Cove Restaurant 
Welcome to The Cove, the new fine dining experience located right on the water’s edge. A warm and natural environment greets you as you savour the exquisite traditional French cuisine while enjoying the sound of the waves which accompany your meal. Then the bamboo cocktail bar located in the new restaurant provides you with the perfect place for after-dinner drinks.


The finest views in the entire property await you in these two new facilities, both of which have been created so you can enjoy the incredible Antiguan surroundings. 

Blue Waters Antigua is on SALE!

Remember my visit to Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua? Such a lovely little gem! 

Book a Deluxe Beachfront Room at the Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua and you will receive free nights, a $100 resort credit, 1 complimentary spa treatment, and champagne on arrival! 

HURRY! Book by September 24 for travel prior to October 1.

Promo is valid in the brand new, luxurious Cove Suites at Blue Waters too:

Ready to start packing? Contact us and let's get started! 

{As with all promos, resitrcutions apply. Please inquire.}

Cheerio,

Elite Island Resorts Offers Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!

Elite Island Resorts is offering a buy one, get one free policy for all bookings for travel through Dec. 20, 2011. The package also offers VIP treatment and a complimentary room category upgrade when available at the time of booking. The booking window opened at midnight on May 2 and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 2011.

{This is La Source}

Elite properties include: 

St. James’s Club & Villas in Antigua 

The Verandah Resort & Spa in Antigua 

Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua

Palm Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

LaSource in Grenada

Drop us a line if you want to see package rates for any of these properties!

{As with all promos, restrictions apply.}

Best,

Sandals Resorts Specials for Repeat Guests

Like many hotel chains, Sandals Resorts has a great loyalty program. For each visit to any Sandals or Beaches Resort, you will earn points resulting in discounts off future vacations. Their loyalty program is called SANDALS SELECT.

One of the neatest features about this program is Reunion Week. Each Year, Sandals Resorts hosts the popular ‘Reunion Week’ as a special thank you to returning guests for their unwavering loyalty to the Luxury Included® resort company. Loyal guests enjoy an opportunity to return to the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and participate in special themed events and activities, all while receiving exclusive savings. From April 25 – 29, 2011, the Sandals Select Reward Club—Sandals Resorts’ returning guest program—will offer its members a fun-filled reunion weekend at any one of the fourteen Sandals’ resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas.

In addition to exclusive activities and savings, Sandals Select members are also eligible to receive Sandals Resorts’ current ‘Up to Two Nights Free’ promotion , and up to $250 credit towards  Sandals Resorts’ award-winning, Caribbean-inspired sanctuary, the Red Lane® Spa - by booking before December 9, 2010 with travel dates through 2012.  As with all Luxury Included® vacations, guests of Sandals Resorts will enjoy gourmet specialty dining at their choice of up to 14 restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, watersports including snorkeling & scuba diving, nightly entertainment, luxurious accommodations, airport transfers and all resort taxes and fees.

 If you've stayed at a Sandals Resort previously and did not sign up for the loyalty program, we'd be happy to help you with your enrollment. If you are already a Sandals Select member and are interested in more information about Reunion Week - drop us a line.

 Each Sandals Resort is located on islands easily accesible via flights from most major US & European Gateways. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and most major carriers service every island home to Sandals & Beaches Resorts.

Enjoy,

Last Minute Deals to Sandals Resorts

{photo is Sandals Montego Bay}

If you are able to make a fast decision and commit to a luxury all-inclusive vacation on a whim, then booking Sandals Resorts at the last minute is likely your best deal. Sandals Resorts last minute vacations include up to 65% off the regular rates, 1 to 2 nights free, and possibly $250 Resort Spa Credit.

Enjoy,

Grand Pineapple Antigua WebCam

I loved everything about my recent visit to the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua. One of the neatest features on their website is  a 24 hour a day webcam. Its a great feature because you can scope out the resort before your visit and then take a peak and reminisce when you get home. Check it out right here... 

Enjoy,

Sandals Resorts Military Discounts

{photos is from Sandals Antigua)

Sandals Resorts would like to honor U.S. and Canada military for your services, and extend a great offer to take a well deserved all inclusive vacation to the exotic islands of the Caribbean. As a member of the U.S. and Canada military, you will get an additional 10%* discount off Sandals amazing current promotions, when you and your special someone experience a Luxury Included® vacationpackage on the world's most breathtaking, romantic beaches.

The military discount is taken off of ANY trip booked ANY time of year! Call us - let's get started planning your trip. 866-236-1924

*Offer is valid for all U.S. and Canada Military personnel to include active and/or spouse, retired, Reserves, National Guard (U.S.), Veterans (U.S.), Department of Defense (U.S.) and Department of National Defense (Canada). Proof of Military identification (U.S. and Canada) or DD214 (U.S.) required upon check-in at the resort. Some restrictions apply.

Resort Tour - Grand Pineapple in Antigua

Of all the hotels I've visited and toured, I must say that the Grand Pineapple Resort in Antigua surprised me in the most positive way. I ADORE this hotel! It has a super low price point... and resident turtles - what's not to love? 

Really now, the hotel is fabulous! Sure it doesn't have all the bells & whistles its larger competitors have,  certainly no frills here... but it is elegant and charming, something many of the larger hotels left out of their building plan.

This is the lobby that will welcome you with traditional West Indian touches:

The lush gardens are an amazing respite from the hot tropical days:

The room blocks are only two stories, no high rises here:

And the beach... a highlight! Being in a secluded cove, the Grand Pineapple Beach is quiet, peaceful... just as a Caribbean beach should be:

The soft furnishings in the rooms vary at the different price points:

The pool winds through an open courtyard:

There are 3 restaurants and a few bars:

These colorful cottages are not part of the hotel, but sure do add to atmosphere:

A stay at Grand Pineapple Antigua would not be complete without a visit to Mary's Outhouse on property. Climb the hill and enjoy the view at every turn:

I saved the best news for last! Grand Pineapple in Antigua is offering 65% stays NOW until December 22, 2010. Hurry up - book today! 

Video of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

Remember my recent trip to Antigua? Here is a short video I took from my room at Sandals Grande Antigua at sunset... Enjoy! 

14,000 EXTRA Delta SkyMiles for Sandals & Beaches Vacations!

Looking for a great reason to go ahead and book your Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resort Vacation? 

Book between today & August 16, 2010 and earn up to 14,000 Bonus SkyMiles from Delta! 

Why Book a Sandals or Beaches Vacation: 

Sandals Resorts have one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive plans in the industry. They include luxury accommodations, scuba diving & water sports, and championship golf. When you stay at a Sandals Resort, if there is another nearby, you may enjoy that property too!

Why Book Your Sandals & Beaches Resort with Caribbean Journey:

Caribbean Journey  agents have been to EVERY Sandals & Beaches Resorts - multiple times! We know exactly what room category, which restaurants, and what activities are the best for your vacation and why. Also, if you book your vacation and notice a few months later that the price has dropped, all you have to do is call us and we will rebook the trip for you!  

I just returned from Sandals Grande Antigua and my dive specialist, Christy Mackley just returned from Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Ready to book? Let us know - info@caribbeanjourney.com

{**As with any giveaway, restrictions apply. Please inquire!}

A Visit to Blue Waters Resort, Antigua

My visit to Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua started at their new luxurious Cove Suites. Each of the 4 Cove Suite buildings house 6 suites and 1 penthouse:

The spacious interiors of the Cove Suites are warm and inviting with impressive features found in the bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas and private kitchens:

 

 

There is ample seating indoors and out, to take in the amazing view:

 

The view:

The view as seen looking out the patio door and past the villa's private pool:

Blue Waters has 3 restaurants {The Palm, Vyviens, and The Cove - seen below} and the Pelican Bar. Room Service is also available. 

Blue Waters is the perfect blend of old and new:

I didn't get any photos of the other accommodation options, so be sure and check them out on the hotel's website: 

The beaches at Blue Waters are small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in number. There are 5 beaches within walking distance of the hotel grounds: {sidenote - there was more seaweed on the beach than usual, but I visited the hotel the day after 10 straight days of rain and storms.}

And lastly, meet Hugo:

Be sure and check out my Destination Wedding Blog later this week for a feature on weddings at Blue Waters Hotel.

For more photos from my Blue Waters visit check out our Flickr Set.

Enjoy,