Showing posts with label Best Of. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best Of. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Hot NEW Caribbean Hotel Inclusions!

Here is a roundup of hot new Caribbean hotel amenities being offered in 2012:


Hotel Chocolat in St. Lucia offers guests house-made chocolate truffles from cocoa grown right on property - yum:



The Four Seasons Nevis offers guests with small children complimentary items to childproof their room.


The Body Holiday Le Sport in St. Lucia has an Icicle Tricycle that cruises the beach providing guests with cool and refreshing snow cones daily in unique flavors such as cucumber mint.


{this is for my girls...} Tucker's Point Resort in Bermuda has the prettiest sunbrellas I've ever seen - hot pink with ruffles, found at their spa pool. Book a massage and curl up under one of these with a spa cocktail and a good book:






The St. Regis Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico provides a daily Iced Tea Ritual - where teas from around the world are served iced and accompanied by a tropical fruit skewer.


Excellence Playa Mujeres & Excellence Riviera Cancun offer top-shelf tequila tastings:






Secret Bay, the new eco-luxury resort in Dominica offers guests free exclusive use of a Kindle loaded with daily international newspapers.


At GeeJam in Port Antonio, Jamaica, you have the option of renting out their state-of-the art recording studio, following the drum beats of many famous artists.


Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Bermuda offers spa services in their underground serenity cave. Serene? Yes!

To book these hotels, or any other Caribbean or Mexican luxury resort complete with unique amenities, please contact our Caribbean Travel Specialists - info @ caribbeanjourney.com OR 866-236-1924.


Cheers,

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Caribbean's Best Destination Health Spa... The Body Holiday, St. Lucia


I started my hospitality career in Phoenix as a spa coordinator at the Arizona Biltmore. Working in a spa was bliss and being linked in to the spa community afforded me many opportunities to test out other area spas. Arizona is known for its Destination Spas such as Canyon Ranch and Miraval. Most other Destination Spas strive to be as comprehensive as these two.


While many resorts in the Caribbean have full service spas, few can rightly call themselves a Destination Spa. To me, this term means the Spa is a location/destination one would travel to simply for the benefit of its services - all other resort amenities are considered secondary.


The Body Holiday LeSport in St. Lucia IS a Destination Spa. All of my colleagues agree we would most certainly make the trip to this resort simply to visit the spa. The Body Holiday is a fully inclusive resort where the spa treatments are already included in the nightly room rate - one 50 minute service per guest, per day. You may add to this... and once you've spent an hour in the Oasis Spa, allowing all 5 senses to relax, you will likely want to. 

The spa offers an la carte menu of additional services, or you can work with your travel consultant prior to arrival and pre-book one of their Personalized Wellness packages starting at $699 and featuring a focus in the areas of weight loss, stress management, detoxification, fitness and tone, and anti-aging.


With every meal, at every restaurant on property, The Body Holiday serves healthy and enticing spa cuisine to compliment the wellness goals of the guests. If you want to splurge and enjoy bacon, eggs, and a croissant, fear not for those items are plentiful as well. 


I'd love to help you plan the best possible wellness vacation to The Body Holiday in St. Lucia. Feel free to contact me anytime! laura @ caribbeanjourney.com 


Namaste,


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

This Week, Last Year...


This week, last year, Bindley and I were on our BABYMOON in St. Lucia having an absolute ball and a much needed vacation before all chaos broke out. Chaos came to us in the form of two little twin girls, Nina & Sophie.


When we look back now, life wouldn't be the same without them and we can't wait to take them on their very first Caribbean adventure when we head to Jamaica at the end of the month.


Cheers,

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Teachers Eat, Drink, & Sleep for FREE in St. Thomas!



Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in the US Virgin Islands is recognizing the hard work of teachers nationwide with a special Spring Break offer of a free all-inclusive vacation.

From March 1 through April 30, teachers can stay, eat and drink for free on a five-night getaway when traveling with another adult on the All Inclusive plan. Bolongo Bay’s award-winning All Inclusive plan features premium cocktails and all dining a la carte at two popular beachfront restaurants with menu items including filet mignon and lobster. The two adults just pay the single rate for All Inclusive, a savings of $525.

And that’s not all. Bolongo Bay is also including:

·          Two complimentary catamaran sails, the half-day Swim with Turtles snorkel trip and the Sunset Cocktail Harbor Cruise, on board Bolongo’s 53’ catamaran Heavenly Days (a $240 value), and
·          A $50 gift certificate to the Bolongo Bay boutique to stock up on supplies or souvenirs.

This teacher’s Spring Break package is $2,775 for two people, which includes a five-night All Inclusive stay in an Oceanview room, all of the extras, and all taxes and service charges. To receive the discount, teachers have to show valid ID upon check in. The offer is subject to availability and available on new bookings only.


At Bolongo Bay, it’s the teachers who get to have all the fun with complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment such as Hobie Cats, paddle boards, windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boats and more. The fun continues into the night with live nightly entertainment at Iggies Beach Bar, just voted the Best Beach Bar in the Caribbean by the readers of Caribbean Travel + Life.

It’s easy for teachers to celebrate Spring Break at Bolongo Bay. No passports are needed for US citizens to travel to the US Virgin Islands and there are many direct flights available to St. Thomas. All major airlines service the international airport in St. Thomas, including American Airlines. To book your hotel package, please contact our Caribbean Travel Specialists.



Friday, November 18, 2011

Frommer's Travel Guides List Curacao as Top Destination for 2012





FROMMER'S SELECTS CURAÇAO AS TOP 10 DESTINATION 
FOR 2012

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO - October 31, 2011 - Curaçao was chosen by Frommer's editors, authors, 
and experts from around the world as a 'Top Destination 2012,' one of 10 destinations selected, and the 
only Caribbean island to make the list.

Frommer's writes that Curaçao has the feel of "Holland in the Tropics," noting that the island is "one of 

the region's most cosmopolitan cultures and a standout capital in Willemstad, a child's paint box of giddy 
Caribbean colors and gabled colonial architecture."

"Through our recognition by top travel news sites such as Frommer's, Curaçao is coming to be known as one 

of the most desirable destinations to visit in the world, setting us apart from our Caribbean neighbors," says 
Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer. "Curaçao offers the best of the 
Caribbean with white-sand, secluded beaches, pristine dive sites, but with unique cultural offerings, 
architecture, attractions and natural beauty to satisfy any traveler's palate."

Frommer's, the market leader in travel guides, went to experts in the field who live in the destinations 

or who travel there on the regular, with the philosophy that the best people to share about a city or a 
region are those who can't stay away from them for too long.

Commenting on Frommer's Top Destinations 2012, David A. Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com 

said, "Each year our authors and editors put their heads together to find those places that inspire our readers 
to see the world anew."

Curaçao's celebration of one year as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 

and plethora of activities and cultural offerings, make it an emerging destination that is appearing on 
the most culturally adventurous traveler's radar.

The unique island paradise of Curaçao has an ideal locale, situated between Aruba and Bonaire, just 35 miles 

north of Venezuela. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Curaçao enjoys a prime location on the fringe of the 
hurricane belt, making for a spectacular vacation any time of year. With its Caribbean locale and European atmosphere, Curaçao is an authentically different destination for the traveler in search of exploration and
new discoveries.


From Caribbean Journey: We couldn't agree more! Curacao is a go-to Destination for our agents 
when suggesting boutique hotels. The island is home to many, each with unique flare. We also love Curacao for its rich history and strong dedication to arts & culture. 


Let us know if you want to start planning your Curacao Vacation! Hotel rates are decent 
and flights have increased in recent years as many airlines have realized the importance of selling 
this amazing destination.



Monday, April 4, 2011

Travel & Leisure World's Best Island Hotels

Not all of these hotels are located in the Caribbean, but Travel & Leisure Magazine did include a few of our personal favorites for their top 20 list of the best island hotels

Jade Mountain made the list and after my recent visit, I certainly know why. This hotel should be on every list of the worlds best:

3 of the 4 Couples Resorts in Jamaica also made the list and we are super excited about this because we agree wholeheartedly! If you are seeking an all-inclusive experience at a great price point that feels more like an eclectic boutique hotel, then Couples Resorts are for you:

We love the top choice on the list, Nisbet Plantation Inn on the island of Nevis. A true small luxury hotel, it is the only historic plantation set right on the beach:

Many more wonderful island based hotels are included, to see the full list, go here.


Enjoy,

Friday, March 11, 2011

My Visit to Jade Mountain - St. Lucia

I recently returned from the island of St. Lucia. My husband and I booked a last minute "babymoon" in attempts to squeeze in one last trip before our summer addition arrives. I selected St. Lucia as most of my favorite resorts on the island cater to adults only and I knew this would be the last chance we'd have to enjoy an adult experience for the next few years.


By luck alone, we were able to find a room available at Jade Mountain, the island's newest premier resort. Comprised of 29 suites, Jade Mountain is a small up-market property to be appreciated by aficionados of modern art, eco-luxury, and an extremely high level of personalized service.

We were met with cool scented towels and a refreshing house speciality {non-alcoholic} to sip on while we were shown to our suite. While these two offerings are commonplace at most resorts now, somehow being pregnant, I was more appreciative for the relief they provided than ever before.


{View from our private pool to the Twin Pitons}

We stayed in JE1, one of two Galaxy Suites. In the past 12 years, I’ve visited almost every island, most more than once and have been lucky enough to stay at many of the Caribbean’s finest hotels. The Galaxy Suite is hands down my favorite room... 





If you can even call it a room. The Suites at Jade Mountain bear more resemblance to a chic studio living experience with wide expansive spaces housing private plunge pools, open air bathrooms complete with a shower and whirlpool for two, full dining table, two sitting areas, and a bed that dreams are made of. Both the pool and the whirlpool have color therapy installations, only adding to 

the serenity of the suite.

Swimming is one of the most comforting activities for a pregnant woman. At a time when weight gain is inevitable, to float and feel weightless is revitalizing. Booking a room with a private plunge pool is a must when you are expecting. The private pools en suite at Jade Mountain aren't really plunge pools at all, as they are much larger than any we've ever experienced.













We spent time at both of the beautiful beaches on property, preferring the more tranquil and quite Anse Mamin. I started my tropical adventure 13 years ago, exploring Central America in search of the most private and pristine beaches. I found many worthy of committing to, but my heartstrings pulled tighter to the Caribbean and so that is where I’ve dedicated my career. I have to say, spending the day on Anse Mamin, brought me back 13 years to the quiet days on private picturesque beaches without a care in the world. 


The Jungle Grill is located on Anse Mamin and from the second we arrived at Jade Mountain, we were told that the Grill was home to the best burger on the planet. Not being a meat eater, but married to one, I witnessed sheer joy as my husband devoured what he agreed was the BEST burger ever. (This from a man who has been to 73 countries and you name it, he’s consumed it.)


At night, we traded the simple beach fare for the upscale and artistic cuisine of the Jade Mountain Club. Our butler had confirmed our reservations before we arrived on property, ensuring us a choice seating. Dining at Jade Mountain Club was not a meal, but a culinary experience. The menu is divided into four areas and you may select dishes from each area to create your own customized tasting menu. Each bite compliments the next as you work your way through Caribbean fusion cuisine at its finest.  


After dinner, we retreated to the top level of Jade Mountain for a celestial showcase. One of the best features of nighttime at the resort, were the sheer number of stars visible. I can not recall a time in my life when I've seen more stars in the sky.  They were so close, we felt as if we could reach up and swirl them with our fingertips and make entirely new constellations. 
The shapes of the majestic Pitons were visible simply from being illuminated by the stars and one knowing that in the dark shadows where the stars didn't shine, they sat majestically. 


The sustainable luxury of Jade Mountain is most impressive. The tropical woods and local stones help the hotel to blend seamlessly into the dramatic landscape.  Spending time on this part of the island makes me wonder why a visitor to St. Lucia would want to stay anywhere else. Sourfriere and the surrounding area has a feel all its own, mystical, magical, certainly off the beaten path. Mass tourism does not exist here and hopefully never will.  The beauty is breathtaking and I don’t think you ever get used to it no matter how long you stay. Every single time I glanced up and saw the Pitons, searing toward the sky in their regal form, I felt my heart beat faster, simply from being taken aback by the beauty.  There are no words, and though many have tried, no pictures that capture how impressive Jade Mountain really is. You simply must visit Jade Mountain and experience it for yourself.


Jade Mountain Babymoon Highlights:
  • Amazingly attentive staff anticipating all of your needs in advance.
  • Personal Butler – traveling while pregnant is exhausting and having someone on hand to assist with spa appointments, dinner reservations, and more, was fantastic.
  • Pregnancy Massage - a must!
  • Bento Box of snacks refreshed every afternoon and perfect for “après-beach”.
  • On demand shuttle service between both beaches and up and down to your room.
  • Private en suite pools - available in 24 of the 29 suites.
Jade Mountain is not only perfect for a Babymoon Vacation, but also for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or Destination Wedding.

If you'd like a custom quote on a luxury vacation to Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, please contact me and I'd be happy to help!

Jump over here for more of my photos from Jade Mountain.

Enjoy,

Monday, January 3, 2011

Family Suites at Beaches Turks & Caicos

Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the only Caribbean Resorts offering family suites with a separate bedroom for children. Most hotels accommodate families wishing for separate sleeping quarters by offering the option of connecting rooms. The problem with this is that most hotels won't confirm connecting rooms and offer this option only on a "request" basis - which means the rooms are subject to availability at time of check-in. This is wonderful if it works out, but for a family vacationing with 2 adults and multiple young ones, arriving at a hotel to learn that you were not granted connecting rooms and your rooms are on opposite sides of the hotel can immediately ruin your vacation.


Enter the new Italian Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos. All of the suites either have a smaller separate kids room or are all full 2 bedroom suites. The separate kids rooms, shown in the photo above, sleep 3 and are decked out with their own TVs and Xbox stations, surely enough entertainment to keep the little ones in their own room. They are some of the priciest rooms at the resort, but the benefit of private sleeping quarters is priceless for many! 

Check out my review from my visit to Beaches Turks last November.

Contact us for a custom quote or price your Beaches vacation online now! 
Best,

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Perfect Jewelry Roll


Stephanie Johnson is a company specializing in customized travel accessories. Don't you just love the idea of designing your own pretty little bags to transport all your pretty little baubles and lotions & potions on vacation with you? 

 The jewelry roll is known as the SUSAN:

Pick your design, then choose from over 15 different fabrics:

Madagascar Pink:
Mumbai Blue:



Then watch the mailbox in eager anticipation.

Enjoy,

Monday, April 26, 2010

AZUL Beach - Best Baby & Toddler Inclusive Hotels in Mexico!


{This is Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma, located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.}



As told by the photos, the hotel is PERFECT for adults... chic, stylish, and beaconing relaxation. What you don't see, is that this hotel is also PERFECT for kiddos. Azul Hotels offers an enviable Baby & Toddler Inclusive program. 

{For Babies}
  • Babies up to the age of 2, stay FREE!
  • The hotel provides: strollers, cribs, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, Gourmet Gerber Baby Food, itty bitty baby bathrobes, baby bathtub, baby monitors, a great pack 'n play program.
  • A Jogging Program for stroller babies.
  • Yoga for Mama & Babies.
  • Baby-sitting Services (at an additional fee)

{For Toddlers}
  • Welcome smoothie and Azulitos Journal by Fisher-Price at check-in.
  • Kids Swimming Pool
  • Kid's Club
  • Jugueteca Toy Lending program by Fisher-Price.
  • Kids menu at ALL restaurants.
  • DVD Menu with popcorn delivery. 


If you need a break from your little charmers, Azul Hotels offer's a great "Parent's Night Out" program where the children will enjoy a movie & popcorn at the Kids Club and Mom & Dad can relax to a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach... 

Ready to go? We have great all-icnlusive vacation packages that can be combined with discount airfare from the US or cheap flights from the UK. Contact us - info @ caribbeanjourney.com or 866-236-1924.




Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Best of the Beach - Runaway Bay, Jamaica

The beach in Runaway Bay, Jamaica is amazing! We had such a fantastic time during our fully staffed villa vacation. For once, thanks to a new camera, I think the photos capture the essence of the view... 

If you would like to book your next Caribbean Vacation to the beautiful beaches of Jamaica, send us an email to info @ caribbeanjourney.com or give us a call at 866-236-1924.