Book your Caribbean Christmas Vacation EARLY & SAVE at Casa de Campo!

Casa de Campo is one of the Caribbean's leading Old World Resorts... a timeless classic that combines modern amenities and decor with old school service and pride.

If you book a minimum stay of 7 nights at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, you can save $350/per room. 

The Elite Patio Room is normally $695 - early booking rate of $645/per night.

The Elite Balcony Room is normally $745 - early booking rate of $695/per night.

Book by June 30, 2011 for travel between December 21, 2011 and January 03, 2012.

Rate includes one 4 passenger touring cart per room.

{16% tax and 10% service charge additional. As with all promotions, restrictions apply.}

Book Now by Calling 866-236-1924 or sending an email to Caribbean Journey.

A Caribbean Christmas

Christmas in the Caribbean is a magical time and a gift to be able to experience a rainbow of cultures and festivities on one little island. Yes, it is a shock to the senses for those of us accustomed to chilly nights spent snuggled around a fire. But should you find yourself on vacation in the Caribbean for the holidays, be prepared for some serious fun in the form of carnivals, festivals, and all-night parties.

As far as holiday traditions in the Caribbean, its not always Christmas lights on palm trees... you will be surprised by the history and practices found on some islands. Check out what Robert Curley, editor of the Caribbean section at About.com has to say...
"The islands of the Netherlands Antilles have a unique Christmas celebration that comes straight from Holland, with visits from Sinterklaas and his mysterious minions, the Zwarte Piet (Black Petes). In Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba, children receive their holiday gifts not only on Christmas morning but also on Dec. 6, the birthday of St. Nicholas..." read more here. **Photo from here also!

Costa Rica Villa Open for Christmas!!!

Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, this lovely villa is owned by a dear friend of mine and is still open for the Holidays! Rate is only $3500/week for use of 2 bedrooms, sleeping 4-6 people.

Selected as one of the properties featured in the Fine Living Network/VRBO special "Around The World In 80 Houses"

Simple elegance is the best way to describe this property.

The purpose of the house was to frame the view (acknowledged to be one of the best in Manuel Antonio) and live in comfort and style.

You will find luxury details such as: Italian mosaic glass-tiled baths; a fully furnished kitchen (gas stove, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal); appliances including Oster blender, juicer, coffee maker and toaster; plentiful cookware; and full sets of indoor and outdoor dishes,plus spices in the cupboard and condiments in the fridge. An outdoor grill will allow you to prepare the fresh fish you may bring back from an excursion in some of the best fishing waters in the world. Maid service, travel and tour arrangements as you wish.

Egyptian cotton towels and designer linens, plus your personal items are easily kept fresh by a large capacity washer and dryer.Beach towels are also provided.Sony Bravia Flat Screen TV; DVD; VCR; SkyTV; I-Pod Docking and wireless internet.

Let me know if you are interested! Laura @ CaribbeanJourney.com

Celebrate Holidays in Sunny Style at Radisson St Martin and Aruba Resorts

The new AAA Four Diamond Radisson St Martin Resort, Marina & Spa and ever-popular Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa are hosting memorable tropical experiences for the 2009/2010 holiday season. The chefs at both resorts are preparing elaborate tropical holiday menus for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Special New Year’s Eve festivities planned for guests include fireworks displays in St Martin and a private beach party on Aruba’s best beach. Between parties and festive meals, guests can enjoy distinctive treatments and pampering at the resorts’ spas, kayaking along the coast in search of sea turtles or sitting beachside while escaping the cold winter to the north.

Vacationers traveling to Aruba can stay at the flagship Radisson resort on the island’s best beach from December 18, 2009 - January 3, 2010, with rates beginning at USD $549 per night. Those looking to escape to the chic French side of St. Martin can enjoy the new Radisson St Martin Resort with rates starting at €419 per night (approximately USD $585*).

Aruba and St Martin are serviced by direct flights from major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami and Atlanta. Guests can explore the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean through snorkeling, sailing, or diving. Both resorts feature comprehensive spas, a complimentary kids club, an array of diverse cuisine options in several on-site restaurants and cafes, and other amenities special to each property.

Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is a perfect warm-weather locale to celebrate with family and friends and many guests have been making the resort their annual holiday home since its opening. Special culinary offerings are planned for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve at its beachside hot spot Gilligan’s, tropical hideaway Laguna and the award-winning Sunset Grille.

Happy Holidays from My Family to Yours!

Who says you can't build a SNOWMAN in the Caribbean?

From the Cayman Islands with love...

25 Days of Caribbean Christmas Gifts

***Update! When I originally posted this post, I had lofty dreams of hours spent browsing the Internet for Caribbean themed gifts... finding more than enough and posting away to share my joy with you. Well, I made it to 11. 11 fabulous finds and that's it. Yes, I did find other items of seashore bliss, but many are not able for purchase in the US. And well, to be honest, life got in the way. Our dog ran away, a relative became ill, there were cookies to bake and deliver, presents to be bought and wrapped in silver and gold, parties to attend, and most importantly children to enjoy the season with. So please accept my humble apology in only posting 11 Caribbean gifts.


I love everything Caribbean and maybe you know someone who does also! I am going to help you out with gift ideas for your the Caribbean lover in your life and post 25 Days of Caribbean Christmas Gifts. Check back every day from today until December 25th to see great gift ideas! Enjoy!

Day 11 - Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Coconut Cake

The Black Hound Bakery in New York is renowned for its gourmet goodies. Their Coconut Cake is full of the rich tropical coconut common in the Caribbean. If someone on your list loves coconut, order up one of these cakes today!

Order Coconut Cakes here and enjoy!

Day 10 Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Walkers Woods

A small selection of these great products would make a great holiday gift! Most are under $5 so a thrifty gift this would be too!

This sauce I dash on everything from rice to steamed veggies, fish and chicken:
I love a sweet chutney on anything fried or spooned on top of any savory potato dish:

Whenever we throw a big party, people always ask if Mr. Sangster will be making his famous jerk chicken wings. He uses this sauce and cuts it with a little ketchup and honey so it isn't quite as hot and therefore kid-friendly too:

The mail order business of Walker Wood's website is currently down. But here in Atlanta, we have can find these products at both Kroger and Publix. Check your grocer's international aisle!

Day 9 Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Tory Burch Beach Tote

What girl doesn't want the most fabulous tote on the beach? No matter how you might feel in a bathing suit, walking to your private palapa on the sand or past the pool bar with a snazzy tote lifts your spirits and just makes you feel good. This tote from designer Tory Burch is large enough to hold a plush towel, great novel, and all the bottles of sun protection needed to shield you from head to toe. It comes in two great beachy color patterns:

But it here for $250. Enjoy!

Day 8 Caribbean Christmas Gifts Vintage Nautical Prints

The Vintage Print Gallery is a great source for all sorts of prints. I fancy all things nautical and find their Shell Prints perfectly detailed and a classy way to bring a bit of beach into your home:

And Sea Fan Prints:

Day 7 Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Catherine Weitzman Starfish Necklace

Artist Catherine Weitzman draws her inspiration from nature and for this piece, her inspiration was likely a tranquil white sand beach trimmed by turquoise sea...


This lovely locket is filled with Aquamarines and made with watch crystal. It comes in silver or gold and 30% of all sales for this piece will go to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Buy it here!

Day 6 Caribbean Christmas Gifts Jamaican Blue Mtn. Coffee

This coffee is as good as it gets. Rich, nutty, and full-bodied, a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is the best way to start any day or top off any fine meal. It is my favorite coffee. Period. One reason it is so good is because it does not need any fancy sprinkles or synthetic syrups. Simply black or with ca dash of ream & sugar, a cup of this java can't be beat.

Do be careful because many people market their product as Jamaican Blue Mtn., when it is actually a blend. Aside from reading the tiny print on the packaging, you can tell if you are buying a blend if the price is too good to be true because 100% Jamaican Blue Mtn. is usually in the ballpark of $50/pound. One safe place to buy these beans stateside is J. Martinez & Company. Enjoy!

Day 4 Christmas Gifts - Little Caribbean Cookbook

This miniature book of Caribbean cooking fits in your pocket so it would certainly fit in any stocking. And at $5 it is the right price. It covers all the region's faves such as Planter's Punch, Johnny Bakes, and Coconut Bread. Buy it here. Enjoy!

Day 3 Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Royal Hut Signature Towels

These towels are pure luxe, plush and thick and brightly colored with authentic African batik trim. Royal Hut is owned by Mary Vinson, the well traveled wife of Caribbean icon Chris Blackwell. She puts the same passion into her products that Mr. Blackwell has put into launching famous music careers (note- Bob Marley) and boutique hotels (note - Island Outpost). At $130 each they are an indulgence indeed, but then again, you do get what you pay for in a towel. Buy them here. Enjoy!

Day 2 Caribbean Christmas Gifts - Tortuga Rum Cakes

If you've visited the Caribbean, you've likely come across this famous Rum Cake Company - Tortuga. They have been baking up these love cakes for over 24 years.

They come in all sorts of fun flavors like coconut, chocolate, and banana - but I say stick to the original Golden Rum Cake. It is rich, buttery, and delicious. I've been known to eat more than my share. Buy them here. Enjoy!

Day 1 Caribbean Christmas Gifts~ Liz Mannette Jewelry

Ms. Liz Mannette is a Caribbean artist generating quite a buzz these days. You absolutely must check out her website and online catalog for a luxuriously unique Caribbean gift. Her jewelry is created to honor and cherish the love for steel pan music.
Her bio just about sums up why this jewelry is oh-so-special...

Born into the pan family, the Mannettes, in St. James, Trinidad, Liz is educated at Mucurapo Girls R.C. School and the Bishop Anstey Girls High School. In 1983, she first begins to play the steel pan with Pandemonium Junior Groove, a steel band of high school students from Bishop Anstey Girls, Holy Name Convent and Belmont Boys Secondary School. She tries out the bass pan, but finds the pan sticks a bit too heavy and is moved to the tenor pan. She is a skinny teenage, after all. Liz participates in the first Junior Steelband Music Festival in 1984, playing Moods, composed by the maestro of pan, Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe.

Liz migrates to New York to join her mother and sisters in 1984 and begins her university career at Brooklyn College, of the City University of New York. She joins her church steel band, Calvary Steel Orchestra (http://www.calvarysteelband.com/) and plays the triple guitar pan. Elizabeth is part of the band and church group that travels to England and Scotland in 1985.

After attaining a degree in Chemistry, Liz starts at Harvard Law School in 1988. A memorable experience for her occurs in 1990 when she invites a few friends to see the play Steel by Derek Walcott, which depicts the experience of life in Trinidad in the 1930s with a main character portraying Ellie Mannette. Her friends are impressed that she is from steel pan royalty.