Happy All Hallow's Eve....

Boo!

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.

In Celebration of Cinco de Mayo

There are a few Mexico Vacation Specials I'd like to highlight in honor of one of my favorite celebrations... CINCO de MAYO! But first... here's a little background info on Cinco de Mayo. 

Cinco de Mayo always makes me hungry. {If I wasn't expecting, these 3 simple words would make me crave an icy cold margarita with loads of fresh lime.}

{photo from Life's Ambrosia}

Bring a little bit of Cinco de Mayo into your kitchen with these great recipes from Life's Ambrosia.

If you're ready to taste Mexico for yourself, check out these travel deals to the Cancun area:

The Royal Hideaway Playacar is offering up to $500 in resort credits + 25% off their rates. The resort credit may be used towards green fees, spa treatments, and more! 

The Melia Cozumel is on sale with rates starting at only $68/per person, per night, ALL-INCLUSIVE! This hotel is great for golfers & divers - with a full service dive shop next door and a Nicklaus Designed Golf Course right across the street. 

{As with all promotions, restrictions apply.}

We look forward to helping you plan your own Mexican getaway! info@caribbeanjourney.com

866-236-1924

Salud!

Valentine's Day Package at Bimini Bay Resort

Feel the Love Month in Bermuda!

This February is "Feel the Love" month in Bermuda! They've planned a few wonderfully romantic events across the island. You can download the full brochure here. Our company is able to combine the Feel the Love package with the "Compliments of Bermuda" promotion offering every 3rd night for FREE at many participating hotels! Contact us for more details. 

Cheerio,

Happy New Year!!!

2010 was a magical year for us at The Journey Group. Our business grew in a time when many small business were closing. We forged relationships with some wonderful new clients and a few amazing hot new hotels. Our agents were lucky enough to take more personal trips than any previous year. This year alone, we visited Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Cancun, and Cozumel. We've already booked trips for 2011 to Barbados and Punta Cana and our annual trips back to St. Lucia and Jamaica.

We added two new permanent agents to our team - Christy Mackley a scuba dive specialist with a fantastic blog all her own and Linda Combs a social group travel specialist. 

For all of this, we are thankful.

 Thanks for reading this little blog and please stick around to see what adventures 2011 has in store for our Caribbean Travel Agency and remember, we'd be happy to help you plan your own Caribbean Adventure any time...


{image}

Best wishes,

The Best Tropical Christmas!

"Lights are blowing from the palm trees, stockings hanging from the mast. Santa riding on a dolphin, don't you want to make it last. It's Christmas in the Caribbean." - Jimmy Buffett, Christmas in the Caribbean

In 1996, Jimmy Buffett brought a tropical Christmas to life with his hit "Christmas in the Caribbean." He was not the first to trade-in snow for sand during the holidays, and he certainly won't be the last. Shoveling icy slush in biting winds grows quickly tiresome, as do days that are short and bleak and nights that are dark and long. With Christmas and New Year's so close together, the holiday season is the perfect time to gather-up friends and family and head for the tropics to create a new holiday tradition. Read the full article here!

{Post brought to you by Luxury Living International Magazine, the best online resource for Caribbean and Latin American real estate, luxury travel and the good life in the tropics.}

Ho, ho, ho,

NYE Party at The Caves in Negril, Jamaica

Need I say more? Looks like a darn good time! Too bad I'll be hiding under a mountain of layers and visiting relatives in DC rather than slipping on a sundress and enjoying a festive evening at one of my favorite Boutique Hotels - the Caves.

Enjoy,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from all of us at Caribbean Journey & The Journey Group! 


Thinking of spending your next Thanksgiving in the Caribbean? Check out this fabulous Caribbean Thanksgiving Menu. Would you ever? Delish! Here's a little advice on how to plan a family turkey day in the islands. 


PS. Photo from Country Living.


Cheers,

Have a Happy Halloween!

This week, I've been remembering my trip to Zihautanejo 2 years ago to celebrate Halloween + Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico. The trip was one of our all-time family favorites. Check out all we did here:

Zihautanejo - Where We Stayed

Halloween & Dia de Los Muertos

The Tides Zihautanejo

Deep Sea Fishing & A Private Island

Annie Palmer is the White Witch of Jamaica and one time owner of the Rose Hall Estate. Curious how she became famous? She killed her husbands. 

Think you know about the Bermuda Triangle? Jump over here for a few chills and other Caribbean haunts!

And even more Caribbean haunts are featured on this round up for Spooky Spots along Martinique's Route de la Trace.

Halloween is a great time of year to visit the Caribbean. Rates are low and many hotels celebrate the holiday with fun and festive parties for family members of all ages. October/November is also a great month to find cheap flights to the islands on every major airline, including American Airlines.

Happy Haunting,

Last Minute Villas Open for Thanksgiving Week on St. John!

There are still many fabulous villas available for Thanksgiving Week on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands!

Thanksgiving Week is considered Nov 20-27, 2010

Send us your dates, number traveling, ages of any children, and we will send you a customized list of options. St. John is only a short ferry ride away from St. Thomas. You can find cheap tickets to St. Thomas on most major airways, including American Airlines.

We'll even help you pre-order a catered Thanksgiving Day Feast!

Brought to you by CaribbeanJourney.com 

866-236-1924

info@caribbeanjourney.com

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival!!!

While New Orleans fetes Mardi Gras and Rio puts on quite a show, Trinidad & Tobago plays host to a party all their own...

Not as large as Rio, but also not as crowded. Plenty of room for endless smiles.

Want a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful costumes of Carnival Trinidad? Check out the Trinidad Carnival Diary.

Trinidad is serviced by many international airlines from the US and Europe. Check for cheap flights to Trinidad!

Love is in the Air this Valentine's Day @ Half Moon, Jamaica

Romance is alive every day of the year at the Half Moon Resort's Sugar Mill Restaurant in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Who doesn't love a great menu? The Valentine Feast they have created is creative, innovative and sure to be delish!

SUGAR MILL VALENTINE’S DINNER MENU

Feb. 14th 2010

“LOVE POTION”

Jerk Coconut Soup combined with Cream of Spinach &Scallion Garlic Pimento roasted Bread Fruit Croutons

**********

“ST. VALENTINE’S COCKTAIL”

Shrimp & Lobster Cocktail Orange, Rose & Hibiscus Salad, Spicy Chocolate Cocktail Sauce

“TOWER OF LOVE”

Mango, Tomato, Sorrel & Egg Plant Timbale with Scotch Bonnete Sour Cream Baby Greens and Ripe Plantain Vinaigrette

“CUPID’S ARROW” Conch Seviche in Pumpkin Vol-au-vent with Sambar

******************

“A LINGERING KISS”

Chrysanthemum, Ginger & Bird Pepper Sorbet

*******************

“AN AFFAIR OF THE HERT”

Sugar Mill Surf & Turf

CAB Tenderloin, Char Grilled Lobster Tail with Jerk Coconut Sauce

“THE LOVE OF MY LIFE”

Coriander & Cumin Smoked Lamb Loin warm Rosemary & Red wine Jelly

“SWEETHEARTS”

Fresh Caught Duo of Snapper Coconut Crusted and Fried, Coconut & Cilantro Poached Snapper Siracha & Grape Fruit Jelly

“ROMANTIC KISS”

Chicken Leg Ballotine, Lemon Grass & Corn Meal filling

Jerk Tia Maria Sauce

“LOVE IS IN THE AIR”

Ackee, Bammy & Vegetable Gizzada Tomato Thyme Run-Down

*********************

“SWEET VALENTINE”

Chocolate & Guava Mousse, Coconut & Passion Fruit Ice Cream, Chilled Rose Sherbet

Freshly Brewed Coffee, Herbal Teas & Petit Fours

$85 ++

*************************

Need to escape for Valentine's Day? Rates to Jamaica are still reasonable for the long weekend and make hotels still have space. Jamaica is a great destination for cheap flights from London and other cities in Europe as well.

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I hope the New Year has in store for you ample time to lay on the beach, in the arms of the one you love, and just take in the view.

ps. sweet pic first spotted on blog goggles - vintage themed engagement photos from tim melideo. more on that over here next week.

Cheers,

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!

Holiday Romance at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Relax... the Holidays don't have to be stressful! You can getaway from the cold rush of the city and warm up in Mexico with this great value added package from the Grand Velas Riviera Maya!

Romance Package Includes:

§ 15% off above the normal holiday rate.
§ Grand Class Suite with stunning ocean front
§ Adults Only Section
§ All-inclusive at 7 Restaurants and 8 bars
§ Butler Concierge Service
§ Suite Service 24hrs
§ Non-mothorized water sports
§ Private Roundtrip transfer Airport-Hotel- Airport
§ Bottle of Champagne on arrival
§ 15% off at the Spa
§ Special New Years Eve Dinner
§ From Dec 25th until Jan 2nd, 2009.

Rate is $705/per person, per night!

Hot List of Holiday Vacancy in St. John!

The following St. John Vacation Villas are still available for the Holidays this year:

· Coral Oasis http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__27007 6 guests max. 12/17-12/24/0/09 (7-nights)

· Far Niente http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__32222 6 guests max. available from 12/19-12/24/09 (5-nights) AND 12/31 -1/7/10 (7-nights)

· Island Manor http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__26632 10 guests max. available from 12/19 -12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Luminaria http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__2542
6 guests max. available 12/19-12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Casa Luna http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__2583 10 guests max. available 12/17 –12/24/09 (7-nights)

· Mayan Sky http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__2545 6 guests max. available from 12/17-12/24/09 (7-nights) PHOTO IS OF MAYAN SKY

· Reef Bay View http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__31105 8 guests max. available from 12/19-12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Sapphire Breeze http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__2620
8 guests max. available from 12/19-12/29/09 (10-nights)

· Unicorn http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__27017
6 guests max. available from 12/19-12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Waterfall http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__18488
6 guests max. available from 12/19-12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Cinnamon Day Dream http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__35864
6 guests max. available from 12/29-1/05/10 (7-nights)

· Temptress http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__35852
4 guests max. available from 12/19-1/2/10 (14-nights)

· Bay House http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__19771
4 guest max. available 12/19 – 12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Calypso Del Sol http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__29025
6 guest max. available 12/19 –12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Christy Ann http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__28095
6 guest max. available 12/31 – 1/7/10 (7-nights)

· In Harmony Retreat http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__25677
2 guest max. available 12/19 –12/27/09 (8-nights)

· It’s About Time http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__27954
8 guest max. available 12/19 – 1/2/10 (14-nights)

· Villa Rendezvous http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__21212
12 guest max. available 12/19 – 12/26/09 (7-nights)

· Sea Dream http://www.vivacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__20939
6 guest max. available 12/19 – 12/26/09 (7-nights)

See the Nutcracker @ the Occidental Grand Aruba

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.

Thanksgiving in the Caribbean

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

From The Carving Board:
Herb Glazed Roasted Turkey
Giblet Gravy and Traditional Cranberry Relish
Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef
Herb Jus and Creamy Horseradish

From The Hot Kitchen:
Dijon Mustard Glazed Ham
Pan Seared Mahi Mahi with Calabaza crema
Bronzed Snapper with Mango Papaya Salsa
Herb Cornbread Stuffing
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Yukon Gold and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato
Pigeon Peas and Rice
Green Bean Casserole

From The Bakery:
Classic Pumpkin Pie with St. Lucian cinnamon Whipped Cream
Coconut Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Bread Pudding with Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
Cruzan-Orange Pecan Pie
Chocolate Madness
Assorted Cookies and Brownies

{HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU & YOURS}

Christmas & New Years Villas in Jamaica!

It is not too late to book a villa vacation to Jamaica for the holidays! Airfare to Jamaica is still decent and many of the island's finest villas are offering discounts including free nights and reduced rates. All villas have waived their normal 14 night holiday minimum rental requirement. All villas in Jamaica are fully staffed including a cook who will prepare gourmet meals with fresh, local ingredients.

Please contact me and I will see what great rate I am able to negotiate for your family!

Open for BOTH Christmas & New Years Week:

Good Hope Plantation - 16 Bedrooms at $16,500/week

Fairway Manor - 7 Bedrooms at $12,000/week

Open for Christmas Week:

Belle Abri - 7 Bedrooms at $22,500/week
Bougainvillea @ Tryall - 5 Bedrooms at $25,000/week
Calypso Shores - 4 Bedrooms at $10,000/week BEACHFRONT!
Cliffside Cottage - 5 Bedrooms at $11,000/week

Coral Cove - 5 Bedrooms at $9750/week BEACHFRONT!
Destiny - 4 Bedrooms at $17,275/week

Emerald Seas - 5 Bedrooms at $13,000/week
Frankfort on the Beach - 4 Bedrooms at $18,500/week

Hanover House - 6+ Bedrooms at $14,200/week

Keela Wee - 6 Bedrooms at $16,000/week BEACHFRONT!
Knockando @ Round Hill - 5 Bedrooms at $25,000/week
La Casita Villa & Spa - 2 Bedrooms at $4900/week
Longview Manor @ Round Hill - 7 Bedrooms at $32,500/week
Mirador @ Tryall - 1 Bedroom at $7150/week
Mahogany Hill @ Tryall - 5 Bedrooms at $25,000/week
Malatai on the Beach - 6 Bedrooms at $20,000/week

Nutmeg - 4 Bedrooms at $17,000/week
Pavilion - 5 Bedrooms at $13,500/week
Pimento Hill - 6+ Bedrooms at $16,300/week
Seafore @ Tryall - 4 Bedrooms at $12,155/week
Silent Waters - 5 Bedrooms at $38,000/week
Spyglass Hill - 8 Bedrooms at $13,500/week
Summertime Hill - 6 Bedrooms at $8300/week
Wild Orchid - 5 Bedrooms at $11,750/week
Windsong - 4 Bedrooms at $9000/week

Open for New Years Week:

CooYah @ Tryall - 4 Bedrooms at $15,950/week
Drambuie Estate - 5 Bedrooms at $13,000/week
Noble House on the Beach - 4 Bedrooms at $17,000/week BEACHFRONT!