The Blue Lagoon, Port Antonio, Jamaica

I've been to the Blue Lagoon before. The first time was 2001. Back then, the Jamaica Tourist Board took a more active role in marketing Port Antonio. We flew into the small airport just outside of town. We stayed at a hotel that is not currently operating called Dragon Bay. {If you saw the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise, you know the beach and the famous beach bar.} But that was then. In the years since, I've been lucky enough to spend about 5 Easters in Port Antonio and I make it a point with each visit, to return to the Blue Lagoon.

And this is why...

It is simply MAGICAL...

I'll visit any way I can... usually by rising early to walk down the long and winding hill from our home-away-from-home at Goblin Hill Villas. This year, we succumbed to the offers to take a bamboo raft into the lagoon and swim.

 

The ride was relaxing to the point I almost dozed off - that was, until my husband decided to add a little adventure to the trip and jump in the shallow flats in front of the lagoon and capture a sea creature for our son:

Success and oh so spiny....

Fascination with hands on nature is.... better than any classroom...

The Blue Lagoon is adjacent to some of the prized real estate in the Caribbean. These waterfront villas sell for millions but rent for pretty reasonable rates - ask me about renting one for your next villa vacation.

Then we finally reached the lagoon and took a swim in the cool water. The lagoon is reportedly 186 feet deep. I figure that must be 15-16 stories - right? That's DEEP and the reason behind the water's amazing hue - not quite blue, not quite green - truly the closest thing to turquoise I've even seen...

After an hour swimming, our raft guides returned to pick us up... 

Priceless...

a trip to remember

Cheers,

Step into Luxury in Anguilla at Ani Villas...

Completed at the end of 2010, Àni Villas are the newest luxury villa resort in Anguilla; perched on the breathtaking cliffs overlooking one of the island’s most cherished beaches.  

  The 10 bedroom estate is offered on a weekly basis with each of the two 5 bedroom villas available for rental individually. 

The Estate has a full range of facilities and amenities including Tennis Court, Pools, Jacuzzis, a Fully Outfitted Gym, Game Room with Pool and Shuffle Board Tables, Kids Media Room, Mountain Bikes, and Snorkeling Equipment.  The grounds also include a cliff-side deck which we tent for weddings and other events.  

Àni Villas can sleep 22+ and handle events in size up to 100 – all within your own private enclave.

Ocean views at almost every turn...

Most recently - Àni Villas is honored to be featured in ISLAND Magazine “20 of the World’s Greatest Escapes”.

Modern, chic decor in muted tones...

Sweet dreams.... 

Travel after May 1st and enjoy low season rates. 

All 10 bedrooms rents for $51,000/week. With a group of 20 guests, this comes to only $2550/week - easily a better deal than what you would pay for a luxury hotel of the same caliber. 

Rate Includes:

Full Staff of Private Chef, Concierge, Butler, Housekeeping, and Security

Alcoholic Beverages

Full Daily Breakfast

Private Boat Transfer to/from St. Martin

Stay a full week and receive 4 complimentary rounds of golf.

Ani Villas are the perfect locale for a small family reunion or luxury Destination Wedding. 

For more details, please inquire - info@caribbeanjourney.com

Cheers,

Finding Luxury at Villa C'est La Vie - St. Lucia

On my March trip to St. Lucia, I was lucky enough to secure a private tour of Villa C'est La Vie... one of the island's premiere villa rentals.

I love the gingerbread style and many private spaces for relaxing.

The bedrooms are decorated in muted tones that mimic the natural palette of the Caribbean...

The bathrooms are full of luxurious touches...

The outdoor spaces are impressive... a zero entry pool complete with waterfall, an outdoor bar and BBQ, charming patio perfect for dancing...

Villa C'est La Vie includes membership at the Windjammer Landing Resort next door with full beach access!

Go here to see all of the photos from my trip to Villa C'est La Vie in St. Lucia.

This property often offers promotions - please inquire!

St. Lucia isn't always the easiest island to reach in the Caribbean but it is possible to find cheap tickets during most of the low season months. Traveling from most major US gateways, you can expect to find airline tickets. priced in the $500-$550 range if you are flexible! Also, remember that St. Lucia has TWO airports and it is a good idea to price air into both for comparison. The northern airport, and the one closest to this property, is Vigie - airport code of SLU. The southern airport is Hewanorra, airport code of UVF.

Enjoy!

Luxury Fishing Lodge coming to Punta Cana

Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, will begin taking reservations in July and open to guests on Oct. 1, 2011. The resort will offer 302 Mediterranean-style villas, 220 of which will be available to resort guests. Accommodations will include three-bedroom royal suites, many featuring private infinity pools with swim-out access. Guests will also enjoy a secluded beach accessible via a two-minute ride by private watercraft.

The property is the first in Salamander’s Marina & Beach Resorts’ Grand Resorts at Cap Cana collection of hotels. Fishing Lodge will be located in a custom-designed village which surrounds what developers describe as the Caribbean’s largest inland marina. Amenities will include two restaurants, two bars, four pools, a chapel, fitness center, and boutique shops on Main Street and the resort’s plaza.

A second property, Ocean Club Cap Cana, will open in 2012 as a 92-room boutique-style hotel. The property will be open to “all guest types and stays,” including all-inclusive accommodations, according to the company. Fishing Lodge Cap Cana is offering introductory rates of $129 to $599 per night from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2011, depending on style and size of accommodations. Regular rates range from $275 to $725 per night

We'd be happy to help you plan your fishing vacation in the Dominican Republic! The Punta Cana Airport is serviced by all major airlines, including United Airlines & American Airlines. Drop us a line if you are ready to start planning. 

Free Nights at Meads Bay Beach Villas in Anguilla!

Meads Bay Beach Villas is a sweet little collection of 4 private villas in Anguilla. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit last year and my clients have enjoyed being spoiled by the tranquility here too. Now you can visit Meads Bay Villas and enjoy a few free nights! 

TAKE A SEVEN NIGHT VACATION AND GET TWO NIGHTS FREE

• Book before June 30th, 2011 for any dates prior to December 15th, 2011
• Stay for seven or more nights
• Receive two nights free

ESCAPE FOR A LONG WEEKEND AND GET ONE NIGHT FREE

• Book before June 30th, 2011 for any dates prior to December 15th, 2011
• Stay for 4 or 5 nights
• Receive one night free

MBBV is the sort of place that feels like home. Check out my trip review. If you're seeking a relaxing villa vacation on one of the Caribbean's best beaches, and looking for a super value, then this promotion is for you. Drop us a line and we'd be happy to help you plan your trip to Anguilla! 

Cheers,

My Visit to Windjammer Landing - St. Lucia

On my recent Babymoon to the island of St. Lucia, I stopped by the Windjammer Landing Resort to explore. I've sent many happy clients here over the years and it has always intrigued me as a place I might want to return with my own family. 

I was not disappointed! The resort delivers exactly what I thought it would... a lovely private beach, a wide range of accommodation options, delicious food offered a la carte or on a meal plan, and stunning views at every turn.

The lush tropical surroundings, traditional West Indian architecture, and warm hospitality of the staff make this resort a classic Caribbean gem. 

The Windjammer Landing Resort doesn't try to be anything but a true Caribbean Resort to be enjoyed by families, groups, singles, and honeymooners alike.

I loved the look of the well cared for kids club and playground set in a tropical garden:

Many of the suites and villas on property offer private Jacuzzis or plunge pools - each with expansive sea views. The rooms are located on the hillside overlooking the beach and main areas of the resort. To some, this might be a dis-advantage to some, but to most it is a huge perk because the views are some of the best in the Caribbean.

Many units have full kitchens:

More stunning views from every bedroom:

Modern and comfortable bathrooms:

Here is a link to the full album of photos from my trip, including more interior shots.

Windjammer Landing also has multiple pools on property.

The Windjammer Landing is a great place for a "BabyMoon" as well as a Destination Wedding in St. Lucia. If you are interested in seeing if this resort is a good match for your next vacation, please contact us!

Enjoy,