Grand Lucayan Bahamas to Awards Its One Million Guest

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

To Commemorate, Travelers Who Book by April 30 Could Find Their Next Trip on the House

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t’s been said that the journey is its own reward. There’s that rare occasion, however, when travel pays handsome dividends to boot. Grand Lucayan, Bahamas is celebrating the recent milestone stay of its millionth visitor with a great surprise for an upcoming guest. Book online through April 30, 2014 for travel May 1 – Nov. 15, 2014, and one lucky traveler will find a zero balance at check-out for all components of their stay booked in advance at www.grandlucayan.com, including accommodations, dining and activities such as golf and spa.*

Grand Lucayan has adopted the theme, “The Year of Yes” for 2014. The classic Bahamian retreat wants to inspire travelers to live in the moment and say “Yes!” to adventure and opportunity at every turn.  Whether a trip to discover new food, culture, or peace of mind is on the bucket list, Grand Lucayan vows to deliver the ultimate authentic Bahamian getaway with the utmost care and enthusiasm.  For more information, visit www.grandlucayan.com or call (877) 434-2996 for details.

*Restrictions apply:  Only bookings made through grandlucayan.com are eligible for prize.  Items purchased or consumed after check-in will be the responsibility of the winner.  Airfare not included.  The offer is non-endorsable, non-negotiable, non-refundable, has no cash value. Additional restrictions may apply.  The winner will be notified on April 30.

About Grand Lucayan, Bahamas

Located on Grand Bahama Island, Grand Lucayan, the Bahamas has 542 guest rooms and suites and is situated along an expansive 7.5-acre beach with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas offers some of the finest amenities in the Caribbean. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations,  a selection of restaurants, three swimming pools, , four tennis courts – all offering Grand Slam surfaces, a 25,000 square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, 18-hole championship golf course – The Reef Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a Las Vegas-style casino. Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/grandlucayan or follow us on Twitter, @grandlucayan.

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The Bubble Beach Spa Dominica A Tranquil Oasis

Friday, March 21, 2014

“Visiting Dominica soon? Do you need to enjoy a warm tranquil, relaxing outdoor spa? Well, look no further, visit the “Bubble Beach Spa”

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he Bubble Beach Spa is located in the small fishing village of Soufriere which is about 30 minutes outside of the Capital city of Roseau. The makeshift spa was set up by Dale Mitchell, who also runs the daily operations. He’s used stones and pebbles to enclose an area where the water is at its hottest so you can sit and enjoy the very warm sea water. The area also includes a small concession area, changing rooms, bar, a massage bungalow, and a small piece of beach for those who wish to sunbathe.

Bubble Beach Spa

Dale created the spa so that people could better take advantage of the incredibly warm sulphur spring bubbling up from the ground here.

The Bubble Beach Spa is right in front of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mark. In exchange for the services he merely asks you to put a donation in the box to keep the beach clean.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Mark - Bubble Beach Spa

 

How to get there…

To get to Soufriere by bus, walk straight ahead from the cruise ship terminal past the souvenir market and directly behind is where buses leave for Soufriere. The fare is 4 EC$ and the drivers or you can bargain for a lower price.

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Seaborne Airlines Takes Off to St. Maarteen

Monday, March 3, 2014

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tarting today, Seaborne Airlines, the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean, begins new non-stop daily service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to The Princess Julianna International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten becoming the 19th airport Seaborne has launched during its expansion throughout the Caribbean

From the breathtaking cliffs of Cupecoy to gorgeous sandy beaches like Maho Beach, St. Maarten boasts many popular attractions and nightlife, only minutes away from Puerto Rico. 

 

Non-Stop Daily Flights

·        San Juan, PR (SJU) Departure Time 6:45pm

·        St. Maarten (SXM) Arrival Time 7:45pm

·        St. Maarten (SXM) Departure Time 8:00am

·        San Juan, PR (SJU) Arrival Time 9:10am

 

Fares from San Juan to St. Maarten begin as low as $88 one way, taxes and fees included. Flights can be reserved via SeaborneAirlines.com, Expedia, Travelocity or through your local travel agency. 

"St. Maarten is yet another exciting destination in the Caribbean that Seaborne is offering to our customers, as we build important trade and tourism links throughout the Caribbean" said Gary D. Foss, president and chief executive officer Seaborne Airlines.  

Seaborne has shown dramatic growth during the past months. Just recently, Seaborne announced service to its 18th airport, Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) with non-stop service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) effective April 15, 2014.   Santo Domingo will be Seaborne's fourth destination within the Dominican Republic, the others being La Romana, started in December, 2013; Punta Cana beginning February 14, 2014 and Santiago beginning March 15th, 2014. For more information please visit www.seaborneairlines.com or follow us in social media networks: facebook/seaborne and @flyseaborne.

Seaborne recently announced the relocation of its headquarters to San Juan, Puerto Rico to be effective in March, 2014.  

About Seaborne Airlines   Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 20 years, carrying over two million customers safely. With over 2,100 monthly departures to eighteen airports planned by April, 2014. Seaborne serves San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Vieques, St. Thomas airport and seaplane base, St. Croix airport and seaplane base, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Romana, Dominican Republic, St. Kitts, Nevis, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in February, 2014; and St. Maarten and Santiago, Dominican Republic in March 2014 .  All flights operate with two pilots and twin engines under Federal Air Regulation Part 121, the strictest code of the US Federal Air Regulation governing air travel. 

 

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Caribbean Most Romantic Places to Visit

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Love is in the air……

Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina

 

 

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or those who were trapped under the dome of Arctic air that camped out over much of North America this winter, the mere sight of a living palm tree may be enough to evoke euphoria. Add a warm wind and turquoise water and you have the perfect recipe for romance. If you're thinking of heading south for Valentine's Day, here are 10 trips that ought to be on your list

 

Hit the hot spot, Antigua

With five separate wedding gazebos scattered across 30 acres of beachfront at the head of Antigua's Long Bay, the Verandah Resort & Spa may well have the highest density of nuptial nooks in the Caribbean. Even if you're not getting married, the place reeks of romance. In fact, this Elite Island hideaway was recently featured on The Bachelorette. There are pools, gazebos, beaches, gazebos, beach bars, gazebos, a spa, gazebos, tennis, gazebos and of course that stunning electric blue water rimmed by lush tropical foliage and overlooked by -- gazebos. Still not sure? The Verandah has created a Valentine's Day sale special for USA TODAY readers: Luxury accommodations in a water-view suite; one couple's spa treatment plus a single spa treatment; all dining and beverages including beer, wine and premium spirits; non-motorized watersports; and a program of activities. All-inclusive rates start at $183 per person, per night, based on double occupancy in a water-view suite — a savings of more than 50% from the usual rates. The offer is valid for a stay of at least five nights between March 1 and March 31. Book by February 16, by visiting verandahresortandspa.com\prexclusives or by calling 800-274-0008.

Come sail away, British Virgin Islands

You'll definitely be feeling it when you step aboard Feel The Magic, a 50-foot luxury catamaran that cruises the British Virgin Islands. Crewed by Captain Hank Hampton and chef/sommelier Micheale Zazo, the sailing yacht can host eight guests — or just two special passengers. The BVIs are one of the world's most popular sailing destinations: The islands are close together with spectacular scenery above and below the water. Some of the Caribbean's iconic images were taken here at places like The Baths, Virgin Gorda; Fallen Jerusalem; and Road Town, Tortola. Aside from toys — skis, wakeboards, scuba — to help you enjoy all that gorgeous water, you'll dine in style, too. Zazo won the 2012 and 2013 Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Show culinary contest. As a Valentine's present to their guests, the Feel The Magic crew is offering 10% off on a seven day/six night cruise for dates between Feb. 10 and Feb. 20. The special includes a filet and lobster dinner paired with fine wines plus champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries. Rates start at about $290 a night per person with a full complement of eight passengers. For more information, visit ftmcharters.com.

Chocolate lovers, British Virgin Islands

As spectacular as the BVI seascapes are the islands are just as stunning, even one with the unlikely name of Scrub Island. Don't let the name fool you: It's Caribbean tropical gorgeous. And for Valentine's Day the Scrub Island Resort is cooking up a whole lotta chocolate. The resort is on its own private island and features three beaches — one accessible only by kayak — the Ixora Spa, oceanfront accommodations overlooking the picturesque marina, acclaimed restaurants, pool, sailor's bar and more. And then, there's the chocolate. The Sweet Surf package includes a three-night stay in an Ocean View Suite, unlimited use of sea kayaks and paddle boards, resort ferry, 24-hour on-island transportation, and complimentary airport transfers from Tortola, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival, a two-hour private surf lesson for two, a romantic dinner in Caravela restaurant, couples massage at Ixora Spa with Peppermint Mocha or Dark Chocolate and Coconut body polish, daily chocolate breakfast for two with enough chocolate-flavored foods (pancakes, waffles, pastries, crepes, cake, drinks and more) to satisfy an epic sweet tooth. But wait, there's more: During February the resort will also host a succession of chocolate-themed dinners and events, from a sunset cocktail party to a seven-course gourmet meal to a stay in the "Love Huts" on the beach to a chocolate martini mixology class with Hershey Entertainment mixologist Karl McCall. The price is pretty sweet, too: $2,775 per couple. Devour the details by visiting scrubisland.com or call 877-890-7444.

Nevis nights

Long before Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was immortalized in stone in London's Trafalgar Square, he married the love of his life, Fanny Nisbet, at her father's sugar plantation in Nevis. The plantation, Montpelier, eventually collapsed along with the sugar trade, but it's been revived as an exquisite boutique hotel, part of the elite Relais & Chateaux association. The renovated Montpelier Plantation & Beach mixes traditional fieldstone details with a modern aesthetic, and just walking around you could fall deeply in love with the property — and each other. Couples who book a romance package during February will enjoy chocolate presentations and chocolate treats handmade by the executive chef throughout their stay. Romance packages start at $920 per person for a seven-night stay in a premier room, daily breakfast, dinner at the acclaimed Restaurant 750, 60-minute couples massage and a private picnic on Montpelier's beach. For more information visit montpeliernevis.com or call 869-469-3462.

Find your thrill, Jamaica

Fats Domino might have sung about Strawberry Hill instead of Blueberry Hill if he'd seen this spectacular Island Outpost property, perched 3,100 feet above sea level in the Blue Mountains overlooking Kingston. In the 1970s, the plantation was purchased by Island Records mogul Chris Blackwell and his most important artist, Bob Marley, was a frequent guest. An award-winning rebuild changed the property from picturesque to stunning. Today there's an infinity edge pool at the brink of the cliff overlooking Kingston and 12 colonial style cottages scattered across the grounds. The restaurant serves up "gentrified" Jamaican staples and modern dishes, there's a spa and, at night, all of Kingston lit up and glittering at your feet. Special rates for a minimum three-night stay start at $350 a night for a studio and include transfers, Continental breakfast and a dinner for two. There are few rooms and many eager guests, so act fast by visiting strawberryhillhotel.com or call 800-232-4972.

Cloud nine, Costa Rica

Is there anyone who doesn't like surf 'n' turf? This year, Greentique Hotels has cooked up the Seventh Heaven Vacation Combo that allows visitors to experience two of Costa Rica's most intriguing destinations. The seven-night package includes three nights at Villa Blanca Cloud Forest hotel and Nature Reserve plus four more at the seaside Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge. Villa Blanca includes hilltop casitas and a hacienda near the Arenal volcano (tour included) with its thermal hot springs and surrounded by tropical forest. Si Como No Resort accommodations are also on a hilltop, but overlook the ocean and the beaches of Manuel Antonio. With your head in the clouds and your toes in the sand what else could you want? Both properties have pools, spas and a full menu of wildlife and adventure tours to choose from. Rates start at $1,040 per person; visit villablanca-costarica.com or call 877-256-8399.

Take flight, Barbados

First opened as a resort in 1887, The Crane is one of those British traditions that just keeps running like a well-built railroad watch. The resort is understated and opulent, and where the rich and famous go to tactfully disappear for a few treasured days of R&R. Barbados is home to many spectacular beaches, Crane Beach just below the hotel being the most famous among them. Accommodations are available either in the hotel or in private villas on property, with the full gamut of amenities up to a penthouse suite with a private pool. The Romance Package starts at $3,100 for a five-night stay in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite, transfers, dinner for two at L'Azure and a catamaran cruise plus an $80 spa credit to help you relax from all that relaxation. Find out more at thecrane.com.

Eco-adventuring, Bahamas

Even before your plane lands you'll see why the Abacos are a great yachting destination: miles of crystalline blue water. The Spanish called this area "Baha Mar," the shallow sea, and above and below the surface, are a profusion of coral, fish, birds and turtles that make this an eco-paradise. Within sight of the distinctive candy-cane-striped Elbow Reef lighthouse, the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina is the perfect location for doing everything — or nothing at all. Accommodations are in oceanfront rooms or suites, in two-bedroom cottages or in villas. There's a private beach, pools, tennis courts and boat rentals and guides to take you to one of the nearby national parks such as Pelican Cays or Walkers Cay. In between your eco-adventures, unwind with the Romance Retreat package which includes: oceanfront accommodations for three nights, flowers in your room upon arrival, daily breakfast for two at Angler's restaurant, ferry transfer to nearby Elbow Cay and golf cart rental to explore the historic Hope Town, romantic dinner overlooking the beach including a bottle of wine, morning couples massage overlooking the beach, fenter console boat rental and guide to explore the surrounding beaches and cays, private gourmet beach picnic complete with Champagne. Rates start from $859 per person (double occupancy) for travel before Feb. 28. Visit abacobeachresort.com or call 800-533-4799.

Quick cruising, Bahamas

Looking for a quick fix of sun and sea? Consider a four-day cruise from Miami through the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. The ship will leave the Port of Miami on Feb. 10 and make stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Grand Bahama and then back to Miami on Feb. 14. The Sky is a large ship — 4,100 passengers — so it has all of the amenities: two swimming pools, five hot tubs, a Mandara Spa, a casino, five restaurants, shops, golf driving range, basketball/volleyball court, fitness center, bars, entertainment lounge and more. The cruise is well priced: interior staterooms start at $149 per person. For details visit ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/vacations#tab_detail or call 866-234-7350.

Home suite home, Cancun

If you're looking for plush, posh and pampering for your Valentine's getaway, check out the new all-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. This is an ownership community with all-suite accommodations designed as private residences. When the owners aren't at home, you can enjoy the granite counters, big bedrooms and private terraces plus all of the amenities of a high-end resort: beach, pool, gourmet dining, spa and salon. The resort is set on a sprawling and secluded beachfront south of Cancún — close enough for easy access yet away from the crowds. The Grand Valentine's Day package includes a spacious junior suite, welcome gift and complimentary Champagne on arrival, four-course candlelit dinner on the beach prepared by Executive Chef Yann Michel Cozic, complete with live music and a bottle of Champagne hidden in the sand, special turndown service of scattered flower petals and scented candles placed in the room, a 90-minute couples' massage at The Spa and Champagne sunset cruise aboard a private yacht. here comes the good part: The package starts at $1,190 for two for a two-night stay between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28. Visit grandresidencesrivieracancun.com or call 888-387-4702.

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WEDDING & HONEYMOON:Best Caribbean Destination Wedding Locations

Thursday, December 5, 2013

THE BAHAMAS: This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste -- enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a mega resort. Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. Since the Bahamas are just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests.

The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's best to avoid the area June through November.

Need a great hotel for your big day One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island. This seaside resort's Versailles-inspired terraced garden is a unique ceremony location that accommodates up to 120 guests. Villas perched above the beach feature private infinity pools, and villa guests are offered iPods for use during their stay. Most rooms on the property have sweeping views of the ocean.

GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS : If you're looking for fun and something a little different, Grand Cayman has plenty to offer. The East End is laid-back and timeless; the west side is where the action is. Here you'll find one of the Caribbean's finest strands: Seven Mile Beach, lined with hotels catering to beach brides and with ballrooms for those who don't want sand in their shoes. Hotels here are top-notch, with a mix of established brands (think Westin and The Ritz-Carlton), plus a great array of private condo-style resorts like The Reef and Caribbean Club. The vendors, from florists to photographers to caterers, are some of the best in the region. Create indelible memories with a group snorkel trip to Stingray City.

ST. BARTS: Anyone who laments the demise of the so-called beautiful people hasn't been to St. Barts in high season recently. Fashionistas and their ilk adopted the French isle as their Caribbean St-Tropez long ago, and they keep coming back for more of its fine beaches, beautiful buildings and superb food — all of which add up to an ambience that says the great life. That life is lived in elaborate villas and small hotels with swank names like Eden Rock and Le Toiny, at trendy watering holes, and in the boutiques and the byways of Gustavia, the picturesque capital. A long residency requirement for official weddings precludes legally getting married in St. Barts, but there's no shortage of stunning settings for a ceremonial vow exchange in the Caribbean's capital of chic.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: The D.R. is huge and varied, but for the purposes of an affordable Caribbean wedding, most plane rides lead to Punta Cana and Cap Cana, on the east coast. There you'll find endless stretches of palm-lined beaches that host an array of all-inclusive resorts, each virtually a destination itself, thanks to multiple pools, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and sports facilities. Different brands cater to every style and budget, sometimes within the same property; for instance, at the sweeping Paradisus Palma Real, guests can either stay in the main hotel or upgrade to the Reserve next door, with lacks extras like private concierge service and the Reserve-only restaurants. Best of all, these well-run complexes offer an array of wedding packages, planners and other on-site vendors to help you easily pull the whole thing off.

JAMAICA: Jamaica is a great spot to have a non-traditional wedding. The locals are up for just about anything (within reason!). If you're going to have a Jamaica wedding, take advantage of the Jamaican experience.

Whether it is a ceremony or an elaborate one, you will love the exotic settings that envision your perfect wedding. The ambiance is a blend of the splendor in natural and romantic surroundings which satisfies you with a true Jamaican experience. Start your lifetime memories in the ultimate location where Jamaica provides wedding  renewals, receptions, cruise ship beach side, wedding packages and exclusive wedding planning services in a personal, beautiful setting that redefines what you both together.

SAINT LUCIA: This Windward Island’s volcanic profile has been rising higher and higher in recent years, thanks to a deluge of new boutique hotels with a massive wow factor. Leading the way was Jade Mountain, a spectacular wing of the venerable Anse Chastanet, and neighboring Ladera, which just built an outdoor venue specifically for weddings. The southern Soufriere area is quieter and less developed. For more in the way of restaurants, nightlife and accommodations suitable for bigger parties, stay up north, where chic check-ins include three Sandals resorts and Cap Maison, seen in the finale of The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love. Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s prettiest destinations, rent a car and make the most of it.

Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book the perfect property for you and your guests.

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

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