The Hunt Is On

Back in March, I first blogged about Curaçao's Hidden Treasure campaign. After receiving nearly a half-million entries this summer and awarding 70 four-night trips for two to the island, the Curaçao Tourism Board - hosts of the event - have just announced the 10 finalists from the bunch who will compete in a real treasure hunt from August 23 to 25. At stake? The winner of the race will take home $500,000!

I just returned from Curaçao earlier this month and I definitely thought it was a gem among Caribbean islands, so even for the free trip alone this is a cool promotion. But a half-million dollars isn't too shabby either. To learn more about the contest and follow the winners on their quest, check out the official Hidden Treasure web site. Then hop over to our own contest page for more ways you can win a trip yourself.

The Hunt Is On

Summer Lovin'

Maybe it's just the steamy temperatures, but love is definitely in the air this summer - at least according to the many romantic vacation packages we've found this week.

BERMUDA

At Bermuda's AAA Four-Diamond Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, lovebirds can enjoy a little R&R with the Romance & Resort Credits package, offering a bottle of champagne, breakfast in bed, a 50-minute couple's massage, and your choice of either a three-day moped rental to explore the island, or a $200 resort credit. The package is a $900 add-on to general rates, which start at $590 per night double occupancy for a water-view room. Just stay a minimum of four nights and you'll enjoy a $400 resort credit too.

BELIZE

Eco-lovers can head to Belize where the all-inclusive Cayo Espanto is offering a seven-night Ultimate Romance package for $7,995 per couple that includes accommodations in an over-water bungalow, a half-day private boat charter and snorkel excursion to Hol Chan, one massage treatment per person and a bottle of bubbly. If you can't spare the whole week, the private-island resort also offers a three-night package for $3,995. Both packages are inclusive of taxes and resort fees.

TURKS & CAICOS

Over in the Turks & Caicos, the 91-room luxury Gansevoort resort on Grace Bay Beach is offering its Steal Away package that includes a junior ocean-view suite, daily breakfast á deux, a daily "Exhale" mind-and-body class for two, welcome cocktails and a 35-percent discount on spa services at the Exhale Spa, all starting at $295 per night double occupancy.

Also in the Turks & Caicos, the luxury boutique Point Grace hotel has put together a new Do Your Own Thing package for sweethearts seeking a little alone time. Starting at $2,022 per couple, the five-night package includes accommodations in a Cottage Suite, daily continental breakfast and cocktail hour, a candlelit dinner at Grace's Cottage restaurant, airport transfers and private on-site shuttle service between amenities, as well as special "his" and "hers" perks like a 3-hour spa experience and 18-holes of golf at the Provo Golf Club.

BAHAMAS

And just a short hop over to the Bahamas, the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island is offering a five-night Romance in Paradise package starting at $4,981 per couple that includes a 15-percent savings on accommodations as well as a welcome bottle of Tattinger Brut, daily breakfast, two 140-minute massages, romantic turndown service and plush bathrobes to keep. Taxes, resort fees and housekeeping gratuities are also included.

Some of these romance packages are only available through the end of the summer, so check each resort's site for blackout dates and other details. Not in the mood for love? Check out our Editor's Picks for other great deals around the Caribbean.

Summer Lovin'

Bare Feetin' with Barefoot

See this guy? Notice his feet. No shoes. That's why they call him Barefoot Man. That thing in his hand? His life. Where does he do it? Wherever that crap hanging from his ceiling washes up. Why do you want to see him? Because wherever he plays it's bound to be a good time.

That's especially true at a funky beach hideaway on Guana Cay in the Bahamas. The name? Nippers Beach Bar. Barefoot Man, a.k.a. George Nowak, only plays Nippers a few times a year (he has a full time gig at The Reef on Grand Cayman). When he does, you bet he tears. it. up.

On July 24th around noonish (it's island time) and July 25th for dinner (be sure to book reservations in advance), you too can catch the shoeless one singing favorites like "Layin' Low in Abaco" or "When They Cut You Off at Nippers" when you're layin' low in Abaco or as your friends drag your noodle-like body out of Nippers. Dance to other favorites like She Loves my Deck, Save the Lap Dance for Me and Victoria's Got a Secret. And do it all like Barefoot: barefoot.

Bare Feetin' with Barefoot

My Life in Ruins

You know how sometimes you dream about going somewhere and then when you finally visit it doesn’t look half as beautiful as it did in all the photos? Tulum is definitely not one of those places.

As I found out much to my delight on my maiden journey there last week, photos you’ve seen of the seemingly endless stretches of bone-white sand and post-card perfect turquoise waters hardly do it justice. Tulum is even more enchanting in the flesh, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Mayan ruins in the off-the-grid Mexican oasis.


It was a blustery and rainy day when staff photographer Zach and I joined the throng of day-trippers traipsing the dirt road towards the centuries-old site, but when we finally reached the ruins’ famous cliffside Castillo it was every bit as stunning as it appears in photos, even in less-than-perfect weather. The ruins themselves are totally awe-inspiring (beats me how they built those complex structures entirely by hand) and as for the beach … well, put it this way: once I caught sight of it, I charged down the wooden staircase and plunged straight into the surf, even though I didn’t have a towel or change of clothes.


Despite my amateur photo-taking skills, I think you can appreciate the raw beauty of the scene. Trust me; as I sit here in the throes of yet another sticky South Florida summer, I’m seriously contemplating booking the next flight back.

My Life in Ruins

Cayman A Go-Go

Breaking news for those of you lucky enough to live in or near one of Cayman Airway's hub cities (New York, Tampa and Miami): The airline just announced a (very) limited-time buy-one-get-one-free ticket offer. Book a round-trip ticket from one of those cities by June 26th and your companion flies free. The offer is good through September 30 - just call 1-800-422-9626 or surf over to caymanairways.com. Have fun!

Cayman A Go-Go

It's a Tough Job

At left was my office for my last three days on St. John last week. Not bad, eh? The view is of the East End of St. John in the foreground and Tortola, BVI behind it. In fact, my phone was picking up a signal from a BVI cell tower, I was so close. Pictured is the deck of the adorable 1-bedroom villa where I stayed, called Sun, Moon and Stars, managed by a gem of a tour guide named Bonny and Wimco, a great rental company we’ve mentioned in many a villa story. I’ll be featuring some of their newest and most recently renovated villas in an upcoming “Just Back St. John,” including one called Into the Mystic, which was unfortunately booked while I was there.

I’m sure there are other fans of HGTV’s House Hunters International out there — really, what’s better than a travel show that lets you peep into other people’s houses? Other people’s exotic houses? So imagine my glee when, lounging on my couch the very night after I arrived home, what island should be featured on my fave show but St. John? And guess which villa the lucky couple bought? Yep, Into the Mystic; so I got my tour after all. I’m sure it’ll come up again on reruns; until then, check the Wimco site for a beautiful St. John villa for your own stay. wimco.com

It's a Tough Job

Taking Flight

This summer, airline announcements have been taking over our inboxes; we can’t seem to go a week without posting about new routes and reduced fares. But that’s great news for Caribbean vacationers, as more and better flights to our favorite destinations continue to pop up by the day — and at unbelievably low prices.

Delta and American are both planning to increase their regular service to the USVI by the end of the year. Delta will be adding flights from its Atlanta hub to St. Thomas for a total of four nonstop flights per day, with an additional twice-weekly service out of New York’s JFK; and American will be increasing service to St. Croix from its usual seven flights per week to ten out of Miami, beginning December 19.

Air Jamaica has also announced a new twice-weekly service between JFK and Barbados for the summer, beginning July 2 and running through August 30. To simplify your travel planning, the airline is even offering a special Bajan Invasion vacation package starting at $500 per person that includes round-trip airfare, three nights double occupancy at the Rostrevor Hotel, round-trip airport transfers, and a complimentary Gourmet Card that gives you 25-percent off at some of the island’s finest restaurants.

Airfares are forecasted to remain low at least through the summer, and there are more flights than ever from major US hubs to tons of our favorite Caribbean islands, so what are you waiting for?

Taking Flight

Taking a Hike

Last week in St. John, I took a break from the beach to hike the lovely Reef Bay Trail, one of the most popular in the USVI National Park. It's 2.5 miles downhill (works for me!), and at the end there's beautiful deserted bay and beaches. Encyclopediac rangers lead the hikes, pointing out flora and fauna as you go; as you descend through the moist subtropical forest, watch out for some of the wildlife I've pictured here. That spider's the size of a kitten. Near the end of the trail, you'll encounter the ruins of the Reef Bay sugar mill, now home to a huge population of hermit crabs and bats. I unfortunately didn't photograph the ruins because I desperately needed to use the "Lady Bird Johnson" facilities. Seems the former first lady hiked the Reef Bay Trail herself in the early 1960s, and when she enquired about a restroom, the ranger indicated that it was all around her with a broad sweep of his hand. Upon her return to the mainland, Lady Bird generously donated the money for the outhouse that now bears her name. At the end of the trail is the big payoff: a stretch of deserted beach and nearly undisturbed green hillsides hug a quiet blue bay. If you're interested in participating in the hike on your visit to St. John, the park service runs guided tours on Mondays and Thursdays, but they fill up fast.

Go to www.nps.gov/viis and reserve a spot far in advance. Happy hiking!

Taking a Hike

Montserrat on the Cheap

Caribbean carrier Winair just announced a special 4-day sale on tickets between Antigua and Montserrat, so if you've been thinking about a summer trip, here's your chance to check out the volcanic isle for just $39 each way. I've posted blogs in the past about how difficult (i.e. expensive) it is to get to this Caribbean gem, so this reduced fare is big news. Just book your trip online by June 22 for travel through September 30.

Montserrat on the Cheap

Father's Day Getaway

This Father's Day, skip the new tie and give dad what he really wants...a little pampering and a lot of golf. Barbados' five-star Sandy Lane resort has created a special Golf and Spa package for the summer that includes one full-body massage per person at the on-site Spa at Sandy Lane, plus four complimentary rounds of golf per person during any seven-night stay. Can't get away for the full week? Just stay for five nights and you'll still enjoy the massage plus two rounds of golf.

Sandy Lane is home to 45 holes on three renowned courses, including the famed Green Monkey course, and it was even selected as one of our own Featured Golf properties recently. Rates for the vacation package start at $4,000 double occupancy for a five-night stay in Orchid Room accommodations - a price that includes the fifth night free - and the deal is valid all summer through October 31.

Can't get enough Caribbean golf? Don't forget to check out our new feature on Country Clubs Away from Home.

Father's Day Getaway

Ahoy Mateys

Visitors to the Caribbean know that the islands are speckled with interesting characters, and St. John, USVI is certainly home to its fair share (maybe more than its fair share). Seated on my right a few nights ago at Skinny Legs bar in Coral Bay was a gentleman named Pirate Bill, whom I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to speak with, because of the two other gentlemen, both named Jim, who held my attention the entire time. Last night I ventured to another nearby watering hole, Island Blues, in part to see if Bill was there; luckily for me, he was. He introduced himself as Pirate Bill, and said "You were the one playing on that little box all night," to me. Guilty as charged: I just got my first BlackBerry, and have become a sad addict.

Barefoot, with a shirt that seemed fashioned out of a sail, a necklace made of Pieces of Eight, a beard down to his chest and long white hair hidden partially by a bandanna that I swear had a treasure map imprinted on it, Bill certainly looked the part of pirate. Bill's the kind of guy who's been in the right place at the right time for years: He was in Vegas in the 1950s, when The Strip ended in a gravel road, and knew the Rat Pack guys, "They did their thing, I did mine," which in this case was outfitting every bar in town with pool tables. Oh, and Paul Newman's room when he came to Vegas for his movie The Hustler. Then he was off to British Columbia in the 1960s, where he wanted me to know they weren't doing anything, um, illegal, before he got there, but by the time he left, there were clouds of, um, incense, everywhere. Running from the law, he ended up in Key West during the 1970s, where he was part of the diving team that discovered the wreck of the Spanish ship the Atocha, sunk on December 6, 1622, and loaded to the brim with silver, rubies, emeralds and coins — four of which you can see displayed in his necklace. Bill chatted with me about diving in those days, about treasure hunting, about his kids and about St. John, where he's been for the last 30 years, for a few hours before hitting the road. He's undoubtedly one of the coolest characters I've ever met on my travels, but that's the beauty of the Caribbean — characters like Bill are everywhere.

Ahoy Mateys

In Search of the Perfect Margarita

Is it too much to ask for a good margarita... IN MEXICO?? Sure, the cocktail was supposedly invented in or near the country and is probably the most-ordered drink in these parts after good old cerveza. So why, in our journey up and down the Riviera Maya, have Sarah and I encountered so many ill-fated attempts?

We can't answer that, but we can tell you that Grand Velas' Frida restaurant (just outside Playa del Carmen) does it right. Not only did we have margaritas made to perfection (in guava, mango, cucumber, and traditional lime flavors), but they even wheeled a mini bar to our table and prepared them right in front of our watering mouths. Sarah wasn't up to the challenge of sampling all four (she can't hang), but she took a liking to the chili-salt rimmed glass that's a specialty of the house. It's a must-try.

We've moved on to Tulum, and after a long day of "information gathering," we're sorry to report we haven't yet found a margarita that can compete. We have a couple more days in Mexico, so lend us a hand. Where can we find an excelente margarita?

Sincerely,

Stumped South of the Border

In Search of the Perfect Margarita

Everything's Going to be Okay

Hi all, blogging from the lush, verdant isle of St. John, USVI, where part of the reason it's so green right now is the rain that's been falling intermittently for the last week. It's also led to an affliction I like to call Mosquito Pincushionitis, whereby my legs look like a game of connect-the- dots, but never mind: Rain or shine, it's hands down one of my favorite destinations, for the beaches (sublime), the people (incredibly welcoming), the scenery (see for yourself), the food (it's detox for a week when I get home) and the great resorts like Caneel Bay, where I had the good fortune to stay for three nights earlier this week, in Cottage Seven no less, renowned for being the one occupied by Brangelina and brood on their visit to the island in 2007. Not that I read any of the celebrity rags or care about stuff like this (ahem) but let's just say I was tickled (haha) to find myself the occupant of the room I came to find out was the massage room for the cellulite-free couple.

Caneel's one of those places the rich and famous can go to hide. With 166 rooms spread over 170 acres, the place can be full and still feel deliciously empty. Luckily the paparazzi left me alone, and I was free to wander the grounds, as well as stuff myself silly, both literally and figuratively on everything the resort has to offer: I ate, I snorkeled, I kayaked, I ate, I lazed on the beaches, I ate - you get the idea. In short, it was a great three days; from the moment we boarded the Lady Caneel ferry in St. Thomas until the moment we checked out. Even if it wasn't before, at Caneel Bay, everything is, in fact, okay.

Everything's Going to be Okay

A Different Kind of Souvenir

I've come to accept that there's such a thing as travel karma. I'm one of those lucky souls who is fortunate enough to explore the Caribbean pretty regularly, checking out boutique hotels, indulging in heavenly spa treatments, sampling delicious local cuisine and venturing out on a slew of exotic day trips and island activities...and I get paid to do this. With so many of these work-cations, I'll admit it's easy to lose perspective. But lest I start to feel too pampered, the trusty travel gods seem always to be patiently waiting in the wings, looking for just the right time to balance the scales of fairness.

I wrote in an old post about my excellent travel mojo, as I've spent much of my life journeying to this destination or that, usually on schedule and without any problems. Those days appear to be over for me. Returning from an incredible week in Curaçao yesterday, my neatly scheduled itinerary began to unravel at the tender hour of 6:30 AM, when I learned that my first flight was delayed beyond the point of my connecting flight in Miami...and there would be no other flights home for another 8 hours. Arriving on the mainland, I decided that since I live just three hours north of Miami, a rental car was a no-brainer. Funny. In fact it took me six hours, punctuated by so many ridiculous mishaps that I dare not list them all here. But the highlights included a torrential Florida-summer rainstorm that backed up I-95 traffic for miles, and then later cruising on fumes into a lone - and very much needed - gas station that had managed to somehow run out of gas.

My favorite part of all, though, was finally reaching home (at the time I would have landed on the late connection anyway) and finding that a forgotten bag of chocolate truffles from the previous night's turn-down service had found its way into my carry-on, then had melted its way into all of the techie and presumably important crevices of my laptop. Despite my best efforts to clean the chocolate-coated computer with baby wipes and q-tips, I was forced to bring it to the IT department this morning and explain the entire story. Three hours of careful repairs later, I'm now blogging from that very laptop - but with the caveat from IT to "watch for any unusual electrical sparks" today.

I'm finding that travel isn't always the glossy two-page spread of an idyllic Caribbean location. It isn't always the story of finding tranquility and relaxation on a secluded beach. It isn't always romantic, or even on schedule. But for all of its many surprises, travel is always an adventure, and I haven't found a Caribbean destination yet that isn't worth it all. As for me and my chocolate laptop, we'll be heading off on another journey next week - and I can't wait.

A Different Kind of Souvenir

New Caribbean Flights

Here's some cool airline news to kick off the week...

Delta just announced a second weekly non-stop flight from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), beginning December 23. The new flight will operate round-trip on Wednesdays to complement the current round-trip schedule on Saturdays, making it even more convenient to get to the island from over 90 Delta hubs in the U.S. and Canada.

And in JetBlue news, the airline just unveiled a new non-stop route between New York (JFK) and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Bridgetown, Barbados, beginning October 1. And for a limited time, the airline is offering a $99 one-way fare for travel through November 14...just book by June 17 to take advantage of the rate.

New Caribbean Flights

Bienvenido a Mexico!

I’ve stayed at some nice hotels in my time, and more often than not there’s some little token of welcome waiting for me in my room. You know, cheese flights, fresh flowers, maybe a bottle of champagne or a fruit plate. But I can’t say that I’ve ever been welcomed quite like this:



Yep, right next to the fancy-pants espresso machine and the selection of teas in my suite at the posh Grand Velas on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a bottle of Don Julio Reposado, complete with all the fixings for a celebratory shot – or two. And lest you think the resort is rolling out the red carpet just for me, my butler (ahem!) informs me that tequila service comes standard in every suite.

I'm not much of a tequila gal myself, but it's a nice touch, no?

Bienvenido a Mexico!

Marriott Deal of the Day

This just in: Marriott is offering 50-percent off room rates at the newly renovated Aruba Marriott Resort through August 31, with rooms starting at just $135 per night. But there's a catch. You have to book your trip by 7 AM Eastern tomorrow - June 12 - to take advantage of the savings.

Check out the Marriott Deal of the Day web site for more information, then book online or by calling 800-721-6996. Be sure to use promotion code DOD when you book.

Marriott Deal of the Day

Caribbean Travel + Life Awards

We're proud to announce that two of our contributors won big awards today from the Caribbean Tourism Organization...

David Swanson took Best Magazine Feature for our Top 25 All-Star Affordable Hotels from the May 2008 issue, and Jim Schnepf won the award for Best Photograph for the opener to our October 2008 feature on Nevis.

Congratulations to the two of them, and many thanks for making us look good.

Caribbean Travel + Life Awards

Stuffed at the Renaissance Curaçao

I just arrived in Curaçao this afternoon, and like any responsible foodie, I decided to spend the rest of the day eating. About two hours after inhaling an overproportioned lunch of fresh seafood salad and rice, I rightly decided it was time for some authentic Curaçaoan appetizers, so I headed downstairs to the Renaissance Curaçao's Blue Bar and I noshed on bitterballen - the national dish of spiced, battered meatballs soaked in mustard - then washed them down with the resort's signature (and as yet unnamed) cocktail of light rum, amaretto, fruit juice, green curaçao and champagne. Yum!

Feeling sufficiently stuffed by the time I cashed out, the only obvious thing to do next was head to dinner, so I joined some friends at the Renaissance Curaçao's private Eternity Beach for a private, candlelit dinner at sunset. Yes, totally romantic, if there weren't 9 of us.

As we grazed on yummy smoked tuna, lamb chops and marinated chicken breast, I should have been thinking about the resort's new fitness center where I'll be spending my early morning hours tomorrow in penance for my food sins - but instead, I couldn't stop thinking about the cool outdoor setting where we were dining. Because the four-month old Marriott-owned property decided to set up shop right in the heart of Willemstad, there was no "beach" to speak of, so the resort got creative and made one from scratch - complete with a sandy bottom, infinity edge and real saltwater straight from the sea. There are even real fishies in it. And it's all on the second floor.

The resort uses the venue as a guest-exclusive beach by day, but it can be rented for weddings, proposals or special events anytime. Even if you're not totally sold on the man-made beach idea just yet, the Renaissance makes a convincing argument for checking out a private dinner there with their Sweet Temptations - mini indulgences like chocolate mousse and crème brulée to end the night. Sold!

Stuffed at the Renaissance Curaçao

Winning Dives

Bonaire's well known as a green destination, and this year the eco-friendly island is going to make two of the divers among you very, very happy. Enter any time from today until July 31st for the chance to visit during Celebrate Our Planet week, held from August 15-22 and hosted by famed oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. The winner of the contest will receive an 8-day/7-night hotel stay at Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire including room, transfers, daily buffet breakfast, 6 days of unlimited shore diving and complimentary airfare on Continental Airlines. All you've got to do is surf over to Bonaire's tourism site at tourismbonaire.com. Good luck, and if you're looking for a plus one to take on the trip, I'm available.

Winning Dives

Choice Rewards

At Caribbean Travel + Life, we love to uncover the hidden gems of each destination - particularly unique, boutique and authentically Caribbean places to stay. We highlight these Rare Finds in most issues, and we reveal many of our other favorites in features and blogs throughout the year.

But we also know that when travel budgets are tight, it's great to have a few chain hotel brands to throw in the mix as well. And one brand that does mid-priced lodging right is Choice Hotels, with budget-friendly properties scattered throughout the Caribbean in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Turks & Caicos.

Through August 13, guests who visit select Choice properties – including the brands Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion and more – can sign up to receive Choice Privileges points for their stay. For every third qualifying stay, guests will have earned enough of these points for a prepaid $50 cash card with no strings attached – and there's no limit to how many of the cards you can earn. That's all in addition to their affordable summer rates and other incentives like an airline mileage rewards program and free-nights promotions.

Just log on to the Choice Hotels web site to check out their vacation packages and to sign up for the rewards program. Then book online or by calling 800-4-CHOICE.

Choice Rewards

Sweetening the Deal with Spas

Among the more pleasant side-effects of the struggling economy are the seemingly endless perks that many hotels and resorts have started lavishing on guests. Besides slashing room rates at properties across the Caribbean, many hoteliers are also heaping on the extras, like free rounds of golf, upgraded amenities, resort credits and - my favorite - complimentary spa treatments.

At the newly renovated Peter Island Resort & Spa in the BVI, guests can enjoy a ton of upgrades and spa goodies with the New Us, New You vacation package through October 31. The promotion includes a five night stay for the price of four, a 75-minute couple's massage and private yoga instruction for two, in addition to an American meal plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and amenities like windsurfing, snorkeling and biking - all starting at $2,780 double occupancy for the whole trip.

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino's new five-night minimum Escape! Spa package offers accommodations in the adult-exclusive Marina Hotel property with daily breakfast for two, along with a sampling of five separate spa treatments for two: a facial, scalp treatment, body exfoliation, Swedish massage and pedicure. It all starts at $398 per night double occupancy through December 21. Rates at the resort usually start in the mid- to high-$300s per night in low season, so the spa treatments are a pretty sweet perk for just a little more.

Check out all the details of these vacation packages on the Peter Island site and Renaissance Aruba site, and keep your eyes open for more great deals like these all summer.

Sweetening the Deal with Spas

Caribbean Sale on JetBlue

Speaking of St. Lucia, my favorite Caribbean carrier JetBlue just announced an inaugural service to the island's Hewanorra International Airport from New York (JFK). The flights - on sale since Wednesday - are valid for travel between October 26 and November 14. And for a limited time they're going for just $99 each way plus taxes.

Also included in the $99 one way fare promotion are two previous Caribbean destinations: Barbados and Kingston, Jamaica - though the promotional dates vary for those islands.

The sale ends June 17 so check out the JetBlue web site for more details and to book your trip...

Caribbean Sale on JetBlue