Hilton Caribbean Resort Credits

Got Facebook? Then you've also got an extra $50 in your pocket on your next Hilton Caribbean vacation. For a limited time, the resort chain is offering resort credit vouchers to all of its Facebook fans, redeemable on two-night-minimum stays through January 31, 2010. Just surf over to the Hilton Caribbean fan page to download the voucher and start planning your trip to a participating property like the Hilton Barbados, San Juan's Caribe Hilton, the Hilton Curaçao, Jamaica's Rose Hall Resort and more. And don't forget to check out our own Facebook page – and Twitter too! – for travel news, deals, trip reports and exclusive contests you won't find anywhere else.

Hilton Caribbean Resort Credits

St. Lucia Deals on JetBlue

To celebrate JetBlue's inaugural service between New York (JFK) and St. Lucia (UVF), the carrier is offering a limited-time special starting at just $129 each way. You only have till this Friday, October 20 to book it – but you can travel through February 8, 2010. Just log on to jetblue.com to reserve your seats, then surf over to our Editor's Picks page for exclusive savings at some of the island's top resorts like Ladera, Anse Chastanet and more.

St. Lucia Deals on JetBlue

Beach Tennis in Aruba

I've always been pretty athletically challenged, but that hasn't stopped me from trying every conceivable resort activity known to man whenever I travel. In the name of research, I've spent many a Caribbean trip playing bocce ball, beach volleyball, sand horseshoes – you name it. I'm fairly sure I look equally ridiculous playing all of them, but there seems to be no shortage of new beach games to try, and so I carry on. If you're like me and you feel the need to test your (lack of) coordination against all varieties of beach games, then you'll definitely want to head to the Aruba Marriott Resort next month for the 8th Annual International Beach Tennis Event, held from November 13 to 15 and hosting over 350 participants from more than 10 different countries. What exactly is beach tennis, you ask? I'm told it's a combination of beach volleyball and tennis, played on a sand court with special tennis "paddles" and depressurized tennis balls...and let's be honest, that has a lot of potential to look really silly, so I'm sold.

The Deal: If you're in town for the event, you can take advantage of the resort's Aruba Beach Tennis Tournament Package starting at $339 per night and get your fourth night free, plus daily breakfast for two adults and two kids under 12, a free one-hour beach tennis lesson by an actual beach tennis pro (there is such a thing), and complimentary use of the resort's beach tennis court and paddles during your stay. Want more? Just register for the event – why not? – and you'll enjoy an opening night party with live music, a free BBQ lunch and a commemorative T-shirt so you can brag about your amazing athleticism to all your naysaying friends back home. Just check out the Aruba Marriott for more info and to book your trip.

Beach Tennis in Aruba

USVI Sale on American Airlines

The Virgin Islands are on sale with new low fares from American Airlines...just book your trip to St. Thomas or St. Croix by November 3 from any of the carrier's nine featured hubs and you'll have until December 17 to take the trip, with one way fares starting at just $91. The U.S. gateways include Miami, New York, Boston, Chicago and more. Just visit www.aa.com for details and to book your USVI getaway!

USVI Sale on American Airlines

More Caribbean Countries Eye the U.S. Dollar as Legal Tender

Pop Quiz: How many Netherlands Antilles guilder can you get for one U.S. dollar? Currency conversion: the traveler's bane since Alexander the Great traipsed across the known world. Well, if you're headed to a growing number of Caribbean destinations, you may soon be able to leave your calculator at home. Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Martin are the latest countries to consider abandoning their own currencies in favor of the U.S. dollar. Writing for World Coin News, Richard Giedroyc examines the growing "dollarization" of the Caribbean (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have already decided to adopt the dollar, beginning Jan. 1, 2011). His conclusion: The outlook may be increasingly grim for coin collectors, but it's getting brighter for American travelers. At the moment, there are 15 or so currencies changing hands in the Caribbean, everything from the East Caribbean and Jamaican dollars to the Honduran lempira and the Haitian gourde (although countless hotels, restaurant and shops in the region will happily take your greenbacks in lieu of local money). It may not be too long before George Washington is the last man standing in the Caribbean.

Answer: $1 = 1.79 Netherlands Antilles guilder

More Caribbean Countries Eye the U.S. Dollar as Legal Tender

Diwali, Trini Style

Trinidad's been at the top of my list of "must-visit" Caribbean destinations since I started at CT+L; it's so different from most of the other islands, home to a huge population of East Indian descendants. Brought to the island as indentured servants beginning in 1845, 40 percent of Trinidad's current 1.4 million residents are Indo-Trinidadian. As an India junkie myself, I was desperate to visit for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, held each year in October or November, and I happily got the chance the third week of October. Celebrated on the darkest night of the year, according to the Hindu calendar, families gather all over the island to light deyas, small clay pots filled with coconut oil. There's plenty of food (the food, oh, the food), music and camaraderie. We celebrated in a village called Felicity, at the home of a family who was kind enough to prepare the traditional Diwali curries for us. Yum. The night culminated for me in lighting some deyas for myself, clad in the traditional Indian salwar kameez (watch that scarf by the flames, Becky). The combination of Caribbean and Indian culture was both what I'd expected and a surprise, a fascinating and delicious mash-up. Ever been to Trinidad for Diwali? What did you think?

*photos courtesy of Jon Whittle

Diwali, Trini Style

All About the Hamiltons, Baby

Antigua's Curtain Bluff resort just announced a new perks plan for Spring called The Power of 10. Sound a little like a self-help plan? I thought so too, but it turns out it's way more fun than that. Just book a stay at the resort between January 1 and March 31, 2010 and you can enjoy premium extras like cooking classes, spa treatments and sunset sails for just $10. With all-inclusive rates starting at $995 per night double occupancy, it's a great way to squeeze a ton of extra value out of your next vacation for just a little extra pocket change.

All About the Hamiltons, Baby

Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon

Check into any hotel and it’s the norm to find complimentary toiletries, bottled water, or maybe a fruit plate or bottle of bubbly waiting for you.

One of the more unexpected guest amenities I’ve ever received was a bottle of premium tequila, given to me during a stay the super-luxe Grand Velas Resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. And when our ed in chief Dave Herndon landed at Anguilla’s plush Cuisinart Resort, a bowl of hydroponically grown cherry tomatoes awaited in his suite.

So tell us, dear travelers, what’s the most unusual – or most appreciated – guest amenity you’ve ever received at a Caribbean hotel?

Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon

Caribbean Travel + Life Photo Contest Winners

I just posted the Caribbean Travel + Life Photo Contest winner gallery to Scribd. Check out the feature below to see who took home the prize in the categories of Beaches, Scenic, Nature, People and Anything Goes – then surf over to our online gallery to see the Top 100 finalist photos. Your own photo entry could be among them!
 

Caribbean Travel + Life Photo Contest Gallery Can't wait till the spring to enter the photo contest again? Check out the new social media contest we're holding on our Facebook and Twitter page this month...just send us your favorite Caribbean vacation photo and you may win a 4-night all-inclusive stay at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort on St. Lucia! Just surf over to the contest page to learn more and to enter.

Caribbean Travel + Life Photo Contest Winners

Spooky Halloween Cocktails from Mexico

Despite the fact that it's consistently 90 degrees here at Caribbean Travel + Life's home base in Orlando, I'm told that it's actually late October and that Halloween is, in fact, approaching fast. Hard for some of us to believe – but whatever the weather you're facing this month, I think we could all use a yummy island cocktail recipe to get in the spirit! And who better to concoct a spooky spritzer than the folks over in the Riviera Maya, home to the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration? I say we all mix up a couple of these tasty cocktails, courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and let's get this Halloween party started!


Bloody Champagne

• 4 ounces Champagne Brut
• 1 ounce Néctar de Fresa
• 1 ounce Néctar de Frambuesa
• 1 ounce Sprite

Mix together and serve in a champagne glass. 

Cemetery

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlua
• 4 ounces Coca Cola
• 1 ounce Fresa

Mix together and serve in a martini glass.

Spooky Halloween Cocktails from Mexico

Grand Opening Sale at Breezes Panama

The Deal: Breezes just introduced its newest Super-Inclusive resort on October 1, and Breezes Panama is already making waves with a Grand Opening Sale offering nightly rates starting at just $109 per person – a 25 percent savings off regular rates. Just book by this Sunday, October 25 for travel through the end of the month. Can't travel yet? Book by the end of the day and you'll get your fourth night free when traveling between November 1 and December 22.

Why We Love It: Tucked in the coastal resort community of Santa Clara, the new 294-room resort gives you easy access to a ton of Panama's eco-attractions in the mountainous Anton Valley – and a comfortable, all-inclusive place to call home at night.

How to Book It: Book your trip on www.breezes.com or by calling 877-273-3937.

Grand Opening Sale at Breezes Panama

Free WiFi in the Bahamas

Thanks to the new social networking site CruiseTube, cruisers who stop at the at Bahamas Festival Place ship terminal in Nassau can stay connected for free with complimentary Internet access. Just sign up for a free CruiseTube profile in advance of your sail and you'll also be able to interact with other cruisers and industry insiders to swap photos, videos and stories from your travels at sea. The site also works with your existing Facebook page, so you can stay in touch with all the cruisers you meet long after the voyage ends. For more information, check out www.cruisetube.com.

Free WiFi in the Bahamas

News and Deals in the Cayman Islands

I recently blogged about the Peppered Pickled Pirate Party that's coming up in November on the island of Nevis – but for even more swashbuckling action this Fall, don't miss the Cayman Islands' 32nd Annunal Pirates Week from November 12-22. Held across Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, the event includes a staged "pirate invasion" of George Town Harbor, plus street parties, food festivals, a pirate costume competition, and even 5K and 10K runs throughout the week. Most events offer free admission, but to find more information and the full event calendar, just surf over to www.piratesweekfestival.com.


And for all of you pirates out there just trying to save a buck, you're in luck with the new island-wide Free Fallin' promotion. Through December 15, you can cash in on upgrades and savings around the Cayman Islands – like fourth-night-free offers at a variety of hotels; special discounts on Cayman Airways; and a $200 American Express gift check when booking your stay on your American Express card. Fore more information and a full list of participating partners, check out the official site at www.caymanislands.ky/freefallin.

News and Deals in the Cayman Islands

Caribbean Escapes to Crave

I just posted the November 2009 feature "Your Heart's Desire" to our Scribd page, and man...what a way to spend a Monday afternoon: gazing at Tulum's picture perfect beaches, drooling over spa treatments at chic resorts on Anguilla and the BVI, and daydreaming of retreats à deux in the Turks & Caicos. It's amazing I can even stay focused long enough to post this blog.

To see what I mean, check out the full feature on Scribd – then let me know: when it comes to Caribbean vacations, what's your heart's desire?

 

Your Heart's Desire: 16 Caribbean Escapes to Crave

Caribbean Escapes to Crave

Travel Log: Can We Talk?

Following is the editor's letter from the November 2009 issue, available on newsstands since October 6. To read the full issue, view the digital version here.

Our dialogue with readers has gotten a bit livelier lately. There's a lot of interest in our Affordable Caribbean show on the Travel Channel, winningly hosted by senior editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon. And online editor Reagan Johnson has been throwing quite a party on our own website and on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. My sense is that we're all getting to know each other in new, more immediate ways, and the good nature of the conversation reinforces my conviction that we're like-minded souls. We just plain love exploring the Caribbean; we relish sharing impressions and travel advice; and we're always stoked about planning our next trip.

The results of a recent survey of readers corroborate the impression that this is an active, engaged community: 80 percent of respondents are planning a trip to the Caribbean in the next year. So far, so good. But as I dug down deeper into the destination data, I came across one statistic that made me feel like maybe we're not on exactly the same page: Zero percent of respondents said they're planning to visit the island of Grenada in the next year. Zip.

I don't get it. Grenada is way up there on my personal wish list, but it's dead last on the polling group's – below Haiti and Cuba. Deputy editor Matt Phenix and I are scratching our heads about that one. Matt just returned from a week on the Spice Isle and can't wait to go back. "Grenada's my kind of underdog," he says. "Maybe we'll give it a boost."

I'd be very surprised – and frankly a bit disappointed – if that's not the case after people read his feature article, "Island in the Sun" (debuting on this site next week). Aided and abetted by ace photographer Macduff Everton, Matt reveals a rare West Indian jewel, a repository of Old Caribbean beauty and warmth that ought to strike a nerve with all who appreciate the region's essential character. I haven't been there yet, but I know in my bones that Grenada is my kind of place, and I hope that after reading this story, more of our readers will feel the same way.

Travel Log: Can We Talk?

Caribbean News and Events – November

I just posted the November issue's interactive click-map of the Caribbean to our Scribd page, so check it out for a look at all the news and events that are happening in the islands now.

Caribbean Travel + Life November Map

Caribbean News and Events – November

Half Off at Mexico's Banyan Tree Mayakoba

The Deal: Book the resort's Limited Online Special for three nights or more and save 50 percent on Garden Pool Villa rates that normally run $655 – you pay only $328 per villa per night, including daily breakfast for two at Oriente, and one complimentary 90-minute spa treatment per room.

Why We Love It: Among the Riviera Maya's newest resorts, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is also one of the region's most luxurious properties. Just ask our photo editor Zach, who had the chance to laze around his villa's private plunge pool this summer...he's been bragging about it ever since. The resort also boasts the upscale Banyan Tree Spa and the Greg Norman-designed El Camaléon golf course – one of our own Featured Golf properties.

How to Book It: Email www.banyantree.com/en/mayakoba and book your three-night-minimum stay by December 18, 2009.

Half Off at Mexico's Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Tweet Your Way to Savings in the Caribbean

Marriott is serving up a month of freebies with their interactive Trick or Tweet promotion. Just follow them on Twitter – @MarriottResorts – and each day through the end of the month, they'll announce a new surprise, like complimentary cooking classes, resort credits, room upgrades, and even free nights at Marriott and Renaissance properties around the Caribbean and in Mexico. Once you see the tweets, you'll be able to download vouchers for each days' offer for up to 24 hours.

And don't forget to follow CT+L our own Twitter page – @CaribTravelLife – for more great ways to save money around the Caribbean, from exclusive travel deals to contest announcements that just might send you on your next vacation for free.

Tweet Your Way to Savings in the Caribbean

Free Condos in St. Maarten...Seriously

So let's say you have a multi-million dollar mega yacht (I mean, who doesn't?) – and let's also say you're a big fan of cruising around the Caribbean. You're reading this blog, so at least that second part is probably true. Now the obvious question is, where to dock the thing on your many jaunts to St. Maarten? Lucky for you, big spender, the folks over at the luxury Porto Cupecoy village have an idea – and it's a cool one. To celebrate the grand opening of the property's new marina complex in December, your purchase of one of the 11 mega yacht slips will also get you a free residence valued up to $500,000! Yes, a free half-million dollar condo. I wouldn't make that up.

To check out the available marina slips and take photo and video tours of the rest of the 182-unit Porto Cupecoy property, just surf over to the promotion page on their site. And since we know you love free stuff, don't forget to visit our own contest page, then enter our two new social media promotions – the Facebook Fan Frenzy and the Win a Stay at Coconut Bay Contest – for your chance to win free vacations in St. Lucia and Bermuda!

Free Condos in St. Maarten...Seriously

Get More Spice on Grenada

Grenada just launched its first island-wide promotion – More Spice – and through December 15, visitors can save big on hotels, restaurants, tours and a ton of other island attractions.

At participating hotels – like LaLuna (pictured), Maca Bana Villas, Spice Island Beach Resort and more – guests will enjoy a free night on five-night-minimum stays, plus a $100 credit toward additional nights, and a $35 food and beverage credit for on-site dining.

Outside of the hotel, you'll get a $25 food and beverage credit at a range of participating restaurants, plus perks like free cooking lessons, a 50 percent discount on nightclub entry fees, buy-one-get-one specials on various land and sea tours, and even rental car rebates at participating companies.

Just log on to the official site for more information on hotels, restaurants and other vendors who are taking part in the More Spice promotion – then head to our Grenada destination page to learn more and start planning your trip.

Get More Spice on Grenada

Belize Vacation Deals

If you've been thinking about a Belize vacation, this latest wave of travel deals should give you four great reasons to make it happen this Fall...

1. Cayo Espanto

With the luxury resort's Private Island Massage & Spa package – available through December 15 – your five-night stay in the 2,100-square-foot Casa Auroroa villa offers savings of up to $9,000 over rack rates. For $499 per person per night, your stay includes all meals, snacks and drinks, a daily massage plus an additional daily spa treatment of your choice, a day at sea including fishing and snorkeling, airport transfers and all taxes and resort fees.
www.aprivateisland.com

2. St. George's Cay Resort

The seven-night Sink Into Our World package gives certified divers the chance to explore the Belize Barrier Reef on five guided dive excursions, then return to luxury accommodations in one of the resort's 12 lagoon cabanas. You'll also enjoy all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a $50 credit at the Island Spa, with package rates starting at just $1,500 per person for your entire stay through November 15.
www.gooddiving.com

3. Tranquility Bay Resort

Through December 15, guests can enjoy a seven-night stay in a one-bedroom oceanfront room – including daily dinner and use of the resort's water sports amenities – for $999 per person. The package also includes round trip air transfers from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, and boat transfers to and from the boutique hotel.
www.tranquilitybayresort.com

4. Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort

Guests of the coastal eco-lodge between November 1 and December 15 can enjoy complimentary nights on four and seven night vacations. Just book four nights in one of the resort's 25 oceanfront cabanas and pay for only three, or book seven nights and pay for only five – a savings of up to $650 per couple.
www.kanantik.com

Belize Vacation Deals

Affordable Caribbean Updates

The latest episode of our hit TV show Affordable Caribbean is scheduled to air this Saturday at 8 AM EST on the Travel Channel, so stay tuned for insider tips on the best places to stay, eat and save a buck in the British Virgin Islands.

As we mentioned in a previous post, some viewers have reported occasional scheduling issues with their cable providers, so to help we've just created a programming widget on the Affordable Caribbean web site...just enter your zip code and you'll find all of the show's upcoming air times in your area.

Hope you enjoy the next episode, and as always we'd love to hear your feedback here on the blog or on our Facebook fan page!

Affordable Caribbean Updates

Half Off in St. Martin

I'm a sucker for a good sale, and this new one from the Radisson St. Martin Resort, Marina & Spa is definitely worth sharing. For two weeks only, you can cash in on the Sunshine & Paradise at Half the Price sale and enjoy the resort's best deal of 50-percent-off room rates for high season, starting at just $248 per night double occupancy. You could be lazing on the beach on the island's très chic Anse Marcel for a lot less between January 3 and April 10 of next year – but you have to book by October 23 to take advantage of the savings. Just surf over to the Radisson site to reserve your room.

Half Off in St. Martin

Fourth Night Free in San Juan

On my last trip to San Juan, I had the chance to stay at the newly renovated Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza. I loved the posh decor, the comfy rooms and the small stretch of beach right outside, but best of all was the hotel's central location – just outside of historic Old San Juan and within easy walking distance of all of the upscale shops and hot international restaurants that line Ashford Avenue.

For a limited time this Fall, the resort is offering a new Four For Free vacation package giving guests a fourth night free on any three night stay through December 19 – and even better, rooms start at just $139 per night double occupancy. Just log on to the Conrad site to book your stay, then sign up for our weekly e-newsletter packed with other great travel specials like this one.

Fourth Night Free in San Juan

New JetBlue Routes in the Caribbean

In airline news this week, JetBlue has announced new Caribbean routes taking effect throughout October, with special limited-time fares for vacationers who act quickly.

On Monday, the airline celebrated its inaugural flight from New York (JFK) to Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI) – the carrier's first voyage to that island. And through December 16, travelers can cash in on special $99 one-way fares on daily service between the cities.

Meanwhile, the airline is preparing to launch a new route between New York (JFK) and St. Lucia's Hewannora Airport (UVF) on October 26, with round-trip service continuing three times per week between the two stops. Fares through the end of October are running around $170 each way, and more deals are expected to follow.

And another route between New York (JFK) and Kingston, Jamaica is scheduled to begin on October 30, with fare specials still to be announced.

But the new routes aren't the only ones getting the low-fare treatment: JetBlue is boasting unbelievably low Fall airfares between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau, Bahamas starting at $29 each way, and fares between Orlando and Montego Bay, Jamaica starting at $69 each way.

Whatever island you choose, just log on to the JetBlue site to book your trip, then surf over to our Travel Specials page to find the perfect hotel deal.

New JetBlue Routes in the Caribbean

Special Rates and Packages for Trinidad's Carnival

If you're thinking of checking out Trinidad's exotic festival of Carnival next February 11-16 (just a few months away now!), we've got the scoop on area hotels' special rates and vacation packages just for the event. And trust us, you'll want to book early before the masses descend on the island and the properties sell out, as they have in years past.

The Carlton Savannah: The new boutique hotel is offering a five-night package for February 12-17 including breakfast and starting at $1,523 based on double occupancy.
www.thecarltonsavannah.com

Courtyard by Marriott: This hotel is walking distance from many of the event venues, and it's offering a Carnival package between February 12-16 that includes breakfast, starting at $299 per night double occupancy.
www.marriott.com

Coblentz Inn: This boutique property in is offering a Carnival Special that includes breakfast and a stocked mini-bar on arrival, starting at $275 per night double occupancy between February 12-16.
www.coblentzinn.com

Kapok Hotel: The upscale 94-room hotel is offering a five-night package for any dates between February 10-17 starting at $1,450 double occupancy, including daily breakfast buffet.
www.kapokhotel.com

L'Orchidee Boutique: The 12-room hotel is offering a five-night package between February 12-18 including breakfast and two tickets to Taste of Carnival, Girl Power, Saturday Night Carnival Party, Sunday All-Inclusive Carnival Party, Dimanche Grande Show and the Ash Wednesday Maracas Bay Cool Down. Rates start at $2,150 double occupancy including taxes.
www.trinidadhosthomes.com

Hyatt Regency Trinidad: The oceanfront resort is offering a Carnival special for four-night-minimum stays between February 10-17 that includes daily breakfast, and starts at $299 per night double occupancy.
www.trinidad.hyatt.com

Anyone been to Carnival before? Leave us a note and tell us your experience, then surf over to our Facebook page to share your photos with other CT+L readers and fans!

Special Rates and Packages for Trinidad's Carnival

Journey Through History in Colombia

On Friday, I spent a wild and exciting evening at home in my PJs (who knows how to have fun? - this girl) watching the film version of Gabriel García Márquez's classic novel, Love in the Time of Cholera. The movie was ok (I preferred the book) but I've had Cartagena on my mind ever since. The romance! The history! I decided immediately to add the coastal Colombian city to my mental bucket list of places to travel soon. And then, lo and behold, I came in this morning to find this great special from the Hilton Cartagena just waiting in my inbox...

With the hotel's Romantic Journey Through History package, guests can enjoy deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for two at Las Chivas Restaurant, a three-hour tour of the historic walled city, and a horse-drawn carriage ride – plus you'll get a fruit basket and special souvenir for your stay. Rooms start at $235 per night double occupancy...just use booking code P6 when you reserve your room on the Hilton Cartagena site, or email them directly here. And if you need a travel buddy, I'm available.

Journey Through History in Colombia