The Last Headphones You'll Ever Buy

If you're a traveling audiophile who likes the idea of those bulky Bose noise-canceling headphones but just can't bring yourself to spend 300 bucks on something that looks so ... well ... nerdy, here's a word of advice: don't.

The folks over at Ultimate Ears sent me a pair of their UE 700 noise-isolating headphones, which I test drove on a flight to Jamaica last weekend, and I have to say: if you're the type of person who's prepared to spend big bucks on big, rich sound, these are for you.

I liked that once I inserted the tiny earbuds, absolutely nothing came between me and my tunes, and I could get lost in music, despite the seemingly endless in-cabin announcements. With five included foam and silicone buds to choose from I got a comfy fit, and the airplane jack (also included) enriched the listening experience on the inflight programming –now if only they'd show something other than Olympics re-runs. Best of all, the earphones are so diminutive that I can even fit my Shuffle into the 'phones' nifty plastic case.

At around $200 a pair the headphones are certainly no bargain; but if you demand great sound, want noise-canceling features without the dork factor, and are prepared to pay a premium for it, check these babies out.

The Last Headphones You'll Ever Buy

Breakfast with the Mennonites ... in Belize

The Caribbean is full of surprises. During our recent road trip through the Central American country of Belize, staff photographer Zach Stovall and I enjoyed a rare treat, thanks to Mark Howells, the Aussie owner of the Lamanai Outpost Lodge: We ate breakfast with a nearby Mennonite family. Belize has some 10,000 Mennonites — about 3 percent of the total population — who live in small communities all over the country. Defiantly nonviolent and anti-military, they left Europe in droves to escape religious persecution; Belize is one of about 65 countries where you'll find them.

Over a long table laden with fresh eggs, pork, black beans, cucumbers, milk and home-made bread, patriarch Abraham Wiebe — Abe to his friends — did all the talking, partly out of patriarchal privilege and partly because of a language barrier. Mennonites in Belize speak an unusual amalgam of German and Dutch called Plautdietsch, though in the interest of working and doing business here, a few, such as Abe, have learned English and Spanish too. The somber faces family photo you see here belie the Wiebes' warmth, hospitality and good humor.

Three thousand calories later, Abe gave us an impromptu tour of his farm — gorgeous rows of tomatoes and beans growing without pesticides or artificial fertilizers, chickens producing the eggs we'd just eaten. There was the family's horse-drawn buggy and carriage, and the horses snacking on mashed sugar cane. The Mennonite faith has some very firm notions about technology's ability to corrupt, so they shun its influence wherever possible. To wit, horse-drawn vehicles can use rubber tires, but motorized transportation — a farm tractor, for instance — cannot. Abe's tractor has wheels fashioned out of steel, with a "tread" comprised of welded-on segments of rebar. It seems at first like a needlessly challenging lifestyle, but after spending a little time with these people, you start to see the beauty in their ways. Life here isn't always easy, but it works.

Our feature story appears in the May issue of CT+L, on newsstands April 27.

Breakfast with the Mennonites ... in Belize

Experience Curaçao Now at Kura Hulanda

The Deal: Book a five-night stay at the chic Hotel Kura Hulanda or the quiet Lodge Kura Hulanda by March 15 and you'll enjoy a free night – plus get up to $400 in air credits, $200 in food and beverage credits and other island-wide perks with Curaçao Now.

Why We Love It: Back by popular demand, the Curaçao Now promotion gives you the chance to experience two of the island's ritziest resorts for a lot less, with savings of up to $519 on your hotel stay alone (your fifth night is free). You'll also save $200 per person on your airfare, $200 per room on dining, a one-day complimentary dive excursion, a one-day complimentary rental car, and various other discounts and incentives around the island.

How to Book It: Surf over to khspecials.com or call 877-264-3106 to book your stay. Reservations must be made by March 15, 2010, but you may travel between May 1, 2010 and July 4, 2010, or between August 15, 2010 and December 18, 2010.

Experience Curaçao Now at Kura Hulanda

Latitude Adjustment

It's not every day that you get to straddle the Tropic of Cancer line. But a couple of weekends ago, on Island Routes' Bahamian Bus Tour on Great Exuma in the Bahamas, I did.

Latitude Adjustment

Affordable Luxury in the DR at Casa Colonial

The Deal: Book a last-minute four-night-minimum stay at the luxury Casa Colonial Beach & Spa resort by March 7 and you'll save 25 percent on nightly rates and enjoy your fourth night free through April 30.

Why We Love It: The all-suite boutique resort in Puerto Plata, DR is one of the most exclusive properties along the island's north coast, and rates during the promotional period start at just $263 per night double occupancy, so it's a great way to experience high season luxury with a low season price tag.

How to Book It: Book your stay by calling 809-320-3232 or surf over to casacolonial.com. Must book by March 7, 2010 and travel by April 30, 2010.

Affordable Luxury in the DR at Casa Colonial

Another Great Excuse for a Cocktail

St. George's Caye Resort has concocted a new promotion that just might send you on a three-night getaway for two – all on the house. To celebrate the opening of the resort's new on-site watering hole, the 12-cabana exclusive resort is giving you a chance to christen the venue in its Name Our Bar contest. If your idea is selected, you and a guest will be on your way to the private island in Belize where your all-inclusive stay will give you plenty of opportunities to sample the whole cocktail menu.

To enter, surf over to belizeislandparadise.com and select "Name Our Bar" in the Reservations menu. Entries must be received by midnight on March 31, 2010, and you must be a U.S. or Canadian resident and at least 18 years old to submit an idea.

For more on Belize, don't miss our upcoming features and web exclusives from deputy editor Matt Phenix and staff photographer Zach Stovall's trip last week! 

Another Great Excuse for a Cocktail

Winter Fun, Hold the Snow

If you haven't gotten enough Olympic action in the last few weeks, or if you're searching for year-round thrills in a decidedly warmer climate, check out Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. You can make like the Jamaican bobsled team as you whip through a 3,280 foot track; and you'll be in good company - Olympic champion Usain Bolt has called the spot his favorite to chill out on the irie isle. After you sled down, take the Sky Explorer chair lift back up the hill and check out the display at the Mystic Pavilion, with displays and memorabilia celebrating Jamaican culture. Cap off the day with a dip in the infinity pool perched on the edge of the mountain. All this and no coat required.

Winter Fun, Hold the Snow

Reader Response

Want to see your island-hopping travel story appear in Caribbean Travel + Life? Here's your chance! Just answer our latest reader question in the comments section below, and your response just may appear in an upcoming issue as well as right here on the web site:

Tell us all about your best Caribbean family vacation...

If you want to share your photos too, don't forget to head to our Facebook fan page where you can post snapshots and travel stories right to the wall!

Reader Response

Retail Refund

Good news for travelers who plan to drop some dinero in Cancun: under the destination's new Tax Back program, shoppers will be refunded the 10-percent value-added tax paid on cash purchases between 1,200 and 3,000 pesos (roughly $90 and $225) and on credit card purchases of any amount over 1,200 pesos.

Just ask for a receipt in participating stores (look for the orange sticker in the window), and on your way out present it at the Tax Back desk in Terminal 2 or 3. Depending on the amount, tax will be refunded in a combo of cash and a credit to your plastic or reimbursed entirely to your credit card. Big spenders should note that items that cost more than 5,000 pesos (about $370) must be presented for inspection.

Retail Refund

New Delta Direct Flights to Grand Cayman

Traveling to the Cayman Islands just got easier for you northerners with the addition of Delta's new weekly direct service. Starting June 12, the airline will begin operating a round trip flight every Saturday between New York's JFK and Grand Cayman, so you can kick off your island vacation without any of the usual layovers. Just log on to delta.com to book your trip, then surf over to our destination pages and our Cayman blogs to start planning your summer vacation!

New Delta Direct Flights to Grand Cayman

Free Nights at Ritz-Carlton Caribbean and Mexico Resorts

The Deal: Book the exclusive Club Level for your next 4- or 5-night Ritz-Carlton Caribbean or Mexico vacation and you'll enjoy a complimentary night on your stay – a savings of at least $379.

Why We Love It: Already known for top notch service and amenities, the Ritz Carlton brand has gone a step further with the addition of its new Club Level – an intimate "hotel within a hotel" experience that includes a personal concierge and perks such as light breakfast, drinks and sweets delivered throughout your stay. This free-night promotion makes it more affordable to indulge at luxe properties including the Ritz-Carlton St .Thomas, the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica, and the Ritz-Carlton San Juan (pictured) – and, if your travels happen to take you to the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, your minimum 5-night stay (you pay for four) also includes the Cayman Stingray Splash, a promotional day trip to nearby Stingray City.

How to Book It: Book online at ritzcarlton.com. Rates start at $379 per night double occupancy at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Jamaica, up to $599 per night double occupancy at the Ritz-Carlton Cancun.

Free Nights at Ritz-Carlton Caribbean and Mexico Resorts

Have a Drink On Us

It's definitely tempting to rip out the Happy Hours features in each issue so you'll always have those yummy Caribbean cocktail recipes on hand. I know, I've done it. But before you dismantle your next issue, surf over to our Scribd page where you can download (or share) interactive PDF versions of great content like this in every issue – all without harming your innocent CT+L collection.

 

Cheers!

Have a Drink On Us

Tweet if You Like Free Stuff!

Valentine's Day is over but you've still got a chance to redeem yourself for those pink carnations you gave her — American Express is sponsoring a free trip to tres exclusive Jumby Bay in Antigua. The "tweetheart" (get it?) promotion includes round trip airfare and four nights of all inclusive accommodation for two at the private island resort – and considering the going rate for room and board is around $1,400 a night, if you win, you're probably all set for Valentine's Day for the rest of your life. Enter the contest by following @americanexpress on Twitter and tweet this message once before 11:59pm EST on Monday, February 22.

"Hey @americanexpress, I want to take my tweetheart (insert your love's name here) on the ultimate romantic getaway. Pick me! http://bit.ly/bFgMGU #amexTravel"

Good luck and let us know if you win!

Tweet if You Like Free Stuff!

Small Packages

When you travel as much as the CT+L editors do, you quickly pick up tips and tricks to get you out the door and on the plane with as little hassle as possible. One I've learned: always keeping a bag of toiletries and travel essentials packed and ready to go. But because I'm a carry-on-only kinda gal, they've got to be in those teeny-tiny, TSA-approved containers – which means that I've invested more time than I care to admit painstakingly decanting my various lotions and potions into three-ounce plastic bottles. But now I don't have to.

On minimus.biz travelers can find an array of pint-sized personal care and household products, everything from nail polish remover to Febreze, sunscreen to contact lens solution to ... ahem ... individually wrapped condoms. You'll find all the brand names you recognize from the pharmacy aisle at prices that start from less than 20 cents to around five bucks.

For a less pedestrian - but pricier – collection of portables, check out 3floz.com. If you're a prestige skincare and makeup fan, bookmark this site for travel-friendly favorites from companies such as Dr Hauschka, DDF and Weleda. The site also offers an impressive selection of organic products, and there's a men's section with all the aftershave, shaving balms, creams and facial washes the well-groomed gentleman traveler could desire.

Of course, once you've loaded up on diminutive deodorant and other petite essentials, you're going to need a chic, transparent bag to stow them in, right? (Please don't tell me you were considering a boring zip-lock Glad bag. Perish the thought!) But that's a post for another day ...

Small Packages

Barbuda By Day

From our Excursion feature in the December issue to our glowing trip reports here on the blog this month, you've been reading a lot about lovely Barbuda lately – and naturally you're ready to go check it out for yourself now. But in case you're a little short on the $1,000-per-night starting rate at the island's luxe Lighthouse Bay Resort, we thought we should mention that you can also enjoy the island's pristine, 17-mile beach and a taste of the resort's delish dining without ever checking in. Chart a course on your own vessel and drop anchor near the resort's beachside Lagoon Café for a bite and a signature cocktail...all of the island's beaches are public. Sans sailboat? You can also hop a ride from Antigua on one of the island's many day-trip charters for a modest fee. Since you're out of excuses now, be sure to share your trip report and photos on our Facebook page after you go!

Barbuda By Day

Free Companion Fares to the Bahamas

The Deal: Book a round trip coach ticket plus a four-night minimum stay at one of more than 40 participating hotels in the Bahamas through American Express Vacations, and your companion will fly for free.

Why We Love It: This free-airfare deal was so popular over the winter that AE Vacations just extended the offer through March 3, 2010, so there's still time to take advantage of the complimentary companion flight, plus enjoy low rates at a variety of properties on Nassau, Grand Bahama and throughout the Out Islands. You'll have until December 22, 2010 to take the trip.

How to Book It: You can only book this offer by calling the toll-free number –  866-789-5485 – but surf over to the official offer page to learn more before you call. Some blackout dates may apply.

Free Companion Fares to the Bahamas

Love is in the Air

It's that romantic time of year when the happily coupled make dinner reservations at très chic bistros and the rest of us curl up on the couch in pajamas, with a plate of brownies, to watch The Bachelor. Actually, I've never seen the show, but I hear the star is oh so dreamy. If you've been watching, you already know, and if you haven't, it might be time to start, because the Batch and the three lady loves that remain are off to gorgeous St. Lucia on Monday for an island escape. They'll be staying at elegant boutique hotel Cap Maison and no doubt frolicking coyly for the cameras in the shade of the beautiful Pitons. If you're looking for a way to whisk your own sweetie away to pop the question, Cap Maison is making it easy with their new Proposal Package. You'll get four nights in an oceanview villa suite with a private pool, a helicopter transfer on arrival, daily breakfast and dinner, an hour couples massage, a sunset cruise, a $75 beverage credit each night you stay and a private dinner at Rock Maison (better ask her here on the first night). The package rates start at $5,750 through March and $3,400 from April to December. If she says no after all this indulgence, I'm quite happy to put down the brownies and turn off the TV.

Love is in the Air

Affordable Luxury in the DR

The Deal: Book five nights in a deluxe junior suite at the Four Diamond Sivory Punta Cana and get one night free through April 4 – or travel between April 5 and December 25 and get two nights free. Either way, if you make your reservation at least 30 days prior to your arrival you'll also enjoy a $100 spa voucher for your stay.

Why We Love It: As the Dominican Republic's only property to receive AAA Four Diamond status for both the hotel and its on-site Gourmand restaurant, the boutique Sivory is a no brainer for luxury – and the free nights and added value included in this promotion will help make this vacation a lot easier on your wallet. The resort offers stocked mini-bars, complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited use of non-motorized water sports all included in the European Plan – or for an additional $150 per person per night, you can upgrade to the all-inclusive plan and enjoy all gourmet meals and 24-room service, too.

How to Book It: Log on to sivorypuntacana.com or call 809-333-0500 to reserve your room. All taxes are included in the rate.

Affordable Luxury in the DR

Cover Up, Buttercup

You may have heard that come May 1, American Airlines will no longer provide blankets in the coach cabin on flights less than two hours long, and will begin charging passengers $8 for a blanket+ pillow combo on flights longer than two hours. The new policy applies not only to travel in the US and Canada but to Mexico and the Caribbean as well. So what's a comfort-craving, penny-pinching coach-class flier to do?

Here are three travel blankets you might consider making part of your travel kit. Sure, they cost more than AA's $8 version, but if you're one of those people who really feels the frigid in-cabin temps, we think the convenience of having your own in-flight cover-up is worth it.

The Lug Life Nap Sac Blanket + Pillow (pictured above) set is made of supersoft fleece. Fold the blanket, put it in the zip-up pouch/pillow case and use it as a pillow, or for firmer support, use the included inflatable pillow insert. The cozy comforter comes in 10 colors and features a handy-dandy pocket for your glasses or iPod. $22-$30 (depending on the color) from Amazon.

For full-on, full-body coverage, how 'bout the Cabin Cuddler (left)? Wrap yourself up burrito-like in the folds of this oversize microfleece, which looks kinda like a giant Snuggie with "wings" that cover each arm and a pocket for your feet. It also comes with an inflatable pillow and a bag that attaches to your carry-on. $28 from here.

Westin hotels are famous for their comfy Heavenly Bed, and now you can duplicate the experience on the go (or at least come close to it) with their Heavenly Travel Blanket. Fold the plush, washable full-size blanket into its hidden pocket and use it as a pillow, or just snuggle up and make the other people in your row jealous. $60 from Westin At Home.

Cover Up, Buttercup

Caribbean Proposal

If you're looking for the perfect place to pop the question this Valentine's Day, St. Lucia's new Cap Maison is a pretty safe bet. Open for just over a year, the luxury resort has received a 100 percent "yes" rating to date for proposals among its ocean villas and along the sands of Smuggler's Cove Beach – pretty solid odds for any prospective groom. Among many successful engagement stories at the property, one recent proposal took place aboard the resort's luxury yacht, while another proposal occurred at Rock Maison – a private cocktail deck perched high in the hills – with a zip line delivering the ring to the couple's table. And now, you can even work with the resort's new Proposal Concierge to come up with a customized proposal plan that's all your own. Rates start at $435 per night through March 31 – just log on to capmaison.com to book your stay. And let us be the first to say congrats!

Caribbean Proposal

Private Island Privileges

Since you're already shelling out around $50,000 per night for your vacay on ultra-luxe Necker Island in the BVI, you might as well pony up another $25,000 to check out Branson's newest toy: the Necker Nymph, a three-man, fully submersible aero-submarine. The winged...um, thing...functions as both an aircraft and sub, cruising along the surface of the ocean until you – and the certified Necker Nymph pilot at the helm – decide to take a dive. The vessel is capable of staying underwater for up to two hours as you explore the reefs and wrecks of the surrounding isles and cays, and the price tag buys you a full week to use it. Hey, it's cheaper than going to space.

Private Island Privileges

Show Your Love, Win a Trip

Calling all lovebirds: If you have a great romantic story involving the Caribbean – from proposals on the sea to weddings on the shore – Bermuda's luxury Reefs Hotel & Club just might reward you for sharing it. Just submit your story to the Show Your Love contest now through Valentine's Day, February 14, and you and your sweetie may win one of two six-day/five-night stays at the resort. Judges will select a group of finalists and then post those stories online for a public vote between February 18 to 28, 2010.

To enter, visit thereefs.com/showyourlove – then sign up for our free e-newsletter to have more contest announcements delivered right to your inbox.

Show Your Love, Win a Trip

Setting Sail

February marks the beginning of regatta season in the Caribbean — pictured is a shot from the St. Croix Regatta, running from February 19 to 21 — and as a total sailing neophyte, I’m eagerly reading every tidbit I come across regarding these sailing spectacles. In 28 short days I’ll be testing the waters, so to speak, when I head to St. Maarten to participate in the 30th annual Heineken Regatta from March 4-7. Growing up in landlocked Kansas, I had little exposure to the big blue sea, neither did I get into sailing in Wisconsin, where I went to school, and I've yet to be on a boat here in Florida. Which seems ridiculous. I suppose it took the lure of getting to sail in an actual race, all the Heineken I can handle (believe me, they'll be sorry) and a trip to beautiful St. Maarten to convince me to climb aboard. I'm not sure if I'll make captain in my days on board or I'll be swabbing decks, but either way, I can't wait. If you want to join in the fun, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is offering a "Regatta Retreat" special where you'll get a free night for stays from March 3 to 8, as long as you book four nights. Rates start at $290 per room, per night. Surf over to www.sonesta.com/stmaarten and use booking code HR10. See you there!

Setting Sail

Last-Minute Romantic Getaway

If you've been craving a romantic escape but can't get away for Valentine's Day weekend, today's featured vacation package is definitely for you...

The Deal: Book a pre-Valentine's Day package at St. Lucia's all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa through February 12 and save up to 55 percent on your stay.

Why We Love It: With this last-minute deal, you'll enjoy nightly rates starting at just $128 per person – including all meals, snacks and drinks – and you can travel anytime through next Friday to take advantage of the savings. You and your sweetheart will also get a resort credit of $50 per night (up to $350) redeemable at the spa, resort store or toward island excursions.


How to Book It: Call 877-352-8898 or surf over to Ccbayresort.com to reserve your stay.

Last-Minute Romantic Getaway

Editors Inflight

It's the first day of February, the Caribbean's high season is in full swing, and CT+L 's editors are getting ready to jet off to the region's balmy shores. At this point were not sure exactly where our assignments will take us – although our intrepid photographer Zach Stovall is already happily snapping his way around St. Croix – but we sure do know where we'd like to go in 2010.

Editor at Large Dave Herndon picks St John. "I'm dying to find out what all the love is about," he says of the idyllic US Virgin that attracts a back-to-nature bohemian crowd. (One of our favorite writers even considered packing up and moving to the USVI. Check out her story here.)

Online Editor Reagan Johnson just got back from Barbuda (above right), but she's already got her eye on The Grenadines. "I love sailing and I've always wanted to island-hop around the chain, checking out Bequia, Carraicou, Young Island and some of the smaller islets and cays," says our webby wonder woman. "Moonsplash on Anguilla is a close second, though!"

Managing Editor Becky Strauss has Bonaire on the brain. "I've been certified for 13 years now, and I'm desperate to check out one of the world's premiere diving destinations," she says. (If going deep also tops your to-do list, check out Provo, too.)

Executive Editor Matt Phenix is prepping for 4x4 safari through Belize later this month (read all about it in our upcoming May issue) and will put his driving skills to work again later in the year as he tours Barbados (left) by Mini moke for an upcoming feature.

As for me: Like Reagan, I'm hoping to set sail on my maiden voyage to The Grenadines, and I'm curious about the French Caribbean, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe. It'd be a great opportunity to see somewhere new and to brush up on my Francais. Of course, I'm always up for a trip back to my beloved Jamaica, and I'm excited about the ever-increasing lineup of luxury hotels along Mexico's Riviera Maya (We'll be featuring one of the best in our annual all-inclusive feature, coming up in April).

Now over to you: Which destinations are on your Caribbean wish-list this year?

Editors Inflight