Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

It's hard to deny the appeal of a private island vacation, but the pricy lodging and off-the-beaten-path transportation demands can be prohibitive for many island hoppers. This weekend, though, I hopped over to Antigua's sister island Barbuda for a 4-day escape at the serene Lighthouse Bay Resort, and I think I just may have stumbled upon a property that strikes a careful balance between private island exclusivity and affordable luxury. To be sure, the 9-room resort is not cheap (junior suites start at $1,000 per night double occupancy in low season) - but for what's included, it could be a justifiable splurge for many vacationers: The petite luxury resort occupies an uninterrupted 17-mile stretch of just about the most spectacular Caribbean beach I've ever seen, and the property is only accessible by boat or helicopter (round trip heli-transfers are complimentary for guests staying three nights or more). It doesn't get much more private than that. Also included in the rate are all meals, drinks and snacks and a smattering of beach and water sports options at your feet. Tomorrow, I'm off to check out the nearby Frigate Bird Sanctuary and then saddle up for some romantic horseback riding on the beach so I'll be sure to update more about my trip then. But for now, to read more about Lighthouse Bay and the island of Barbuda, just turn to Matt Phenix's Excursion piece from the latest issue.

Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

JetBlue Operations Announcement

You may have heard JetBlue's announcement late yesterday that it will be moving over to a new reservation system later this week – but here's what it all means for travelers: Starting at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 29 and continuing into Saturday afternoon, January 30, the airline's entire web and phone system will be down – meaning travelers will be unable to log onto jetblue.com or reach anyone at the toll-free number to book, change or cancel an itinerary during that time. Online check-in service will also be unavailable. Instead, if you're traveling this weekend you should plan to take care of any transactions directly at the airport ticket counter – and passengers should definitely plan on longer lines and wait times all weekend. If you'll be island-hopping yourself during this time, keep us updated on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

 

JetBlue Operations Announcement

50% Off at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

The Deal: Book a vacation at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba by March 29 and travel through March 31 to take advantage of 50 percent off nightly rates, with rooms starting at just $163 double occupancy.

Why We Love It: There are no blackout dates within the promotional window, so whether you're planning a romantic escape for Valentine's Day or just a long weekend for President's Day, you can cash in on huge winter savings. Plus, as always kids 17 and under stay free when sharing your room.

How to Book It: Surf over to caribbeanhi.com/aruba or call 800-HOLIDAY and book your trip before March 29, 2010. Be sure to use promotion code 150.

50% Off at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

Shaken, Not Stirred

The Caribbean may be better known for pina coladas and rum punch, but one Bahamas resort is breaking out the shakers and olives this year and putting an island spin on the classic martini. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the British Colonial Hilton's new Bullion bar will host Hiltini Nights every Thursday from 8 to 9 pm, featuring $12 top-shelf martinis and complimentary mixology classes, so you can learn new recipes from the pros and mix up a signature cocktail all your own.

For vacation packages at the resort, check out this recent blog or surf over to the hotel's site for details.

Shaken, Not Stirred

Free Companion Fares to Barbados

Here's a little airline news to kick off the weekend: American Airlines already offers non-stop service to Barbados from its hubs in New York, Miami and San Juan – but between now and February 12, 2010, just book your minimum four-night stay through the carrier's travel planning site AAVacations.com and your companion will fly free. Even better, you'll have till May 31, 2010 to take the trip. Check out the AA Vacations site to get more info on the promotion – then hit up our destination pages to read recent Barbados articles and start planning your trip!

Free Companion Fares to Barbados

More Help for Haiti

Heading for the Dom Rep? Travelers with reservations at a Zoetry, Secrets or Dreams resort can help contribute to the humanitarian efforts in neighboring Haiti by bringing medical supplies with them, which the hotels will distribute directly to the needy through Haitian relief centers.
The list of acceptable supplies includes small, easily portable items such as gauze, cotton, elastic bandages and feminine hygiene products.

And remember, even if you aren't traveling, you can still make a monetary donation through the American Red Cross.



photo: thetravelerszone.com

More Help for Haiti

Haiti Aftershock

As the death toll continues to rise in Haiti — at last report up to 200,000 — the bad news seems to pile onto the nation, which shares Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. News sources report that a 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit the battered nation this morning around 6 a.m., but it was centered about 35 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince and 6.2 miles below the surface, further from the capital than last week's devastating quake. There's no news yet as to further casualties, but the nation still needs donations – the American Red Cross and Unicef are good places to start.

Haiti Aftershock

Cayman Islands Earthquake Update

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism just released an update about the magnitude-5.8 earthquake that occurred 40 miles offshore from George Town, Grand Cayman earlier this morning. As of right now, there are no reports of injuries or any structural damage to the island, and businesses and schools remain open as usual this afternoon. We'll keep you updated on the event here on the blog should anything further develop – and for continuing information on last week's Haiti earthquake and how you can help, check out our Haiti posts here as well.

Cayman Islands Earthquake Update

Montserrat's Volcano in Action

A few weeks ago, I put the finishing touches on an article for the upcoming March issue that profiles the St. Patrick's Day celebrations on the volcanic isle of Montserrat. Almost as if on cue, the island's active Soufriere volcano has been huffing and puffing like crazy all month, showing off just in time for this year's festivities.

Because Montserrat's towns and tourism centers are situated safely outside the exclusion zone that surrounds the volcano, the recent activity means it's actually a great time for thrill-seekers to visit and take in all the sights and sounds from either the Monsterrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) or the Jack Boy Hill lookout point.

So just how active is the volcano these days? One Monty expat (thanks, Jana Bandy!) was kind enough to share these snapshots of the Soufriere for the curious...

 

If any of you adventurous island-hoppers feel like checking it out for yourself, surf over to our list of the Top 5 Places to Stay on Montserrat before you go – and stay tuned to the March issue, on stands February 9, for more information on lovely Montserrat.

Montserrat's Volcano in Action

Luxury Carnival Vacation Packages

A few months ago, I posted a round-up of affordable vacation packages for Trinidad's Carnival – but for those who want to really indulge at this year's event, check out these new luxury packages from Caribbean concierge and tour operator Antilia...

– Bronze Package: Six-nights of four-star accommodations at the Hyatt Regency or Carlton Savannah; daily breakfast; VIP fete tickets to Trini Posse and Brian Lara all-inclusive; 24-hour concierge; air transfers and ground transportation for $2,000.

– Silver Package: All of the above plus a hand-made showpiece costume and two-day Carnival experience for $2,500.

– Gold Package: All of the Silver amenities plus a two-day all-inclusive Tobago retreat to Le Grand Courlan Resort for $3,000.

– VIP Package: All of the Gold amenities plus a private chauffeur, professional make-up application for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, and an Ash Wednesday spa rejuvenation package for $5,000.

All four packages are available from Friday, February 12 to Thursday, February 28, and include round trip airfare from Miami. Log on to antilia.com to book your Carnival trip, then surf over to our Facebook page to share your trip report and photos with the rest of our readers!

Luxury Carnival Vacation Packages

San Juan Winter Getaway

While I was in San Juan for the CHTA marketplace earlier this week, I had a chance to grab a bite at the new Verdanza Hotel in Isla Verde. The hotel occupies the old Holiday Inn property near popular Alambique Beach and, following extensive renovations, just reopened its doors in December under the swanky Preferred Hotel Group brand. Knowing the property's history, I went into the evening with visions of kitschy Holiday Inns swirling in my mind – but what I actually found was a surprising throwback to the more romantic era of retro motor inns. From the restored art deco structure to the bold interior furnishings, the Verdanza actually struck me as more of a laid-back ultra-lounge than a mid-tier hotel. So for anyone looking for an affordable – and unique – San Juan escape, might I suggest the property's new Winter Getaway...

The Deal: Book a two-night minimum stay through April 30 and along with your room, you'll get daily buffet breakfast for two; a $25 food and beverage credit for use at one of the hotel's three on-site restaurants; two signature rum drinks; a 20-percent discount on massages at the Body Healers spa; and if you stay at least three nights, they'll throw in a free-night certificate redeemable toward a future stay – all starting at $90 per person per night.

How to Book It: Just log on to verdanzahotel.com, then check out our Puerto Rico destination page to learn more about the island before you go.

San Juan Winter Getaway

Red Cross Fundraising Campaign for Haiti

Word travels fast these days, so you may already know about the new fundraising campaign initiated by the American Red Cross in the wake of the Haitian earthquake. The effort has quickly gone viral via text and social media outlets, but in case you haven't heard, here's the scoop: Just text "Haiti" to 90999 and your donation of $10 will automatically be added to your next cell phone bill. As of this afternoon, the popular social media site Mashable just confirmed that the Red Cross has already raised over $4 million through this campaign! 100% of your donation will benefit Haiti relief efforts.

Red Cross Fundraising Campaign for Haiti

Warm Up with Cayman's Hottest Deal

All of you notherners are going to hate me for saying this, but I just returned to Florida from five days in sunny San Juan and I'm already freezing! Yes, it's in the 60s here today, but still...I'm covered head-to-toe in my warmest winter garb, already longing for those balmy Caribbean tradewinds. Okay, and the cold mojitos.

Anyway, in the spirit of staying warm this winter, I thought I'd share the latest promotion from the Cayman Islands. For travel now through May 15, 2010 you can leave those winter coats at home and escape to the islands with the Get Warm package, offering a fifth night free on four-night-minimum stays at a range of accommodations, plus a complimentary trip for two to Stingray City, and a special two-tank dive offer at select dive shops around the islands.

To sweeten the deal, the Cayman Islands has also put together a new Get Warm contest that just might get you there for free. To enter, just surf over to http://getwarm.ky and enter your favorite frosty photo that shows why you need an island escape this winter; Ten finalists will be put to a vote to determine who will win a trip for four.

For now, check out this new promotional video from the Cayman Islands to get in the spirit...

Then surf over to http://getwarm.ky for more info on the Get Warm promotion (you'll need to book by March 31, 2010 to take advantage). Don't forget to share your trip photos on our Facebook page when you return!

Warm Up with Cayman's Hottest Deal

Help For Haiti

Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti and residents of the earthquake-ravaged capital of Port-au-Prince.

Concerned friends and family of those in Haiti may call 888-407-4747.

If you would like to make a donation to UNICEF's relief efforts, please go to unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call 800-367-5437.

Help For Haiti

The Haitian Earthquake: How You Can Help

The nation of Haiti, which shares the idyllic island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, isn't on the radar for many American vacationers. But as this impoverished country faces the devastation wrought by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake — the worst to hit the island in 200 years — some 1.8 million people who live in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince need our help.

To that end, we've gathered just a few of the organizations accepting monetary donations for the Haitian relief effort. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it's a good place to start:

* Providing food, medical supplies, and technical assistance, the American Red Cross is taking donations through its International Response Fund.

* Helping children in quake-affected areas, UNICEF has set up a Haitian relief fund.

* Working to deliver clean water, shelter and sanitation, Oxfam is appealing for donations through its Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund.

Thanks to The Huffington Post, which is collecting an exhaustive list of links to relief agencies and organizations.

Seeing the people of Haiti in peril — men, women and children — reminds us that our love for the Caribbean region is about more than rum bars and sensational beaches, posh resorts and coral reefs. It's about the people.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti.






Flickr photo by audra k., used under the creative commons license.

The Haitian Earthquake: How You Can Help

Limited-Time Low Rates at British Colonial Hilton Nassau

The Deal: Book a trip to the British Colonial Hilton Nassau in the Bahamas through June 30, 2010 – including either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night stay – and enjoy rates starting at just $109 per night double occupancy with the Anniversary Package.

Why We Love It: To celebrate its 10th anniversary as a Hilton property, the resort – originally opened in 1900 and known as Nassau's oldest standing hotel – just completed extensive renovations, including upgrades to all 288 guest rooms and on-site dining venues. With this special anniversary offer, you can enjoy rates at nearly half the price of standard advance purchase rates.

How to Book It: Log on to hiltoncaribbean.com/nassau to book your vacation using code P2; Stay must include a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, and you must travel by June 30, 2010.

Limited-Time Low Rates at British Colonial Hilton Nassau

Free Dining at Bermuda's Cambridge Beaches Resort

Bermuda's AAA Four-Diamond Cambridge Beaches Resort has just announced a new added-value promotion to help you stretch your vacation budget this winter. Just book a three-night minimum stay by January 31 for travel through March 31, 2010 and you'll get complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with the Dine on Us package. Rates start at $385 per night double occupancy – and you'll enjoy all of your meals free in either the gourmet Tamarisk Room or the more casual Shutters restaurant. Call 800-468-7300 or surf over to cambridgebeaches.com to book using code CBDINE.

Free Dining at Bermuda's Cambridge Beaches Resort

Retreat Alert: Yoga Teacher Training at Laluna, Grenada

It's tough to imagine a nicer place to be a student again than within the blissful confines of Grenada's Laluna boutique resort. Well, here's your chance: The resort is hosting a 14-day Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course, starting Saturday, April 10 and running though Saturday, April 24.

Led by St. Louis-based yoga instructor Michelle Maue, the course includes all the contact hours and workshops you'll need to earn your Vinyasa certification, with a yoga anatomy book, 50 pages of research findings, and a 40-page teacher training manual thrown in for good measure. You'll learn how to meditate (and how to teach the skill to others), as well as the primary series of Ashtanga poses and the "flow" of Vinyasa — a word that means "breath-synchronized movement" and refers to the act of moving from pose to pose on the inhale or exhale.

Classwork takes place in Laluna's glorious beachfront yoga pavilion, but don't let the idyllic setting fool you; this program is no walk in the park. Classes get underway at from 7 am and run until 7 pm every day, with a few short breaks and time for journaling. And there's a pre-class homework assignment, too, just to get your head in the game.

The 200-hour course is $2,600; with two weeks' accommodations at Laluna, it's $4,900. The resort features 16 one and two bedroom guest cottages, every one of which boasts a sea view, an open-air bathroom and a private plunge pool. There's also a pretty sensational Italian restaurant (Chef Daniele Gaetano's creamy risottos, handmade ravioli and fresh octopus salad will knock your socks off).

Participants should plan to arrive in Grenada on April 9. Naturally, space is limited and bookings will only be accepted with full payment in advance. Get in touch with Wendy at Laluna for more information (wp@laluna.com; 473-439-0001).

Retreat Alert: Yoga Teacher Training at Laluna, Grenada

Save 40% in Turks and Caicos

The Deal: Book a three-night minimum stay at the all-suite Seven Stars Resort on Grace Bay and save up to 40 percent on rates through March 31, 2010.

Why We Love It: With luxury suites ranging from 600 to 4,000 square feet – and each unit including full gourmet kitchens – you can bring the whole family on your next winter vacation, or stretch out just the two of you; Either way, rates for winter with this promotion start at just $390 per night.

How to Book It: Log on to sevenstarsresort.com or call 866-570-7777 to book your stay; Travel now through the end of March 2010.

Save 40% in Turks and Caicos

Last-Minute Grand Cayman Deal for Snowbirds

Ahhh, winter. The weekend forecast here is calling for freezing rain and snow – and our offices are in Florida. And judging from the posts on our Facebook wall, most of our readers around the country are having trouble staying any warmer lately. In blustery times like these, I think we could all use an affordable tropical vacation package, no?

The Deal: Book a stay at the Ritz- Carlton Grand Cayman this weekend – between January 8 to 12 – and you can enjoy the resort's lowest rates of $399, plus you can fly round trip between Miami and Grand Cayman on American Airlines for just $281 including tax.

Why We Love It: On the coldest weekend of the year so far, who wouldn't love an affordable last-minute getaway to sunny Seven Mile Beach? The rate for the five-star Ritz is the lowest available all high season, and the eSaver fares on AA are some of the lowest all year for that route.

How to Book It: This one is for you last-minute snowbirds, since you do need to book and travel by January 12, 2010. Just log on to aa.com to book the flight, then reserve your luxury room at ritzcarlton.com. And hey, feel free to rub it in to the rest of us who'll be freezing our buns off back home by sharing your trip report and photos on our Facebook page once you get back.

Last-Minute Grand Cayman Deal for Snowbirds

Hiking Nevis

Recently, I blogged about Nisbet Plantation's unique video amenities that allow guests to record their vacations for free; But now the boutique resort has added another cool amenity that I think is pretty great for the active set. Guests of the 36-room luxury resort can take advantage of complimentary Garmin eTrex GPS units for hiking around nearby Nevis Peak, making it easy to track your distance, coordinates and altitude during your trek...you know, just in case you're curious just how far you've made it on the 3,232-foot peak. And if hiking isn't your thing, you can always just hop on one of the resort's free Vespa scooters instead. Not a bad alternative.

To book a room, just surf over to nisbetplantation.com – and stay tuned here on the blog for upcoming Nevis deals. 

Hiking Nevis

Divers Do It ... In Concrete

Longtime CT+L readers will remember my November 2007 feature on British dive instructor and artist Jason de Caires Taylor, whose compelling concrete figures were submerged in the water off Grenada's west coast to form an underwater sculpture "garden" for divers and snorkelers.

Late last year, Taylor completed the first four pieces for his newest submarine installation, this time located off the coast of Cancun. Over time, the ph-neutral concrete pieces should attract algae and marine life – and snorkelers and divers in their wake – easing environmental pressure on the ecosystem and coral reef, which has been compromised by hurricanes and heavy human traffic.



The figures are the first attractions in what Taylor plans to be the largest underwater art museum in the world, with more than 400 life-sized figures for visitors' gawking pleasure. For more information about Taylor's projects or to buy limited-edition prints of his haunting work, just click here.

Divers Do It ... In Concrete

Hilton January Sale

The Deal: Book a weekend stay at any participating Hilton Caribbean, Mexico and South America property by January 31 and get up to 33 percent off your stay all year.

Why We Love It: Even though you have to reserve your stay this month, you'll have all year to actually take the trip, so this promotion is a great way to save in advance on your next vacation. There's a wide range of Hilton properties and destinations from which to choose – such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and more – and if you're a Hilton Honors rewards club member, you'll also earn points on your stay that are redeemable toward free nights.

How to Book It: Call 800-HILTONS or log on to hilton.com/sale to pre-purchase your trip by January 31, 2010. To save, you must book at least three days in advance of traveling, and plan your trip around a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Hilton January Sale

Increased Service to the USVI

Start packing those bags for a winter escape: Delta just announced that it's increasing its twice-weekly service between New York (JFK) and St. Thomas to seven days per week starting this Saturday, January 9 – so it's easier than ever to plan a trip this high season. If laid back St. Croix is more your speed, you can also fly daily between Atlanta (ATL) and the island beginning this weekend, too. Just log on to delta.com to check out the latest specials and to book your USVI getaway.

Increased Service to the USVI