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

Anguilla Golf

Great news for golfers: Anguilla's first and only course – the $50 million Greg Norman-designed Temenos Golf Course – is set to reopen later this month following a face lift and a change in ownership. Previously showcased as one of our Featured Golf properties, the 7,063-yard championship track will be managed by the five-star Cap Juluca Resort starting on December 19 – and to celebrate the reopening, guests can take advantage of special limited-time promotions like the Unlimited Package and the Shark Package.

With the Unlimited Package, an extra $100 per night will buy as many rounds as you can possibly squeeze in for one guest per room, including cart fees and ground transfers from the resort. The Shark Package gets you one complimentary round per three-night stay (two rounds for a five-night stay) and it also includes daily breakfast. To book either package, surf over to capjuluca.com – then check out our Featured Golf article to learn more about the course.

Anguilla Golf

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 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

Last Minute Summer Steals

Summer may be winding down, but resorts around the Caribbean are still offering low-season rates as well as unbelievable vacation stimulus packages and perks, so now is the perfect time to plan an affordable last-minute escape. Here are a couple hot deals that caught our attention this week...

ANGUILLA

Through August 31, the five-star CuisinArt Resort & Spa is offering bonus incentives with their already discounted Smart Summer Stay package. Book three nights and get a fourth night free, or book five nights and get two nights free, plus you'll get an automatic room upgrade and a complimentary 50-minute spa treatment at the new Venus Spa. Rates this summer are lower than ever, with rooms starting as low as $285 per night - a savings of almost 65 percent.

ST. KITTS

With the St. Kitt's Marriott's Family Summer Fun package you'll get two connecting rooms, complimentary daily breakfast for two adults and two kids under 12, unlimited use of the Kid's Club, and a family lunch at the Bohemia Beach Pool Bar & Grill, all for just $239 per night - a rate that includes both rooms. Book your minimum three-night stay and travel by September 7 to take advantage of the savings.

BELIZE

With Ka'ana Boutique Resort's August Adventures package you'll get a free half-day tour for every single night of your three-night-minimum stay. Rates at the eco resort start at $250 per night, and excursions include cave tours, zip-lining excursions, trips to Maya ruins and horseback rides. Just book and travel by August 31 to enjoy all the action.

PUERTO RICO

The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is offering a new Buy Two, Get Two package that gives you a 50-percent savings on four-night-minimum stays. You'll get deluxe accommodations and have access to the casino, spa, beach and six on-site restaurants starting at $189 per night. You'll need to book by August 31 using promotion code P51 - but you'll have till December 20 to travel.

Last Minute Summer Steals

Anguilla for Foodies

Anguilla just launched an island-wide promotion - Prix Fixe Summer - to help visitors on a budget sample some of its finest restaurants in low season. Got $35 on you? Then you'll enjoy a three-course tasting menu at venues like Tasty's, Roy's Bayside Grill, Sandy Ground's Ripples restaurant, and E's Oven. Or for just $10 more, you can splurge and enjoy fine dining at Blanchard's, Veya, and CuisinArt's Cafe Mediterraneo.

Even better, guests who sample the Prix Fixe promotion will also enjoy huge savings at hotels around the island, like two nights free on seven-night minimum stays at ritzy places like Malliouhana, Cap Juluca and more.

Check out the official Prix Fixe web site to learn more and to book your trip through August 31. Bon appetit!

Anguilla for Foodies

Gary Bogdon Rules

One of our favorite photographers, Gary Bogdon, has a new blog cookin', and his first posting is a great take on Anguilla: garybogdon.blogspot.com. He's got a crush on the place, and some good advice for visitors. Gary also just unveiled his new website, designed by his wife Santa, who used to be our art director. Hot stuff!

Gary Bogdon Rules

Doing What it Takes to Get You There

This is your Co-pilot speaking. Please put your tray tables up, close that emergency thingy, and for the love of all things good and holy, stop the screaming. Everything's cool. And as soon as the guy next to me wakes up, I'm sure he'll land this thing.

By boat (Anguilla), by plane (Bimini), by speeding golf cart (Bimini) or Philippine Tuk-tuk (Anguilla), you can bet I'm riding shotgun, hanging out of or off of something to get the shot. All so you can be part of the action. Just don't ask me to demonstrate the safety features.

Check out my Viewfinder gallery to see more photos from our travels.

Doing What it Takes to Get You There

Anguilla Moonsplash

Bankie Banx's 19th Moonsplash at the Dune Preserve last weekend. A perfectly cool homegrown fest headlined by Inner Circle. It was a classic scene that represented the spirit of the Caribbean at its best: fun, uplifting, communal.


Top to bottom: Bankie Banx opens for the headliners; Bankie pulls a headstand with Inner Circle; a comfortably packed Dune Preserve; Inner Circle belts it out.

Anguilla Moonsplash

Anguilla Tuk-tuk

Check out this Tuk-tuk from Philippines now stationed at Elvis' Beach Bar in Anguilla. Dave and I took a loud, speedy spin around the salt pond in Sandy Ground with Brett Fetterolf, Elvis' partner in the bar. What a blast!!

Anguilla Tuk-tuk