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

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

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

New Spa Experiences at Sandy Lane

Here's one for all the spa lovers out there: The Spa at Sandy Lane – one of the Caribbean's largest (at 47,000 square feet) and most comprehensive spas – just introduced nine personalized Spa Experiences to their menu. Each one integrates various massage techniques and body wraps with fresh, local ingredients such as Bajan sugar cane, coconut oil and banana leaves, and guests can enjoy the services in one of the spa's 11 newly renovated treatment rooms.

Even better, many of the luxury resort's vacation packages for 2010 – such as the wellness-centered Rejuvenating Adventure package or the ooh-la-la Romance in Paradise package – include $100 spa vouchers and additional spa treatments, so it's easy to sample some of the spa's new menu on your next stay. Log on to sandylane.com to book your stay and learn more about the spa services.

New Spa Experiences at Sandy Lane

Barbados Sale on Delta

If you're dreaming of a trip to Barbados this winter, getting there just got a little cheaper with Delta's latest sale. For vacations booked by December 28, 2009, you can take advantage of one-way flights from the carrier's Atlanta hub, between January 16 and February 28, 2010, starting at just $229. To book your flights, log on to delta.com – then surf over to our destination pages and our recent feature "Barbados: Pursuit of Happiness" to learn more about the island before you go.

Barbados Sale on Delta

Barbados for the Sports Fan

Football fans will be feelin' irie next week when three Barbados-born performers take the stage for the 2009 United Way Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show. Just tune in to the Packers vs. Lions game on Thursday, November 26 at 12:30 PM ET on FOX (I know our cheesehead managing editor Becky will be watching) and you can score a special performance by Bajan singers Shontelle, Hal Linton and Vita Chambers. After the game, surf over to nfl.com/thanksgiving to download a copy of the performance – and you can feel pretty good about it since all proceeds benefit United Way.

Barbados for the Sports Fan

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

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

JetBlue "Bikini Sale" for the Caribbean

More big news from our favorite low-fare carrier JetBlue, which just announced a "Bikini Sale" this month. From what I can tell, they aren't selling those itsy bitsy teenie weenie bathing suits we love to hate, but the idea of the promotion is to keep you lounging on those gorgeous Caribbean beaches for a lot longer this year. Just book your trip by August 26 and you can take advantage of fares starting at just $29 each way when traveling from September 8 to November 18...

Between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau - $29
Between Orlando and Nassau - $49
Between Orlando and Cancun - $59

The promotion also includes U. S. hubs in New York and Boston, and Caribbean stops include Aruba, St. Maarten, Barbados and more. Actual bikinis are optional.

JetBlue "Bikini Sale" for the Caribbean

All You Can Jet - Unlimited Caribbean Travel

In other JetBlue news, the airline just announced an unbelievable promotion for Fall...through August 21, travelers can purchase an All-You-Can-Jet Pass for $599 and enjoy unlimited travel between September 8 and October 8. You can use the pass as often as you like during that time, and it's valid anywhere JetBlue flies - a total of 57 hubs including Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia and St. Maarten.





When traveling internationally the $599 price tag is exclusive of taxes and government fees, which vary by destination, but many Caribbean round-trip flights run close to that promotional price anyway, so the pass could offer huge savings to frequent Caribbean travelers and island hoppers.

Just log on to the JetBlue web site for more information and to purchase your pass.

All You Can Jet - Unlimited Caribbean Travel

Affordable Barbados...Take Two

Many of you missed the series premiere of our new TV show Affordable Caribbean on July 25, so we decided to replay the first episode - Affordable Barbados - this past weekend. But in case you still missed out, you can catch the webisodes here and on the official site - caribbeantravelmag.com/affordablecaribbean. Happy viewing!


The Crane Resort


Almond Resort


Sweetfield Manor


Harrison's Cave

Check out the Affordable Caribbean web site to watch even more webisodes like these...

Affordable Barbados...Take Two

Name that Beach

Know how TV shows like Friends periodically run those episodes where everyone sits around on the couch and reminisces about days gone by? Like when Ross had that unfortunate incident with spray tanner? That way they can say it's a new show while they show you clips from old ones! Here I present my own gallery of "best-ofs," my own stroll down memory lane. We're going to play "guess that beach." I'll tell you the five countries pictured to the left; it's up to you to guess correctly which is which. Extra credit if you can guess exactly which beach it is that I was sinking my toes into five minutes after I snapped these shots. So, without further ado, let the guessing begin.

St. Kitts

St. Martin

Turks and Caicos

Barbados

Aruba

Name that Beach

Watch It Now: Affordable Barbados

Missed the premiere of our new Affordable Caribbean TV show on the Travel Channel last weekend? No worries, because you can watch webisodes right here and on the official site - caribbeantravelmag.com/affordablecaribbean.





Don't forget to tune in this Saturday at 8:00 AM Eastern to watch the next episode, Affordable Antigua! Then surf over to our Antigua destination page to learn even more about the island and to start planning your trip.

Watch It Now: Affordable Barbados

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

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

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

From the Vault

Last time I was in Barbados I came across so many old churches. I had to stop at every one and snap a few photos. Here are a few of my favorites... 

From the Vault

Perfect Weather Guarantee

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With resources like our destination pages and daily travel specials, it’s easy to plan your next Caribbean trip…but timing your vacation around the weather can be a guessing game. That’s why the latest promotion from Barbados got our attention. The sun-soaked island is so confident that you’ll enjoy great weather when you visit that they’re offering the Barbados Perfect Weather Guarantee for travel between May 28 and December 18. If the temperature dips below 78 degrees Fahrenheit and it rains one-quarter inch or more during your stay, you’ll get $100 per day to make it up. And if you reserve a five-night minimum stay, you’ll automatically get an instant credit of $200 per booking.

Just log on to the official site to learn more about the promotion, and be sure to book your sunny stay by June 7 to take advantage of the sweet guarantee.

Perfect Weather Guarantee

Friday Night Lights

Just back from Barbados: I came, I saw, I ate. The reputation of the Friday night fish fry at Oistins precedes it, and for good reason. I showed up ready to be impressed — not easy to do for a Wisconsin girl — so Oistins definitely needed to bring the A-game. The scene was hopping when our group got there around 7:30; each of the small fish stands had lines of locals and tourists alike vying for a taste, picnic tables were crowded with families and friends, reggae was thumping over the loudspeakers and everyone was there to see and be seen. We found a table near Uncle George’s stand, which was universally recommended, and a round of Barbados’ Banks beer promptly arrived. Orders were taken, stories were exchanged, dinners arrived, and: I’m happy to report that the A-game was brought. Most of us ordered what was unanimously agreed upon to be some of the best fish we’d ever had. The marlin steaks were huge; the potatoes bore the perfect criss-cross imprint of the grill; the coleslaw had the perfect zing; and the Banks beer wasn’t bad either. I’m happy to say that this Wisconsin girl was impressed, so if you’re down Barbados’ way, pop in to Uncle George’s and order the marlin — I promise you’ll be impressed too.

Friday Night Lights

Barbados for the Gourmands

Good news for the foodies out there...Barbados' premier Sandy Lane resort just completed a multi-million dollar renovation that includes a new culinary facility and a gourmet cooking and tasting program for guests. With the Gourmet Challenge package, guests get a personalized cooking demo with one of the resort's culinary artists, a customized tasting menu at l'Acajou, a sommelier-guided wine tasting, and the chance to prepare hors d'oeuvres and cocktails right alongside Sandy Lane's top chefs and bartenders. Guests will leave with a special culinary amenity like a cookbook or embroidered chef's apron, plus the recipe to a new signature cocktail created and named just for you.

Out of the kitchen, the Gourmet Challenge also comes with an upgrade to Luxury Ocean Room accommodations - a savings of $300 per night over the standard Ocean Room rate - and the fifth night of the package is free. The full six-day/five-night program is $4,800 per room through October 31 and includes daily breakfast and round trip airport transfers.

If you're thinking of traveling late in the promotion, JetBlue just announced new daily non-stop flights between New York (JFK) and Barbados (BGI) beginning October 1, making it easy to reach the island with a few welcome perks, like free seatback televisions, unlimited snacks and more room to stretch out your legs than on any other U.S. airline - all standard.

And if you can't make it to Sandy Lane before the promotion ends this fall, try this yummy recipe straight from their kitchen to get you through the summer back home...


Sandy Lane Low-Fat Granola Wild Berry Parfait

- 1 cup fresh vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup homemade cherry granola (dried whole cherries & fresh granola of choice)
- 4 sliced strawberries
- a handful each of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries
- 2 tablespoons candied pecans
- 1 sprig mint leaf

Mix fresh granola and dried whole cherries in mixing bowl. Pour a quarter of the granola mixture into a glass mason jar along with the blackberries and blueberries. Pour 1/2 cup fresh vanilla yogurt into jar, then layer sliced strawberries and whole raspberries on top. Pour remaining 1/2 cup yogurt into the jar, then continue to layer the remaining fruit and pecans on top. Finish with mint leaf.

Barbados for the Gourmands