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

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

Sarah's 2009 Caribbean Highlights

The new year is just around the corner, but before it arrives I'm taking a moment to reminisce about some of my favorite Caribbean adventures in 2009.

In January, I rode the rails – and enjoyed a killer rum punch – on the Sugar Train in St Kitts.


In April, I spent four days in San Juan munching my way through the Saborea Puerto Rico food festival and getting up close and personal with giant avocados.


In May, I did a six-day Jamaican road trip that took me from Port Antonio to Ochi, Mo'Bay and Negril, where the cliff divers at Rick's Cafe demonstrated their prowess.


Come June, I discovered the bohemian pleasures of Tulum for the first time - and passed this this gargantuan furniture store display along the way.


Then in August I made my maiden voyage on crewed yacht charter through the BVIs, where we shot an episode of our TV show, CT+L's Affordable Caribbean.


I squeezed in a whistle-stop trip back to Jamaica in November, staying just long enough to enjoy a heaping plate of ackee and saltfish, the island's national dish.



My final jaunt of 2009 was to Provo in the Turks and Caicos Islands in December. Beautiful beaches, luxury resorts: what's not to love?



Where did your Caribbean travels take you in 2009?

Sarah's 2009 Caribbean Highlights

Winter Care Package in the Turks and Caicos

The Deal: Book a five-night minimum stay at the all-suite Point Grace resort through January 31 and you'll get a complimentary Winter Care Package that includes a three-course dinner for two at Grace's Cottage, a bottle of sparkling champagne, and two 30-minute massages.

Why We Love It: Since you can easily combine it with other promotions, the Care Package is great added value for your winter stay of five nights or more. Add it to the Pay 5 Get 7 package and you'll also get two nights free.

How to Book It: Call 866-924-7223 or log on to pointgrace.com to book your stay by January 31, 2010. Blackout dates between December 18, 2009 and January 5, 2010 apply.

Winter Care Package in the Turks and Caicos

Conch If You Love Provo

I've just returned from a week-long trip to Provo, and I think I might be in love.

What's not to enjoy about an island that's small enough to drive around in a couple of hours, big enough that it never feels crowded, and offers some of the Caribbean's ritziest hotels? I was completely enchanted by the 38-square mile island's small-town feel, the white-sand wonder of Grace Bay, and the friendliness of the people, who seemed genuinely pleased to see me. But ask me what I loved the most, and I gotta tell ya: it's the conch.

Who knew there were so many way to enjoy the chewy mollusc? On a lunchtime visit to beachfront Da Conch Shack I made a meal of hearty conch chowder; a bowl of lime-drenched ceviche-style conch salad; and a combo platter of battered and fried "cracked" conch and piping hot conch fritters. I admit it, I'm a glutton for the gastropod, baby.

The next day, I went in search of the conch wontons that have bested the competition in the island's annual conch festival four years in a row and found my bliss at Sibonne's Bay Bistro, where a plate of the light, crisply fried conch-filled envelopes went down real easy.

Following my obsession to its source, on Day Three I headed east to The Conch Farm, the only only one in the world. At the modest operation I marveled as I watched trays of the fingernail-sized babies (or veligers) being hand fed, and was almost as delighted as the four-year-olds in our group when introduced to longtime residents Sally and Jerry, the farm's "stunt conchs," who emerge from their algae-covered shells on command.

"The average egg mass contains more than half a million conch, but in the wild only one conch will survive," our tour guide told us. "But here at the conch farm we raise more than 1.5 million conch each year, which we export all over the world and sell to local restaurants and hotels for visitors like you to enjoy. So before you leave, make sure you try some."

He didn't have to tell me twice.

Conch If You Love Provo

Holiday Savings in the Turks and Caicos

If you're planning a winter escape to the Caribbean, you've probably already seen our home page feature on this year's Top 25 Holiday Deals – but last-minute offers just keep coming in, like this vacation package from the Tuscany on Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos...

The Deal: Book seven nights from December 18 to December 25 in a three-bedroom suite (sleeps six) and your family will enjoy three nights free – a savings of over $4,000.

Why We Love It: Hey, it's the holidays...what's not to love about keeping a little extra cash in your pocket? Nightly rates for this suite category start at $1,425, but divided by six that's not bad for high season – especially given the resort's amenities and sublime Grace Bay location. Bonus: the well-appointed suites are around 2,000 square feet in size, and all three bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms, so it's easy to share the space with the whole family...yes, even the in laws.

How to Book It: Call 866-359-6466 or log on to thetuscanyresort.com. There are no booking dates but the travel window is December 18 to 25, 2009.

Holiday Savings in the Turks and Caicos

Beaches Turks and Caicos

I just returned from a quick trip to Turks and Caicos, where I had the chance to check out the new Italian Village wing at the all-inclusive Beaches Resort. Going into it, I knew the Grace Bay location would be tough to beat – but I had no idea how much I would end up liking the resort itself. Here, four surprising reasons to check out the property...

1. Diving – The resort's full-service PADI dive center has a staff of 23 instructors, a fleet of five Newton dive boats and a wide range of diving and certification options for beginners to experienced divers. Best of all? It's completely free for guests who are already certified ($150 per two-tank dive for non-guests). Haven't tried diving before? You can sign-up for the Discover Scuba resort course, including a hands-on pool class and one-tank dive, for $70 per person – then decide if you want to upgrade to the full scuba certification for $250, or open water certification for $400 (either way, they'll refund your original $70). You'll have famed TCI dive sites like Aquarium, Cathedral and Pinnacles at your disposal, plus a range of great sites along the Northwest Point and the Caicos Banks.

2. Butler Service – I'll admit it, I didn't expect much when I was told I'd have a personal butler during my stay. I thought this would only come in handy for the occasional poolside cocktail order, but oh! – was I wrong. These were not mere butlers but mind readers. By day two, mine already knew exactly how I take my coffee, how I like my eggs, what time I might feel like a snack (any time?), and that I have a hard time deciding on dessert (he just brought me one of each – thoughtful!). At check in, my butler even gave me a special bat phone to reach him at any hour, and with the touch of a button I really could – whether it was just for another daiquiri, or to make a reservation at the Red Lane Spa or one of the specialty restaurants on the property. Butler service is included with top suite categories so just ask your reservation agent about the option when you book.

3. Dining – Speaking of restaurants, surprise number three: The food was really good. I'm not knocking all-inclusive resort chains, but they aren't usually top-of-mind when I think about great Caribbean dining. But I've got to say, from breakfast on the terrace to the lunch buffet at Mario's to any one of the other 15 options (including Japanese, Italian, French and seafood specialty venues) – every single meal I had was great. Same for the cocktails, though who am I kidding? It's tough to go wrong with a rum punch anywhere in the Caribbean.

4. Kid Stuff – I don't have kids myself, but man...next time I'll borrow a couple for the trip. Besides the fact that I personally hung out at the pool with the characters from Sesame Street twice during my stay, I also had access to the huge Pirate's Island water park, a giant Games Garage filled with every Xbox game known to man, five pools and a gaggle of other kid-distractions everywhere I looked. But with tons of supervised Kids Club programs for all age groups, there's also an escape for mom and dad, too.

Our editor in chief and his two tots put the resort's kiddie attractions to the test this summer, so stay tuned to the April issue for even more on that.

Beaches Turks and Caicos

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

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

Summer Lovin'

Maybe it's just the steamy temperatures, but love is definitely in the air this summer - at least according to the many romantic vacation packages we've found this week.

BERMUDA

At Bermuda's AAA Four-Diamond Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, lovebirds can enjoy a little R&R with the Romance & Resort Credits package, offering a bottle of champagne, breakfast in bed, a 50-minute couple's massage, and your choice of either a three-day moped rental to explore the island, or a $200 resort credit. The package is a $900 add-on to general rates, which start at $590 per night double occupancy for a water-view room. Just stay a minimum of four nights and you'll enjoy a $400 resort credit too.

BELIZE

Eco-lovers can head to Belize where the all-inclusive Cayo Espanto is offering a seven-night Ultimate Romance package for $7,995 per couple that includes accommodations in an over-water bungalow, a half-day private boat charter and snorkel excursion to Hol Chan, one massage treatment per person and a bottle of bubbly. If you can't spare the whole week, the private-island resort also offers a three-night package for $3,995. Both packages are inclusive of taxes and resort fees.

TURKS & CAICOS

Over in the Turks & Caicos, the 91-room luxury Gansevoort resort on Grace Bay Beach is offering its Steal Away package that includes a junior ocean-view suite, daily breakfast á deux, a daily "Exhale" mind-and-body class for two, welcome cocktails and a 35-percent discount on spa services at the Exhale Spa, all starting at $295 per night double occupancy.

Also in the Turks & Caicos, the luxury boutique Point Grace hotel has put together a new Do Your Own Thing package for sweethearts seeking a little alone time. Starting at $2,022 per couple, the five-night package includes accommodations in a Cottage Suite, daily continental breakfast and cocktail hour, a candlelit dinner at Grace's Cottage restaurant, airport transfers and private on-site shuttle service between amenities, as well as special "his" and "hers" perks like a 3-hour spa experience and 18-holes of golf at the Provo Golf Club.

BAHAMAS

And just a short hop over to the Bahamas, the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island is offering a five-night Romance in Paradise package starting at $4,981 per couple that includes a 15-percent savings on accommodations as well as a welcome bottle of Tattinger Brut, daily breakfast, two 140-minute massages, romantic turndown service and plush bathrobes to keep. Taxes, resort fees and housekeeping gratuities are also included.

Some of these romance packages are only available through the end of the summer, so check each resort's site for blackout dates and other details. Not in the mood for love? Check out our Editor's Picks for other great deals around the Caribbean.

Summer Lovin'

Choice Rewards

At Caribbean Travel + Life, we love to uncover the hidden gems of each destination - particularly unique, boutique and authentically Caribbean places to stay. We highlight these Rare Finds in most issues, and we reveal many of our other favorites in features and blogs throughout the year.

But we also know that when travel budgets are tight, it's great to have a few chain hotel brands to throw in the mix as well. And one brand that does mid-priced lodging right is Choice Hotels, with budget-friendly properties scattered throughout the Caribbean in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Turks & Caicos.

Through August 13, guests who visit select Choice properties – including the brands Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion and more – can sign up to receive Choice Privileges points for their stay. For every third qualifying stay, guests will have earned enough of these points for a prepaid $50 cash card with no strings attached – and there's no limit to how many of the cards you can earn. That's all in addition to their affordable summer rates and other incentives like an airline mileage rewards program and free-nights promotions.

Just log on to the Choice Hotels web site to check out their vacation packages and to sign up for the rewards program. Then book online or by calling 800-4-CHOICE.

Choice Rewards