Lionel Richie to Headline 2013 St. Kitts Music Festival, June 27-29

Multiple award winning singer/songwriter and popular American musician Lionel Richie will headline the upcoming 17^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which takes place from Thursday, June 27 to Saturday, June 29, 2013, rounding out an impressive lineup of artists for this year’s event.

“We feel privileged to have such a global musical icon as Lionel Richie visit St. Kitts to add his remarkable talent and numerous award-winning songs to this year’s Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs. “Blending renowned international acts such as Mr. Richie with rising local stars and top Caribbean artists in a festive, block-party type of atmosphere is what keeps patrons coming back to our Festival year after year. This year, I expect the festivities to continue ‘all night long’.”

In addition to Lionel Richie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Konshens, Tessanne Chin, the Cayon Pantastics, Andy Narell featuring Relator with special guest Etienne Charles, Superblue (Austin Lyons), Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin were also announced as performers for the 2013 event

Shaggy, whose hits include “Boombastic,” “Luv Me, Luv Me,” “It Wasn’t Me,” and “Angel,” returns to the St. Kitts Music Festival for the third time in 2013.

In 2006, Shaggy said, “Being from Jamaica, the people of the smaller islands have a flavor of my extended family, everyone knowing each other. The energy, the love and the level of friendliness is absolutely magical. St. Kitts, here I come!” Best known internationally for his dancehall hit “Tempted to Touch” and the critically-acclaimed “Fire,” Beres Hammond also returns to the event, having last performed at the 2009 St. Kitts Music Festival to an enthusiastic crowd.

These artists complete a well-rounded musical roster, which also includes previously announced top local acts including Small Axe Band, Nu Vybes International, Grand Masters, Dejour, The Kore Band, Dagah and Charles Emanuel. The nightly line-up of performers is as follows-

Thursday June 27, 2013 Friday June 28, 2013 Saturday June 29, 2013

Small Axe Band Dejour The Cayon Pantastics

The Kore Band Dagah Andy Narell featuring Relator

Nu Vybes International Charles Emanuel with special guest Etienne Charles

Bunji Garlin Tessanne Chin Lionel Richie

Fay-Ann Lyons Konshens

Superblue (Austin Lyons) Shaggy

The Grand Masters Band Beres Hammond

Now in its 17^th year, the St. Kitts Music Festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Toni Braxton, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Roberta Flack, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer and Lord Nelson.

The Festival begins at 8:00pm nightly and tickets are US $40 per night. For more information, including places to stay in St. Kitts, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or “like” the St. Kitts Music Festival’s Facebook page.

St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. Last year, St. Kitts was named one of “5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now” by MSNBC. It was also named one of the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of “10 Great Places To Explore The World’s Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. St. Kitts was also named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the region’s only scenic railway which connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, ziplining, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.

See also:

Exploring St Kitts, Caribbean island rich in heritage, natural attractions (Photos)

St Kitts Marriott, with top golf, spa, casino, beach, Kids Club is ideal getaway (Photos)

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St Maarten Hosts First-Ever ‘Women with Purpose Global Summit’ June 18-22

St. Maarten has been selected to host the first ever Women With Purpose Global Summit – Mind, Body & Soul taking place June 18-22, 2013.The invitation-only event will bring together multi-cultural, business-savvy women with a passion for professional growth and personal development for a five-day conference being held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.

Summit attendees will include industry experts and 300 professional women from around the globe, including keynote speakers Soledad O’Brien, CNN news anchor, Carmen Wong Ulrich, financial contributor to CBS This Morning, and Iyanla Vanzant, OWN Network life coach, among others.

This unprecedented gathering will offer women direct personalized business-to-business meetings, pre-summit introductions, cutting-edge seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, spa pampering in Anguilla and a day of high-end shopping on St. Barths.

Speakers include Dr. Michelle Garcia, associate dean at Johnson & Wales University; Dr. Winifred Scott, assistant professor at Dubai Zayed University; Patricia Harris, global diversity officer, McDonald’s Corporation; and Pamela Ravare Browne, chief operating officer of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance & Accounting. Roundtable topics range from media and tourism to diversity, philanthropy and more.

The Women with Purpose Global Summit – Mind, Body & Soul is created and produced by Amethyst Entertainment. For more details on the Summit and the full program, visit www.womenwithpurposeglobalsummit.com, call 754-300-7594 or email caroline@womenwithpurposeglobalsummit.com.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair. As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island’s 37 square miles has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions. During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities. The capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment.

Accommodations are varied and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spa resorts. Air service is available to Princess Juliana International Airport from numerous U.S. and Canadian cities as well as from Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Find St. Maarten on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VacationStMaarten and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/StMaartenTravel. For more information, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

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Dominica, the ‘Nature Island’, Celebrates Spring with Hike Fest, Jazz’N Creole, DomFesta Artisan Showcase

From music to hiking to the island’s artisan history, Dominica offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to the island from April to June. Known for its many festivals, the Nature Island has something for everyone year ’round.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic), a spectacular green island of rugged mountains, lush rainforests and rushing rivers in the Eastern Caribbean, is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation experience.

DOMFESTA Celebrates Dominica’s Artisan History

From April into early June, the Dominica Festival of the Creative Arts—or Domfesta—showcases the island’s varied arts and culture. Visitors to the Nature Island during this annual festival witness the talents of hundreds of local artists. Playwrights, poets, artists, singers and musicians all come together to present their interpretations of Dominica’s rich heritage in the arts. Held throughout the island, communities from north to south and east to west demonstrate their history and future by presenting village feasts, theatrical plays, art expositions, poetry and drumming festivals, as well as creole competitions and concerts. A highlight of this two-month festival is the Golden Drum Awards, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their contributions to the arts and culture of Dominica.

Enjoy Dominica’s Many Hiking Trails During Hike Fest

Hike Fest is the ultimate opportunity to experience Dominica by walking with nature on the Nature Island. Held the first three Saturdays in May (4th, 11th, and 18^th), Hike Fest offers treks through Dominica’s pristine, untouched natural trails that follow routes ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. Some of the routes form part of the Waitukubuli National Trail, 115 miles of trails spanning the entire length of Dominica.

Hikers are amazed by the spectacular scenery, hidden beaches, cozy bays and fascinating rock formations that jut out into the sea. Visitors experience agricultural farmlands, parrot habitats and countless panoramic viewpoints including the French neighboring islands of Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Hike Fest is the definitive way to embrace the exhilarating Atlantic breeze and be enchanted by the calming sound of the ocean, all the while exploring the natural wonders and hidden gems of the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica.

Jazz ‘n Creole: Five Musical Days in May

Visitors indulge in an experience that is authentically Dominican by joining locals for Jazz ‘n Creole from Wednesday, May 15, to Sunday, May 19. The festival culminates with a daylong mainstage event that includes a fusion of jazz and creole music, scrumptious food and a celebration of local culture. This rhythmic event is held at Historic Fort Shirley, Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth. Built in the 18th century to protect Dominica from invasion by the British and French, Fort Shirley is one of the most impressive military installations in the West Indies.

This fun-filled, family friendly event is set to a homegrown musical masterpiece with festival goers being serenaded by the uniquely Dominican combination of jazz and creole.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica on American Eagle, BVI Airways, LIAT or Seaborne Airlines (beginning April 2013) from the surrounding hubs of Puerto Rico, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Barbados and St. Lucia.

Learn more about Dominica and the many exciting activities on the Nature Island by visiting www.discoverdominica.com, contacting a travel professional or calling Discover Dominica Authority toll-free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-522-4057.

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St Maarten Hosts Carnival Celebration, April 18-May 2

The idyllic, Dutch-influenced nation of St. Maarten (http://www.VacationStMaarten.com) is gearing up for its 44^th Annual Carnival, which is taking place April 18 – May 2, 2013.

Themed “Come, experience life!” the 2013 carnival is the island’s largest celebration featuring colorful parades, pageants, musical performances and other activities culminating with the traditional “Burning of King Momo.”  St. Maarten’s Carnival stands out among other regional celebrations due to the length of the carnival celebration and the way locals embrace participating vacationers who get swept away in the revelry.

The April Carnival Season is one of the most exciting times to be in the Caribbean as residents and visitors to St. Maarten can invoke their Carnival spirit long before the two-week festival officially begins with events and competitions held as early as April 17 including the Jr. Queen Show, Junior Road March & Calypso, Fete to Fitness Around Town Jump-Up, Teen & Senior Queen Cultural & Speech Competition, Rio Productions “Lightin’ Up De Road” Parade and the Survivors Elementary School “Balloon Parade.”

The official celebration begins on April 18 with the Opening of Carnival Village with festivities in high-gear until the Grand Carnival Parade on April 30 – one of the most exciting events of the season.  But things will not slow down on May 1 as revelry carries over into the Second Day Parade, where participants will don vibrant costumes that depict local heritage as they move their feet to the rhythms of  cultural songs.  The Carnival Season culminates with the Closing Jump-Up and Burning of King Momo on May 2.  It is said that the Burning of King Momo rids the island of its sins leaving it fresh and revived until next year’s Carnival celebrations.

Musical performances for Carnival in St. Maarten include: Night of The Hit Makers – Friday, April 19 with Burning Flames & Onyan (performing in St. Maarten for the first time), Le Groove (2013 Aruba Soca Monarch), Oswald (St. Maarten’s Prince of Zouk), Gio Fuertisimo (Curacao Ritmo Kombina & 2013 Tumba King), and Control Band (renowned as St. Maarten’s #1 Party Band); Latin Night – Friday, April 26 with Daddy Yankee; RiddimBox Presents – Saturday, April 27 with performances by Busta Rhymes, Terri Lyons, Nadia Batsom, Tallpree, Lady Saw, and RDX;and Reggae Explosion 3 – Monday, April 29 featuring Miguel, Damian Marley and Busy Signal.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is encouraging travelers planning a visit to St. Maarten coinciding with Carnival 2013 to book flights and accommodations early as rooms are expected to sell out, especially in the Philipsburg capital where the Carnival Village will be located.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors not just to the beautiful shores of St. Maarten but to participate in St. Maarten’s Carnival, our largest cultural event and what is essentially the North Eastern Caribbean’s longest food and musical festival,” said Edward Dest, interim director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

St. Maarten is the only place in the world that has two Carnivals – the first in February on the French side of the island (St. Martin) which could be seen as a dress rehearsal of sorts for the bigger celebration that takes place in April on the Dutch side of the island.

Get updates on St. Maarten’s Carnival via Facebook.  For more information on activities, restaurants and accommodations, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair.  As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island’s 37 square miles has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions.  During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities.  The capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment.

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Wrap Up Romance of Award-Winning Spice Island Beach Resort for Valentine’s Day

Award-winning, all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada is offering Valentine’s Day gift certificates featuring complimentary couples massage, romantic sunset cruise and dinner for two on the beach and seventh night free, valid for travel April 16 – Oct. 31, 2013.

For Valentine’s gifters hoping to make an impact with their significant others, what can beat a romantically presented gift certificate for a seven-night stay at the # 1 rated resort in the Caribbean based on TripAdvisor reviews? The answer is: All of the above plus a complimentary couples massage, romantic sunset cruise and dinner for two on the beach at the world-renowned Spice Island Beach Resort (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com) in Grenada – with the seventh night free.

Spice Island Beach Resort’s Valentine’s Day gift certificates are valid for travel April 16 – Oct. 31, 2013 and can be purchased directly from the resort.

“Unlike flowers and other short-lived gift items, a certificate for a romantic retreat to Spice Island Beach Resort lasts even beyond the vacation experience as the memories you build here will be a part of your love forever,” said Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, the resort’s chairman and managing director.

Tucked away on pristine shorelines just 10 minutes from the airport, Spice Island Beach Resort is surrounded by immaculate tropical gardens and offers a world-class spa incorporating local spices and ingredients, and an unmatched culinary program featuring seven-course dinners which range from diet-friendly to decadent.

Room categories include the Oleander Oceanview and Garden Suites, beachfront Seagrape Suites, private Anthurium Pool Suites, expansive Luxury Almond and Royal Collection Pool Suites and the resort’s signature Cinnamon and Saffron Suites.

All suites are air conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including a large whirlpool, LCD flat panel televisions with cable, dvd player and iPod docking station, the softest and smoothest Italian Frette bathrobes and linen, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, CD player/clock radio, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony. Several suites feature a private pool.

Nightly rates range from $860 – $1,695 per room, per night, based on two people sharing one suite from April 16 – Oct. 31, 2013. Gift certificates must be purchased in seven-night increments by Feb. 14, 2013 in order to qualify for the seventh night free and promotional value, which includes one complimentary Swedish massage per person, sunset cruise (weather permitting) and dinner for two on Grand Anse Beach (weather permitting) for one evening.

For more information or to purchase certificates, contact Spice Island Beach Resort toll-free at 1-800-501-8603, tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT RANKED AMONG ‘BEST HOTELS’

IN CARIBBEAN BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Grenada’s all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com) has received recognition as one of the “Best Hotels” in the Caribbean for 2013 by U.S. News & World Report. The luxury hideaway is the only property in Grenada to make the list.

The resort appeals to high-end travelers with its reputation for unparalleled service with a warm Caribbean smile, luxury beachfront and private pool suites, unique spa treatments incorporating local spices and ingredients, and an unmatched culinary program featuring seven-course dinners which range from diet-friendly to decadent.

“We are proud to be featured among the top Caribbean hotels by U.S. News & World Report as we understand the publication adheres to strict guidelines and quality standards in its selection process,” said Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, the resort’s chairman and managing director.

“Beyond our reputation among travel experts, the award also reflects the recommendations of guests who have stayed with us. This is the best affirmation of all as it demonstrates how a well-trained team of dedicated employees can make an impact that no amount of advertising can buy,” noted Sir Royston.

The 2013 Best Hotels rankings were calculated based on the aggregate opinion of travel experts and guests expressed through awards, recommendations and ratings. To create this year’s rankings, U.S. News also factored in the prominence of industry awards a hotel receives along with its reputation among travel experts and guests.

“This is our third year ranking hotels, and the bar continues to climb for luxury properties,” said Chad Smolinski, Vice President of Rankings and Reviews at U.S. News & World Report. “Desirable amenities and hotel loyalty programs will no longer suffice. People are seeking hotels that go above and beyond to give their guests an unforgettable experience. Hotels that consistently meet the high expectations of experts and travelers are recognized in our rankings.”

The U.S. News rankings of the 2013 Best Hotels can be found online via: http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels.

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Programme and Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection.

Click on http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com/imagelibrary for pictures of the property. Visit http://www.spicebeachresort.com/VirtualTours.htm for a virtual tour.

For more information, contact Spice Island Beach Resort toll-free at 1-800-501-8603, tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit http://www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

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Bonaire’s Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions Offer Romantic Specials for Valentine’s Day Travel

Bonaire’s hotels, restaurants and spas are offering Valentine’s and Romance specials

Appetite is offering a five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu on February 14, 2013, which includes a free glass of Prosecco, all for $47.50 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call +599-717-3595, email appetitebonaire@gmail.com, or visit www.appetitebonaire.com

The Black Durgon Inn is offering Valentine Packages for sweethearts that are arriving on February 23, March 2, or March 16, 2013, to keep their romance flowing. Package includes seven night’s accommodations (including air-conditioning, fans, and hot water showers), six breakfasts, use of kayaks, swimming or snorkeling instruction, a Bonaire gift and chilled champagne, and a box lunch and directions to small, intimate locations. Book either the Find a Sweetheart Package (for singles) which is $600 per room based on single occupancy, or Sweetheart Package (for couples) which is $700 per room based on double occupancy. Diving can be added for an additional $120 per diver per week. Scuba instruction is available at $350 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, email bonaire@blackdurgon.com, or visit www.blackdurgon.com

At Buddy Dive Resort, love struck visitors can celebrate the day with a romantic, sunset dinner. They will enjoy the breathtaking views of Klein Bonaire and feel the gentle ocean breeze as their palettes delight in the chef’s special Valentine’s Day menu. The three-course menu includes a choice of starters and entrées, and ends with a rich chocolate soufflé served with strawberry compote and vanilla ice cream. After dessert, taking a romantic stroll through the garden to the gazebo or enjoying a walk hand-n-hand on the dock where they can sit back and view the stars, will make this a Valentine’s Day to remember. For more information or to make reservations, call +599-717-5080, email info@buddydive.com, or visit www.buddydive.com

The secluded, peaceful setting at Caribbean Club Bonaire sets the stage for an ideal romantic escape. Combined with the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar, swimming pool with sweeping ocean views, a full service dive shop, and personalized service in a friendly atmosphere, couples can’t help but fall in love for the first time or all over again. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Caribbean Club Bonaire will serve a special cocktail called “Kiss in Paradise” or “Un Sunchi den Paraíso” in Papiamentu. It will only be served on February 14, 2013. The resort is an ideal destination for divers, nature lovers, and peace seekers. With studio apartments to full, two-bedroom villas with kitchen and living areas. For more information or to make reservations, call 1-800-906-7780 or +599-717-5080 ext. 572, email reservations@caribbeanclubbonaire.com, or visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com

Caribbean Wind & Sun has teamed up with Windsock Apartments to offer a Romance Package at the small, intimate apartment complex featuring a private beach and pool. Nestled amongst a mature tropical garden, guests can enjoy casual comfort in an ocean view setting. The Romance Package includes discounted accommodations for seven nights (stay for seven, pay for six), plus a $50 room credit and a $25 dinner credit for use at Kontiki Resort. The Romance Package for Two, including tax and service, is USD$888 based on double occupancy. For more information call 1-508-737-5245, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com or visit www.bonairecaribbean.com

Flamingo Wedding & Spa Services Bonaire is offering a VIP Massage, regularly $70, for only $55. This special massage includes a one-hour combo massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and/or Tui Na) for one person, and is valid from Monday, February 11 through Friday, February 15, 2013. For more information or to make an appointment, call +599-785-0006 or +599-717-2972, email info@flamingoservicesbonaire.com, or visit www.flamingoservicesbonaire.com

H2O Visions Bonaire offers private, personalized snorkel and photo tours above and below the water and PADI continuing education. To make the day special, a pre-dawn or night snorkel trip can be arranged to see up close how the reef environment changes in early mornings and evenings. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, all night snorkel trips booked during the week of February 10, 2013 will include a bottle of wine to enjoy after the excursion. If folks are traveling with children, and still want to have that romantic interlude, H20 Visions will take the kids for the day for a snorkeling and reef eco-education. Photo tours can be in or out of the water, camera rentals are available, and those with special needs can be accommodated. Transportation, quality snorkel gear, snacks and refreshments are included with all excursions. For more information, call +599-700-4361, email brenda@h2ovisionsbonaire.com, or visit www.h2ovisionsbonaire.com

Oasis Guesthouse is offering a special Valentine’s Day package, including seven night’s accommodations in a standard room, double occupancy, for only $699 per room. This package also features breakfast and includes the tourist tax for two persons. It can be booked throughout the month of February, 2013, subject to availability. Oasis Guesthouse is a family-operated Bed & Breakfast, located close to the sea in Belnem. For more information, call +599-796-0408, email info@oasisguesthousebonaire.com, or visit www.oasisguesthousebonaire.com

Piet Boon Bonaire is offering their Garden Villas at a special price from January 15 through March 31, 2013 in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The price of $3,500 per villa per week includes a candlelight dinner for two prepared by a private chef in the villa, as well as round-trip airport transfers, breakfast supplies for day of arrival, gas, water, and electricity, cleaning and change of bed linen twice each week, cleaning of swimming pool weekly, wireless Internet, local telephone calls, and the services of the property manager. The local team is available to assist with reservations for flights, restaurants, car rental, diving, or other activities. Certain restrictions, conditions, and cancellation penalties do apply, including a damage deposit, and rates do not include a 10% service charge or tourist tax of $5.50 per person per night for those 13 years of age or older. For more information, call +599-717-6424, email patricia@pietboonbonaire.com or john@pietboonbonaire.com, or visit www.pietboonbonaire.com

Plaza Resort Bonaire is offering an all-inclusive package from $1,449 per person, including seven nights in a Standard Suite Laguna, seven breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners, 11 boat dive package, round-trip transfers, tax and service charge, and yes, drinks, plus a very special Valentine’s Day cocktail to be served only on February 14, 2013. Room upgrades available along with single, triple, quad rates, and an upgrade to the romantic Honeymoon Suite is available for only $2,236 per person. (Note: tourist tax of $6.50 per person per night and $25 Marine Park tag are not included in the rates quoted.) For more information, call 1-781-821-6016, email usa@plazaresortbonaire.com, or visit www.plazaresortbonaire.com

Rancho Washikemba offers unique trail rides on horseback through the pristine natural habitat of the areas of Washikemba and Lagun. And, just for Valentine’s Day, private tours are available for just two persons on either of their two tours. The Lagun Tour allows riders to walk from the ranch to Bonaire’s eastern coastline to Lagun for an opportunity to swim and play with the horses in the water, (bathing suits recommended). The Kunuku Tour offers scenic views of Bonaire’s outback, with walks, trots, and canters. Transfers from hotels can be arranged, and rides last about two hours. The price is $95 per person, including tax and round-trip hotel transfers. Advance reservations are necessary. For more information or to make reservations, call +599-788-8668 or +599-786-7321, email bregje@rancho-washikemba.com, or visit www.rancho-washikemba.com

Travelers can indulge in the romance and seclusion of shore diving on Bonaire with Sand Dollar Condominiums and Dive Friends Bonaire. Partners can enhance their shore diving experience together by enrolling in a Shore Diving Specialty course that is being offered. Upon completion of the course, they will earn a PADI specialty card. During Valentine’s Week, February 9-15, 2013, Dive Friends Bonaire is offering this course to certified divers staying at Sand Dollar on their Ride to the Reef Package on a “buy one get one free” price of $100 for two persons. Sand Dollar will sweeten that deal by delivering a free bottle of Cava Rosado Brut to all who complete the certification. Ride to the Reef Packages during the Valentine’s week are $913 per person based on double occupancy Studio accommodations including room tax, six days of unlimited air or Nitrox tanks for shore diving and seven day rental truck. For more information please call 1-800-288-4773 or the Florida Office at 1-954-453-5025, email Res@SandDollarBonaire.com or visit www.SandDollarBonaire.com

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most abundant fish population in the Caribbean. World renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling, it is also ideal for adventurers and explorers as it offers a myriad of eco-adventure activities from sea and mangrove kayaking to windsurfing or kite boarding and more. For those who want to kick back and relax, not having traffic lights on the island makes it easy to stroll into town or hop on a scooter or bike to peruse the island at their own pace. Accommodations range from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to intimate guesthouses, small inns and private villas.

For 20 consecutive years in Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, Bonaire has been selected as the number one Shore Diving destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic. This year, it received 17 awards, more than any other Caribbean destination. It was voted number one for Beginner Diving, Advanced Diving, Macro Diving and Underwater Photography also in the Reader’s Choice Awards.

For more information on Bonaire, contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire’s official web site at www.tourismbonaire.com. Follow Bonaire on Twitter and Facebook.

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Say ‘I Do’ in Tropical Paradise with New Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Wedding, Honeymoon Packages

Whether looking for a picturesque sandy beach on which to exchange vows or a complete retreat for their first escape as husband and wife, couples will enjoy saying “I do” to the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Wedding and Honeymoon packages.

Brides and grooms who choose either the Divi Aruba All Inclusive or Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive for their marriage ceremony will also receive an added gift of savings. Once their wedding party books a minimum of 10 double occupancy rooms for at least five nights through participating vendors at the Divi Aruba, the newlyweds will receive a FREE honeymoon stay with an Oceanview room for up to 7 nights including:

• · Accommodations for two with a spacious patio or balcony in an Oceanview room with a king- or queen-sized bed
• · Candlelight dinner for two
• · Complimentary bottle of champagne
• · Free night first anniversary certificate
• · Remembrance gift

Newlyweds whose wedding party books at least 20 double occupancy rooms for at least five nights at the Divi Aruba will also receive a free honeymoon stay of up to 7 nights with all of the above inclusions plus their choice of either a $1,000 credit toward the wedding package or a complimentary Essential Wedding Package. For the ultimate tropical Aruba wedding, the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Extravagant Wedding Package delivers one-stop shopping for all the couple’s matrimonial necessities. Planning the big day has never been easier with the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba’s new wedding and honeymoon microsite in the navigation bar of the properties’ homepages, which provides details about options at both properties and a “look book” of wedding photos plus a link to on-site wedding planners, Aruba Weddings For You.

In addition to all the features included in the packages, honeymooners staying at either the Divi Aruba or the Tamarijn Aruba have all inclusive use of all facilities and services of both adjacent, oceanfront resorts, which offer numerous activities to entertain the happy couple when they are not simply enjoying the beach and each other. The Honeymoon Package is value-added with prices based on seasonal nightly rates and is available year-round.

Located just thirty minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba resorts are set on beautiful Druif Beach, with a shopping arcade and the Alhambra Casino nearby. Guests staying at either the AAA 3-Diamond Divi Aruba or the adjacent, oceanfront Tamarijn Aruba have use of all facilities and services of both properties. All stays at the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba include all meals and snacks at a choice of nine dining options, unlimited beverages at seven bars, the use of three freshwater pools and a wide range of activities including non-motorized water sports and nightly entertainment. In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach. The chic pool deck at Divi Aruba has become a central gathering place for guests of both properties to relax. The resorts also offer family and golf packages.

In 2012 alone, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba won a Travelocity Excellence Award, a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, an Apple Vacations Golden Apple Award and an MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Award. In previous years, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba resorts have received accolades from Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and were named among the 10 Best Affordable All-Inclusives in an article on Travel + Leisure’s website. Both properties received silver Earthcheck Certification in February 2011.

To book Wedding and Honeymoon Packages, visit http://www.diviaruba.com/weddings or www.arubaweddingsforyou.com. For reservations and more information about Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, contact your travel professional or 1-800-554-2008, 207-594-7888, visit the resorts’ websites at www.diviaruba.com or www.tamarijnaruba.com, read the news blog or follow the resorts on Facebook and/or Twitter.

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Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada, Voted Among 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts by Fodor’s

Seagrapes Suites at Spice Island all-inclusive resort on Grenada

Grenada’s luxurious Spice Island Beach Resort (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com),s consistently recognized as a top destination for travelers around the world, was just named one of 10 “Best All-Inclusive Resorts” in Fodor’s 100 Top Hotel Awards. The resort also received the  2013 Condé Nast Johansens award for “Most Excellent Service” and distinction as the #1 property in Virgin Holidays’ exclusive Platinum Collection.

“We are extremely honored to be named as one of the 10 ‘Best All-Inclusive Resorts’ in the world by Fodor’s 100 Top Hotel Awards,” said Sir Royston O. Hopkin KCMG, owner and managing director of Spice Island Beach Resort. “The credit, however, belongs to our dedicated staff and management team who go out of their way on a daily basis to ensure a great experience that is second to none.”

The Fodor’s 100 Top Hotel Awards are chosen by Fodor’s editorial team, in conjunction with the outlet’s seven hundred writers from around the world, who live and work in the destinations they cover. What makes the Fodor’s 100 different from other hotel awards is that no hotel or resort can nominate themselves. The chosen 100 properties represent the best in class in nine categories.

Tucked away on spectacular Grand Anse Beach, just 10 minutes from the airport, Spice Island Beach Resort has also achieved “Gold”standing in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 and 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards, as well as at the Virgin Holidays Awards, where the resort was ranked #1 in the tour operator’s Platinum Collection from 2006-2012. The resort is also the recipient of the coveted AAA Four Diamond® Award, which it received for the last eight consecutive years.

Spice Island Beach Resort is surrounded by pristine tropical gardens and offers a world-class spa and culinary program, and a wide choice of elegant beachfront suites situated right on the beach at the edge of the Caribbean Sea.

Offering a new spin on beachfront elegance, Spice Island Beach Resort’s signature Seagrape Suites are equipped with a luxurious large whirlpool tub with views of the ocean and separate shower featuring chic, new Hansgrohe fixtures designed by Phillip Starck. An additional 225 sq ft. of spacious patio with private garden, chaise lounges and a double hammock provide the perfect romantic setting to absorb the breathtaking Caribbean sunset.

For the discerning couple, Spice Island Beach Resort’s custom-designed Royal Collection Pool Suites and Luxury Almond Pool Suites offer an oasis of private luxury. Each suite is at least 1,500 sq. feet with its own private entrance and tropical garden as well as a residential size swimming pool and outdoor dining terrace. The spacious bedroom is decorated in contemporary Caribbean style and features a luxurious canopy bed, making it an ideal setting for the perfect romantic retreat. An elegantly furnished bathroom with a whirlpool tub adds a touch of Caribbean romance. The Royal Collection Pool Suites also feature a Cedar Sauna.

All suites are air conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including a large whirlpool, LCD flat panel televisions with cable, dvd player and iPod docking station, the softest and smoothest Italian Frette bathrobes and linen, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, CD player/clock radio, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony. Several suites feature a private pool.

Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a proud member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Programme and Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection.

Click on http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com/imagelibrary for pictures of the property. Visit http://www.spicebeachresort.com/VirtualTours.htm for a virtual tour.

For more information, contact Spice Island Beach Resort at tel: 1-800-501-8603, fax: 1-473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

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Jalousie Plantation completes multi-million dollar renovation to become Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort

The Jalousie Plantation, on the scenic Eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia, has completed a three year, multi-million dollar transformation and is marking the occasion by renaming the property Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort on November 30.

The Jalousie Plantation, on the scenic Eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia, has completed a three year, multi-million dollar transformation and is marking the occasion by renaming the property Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort on November 30.

The Viceroy Hotel Group, which has managed the Jalousie Plantation since 2008, played a key role in the multi-million dollar upgrading of the property which, apart from its stunning location and timeless French Caribbean charm, bears little resemblance to the original hotel. The property will be branded under the Viceroy Hotels and Resorts portfolio.

Set within more than 100 acres of lush rainforest and embraced by the island’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons, the following have been either added or enhanced in the three-year project that has cost in excess of $100 million:

• · 59 brand new Luxury Villas
• · Eight brand new Luxury Beachfront Bungalows
• · 11 Luxury Sugar Mill Rooms have been completely revamped
• · 9427 square foot Rainforest Spa has opened, featuring a range of international luxury product lines and locally inspired signature treatments, 7 tree house treatment cabanas and a temascal heat experience.
• · Several sophisticated new restaurants and bars are now open:

-The Great Room for elegant dining and Caribbean inspired fare

- Bayside Bar and Restaurant for more relaxed dining just steps from the water’s edge

- The Cane Bar and Late Night Bar complete with rummelier to guide guests through their choices

- The Palm Court with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and lush gardens of Sugar Beach

- The Terrace breakfast restaurant with views across the lily pond and sugar mill ruins (coming December)

• · A chic new lobby and reception area to welcome guests
• · New Kids Club featuring murals by British children’s book illustrator Lucy Loveheart
• · New Cybernook with desktop computers and printers to keep guests connected
• · New boutique offering high quality linens, logo wear and gift items (coming December)
• · Kabe Prive, private garden cabanas for day use and evening dining
• · Updated PADI dive facility featuring new dive classes, snorkeling excurions and SNUBA (a cross between snorkeling and scuba)
• · And a beautiful new contemporary design swimming pool completes the project.

A new website has been launched (www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugarbeach) and the resort continues to create packages and special offers that have generated solid interest and sales. Winter season rates start at $640 per night, room only, based on double occupancy and excluding VAT and service charge.

According to Jalousie’s owner, Roger Myers, the decision to become a Viceroy Resort is a logical step that will bring enhanced benefits as the property puts the final touches to this expansive renovation project.

“With this completion, it makes perfect sense for The Jalousie Plantation to be officially branded and named Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, capitalizing on the excellent reputation of the Viceroy Hotel Group within the luxury hotel market and bolstering the group’s efforts to focus on the expansion of the Viceroy brand,” Mr Myers said. “Branding as a Viceroy Resort will allow us to tap into the established market base of the Viceroy Hotel Group and to continue to attract guests at the very top end of the luxury travel market.”

The resort has already been accepted for membership in the US’s leading consortia while in the United Kingdom, Sugar Beach now features in the brochures of top tier tour operators.

Myers’ confidence in this new direction has been echoed by General Manager Andre Boersma, who added: “I am excited that this iconic property has had the attention and investment it deserves and that we are moving into another chapter of its history as Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort—in time for the up-coming winter season.

“All of the eagerly anticipated offerings and services that we have been talking about and promising our travel partners over the past three years have all come to fruition and we look forward to delighting new and past guests with an entirely new Sugar Beach product capitalizing on the solid reputation of the Viceroy Hotels and Resorts brand, and the continued commitment of ownership to provide quality facilities, accommodations and unparalleled experiences.”

Viceroy Hotel Group includes hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi, Anguilla, Beverly Hills, Maldives, Miami, New York, Palm Springs, Riviera Maya, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Snowmass, St. Lucia and Zihuatanejo with forthcoming openings in Istanbul and Bodrum, Turkey.

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Moon Dance Cliffs Resort, Negril, Offers Romantic Escape for Holiday Season

Not sure what to give your beloved this holiday season?  How about the gift of a romantic escape to Moon Dance Cliffs Hotel & Spa, an intimate seaside resort perched on the dramatically beautiful, westernmost edge of Jamaica.  Book now and take advantage the resort’s Holiday Specials offering up to 30% off nightly rates.

From December 22, 2012 through January 2, 2013, stay four 4 – 6 nights and receive 20% off Moon Dance Cliffs nightly rates.  Stay 7 nights and enjoy even deeper savings with 30% off its nightly rates.

Negril’s newest luxury resort, Moon Dance Cliffs features spectacular oceanview accommodations, luxurious amenities and a secluded, unique setting on the picturesque cliffs of Negril. Moon Dance Cliffs offers something for everyone—from the more active couples who want to join hands and cliff jump and snorkel off the resort’s shore to more laid-back lovebirds who would rather soak up the sun and then watch it slip behind the watery horizon together. The resort joins its sister property, the acclaimed Moon Dance Villas, located up the coast of Negril on a private stretch of famed Seven Mile Beach.

Upon arrival at Moon Dance Cliffs, our warm, attentive staff greets you with traditional Jamaican rum punch as you take in the sweeping seascape in our open air lobby — waves rising up to meet the captivating coastline — before settling in for your unforgettable stay at Jamaica’s hidden gem. Moon Dance Cliffs offers a superb selection of luxurious accommodations allowing you to relax and enjoy your idyllic home away from home as you celebrate the season.  These include 480- to 1,200 square-foot rooms and suites, along with 1-, 4- and 5-bedroom private, poolside villas – all with amazing Caribbean views.

Look and feel beautiful after a visit to Moon Dance Cliff’s Kamala Spa and Salon, where you can enjoy the resort’s signature Kamala Caress couples massage as the warm tropical breeze and rhythmic waves soothe your soul.   Eat, drink and be merry at Moon Dance Cliff’s poolside/swim-up sports bar or Annie’s restaurant, located next to the cliffs overlooking the ocean.  All-inclusive dining options are available, as are some of Negril’s best restaurants just a short walk away. For couples wanting an unforgettable romantic experience, staff can arrange a private, candlelit dinner in an intimate, Cliffside cave or gazebo.

“Moon Dance Cliffs is easily one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean,” said resort owner Randy McKay.  “The amazing views, lush gardens, secluded location and attentive staff that anticipates every need, while also ensuring your privacy, makes it a great place to get away from it all and just enjoy each other.”

For more information about Moon Dance Villas and Moon Dance Cliffs, visit http://www.moondanceresorts.com or call 1-800-621-1120.

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