New Developments to Entice Travelers to the Caribbean this Season

This season, The Christopher on St. Barth will open three new villas designed by French interior designer Olivia Putman.

Here are some of the new developments to entice travelers to the Caribbean this season:

The Christopher, St. Barth

This season, The Christopher will open three new villas designed by French interior designer Olivia Putman. Two of the four-bedroom villas will open in December, with the third following in 2020. The new villas allow guests all the space of a private home that is completely open to the sea and all the amenities of a luxury resort. Guests can dine onsite at Christo and Mango Beach Bar restaurants, enjoy Sisley Spa with its open-air treatment rooms, or simply relax and order room service.

What else is cool?

The Christopher has partnered with Artireef to help rebuild the reef of Pointe Milou, the peninsula on which the hotel sits, by creating marine cement that is three times denser than concrete. The growth rate of coral there is three- to five-times that of natural coral. In addition to creating a barrier to the shore, the reef will be more resistant to high water temperatures and pollution.

 

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Sisters Nadia and Katia Narain, Kate Moss’s health gurus and authors of Self Care for the Real World and Rituals for Every Day, will bring their life philosophy to Belmond Cap Juluca for a wellness retreat from July 5–9, 2020. The duo preaches the value of taking time to care for one’s body and mind to open oneself to fully embrace life and maintain balance. The four-night retreat will leave guests feeling refreshed, with sunrise yoga and meditation, snorkeling with sea turtles, self-care workshops in the sand, nighttime kayaking, Taino (indigenous Caribbean) healing salt spa treatments, and sunset cruises through the Caribbean Sea.

What else is cool?

Travelers can seamlessly experience two Leeward Islands in one trip with Belmond’s ‘Island to Island’ package, including accommodations in both Anguilla and St. Martin – and a smooth connection via a 25-minute Caribbean boat ride. Complete with $100 resort credit and daily breakfast per stay at both Belmond Cap Juluca and Belmond La Samanna, the trip offers a taste of both St. Martin’s cosmopolitan buzz and Anguilla’s world-famous, crystal clear beaches.

 

Belmond La Samanna, St. Martin

Set on the glamorous French side of this northeastern Caribbean Island, Belmond La Samanna reopened for the season on November 7 with a fresh new look. Redesigned by London-based interior design firm Muza Lab, the property’s 83 rooms and public spaces, including the new L’Oursin restaurant and Laplaj Beach Bar, have a new pastel-chic flair. With a color scheme of light blues, greens, pinks and peaches, the design was inspired by the natural tones of the Caribbean Sea. Accents of shells and corals are featured alongside botanical-printed fabrics, artworks, lighting and mirrors.

What else is cool?

Guests of Belmond La Samanna can take a Caribbean impressionist painting class inside a French Créole townhouse. The home overlooks early eighteenth-century French soldier barracks, floral gardens, and two centuries of antique architecture. Guests can hone their artistic skills alongside Sir Roland Richardson, one of St. Martin’s most celebrated painters, as he guides them through the study of light and color on living subjects through the technique of ‘Plein Air’ painting.

 

GoldenEye, Jamaica

The FieldSpa at GoldenEye is built into the jungle-like landscape on the edge of the crystal-clear blue lagoon, allowing guests to swim or kayak to their spa appointment. As part of a one-year expansion, two new standalone spa huts will open in mid-December 2019, along with a new yoga deck. A selection of elixirs, juice, and healthy bites incorporating fresh ingredients from Pantrepant, the private farm of music executive Chris Blackwell, and a new therapy menu will be introduced. This expansion will provide direct access to the new spa cove, a crescent of sand nestled along the property’s signature lagoon. GoldenEye will also unveil three new accommodations – a three-bedroom lagoon villa and two lagoon cottages in summer 2020. Additionally, a new dive shop, available to guests and the community, opened on neighboring, James Bond Beach in November 2019. The shop offers scuba certification and excursions, boat tours of the Bay and coral planting opportunities in the underwater coral nursery. All profits of the dive shop will go to the Oracabessa Foundation, which is responsible for improving marine life in the Bay.

What else is cool?

The 25th James Bond movie, No Time to Die, which will mark Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007, is heading back to Jamaica. In celebration of the April 8, 2020 release, movie buffs can retrace the island life of Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. The author was a former British intelligence officer and discovered Jamaica during a WWII mission in 1942. Four years later, he purchased 15 acres of under-developed tropical land and named it GoldenEye to pay homage to his naval operation that first brought him to the island. He resided at GoldenEye every January and February for more than two decades and wrote a new Bond novel each winter for a total of 14 books. His beachfront bungalow, which is now called The Fleming Villa with five bedrooms, is part of the 52-acre GoldenEye resort. Fleming’s writing desk and sunken garden, where he would entertain the likes of Noël Coward and Katherine Hepburn, are available for guests to enjoy.

 

PONANT, Caribbean Sea

During the 2019-2020 season, the recently launched PONANT EXPLORER ships, Le Champlain and Le Dumont-d’Urville, are offering 29 sailings with seven new itineraries, including the eight-day ‘Pearls of the Caribbean’ journey roundtrip from Fort-de-France. With an experienced diving instructor on board throughout the duration of the cruise, guests will enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters as the ship island-hops from Guadalupe to Saint Lucia to Grenada. Other highlights include a spot at the private Mayreau Island, the smallest in the Grenadine archipelago. PONANT guests can enjoy a beach barbeque and an optional excursion to pilot a Zodiac along Grenada’s coast before jumping into the water to explore the world’s first underwater sculpture park.

What else is cool?

Back on board, PONANT guests will be able to see the Caribbean like never before onboard two of its new PONANT EXPLORER ships, each featuring an industry-first underwater lounge. Located eight feet below water, the unprecedented views from the Blue Eye lounge offer a peek into underwater life through the whale-eye shaped portholes; as well as project images of the sea onto screens in real time. For a completely immersive experience, the lounge also brings the sounds of the sea inside.

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Oceania Cruises’ Newest Ship MS Sirena Makes Inaugural Call to St. Kitts

Oceania Cruises’ MS Sirena alongside the Caribbean Princess on Tuesday at Port Zante, St. Kitts

Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 13, 2017) – Oceania Cruises’ newest cruise ship, the MS Sirena, made its inaugural visit to St. Kitts on Wednesday, October 11, bringing more than 600 visitors to the island, who enjoyed the island’s beaches, tours and many attractions.

Launched in 1999, the Sirena is one of Oceania Cruises R-class ships, together with Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica. Until 2016, the vessel was part of Princess Cruises’ fleet sailing under the name “MS Ocean Princess.”

Oceania Cruises is a Miami-based company operating a fleet of premium cruise ships world-wide. The cruise line bills itself as upper-premium line, positioned squarely between the luxury and the premium segment.

Also in port the same day was the Caribbean Princess with a maximum capacity of 3,140 passengers. Last Sunday, October 8, the Adventure of the Seas visited St. Kitts with a maximum capacity of 3,840 passengers.

An estimated 120 vessels are scheduled to visit St. Kitts from October 7 to December 31, 2017.

Several cruise lines, including Regent Seven Seas, which had itineraries that would have visited some of the more impacted Caribbean islands have modified their itineraries to call at St. Kitts.

Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. Located in the northern Leeward Islands, 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 or ziplining through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, and touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the more traditional vacation pastimes available are water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on the beach.

For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.

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Verdanza Hotel, Puerto Rico, Reports No Major Damage from Maria, Plans to Reopen Oct. 15

Isla Verde, Puerto Rico (September 25, 2017) – The Management of Verdanza Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Lifestyle Collection, reports that the property suffered no significant structural damage as a result of the passing of Hurricane Maria, with the impact mainly limited to water and landscaping damage and plans to reopen October 15.

Although utilities are down and in the process of being restored across the island, the property has not lost water service at any time, while an electricity generator provides power for all hotel operations both in guestrooms and common areas. Meanwhile, guests and staff are safe.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the passing of Hurricane Maria,” said Ricky Newman, general manager. Newman explained that Verdanza Hotel is operational; however, the property is currently serving as a home base for first responders and representatives from the local and federal agencies working on recovery efforts. “As always, we stand in solidarity with our community, committed to once again play a part in the recuperation and rebuilding of Puerto Rico,” he added.

Verdanza Hotel is scheduled to open its doors to welcome visitors starting Sunday, October 15, 2017.

The property’s Hurricane Policy is now in place for those whose vacation at Verdanza has been disrupted by the hurricane. Reservations for stays before October 15th may be rescheduled or cancelled without penalty.

We will provide a more comprehensive update as soon as our telecommunications system is restored.

For online updates from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, please visit www.puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com.

Set just steps from the golden sands of Puerto Rico’s popular Isla Verde Beach, the Verdanza Hotel offers a blend of boutique-style service and the conveniences of a full-service hotel.

• Privileged location within walking distance of restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment
• 222 comfortable guestrooms
• Free wireless Internet access
• Expansive pool area with jacuzzi, children’s spray water park, food & beverage service, and poolside spa services upon request
• Two restaurants, a deli café, and a wine & tapas bar
• Complimentary fitness room
• Pet friendly program and pet park
• Corporate travel program
• Full services for meetings and social events: 16,000+ square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space; unique Muse Creative Room designed to promote creative corporate meetings.

For more information and reservations, visit  www.verdanzahotel.com or email at feelthevibe@verdanzahotel.com, phone: 800-625-0312, 787-626-9025.

 

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Four Seasons Resort Nevis Earns 2016 AAA Five Diamond Award

Four Seasons Nevis as seen from the private ferry between Porte Zante, St. Kitts to its private dock on Nevis

NEVIS, WEST INDIES – For the 20th time, Four Seasons Resort Nevis was named among the recipients of the coveted 2016 AAA/CAA Five Diamond Award. The award recognizes properties that deliver ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence.

“We are truly delighted and honored to receive our 20th AAA Five Diamond Award,” said General Manager Ed Gannon. “Every member of the exceptional Four Seasons Resort Nevis staff is committed to delivering a true Caribbean experience with superior personalized service to every guest, every day. We are especially happy to receive this latest AAA Five Diamond Award for our resort’s 25th anniversary in 2016.”

Opened on February 14, 1991, the 196-room Four Seasons Resort Nevis delivers an intimate and authentic travel experience for adventurous and up-market couples and families. The resort was the first among Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to ever receive the AAA Five Diamond Award in 1992, and Four Seasons Resort Nevis is currently among only seven Caribbean hotels and resorts to receive the 2015 Five Diamond recognition. The new recognition for 2016 ranks the resort as a premier establishment, esteemed by AAA’s professional inspectors, the hospitality industry, and the club’s more than 55 million members.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, the only Four Seasons Resort in the Caribbean, is set along the golden sands of Pinney’s Beach, on the western coast of the island, minutes from museums, plantation homes and historic churches dating to the 1600s.

For more information, visit www.FourSeasons.com/Nevis.

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St. Maarten Named to Top 10 ‘Best Romantic Caribbean Island’ List

 

The romantic island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has been named in the Top 10 of the “Best Romantic Caribbean Island” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

The romantic island of St. Maarten/St. Martin (www.VacationStMaarten.com) has been named in the Top 10 of the “Best Romantic Caribbean Island” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The full list of winners can be seen here: http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-caribbean-island/St. Maarten/

Couples visiting St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoy a natural, picturesque backdrop of swaying palm trees, turquoise blue water and white-sand beaches. The destination offers countless activities and attractions for romantic outings including sunset catamaran cruises, horseback riding, beach-side couples massages, intimate meals and more.

Those wishing to get married in St. Maarten/St. Martin can engage the services of on-island wedding planners, who can assist with making the necessary arrangements for a ceremony, and caterers who can plan the perfect reception for the couple. Many of the destination’s hotels and resorts offer complete wedding packages inclusive of an abundance of special amenities for the big day.

St. Maarten/St. Martin is home to 37 square miles of breathtaking beaches and boasts numerous historical and romance-oriented attractions. During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities, while the capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a lovely city atmosphere, 14 world-class, Vegas-style casinos and many nightclubs that provide endless entertainment.

With the widest variety of dining experiences of any other island in the Caribbean, the Dutch nation of St. Maarten and the French overseas collectivity of St. Martin offer a wide range of  cuisines served in  365 restaurants – one for every day of the year.

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the 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.

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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St. Maarten Resorts Entice Fall Getaway Travelers with Discounted Rates, Incentives

St Maarten resorts and hotels are providing discounts up to 40% off standard rates, along with other travel incentives and activities for fall getaways.

The lively and picturesque island of St. Maarten (www.VacationStMaarten.com) is enticing travelers to fall getaways with resorts and hotels providing discounts up to 40% off standard rates, along with other travel incentives and activities.

Mary’s Boon Beach Resort is offering travelers two special packages for those interested in visiting the friendly island this September. Guests who book three nights in a garden or beachfront studio will receive a fourth night free, starting from just $342 including tax and service charges. Those wanting to stay a full week in St. Maarten can book the seven-night package, with guests only responsible for the cost of five nights. The seven-night special is available for garden, beachfront and deluxe beachfront studios and starts at $570 inclusive of taxes and service charges. These fall specials include a 15% discount on additional nights, free welcome fruit/rum punch and free Wi-Fi. The specials are valid for travel through Sept. 30, 2014. To book, e-mail info@marysboon.com or call (800) 497-5834.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort is luring travelers with a variety of discounted rates throughout the fall season. Guests will enjoy 40% off standard rates when traveling through Sept. 30, 2014, 20% on travel Oct. 1 – 31, 2014 and 10% off travel Nov. 1 – Dec. 19, 2014. Oyster Bay Beach Resort is perched on a coral reef overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Oyster Pond Marina, and provides breathtaking ocean views, a white sandy beach and countless amenities.  For reservations, visit www.OysterBayBeachResort.com, call (866) 978-0212 or email reservations@obbr.com.

Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel is providing vacationers with a free rental car when booking directly with the hotel from Aug. 30, 2014 for reservations through Dec. 18, 2014. Princess Heights is located in a quiet and exclusive neighborhood with a multitude of activities including watersports, spas, casinos and restaurants only a few minutes away. Rates start at $139 per room, per night. Visit www.PrincessHeights.com, call (800) 881-1744 or e-mail info@princessheights.com to book.

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort Casino & Spa is affording travelers extra value with its Fall Into Savings special, offering a fourth night free plus $300 in resort credits for travel through Dec. 18, 2014, when booked by Sept. 30, 2014.  Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is a serene Caribbean haven and St. Maarten’s premier, limitless all-inclusive, adults-only resort. To book the Fall Into Savings special, visit www.Sonesta.com/GreatBay.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is also offering vacationers a Fall Into Savings special, providing a third night free, plus $200 in resort credits for travel through Dec. 18, 2014 on reservations booked by Sept. 30, 2014. This all-inclusive St. Maarten resort is a spectacular destination within a destination, offering endless activities for travelers’ enjoyment and relaxation. To book this deal, visit www.Sonesta.com/MahoBeach.

Brand new to the island this fall, Sonesta Oceant Point Resort is celebrating its soft opening with 35% off standard rates, plus a tour to St. Barth’s, on reservations seven-nights or longer. This special is valid for travel Nov. 1, 2014 – Dec. 24, 2015 and must be booked by Oct. 31, 2014. To be one of the first to experience this new property, visit www.Sonesta.com/OceanPoint.

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa is affording guests with discounted rates when booking two nights or more. For every night travelers pay the standard rate, they receive 40% off the next night. The property features 310 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 15 suites, with two restaurants, a lobby bar and swim-up bar, a poolside deli, a full-service European-style spa, fitness studio, casino, retail shops and a beachfront watersports shop. The Westin is the only major resort in the Caribbean to install and utilize solar panels to replace its energy consumption. This special offer is valid for travel through Dec. 31, 2014. For reservations, visit www.westinstmaarten.com or call (866) 716-8108 and mention rate plan ZB4.

For more information on St. Maarten, visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

Two Nations, Multi-Cultural

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the 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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Sample Caribbean Cuisine, Win Prizes at ‘Taste of the Islands’ Festival, June 29 at Hyatt Regency, Miami

Experience Caribbean cuisine and culture at the Taste of the Islands festival, presented by Ask Me, Inc., taking place Saturday, June 29 from 6 – 9 pm at the Hyatt Regency, Miami. Gather information about your favorite Caribbean destinations, sample gourmet appetizers, desserts and signature cocktails, and listen to authentic Caribbean music. Participants at the festival have the opportunity to win prizes including a three-night all-inclusive stay at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia.

Presented by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Taste of the Islands is part of the Taste of the Caribbean competition between chefs and bartenders from the region with teams from Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Taste of the Islands highlights the street foods that are common throughout the region. Each competing team is given a “protein mystery basket” with a large selection of ingredients in a common pantry. From these ingredients the teams create two savory dishes, one dessert item and one rum-based cocktail. The event is scored by the judges and counts for 20 percent of the team score in determining the medals for the “Caribbean Team of the Year” recognition.

During Taste of the Islands, consumers can vote in the “People’s Choice” awards to select their favorite culinary creations from participating teams. Consumers who vote in the “People’s Choice” awards will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a three-night all-inclusive stay at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, provided by Ask Me, Inc. as well as a double magnum of Henkell Dry, courtesy of Henkell & Co.

In addition to the 10 competing teams, tourist boards from Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be exhibiting in the pavilion with vacation information about their respective countries. Event-goers will be treated to authentic Caribbean music that will be played throughout the festival. Rums of Puerto Rico will have a sampling bar for event-goers to try the different brands that comprise the Rums of Puerto Rico. Award-winning, nationally recognized Chef Allen Susser, who is also the author of The Great Mango Book, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

Additional hotel stays will be given away throughout the night courtesy of Media Blast.

Tickets for Taste of the Islands are US$30 per person and can be purchased via www.chtatasteofthecaribbean.com, email events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or call (305) 443-3040 ext. 110.

You can also participate in a series of seminars on June 29, 2 – 6 pm to hone your at-home culinary skills including:

Mango Session:Presented from 2 – 3 pm by Chef Susser who will provide insight on cooking with mango, one of the Caribbean’s top fruits, which he has used in developing a tropical cuisine that led to the created of new world cuisine more than 30 years ago.

Preparing Classical Cocktails At Home – A “Hands-On” Seminar: During this seminar, participants will learn the use of professional bartender tools and how to prepare the most famous classical cocktails from Mojitos and Brazilian Caipirinhas, to the Cosmopolitan and the WW I Sidecar. Presented by Trinidadian cocktail master and 2005 Caribbean Bartender of the Year, Raakesh Madoo, this seminar will be a “hands-on” so registrants should come ready to shake, stir and strain their own cocktail creations. The session is scheduled 3:15 – 4:15 pm on June 29.

Rums of Puerto Rico Seminar: During this seminar participants will become true rum connoisseurs as they learn about the different types of rum that comprise the Rums of Puerto Rico brand. Representatives from the Rums of Puerto Rico will provide an insider look into rum’s history, rum making process, varieties of rum including light, dark, flavored and gold, and cocktails that are made with rum. The session will be held from 4:30 – 5:30 pm on June 29.

Other programs include the Junior Chef of the Year (from 8 am – 12 pm), Pastry Chef of the Year (8 am – 12 pm), Bartender of the Year – Rum (10:30 am – 1 pm) and the Ice Carving competitions (4:30 – 5:30 pm) on June 29.

Tickets for Saturday’s combined morning and daytime program, including the seminars, are US$35 per person. Purchase tickets for all of Saturday’s events, including Taste of the Islands, for $65 per person.

Follow Facebook.com/CHTATasteoftheCaribbean and Twitter.com/CHTATasteCarib.

For more information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. Follow CHTA on Facebook Facebook.com/CaribbeanHotelandTourismAssociation and Twitter Twitter.com/CHTAFeeds.

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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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Delta Air Lines to launch nonstop Saturday service to St. Maaarten from New York’s JFK, Starting Dec. 15

Known as “The Friendly Island,” St. Maarten will be a lot closer to travelers with Delta Air Lines’ launch of a new Saturday nonstop flight from New York”s JF Kennedy International Airport beginning Dec. 15, 2012.

Vacationing in St. Maarten is becoming more convenient with the launch of direct air service on Delta Air Lines from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten beginning Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012.

“It is an exciting time for St. Maarten to begin this partnership with Delta Air Lines as it welcomes more travelers from around the world with easy connections through JFK international airport,” said May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism.

Beginning Dec. 15, the direct service from New York will depart Saturdays at 9:05 am arriving into St. Maarten at 2:15 pm (subject to government approval) with a returning flight leaving St. Maarten on Saturdays at 3:15 pm arriving into New York at 6:05 pm. The new route will provide convenient connections for both international and stateside travelers.

For more information on St. Maarten, visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.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 for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants 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 both historical and family-oriented attractions. During the day, watersport enthusiasts can enjoy the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities while the capital of Philipsburg offers true duty-free shopping in a bustling Caribbean city atmosphere and 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless evening entertainment.

Accommodations are varied and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spa resorts. Air service to Princess Juliana International Airport is available 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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Mauiva Launches New Caribbean & Bahamas 7-Day ‘AirCruise’ by Private Plane

Mauiva announced that it has launched a third AirCruise itinerary, the “Sun & Fun Experience”, a seven-day vacation package via private plane that travels to three destinations throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The Sun & Fun Experience is an upscale, yet affordable group vacation that is designed to make tropical leisure travel much more convenient and enjoyable.

Mauiva’s new itinerary will take flight beginning in September and will depart from Orlando, Florida, traveling to Grand Bahama Island, then to Grand Cayman, and finally, Cancun. Mauiva AirCruise guests will spend at least two days in each destination enjoying the all-inclusive experience – including deluxe resort accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and VIP access to various attractions and adventures.

As with every Mauiva AirCruise experience, a motorcoach meets guests plane-side at each destination, driving them to a 4-star resort where their bags await them in their room. The next day, a certified travel host leads optional sightseeing tours and other activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. The Sun & Fun Experience features some of the region’s top historical and ecological sites, including Chichen Itza and the Xplor eco-park in Cancun.

“There’s been tremendous demand for an AirCruise that stitches together the many beautiful sites and attractions of the Caribbean and the Bahamas,” said Lauren Volcheff, VP of Marketing for Mauiva. “The Sun & Fun Experience offers travelers a sampling of the best sun-soaked destinations in the Caribbean at an extremely attractive price point. Even if you’ve visited the Caribbean or the Bahamas before, you’ve never experienced anything quite like this AirCruise. It’s truly a unique and affordable way to travel and explore one of the world’s most popular regions.”

Mauiva is currently offering two Sun & Fun AirCruise packages – the “Comprehensive” package, and the “Fly, Stay, and Sun” package. The Comprehensive package, which lists at $1,999 per person at the double-occupancy rate, is all-inclusive and includes everything from flights and accommodations, to food and attractions. The Fly, Stay & Sun package, which lists at $1,449 per person at the double-occupancy rate, includes flights and accommodations only.

In April 2011, Mauiva unveiled two inaugural itineraries – including the “All-American East Experience” and the “Western Wonder Experience” – affording leisure travelers the opportunity to tour many of North America’s most popular destinations, such as Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Sonoma County, San Francisco and the Grand Canyon. To date, nearly 10,000 people have booked their AirCruise experience.

Travelers interested in booking the Sun & Fun Experience – or any other itinerary offered by Mauiva AirCruise – can visit MauiaAirCruise.com. Travel agents interested in offering the Mauiva AirCruise experience to their customers can send requests to info@mauiva.com.

About Mauiva

Mauiva is a leading flight service organization specializing in private and semi-private vacation experiences. With its unique AirCruise product, Mauiva is pioneering the travel industry with upscale, multiple-destination vacation packages.

The company launched its first product, Mauiva Air Tours in 2009, a thrilling flight excursion offering guests the chance to see Florida’s most popular attractions from above.

Headquartered in Central Florida, Mauiva continues to introduce innovative private air travel products and services that allow people to get more out of their vacation.

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