Wonders of the Caribbean Coral Beds

The Caribbean coral beds are one of the most beautiful natural sights in the world. Though not as large as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Caribbean coral beds still play an important role in the oceanic ecosystem. Besides their scientific importance, they are also vital commercially. People from all over the world flock to the see the wonders of the Caribbean coral beds.

Not many people are aware of the fact that coral reefs are made up almost entirely of living creatures. The largest reef in the world i.e. the Great Barrier Reef has been built over millions of years and currently stretches about 100 miles in length and is over 400 feet high. In fact, it is one of the few structures visible from the moon. Reefs throughout the world are said to house close to 25% of the entire marine population in the earth's oceans.

Coral reefs can be seen off the shores of virtually all Caribbean islands and are a huge draw for tourists. The popularity of the Caribbean coral beds is so much that there are many resorts that actually offer specialized dive packages at discounted rates as part of their facilities.

Grand Cayman's Reef Resort is a luxury all-suite resort that offers the best diving on the entire island. The onsite Ocean Frontiers dive shop is a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm IDC Center, offering training in scuba diving for all levels, right from beginners to advanced divers. Besides dive classes, the dive shop offers equipment for rent and provides storage and cleaning services for divers who bring their own equipment.

The best part about staying at the Reef Resort is the dives of course. From the resort, divers can access more than a 100 excellent dive sites, including walls and shipwrecks, to explore the beauty of the Caribbean coral beds

Puerto Rico Luxury Wedding

I met Kevin six months back while I was out with my friends. We were at this luxury café listening to performances by local artists when he walked up to me and offered to buy me a drink. Well, a coffee actually. After that, one thing led to another and before we knew it, we were hurtling along the relationship rollercoaster and not wanting to get off.

Kevin proposing was a big step for me. Before him, I'd just been stumbling along from one guy to another. Nothing ever seemed to work for me and I had one failed relationship after another. When Kevin proposed, I felt on top of the world and we decided the most romantic thing to do was have a luxury wedding in Puerto Rico.

We hunted around for the best deals on wedding packages in luxury resorts in the Caribbean. There were lots of resorts in Puerto Rico but we settled on the luxury El San Juan hotel, located right on the beach in San Juan. We read tons of reviews, and scoured so many websites before we made our decision. After all, this was our dream day we were talking about.

The luxury hotel was really nice. They offered us a nice gazebo where we could have the wedding ceremony. The menu for the reception was lovely as well. Plus, they would provide a photographer and a videographer for the ceremony and reception. All that was left was to pick out my wedding gown. I went all out on that one. I'm wearing an off shoulder Vera Wang creation. My dress even has crystal detailing.

Winged Friends in Jamaica

We went to Jamaica with a group of our friends from the neighborhood where we live. Most of us had lived on the same street since childhood and had gone to the same school. Over the years we kept in touch through emails and phone calls. We would go hiking or camping together in the Rockies. The last time we met, someone suggested a trip to Jamaica with our spouses or partners and we agreed enthusiastically. Morgan, my husband, is in the travel business. He made the arrangements, co-coordinating with everyone and booked us into Couples Sans Souci, an exclusive couples-only resort in Ocho Rios.

We were all in great spirits, laughing and joking as we checked into the resort, commenting on the soothing sound of the waves and birdcalls. Once we got cleaned up, we girls went off to check the pools and gardens while the guys booked day trips with the resort’s personnel. Strolling around the gardens on the well-laid paths, we were fascinated by the colorful flowers and the pretty butterflies flitting about. We also saw some exotic birds and heard some beautiful bird calls. Later on, while we were lounging by the pool, we told the guys that we had seen some exotic birds in the gardens. A gentleman reading a book under a tree nearby looked up and pointed out to a hummingbird hovering over a bunch of flowers in one of the lower branches. Around the property we saw a kingfisher, some finches, green parrots, white-winged woodpeckers, and ring-tailed pigeons over the next few days.

We would meet him and his wife at dinner and talk to him about the exotic birds in Jamaica. He told us that on his trip to Dunn's River waterfalls and the Blue Mountains, he was able to spot several exotic birds in the wild like the Jamaican Oriole and Jamaican Eurphonia. He was hoping he could spot Jamaica’s national bird, the Doctor bird or the red-billed streamertail on his next outing.

Honeymoon at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios

Couples in search of a romantic honeymoon on the beach need look no further than Jamaica’s Ocho Rios to find their dream destination. With its palm-fringed fine sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation, Ocho Rios is the place for a holiday that can be as active or as lazy as one chooses. The beach is lined by several luxury hotels that offer guests hassle-free all-inclusive services. Sandals Grande Ochos Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort, for instance, offers couples three types of accommodations in the Caribbean Riviera suites, Ciboney Villas, and rooms in the Mountain Manor. All accommodations are near the beach and villas have their own furnished patios and private pools or whirlpools.

Guests at the resort are welcome to play at the onsite golf course or spend a lazy day relaxing on a day bed by one of the resort’s many pools. Whether guests choose a combination of beach and villa or a suite which overlooks the lush tropical gardens and the pools, they can enjoy the natural beauty that makes Jamaica one of the most popular romantic hideaways in the world. Apart from a choice of eight restaurants and three casual dining venues with views of the beach, the resort also offers 12 bars, beach parties, and theme nights. Guests do not have to look beyond the resort premises for entertainment as there are live music performances and a hip and happening nightclub for dancing the night away. The Red Lane Spa at the resort is the place for massages and bodywraps that help couples relax and unwind as they are pampered.

Sandals Grande Ochos Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort has a variety of exciting land and water sports options available for couples on the look out for a fun-filled holiday. The travel desk at the resort can arrange for excursions and sunset cruises. The two fitness centers and facilities for basketball and tennis cater to couples who like to stay fit.

A Trip to the Turks and Caicos

I was not really keen to travel to the Caribbean again. Every time someone talked about a trip to the Caribbean I remembered the bad experience I had when I visited Jamaica last summer. My troubles began the minute I stepped out of the hotel. We had a long wait at the airport after which our hotel pick-up finally showed up. I managed to misplace my purse at the airport which had all my important documents and credit cards in it. We ended up spending a lot of time on day one at a little police station instead of a warm comfortable luxury hotel room.

Well, I managed to forget this unpleasant episode and was really looking forward to the next day at the hotel. I guess I was hoping for too much. My troubles it seemed had just begun. My husband, Sam, loves to eat and picked up some snacks from the stalls on the beach. I ate the snacks as I was a bit hungry myself. I suddenly started feeling very uncomfortable and had trouble breathing. The snacks contained peanuts and I was allergic to them. I ended up spending a few days in the hospital. I was not too keen to continue with our travel plans and we returned home.

This entire trip left a very bad taste in my mouth and I didn’t want to travel to the Caribbean again. It was only after my teenage daughter Hannah insisted that the Turks and Caicos was a beautiful place that I started considering the idea of going there. We went online and checked out a couple of travel reviews on the net. Some of our friends who had visited the place strongly recommended that we should see the place. We finally ended up going to the lovely islands of the Turks and Caicos and had a great time.

Activities Club in Resorts

Grand Cayman is the largest island in the Cayman Islands. It is 22 miles long, 8 miles wide, and is home to the nation's capital, George Town. The Cayman Islands are considered to be among the most beautiful travel destinations in the Caribbean region with white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and immense natural beauty. The islands boast of numerous dive and snorkel sites with underwater visibility among the best in the Caribbean. Apart from these, the resorts on the islands, most of them in Grand Cayman, offer plenty of excellent amenities such as water sports and activities clubs.

Hordes of tourists are drawn to the Cayman Islands by its beauty, especially during the peak season, which begins in mid-December and goes on until mid-April. Most of the hotels and resorts in the Grand Cayman are built on and around the crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach, which is considered one of the best sandy beaches in the Caribbean. Some of the resort complexes on Grand Cayman are the Ritz-Carlton, a seven-story resort and the Ramada Grand Cayman Resort. The resorts offer its guests a wide variety of services like spa, pools, and an activities club. The activities club at the luxury Ramada Grand Cayman Resort offers many organized activities for the kids like games, art classes, and story sessions.

The dedicated activities club for kids at the Ramada offers parents the chance to relax and enjoy the island while their kids learn about nature, play games, participate in art classes, and enjoy ice-cream breaks. The other amenities at the resort include a world-class golf course, water sports, beachfront sun terraces, pools, as well as snorkeling and diving opportunities. The food too is great at this award-winning resort.

Dining choices in Puerto Plata

Travel to the Dominican Republic would be incomplete without a visit to Puerta Plata, a five-hundred year old city with charming colonial architecture and the ancient Fort San Felipe. Visitors to the bustling city usually stay in the hotels and resorts around Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada, the tourist enclaves on the beach. Hotels in the Malecon area and Cofresi are equally popular. For the intrepid gourmet traveler who wishes to taste authentic local cuisine Puerto Plata has a wide choice of lively restaurants and cafes in and around Malecon area. Restaurants that serve American, Mexican and Italian food are equally popular among visitors and locals.

Le Papillon is the best place of Dominican food and international fare served in a pavilion open on one side overlooking a tropical forest. Located on a hill in a residential part of Puerto Plata, in Cofresi, this lively restaurant and café serves everything from beef, pork, chicken and seafood to vegetarian fare, starting with a superb Brazilian cocktail in the typical Caribbean bar under a thatched roof.

Aguaceros is one of the lively restaurants and cafes in Malecon ideal for travelers who would like to dine on Mexican fare or fresh sea food as they watch the world go by

Hemingway’s Café is conveniently close to the cluster of hotels in Playa Dorada. Steaks, seafood and burgers and a fun ambiance draw diners here.

Merengue dancing, karaoke music and satellite television tuned to American baseball and foot ball matches in season make it a popular haunt for the young and not so young.

Café Cito, on the Sosua highway, one of the casual and lively restaurants and cafes here serves steaks and lobster with a signature Greek salad to be enjoyed in a casual ambiance to the soothing sounds of jazz or blues.

Conferences in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is an ideal destination for those planning a business conference. There are a number of resorts in the Caribbean that offers special deals for those looking to host a business conference. They not only help companies and individuals plan their business conferences but combine them with some great entertainment packages to ensure that guests have a great time. Here are some resorts in the Caribbean that offer some great facilities and amenities for those planning a business conference:

Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman features seven breakout areas with arrangements to accommodate 400 participants. They have two executive boardrooms; the Governor’s Ballroom and the Galleon Ballroom where people can sit theater-style. High-speed internet access, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, meeting and event facilities, and convention services staff are some of the facilities provided by the hotel.

Southern Palms Beach Club and Resort Hotel in Barbados offers conference facilities and can accommodate a maximum of 80 persons depending on seating style. Entertainment programs are organized for guests on request. The Savannah Hotel in Barbados is another hotel that has some fabulous convention facilities. It can accommodate up to 200 attendees – theater-style. Facilities at the conference center include rear view projection on two retractable screens and easy access to computers, fax machines, and photocopying facilities.

The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica has space to hold small board meetings and large conferences. Efficient staff ensures that meetings are well organized. The Eldorado Room has space to hold 120 to 150 guests (lecture format), while the Venetian and the Pavilion accommodates people theater-style.

Hilton Santo Domingo is a leading conference and business hotel in the Caribbean. A 4,644 sq. ft Hilton Meetings complex includes two Boardrooms, a fully-equipped Business Centre, five flexible meeting rooms and four PC stations. There is also a 7,203 sq. ft Ballroom and a 2,312 sq. ft Junior Ballroom and a 2,430 sq. ft Foyer space available.

A Therapeutic Trip to Puerto Rico

The first few things that come to mind when you talk about summer travel to the Caribbean is sun, sand, surf, and plenty of smiles. My trip to Puerto Rico was filled with all this and a lot more. The relaxing trip was what the doctor had recommended for me and exactly what I needed at that point of time.

As soon as I reached my luxury resort, the first thing I did was to reserve a spa session for myself. The spa session was the best part of my entire travel plan to the island. The spa at the resort is considered to be among the best spas in Puerto Rico. I scheduled the visit to the spa towards the end of my trip since I knew the travel and activity would tire me out. The spa was wonderful. The ambiance was tranquil and calm. The interior was minimalist yet elegant and the soft colors enhanced its appeal further. The person at the desk welcomed me and handed me a form to be filled in and which she said would help to identify the ideal treatment for me. After filling out the form she suggested that I go for the Balinese massage.

I quickly changed into one of the robes at the spa and was led by a therapist into a treatment room. The therapist was a true professional and she ensured that I didn’t feel uncomfortable in any way. As I lay on the table, she began her massage and I could feel the muscles relax and the stress that had built up melt away. I happily dozed off while she continued massaging me and woke up to realize that the massage was nearly over. After such a relaxing session at the spa, I decided to travel more to the Caribbean.

Hiking Trip in Nassau

I never thought one could go hiking in the Bahamas! Well I guess you can and my friend had already found out all about the nature tours and hikes one could go on while on the island. Wish I could just run away! Why should I go hiking when I can just laze around on the beach and get the perfect tan during my vacation, which I can later show off back home!

Susan knew I would try to squiggle my way out of the hiking trip so she tried to keep it from me until the last moment and spring a surprise on me. And surprise she did! I tried my best to excuse myself but finally I had to give in. Her enthusiasm was infectious and I didn’t want to break her heart. I just couldn’t imagine myself getting up early in the morning during my vacation to go on some useless hike watching birds and animals but I found myself doing exactly the same! We were up at the crack of dawn and waiting for the tour guide, Susan was as chirpy as an early morning bird.

Finally, when our guide arrived I must admit I didn’t think hiking was that bad. You would think so too, especially if you have such a good-looking guy as your tour guide. While Susan was enthusiastic about watching the birds, I was enthusiastic about watching the guide. All through the tour, I busy watching him rather than the animals and birds. And, by the end of the hiking trip I was ready to sign up for another tour. Can you believe it I was intending to go on another tour but fortunately better sense prevailed and I was back to the beaches soaking up the sun and lazing around on the soft sands.

Try Pastechi in Aruba

I just love to eat and whenever I travel to any place I always make it a point to try out the food available in the region. Be it pizzas, nachos, pastas or pastries I just love devouring all these mouth-watering delights whenever I go to some place new.

This time round I was on a luxury trip to the Caribbean and was quite determined to try out this particular food item I had heard about. All the review of Aruban luxury resorts talked about this local dish called Pastechi. This patty has the flavor of sweet bread and is stuffed with ham, cheese or minced beef. It had a crisp exterior and a stuffed interior. I had to just get my hands on it and sink my teeth into a Pastechi and check out if it really tasted as good; sweet on the outside and savory on the inside.

I thought it made sense to visit a local restaurant in Aruba where chances of finding the most authentic and genuine Pastechi were higher instead of a luxury place. I made inquiries with the lobby staff about where the best Pastechi could be found. They were most helpful and recommended a number of restaurants where I could try out some Pastechi. I however was looking out for something small and genuinely Aruban. One member of the staff recommended a quaint little eatery that seemed perfect.

Once I finished with the check-in formalities I decided to go out and look for the restaurant. I found the place quite easily and checked out the menu. Well, it seemed that they did have quite a variety of Pastechi; Pastechi di keshi (stuffed with cheese), Pastechi di carni (stuffed with beef and raisins), Pastechi di Pisca (stuffed with tuna), and Pastechi di ChopSoy (stuffed with chicken/ham). I was spoilt for choice. I decided to start with the first item on the menu which was the Pastechi di carni. I have a very healthy appetite and ordered the larger size.

Once the waiter came across with my order, I gobbled it as soon as possible. It was absolutely divine. All the reviews I had read about the Pastechi were absolutely correct. I decided to try out all the varieties of Pastechi on every day of my luxury holiday in Aruba.

Carnival in Santo Domingo

We decided to go to the Dominican Republic for our holiday in the Caribbean this year. When we were talking to our friends about a vacation in the Dominican Republic, someone suggested that we should go there when they have a carnival. The talk then turned to the various carnivals in the Caribbean and how one gets a real taste of the local food and culture in the street fairs set up at carnival time.

So we booked our hotel rooms in Malecon in Santo Domingo in the south coast of the Dominican Republic. From our hotel, it was just a short walk to one of the best viewing spots along the carnival’s route. We were there, well ahead of the start time, occupying a prime spot, armed with our water bottles, cameras and sunglasses. The blazing sun would have dampened anyone’s spirits, but the people of Santo Domingo and the participants from all over the country were in high spirits. Food stalls and drink vendors did brisk business and so did the handicraft stalls set up along the route. Buses filled with Caribbean tourists were constantly arriving and the sidewalks were soon filled with onlookers behind the barricades. The music reached our ears before we saw the dancers. The colorful costumes in satin and the masks with scary horns and teeth were very creative. Some of the tableaux from the coastal towns had the sea and marine fauna as their theme.

We were so involved in watching the parade, the dancers and the cheering crowds that we did not realize that four hours had passed. As we walked back to our hotel we marveled at how much more the Caribbean had to offer, besides wonderful beaches and glorious food.

Colorful carnivals

When we were in New Orleans to see the Mardi Gras Carnival with our friends, the conversation turned from the antics of the revelers to their weird costumes and the beads that one collects. We talked about the yummy street food, the beer that flowed and the high spirits of the participants and the spectators. Monica and Tracy then told us about the carnivals that they had seen in the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic and in St. Martin before the start of Lent. .

Aruba has a lighting parade in Oranjestad in February before the Grand parade ahead of Ash Wednesday. Antigua’s carnival in July and August is a celebration of music and dance where troupes from the region can showcase their talent in competitions. St. Lucia, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have their own carnivals in the Caribbean that express the joie de vivre of their people.

We were in Santo Domingo the next year to see a typical Caribbean carnival. The costumes in a myriad of colors and shapes and the “devil” masks with dramatic horns and fangs worn by the revelers were a treat to watch. Crowds line the streets behind the barricades long before the start of the carnival. Cheers go up as the floats and the participating troupes from various regions and towns pass. Some of the towns along the coast had floats with a maritime theme. As the procession drew to a close, we noticed that several of the onlookers simply followed the carnival. We too joined the throngs on the street. As we tried to move along the jostling crowds, we were directed by the policemen controlling the crowd to a side street that would lead us to the head of the carnival. Taking the side street, we noticed little stalls selling food and drinks and even one or two selling handmade trinkets and masks. You bet I picked up two masks as souvenirs of our wonderful experience in a Caribbean carnival.

Carefree Holiday in the Caymans

A couple of friends fresh out of the university, we were looking for a holiday in the Caribbean when Maggie suggested the Reef Resort, where her parents owned a condo right on the white-sand beach. We jumped at the chance to spend a week on the beach with no rent to pay. However, she warned us that we would need a car if wanted to go to town or to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Of course, the concierge at the resort could arrange for local tours, she said. We packed our bags the moment our flight tickets were confirmed and left for the Cayman Islands by the end of the week.

Here we are at the Reef Resort and life is bliss. The white-sand beach is inviting, and the beach chairs under the palm trees offer a restful snooze after a vigorous swim or an energetic game of beach volleyball. We take bike trips in the afternoon to explore the region, but get back to the condo to watch the sunset from the white-sand beach, unwilling to miss the sight even for a single day. Swimming in the infinity pool, watching the sunset, our evenings are serene, a time to savor the beauty of the peaceful surroundings.

It is not that we spent all our time at the Reef Resort by the three pools or on the beach. Far from it! We went snorkeling to see the vibrant marine life in the coral reefs and for a lark, we also tried power snorkeling and found it to be quite enjoyable. The visit to Stingray City was memorable, those lovely graceful creatures were absolutely endearing. Oh, while we were there, there was a lovely wedding on the white-sand beach with colorful tropical blooms in the bride’s bouquet. Since Maggie knew the bride and her parents, we were all invited to the wedding and the banquet.

Barbados, a Happening Destination

Barbados, a tropical paradise, borders the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Visitors who travel to this Caribbean island will find the sun-splashed soft sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and blue skies irresistible. In addition, Barbados offers visitors an opportunity to experience the hospitality extended by the friendly locals.

Those who travel for water sports can enjoy a wide variety such as kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and parasailing. Exploring the limestone formations in caves, and the underwater flora and fauna, is best enjoyed by activities such as snorkeling. Some people visit the island for its beautiful beaches and prefer to just swim in the clear waters. Others prefer chartering a yacht or catamaran and going on a sailing tour. Other activities to enjoy while on the island include cricket, cycling, polo, tennis, and horse riding.

Nightlife in Barbados is happening, and visitors who travel to the island have plenty of restaurants, bars, and lounges to party in till the wee hours of the morning. One can either go in for a quiet nightcap at one of the lounges, or visit some of the exciting nightclubs that showcase different genres of music. Dancing till the wee hours of the morning is another option that visitors have.

Some people travel to Barbados to enjoy the pleasures of shopping in duty-free shops or exclusive boutiques. Broad Street, in Bridgetown, has a number of departmental stores and duty-free shops where one can pick up some excellent merchandise such as clothing, cigarettes, and liquor. Those who prefer to take home handicrafts like straw hats, batik, paintings will also find a wide range of such items. Smaller towns such as Holetown and Speightstown too have lots of shopping options.

A Therapeutic Trip

Summer travel in the Caribbean usually brings to mind images of fun in the sun, sand, and surf and lots of smiles. My trip to Puerto Rico too was filled with a lot of fun and smiles. The trip was exactly what I had needed and the doctor had recommended to get rid of all the stress.

The high point of my trip to Puerto Rico was the reservation I had made for a massage session at the spa as soon as I had reached the luxury resort. The massage was scheduled such that it was towards the end of my trip since I knew that all the travel and activities would take a toll on me. The trip to the spa was amazing. The ambiance at the spa was relaxing and calm and the moment I entered a receptionist who was pleasant and friendly welcomed me. She handed me a form to fill up and explained to me that it would help them to select the right kind of therapy according to the information given. The spa interiors were done up in soft soothing colors that was accentuated by the mellow lights.

Soon they suggested that the Balinese massage would be ideal for me. I was given a robe to change into and then they led me to one of the treatment rooms where a therapist awaited my arrival. As soon as I lay on the table, she began the massage and slowly relaxed all my tensed muscles. I could feel the stress I had gathered during my travel melt away. The therapist was good at her job and knew how to make you feel comfortable. I was dozing mid-way through the session and woke up towards the end of the massage feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. I guess I will travel back to Puerto Rico for another massage.

Accommodations in Turks and Caicos

Guesthouses, family run inns, luxury villas and condos on the beach and vacation rental homes compete with new luxury resorts in the Turks and Caicos to accommodate visitors from all over the world. Among the Caribbean Islands known for their beautiful beaches and excellent diving sites, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a preferred holiday destination for families and couples. Long white sand beaches like Grace Bay are bordered by a selection of large and small hotels that offer scuba diving and snorkeling a few steps away..

New luxury resorts in Providenciales or Provo, as the locals call it, incorporate all the modern amenities like a fitness center or a gym, a spa, pools and Jacuzzis, and facilities of snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports. A penthouse suite in Windsong, one of the new luxury resorts on Grace Bay comes with a roof top terrace and a private Jacuzzi and a barbeque grill. Concierges and staff at these new luxury resorts are ready to reserve tee times at golf courses nearby or arrange for car rentals. Guests have the option of dining in any restaurant of their choice or they can opt for self-catering villas and suites with fully equipped kitchens. Certain resorts also offer maid-service and staff at the resort can stock kitchens as per requests from guests prior to their visit.

Spas that specialize in customized rejuvenation programs and week-long retreats, outdoor treatments and couples treatments are a part of several of the new luxury resorts in Provo and Parrot Cay.

Fishing expeditions, sunset cruises, visits to uninhabited islands and cays, whale watching tours and diving trips are all organized by various new luxury resorts in the Turks and Caicos. Chartering boats for deep-sea fishing or island hopping are options open to visitors to any of the islands in the Turks and Caicos.

A slew of new Luxury Resorts in the Turks and Caicos

The sun, sea, and silky sands of the Caribbean attract holiday makers by the thousands to their shores. The abundance of opportunities for water sports, adventure sports and eco-tourism make the region an ideal choice for a vacation with friends or family. Great hospitality, friendly people who love to share their joy of life, excellent fresh seafood and innumerable varieties of rums and cocktails make it ideal for the new luxury resorts that are being developed in several Caribbean islands. All-inclusive plans available at many of these new luxury resorts are a preferred option for vacationers who want a holiday free of hassles.

Some of the new luxury resorts in the region like Club Med Turkoise in Turks and Caicos and Couples Negril in Jamaica are only for adults, inviting honeymooners and couples to spend quality time together and celebrate their togetherness. With numerous facilities like Jacuzzis, secluded beaches and pools, guests can enjoy a beachfront holiday. Active water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the snorkeling and scuba diving trips that are part of the all-inclusive plan in Club Med..

New luxury resorts like Amanyara take relaxation to another level with their private pavilions, reflecting pools and outdoor terraces. Resorts like Villa Renaissance offer beachfront suites and poolside cottages with kitchenettes and maid service to ensure that self-catering is hassle free, and their staff is ready to help guests with dinner reservations, tee times at the golf course or car rentals of their choice..

Spas like the Regent Spa at the Regent Palms on Grace Bay or the COMO Shambala spa on Parrot Cay, in the Boutique Islands offer rejuvenating body treatments and facials as well as wellness programs like yoga retreats to ensure total relaxation .

TCI for a luxurious vacation

A holiday in the Caribbean islands is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience thanks to the incredibly beautiful beaches, abundant sun shine and the region’s delectable cuisine. New luxury resorts in several islands seek to highlight all three with their strategic beachfront location and al fresco restaurants overlooking the beach. Fresh seafood, local spices and the influence of cooking styles from different cultures represented in the region’s diaspora make Caribbean cuisine unique.

Divers and snorkelers acknowledge that the reefs in the Caribbean offer a truly satisfying experience. In particular, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to some of the best dive sites in the region. New luxury resorts on Providenciales and other islands offer their guests water sports facilities, sailing cruises, diving and fishing trips. Apart from diving, the rugged natural landscape, the friendly locals and their jest for life, the vestiges of the colonial era that one still comes across in quaint little towns like Cocburn Town, all make for a truly unforgettable vacation on these islands

Especially popular in the Caribbean are the all-inclusive resorts which offer a wide array of amenities and services to their guests from babysitting and kiddies clubs to barbeque nights and beach parties. Many of the new luxury resorts organize live music performances in the evenings with local bands.

Grace Bay on Providenciales is a popular choice for those who seek a vacation on the seaside in one of the new luxury resorts along the beach. The Grace Bay Club & Villas at Grace Bay Club, The Somerset, Amanyara, Point Grace. and Windsong are some of the well known resorts here. Premium luxury resorts on Parrot Cay and Pine Cay in the Boutique Islands and a choice of intimate inns and guesthouses on Salt Cay are other options available.

Staying at a luxury resort in TCI

The Caribbean Islands are a favorite vacation destination of those who seek fun in the sun and those looking for a rejuvenating holiday with good food and relaxing massages on the beach. New luxury resorts coming up in several Caribbean islands like Aruba, the Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos have spas, fitness centers and facilities for golf, apart from the other amenities like pools and water sports options..

Providenciales, or Provo as it is called, is a tourist destination par excellence in the Turks and Caicos. Visitors can choose to stay at any of the new luxury resorts along the Grace Bay beach like the Windsong resort which offers two and three bedroom beachfront suites for families and couples. Villas and all-suite resorts in Sunset Bay and Sapodilla Bay Beach in Providenciales are equally popular among guests who seek a fun-filled sea-side vacation.

New luxury resorts on the Boutique Islands of Turks and Caicos like Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are much sought after for their secluded sunny beaches and their exclusive spas even by celebrities. For nature lovers who are interested in whale watching or scuba diving in the surrounding reefs, accommodations in villas and cottages on Salt Cay are ideal.

Combining adventure sports, water sports, golf and land sports like tennis and beach volleyball, hotels and resorts in the Turks and Caicos ensure that there is never a dull moment for vacationers in the islands. Besides tastefully decorated beach front suites and cottages and restaurants that serve every kind of cuisine from gourmet fare to fast food, guests can look forward to a host of other amenities in the new luxury resorts. From spas and golf courses to beach wedding venues and conference rooms fitted with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment , these resorts cater to families, couples and business travelers.

I’m back from a Jamaican Trip

My luxury trip to the Caribbean was most enjoyable. I was really stressed out on the personal front and desperately needed a luxury break. I have just split from my husband of 18 years and the entire process was really messy. I managed to get custody of my kids and rights to the house in New York.

My mother was quite keen that I travel and volunteered to come and stay with the kids while I was away. My kids insisted as well, and I had no choice but go on the trip. My friends did a lot of research and checked a couple of websites before zeroing in on a place in the Caribbean.

We decided to go to Jamaica. This was mainly because one of my friends knew a manager at one of the hotels in Jamaica and we managed to get a fabulous discount on an all-inclusive package. Fred got us an upgrade in accommodation and we were moved from a regular room to a suite. There was a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit basket kept for us in the suite. Anne’s friend arranged a couple of tours for us that were really informative. The visit to the rum distillery was also very interesting. We spent a lot of time on the beach and had fun trying out the different water sports offered at the beach.

We managed to take time out for a bit of shopping, and I picked up some lovely handicrafts for my mother and kids. On the last day, we spent some time in the spa. There were a number of treatments offered at the spa. I opted for a relaxing body massage which would help get rid of the toxins from the body and re-hydrate my skin. I also tried out a facial, which made me look much younger.

It was a great vacation and I have promised to take my kids to Jamaica next summer.

Enjoy a Vacation in Jamaica

I can’t believe what a great time we had in the Caribbean. I joined my friends on a luxury vacation and have come back totally relaxed. I guess I needed to take a luxury break. Things have been bad recently. I just got divorced from my husband of 18 years and it was a real messy affair. I finally managed to get custody of the kids and also half the assets we owned. It’s finally over now and I can get my life back on track.

I had to plan things a bit to ensure my luxury trip to the Caribbean went off well. My mom volunteered to come and stay at home with the kids. In fact my kids were really happy for me and urged me to go on and not worry about them.

Things were pretty smooth after that and we were finally on our way to Jamaica. Anne, one of my friends was a good friend of the manager in the Jamaican hotel we stayed at. We got a fantastic discount on an all-inclusive package thanks to him. Our accommodation was upgraded to a suite which had its own swimming pool. On arrival there was a bottle of wine and a fruit basket kept in the room for us. The manager of the hotel also arranged a number of tours for us such as a plantation and heritage tour and a rum distillery tour. We went snorkeling and diving and explored the waters around Jamaica.

Our last day in Jamaica was spent in the spa. All of us opted for some great luxury treatments such as body massages and facials all administered by well-experienced staff. In fact when I got back home my kids complimented me that I looked 10 years younger. They were quite pleased with the lovely gifts I had picked for them in Jamaica.

I will definitely be visiting Jamaica again, but this time with my kids.