Tag Archives: Stay

Amelia Island, Florida Keys, Key West, Miami Beach, Orlando, South Walton, Stay, Trip Ideas

Family Style Easter Escapes in Florida

March 21, 2017

Easter is a great time to shake the last of winter by taking the family to Florida for a few days of sunshine and relaxation. And if rabbits and eggs are still a thing for the youngsters, there are resorts that can add an extra dimension to the stay, while also giving the adults a full-spectrum vacation experience. Here are five properties across the sunshine state that makes the Easter weekend special.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin

In addition to their regular range of family friendly activities and amenities, this popular beach resort hosts an annual “Eggstravaganza” celebration over the Easter weekend. Children receive treat baskets delivered by the big bunny, and can take part in coloring contests and an egg hunt. There’s a special Sunday brunch and the on-site Serenity by the Sea Spa is offering Easter spa baskets for mom, and golden eggs with a prize or discount inside.

The Hilton Sandestin Beach offers Easter extras for the entire family. Children receive treat baskets, adults can indulge in spa specials and the entire family can enjoy a holiday brunch. Photo: Hilton Sandestin Beach

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Centrally located just minutes from the Disney parks, the Bonnet Creek resort is an ideal home base for taking in a number of Easter centric events staged by the theme parks. In addition, the resort is the site of the Give Kids the World Easter Village, which is presided over by Mayor Clayton. A six-foot tall rabbit is available to pose for photos, and share gingerbread bunny cookies as a thank you for those who support this charity.

While area theme parks offer a wide range of Easter activities, families staying at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek can also meet the big bunny at the property’s on-site Easter Village. Photo: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Easter themed fun kicks off with the resort sponsored Bunny Hop 5K and a children’s fun run on Saturday. Next comes the annual Easter Parade, where visitors are encouraged to decorate a rental bike and join the locals in a festive pedal. The rest of the day is devoted to the Easter Carnival, with egg relay races, beach fires, magic shows, and an Easter Bunny tuck-in at bedtime. Sunday begins with a non-denominational sunrise service, followed by an Easter egg hunt and a special brunch.

On Easter weekend, the pool deck and grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation will host a variety of special activities, including egg hunts, magic shows and appearances by the Easter Bunny. Photo: Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, Miami Beach

The two-bedroom suites at this oceanfront property give families plenty of space, and easy access to area Easter events. Jungle Island’s Mega Eggs features 50,000 eggs, 800 pounds of candy, and visits with the Easter Bunny. The Miami Zoo adds egg safaris, a petting zoo and special treats for the animals, while Bunny Palooza returns to the Miami Seaquarium with continuous egg hunting, South Florida’s largest Easter Parade and five acres of rides, slides and bounce houses.

The spacious suites of the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort provide families with a comfortable base for excursions to a number of Easter- themed events in the Miami area. Photo: Newport Beachside

Parrot Key Hotel & Resort, Key West

If the kids have outgrown the Easter Bunny, but are still part of a family Easter break, a good alternative is a Keys getaway for water sports fun. Parrot Key Resort is a five-acre waterfront oasis away from the revelry of Duval Street, but is still close to Key West’s prime attractions. For a unique and memorable Easter tradition, book passage with Fury Catamarans for their Easter Sunday Ultimate Adventure to a private island for PWC, parasailing, kayaking and waterpark fun, plus a special holiday lunch menu.

Family-friendly Parrot Key Resort is ideally located in the heart of Key West, conveniently located to attractions, but away from the crowds and late- night revelry of Duval Street. Photo: Parrot Key Resort

Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, Oahu, Palm Beach, St. Pete Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

March 21, 2017

Leave a comment

The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th century. When pink crossed over to the New World it was embraced by builders of the 1920s and beyond.

Bermuda is a destination that is all about pink; there are pink sand beaches, pink mopeds, pink Bermuda shorts and pink buildings. Here, the pink Fairmont Southampton stands out among the green landscape of Southampton Parish.

Hawaii, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Premier Poolside Cabanas at Waikiki Beach

March 20, 2017

Leave a comment

Imagine yourself relaxing at a private poolside cabana at a luxurious tropical resort. Then, take it up another level by placing that personal oasis within sight of one of the world’s most iconic beaches. That’s exactly what you get when you settle into a cabana at one of these three premier resorts near the shores of Oahu’s Waikiki Beach.

Sheraton Waikiki

A poolside cabana at the Sheraton Waikiki can become your haven for relaxation or a base camp for beach fun. Each private space is set around the resort’s infinity-edge adult’s pool, with the sands of Waikiki just steps away, and views of the beach and Diamond Head crater in the distance. These shaded enclaves are fitted with privacy curtains, stocked with chilled drinks, and have wait staff on call. Should ambition strike, you can summon Waikiki Beach Services to schedule an outrigger canoe ride or surfing lessons.

With curtains that can be draw for privacy, or left open for ocean views, the cabanas at the Sheraton Waikiki are just steps away from the sand and a range of beach sports. Photo: Sheraton Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Privacy doesn’t have to mean being alone. The poolside cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort can accommodate up to five, as they are furnished with a sectional lounge, table and a pair of chaise lounges. Each perches on a stone pool deck that provides views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Pool attendants are on hand to keep you hydrated and satiated, and provide an additional perk of oishibori—the warm moist towels sometimes offered in Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Canvas-shrouded cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort have direct views of Waikiki Beach, and include lounge seating for up to five, making them ideal for families. Photo: Royal Hawaiian

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Ocean views are elevated at the Ritz-Carlton, as the pool deck is located on the hotel’s eighth floor. With a theme of “above and beyond”, this space offers expansive views of Waikiki Beach via the treetops of Fort Derussy Park, a 20-acre green space between the resort and the sand. Here at the highest pool in Waikiki, guests can cozy up in their private cabanas, order meals and take in the Ritz hospitality. Waikiki Beach is just a 5-minute walk away, and there is a lineup of luxury boutiques nearby.

The pool deck at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers private cabanas with ocean views from an eighth-story vantage point. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton

Bonaire, Caribbean, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Best Dive Resorts

March 15, 2017

Leave a comment

There’s a reason the license plates on the island of Bonaire proclaim: “Divers Paradise.” The colorful reefs that surround this quiet island are considered the best in the Caribbean. Getting to these spectacular coral gardens couldn’t be easier. The best reefs are located just yards off the western shore in calm water, adjacent to a collection of first-class resorts that provide everything a diver could want. Here are three of the best.

Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire

Sitting on one of Bonaire’s only white sand beaches, and boasting the island’s most extensive range of resort amenities, Plaza Bonaire is a destination that will please divers and beach lovers alike. Spacious rooms and suites overlook a lagoon and marina, and the expansive resort complex includes meeting and entertainment spaces, a fitness center, children’s activity center, on-site spa, sports courts and a range of water sport equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats. An all-inclusive rate plan covers meals, beverages, activities, sports equipment and entertainment. Not to be missed is the resort’s weekly beach barbecue, which draws locals and visitors alike.

At Plaza Bonaire, the Coconut Crash Beach Bar is a favorite with both guests and island locals. Each week, the resort stages a beach party with live music and dancing on the sand. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Also on site at Plaza Resort is Toucan Diving, which caters to divers of all experience levels, and is well suited to introducing youngsters and novices to the sport. Children as young as eight can take their first underwater breaths safely with the PADI Bubble Maker Program, while teens and adults can sample the underwater world with a Discover Scuba Diving class, or go on to earn a full certification. More experienced divers can upgrade their skills with a range of specialty programs such as digital underwater photography, night diving and enriched air diving. There is lively reef immediately off the resort beach, along with daily boat diving excursions.

Plaza Bonaire sits next to the island’s finest beach. Divers can wade in from shore and make a short swim to the drop off, where a coral covered slope leads to deeper blue water. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

Though diving is the primary theme at this property, Buddy Dive is no spartan scuba lodge. The 11-building compound perches above turquoise shallows, offering spacious studios or one, two and three bedroom apartments, all with kitchens and living spaces that will accommodate anyone from solo travelers to extended groups of family and friends. The grounds include two swimming pools, two restaurants and an activity center. Downtown Kralendijk is a short walk away and the concierge can arrange a variety of on-island adventures and activities.

The pier at Buddy Dive is right next to the resort’s dive center, giving guests easy access to dive boats and the coral reefs that begin close to shore. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

The dive center includes a retail shop stocking a range of equipment and accessories for sale or rent. Both shore and boat diving activities begin right outside the shop. Bonaire is known for the many shore dive sites that begin at parking areas along the coastal road. To support this activity, Buddy Dive has an onsite vehicle rental office, and a unique drive-through air station where divers can load fresh tanks right into their rental vehicle. Buddy Dive is also the home of the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in the southern Caribbean, providing training all the way to instructor level.

A diver is framed in the cargo booms of the Helma Hooker. This sunken freighter sits next to a reef on Bonaire’s western shore, just a short swim away from the beach. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

Captain Don’s Habitat

This resort’s namesake founder was one of the Caribbean’s original scuba pioneers. It’s been four decades since the captain opened his original dive lodge near a prime reef a mile north of downtown Kralendijk, and it has remained a favorite ever since. The property has kept pace with the times, expanding to include deluxe ocean view rooms, detached one and two- bedroom garden villas and luxurious three-bedroom oceanfront suites with separate living rooms and kitchens. On-site Rum Runner’s restaurant is one of the islands best, with tables that perch feet from the Caribbean on a low bluff with spectacular sunset views.

Captain Don’s Habitat perches on a low limestone cliff that overlooks the island’s calm western shore. Divers can plunge right into the clear water, or catch a boat to more distant reefs. Photo: Captain Don’s Habitat

The on-site dive center is both PADI and SDI five-star rated, and offers a wide range of specialty courses, including technical and deep dive training. Underwater explorations can begin right from the resort pier, and daily single and two-tank boat dives access sites up and down the coast and on nearby Klein Bonaire island. Captain Don was an early proponent of conservation, and instrumental in the creation of the Bonaire Marine Park. This ethos has lead to a number of eco-friendly practices at the resort.

The dock at Captain Don’s Habitat is the starting point for explorations of an extensive coral reef system that runs for several miles along Bonaire’s western shore. Photo: Captain Don’s Habitat

Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Stay, Trip Ideas

Florida Keys Private Island Escapes

February 21, 2017

Leave a comment

Any trip to the Florida Keys is a visit to the islands. At the southern tip of Florida, U.S. Highway 1 takes to the water to become the world’s longest overseas highway, where drivers leapfrog across 31 islands and 40 bridges on a 110-mile journey to Key West. But for every island that can be reached by road, there are many more that can’t. Most are small and unsettled, but a select few hold boutique resorts and secluded private homes that can only be reached by boat. Here are three of our favorites.

Sunset Key Cottages

Just a quarter mile across the water from the bustle of downtown Key West, the Sunset Key Cottages offer a very different resort experience. This 27- acre private island is home to a vacation village made up of 40 individual cottages, each immaculately finished in classic island styles. A motor launch shuttles guests from the affiliated Westin Key West Resort & Marina to the island’s dock. Ashore, there are no cars, just bikes and golf carts. Shaded pathways connect the community and lead to beaches and resort amenities such as the pool, fitness center, and the waterfront restaurant Latitudes, which is known both for fine food and one of the best sunset views in the Keys.

The view from a four-bedroom cottage at Sunset Key. Here, guests enjoy the perks of private island living, but are just a short boat ride away from all the attractions of Key West. Photo: Sunset Key Cottages

The Sunset Key guest cottages are designed to be self-supporting, with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas and modern amenities. Larger cottages also feature private plunge pools. Guests are provided with a range of resort services and amenities, including 24-hour room service and concierge grocery shopping. Books, games and movies are available through the concierge, and children’s fishing poles are provided for use off the dock. Among the island’s unique perks are morning breakfast basket delivery of fresh fruits and pastries, and fresh-squeezed juices placed in cottage refrigerators at evening turndown. A favorite with youngsters is the ice cream cart that makes daily rounds with complimentary frozen treats, while adults are also indulged with evening rum tastings.

The contemporary Key West decor of a Sunset Key Cottage is designed to showcase expansive water views and blur the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Photo: Sunset Key Cottages

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Coconut palms rustle in the sea breeze. Clear waters lap against a white sand beach. Thatch-roofed bungalows sit surrounded by flowering tropical plants. If you arrived blindfolded, you might think you’d been transported to the South Pacific. These scenic similarities weren’t lost on the film crew that once used the site as a stand-in for the Solomon Islands when filming the movie PT109. Now named as one of the world’s best small resorts, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa has seen its share of CEOs, celebrities and even former presidents. But there’s nothing pretentious or exclusionary about this five-acre oasis of barefoot luxury, where sun, sand and good living set the tone.

The shores of Little Palm Island are ringed in swaths of white sand and shaded by tall coconut palms. Coral reefs and blue waters lie just offshore. Photo: Sammy Todd Dyess/Little Palm Island

Guests arrive aboard the resort’s launch, and follow paths of crushed seashells through a garden environment to their private bungalow suite, where chilled champagne awaits. The West Indies-inspired decor invites relaxation and intimacy, with vaulted ceilings and a custom king bed set under draped netting. There are no phones or televisions to distract, and the emphasis is on features such as private terraces, outdoor bamboo showers and boudoir tubs. As would be expected from a world-class resort, there is an on-site spa and an award-winning restaurant. Guests can also opt for in-room dining and private meals served in beachside settings. The concierge staff can coordinate a wide range of activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and birding, but many guests are content with a book and a hammock.

Bungalows at Little Palm Island include separate sitting rooms, many with direct water views. Additional en suite amenities include private decks, outdoor showers and soak tubs. Photo: Little Palm Island

Seabird Key

This is the ultimate in private island living. A five-minute boat ride from the town of Marathon brings guests to a ten-acre island occupied by a single island-style home. The interior is finished in rich natural woods, with large windows to bring in water views. Each of the four bedrooms opens to a private deck, and there are additional porches for relaxation and ocean view dining, plus a rooftop widow’s walk that is a favorite spot for taking in sunsets. The owners of Seabird Key are dedicated to sustainable practices. The entire island is off-grid, employing a sophisticated solar energy system for electricity and hot water, rainwater capture and grey water irrigation and both organic and inorganic recycling programs. But going green does not mean giving up creature comforts, as the home offers all the expected amenities of modern living.

Though just minutes from civilization by boat, Seabird Key provides a sequestered natural environment that can become a refuge or a starting point for water sport adventures. Photo: Seabird Key

With coral reefs, back country lagoons and blue water all just a short cruise away, guests at Seabird Key can take advantage of the island’s complimentary flotilla, which includes kayaks, a sailing catamaran and a 19- foot powerboat. There is also room for guests to tie up their own boat. Ashore, pathways throughout the island’s wooded interior lead to sandy beaches and shaded hammocks. The landscape is a haven for nesting pelicans, herons, ibises, cormorants and ospreys. Complementing this natural setting is easy access to services. A dedicated offsite manager is on call, and guests who opt for additional services can enjoy perks such as pre- stocked foods and scheduled visits from private chefs and yoga instructors.

Rich natural woods are showcased in the master bedroom of the home on Seabird Key. This private residence can accommodate eight guests, who have a ten-acre island all to themselves. Photo: Seabird Key

Bonaire, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Favorite Small Hotels

February 6, 2017

The island of Bonaire is where travelers come to escape the crowds and the high-rise resorts. And there’s no better way to soak in the charms of this quiet Caribbean gem than at a small guesthouse, where a limited number of guests are accommodated in suites and apartments that provide a relaxing base for water sports and island adventures. Here are three of our favorites.

Yacht Club

Budget conscious travelers will be attracted to this quiet and charming property, where kitchen equipped apartments cluster around a central landscaped courtyard and pool. But attractive rates don’t compromise comfort or quality. Accommodations, which range from studio and one-bedroom units to an eight- person penthouse, are spacious and tidy, and sport a cheerful tropical theme. Those less inclined to cook need look no farther than the palm-shaded central courtyard, which is home to the open-air dining room of Chez Madeleine, one of the best restaurants on the island. For a special treat, guests can place an order for the fresh baked bread, which is delivered warm to rooms each morning. The Yacht Club is located near the Harbor Village Marina, and a mile north of downtown Kralendijk. It’s a two-block walk to Eden Beach, which is one of the island’s better stretches of sand, and a good place for snorkeling, as colorful coral reefs begin 30 yards offshore.

At the open-air dining room of Chez Madeleine in the courtyard of the Yacht Club Apartments, master chef Jan Buyens serves savory French-Belgian cuisine. Photo: Yacht Club

Sonrisa

Combine the casual intimacy of a sports lodge with the amenities of a boutique hotel and this is what you get. Each of the eight junior suites and two master suites at Sonrisa offers a full range of indulgences such as premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, in-room WiFi, mini-fridges and private patios or balconies, all at rates below what you’d pay at a major hotel. But what really sets this property apart is the ambiance. It’s a favorite with active sports enthusiasts, and the vibe is casual chill, with an on-site barbecue grill and poolside hangout area where guests gather at the end of the day to swap stories and enjoy a cold libation. The Caribbean is just a short walk away, and there are rinse tanks and dedicated storage lockers for kite surfing and dive gear. The resort serves savory complementary breakfasts, and all the restaurant choices of downtown are an easy five-minute stroll away.

Suites at the Sonrisa resort feature private patios and balconies that face the central pool area. The property is just a short walk from the downtown waterfront. Photo: Sonrisa

Blachi Koko

In the local Papiamento dialect, Blachi Koko means coconut palms. And that’s what the current owners planted when they renovated this classic Antillean colonial estate to include 3 two- bedroom and 2 one-bedroom apartments. This is a prime choice for couples or groups who want more than a hotel room, as each unit includes a kitchen and separate living and dining areas, along with private gazebos and patios in a garden setting. It’s a five minute walk to Kralendijk for shopping and dining, and the sea is just steps away, where a small beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling or shore diving. If a larger beach is on your wish list, then head down the road to the Plaza Resort, which gives Blachi Koko guests free access. Add a day pass for privileges at Plaza’s pool and lounge chairs with beach towels. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

The couple that acquired Blachi Koko converted this former estate home into a collection of comfortable apartments that include spacious living areas. Photo: Blachi Koko

Belize, Central America, Guatemala, Stay, Trip Ideas

Three Top Central American Eco Lodges

February 6, 2017

Leave a comment

Eco-friendly resorts were once seen as destinations where comforts were sacrificed in favor of social consciousness. This is certainly not the case at these select Central American properties, which represent a Hollywood icon’s vision of how natural attractions and authentic adventures could blend with selective snippets of sybaritic indulgence.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

When Francis Ford Coppola discovered an abandoned jungle lodge deep in heart of Belize’s Maya Mountains, he knew he’d found the perfect location for a personal retreat for his family. Through the 1980s, he drew inspiration for his creative works from the lush surroundings and the cascading sounds of Privassion Creek. In 1993, he and his family opened Blancaneaux Lodge to the public as a 20-room luxury resort.

Riverfront cabanas and the Blancaneaux Lodge open to views and sounds of a rushing jungle stream. These fast-moving waters provide the power that sustains the resort. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Blancaneaux

Today, the lodge has become a leading example of how luxury and eco- conscious design can come together to create a remarkable experience. Micro-hydro power from the creek powers the resort, and organic gardens provision the kitchen. Cabanas and cottages are fabricated from local materials, and feature artisanal furnishings and artwork. Though off-grid and self-sustaining, Blancaneaux offers a tempting range of luxuries and creature comforts, including a spa, stables, upscale dining and Internet connectivity via a satellite link. The lodge has garnered numerous awards from both environmental groups and the travel industry, and has repeatedly been named the best resort in Latin America.

Turtle Inn, Belize

The Coppola family’s love of Belize wasn’t confined to the forests of the mountains interior. In 2001, they discovered Turtle Inn, a small coastal resort near the Creole fishing village of Placencia. They acquired the property, only to see it destroyed a year later by a major hurricane. Turning disaster into opportunity, the Coppolas began a meticulous two-year restoration that brought inspirations from Bali to the Caribbean.

The thatch-roofed cottages at Turtle Inn sit beachside, using design elements learned from native building traditions to usher in sea breezes. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Turtle Inn

Thatch-roofed cottages and villas feature hand carved woodwork and Indonesian artwork adorns the walls. The renovation also blended traditional design wisdom with modern eco-sensitive principles. Sea breezes and natural ventilation sooth, while sweeping views of the turquoise waters inspire. Offshore, the Caribbean’s longest barrier reef invites exploration by paddle, sail or scuba. To the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. Turtle Inn is now recognized as the premier waterfront resort in Central America.

Turtle Inn overlooks a vast lagoon of grass beds and coral heads inside the Caribbean’s longest barrier reef. Excellent snorkeling can be found just off the resort’s beach. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/Turtle Inn

La Lancha, Guatemala

With Blancaneaux Lodge firmly established as one of the region’s premier destinations, and Turtle Inn up and running, the Coppolas discovered yet another property to add to their portfolio. On the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Peten Itza, a lakeside compound originally built by a young French couple offered elevated views of sparkling waters. The neighboring forest offered a wide range of adventures, while the lake provided an oasis of cool refreshment.

The dock at La Lancha sits over the clear waters of Guatemala’s Lake Peten Itza. This expansive natural body of fresh water is fed by mountain streams. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/La Lancha

The Coppolas quickly recognized that in addition to the spectacular natural setting, this site was ideally suited for visits to enchanting Mayan sites such as Tikal, Uxactun, Yaxha, Topoxte and more. After extensive renovations and landscaping, La Lancha opened as an upscale 10-room resort. Structures blend the rustic authenticity of native woods and limestone with modern amenities. Rooms are decorated with bright fabrics and carvings from Guatemala personally selected by the Coppola family. Today, this trio of resorts offers guests spectacular natural settings that combine luxury with socially responsible operation.

The lakeside cottages of La Lancha are centrally located for trips to a number of the most significant archaeological sites in Central America. Photo: Gondolfo Pfotenhauer/La Lancha

Valentine's Day In The Caribbean On Beach

Anguilla, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Caribbean, Dominica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands

10 Romantic Caribbean Escapes

January 27, 2017

Leave a comment

Don’t settle for the same old flowers and candy routine this Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself and that special someone to a romantic interlude in the Caribbean. These premiere properties are offering special packages that are sure to fan the flame.

Suite Love

Rekindle romance in a Love Nest Suite at Sandals on Barbados. These private enclaves of intimacy provide all the elements, from four-poster beds to balcony soak tubs with ocean views. Personal butler service brings indulgences right to the room, but should you wish to venture out, all the amenities of Sandals Barbados await. For Valentine’s week, the resort will offer special couple’s nights presentations such as a chocolate themed buffet.

A swim-up suite at Sandals Barbados includes a private veranda with a soak tub that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, while still providing the ultimate in privacy. Photo: Sandals

Wine and Dine

If the way to the heart really is the stomach, there’s love aplenty at Nassau’s Graycliff Hotel. This historic and casually elegant five-star property serves up a three-night Romance Package that begins with a chilled bottle of champagne and a sampler of Graycliff chocolates. Later, you’ll be indulged with a four-course chef’s tasting menu and wine. Another night is highlighted by a Caipirinha and dinner at the Churrascaria Humidor. There is also a culinary lesson with an executive chef, a chocolate and spirits tasting and a day at the Blue Lagoon Beach.

Signature chocolate creations from Graycliff Chocolatier. This historic Nassau hotel combines five-star service with a casually elegant atmosphere. Photo: Graycliff

Stay Together, Play Together

Sugar Beach’s Sweet As Sugar package starts off with champagne and a long-stemmed rose at a luxury villa. But this isn’t your usual boudoir-centric getaway. Over the course of four days you and your special someone will bond over an introductory dive in the crystal waters of St. Lucia’s national marine reserve, hike up Gros Piton, and experience the Sulphur Seduction tour, which includes a visit to an active volcano and a soak in therapeutic mineral springs. There’s also relaxation in the mix, including a sunset cruise, breakfast in bed and a romantic candlelit dinner served beachside or in a garden setting.

A hillside villa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach takes in expansive views of the Caribbean Sea. Native fruit trees grow on the landscaped grounds. Photo: Sugar Beach

Spice It Up

Escape to Grenada, the island of spices, where your private luxury suite opens to spectacular Grand Anse Beach. You don’t actually have to be newlyweds to enjoy the Spice Up Your Honeymoon package at Spice Island Beach Resort, which welcomes you with tropical flowers, fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, and champagne on ice. Dine on your private patio or take in spectacular ocean views and the sounds of a steel band at Oliver’s. Relax with a couple’s massage at Janissa’s Spa and leave with a basket of spice scented body oils. Cap off a memorable day at the beach with a sunset sail along the island’s scenic Caribbean coast.

Spice Island Beach Resort is Grenada’s premier all-inclusive property. The resort occupies a prime location on Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Dehoog/Spice Island

Let Love Linger

Why settle for a day of romance when you can stretch a Valentine’s Day treat to a full week of togetherness. An ideal way to keep that special feeling going is with the Sea of Love package at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Anguilla, where luxury accommodations are set against a dazzling crescent of white sand on Rendezvous Bay. Couples can begin the day with al fresco offerings at Café Med or enjoy in-room breakfasts. There’s golf and beach time, but food often takes center stage, as the package includes select meals at three additional signature restaurants, plus cooking classes, private beachside dining and a chef’s table experience. Also in the mix are massages and spa packages, and a day’s use of a rental car to explore the island.

Beachfront rooms and suites at Anguilla’s CuisinArt resort provide sweeping views of Rendezvous Bay. Fine dining is a hallmark of this upscale property. Photo: Joe Rahm/CuisinArt

If you love Piña Coladas…..

The song may be kitsch, but the setting is not. Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton actually is the birthplace of the Piña Colada, but there are many more reasons to visit this landmark property. Occupying a prime beachfront location on Condado Lagoon, and just a short distance away from the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the Caribe Hilton is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property has kept up with the times, and offers a full range of modern luxuries. Couples who book a three-night Valentine’s package will enjoy special perks and pricing.

The pool at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. For more than 60 years, this resort has been a favorite with vacationers to the island. Photo: Don Riddle/Caribe Hilton

Natural Attraction

Reconnect with nature and each other at the Caribbean’s premier eco- resort. The Tropical Romance package at Dominica’s Rosalie Bay is a five- night immersion in the island’s natural beauty, and a relaxing indulgence for body and mind. Enjoy healthful, savory cuisines based on locally sourced foods, wander a surf-washed black sand beach and enjoy a private five- course dinner served on the banks of a scenic river. The package also includes a couple’s massage, a day trip to Dominica’s famous Champagne Reef, and a relaxing soak in the hot sulphur springs. Rooms are lavished with fresh flowers daily, and gifted with natural island-related aphrodisiacs at evening turndown.

A view from the porch at Rosalie Bay. Sitting next to a nature preserve, this upscale eco retreat overlooks a black sand beach and the surf-washed Atlantic. Photo: Rosalie Bay

Love on the Rocks

Perched on a rocky seaside bluff at the entrance to Charlotte Amalie’s harbor, Frenchman’s Reef provides a romantic setting where couples can watch the ships come and go from a private balcony, and take in the lights of St. Thomas at night. The resort’s Ultimate Romance Package is ideal for a Valentine’s getaway, and includes requisite perks such as champagne, couple’s spa treatments and special dining credits. An added attraction of stays at Frenchman’s is immediate access to the quiet sands of Morningstar Beach.

A view from the hillside terrace at Frenchman’s Reef take in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and the island of St. Thomas. Photo: Corey Weiner/Frenchman’s Reef

Fragrant Memories

A dozen red roses set the tone when you arrive at Belmond La Samanna, where rooms open to fresh sea breezes and the sapphire blue waters of Long Bay. During the month of February, the resort’s Valentine’s Package provides perks such as a Tijon VIP gift bag, couple’s Swedish massage and a unique dinner experience at La Cave, the resort’s on-site atmospheric wine cellar. For a sensory reminder of their time together on St. Martin, couples are treated to a perfumery tour, where they can create their own handcrafted fragrance.

Whites and warm wood accents complement the blues of the Caribbean at Belmond La Samanna. This St. Martin resort is known for good food and fine wines. Photo: La Samanna

Say I Still Do

Anguilla’s Cap Juluca is a stunningly beautiful setting where it would be hard not to fall in love—or fall in love again. To facilitate romances new and old, the resort is offering several Valentine’s themed specials during the month of February. The Romantic Rendezvous pampers couples in a luxury oceanfront room or suite, and adds in extras such as couple’s massages, daily libations and a special private beachside dinner under the stars. During Valentine’s week, couples can reaffirm their commitments with the I Still Do package, which begins with a beach or lawn ceremony, complete with photographer, bouquet and boutonniere. This is followed by champagne and cake, and the day ends with a private three-course dinner with wine on the beach.

The distinctive Greco-Moorish architecture of Cap Juluca resort complements the white sands and blue waters of Anguilla’s Maunday’s Bay. Photo: Mark Welland/Cap Juluca

Amelia Island, Clearwater Beach, Florida, Florida Keys, Miami Beach, Naples, Orlando, St. Augustine, Stay, Trip Ideas

Florida’s Best Valentine’s Getaway Surprises

January 26, 2017

Leave a comment

Resorts all across the sunshine state roll out the bubbly and the rose pedals in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Couples seeking a romantic getaway have many options, as numerous properties offer special perks and incentives on romantic getaway packages. From this rendezvous roster, we’ve selected a sampling of unique, memorable and even decadent choices that go beyond the expected, and elevate the getaway experience to new heights.

Island Escape

No time for a trip to Tahiti? Book a Love, Island Style package at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys. This private palm-shrouded island once doubled as a South Pacific movie location, and still looks the part. Receive a dozen long-stemmed roses upon arrival, sip champagne in a soaking tub on the deck of a thatch-roofed bungalow, enjoy a private sailing trip in tropical waters, and cap the day off with a private beachfront dinner. The program is available through the month of February.

The bungalows of Little Palm Island are nestled into a garden landscape, and feature private terraces with soak tubs and outdoor showers. Photo: Sammy Todd Dyes/Little Palm Island

Montage Moments

The Amelia Amore package at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation packs in enough togetherness elements to create a rom-com movie montage. Start with a horseback ride on the beach, a couple’s paddleboard session, and a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht. Linger over a private dinner, and then toast your memories at a custom champagne station. This special pairing is offered through Feb. 25.

Amelia Island Plantation sits on 1,350 acres on a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast, offering oceanfront accommodations, championship golf and a full-service spa. Photo: Omni Amelia Island

Water Romance

In addition to romantic getaway staples— strawberries, champagne, rose petals and robes— the Plantation at Crystal River can offer an additional enticement to a romance package: sparkling water. This liquid isn’t served over ice however, and instead bubbles up from underground reservoirs to fill spring basins that become wintertime havens for manatees. Guests of the Plantation can come face to face with these gentle aquatic giants on a personalized in-water encounter cruise. Romance and encounter packages are ongoing, but manatee encounters are more likely in winter months.

Rock Star Love

Get rock star treatment in Miami’s fabulous South Beach district with the Lovers Rock package at the Nautilus. You will be picked up by private limo, and find personalized his and hers spa robes and a refresher of Perrier-Jouët champagne waiting in your ocean-view room. Enjoy a couple’s massage on the balcony, take in the sights on a helicopter tour of Miami, and linger at a personal poolside cabana with spa service. End the evening with an in-room dinner with wine pairings, rose petals and candles. This ultimate splurge is offered only during Valentine’s week.

The heated saltwater pool at Nautilus hotel offers luxurious poolside lounge and cabanas, and is just steps away from the sands of South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Nautilus

A Day in Bed

Check in to a water-view suite at the Edgewater Beach Hotel during the Be Mine at the Beach promotion and you and your significant other can toast on Veuve Clicquot while dressing for an intimate dinner at the resort’s signature Coast restaurant. Next morning, a luxury beach bed and umbrella are reserved for your exclusive enjoyment. After two nights and days of romance and indulgence, you can sleep in to enjoy a late checkout. This package is available for stays between February 10-19, 2017.

The pool at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples. This all-suite property is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, fronting a seven-mile stretch of powder-fine beach. Photo: Edgewater Hotel

Stokes and Rubs

There’s no need to compromise with the Valentines Weekend package at Palm Harbor’s Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort. After the champagne and sweets that await in your executive suite, you can decide whether to start with 18 holes at one of the resort’s four golf courses, or indulge in the complimentary couple’s massage. Whatever comes first, the day will end with a special dinner at the property’s acclaimed Packard Steak House. The package can be booked for one or more nights during the week of Valentine’s Day.

A Ride Through History

Spend a special weekend in the nation’s oldest city at one of Florida’s most iconic hotels. Casa Monica Resort & Spa offers Love, St. Augustine Style, which begins with the requisite romantic essentials such as in-room flowers, chilled champagne and chocolate-dipped fruits, adds in gourmet breakfasts and makes the evenings memorable with a romantic carriage ride through the heart of the town’s historic district. The package is offered well beyond Valentine’s Day, just in case.

Built in 1888, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a St. Augustine landmark. Following a complete renovation, it remains the area’s premier luxury resort destination. Photo: Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Around the World

Fulfill that promise to give your special someone the world at Orlando’s Mystic Dunes. The resort’s Valentine’s Day Deal includes two complimentary tickets to the Disney theme parks, including the Epcot World Showcase, which features the culture and cuisines of 11 different countries. Back at the Dunes, a luxurious one-bedroom condo provides a haven for relaxation in a private hot tub, or becomes a base for recreation on the 600-acre property, which includes a championship golf course and a water park. Enjoy this special during the month of February.

Anguilla, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Five New Caribbean Resorts with Amazing Beachfront Views

December 21, 2016

Leave a comment

A highlight of any beach vacation should be… the beach. That’s certainly the case for the latest round of luxury resorts to open in the Caribbean. These five featured properties place guests in the heart of the best beaches in the Caribbean. They also provide luxurious rooms and suites, grand lobbies, a variety of culinary experiences and a selection of water and beach activities—all delivered with over the top service.

The Reef by CuisinArt, Anguilla

Following in the tradition of the flagship CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, The Reef commands a prime stretch of waterfront on an island known for its beaches. This brand-new, all-suite property overlooks Merrywing Bay, a quarter mile to the west of the original CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, and next door to the iconic Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve. The Reef offers just 80 suites, with 50 in the main building overlooking the sea or the golf course and the remainder in four beachfront clusters that deliver up-close views of sand and water. The style is clean and contemporary, with large expanses of glass that highlight the setting. Guests have access to a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a state-of-the art spa and fitness center, along with fine dining options that showcase local- sourced ingredients and items from CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa’s own hydroponic gardens.

At The Reef, a contemporary, minimalist decor combines with floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase expansive water views. Photo: Envision Works/The Reef

Zemi Beach House, Anguilla

Tucked into six beachfront acres on Shoal Bay, this boutique property delivers contemporary luxuries in a setting that is often ranked among the world’s most beautiful waterfronts. In addition to 54 beach view rooms, the resort offers two and three-bedroom suites that include penthouses with terraces, kitchens and rooftop plunge pools. On site is the Zemi Thai House Spa, a 15,000 square foot oasis of relaxation inspired by the ancient healing traditions of the Taino people. There are both fine and causal dining options, with menus that showcase local seafood, sustainable- sourced ingredients and international delicacies. Not to be missed is the Rhum Room, which offers some 100 varieties of small batch rums. The powder-fine white sands of Shoal Bay East are just steps away from rooms, inviting guests to enjoy a range of water sports, discover local beach bars or simply relax in one of the Caribbean’s most memorable settings.

The pool deck at Zemi Beach House is just steps away from the powder fine white sand beach and blue waters of Shoal Bay. Photo: Dylan Cross/Zemi Beach

The Shore Club, Turks & Caicos

Well away from the resort district of Grace Bay, a quiet spot on the east end of Providenciales recently became home to the $100 million Shore Club. The property is a study in off whites and light blues that mirror the tones of sand and water. The elegant simplicity of a modern Caribbean design incorporates natural elements and furnishings inspired by the island environment. The resort’s ocean view suites and luxury villas provide exclusive access to the two-and half-mile stretch of Long Bay Beach, with no other resorts in sight. Guest will find everything they need on property with three restaurants and bars, a spa, a kid center and three pools. There are options for an active vacation of yoga, biking, snorkeling and kayaking or a quiet getaway spent under a poolside cabana.

Balconies at the Shore Club overlook Long Bay Beach, which is known for its shallow flat waters making it ideal for swimming. The resort encompasses a full range of on-site amenities. Photo: Shore Club

French Leave Resort, Eleuthera, Bahamas

One of the finest pink sand beaches in the Bahamas has become the location for one of the most charming small resorts to come to the Out Islands in decades. Near the picturesque town of Governor’s Harbour, a 270-acre beachfront reserve is home to a limited number of cottages, with more than 90 percent of the property slated to remain in its natural state. One or two bedroom villas are built to resemble architecture of the British Colonial style, with spacious living areas, high ceilings and covered verandas overlooking the Atlantic. The property has a freshwater pool, fitness center, special events lawn and a wedding pavilion, two yacht slips and the 1648 An Island Restaurant. This is the Bahamas without cruise ships or casinos, where days can be spent swimming and walking the beach, exploring a historic seaside village and mingling with locals at nearby taverns.

The infinity-edge pool at French Leave Resort seems to merge into the ocean, but actually sits on the edge of Eleuthera’s finest pink- sand beach. Photo: Sarah Corbett/French Leave

Amanera, Playa Grande, Dominican Republic

The second Aman resort to come to the Caribbean, Amanera maintains the brand’s promise, which is to create relaxing spaces that blend naturally into the existing landscape. The resort is surrounded by 2,170 acres of pristine jungle flanked by the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range. A horseshoe of casitas, 25 in all, hover above the golden sands of Playa Grande, where deep turquoise waves break along the shoreline. Each guest has ultimate privacy, as the casitas are freestanding and reached by private pathways that wind through verdant gardens. Once in their personal space, guests enjoy a design that blurs the distinction between indoors and outdoors, and provides grand views of the magnificent northern shore of the Dominican Republic.

A terrace view from a casita at Amanera takes in expansive sections of Playa Grande, which is one of the most scenic and secluded shorelines in the Dominican Republic. Photo: Aman Resorts

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, Miami Beach

Parrot Key Hotel & Resort, Key West

Sheraton Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

Captain Don’s Habitat

Sunset Key Cottages

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Seabird Key

Yacht Club

Sonrisa

Blachi Koko

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

Turtle Inn, Belize

La Lancha, Guatemala

Suite Love

Wine and Dine

Stay Together, Play Together

Spice It Up

Let Love Linger

If you love Piña Coladas…..

Natural Attraction

Love on the Rocks

Fragrant Memories

Say I Still Do

Island Escape

Montage Moments

Water Romance

Rock Star Love

A Day in Bed

Stokes and Rubs

A Ride Through History

Around the World

The Reef by CuisinArt, Anguilla

Zemi Beach House, Anguilla

The Shore Club, Turks & Caicos

French Leave Resort, Eleuthera, Bahamas

Amanera, Playa Grande, Dominican Republic

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling