We’ve just received notice that the OneOnly Ocean Club in the Bahamas and One &Only Palmilla in Los Cabos Mexico, are offering a super Summer Journey’s Sale running right though to the end of October!  Here’s their tantalizing offer:

• Stay three nights and receive a 4th night absolutely free (that’s a savings of  at least $600)
• Guests receive daily continental breakfast
• $200 in resort credits
• Two $50 spa certificates
• Two rounds of golf for the price of one
• Courtesy airport transfers
• and Welcome amenities

While this discounted offer is wonderful, it’s the exceptional settings of the One&Only Resorts that are the true gift.  The One & Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas occupies the former Huntington Hartford Estate on Paradise Island where dramatic terraced gardens evoke visions of a seaside Versailles. Fountains and statuary invite you to explore and the 12th century Augustain cloisters present perhaps the most dramatic setting in the Caribbean.

Perched at the southernmost tip of  Baja California, the One&Only Palmilla Resort hearkens back to the days when Hemingway and Harlow sought tranquility along the Los Cabos corridor.  The dramatic artistry of Mexico is evident at every turn, as is the majesty of the sea.  No matter what diversion you seek on vacation; golf, tennis, spa, sunbathing, fine dining, you find it all in spades at One&Only Resorts.  Don’t miss this chance to experience these incomparable resorts while they are being offered a terrific promotional price.  They will be vacations you will cherish for years to come.

As I stood staring upward toward the mountainside of powerful tumbling waters (mouth dry, heart thumping, knees quivering), Winston our guide at Dunn’s River Falls sidled up to me and said, “You – you’re coming with me!”

Our enthusiastic group of two dozen Travel Bloggers joined hands and slipped and dipped  our way upward.  We were fortunate to have arrived late in the afternoon and had the climb all to ourselves.  Before long we were squealing and laughing as currents twirled us around and dunked us into free form pools.  Winston, of course, heightened the adventure by pushing willing climbers down natural water-slides into deep aqua pools.  We all learned quickly – never be the first one to try one of Winston’s dares – Ji Yoon, you should have seen your face after the first unexpected dunking!

As we reached the upper levels, I don’t know what ached more.. my legs from climbing, my arms from holding on, or my cheeks from laughing.  One thing I do know.. the thrill of reaching the top with friends all around, and looking down to see where we had climbed from was incomparable.  What a blast!  Thank goodness I didn’t wimp out, and praises to Winston, our guide extraordinaire.

Admission to Dunn’s River Falls is a very affordable $15 for adults and $12 for children under 11.  You absolutely need a pair of aqua socks (a.k.a reef shoes) or at least an old pair of sneakers.  Flip flops are NOT a good choice as the current will whip them right off your feet.  There are vendors within the park who will rent you a pair of snug fitting water shoes if you don’t have your own.  You should positively use the services of a Dunn’s Falls guide.  They know where all the foot holds are, will make sure you are following the least slippery path, take control of your camera so it stays dry, and will snap hysterical photo’s along the way.  Of all the sites we saw in Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls proved to be the most exhilarating and memorable experience I had – You won’t want to miss it!

The Prix Fixe promotion began on May 15th and will continuing through the summer season (with no end date yet announced).  Top-tier restaurants like Blanchards, the CuisinArt Resort and The Old Caribe will off three course menus at $45.  Mid-tier establishments will charge $40 and casual eateries will offer 3 course dinners for just $35.

Most all hotels, inns and villa complexes have special pricing as well.  Many will be offering a ‘Stay 5 Nights, Get 2 Free’ promotion.  These packages are typically available from May through to mid November.  Among the resorts offering 7 nights for the price of 5 are:  Bird of Paradise, Carimar Beach Club, CuisinArt Resort and Spa, Ku Resort, Sirena Resort & Villas, Spyglass Hill Villa, and Sur La Plage Villas.

For those not familiar with Anguilla, it is a warm and welcoming stretch of white sand located just to the east of San Juan and to the north of St. Martin.  Many visitors fly into St. Martin and then ferry over to the island.  This is a very pristine, laid-back beach paradise with 33 beaches, one more inviting than the next.  If you love an island with miles and miles of white sand beach bordered by clear translucent water, this my be the tropical paradise you’ve been looking for.

For complete details about the Prix Fixe promotion visit Anguilla-Vacations.com

The next time you’re craving a luxury Caribbean vacation where you’ll  be shamelessly pampered and treated like a celebrity (all for a reasonable price of course), look no further than the all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Bávaro in Punta Cana, DR.

Linda’s Just Back Trip Report: (You may remember my article on the Iberostar Grand in Jamaica, well the good folks at Iberostar invited me to experience the newly opened Iberostar Grand in Punta Cana – WOW what a resort!  From the moment we arrived and walked through the entrance, I was in awe. 

Picture magnificent artwork, sculpture and a view that lets you know you are about to be treated like royalty. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be pampered, wined, dined, and have every earthly wish granted? I AM NOT KIDDING! I was all smiles as Juan escorted us to our room, where a quick look to the right produced a heart stopping view of water and a magnificent ship (yes, a real ship) that sits shimmering in a lagoon, serving as a festive bar.  Beyond the ship were meandering pools (yes pools plural) with strategically positioned cabanas for sun bathing.  As Juan opened the door to our spacious suite, the balcony delivered a view that was like an adult Disney fantasy.

Just like a genie in a Disney movie, Pastor, our personal butler appeared, with the most welcoming smile I have ever seen. Blinking my eyes, I heard those famous words, “Your wish is my command”!  As he gave us a tour of our suite, his warm and welcoming personality left me wanting to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming.  The only thing missing was the magic lamp – but the telephone worked just as well. When the television was not working correctly-Pastor appeared and fixed it.  He was always smiling and had a great sense of humor.  “We are here 24 hours for anything you need,” were always his parting words. Too bad I could not bring Pastor home, but his smile will be with me forever. It took us a few days and reminders from Pastor to realize how wonderful this service could be. I soon learned you could have wine and popcorn as a bedtime snack, and load the in-room bar with any beverage you can think of. By the third day, we enjoyed ordering a snack before dinner – the smoked salmon was addictive, and other guests ordered ice cream sundaes as a late night treat. But the all time best request was a special Jacuzzi presentation complete with flowers, candles, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, all prepared and awaiting  your return at evenings end.

Dining At The Resort: Iberostar resorts excel in their cuisine. 5 featured restaurants, Gourmet, Mediterranean, Italian, Surf &Turf, and Japanese tempt you to dine.  And If that isn’t enough, there is also a buffet for breakfast and a casual poolside restaurant for lunch. One meal was more spectacular than the next.  My personal favorites were the mouth-watering lobster risotto and Dorado cooked in salt – each meal was a treat.   In addition, guests of the Grand Bavaro can dine in any of the other three Iberostar properties.  The service and presentation were truly 5 star level. If you want something special-you’ve got it, just ask. Even the buffets offered artful displays of fresh salads, grilled lobster and beef delights.

Resort Activities: Let’s be honest, most of us go on vacation to simply relax.  You can lounge to your heart’s content by the magnificent pools or along the wide sugar soft white sand beach.  And once you’re all rested up, there’s a wide variety of water sports awaiting; snorkeling, diving, ocean kayaking, Hoby craft,  etc. There are activities all day long as well; water-exercises, yoga, chess with pieces 3 feet tall, archery, tennis, and let’s not forget golf (more about that later).  Phew, I think its back to those lovely beach cabanas for me!

Need a little more relaxation-how about a Spa treatment?  Here are just a few treatments they are famous for:

• Couples Wine Ritual-wine scrub, wine wrap, wine soak (you have drink wine while soaking) followed by a massage and you know wine is anti-aging
• Couples Chocolate Ritual- you guessed it-all chocolate
• Shell massage – special shells are used to melt your muscles into the ocean.

As our readers know, Spa’s are my thing. I would classify this as a resort with wonderful spa services rather than a true spa destination. The imaginative treatments and the expertise of their therapists set them a step above many properties.   Both Rosie and Esmeralda were incredibly skilled at making those muscles roll over and relax. Their hands move over the body like blades on the ice. We chose the 2 ½ hour Wine Ritual and I can honestly say I felt years younger or maybe all the de-stressing relaxed every wrinkle on my body.

Still need more?  Let’s talk Golf .  Guests of the resort receive one free round per person with a 3 or 4 night stay, and 2 free rounds with a 7 day vacation. While I was pampered at the spa, Stewart took to the links for an up-close inspection.  Iberostar’s 18-hole golf course has some of the most amazing holes in the Caribbean.  While there, we met Steven Hahn of  The 19^th Hole Magazine, who declared it to be “A resort golf course suited for all levels of golfers”. “The front 9 are fine, but the back 9 are some of the most challenging holes in all of the Caribbean,” said Steve. Another guest of the hotel said, “The beautiful boulder-filled lake on 16 is by far the most spectacular hole in the Caribbean.” The one thing Stewart advises is “Bring lots of golf balls, you will need them”.

Nightly Entertainment: The on-site theatre has entertainment every night featuring Rio Dominican, complete with audience participation. The entertainers perform Dominican songs and dances, which express the island life. Don’t be surprised if you are welcomed by Cisa – she is a personal ambassador of fun. There are also a variety bands which play in the lobby bar, or perhaps it’s time to be off for some drinking and dancing aboard the replica Spanish sailing ship!

My Tips: If you think I am describing a vacation heaven-you are correct – but there are a few additional tips that will be helpful:

• The Grand Bavaro is an adults only resort.  If you will be traveling as a family, there are three other Iberostar properties on Bavaro Beach that will entertain the whole group.
• You may use the facilities and restaurants at the other Iberostar resorts, but the other resorts cannot use the facilities of the Grand Bavaro resort.
• A major plus are the complementary rounds of  Golf – this is truly an all-inclusive resort!
• The staff is there to make your stay memorable.  They go out of their way to be sure you are having a wonderful vacation, so don’t be timid about asking for a special request – hint, hint, is this an anniversary or birthday celebration?
• Oh, yes- there’s a great pillow menu- give it a try
• It’s helpful to practice up on your traveler’s Spanish before heading to the Dominican Republic.

As you head to your room at the end of the evening, there will not only be a turn down service and chocolate waiting, but a surprise towel sculpture with flowers to welcome you back. We spent four days at this amazing paradise, but felt we had been away for a week.   So if you can only squeeze out a long weekend escape,  the Iberostar Grand Bavaro should be your choice for the most relaxing and restful experience of your life.  Indulge in a full week’s stay and you’ll feel like royalty -and of course, YOU DESERVE IT!

Sea Palace St. Maarten

Can a week’s vacation get any cheaper than this? I’ve just been reading Arthur Frommer’s Blog (great resource of top travel info), and learned about this insanely great sale.  A full week’s vacation in a resort rental apartment (studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedrooms) for a mere $199 per week. That’s not per person folks, it’s per unit for a full 7 days.  And these are not some flea bag properties, they are from the apartment rental division of Wyndham Hotels – Endless Vacation Rentals.  There are resort properties located all across the USA, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe!  I just can’t stop using !!!! this is such a great deal.

Here’s the main catch…. this is a “blowout” sale on the Wyndham Vacation last minute site.  You only have until 4pm on Friday 5/21/10 to reserve your vacation at this amazing price, and travel must take place within 30 days.    Can’t get away for a full week?  No problem, check out early (the price is still worth it)…. or split the booking with some friends and each stay a few days…that would be a vacation for $100!!!!

Now if you just can’t carve out some vacation time in the next 30 days, this is a site you should definitely bookmark and keep an eye on.  The last minute page always offers properties at amazing rates that are available for travel within 30 days. The standard rate right at the moment would be $349 per week for a studio apartment, up to $399 per week for a 2 bedroom – still a fabulous deal.  I think this is going to be my new go-to site for booking quick getaways.

Here’s my suggested strategy for cashing in on these offers:

Strategy #1
Pick a few locations from the destination list
Look for available frequent flyer seats and grab them
Go back to the Wyndham site and book the apt rental

Strategy #2
Select a destination that is served by a low cost airline (JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, AirTran etc) and look for a great airfare.  Combine that fare with a one week rental from the Wyndham site.

Strategy #3
See a great airline sale…freeze some seats, check the Wyndham last minute site for an apartment rental.

Make your friends incredulous with envy…”You paid WHAT for  your vacation????!!!!!!”  You have to love it when that happens!

The five-star luxury adult’s-only boutique hotel, Rendezvous Resort on St. Lucia, is inviting travelers from the USA and Canada to save 40% on intimate romantic getaways. The Rendezvous Resort is an elegant, all-inclusive, secluded hideaway where you’ll leave stress and tension behind as you sink your toes into the soft sand and enjoy being pampered by an attentive staff where ‘nothing is too much trouble’.  You can be as active or relaxed as you like, as you sample the resort’s many leisure activities, lovely beachfront, and indulgent spa – a perfect location for couples in need of romance.  To receive 40% off standard rates, reservations must be made by April 30, 2010.

To get to St. Lucia, just rely on Jet Blue and their expanded nonstop flight schedule from New York JFK to Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).  Beginning on May 1st, JetBlue will fly 5 times per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  To celebrate their new schedule, JetBlue is offering flights for $99 each way if purchased by May 1st, for travel between May 6 and June 16, 2010. The new schedule coincides perfectly with the St. Lucia Jazz Festival that takes place between May 1 to 9.

Combine these two sales, and anyone with a summertime anniversary has the perfect makings of an affordable ultra-pampered celebration!

American Airlines has announced a Caribbean airfare sale (including Turks and Caicos) for flights between April 1 – May 22nd, purchase by March 22, 2010.

The West Bay Club – One of Turks and Caicos’ newest and most appealing boutique properties on celebrated Grace Bay, is tempting you to stay longer with free night offers that continue from April 11th through November 22, 2010.  Book three nights in a luxury one bedroom or larger accommodation and receive an additional night free.  Or relax for 5 nights and receive two additional nights free.  This offer is valid for stays from 4/11 – 5/31/10.  Beginning June 2nd, the resort offers a 5th night free plus 10% off their great summer rates for stays of five nights or longer.

The Leeward Resort another new luxury all suites property located at the quiet east end of the island offers a relaxing beachfront setting within easy reach of Leeward Marina.  If you love boating, snorkeling, fishing and exploring nearby islands, this is the perfect location.  The promotions at the Leeward Resort are amazing!  From April 15 to December 15, 2010 rates are  30 to 50% off.  Incredibly the promotion also includes a complimentary rental car and a cell phone for guests staying 3 nights or more.  What a deal – you’ll be able buzz around the island, enjoy the resort’s private stretch of beach and have a phone to make all your restaurant and excursion reservations – perfect!  This promotion clearly makes the Leeward Resort the best deal on the island.

The Ocean Clubs on Grace Bay have been a great choice for vacationers for many years.  The three story plantation style buildings house condo accommodations ranging from studios to 3 bedroom units perfect for families.  There are two Ocean Club properties located on Grace Bay a short distance apart so you can stay at one and play at both, and they are particularly convenient for golfers.  From 4/5 – 5/31, the 5th night is free.  From 6/1 – 12/20/10 the 5th and 7th night is free.

Beaches - Where do I begin?…  No one delivers fabulous family vacations like Beaches!  There is something for everyone, for every taste and every energy level.  There are water parks, 16 restaurants, villages reminiscent of France and Italy, nightclubs, kids clubs, Muppet characters, pirate ships, a pirate island, game rooms, excursion boats and too many amenities to name.  There are just 7 days left to take advantage of rates up to 65% off an all-inclusive stay of 3 nights or more for visits through April 30th. For some categories of accommodation you’ll also receive one night free with a 7 night stay.  Stays between May and December are discounted between 55 – 30%.

All of these promotions have their own particular terms and conditions, so be sure to click on their individual sites for all the details.

See you on Grace Bay Beach!

If you haven’t considered The Bahamas before, I encourage you to take a fresh look.  Gone are the days of emphasis on gambling and glitz.  Today you’ll find The Bahamas sensitive to protecting their 700 pristine islands, and proud to offer friendly, attentive service.  In recent years air service to the Out Islands has increased making them easy to reach.  The Out Islands are simply spectacular with long ribbons of gorgeous beaches and quaint intimate resorts.  If you ever had a Robinson Crusoe daydream, this is the destination to fulfill your fantasy!  And for all of you who lament the overbuilding of Turks and Caicos…. the Bahamas will return you to the days of beach side bars, local resorts and friendly residents.

To take advantage of the two for one airfare promotion, get all the finer details by visiting Bahamas.com or calling 1-800-Bahamas.  Vacations must be booked by March 3, 2010, with travel completed by December 22, 2010 and some blackout dates apply.

Fernandez Bay Village is the premier resort on Cat Island, and a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a peaceful, friendly, romantic beachfront retreat.   Arriving at FBV is like being welcomed by long lost cousins who own a fabulous beach side estate.  There are 17 rustic stone and wood villas that have the feel of chic beach cottages with comfy rattan furnishings, outdoor garden showers, and decks for gazing right out to the turquoise sea. (sigh)

When you feel like a bit of company, wander over to the thatch roofed club house where meals are served, activities are planned, and conversations develop around the gazebo ‘honor’ bar.  The resort is perched at the center of a perfect one mile long half moon bay, making it ideal for leisurely beach strolls.  Kayaking is a must as an adjacent estuary leads into miles and miles of mangrove trails, even more secluded beaches and a dramatic ‘blue hole’.  Donna, Evan or Kalie at the front desk are always available to help plan excursions (if you can bear to leave the resort).   Climb up to The Hermitage, take a drive up to Arthur’s Town, venture out to Greenwood, or go foraging for treasures on  sea glass beach.

The dining at FBV was outstanding.  Delicious buffet meals are served in the club house with dining often on the front stone portico where the sun sets dramatically over the bay and just a few steps separate you from the white sand and rolling waves.  We gobbled up Bahamian lobsters, beef tenderloin, and a wonderfully prepared almond encrusted grouper.  Each evening brought a differently themed menu – all wonderfully prepared.  Then after sampling a yummy homemade desert, everyone wanders down to the beach to gather around the nightly bonfire – perfection.  If you should want to try a local restaurant for an evening, the staff is happy to make a reservation for you, drop you off and pick you up again when you’re done.

The biggest asset at Fernandez Bay Village for me were the exceptionally friendly folks who run it.  There are smiles on every face (and why not they live in paradise), and they seem to delight in making your stay completely stress-free.  Families will feel just as at home here as couples, and you won’t find any electronics to disrupt your communication with nature – no TVs, VCRs, Radios or CLOCKS!  There is free wifi if you bring along your own laptop.

As you’ve guessed by now, Clint and I had a memorable time on Cat Island and are already dreaming of returning again.  When I think of all the places we’ve flown to all over the world to find a slice of paradise, it’s amazing to realize this gorgeous Eden is just a short 1 hour flight off the Florida coast!

Have a peak at our photo album slideshow of all the delights we found on Cat Island.  I’m sure you’ll be booking your own visit in no time!