The Royal Pavilion and Glitter Bay on Barbados’ Platinum Coast
by Kriss Hammond
The Royal Pavilion and Glitter Bay on Barbados’ Platinum Coast
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
I call them ‘light zones’ — areas in the world displaying sunshine in powerful and rarified splinters of sheen, effusing plant leaves and tree bark with dancing fluid colors for just a moment, and it can not be photographed truly but only scratches a quick sketch across the retina before banked in the mind’s memory and then there is a rapid change, squeezing the light in another direction and in a different spectrum.
While hiking in the rainforests of the Kenai the klieg barn doors opened a filter of red light lensed through a smoking volcano across Turn Again Bay. The light in Hawaii is an interchange of power and vision, afterall, light is nature’s fastest moving force, so you have to be alert to catch it bouncing off the tips of elephant grass and the skin of the Kuhio trees. In the trade winds the head-high elephant grass sparkles and waves, as if the tules were shot into the ground by the light itself.
Light in the Caribbean oozes. You have time to grasp it. It is not always as colorful as in the Pacific. It is brighter. It is more golden. Ian Fleming named his home in Jamaica Golden Eye because the sun sets on the yachting lagoon and when viewed from Oracabessa (Golden Head in Spanish), a hill above the lagoon, it does look like an unblinking golden pupil.
The indigenous Arawak were the first to arrive in Barbados from South America. I wish I knew the Arawak description of light that they saw, but their language went extinct with the tribe. When the first British arrived in 1627, just a mile down the coast from Glitter Bay at present day Holetown, there were no natives around whatsoever. Give the British credit for navigating first to the best beaches.
The Glitter Bay site was named at the turn-of-the-18th-century by prominent Barbados businessman, George Manning. In the 1930s the property was acquired by Sir Edward Cunard, a member of the famous shipping family, and nephew of the renowned London hostess, Lady ‘Emerald’ Cunard.
George built the Great House that is now part of the grand Fairmont Hotel resort at Glitter Bay in St. James Parish. He played host to celebrities and members of the British aristocracy in that halcyon era between the wars, including the late Ronald Tree, grandson of the Chicago tycoon Marshall Hall, and Cunard was Winston Churchill’s frequent wartime host. Ronald Tree rented Glitter Bay for a holiday from the Cunard family in 1946 and later went on to develop Sandy Lane Hotel just around the corner.
Together Tree and Cunard made Glitter Bay a byword for refined relaxation on winter holidays. Their friends strolled through acres of landscaped gardens aflame with tropical flowers like the bougainvillea and the air-scenting lilies, shaded by the royal palms. You can now stay in the beautiful Beach House modeled on the Cunard family palazzo in Venice, Italy. All is still quiet grandeur reflecting the ‘glitter’ of a bygone genteel society.
The two resorts at Glitter Bay recapture that style of gracious living. The gardens have flourished. The magnificent Beach House suites are named after former Cunard guests — Sir Edward, Lady Emerald, Clarence, the Marquis. The Great House still stands and today houses the reception and concierge areas, the gym, and administration offices.
The first hotel on the West Coast of Barbados was the Miramar Hotel, built in the 1940s. The original hotel was only 12 rooms in what today is home to the Palm Terrace Restaurant and the administrative offices at the newer and renovated Fairmont property, the Royal Pavilion.
The Café Taboras of today once was the Miramar manager’s bungalow; the three bedroom villa was referred to as the ‘Garden Rooms’. The Miramar was purchased in 1987 and condominiums were added or expanded into the hotel/condo Royal Pavilion complex that offers luxurious beach front rooms. The new property opened in time for Christmas that year, to a festive celebration.
Set on eleven acres with a half mile of platinum beach (the area is also called the Platinum Coast), the royal pink façade comforts guests in 72 oceanfront, deluxe rooms, and one three-bedroom private villa.
All Royal Pavilion accommodations come with a king-sized bed. I must say, without management provocation, that the spacious dream zone came with plump body pillows and it was the most comfortable night I ever had. There was an electronic mosquito zapper that I didn’t need in the dry season; the pests were non-existant.
The room’s private lanai has an overhang to keep out some of that glittering light that can be overpowering, but you won’t miss the Jimmy Buffet moment sunsets as the golden orb peels quietly into the Caribbean. The shrubs around the lanai keep the room private and intimate. I found the padded beach loungers just a hop over a small wall. Each chair was a library of discarded European magazines, which I read with delight during the lazy days, especially the James Bond cartoons! Barbados is still very much British influenced, even though the Fairmont is a Canadian hotel chain. A New York Times Digest was also slipped quietly under my door daily by the colonists!
Even though the Royal Pavilion and The Glitter Bay Fairmont serve some of the best Bajan and international cuisine, the twice daily maid service kept the mini fridge stocked so you could get in more swimming and beach time.
The Glitter Bay Hotel is not set beach front like the Royal Pavilion, and I was puzzled that my room has plush and barefoot pleasing carpets, while Glitter Bay has cool terra cotta tiles. The maid must fume when vacuuming out the sand. The tropical fabrics, rattan furniture, and cool, coral painted walls gives my hideout a colonial feeling.
The 63 rooms of white stucco and Spanish-tiled Moorish/Andalusian themed Glitter Bay Fairmont was originally built on 19 acres as Cunard’s private manse. There is a combination of deluxe rooms, one and two bedroom suites, two and three bedroom penthouses, and the five superb oceanfront suites in the Beach House.
The Great House was renovated and now houses the breezy reception area and concierge. One set of tennis courts is behind the mansion and another is near the Royal Pavilion.
Both properties have A/C and 24 hour room service, king beds, with twins and rollaways available on request. Glitter Bay rooms have pool and garden views, so that is why I chose the Royal Pavilion with beachside rooms. The outdoor pool has a separate kids’ plunge, shared by all from both hotels. I come to the Caribbean to swim in the ocean, so again the Royal Pavilion receives my vote.
The only real difference between the two properties is that Glitter Bay has one bedroom suites and penthouses with stoves and refrigerators, complete with crockery and utensils. I don’t cook, especially on vacation, so the RP is again the nominee for a choice beach hangout. Both hotels offer direct dial telephone and voice mail.
The Fairmonts share these facilities: Fitness and massage centre featuring LifeCycle and LifeStep, treadmills, free weights, aerobics, and a personal trainer, tennis pros for instruction on day or night-lighted courts. There are two tennis courts on the dual properties. Only a mile away is the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. championship Royal Westmoreland 18-hole golf course. There is also access to the Sandy Lane Golf Course which had it’s new section completed in late 2002. The Fairmont shuttle is complimentary to both golf courses. Complimentary watersports include snorkeling, windsurfing, hobie cat, and sunfish sailing.
Kriss Hammond , Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Riviera Maya, Mexico – Paradise Defined
by Rick Chapo
The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast was a secret getaway to paradise for many years. No longer. Now it is considered one of the finest beach areas in the world.
Riviera Maya
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya is jaw dropping beautiful. Although the area was only known to a select few for years, the last 10 years has seen a boom in tourism and resorts. Depending on your personal views, this is or isn’t a good development.
The best-known destination in the area is the beach town of Cancun. From Cancun, you can travel to the south down the beaches. Since the Riviera is not a defined area, it is generally agreed the town of Tulum is the southernmost point. Regardless of how you definite it, the beaches along the coast have something for everyone.
Top Locations
Although everyone has different views, Cancun is as good a place to start as anywhere. If you want to cram as much as possible into your vacation, this is the place. From loafing on the beach to snorkeling and jet skiing, your beach needs will be satisfied. If you prefer an adventure, you can head inland to see Mayan ruins or take jungle tours. The downside of Cancun, on the other hand, is it tends to be a bit crowded and lacks the “authentic Mexican feel.”
To get a better feel for the local culture, you should consider heading down the coast to explore the little towns dotting the coast. In places such as Tulum and Xpu-Ha, you can experience the laid back Mexican culture while staying in cheap cabanas. It’s a slow life, but truly amazing. Have you seen Corona Beer commercials showing people on the beach on thought, “Where is that?” This is the place.
The Riviera Maya is an incredibly beautiful collection of beaches. Next time you get a hankering for a beach vacation, check out this paradise.
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com for more articles on travel Mexico and Adventure Travel
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Ritz Cancun Hangout – The Ritz Carlton
by Edwin Ali
Ritz Cancun Hangout – The Ritz Carlton
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
If you combine courtesy, efficiency, elegance, and impeccable service and professionalism you would come to the inescapable conclusion that these are the hallmarks of the Ritz Carlton Cancun, located in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan playground.
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, approximately 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, the Five Diamond Resort, boasts of 365 rooms, (one for each day of the year), including 50 suites, 277 kings, 88 with two double beds, 46 Ritz Carlton Club rooms, 10 Ritz Carlton Club Suites, and one Presidential Suite.
The Resort rests on the tip of Mexico’s exotic Yucatan Peninsula, and is located on more than 7.5 acres along the Azure Caribbean Sea, with some 1,200 feet of pristine beach, offering the pinnacle of Caribbean hospitality and splendor.
It is the first ever and only AAA Triple Five Diamond Resort and its other honors include AAA Five-Diamond Resort rating from 1996-2002, Five Diamond Restaurant Ratings for the Fantino Restaurant, and the Club Grill for 1997-2002.
Travel & Leisure Magazine’s World Best Awards went to the Ritz Carlton for Best Service in Mexico and Central and South America for 2002, Best Value in Mexico and Central and South America for 2002, and Best Hotel in Mexico and Central and South America for 2001.
Condé Naste Traveler Magazine’s Gold List named the Ritz Carlton as the ‘Top Place to Stay’ in Mexico and the Reader’s Choice Awards named it :Top Latin American Resorts’ for 1997 to 2001.
Gourmet Magazine’s ‘Rooms at the Top Survey’ named the Ritz Carlton as the Best Hotel in Mexico, Top Service and Number Four in the World.
The resort was designed to reflect Mexico’s rich Spanish heritage with tiled roofs, wrought-iron railings, dancing fountains, private courtyards and unique five-story high stained glass ceiling designed by a local artist.
The Ritz Carlton provides more than 27,000 square feet of function space, capable of accommodating up to 1,050 guests, including the grand ballroom with 11,481 square feet, the Plaza Ballroom, 3,960 square feet, the Diplomat Room, 812 square feet, the Board Room, 406 square feet, the Director’s room, 812 square feet, the Merida, 770 square feet, the Cozumel, 945 square feet, the Cancun, 805 square feet, and the Tulum, 1015 square feet.
One of the most impressive features of the Ritz Carlton in Cancun is the approach to the reception area. A semi-circular driveway opens up after passing through abundant vegetation, which boosts the architecture of the building itself. Guests are welcomed by ‘ladies and gentlemen’ whose courtesy and friendliness make one feel at home immediately.
Taken into the lobby area for registration, guests are greeted with the music of Mexican guitarists and singers and provided with Margaritas and Piña Coladas, (with or without alcohol), soft drinks, and bottled water, making the entire process one of comfort and convenience.
One immediately recognizes the luxury and sobriety of the resort, its classic lines, comfortable spaces and discreet colors, spawning the feeling that such a style will never go out of fashion, but rather, would be one to emulate by others in the tourism sector. There is absolutely no doubt that enormous attention was given to the design of the interior areas which have a stamp of prestige that rings out in clear and unambiguous tones.
The Resort’s features of balconies overlooking the ocean from each of its 365 guestrooms and suites are of particular significance to guests, who enjoy such welcome extras, such as a private safe, fully stocked honor bar, and telephone in the bathroom. In addition to a 24 hour room service, the hotel provides twice daily maid attention, evening turndown service, and a multi lingual concierge staff.
Guests wishing for an added measure of service and personal attention may select accommodations on the Ritz Carlton Club, accessed by a separate elevator key. The spacious and well-appointed Club Lounge features complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day, including continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and sweets and cordials.
The resort opened on April 15, 1993 and features two outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, (one of which is lighted) and Ritz-Carlton signature blue ‘cabana chairs’ on the beach. The Fitness Center is equipped with weight training and cardiovascular equipment, steam and sauna rooms, and aerobic classes are offered each morning. Spa services are available, including massages in the Fitness Center, guestroom or on the beach. A beauty salon is also located in the hotel.
Relaxing on the beach takes on a whole new meaning as private beach cabanas staffed with individual butlers, personal messages delivered upon receipt to guests lounging poolside, chilled scented towels and fresh fruit on silver trays are among the benefits.
Upon arrival at the pool and beach area, all guests are greeted by a specialty concierge personnel and registered at the guest services desk. This enables staff members to locate any guest in the area and deliver important messages, phone calls or faxes.
Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
Edwin ALi, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Beyond the All-inclusive Resorts
by J.P.
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast has become a top vacation destination over the past few years.
What attracts most visitors to the area is the many mega-resort properties that line Highway 307 from Cancun to Tulum, also referred to as the Riviera Maya. People are lured by the miles of beaches, clear turquoise sea, and the ability to leave their wallets in the hotel safe for a week for an all-inclusive Caribbean holiday. Unfortunately, if you never leave the resort, you miss out on experiencing the culture and beauty of the Mexican Coast.
Playa del Carmen, once touted as a tiny fishing village where backpackers and hippies pitched their tents on the beach, has now grown into a thriving, developed town. Playa, as the locals call it, still retains a charm that can’t be found in Cancun’s high-rise hotel zone.
About 40 miles south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen’s location makes it a prime spot to set up base while exploring the rest of the Mayan Riviera. Local bus service runs from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen. Busses are modern, with televisions, reclining seats, luggage racks, bathrooms, seatbelts and air-conditioning.
The bus station in Playa is on the edge of 5th Avenue, downtown’s main pedestrian walkway. Lined with outdoor cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels-this is where both locals and tourists gather to enjoy a meal while traditional Mexican strolling mariachi bands stop to play along the street.
Due to the large influx of foreign business owners relocating to the area, you will find Asian, Thai, Italian, Argentininan, and French cuisine along with traditional Mexican and Mayan restaurants. To experience some of the best and most authentic Mexican food, take a short walk off of 5th Avenue, along Juarez or 10th Avenue. Local vendors around the town square sell fresh fruit and home made tamales and sweets.
Accommodations range from youth hostels to upscale, luxury boutique hotels. Along the beach you can find modern hotel rooms with a balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea or beachside palapas with colorful hammocks strung outside.
If you would like to shop in Cancun for a day, the bus to downtown Cancun departs Playa’s bus station every 15 minutes. How about scuba diving in Cozumel? The ferry departs Playa del Carmen every half hour. More experienced divers can explore the cenotes, or underground caves, all around the Mayan Riviera. If you’d like to explore other Mexican towns, you can take a bus over to Tulum or Vallodolid for the day, or explore the magnificent ruins of Coba or Chichen Itza.
For shorter day trips, there is a collectivo van that runs up and down Highway 307 all day from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. For about two dollars you can hop on and go out to snorkel at Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal, Xel Ha or XCaret Parks, take an ATV jungle tour, or explore the Mayan Ruins in Tulum.
Of course, you can also just lounge on the pristine beaches with an ice bucket of Dos Equis and a good book.
For up-to-date bus and ferry schedules, trip reports, photos, hotel reviews and vacation packages visit www.iloveplaya.com.
Owner/Webmaster
www.iloveplaya.com
Playa del Carmen-Mayan Riviera Travel Guide.
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Mexico Beaches – Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel
by Rick Chapo
Mexico has beautiful beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. In this article, we look at two hot spots on the east coast – Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
Playa del Carmen
With one of the prettiest beaches on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen was the hidden gem of Mexico for years and years. About 10 years ago, the word got out and now Playa del Carmen is exploding. If you’re looking for solitude, this isn’t the place with cruise ships and so on packing the place during high season. On the other hand, this is definitely the place if you like a lot of “resort” in your beach vacation.
Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer to visitors. Of course, the beaches are beautiful and I highly recommend you catch the sunrise, which is some of Mother Nature’s finest work. Staying up shouldn’t be a problem since the nightlife in Playa del Carmen is plentiful.
During the day, you can loaf on the beach or head out for some diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Should you get tired of the beach, you can head inland for some surprisingly quality hiking.
Cozumel
An island off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. With smooth, crystal clear waters, Cozumel has the white beaches you see in the Corona beer commercials. On the island proper, one can loaf on the beach, pursue world class diving or just loaf on the beach. Dolphin petting and sitting in the hammocks of Xal-Hal are touristy, but fun things to do. Although Cozumel is on cruise ship circuit, it maintains the relaxed atmosphere found in smaller destinations in the Mexican Riviera.
Unfortunately, Cozumel was in the news through much of the last week of October 2005 because Hurricane Wilma pounded it. Given a few months, Cozumel will be on the mend and a great location since prices will undoubtedly be low to attract visitors.
If you are planning a visit to the Mexican Riviera area, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are definitely worth your consideration. Personally, I would pick Cozumel in a heart beat.
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com for more articles on travel Mexico and Adventure Travel
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Mexico
by David Chandler
Mexico
Mexico is popular with travelers from all over the world. The visitors of Mexico go there for many reasons: sunshine, blue seas swarming with fish and coral, crystal-white beaches, mountains and volcanoes, jungles full of striking wildlife, collectible folk art and the wonderful remains of ancient cultures.
Mexico is known for its tourist destinations. Its fantastic location and year-round mild climate, gorgeous white beaches are ideal for water sports. The site of the Caribbean Ocean makes this place a desired vacationing spot for all.
History of Mexico
Mexico has reminders of its past in just about every city you visit, due to Mexico’s vast history. Sometime during the last ice age nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers from Asia first crossed the Bering Strait and entered the Western Hemisphere. The various civilizations of Mesoamerica are distinguished from others elsewhere in the New World by a variety of common cultural developments including hieroglyphic writing, commerce and trade, an extensive knowledge of astronomy, a highly accurate calendar system, and fascinating religious beliefs featuring a complex pantheon, a ritualistic ball game, and human and animal sacrifices.
Cities of Mexico
Cancun has a first rate tourist road and rail network. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality. Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. It’s excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring state of Yucatan.
Cabo San Lucas at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate ships waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. It has quickly become the main point of Los Cabos: million-dollar condos have sprung up, palm trees have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San José and everywhere is kept immaculate.
The island of Cozumel Mexico has shops with a nice selection of goods including fine jewelry stores. There are so many great reasons to visit Cozumel that once you visit once, you might just get hooked. Compared to other tropical vacation spots, Cozumel is very inexpensive. The unusually short 2-hour flight from Houston, Miami, or Dallas/Fort Worth means you can be lying on a lounge chair sipping a beverage by noon!
Puerto Vallarta is smaller, quieter and younger than Acapulco. In its own way, it is actually every bit as commercial - perhaps more so, since here tourism is virtually the only source of income - but appearances count for much, and Puerto Vallarta, while doing all it can to catch up with Acapulco, appears far less developed and retains a more Mexican feel.
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. It is a celebration of the Nativity. The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December to spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends.
For more information, go to: www.MexicoInfoCenter.com
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Jammin’ in Jamaica
by Caitlin Moore
Known as an island with a dramatic history, a passionate spirit, and an ever-buoyant partying attitude, Jamaica is an exciting and eye-opening string of sights, sounds and flavors that stretches from Kingston to Montego Bay. Natural beauty plus engaging activities equals a spectacular vacation, so head this way for a freeing, fabulous time.
Jamaica is alive with color and energy throughout, so anywhere your vacation starts will set you off on the right track. For example, the bustling capital city of Kingston will show the gritty, realistic features of this island’s identity. For travelers in search of authenticity, this is the place to go. A center for commerce and business, parts of Kingston are admittedly overcrowded and unattractive, but if you stick with it a while, or even better, if you visit during one of the many yearly festivals, you’ll find yourself steeped in a local climate that is fascinating, lively, and oh-so-different than anything you’ve ever experienced before.
More typical tourist spots won’t disappoint as far as offering up the brochure-style pictures and movie-worthy sights. Blue Lagoon is one example, as it’s likely that the stunning aqua depths of this pride of Jamaica have caught your eye before. Jacques Cousteau filmed here, as have a few Hollywood directors. The lagoon, or “Blue Hole” as locals call it, is open to the public.
Another natural wonder is known as Cockpit Country, and consists of an imposing plateau formed from limestone. It is located in the central western part of the country, and the rocky, unusual terrain makes traveling above it via helicopter the best way to safely see all the ravines and ragged edges. Thrill-seekers can take a spelunking trip if they so desire, and bird-watchers and wildlife-lovers will find themselves in a veritable wonderland.
To experience a resort town that hasn’t really lost touch with the ebb and flow of real life, consider a visit to Negril. Here, you’ll be able to take advantage of the beach, the breeze, and the beverages to your heart’s content, but you won’t be leaving the genuine article behind. Coral reefs and sunsets that stop everyone in their tracks will punctuate your stay in Negril, and laid-back locals will show you how life was meant to be lived. Take in a reggae concert while you’re here, and don’t be afraid to forget all about the rigid rules of your usual routine.
The port city of Montego Bay is brimming with life, and makes another excellent place to take in the rockin’ beat of this raw, robust country. MoBay is a magnet for tourists, as it is dotted with golf courses, resorts, museums, and happening beaches. Plenty of locals make it a hodgepodge of personalities and activities, so dive in for what is sure to be a stimulating experience.
If all of this, along with the heavy influences of rum, reggae, and Rastafarians, has your feet itching to feel the sands of Jamaica beneath their bare soles, then start planning a trip now. The experience will be shaped by where you stay, so as you go about making reservations keep a clear vision of your desired getaway in mind. If partying like a college student on spring break is your goal, a hotel will suit you just fine, but for more adult tastes, consider a vacation rental.
Imagine a beach side villa, decorated with seashells and furnishings made from native woods, that is located right on Negril beach. French doors lead to a deck that will give you front row seats to the sunset, and a kitchen will allow you to prepare cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to create the ultimate experience. Air conditioning and ceiling fans will keep you cool at night, but if the weather permits consider leaving the windows open in order to fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves.
Take a cheap taxi to explore the island, or simply amble down the beach towards the open-air markets to pick up some unique local goods. Your days will be filled with sweet, easy beats set to the tune of Jamaica’s favorite songs, so stay in the groove by treating yourself to a Jamaica Vacation Rental that will bring you no worries.
Visit HomeAway.com to explore vacation rental offerings located here and all over the world.
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Great Exuma Island is the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Destination
by Fred Coolridge
For many newlyweds, deciding on where to spend their honeymoon vacation is as important as the wedding itself. A Caribbean honeymoon is a popular choice, but which one of the islands will make your ‘dream come true’? Each one is different in what it has to offer. Much like contemplating between hiring a DJ or a band, you need to know exactly what it is you are looking for. Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas is able to appeal to many tastes. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, this island has it all. Moreover, Great Exuma is a Caribbean island famous for perfect weather, stunning scenery and above all-romance.
Great Exuma Island has a population of fewer than 4,000 people and offers peace and serenity. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists and cruise ships. On the contrary, the island is relatively secluded and offers you the chance to hide away on a pristine white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic in a private cay.
If culture is what you are looking for, Great Exuma has it in abundance. Visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farming plantations at Williams Town. Or, take a trip to the fascinating ancient salt ponds. History comes alive at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite haunt for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world to be declared a national park.
Adventure seekers will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are popular. Experienced guides are available for hire and they are most happy to inject extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. For the more daring types, rent a boat or a sea kayak and explore the island on your own. Whatever your taste, Great Exuma can certainly cater to it.
The time spent on your romantic Caribbean honeymoon should be memorable. Every couple should be able to look back on that vacation and wish that they could do it again. The island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas guarantees lasting memories and days and nights of sun, fun and romance!
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org
Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Great Caribbean Cruises
by Jakob Culver
If you are looking forward for an adventure, thrill culture galore, quaint architecture, seas to explore, fantastic swimming and snorkeling, then the Caribbean has it and more.
There are some great Caribbean vacation travel cruise that offers multiple options which best suits to your pocket and taste. Let us explore them!
A Seven-Night Dream
–Certainly floating through warm, welcoming waters of the Caribbean on one of several Caribbean vacation travel cruise ships is a dream comes true. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of a picture-perfect island during brief land excursions in any one of your ports of call and spend the day indulging in duty-free shopping, diving in clear blue waters, or exploring Mayan ruins.
–With the coming of the cold months, the Royal Caribbean, one of the leading cruise lines on the islands, is offering many fantastic Caribbean vacation travel cruise offers to its visitors who opt to book early. One of these is the seven-night dream Caribbean vacation travel beginning at $478 per person, the cruise and featuring fabulous inside cabins where you can get excellent views of the dazzling ocean.
The Mariner of the Seas, which departs from Port Canaveral, Florida and takes you to four different ports of call where you can go on brief land excursions - Labadee, Hispaniola; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico - before you cruise back to Port Canaveral in Florida.
The Voyager of the Seas lets you start your Caribbean vacation travel cruise fun in Miami, Florida, and making brief stops in Hispaniola, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico. The ship offers you four kinds of room accommodations, ranging from $549 to $2,049.00.
Other midsize ships mean a more spacious and comfortable Caribbean vacation travel cruise, with all the service and amenities you’d expect, but no waiting in long lines for meals or port of calls.
Three-Night Enchantment or Four-Night Excitement
Few places on earth are more conducive to relaxation than the islands of the Caribbean. Perhaps, it’s the light, tropical breezes that gently soothe the soul. Or the warm waters and warm receptions tat await you on every shore. One thing is certain: aboard a Celebrity Caribbean vacation travel cruise, a Caribbean vacation offers something for everyone.
But if you want your Caribbean vacation travel cruise to be brief but enchanting, the Caribbean vacation travel cruise offers several short cruises for your pleasure. You’ll find short Caribbean vacation travel cruises, just three nights long, out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for as little as $289 per person.
Or consider a bit longer, western Caribbean vacation travel cruise, four nights starting at $349, on the Enchantment of the Seas. Take a four-night Western Caribbean vacation travel cruise aboard the Century for only $330, starting from Miami, Florida. The cruise provides you with all the amenities you could ever wish from, from shipboard accommodations to ocean transportation, meals, beverages, and entertainment aboard the vessel.
Jakob Culver is an expert is the travel and hospitality industry, he is also founder of the website http://outdoorandtravel.com
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Provided By: Travel and Leisure
Grand Palladium All Inclusive Resort and Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
by Kurt Howard
Grand Palladium Resort and Spa is an all inclusive 5 star resort located in the Riviera Maya region of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is one of the top rated resorts in the region and is an amazing location to spend your next vacation.
Grand Palladium is an all inclusive resort which features a beautiful white sand beach on the Caribbean Sea surrounded by breathtaking tropical scenery. The resort features two massive swimming pools along with several other smaller pools. One of the smaller pools is a fresh salt water pool that is connected to the Caribbean Sea. The resort also features tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, and miniature golf.
When staying at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa guests have access to amenities at all four of the Grand Palladium Resorts; White Sand, Riviera, Colonial and Kantenah. They also have the option of eating at any of the buffet restaurants or the beach side bar. Guests also receive several vouchers for dinners at any of the al a carte restaurants which feature a more elegant dinning experience and also have a dress code. Every Friday there is a barbeque on the beach and it is a meal you do not want to miss! There is a trolley on the resort that will take you from resort to resort.
The Grand Palladium Resort also features several bars which are located in the resort, by the pools and also on the beach. The two main pools also have swim up bars so there is no need to leave the water in order to get your drink. The resort also features several smoking bars which feature a great selection of cigars.
Included in you all inclusive stay are several water activities. Guests have the option of using snorkeling gear, catamarans, Hobie Cats, and pedal boats. All of these are offered free of charge. For an additional charge guests can also go fishing, sunfish sailing, scuba diving, wind surfing or parasailing.
All guest rooms at Grand Palladium are air conditioned and come with a balcony. In addition all rooms feature a minibar (which is restocked every three days), coffee maker, TV, fan, room safe, ceiling fan, hair dyer, iron and telephone. The resort also features an internet café for its guests to access to the internet for a minimal charge.
Grand Palladium Resort also features a top level spa. For an extra charge guests can enjoy massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hydrotherapy, hair treatments and more. Guests of the spa also have access to the spa pool and exercise facilities.
Grand Palladium Resort and Spa is one of the top resorts in the Riviera Maya region and is sure to keep you busy and satisfied during your visit. With great food, wonderful water activities and a beautiful beach on the Caribbean Sea, you are sure to have a memorable and enjoyable vacation.
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Provided By: Travel and Leisure