San Juan Getaway...

I spent my 26th birthday at this special hotel and loved every minute of it, from the special attention of the staff to the sweet serenade by a group of 5-6 local men that happened to be dining at the next table... That was last year... not really, but let's just say the hotel hasn't change too much since that birthday trip!

The Intercontinental San Juan is the perfect combination of beach resort meets city spree. It is located on Isle Verde Beach - the largest in the San Juan area. It is a lively beach and at any time of day you will find runners, sun-bathers, kiddies building sand-castles, and mommies practicing Yoga. And the beach is still large enough to host all this action and your own little parcel of tranquility. The hotel has many fine restaurants from first class sushi to Ruth Chris Steakhouse. The casino is huge and great for people-watching. A must-do while in Puerto Rico is touring Old San Juan - a short 10-15 minute drive away...

Right now, we are offering 30% off AND complimentary full daily breakfast!

Fine print - you must book and travel by May 31, 2009. Contact me for a custom quote!

Sleep Here...

Zoetry... rhymes with poetry...

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riveria Maya is the newest AAA 5 Diamond Hotel in Mexico. This hotel has completely raised the bar on luxury in the area. All guests of Zoetry receive private champagne airport transfers, luxurious oceanfront suites with Bvlgari bath amenities and Frette linens, a wide variety of gourmet & organic food selections, unlimited premium beverages... and so much more!

Their current promo allows you to get the 4th and 7th nights free of your next stay!

As if that wasn't enough, you will also get...

A Nutrition Consulation

Wellness Suite with Aromatherapy & Music-therapy

Janzu, Balneotherapy & Yoga Sessions

Private Moon & Star Midnight Massage with Champagne

Plus a $200 Resort Credit towards an upgraded bottle of wine, Golf or Spa outings

Fine Print - You must book & travel by April 30, 2009

Call me if this trip sounds good to you! 866.236.1924

Outtakes from the January Newsletter

Here is the header & some outtakes from my latest newsletter. If you would like to be on the list, simply email me laura @ caribbeanjourney.com and request!
This newsletter will be short & sweet. The Caribbean is having a super sale; up to 75% off some resorts so don't cross out your vacation budget just yet. Need more proof? Check this recent article in the New York Times.

I have been posting daily specials on my Caribbean Travel News Blog - so bookmark it and check back often!

The Caribbean is close, convenient, WARM, and waiting to welcome you! Let me know if you are ready to go and I'll customize a packaged deal to meet your needs.

In this ever-changing economy, I really appreciate your support for my small travel company. If you own or work for a small business, please send details because I love to support fellow entrepreneurs!

Jamaican Eats

Imagine my surprise as I browsed the racks at Barnes & Noble for my monthly magazine run when I came across an entire magazine dedicated to Jamaican (& Caribbean) cuisine? Of course it came home with me and my husband and I both read it cover to cover within a few days. We found a few familiar faces and even more familiar recipes... but a few new ideas too - like jerk flavored popcorn or nuts to snack on! Check it out here.

Spring Summer Sale to the Dominican Republic~

(Photo - top rated Dreams Punta Cana)

Hot News!!

The Dominican Republic went on sale on January 23rd! You must book your trip by February 9, 2009 (hurry!) and travel April 15th to July 31, 2009 to experience deeply discounted rates! Valid on new bookings only...

Participating Hotels:
Excellence Punta Cana
Melia Caribe Tropical
Occidental Grand Punta Cana
All Iberostar Resorts
Dreams Punta Cana
Dreams Palm Beach
Grand Paradise Bavaro
Majestic Elegance
Riu Palace Punta Cana


Let me know if you want to go!

Vintage (a la 1986) Jamaica Tourist Board Video

Last Minute Escape to Kamalame Cay

Kamalame Cay - a private island getaway - is on sale! But hurry... sale only lasts through January 31, 2009.

Book 4 nights and receive $1000 off your stay

*Room Upgrade upon booking

**Book 5 nights and receive an additional 2 complimentary massages per room or a complimentary sea excursion which can be chosen from: snorkeling, diving or our Robinson Crusoe island experience

**Children under 12 stay free in their parents’ room.

Subject to availability
Valid for new bookings between January 1st - 31st 2009

*Valid for Beach Rooms and higher categories paying Guest of House Rates

**Valid for Marina Rooms and higher categories paying Standard Suite or Guest of House

$200 Off Your Bahamas Vacation!

Book a 3 night -or longer - vacation with airfare through ME (your Caribbean Travel Specialist) on Nassau or Paradise Island in the Bahamas and receive a $200 mail-in rebate! This offer can be combined with other promotions direct from the hotel - and there are plenty right now! So ask me to price your best deal!

The Rules:

Booking Window: January 10 through February 9, 2009

Valid for Travel: January 17 through July 31, 2009.

Limit ONE rebate per room, with a maximum of 2 rooms per individual.
Not valid for group bookings.

Look who's playing:
Atlantis, Paradise Island
Best Western Bay View Suites
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
The Cove Atlantis
Graycliff Hotel
Harborside Resort at Atlantis
Marley Resort & Spa
Nassau Palm Hotel
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina
Paradise Island Beach Club
Paradise Island Harbour Resort All Inclusive
The Reef Atlantis
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
Wyndham Nassau Resort

Not sold on the Bahamas? Check out my last trip in October here.

Estates at Grace Bay Club

Would you trust your vacation to these people? ABSOLUTLEY!

I love the Turks & Caicos, I love Grace Bay Beach, and I love the Grace Bay Club... so I am sure to love the new Estates @ Grace Bay Club. Here's the newsflash just as I received it:

The Estate at Grace Bay Club:Now accepting reservations for arrival beginning February 12th!The Estate is a collection of 22 custom-designed ultra-elegant suites, featuring Three & Four Bedroom residences. In the Estate, a Resort within the Resort, guests will enjoy an array of exclusive amenities and facilities that have been designed to enhance the ultimate residential experience.
Introductory promotions are available including a $2,000 airline credit when booking 4 nights or longer.

Exciting News from Grace Bay Club!

PROMOTIONS EXTENDED: Enjoy more value in high season Grace Bay Stimulus Check: 5th Night Complimentary Extended Through April 19, 2009

Tropical Reserve Plan: $500 Resort Credit Extended through December 19, 20093 night minimum

UPGRADES: Upgrade at time of booking Extended through January 31st, 2009We will extend a complimentary upgrade at time of booking for all reservations confirmed before January 31st, subject to availability.

Don't wait! Let me book your vacation to this dreamland ASAP!

Make A Difference - Integrity Children's Fund

This one is close to my own heart. I love children... and if it weren't for the realistic reminders from my husband, I would adopt as many as I could fit in my house. So this charity for the children of Jamaica is special to me and I hope it will become so to you too.

Many of my clients ask me for ideas on ways to help, ways to give back to the island nations we all enjoy. We are all touched by the poverty that is evident outside the gates of the pristine resorts. There are dozens, if not hundreds of charties but it is often hard to know who to trust and where to give. Well, I give you my word your dollars will make a difference with the Integrity Children's Fund. My word because I am lucky enough to personally know the president, Mr. Karl Chambers, and his family.

While I was only introduced to the works of Integrity recently, I have heard of their stellar reputation for many years. Funded primarily by donations, the group does put on a few benefits a year and most recently hosted one in the Atlanta area headlined by the lovely Ms. Judy Mowatt. (Yes, I was star struck when meeting her. She has the voice of an angel! And yes, I did feel very blessed to sing Christmas Carols with her at Mr. Chamber's party... I didn't really sing though - not good at that - but none of this is the point. The point is to please give to this GREAT organization!)

The work the Integrity Children's Fund has done for Jamaica is outstanding. With a focus on education as THE necessary tool to further a nation, a people, and to provide hope for the children behind the smiles... Please, please read more about this wonderful group and donate to their amazing cause!

Enjoy these pictures from the Joytown School located in Trench Town - the impoverished area of Kingston, Jamaica made famous in the songs of reggae artists:

And from Peter's Rock Preperatory in the hills above Kingston:

Both school receive funding from Integrity! So please donate and help a very worthy cause! Donation page is here... and waiting!

So you booked your hotel deal... and need airfare?

Air Jamaica is on sale too! Their New Year's Sale must be purchased by Jan 9 or 12th in some markets. An example of the great rates... $49/each way from Florida to Jamaica or $119/each way from Baltimore to Jamaica... plus tax, of course.

Sandals Resorts up to 60% OFF!!

This sale is huge - GINORMOUS! It seems Sandals Resorts are always having some sort of sale... 35% off - or a free airfare credit - or 40%... but folks, rarely, and I mean rarely, do they discount by 60%! So this is H-U-G-E! (Some of the prettiest rooms ever at Sandals Antigua...)

Book any 3 night stay or longer at Sandals Ocho Rios or Sandals Antigua and receive 60% off the regular rate. Valid on travel for anytime from now to December 26, 2009. That's right... this great rate is even valid for Christmas 2009! What a steal!

Interested in another Sandals Resort? Well, they are discounted too - ask me all about it!

Sandals has it all... beautiful bedrooms and the best beaches!

January Special @ Elite Island Resorts!

Elite Island Resorts is the property management company for the following resorts... and they are offering 20% off and the 5th night free for stays from now until January 31, 2009!

Antigua
Galley Bay
Verandah Resort
St. James Club

St. Lucia
The Village Inn
The Windjammer Resort

The Grenadines
Palm Island Resort

Tortola
Long Bay Beach Resort

Nevis
Nelson Spring Beach Villas & Spa