Happy New Year!!!

2010 was a magical year for us at The Journey Group. Our business grew in a time when many small business were closing. We forged relationships with some wonderful new clients and a few amazing hot new hotels. Our agents were lucky enough to take more personal trips than any previous year. This year alone, we visited Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Cancun, and Cozumel. We've already booked trips for 2011 to Barbados and Punta Cana and our annual trips back to St. Lucia and Jamaica.

We added two new permanent agents to our team - Christy Mackley a scuba dive specialist with a fantastic blog all her own and Linda Combs a social group travel specialist. 

For all of this, we are thankful.

 Thanks for reading this little blog and please stick around to see what adventures 2011 has in store for our Caribbean Travel Agency and remember, we'd be happy to help you plan your own Caribbean Adventure any time...


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Best wishes,

My Visit to Azul Fives, Riviera Maya Mexico

Another great stop on my recent trip to Mexico was the brand new Azul Fives. I always sing the praises of the Azul & El Dorado Hotels for so many reasons... fabulous and possibly THE best cuisine of any local area hotel, impeccable service, and great locations for a destination wedding. Azul Fives is all this plus a lovely uncrowded beach, little to no beach erosion, a huge winding pool dotted with fun swim-up bars, and perhaps the best feature are the amazing rooms! Go big and splurge on a penthouse unit so you will have access to the amazing roof terrace - think South Beach meets Mexico - an expansive white washed terrace with jacuzzi, BBQ grille, full bar, teak dining table and plenty of space to lounge and take in the sun... and with the amazing views one would expect from a rooftop. Here are a few of my favorite photos:

 There are already plenty of great deals for 2011 at the Azul Fives and other Azul Hotels. Pair one of our hotel deals with cheap airfare on American or any another major airline, and you'll have a great value packed vacation! Olé!

Enjoy the rest of my photos here.

Cheers,

Happy Christmas to All!

Wishing you a Warm & Happy Christmas! 

Best wishes,

Bon Appetit: The Caribbean Goes Organic

My January Bon Appetit was waiting in my mailbox today and I did a little dance when I read on the cover that they were featuring the Caribbean's expanding organic food scene. The article is excellent and really details the surprising challenges facing the organic food market in the Caribbean the astronomical cost of imported food to the region. But the best part of the article has to be the feature on Jakes in Treasure Beach Jamaica. The off-the-beaten-path gem of a beach hotel is such a special place so throwing in home grown local ingredients and a health minded chef and I've almost reached nirvana. You can read the article here, but take my advice and buy the magazine so you can droll over all the photos. 

Enjoy,

Ode to Saint Croix

Should you find yourself on a vacation to St. Croix, be sure and visit Estate Whim. 

After our tour, enjoy the museum store and pick up one of these:

Cheers,

The Best Tropical Christmas!

"Lights are blowing from the palm trees, stockings hanging from the mast. Santa riding on a dolphin, don't you want to make it last. It's Christmas in the Caribbean." - Jimmy Buffett, Christmas in the Caribbean

In 1996, Jimmy Buffett brought a tropical Christmas to life with his hit "Christmas in the Caribbean." He was not the first to trade-in snow for sand during the holidays, and he certainly won't be the last. Shoveling icy slush in biting winds grows quickly tiresome, as do days that are short and bleak and nights that are dark and long. With Christmas and New Year's so close together, the holiday season is the perfect time to gather-up friends and family and head for the tropics to create a new holiday tradition. Read the full article here!

{Post brought to you by Luxury Living International Magazine, the best online resource for Caribbean and Latin American real estate, luxury travel and the good life in the tropics.}

Ho, ho, ho,

British West Indies Style by Michael Connors

Another stunning book by Michael Connors, British West Indies Style features over 50 homes on the islands of Antigua, Jamaica, Barbados, and the smaller islands of St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent and more.

About the Book:

Breathtaking photographs capture the history and unique design of the English island great houses, detailing the hardwood furniture, terraced gardens, walled courtyards, and interiors. Perhaps the most admired and influential of tropical styles, the English island style transformed residences into private paradises. British West Indies Style is a lavish account of the interiors, architecture, and lifestyle of the English colonial great houses and historic town houses in the Caribbean—from Antigua, Jamaica, Nevis, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, Mustique to the less-traveled islands of Bequia and Dominica. Close to fifty private homes are featured, with unique collections of antique, indigenous, and colonial furniture: a southern plantation style scaled and refreshingly adapted to the airy, sunny climate of the Windward and Leeward Islands. Presenting a world rarely seen by visitors—the homes of the islands’ affluent planters, both historical and contemporary—the English island styles are elegant yet practical and accessible, giving ideas for the use of local materials, painting and stenciling techniques, environment-enhancing design, and indoor/outdoor living—all of which are ubiquitous in contemporary interior design.

About the Author

Michael Connors, an expert in West Indies antiques, is a contributor to numerous publications, including Art & Antiques, Antiques and Fine Art, and The Magazine Antiques. He has written many books, including Caribbean Houses: History, Style, and Architecture(Rizzoli, 2009).

Enjoy my previous posts about Michael Connors here and here. Mr. Connors books would make wonderful holiday gifts for any Caribbean enthusiast. Buy a copy on on Amazon.

Cheers,

Hurry! 7 Days left to save 50% at Zoetry Resorts!

Have you heard of Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts? They are super refined, elegant, boutique hotels with an incredible level of attention to detail. We've been sending happy clients here since they opened and for many, this is the only resort chain they will return to. 

If you book by December 23, 2010, you'll receive up to 50% off + $200 in resort credit for your winter getaway! Blackout dates apply, but this winter promo is valid for travel January 1 to April 29, 2011.

Zoetry has three resorts... Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in the Riviera Maya and  Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos in Mexico and Zoetry Agua Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Ready to start packing? Go here.

Cheers,

Last Minute Vacation Deals at Sandals Resorts!

{This is Sandals Whitehouse on the South Coast of Jamaica}

Here's the deal... you must book by December 16, 2010 and be ready to pack your bags and travel within the next 2 months. If you can manage this, you'll take advantage of deep savings at the following Sandals Resorts:

Save up to 65% Off and Earn 1 Free Night at Sandals Whitehouse.

Save up to 65% Off, Earn 1 Free Night, and Receive a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Regency St. Lucia or Sandals Emerald Bay.

{This is Sandals Emerald Bay}

Not sure which Sandals Resort is right for you? We are Sandals Resort Specialists, so drop us a line, or give us a call at 866-236-1924 and we'd be happy to help you select the perfect property for your winter vacation.

**As with all promos, restrictions apply - please inquire.

Cheers,

Super Low Rates + FREE Excursions at Sheraton Nassau Beach

Stay at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort for a minimum of four nights and receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY ADVENTURE TRIPS for two people. Chose from:

Powerboat Adventures - 1110hp powerboat ride to Exuma for snorkeling & lunch on a private beach.

Dolphin Encounter - Interact with dolphins from a waist-deep platform.

Flying cloud - Half day sailing & snorkeling cruise on a 57 food catamaran.

Hotel rates are starting at $89/per night! Combine this great deal with the FREE Companion Airfare Instant Credit and you've got a value packaged vacation. 

Promotion is valid for travel through June 30, 2011 but you must book by February 9, 2011.

Book now! www.CaribbeanJourney.com

Enjoy,

NYE Party at The Caves in Negril, Jamaica

Need I say more? Looks like a darn good time! Too bad I'll be hiding under a mountain of layers and visiting relatives in DC rather than slipping on a sundress and enjoying a festive evening at one of my favorite Boutique Hotels - the Caves.

Enjoy,

Resorts with Kid's Clubs for Children Under 4 years

This is a super common question in our office! Which resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico allow children under 4 to participate in their kids clubs? I've compiled a helpful list of our favorites for you to reference. Keep in mind, that even resorts who start at 4 years old, often allow children under 4 to attend the activities as long as they are accompanied by a resort nanny. 

Beaches Resorts:

Beaches Resorts allows kids as young as 6 months to attend their kids clubs. They also have a 1 to 3 staff to child ratio which is the highest we are aware of in the region. The Beaches Resorts portfolio includes:

Beaches Turks & Caicos

Beaches Negril in Jamaica

Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril, Jamaica

Beaches Boscobel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Azul Hotels: 

I recently visited all 3 of the Azul Hotels during my trip to Cancun. I was very impressed with the hotels overall and the very welcoming kids area. Azulitos Kids Club also welcomes kids at 6 months of age to 12. The Azul portfolio includes:

Azul Beach Hotel

Azul Sensatori

Azul Fives

Others:

Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay & Sunset Jamaica Grande both welcome kids at age 2 and up.

Our Lucaya in the Bahamas has a nursery for infants to age 3 with a limit of 2 hours at a time. 

Most Sol Melia Resorts (Melia & Paradisus Resorts) welcome kids from 4 months and up.

Are there any resorts you've heard of that welcome kids under 4? We'd love to hear about them!

{Photos is the super cool pirate ship kids area at Beaches Turks & Caicos!}

Cheers,

Puerto Rico Does it Better

The island of Puerto Rico has launched a new marketing campaign "Puerto Rico Does it Better".  I'm a huge fan of Puerto Rico, as evident in my many postings about the island. I've been lucky enough to visit Puerto Rico 12 times - each time I discovered something new and fell more in love with this island's mix of Caribbean & Spanish culture. 

{photo from planetware}

I think the new tagline about Puerto Rico that best describes my sentiments is: "A seamless Fusion of Old & New". I love the vibe of being in a modern city in the Caribbean - there just aren't that many of them so that makes  San Juan unique. Yet, when I want something old, a short taxi ride away will deliver my to Old San Juan - one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and full of 400+ year old charm. 

If you're stuck on which island to visit this winter, check out the newly improved Puerto Rico Tourist Boards website and see why Puerto Rico does it better! 

Another reason we love Puerto Rico is because it is so easy to reach and airfare is usually inexpensive, comparatively speaking. Cheap flights to Puerto Rico are available from every major US gateway. We'll help guide you towards the best sources for cheap tickets and price hotel packages all over the island. Drop us a line! 

Enjoy,

Malliouhana Resort & Spa in Anguilla

Malliouhana Hotel & Spa has been regarded as one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean since its opening in 1984. Perched atop a panoramic bluff overlooking the Caribbean and reaching down to the white sands of Meads Bay and Turtle Cove beaches, the resort blends the understated European elegance of service, comfort and fine dining, with the warmth and hospitality of the Caribbean.

This is my favorite area of the Malliouhana... the open air bar & lounge:

Each room and suite is extraordinarily spacious and appointed with the finest luxuries such as Italian marble bathrooms. Spread throughout the property - in the main house, in villas, on the beach, on the bluff and in the gardens - all are decorated with rich, dark walnut, rattan furnishings and colorful Haitian artwork.

 

The 15,000-square-foot oceanfront spa with therapists from around the world providing more than 65 individual treatments, from Ayurvedic, Asian and European traditions. Spa Cuisine at Malliouhana features rejuvenating dishes drawing on fresh, natural ingredients. Fitness facilities with men's and women's sauna and steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, three fresh-water pools. Windsurfing and water skiing, sunfish, Laser sailboats and Prindle Catamarans.  Four lighted championship tennis courts,  half-court basketball, children's supervised outdoor playground on the beach including a pirate ship, 60-foot water slide, toddlers’ pool, ping-pong table, TV and video games.  Private motor launch to a deserted bay for snorkeling.

The best part of any Hotel in Anguilla is the beach... stunning...

Michel Rostang Restaurant at Malliouhana, recipient of many international awards, is under the guidance of Parisian Michelin two-star chef, Michel Rostang, and serves classic Mediterranean cuisine infused with local flavors. Home to the Caribbean's largest wine cellar, with over 25,000 bottles, Malliouhana is proud to hold the coveted "Wine Spectator Grand Award" consecutively since 1999. Le Bistro, is casual pool and beach-side restaurant. 

See all of my photos from Malliouhana on our Flickr page.

Ready to start packing? Contact us to start planning your trip and take advantage of these two promos:

WINTER GETAWAY TO MALLIOUHANA (7=6)

Jan 5th – March 31st, 2011

Ocean View Double Room US$ 7740.00

10% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge Included

Getaway to Malliouhana this winter and enjoy the warmth, the beautiful

seashore, fine dining and more ….Your minimum seven night stay in a

luxurious ocean view double room (single or double occupancy) includes:

The 7th night free (pay only for six nights), US$ 150.00 food and beverage

credit per room per day, welcome greeting at the airport/ferry terminal,

a welcome bottle of wine served with petits fours, all 

usual amenities and

services offered by the hotel.

RELAX A LITTLE LONGER (4=3)

January 5 – March 31st, 2011

Ocean View double room US$ 3870.00

10% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge Included

Treat yourself to some well deserved relaxation – escape to Malliouhana

and stay one more night for free. Experience extraordinary dining at our

award wining restaurant and soothing spa treatments in our state of the

art Oasis Spa. Book a minimum of 4 nights single or double occupancy (pay

only for 3 nights) includes: Welcome greeting at the airport/ferry terminal,

all usual amenities and services offered by the hotel.

FRIENDS & FAMILY (2 rooms)

The more the merrier at Malliouhana

November 1 - 22, 2010 and May 1—August 31, 2011

US$ 3210 extra night US$ 642.00

For 2 ocean-view double rooms for a minimum of 5 nights

The first room is billed at the published rate and the second room

at US$ 25 per night Also included:

Welcome Greeting at Airport/Ferry, Tax & service charge,

all usual amenities and services offered by the resort

Cheers,