Travelrific® Travel Journal
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Cookout in the Caymans
By Linda Tancs
Renowned French chef Eric Ripert of New York’s Le Bernardin is presiding over a long weekend cookout celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands. The star-studded roster of chefs offering tastings, demonstrations, and dinners includes Susur Lee, Charlie Trotter, Rachel Allen and chef-turned-food raconteur Anthony Bourdain of the Food Channel. Now through 16 January, the events range from wine and food tastings at the Ritz-Carlton on Grand Cayman to an oceanfront lunch at historic Grand Old House, a cayside picnic, beachside BBQ and assorted galas to celebrate with grand Caribbean flair. Your culinary heroes await you.
Caribbean Honduras
By Linda Tancs
It’s getting harder to enjoy the quiet life in the bustling Caribbean, but there’s still hope at Roatán, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands. West Bay Beach hosts a coral reef that meets the shore at the south end, allowing you to commune peacefully with a variety of colorful fish, sponges and sea fans. The cruise ships generally meet up at a southern point referred to as “Tabayana Beach.” Even so, the area is remarkably quiet–particularly, though, at the northern end. There you can enjoy the fine, silky, palm-lined sand and its accompanying turquoise-blue water. Either way, it’s a win-win.
Best Caribbean Island
By Linda Tancs
It might not have the name recognition of neighboring St. Maarten, but the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba won the distinction of Best Caribbean Island this year, thanks to Travel + Leisure magazine. So how does a small (five square miles) and remote island land such a distinction? Maybe it’s the lava tunnels, hot springs and vibrant marine life accessible to divers only by boat. Or perhaps it’s the unspoiled beauty of the rain forest, tidepools and historic ruins beckoning trekkers. Whatever the reason, your first challenge is getting there. Squeamish flyers might want to avoid Winair’s death-defying landings at the 1300-feet-long runway. Take the ferry instead from St. Maarten.
Kittitian Heritage Year Round
By Linda Tancs
How often have you dreamed of living the island life? Cool ocean breezes, swaying palms, golden sunsets. It’s all yours at St. Kitt’s Christophe Harbour. Riviera-inspired retreats are now available at Sandy Bank Bay, a horseshoe bay with two reefs and a natural sand bank more than 100 yards long. Amenities in this exclusive community include a beach club, golf course and marina slips for megayachts. All yours for under a cool million–for now. Any takers?
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Great Deal for Rum Runners
By Linda Tancs
Smooth and white with a hint of coconut. No, this isn’t just another garden variety Caribbean beach. It’s the Malibu rum distillery at Cockspur Beach Club at Barbados’ Brighton Beach. If the spirits move you, then now is the time to catch a great deal from JFK to Bridgetown with new service from JetBlue. For less than $500 per person, you can spend 4 nights in the quiet, adults-only Divi Heritage Beach Resort with private verandas overlooking exclusive St. James Beach. Welcome to Fantasy Island.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
The Bird’s Eye View
By Linda Tancs
Looking for a high-end eco adventure? You can enjoy the bird’s eye view of Curaçao’s azure blue waters from the treetop mansion at Lodge Kura Hulanda Beach Club. Set on wooden stilts amidst the island foliage, the “mansion” has two beds and two baths in over 1300 square feet of living space decorated safari-style for that out-of-Africa feel. The experience will only set you back $1000 a night–for starters. The more price conscious might settle for a Swiss Family Robinson experience for $100 a night. For that you’ll climb a ladder, then make your way through a trap door to a platform housing a zippered tent with limited utilities (lights, refrigerator and television), a bed and a nightstand. Bathroom facilities are below the platform. Not quite as luxe but hey, happiness isn’t a place–it’s a state of mind.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Cashless Cabins
By Linda Tancs
As of December 1, 2009, travelers flying on Delta and Northwest in North America, Central America and the Caribbean became aware that cash is decidedly not king. In a move geared towards expediting the onboard payment process, customers flying within and among these destinations will have to use credit to pay for their munchies. The rule, however, does not affect trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and South American flights or duty-free items.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Rugby Rules in Bermuda
By Linda Tancs
Rugby fans are heading for Bermuda for the 22nd World Rugby Classic. Now through the 14th, teams competing for the top spot hail from Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom & Ireland, South Africa and the USA. While they’re there, they’ll help celebrate Bermuda’s 400th anniversary on 10 November at the National Sports Center. A few short weeks later comes the signature anniversary gala on 5 December at Fairmont Southampton. What you won’t find there during this festive season is Jack Frost–temps remain in the 60s and 70s. So put your dancing shoes on and come join the party.
An Alluring Vessel
By Linda Tancs
Royal Caribbean has announced that it’s now accepting reservations for its newest ship, Allure of the Seas. Set to launch in 2010 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ports of call include the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico. All aboard!
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