Caribbean Travel And Life Magazine October, 2006

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C R U I S E C R A Z E M U S T - D O S H O R E E X C U R S I O N S
caribbeantravelmag.com
U.S. $4.99 CAN $5.99
Volume 21 Number 7
A-LIST ISLANDS
HIDEAWAYS OF TOP CELEBRITIES
TRAVEL&LI FE
OCTOBER 2006
W W W. O U T I S L A N D T R AV E L . C O M
Escape
your everyday life...
ANDROS
Tiamo Resorts
www.tiamoresorts.com
Small Hope Bay Lodge
www.smallhope.com
THE ABACOS
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour
www.abacoresort.com
ELEUTHERA
Pineapple Fields
www.pineapplefields.com
LONG ISLAND
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
www.capesantamaria.com
THE EXUMAS
Club Peace & Plenty and Peace and Plenty
Beach Inn
www.peaceandplenty.com
Four Seasons Great Exuma at Emerald Bay
www.fourseasons.com/greatexuma
Escape to the nearby Out Islands of The Bahamas —
the perfect way to totally relax and unwind in a
spectacular island setting! The world's best fishing,
diving, snorkeling and sailing are just a stone's throw
away so plan your island getaway today by
contacting any one of these fine resorts and hotels.
Call us at 1-800-OUT ISLANDS or visit our website
for vacation specials and more information.
OutIslandTravel.com
THE EXUMAS (CONT.)
Palm Bay Beach Club
www.palmbaybeachclub.com
Staniel CayYacht Club
www.stanielcay.com
4 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
FEATURE
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A-LIST ISLANDS
If you’re looking for Hollywood heart-throbs, all-star
athletes and billionaire moguls on their megayachts,
look no further than the Caribbean. We’ve star-
snooped to get the scoop on all your favorite celebri-
ties from Johnny Depp to Oprah and the places they
go to kick off their fancy shoes.
By Michelle Tauber Illustrations by Robert Risko
64
IN SEARCH OF MARTINIQUE
She’s as lovely as her musical name and then some,
but Martinique’s got attitude: She’s a bit of a tease.
She plays hard to get with our man, but he eventu-
ally finds her sweet spot and discovers what makes
this French-Creole natural beauty so alluring.
By Dave Herndon Photography by Jean-Philippe Piter
76
ALL ASHORE THAT’S GOING ASHORE
Alabaster beaches, jungly Maya temples, snorkel spots
jammed with friendly stingrays and on and on: Cruise
lines offer hundreds of shore excursions at Caribbean
ports of call. So how do you decide where to go and
what to do? By checking out our recommendations
— every one of them a shore thing.
By Debbie Snow
86
CT&L PHOTO CONTEST 2006
Today’s cameras make it easy for any amateur shutter-
bug to capture moments from their travels, but it still
takes an artist’s eye to make a great photograph. In
over 1,800 entries submitted in this year’s contest, we
saw the good, the bad and the you-gotta-be-kidding.
Now it’s time to unveil the very best.
OCTOBER 2006
VOLUME 21 I SSUE 7
ON THE COVER
Parrot Cay, Turks and
Caicos, by Chris Sanders/
Getty Images
“A celebrity is a person
who works hard all his life
to become well known,
then wears dark glasses to
avoid being recognized.”
— Fred Allen
6 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
DEPARTMENTS
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Coming Up in November
We serve up the skinny
on what’s hot this high
season, including the
newest resorts and top
attractions. Plus: Our
beach-lover’s guide to the
Turks and Caicos and case
studies of guys’ and gals’
island getaways.
12 TRAVEL LOG
14 POSTCARDS
16 OUR CARIBBEAN
108 ONLINE NOW
28 28
38 LOCAL FLAVOR
Things are getting buzzy in St. Croix’s
restaurant scene, but classic Crucian still
trumps tropical fusion.
99 AFFORDABLE
St. Thomas offers great shopping, of
course, but the deals don’t end there. Do
it all for $117 a day.
HOT DEALS
There’s still time to get in on low-season
incentives on Aruba, Bonaire and at seven
Marriott/Renaissance Caribbean hotels.
CALENDAR
Go pirate crazy on Grand Cayman, and dig
the steel drum sounds on Antigua.
CONNECTIONS
It’s a family affair: George Foreman, boxing
champ and grill-monger extraordinaire, has
a long-term love for St. Lucia.
18 JUST BACK
Developers have plunged into Roatan,
Honduras, where the real-estate market is
as hot as the scuba diving.
22 NEW DIGS
Even independent types will appreciate the
Dominican Republic’s Paradisus Palma
Real, an all-inclusive with a la carte appeal.
28 DAY TRIP
Hop aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway
for a ride through timeless rural terrain.
30 LIVELY UP!
The whole shack shimmies when the
nightly dance party kicks off at Vic-Hum
Club on Harbour Island, Bahamas.
32 CARIBBEAN LIFE
How about a cold one, mon? Next time
it’s beer o’clock in the tropics, make it
a homegrown brew.
130
T R A V E L & L I F E
38 38
104
110
18
caribbeantravelmag.com
TRAVEL&LI FE
Bob Friel
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Santa Choplin Bogdon
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Dave Herndon
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Brad Kovach
SENIOR EDITOR
Emily Kruckemyer
MANAGING EDITOR-
Jennifer Collier
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Zach Stovall
PHOTO SERVICES
Debbie Snow
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Matthew Miller
COPY EDITOR
Rob Barber, Greg Johnston, Darrell Jones,
Ian Keown, M. Timothy O’Keefe,
Marco Ricca, Rich Rubin, Steve Simonsen,
David Swanson, Joan Tapper
CONTRIBUTORS
Michelle Doster
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Suzanne Oberholtzer
ADVERTISING DESIGN DIRECTOR
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PRODUCTION ARTISTS
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Mike Stea DIRECTOR OF NETWORK & COMPUTER OPERATIONS
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8 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
10 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
Sue Gilman
PUBLISHER
407-628-4802 FAX: 407-571-4689
E-mail: [email protected]
Guy Britton
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
561-775-2600 FAX: 561-775-4708
E-mail: [email protected]
Antigua, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic,
Jamaica, St. Maarten, St. Martin
Carol Johnson
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
908-221-9122 FAX: 908-221-9123
E-mail: [email protected]
Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexican Caribbean,
Panama, Puerto Rico
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TERRITORY MANAGER
813-600-4403 FAX: 813-600-4403
E-mail: [email protected]
Anguilla, Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Honduras,
Montserrat, Nevis, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, USVI
Guy Miller
TERRITORY MANAGER
770-573-2555 FAX: 770-573-4365
E-mail: [email protected]
Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique,
Saba, St. Eustatius, Trinidad and Tobago
Ryan Fridley
ISLAND MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS
407-571-4712 FAX: 407-571-4713
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407-571-4782 FAX: 407-571-4783
Focus Media & Marketing
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313-670-0553; 248-318-5750
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caribbeantravelmag.com
TRAVEL&LI FE
12 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
TRAVELLOG
T h a n k O u r L u c k y S t a r s
B
rangelina? TomKat? I don’t get it. I’ve read the sociology papers and
understand that I’m supposed to have an interest in celebrities as a residu-
al protohuman response to recognizing those that our clan has decided to
elevate into power positions. But really, that explains Paris Hilton? After
scanning tabloid headlines, I can’t fathom an evolutionary purpose behind what we
really seem to want most from our stars — to see them crash and burn as spectacu-
larly as possible. Celebrity worship is NASCAR with breast implants.
We here at CT&L thank heaven we don’t sell copies by paying dumpster-
diving paparazzi to nail the first picture of babies spawned by momentarily
married high-Q-factor couples. So then why, you ask, our voyeuristic cover feature
on celebrity sightings? Why Connections? Why did seeing a gorgeous A-list actress
nibbling conch in a beach bar give me such a tingle? Ask a sociologist — it’s a
caveman thing.
One thing we’ve learned through our Connections interviews is that beneath
the scripted, airbrushed and press-agented illusion, many celebs are real people.
From Kate Moss to Walter Cronkite, each told us how much they love the
Caribbean. Did they rave about going there to hang with their fabu friends doing
fabu things? No, they waxed rhapsodic about the beaches, the sailing, the food, the
local people — all the same things the rest of us love about the region.
This issue also includes our photo-contest winners. We always receive entries
meant to sway the judges (thanks again for all the scantily clad self-portraits), but
Anthony Buccitelli’s shot of his daughter Alexa reading a copy of CT&L (above)
was a new tack. Still didn’t work, but it did give me an idea. We’ve printed a lim-
ited number of CT&L T-shirts, but instead of selling them, we’re going to give
them away to our most loyal readers. How do you prove your allegiance? Send us
a picture of our magazine somewhere in the Caribbean (use our Postcards address
and e-mail). We’ll reward the most creative shots with a very cool shirt and print
the best throughout the year.
See you on the beach,
Bob Friel
[email protected]
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TOPIC OF THE MONTH
If you could hang out with a celeb-
rity in the Caribbean, who would it
be and where would you go?
There’s only one celebrity for a trip to
the Caribbean: Jimmy Buffett. He has
accompanied me on every vacation I’ve
taken there — at least in song. I’d
let Jimmy pick the spot, though I do
have a few suggestions: Nevis (from his
song “Domino College”); Montserrat
(“Volcano”); San Salvador (“Island”);
British Virgin Islands (“Mañana”); and
last but not least, Negril (“Jamaica
Mistaica”). Wherever we go, we’ll be in
Margaritaville, because that’s a state of
mind rather than a place on a map.
Ann-Marie Rhoads
via e-mail
I didn’t even have to give it a second
thought. I’d spend a day on Jost Van
Dyke at the Soggy Dollar Bar with
Jimmy Buffett and with my butt hanging
out of a French-cut bikini, drinking the
coldest beer in the Caribbean right out of
the old Coca-Cola cooler. My husband
and I would gaze out over the warm
turquoise water and listen to Jimmy
play acoustic guitar, telling stories of the
tropics as tourists put their pink toes in
white sand.
Kelly Twyford-Maguire
The Colony, Texas
If I could hang out with a celebrity in the
Caribbean, it would have to be the one
synonymous with the islands: Jimmy
Buffett. We’d board his Cessna Caravan
floatplane in Providenciales and island
hop all the way down to Barbados, stop-
ping to fish off the plane’s pontoons
along the way.
Grant Laughlin
Dallas, Texas
There’s only one celebrity I’d care to meet,
and that would be Robin Williams. My
favorite place on earth is Anguilla. So,
how much fun would it be to slam down
Heinekens until late-night at Johnno’s
while Robin has everyone rolling in the
sand, laughing in tears?
Vince Pessolano
Sugarloaf Key, Florida
I would like to spend some time with
Matthew McConaughey on Montserrat.
He seems like a fun-loving and adventur-
ous guy who might want to check out
the volcano, do a little scuba diving and
knock back a few brews at Jumpin’ Jacks.
The locals are so nice, I’m sure we could
fly under the radar there.
Jana Bandy
Johnson City, Tennessee
I frequent Mr. X’s Shiggity Shack in Frigate
Bay on the wonderful island of St. Kitts.
My fantasy would be to watch the sunset,
sitting at my special spot with the hunk
of my dreams, Will Smith!
Krista Vics
Bloomingdale, New Jersey
POSTCARDS
Jimmy Buffett
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 15
My wish is to meet Kenny Chesney. His
album Be As You Are says it all. He travels
to the Caribbean to enjoy the wonder-
ful atmosphere and friendly people …
the same as me. I’d take him to Provo.
First, we’d dive the walls, then graze on
some conch salad. Next, we’d move on to
Grace Bay to take in the sun, sand and a
beer, of course.
Bill Thornton
Wake Forest, North Carolina
I’d have to rate my passion for the
Caribbean right up there with my love of
music. That’s why I’d have to choose St.
Croix and Jack Johnson, surfer and musi-
cian. His music takes me to the beach,
even while I’m in Tucson. It couldn’t get
any better than sitting next to him under
a palm, watching the sea, listening to his
album Upside Down.
Michele Graves
Tucson, Arizona
Can you imagine the party Tommy Lee
could put on in Cozumel? The sun and
sand, the clear water and, yes, the girls.
Dean (last name withheld)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Write a Great Letter, Win Cool Stuff!
In each issue, CT&L showcases readers’ letters
about a topic chosen by our editors. If we pick your
letter for publication, you’ll receive a great gift — a
book, a free subscription or whatnot. Entries must
be postmarked no later than September 29, 2006.
Please keep responses to 100 words or less. As
always, CT&L reserves the right to edit letters for
length and content. You can mail these and other
letters to Caribbean Travel & Life Reader Response,
460 N. Orlando Ave., Ste. 200, Winter Park, FL
32789; fax us at 407-628-7061; or send e-mail to
[email protected].
The next topic for discussion:
Are you an island hopper or do you return
to the same place every year? Discuss.
WRITE TO US
16 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
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ARIBBEAN
Cancún
Cozumel
Utila
Roatán
Guanaja
Providencia
San Andrés
Honduras
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Panama
Colombia
Costa Maya
Ambergris Caye
Riviera Maya
San Blas
Long Island
Great Exuma
Andros
New Providence
Great
Abaco
Bimini
Guatemala
Cuba
Jamaica
Belize Belize
Cayman
Islands
Grand
Bahama Island
Mexico
Radiant sunsets,
shrouded coastlines,
windswept palms,
spectacular sailboats.
Out of more than
1,800 entries in our
CT&L Photo Contest 2006, 38 percent were
scenics, more than double any of the other catego-
ries (nature, people, beaches and anything goes).
See who took top honors on page 86.
and the WINNER IS .
Bring the BLING
The Caribbean is the most alluring cruise
destination in the world. When a recent poll
by the Cruise Line International Association
asked those who were thinking about tak-
ing a cruise where they’d like to go, the
Caribbean was the runaway winner over
Alaska. Learn how to pick the best ports of call on page 76.
pick oI the PORTS
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$25,000 a night for a
hotel? No problem for
the celebrity class. The
10-room Bridge Suite at
Atlantis, Paradise Island,
Bahamas, was recently
ranked among the world’s
10 most expensive hotel rooms by Forbes.
Go stargazing on page 56 to see which
celebs are lighting up your favorite islands.
2
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 17
OCTOBER 2006
Dominican
Republic
Aruba
Curaçao
Bonaire
Los Roques
Trinidad
Tobago
Grenada
La Tortuga
Margarita
Island
St. Vincent and
the Grenadines
Barbados
St. Lucia
Martinique
Dominica
Guadeloupe
Montserrat
Nevis
St. Kitts
St. Eustatius
Saba
St. Croix
Puerto
Rico
Antigua
Barbuda
St. Barts
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Anguilla
British Virgin Islands
St. John
St. Thomas
Vieques
Culebra
Haiti
Great Inagua
Turks and Caicos Acklins
San
Salvador
Cat Island
Eleuthera
Bermuda
Venezuela
Martinique’s distillers operate under
Appellation d’Origine Controle stan-
dards, meaning the sugar cane used to
create the rhums must be grown locally.
It’s a French thing, like real champagne
having to come from the Champagne
region. Learn more about Martinique
and its high-class hooch on page 64.
RHUM by any other name
The Italians may have been
crowned World Cup champs in
July, but Trinidad & Tobago
made history by becoming
the smallest country ever to
qualify for the worldwide
soccer competition.
KICKED into history
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MOVIE magic
3
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The chances of spotting
Johnny Depp are slim to
none, but curious tourists
can scope the locations
where sword fights
(Grand Bahama’s Gold
Rock Beach, pictured) and fearsome cannibal villages
(Dominica’s High Meadow) were filmed for Pirates of
the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
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J O U R N E Y , E N G A G E , I N D U L G E ,
I S L A N D
JUST BACK ROATAN
Dol phi ns , Di vers and Condos , Oh My
R
oatan is certainly not a new or “secret” destination — the reefs surrounding this
32-mile-long island off the coast of Honduras have been captivating scuba divers
for more than three decades. But over the last five years, the largest of the Bay
Islands has seen a rush of development — cruise ships are calling, new topside attractions comple-
ment the diving and there’s a sizzling real-estate market fueled by foreign investors. The draw?
Roatan is a naturally beautiful, English-speaking out-
post where land and home prices are well below those
on the better-known Caribbean islands.
I BUILD AND THEY WILL COME Getting to Roatan
was always a bit of a hassle, frequently requiring stops
in San Pedro Sula, but the increase in the number of
accommodations (the island currently boasts as many
villa and condo rentals as it does hotel rooms) finally
reached a tipping point and the airlines took notice. You
can now fly nonstop to the island from Miami (Taca/
United), Houston (Continental and Taca)
and Atlanta (Delta).
I DIVERS’ DIVERSE DENS Divers — no
longer content to blow bubbles all day every
day — are demanding topside diversions
and more elaborate digs than they used
to. Anthony’s Key Resort (800-227-3483;
anthonyskey.com), the extremely popular,
locally owned divers’ dream getaway, is keeping up with
the times. More than half its accommodations are now
air-conditioned, including many of the comfortable
cabins built on stilts and arrayed around the resort’s
private island, some directly over the water. And a
beautiful new pool with cabana bar serves as daytime
Anthony’s Key Resort
includes its eponymous
key plus Bailey’s Key (with
dolphin lagoon) and guest
facilities on the big island.
DAY OF THE DOLPHINS
Flipper fantasies come true at the Roatan
Institute of Marine Sciences (RIMS).
Adjacent to (and owned by) Anthony’s
Key Resort, the facility supports long-
term research on the health of local coral
reefs, and operates an extensive dolphin
program that offers various levels of inter-
action with 15 of the charming marine
mammals — many of which were born at
RIMS. Enjoy basic “encounters,” lagoon
swims or even scuba dive with the dol-
phins in open water on a reef tour. RIMS
(800-227-3483; anthonyskey.com) also
runs a summer camp where kids 5 to 14
learn about the animals through feeding
and training sessions.
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 19
U N W I N D , D I S C O V E R A N D P L A Y
H O P P I N G
20 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
MUST KNOW Li t t l e Bl ue Book
R
O
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T
A
N
Coxen
Hole
West Bay
Half Moon
Bay
West End
Anthony’s Key
French
Harbor
Oak Ridge
Coco View Wall
T
ime is running out if you plan on traveling to the Caribbean next year but don’t have a passport.
As of press time, there has been no last-minute stay of execution for the new rule that requires
everyone entering or re-entering the United States from the Caribbean (except the USVI
and Puerto Rico) to present a valid passport. Keep in mind that applications take six weeks to process
(expedited service in two weeks is available at a premium charge of $60, plus the cost of overnight
delivery; visit travel.state.gov/passport for complete info). Amendments that could push back the
deadline are pending, but if you’re traveling early next year, your safest bet is just to get one now
because sooner or later, you’re going to need it. To soften the blow, some resorts and tour operators are offering
discounts or rebates to offset the cost. Stay tuned to caribbeantravelmag.com/passport for updates. — Brad Kovach
ISLAND HOPPING
social center. Though Anthony’s Key
has recently raised rates, its packages
(which include all meals, dolphin
presentations, beach dives and
snorkeling, plus three boat dives a day
with what is arguably the Caribbean’s
finest dive fleet) are still some of the
best values in the diving world.
On the flip side of the island,
Fantasy Island Resort (800-676-2826;
fantasyislandresort.com) has added
a cool new pool to go along with its
beachside attractions. Fantasy sits across
the channel from CocoView Resort
(800-510-8164; cocoviewresort.com),
another dedicated dive lodge; guests
from each have easy access to famous
south-coast sites like CocoView Wall.
WEST IS BEST Roatan’s finest beach
is the powdery stretch along West
Bay (site of the Mayan Princess Beach
Resort: 504-445-5050; mayanprincess
.com). New condos are springing up
like sand fleas on and behind the beach,
but the sand and water are as pretty as
it gets. For a funkier scene, head east up
the road a bit to Half Moon Bay, a sandy
strip of restaurants (try Cannibal Café for
Mexican, Lighthouse for seafood) and
bars (start your evening crawl
at Sundowners, migrate to the
Purple Turtle and finish at the
Twisted Toucan).
GET A MONKEY ON YOUR
BACK … or a scarlet macaw,
or wander through gardens bursting with
100 species of orchids and 20 varieties
of heliconia, and then sashay across
a wobbly rope bridge or learn about
Roatan’s pirates in a faux treasure cave.
GumbaLimba Park offers all this, plus
a thrilling zip-line that starts high on
a jungled hillside and then zigzags
through lush canopy and across
dizzying ravines to deposit riders on
a beautiful beach. There they find a
snack bar, craft market and water toys
for rent, including glass-bottom kayaks
and underwater scooters. (504-445-
1033; gumbalimbapark.com)
FEEDING FRENZY Roatan’s official
tree is now the two-by-four. All along
both coasts, from French Harbour to
West Bay, you’ll find homes and condos
under construction. You know you’ve hit
a real-estate boomtown when bar talk
is of properties that have been flipped
three times in a year, and dive instructors
boast of doubling their money on
inland acreage. Many locals and return
visitors, though, find the growth
regrettable, especially when they see
wetlands filled with the island’s red
clay, which washes offshore to smother
the reef. Environmental
regulations are in place, but
according to local business
owners, there is little to
no enforcement, which
means developers’ actions
are threatening to destroy
the natural beauty that attracts people to
Roatan in the first place. — Bob Friel
West Bay Beach (top)
and other topside
attractions make Roatan
more than just an excel-
lent dive destination.
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...a marriage made in heaven
Whether you choose Antigua and Barbuda for the holiday of a lifetime, for the perfect wedding
location or for an unforgettably romantic honeymoon, you can be absolutely sure that in these
exotic Caribbean islands you will discover an experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Winner of the prestigious Caribbean World Magazine award for 'Best Wedding Islands of
the year, Antigua and Barbuda is far more than just a honeymoon paradise – it's the ideal
destination for both couples and young families.
With 365 palm-fringed, white sand beaches, there is an amazing choice of accommodation
– from all-inclusive luxury resorts, to designer hotels, friendly guest houses and self catering
villas and apartments. And so much to do, from watersports to jeep
safaris and mountain biking and some of the most eye-catching
historical sites in the whole Caribbean.
Find out more about the unforgettable islands of Antigua and Barbuda
at www.antiguahotels.org or www.antigua-barbuda.org
22 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
Ska: The Beat Goes On
BRING IT HOME
When was the last time you had seven international restaurants to choose from —
including Brazilian, Japanese, Mexican and Italian — plus several casual buffet eateries,
all at a single all-inclusive?
The new 554-room Paradisus Palma Real on Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach seems
determined that its guests never get bored — not with the food and certainly not with
the activities. Along with the lagoon-size swimming pool surrounded by tropical forest,
there are complimentary snorkeling excursions, unlimited golf at the Cocotal Golf &
Country Club, a casino, a spa, merengue classes and an “action park” with horseback
riding, batting cages, archery and rock climbing. If guests can make it back to their
rooms, they’ll find air-conditioned suites with luxurious living areas, mini-bars and ter-
races. (Royal Service includes a butler, and a private beach and pool.) Rates: $398 to $698
in low season ($711 to $1,011 high). 888-956-3542; solmelia.com — Brad Kovach
Paradi s us Pal ma Real , Domi ni can Republ i c
NEW DIGS
LISTEN UP
A Shor t s St or y
ISLAND HOPPING
Bermudian men: They’ve got legs, and
they know how to use them. Originally
designed to keep members of the
British military cool in tropical outposts
of the empire, dressy shorts were heart-
ily embraced by Bermudian civilians in
the early 1900s. Today, you can’t take
a step on the island during the summer
without seeing the hairy knees of busi-
nessmen, police officers and even min-
isters from the House of Assembly. For
the authentic goods — linen or wool,
worn three inches above the knee
and paired with high socks and loafers
— try A.S. Coopers (441-295-3961)
or the English Sports Shop (441-
295-2672) in Hamilton. Both carry a
crayon-hued assortment, ranging from
$45 to $50. — Emily Kruckemyer
B
efore a punk-pop version of ska burst onto rock radio in the late ’90s (see No Doubt), musicologists knew
it as a fiery brand of island rhythms distilled from mento, calypso and American jazz and blues. Two new
CDs embrace the rootsy past and multi-culti present of this shape-shifting musical style. Togetherness
($15; delanuca.com) is a live recording by Rasta legend Rico Rodriguez that shows the 72-year-
old trombonist is still in top form, with a concert in Argentina serving as the backdrop for his slow-
burn style of ska. ¡Ay Caramba! ($17; cumbancha.com), the latest disc from the British/Cuban/
Jamaican agglomeration Ska Cubano, is a romp that melds ska with cumbia and son, exploding the
traditional in favor of whatever tropical beat gets you moving. — Jason Ferguson T
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24 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
American Photo magazine has called
Gil Garcetti one of our nation’s master
photographers. (But if his name sounds
familiar, that’s probably because he was
L.A. County district attorney during the
O.J. Simpson murder trial.) In his latest
book, Dance in Cuba, he turns his lens
on the island’s little-known yet vibrant
dance culture. The 87 shots are all taken
on high-speed black-and-white film,
adding a dramatically grainy flair to the
Spanish-, African- and Caribbean-inspired
moves. Garcetti has captured striking
performances as well as candid behind-
the-scenes moments with everyone from
classical ballet professionals to Gramps
and Grams strutting in the streets. Even
if you can’t go to Cuba, with
beautiful, atmospher-
ic images like
these, you can let
its culture come
to you. (balcony
press.com; $65)
— B.K.
W
hat would happen if Mrs. Fields ran off to St. John with Famous Amos? They
might come up with a new line of island-inspired gourmet cookies just like
the ones from Beach Bum Don’s, a second-career venture of Newport, Rhode
Islanders Don and Karen Gregory. “Since our first love has always been the Caribbean,
we naturally gravitated toward tropical ingredients when we started experimenting with
different flavors,” says Karen. The results are chocolate chip
cookies in a dozen tropical flavors, including coconut
pineapple, rum raisin, key lime and BVI Toffee.
The chunky four-inch treats come packaged
12 per box ($30) in six tasty collections
— Island Tour, Cruz Bay Assortment, Trade
Winds, Key West Dozen, Nassau Nights
and Island Hopper. Contact: 800-875-7749;
beachbumdons.com — E.K.
Forbi dden Dance
Cari bbean Cooki es ISLAND FLAVOR
David Letterman,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
and Beyoncé have all
secreted themselves on
St. Barts (see “Heat-
Seeking Celebs and
the Islands They
Adore” on page 56),
the Caribbean’s capital
of chic. But you don’t
have to be rich and
famous to vacation like
an A-lister on this tiny French island. Villa Crystal Dream, a rare rental right
on stylish St. Jean Beach, has a pool and deck so close to the sand that if
a celebrity walked by they’d be watching you. Completed in May, the three-
bedroom house has a full kitchen, but
for an extra fee a gourmet chef will give
you the star treatment. Rates: $4,970
per week in low season ($7,160 high).
Contact: 800-421-3396; stbarth.com
— E.K.
HOME AWAY
ISLAND HOPPING
Vi l l a Cr ys t al Dream, St . Bar t s
PICTURE THIS
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26 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
ISLAND HOPPING
GOOD TO GO
L Don’t let the bizarre names throw you:
Water-resistant shells, sturdy zippers and
well-organized interiors make Crumpler
Bags great camera haulers. The quirky
Aussie company offers a range of styles to
hold everything from pocket cameras to big
SLR systems. The line includes the 2 Million
Dollar Home (above; $35) and the Sinking
Barge (right; $170). crumplerbags.com
L Forget the shoe box or refrigerator door: Your Caribbean vacation photos belong in
a book. Go to PhotoWorks’ website, upload your best shots and then play art director,
arranging photos in a custom layout. Choose the cover style, paper themes and size, and
PhotoWorks will print and bind a high-quality book that makes an ideal keepsake or gift;
from $13. photoworks.com/books
Camera Ready
Point-and-shoot cameras aren’t what they used to be. They’re
better. Solid construction, plenty of features, intuitive controls and
reliable performance are cornerstones of the Canon PowerShot
line, especially the 6-megapixel SD600 ($280) and 8-megapixel
PowerShot S80 ($499). Both are palm-size powerhouses that
deliver big results. usa.canon.com
L
L Carry a Wolverine MVP and you’ll
never miss a photo opportunity due to full
memory cards again. The Walkman-sized
device can read seven types of cards —
simply plug them in to download and store
photos. A bright 2.5-inch LCD screen
allows you to view and edit your pix, and
you can also pack the Wolverine with music
and video like an iPod. Available in 60,
80, 100 and 120 GB models; from $400.
wolverinedata.com
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R
olling across St. Kitts aboard
the Scenic Railway is like being
aboard a tugboat, as the train
happily plunges through a sea of green
sugar cane that floods the island’s valleys
and swells along its ridges. The track
skirts black sand coves and circumnavi-
gates the slopes of Mount Liamuiga — a
volcanic tooth piercing the clouds — and
trundles past the historic wrecks of some
of the island’s 300 plantation estates. As
we slice through the fields, leaves of 13-
foot cane stalks brush against my arms
like ocean spray. And like the sea, St.
Kitts’ sugar cane has seen epic sagas of
riches and ruin.
“From 1648, it was said that every
arable acre of land was planted in sugar
cane,” says our guide, speaking above the
classic clicketyclack background of metal
wheels against rails. She steadies herself,
holding on as the train rocks and rolls on
its narrow-gauge track. “But now, for the
first time in our history, we are making a
transition away from sugar.”
During the colonial period, cane was
king, driving Caribbean economies until
beet sugar emerged a century ago and
made extracting sugar from cane increas-
ingly less profitable. On St. Kitts, the
crop hung on until two years ago when
the island’s prime minister stopped subsi-
dizing its production. The last sugar cane
was collected and processed last year,
leaving the fields to grow untended.
Meanwhile, an entrepreneur had
already come to the rescue of the island’s
historic cane train and its 30 miles of
track, built between
1912 and 1926 to
collect the crop from
various plantations.
Flush with experience
in attracting cruise-ship
passengers to a his-
toric train in Skagway,
Alaska, Steve Hites
invested $7 mil-
lion in the St. Kitts
Scenic Railway
Co. Miles of track
were replaced and
thousands of new
ties laid. Passenger cars were designed as
double-deckers so guests could sit up top
and see across the fields. A crew of 68 was
hired — including a three-person choir
— and the first renovated train chugged
down the rails in January of 2003.
“Keep your eyes out,” says our guide
on the 18-mile reach to La Vallee, “some-
times we see vervet monkeys.” Better
even than seeing a barrel of vervets, the
journey immerses us in Kittian village life.
We survey cliff-side piggeries and fields
of pineapple. At Saddlers Village we
pass within inches of papaya, guava
and banana trees, and
backyards strung with
billowing laundry. Smiles
and waves bloom from
all directions.
Soon, the choir
appears on the top deck
to sing traditional songs,
including an evocative
hymn called “Life’s Railway
to Heaven.” And in the background
beats a timeless rhythm: clicketyclack,
clicketyclack. — David Swanson
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway operates almost
daily October 24 through May 8. (Call for
schedule, which depends on cruise-ship vis-
its.) The three-hour tour is $89 ($45 for kids
age 3 to 11), including cold drinks. Contact:
869-465-7263; stkittsscenicrailway.com
Ri di n’ That Trai n Hi gh Above Cane
All aboard for
sweet views of St.
Kitts’ sugar planta-
tions and village life.
DAY TRIP ST. KITTS
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Vi c- Hum Cl ub, Harbour Is l and, Bahamas
LIVELY UP SHAKIN’ SHACK
TRY THIS AT
HOME
Rum Punch
1
1
⁄2 oz. dark rum
1
⁄4 oz. lime juice
2 oz. orange juice
2 oz. pineapple juice
dash of bitters
Add grenadine for color and
sprinkle with nutmeg.
ISLAND HOPPING
D
EEP BACKGROUND In 1955,
brothers Victor and Humphrey
Percentie, musicians at Harbour
Island’s Pink Sands, swung open the doors
of this rump-rockin’ shack. More than
half a century later, its walls — plastered
with ancient LP covers, license plates and
graffiti of partiers past — are still shak-
ing under the helm of Humphrey’s son,
Humphrey Jr.
CAST OF CHARACTERS Also known
as PLP, Poison Snake, Crooked Dog and
Peace to the World (along with other less-
PC monikers), Humphrey Jr. is the biggest
character in the joint. The man of many
names also attracts some big ones: Mick
Jagger, Drew Barrymore, Elle McPherson,
Harrison Ford, Peyton Manning and Tyra
Banks have all been seen busting a move
on Vic-Hum’s dance floor.
DIVERSIONS The only furniture here
is a pool table in the front room and an
outdoor ping-pong table alongside the
basketball court/dance floor. Impromptu
8-ball, table tennis and roundball tour-
naments occasionally transform this
dancehall boozery into a sports bar.
SUSTENANCE Outside Vic-Hum sits
Miss Sandra’s 10-by-10-foot snack shack
called Conch Town. Her conch fritters
and fish and chips can soak up enough
rum to keep your blood-alcohol levels
under a semblance of control.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Other island hot
spots board up around midnight, which
is when the crowd really begins to con-
verge on Vic-Hum (Barracks Street; no
phone). Most booze and brews cost $5,
and DJ Daddy D spins tunes by the likes
of Christina Aguilera, Snoop Dogg and
Sean Paul until 3 a.m. Harbour Island
men like to shake it, so solo señoritas
should be prepared for lots of offers to fill
their dance card. — Zach Stovall Z
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Clockwise from right:
The “Beer of the
Bahamas”; flying the
colors on Tobago; limin’.
Opposite: Bottom’s up
at Tobago’s Carnival.
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 33
Is l and Hops : Cari bbean Brews • By Brad Kovach
CARIBBEAN LIFE
I
s there any situation more custom-made for an icy cold beer than when you’ve just climbed out of the sea on a
scorching-hot day in the tropics, the sun beating on your head and salt drying on your lips? Kiss a frosty glass at that
moment, and the beer flows into your mouth effortlessly, greedily, almost magically.
Not too long ago, telling a bartender on most Caribbean islands to “beer me” would get you a well-traveled bottle of
ho-hum Heineken. Today, however, you’re more likely to find yourself in the company of a locally made brew with a label you
don’t recognize and a name you can’t pronounce correctly — even before you start drinking. And that’s a good thing.
“There’s a beer renaissance hap-
pening in the islands,” says Mark
McKenna, author of McKenna’s
Guide to Caribbean Beers. “New
breweries and brewpubs have
resulted in an explosion of beer
in the region, dramatically increas-
ing the number of choices for the
Caribbean beer drinker.”
Most island suds fall into the
“tropical lager” category — light,
crisp and perfect for slaking a sun-
baked thirst — though potent stouts
have a long tradition here, too.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, for
instance, with its head-spinning 7.5-percent
alcohol content (the regular draught has
4 percent) has been sold in the region as
far back as the early 1800s. Nowadays,
you can also toss back indigenous pale
ales, pilsners, wheat beers, ambers and
seasonal batches — so there’s no reason
at all to resort to ordering your Saturday
six-pack “usual” when you’re at a resort.
“I hate to see people vacationing in
Barbados and drinking something they
can get at home,” says McKenna. “It’s a
rite of passage to drink the native beers,
whether it’s to support the regional market
or as a show of solidarity. And anything
made locally will be fresher than what
comes from over the water.”
As an accountant who traveled the
Caribbean on assignment for several
years, McKenna was amazed by the num-
ber of island beers he encoun-
tered. “Some have been around
for 10 or 20 years, and they’re
doing well,” he says.
Pierre-Marie Dalzon, brew-
master with Brasserie Nationale
d’Haiti, is one of a growing num-
ber of Caribbean nationals who
are moving up the ranks in the
region’s breweries, which were
largely started with foreign assets
and management. When the fizz
settled at the 2000 World Beer
Cup, the brewery’s Prestige beer
was named the best American-
style light lager, beating out the likes
of Miller Light, Labatt Light and 17
other competitors.
“Prestige has become an icon to
Haitian culture,” says Dalzon. “The
refreshingly clean taste is its biggest
asset.” (If you’re not planning to hop the
next plane to Port-au-Prince, look for
Prestige in the Turks & Caicos, Bahamas
and St. Martin.)
ISLAND HOPPING
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34 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
While tropical beers continue to please
palettes throughout the Caribbean, few
are exported and they’re hard to find in
the States, except in cosmopolitan cores
like New York and Miami. McKenna
suggests looking in liquor stores in areas
with lots of island immigrants. Better
yet, on your next trip to the Caribbean,
take time to visit a brewery. Most facili-
ties offer tours upon request — as long
as you call a week ahead of time. At
many of the breweries, your tour guide
becomes your bartender when you’re
invited to enjoy free, unlimited beers in
the hospitality room. And what’s better
than a cold beer on a hot day? A free cold
beer on a hot day.
Here’s a satisfying sampler of the
region’s best beers.
KALIK, BAHAMAS
Pronounced kah-LICK, the “Beer of the
Bahamas” takes its name from the dis-
tinctive clanging sound made by cow-
bells used as instruments during the wild
Junkanoo rushes held on Boxing Day
(December 26) and New Year’s Day.
Though it’s brewed on New Providence,
you’ll find the husky malt lager at every
Bahamian beach bar and bodega in
Regular, Gold and Light varieties. Com-
monwealth Brewery Ltd.: 242-362-4789
BANKS, BARBADOS
This brewery claims that it’s the island
water, naturally filtered through lime-
stone rock, that has made Banks tops in
Barbados since it was first produced in
1961. The name comes from Guyana,
where the first Banks Brewery was estab-
lished on the bank of the Demerara
River. Guided tours ($6) of the Wildey
facility take place Monday through
Friday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and
end with multiple taste tests of all the
beers, including Legends and Legends
Export. Banks Barbados Brewery: 246-
228-6486; banksbeer.com
BELIKIN, BELIZE
The Maya threw crazy keg parties, or so
this brewery in Ladyville
would have you think.
Their label features a draw-
ing of the pyramid at Altun
Ha, where proto-beers may
have been imbibed during
ritual celebrations. This
we know for sure: Modern
Belizeans have been quaffing this tropical
thirst-quencher for more than 30 years.
A premium lager and a stout also fly the
Belikin banner. Belize Brewing Company
Ltd.: 011-501-227-2602
STINGRAY, CAYMAN ISLANDS
This is the Caribbean’s sole unpasteurized
wheat lager (because of its effervescence,
this style has been dubbed “the cham-
pagne of beers”). The plant, located in
Prospect, Grand Cayman, also turns out
Stingray Dark and Durty’s Brew, named
after the popular island sports bar Durty
Reid’s. Stingray Brewery Ltd.: 345-947-
6699; stingraybrewery.com
KUBULI, DOMINICA
Dominica is known for its unspoiled en-
vironment, and a bit of that purity goes
into every bottle of this faintly floral beer
— Kubuli is made with natural island
spring water. The brewery that makes the
German-style lager is run by Brauhaase In-
ternational Management out of Hamburg,
which also has a hand in producing Wadadli
on Antigua, Balashi on Aruba,
and Hairoun and EKU on St.
Vincent. Dominica Brewery
and Beverages Ltd.: 767-448-
2607; kubuli.dm
PRESIDENTE, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
It takes just one of the grande-size Presiden-
tes (22 ounces; it’s also available in a regular,
12-ounce bottle) to give you that happy
island glow. Legend has it the pilsner was
named after dictator Rafael Trujillo, who
was in power when it was first brewed in
1935, and who was commonly called “El
Presidente.” The facility in Santo Domingo
also makes the medium-bodied Bohemian
lager. Cervecería Nacional Dominicana:
011-809-487-3802; cnd.com.do
DRAGON STOUT, JAMAICA
Everyone knows Red Stripe, the classic
tropical lager that’s synonymous with
Jamaica. The Kingston brewery that pro-
duces this staple has added Red Stripe
Light to the lineup, to go along with
Dragon Stout, another beer that will
make you stand up and salute. Sweet, rich
and coffee-colored, Dragon is marketed
as an aphrodisiac, contributing to its cult-
like following on the island. We’ll have
one more, bartender — and a six to go.
Desnoes & Geddes Ltd.: 876-923-9291;
redstripebeer.com
ISLAND HOPPING
A potent lineup: Kalik,
Bahamas; Prestige,
Haiti; Wadadli, Antigua;
Red Stripe, Jamaica;
Presidente, D.R.; and
Carib, Trinidad.
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BIÈRE LORRAINE, MARTINIQUE
The French aren’t exactly known for haute
bière, but this brewery in La Lamentin has
the honor of being the oldest one in the
Caribbean islands. Since 1921, residents
and visitors alike have been toasting “à
votre santé” over a round of smooth and
subtly floral Bière Lorraine. More diffi-
cult to find is sister brew Porter Lorraine,
and that’s just as well. Unless you enjoy
lip-tightening bitterness, this one is best
left on the shelf. Brasserie Lorraine: 011-
596-511-955; brasserielorraine.com
BLACKBEARD ALE, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The brewpub craze has landed on the
southernmost soil of the United States with
Fort Christian Brewpub in Christiansted,
St. Croix. The restaurant/bar makes a
number of beers, including Foxy’s Lager,
Hammerhead and Blackbeard Ale. The
latter is one of the few ales produced in
the islands (ales take longer to brew and
are generally heartier than lagers). The
eponymous pirate allegedly fed ale to
his crewmen because plotting developed
when they were sober. Fort Christian
Brewing Co.: 340-713-9820; fortchristian
brewpub.com
PITON, ST. LUCIA
As you drive around this scenic island,
small huts housing roadside bars proud-
ly bear the signature colors of the local
beer — yellow, white and blue. Looming
over the southwest quadrant of the isle,
the twin peaks of Petit Piton and Gros
Piton provide a constant
reminder of the native
“Mountain Brew.” Win-
ner of two Monde Selec-
tion International Beer
Awards in Brussels and
France, Piton has a deli-
cate malt taste with fruity
undertones. The brewery
sold close to half a mil-
lion cases last year —
nearly 12 million bottles.
Piton Light was recently
added to the brewery
schedule. Windward &
Leeward Brewery Ltd.:
758-454-6831
CARIB, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Though it hails from the far south, you’ll
find this award-winning lager throughout
the Caribbean. The brewery in Champs
Fleurs, Trinidad, makes Carib and three
other island suds: Stag, Royal Extra Stout
and Pola. Interestingly, the Carib sold on
St. Kitts and Grenada comes in a brown
bottle, offering more UV protection and
less chance of “skunking,” while the Carib
sold elsewhere comes in clear bottles.
Good thing it flies off
the shelves faster than
the speed of light. Carib
Brewery Ltd.: 868-645-
2331; caribbeer.com
LEÓN, MEXICO
The oldest beer in the
Yucatán, León (formerly
known as Negra León)
was brewed by Cervecería
Yucateca on the Mérida
waterfront for 100 years
until it was purchased
in the late 1990s by
Grupo Modelo of Co-
rona fame. Though it’s
made inland these days, in Oaxaca, this
amber beer remains a favorite of the re-
gion’s Caribbean coast — a light-bodied
caramel malt libation. Grupo Modelo:
800-466-3356; gmodelo.com/eng
ISLAND HOPPING
Why monkey around with
imports when you’re in the
Caribbean? Top, left to right:
A match made in Mexico;
head for the mountains with
St. Lucia’s Piton beer.
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38 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
DINING ST. CROIX
Surgi n’ Vi rgi n
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t. Croix is the rising star of
the U.S. Virgin Islands dining
scene, with a growing constel-
lation of top-notch restaurants
lighting up the largest
link in the island chain.
The gastronomic setting
is so vibrant that there’s
now the Taste of St. Croix
competition held each
April, with more than 50
eateries providing samples
(tickets sell out within hours, so visit
tasteofstcroix.com to be first in line for
next year’s event).
St. Croix’s cuisine favors the simple
presentation of ultra-fresh ingredients
— a couple of local farms provide the
produce, and island fishermen supply the
seafood. You can go upscale
or global when cravings call,
but the highlights are still
classic Crucian dishes: cal-
laloo soup, conch in butter
sauce, curried pork tender-
loin, fresh fish and beloved
sides like seasoned rice, fungi
(a polenta-like cornmeal concoction) and
potato stuffing (mashed potatoes with
tomatoes, raisins and sugar).
ISLAND HOPPING
The lobster cocktail
at Bacchus earns style
points for snazzy pre-
sentation. Left: Conch
served in butter sauce
at Villa Morales.
FAMILY FUSION
When Angela Morales’ parents retired
from Villa Morales, the West End
restaurant they’d opened in 1962, she
agreed to step in — temporarily. Today,
almost 30 years later, the former social
worker is still dishing up Crucian cook-
ery blended with a hint of her Puerto
Rican heritage.
The two cuisines have similarities.
For example, the pastry triangles filled
with beef or chicken are called “pates”
here, but they’re identical to empana-
das. Conch is the landmark restaurant’s
most popular dish, followed by mahi-
mahi and stewed goat — “I use a
Puerto Rican base of recaito in my
stews,” Morales says, referring to the
traditional mixture of onion, garlic,
sweet peppers and green herbs. And
rice and beans accompany such typical
Crucian sides as johnnycake, macaroni
and cheese, and potato stuffing.
As for the occasional diner who
tries to order French fries — “I tell them
no,” she laughs, “you’re having rice and
beans.” (Villa Morales, Estate Whim,
Frederiksted, 340-772-0556)
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BEACH SIDE CAFÉ (Sand Castle
on the Beach, 127 Estate Smithfield,
Frederiksted, 340-772-1266) This fetch-
ing alfresco restaurant — as close to
the water’s edge as its name suggests
— offers the perfect sunset view. But
the real amazements are to be found on
the menu, broad in scope and perfect
in execution. Take your pick of dishes
from spicy crawfish cakes with roasted
red pepper aioli to seafood risotto. Or,
manga italiano with luscious chicken
marsala over bowtie pasta. Don’t miss the
mouth-puckering key lime mini-pies and
the decadent cappuccino brownies.
HARVEY’S (11B Company Street,
Christiansted, 340-773-3433) There’s
nothing fancy about Harvey’s — picture
plastic tablecloths and menus scribbled
on paper. But who cares when you’re
feasting on superbly prepared Crucian
food like this? Try the locally famous
“peas soup” (a rich broth with bits of pig’s
tail and red beans), ultra-tender conch,
fried fish in creole sauce or stewed goat
served with mounds of seasoned rice
or melt-in-your-mouth fungi. Wash it
down with a fabulous fresh-squeezed
juice: dusky tamarind, spicy sorrel or
sweet-tart passion fruit.
Continued on page 42
ISLAND HOPPING
Beach Side Café
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BACCHUS (52 King Street,
Christiansted, 340-692-9922) True to its
name, Bacchus has a great wine list. But
the food is just as intoxicating. Choose
appetizer favorites like the Bonsai Burger
(delicately fried wonton sheets sandwich-
ing tuna sashimi and Asian slaw) or chicken
fried quail, which roosts on a ring of
micro-greens from the island’s Southgate
Farm. The cuisine is creative without being
fussy — pork tenderloin is treated with a
simple Cruzan rum and maple syrup glaze.
Desserts range from a frozen key lime
“tower” to local standards like rum cake.
RUMRUNNERS (Hotel Caravelle, 44A
Queen Cross Street, Christiansted, 340-773-
6585) Winner of the People’s Choice Award
at Taste of St. Croix five out of the last six
years, RumRunners is the classic Caribbean
joint — outdoor decks overlooking the
harbor, a hanging surfboard adorned with
a painted mermaid, and more sea nymphs
decorating the walls. The menu swims
with seafood. Try the conch fritters with
tangy chipotle rémoulade, or the fish tacos
livened with pineapple and Manchego.
There’s always a simply prepared catch of
the day and nightly specials, plus peren-
ISLAND HOPPING
nial favorites like lobster, primo steaks
and burgers. RumRunners’ diverse menu,
good cooking and friendly staff make it a
must-try. The lapping waves and bobbing
boats don’t hurt either.
SAVANT (4C Hospital Street,
Christiansted, 340-713-8666) A hipster’s
favorite in downtown Christiansted,
Savant offers a globally chic menu
incorporating touches of Thai and
Mexican cooking with a Caribbean
zest. Have a seat in the tiny interior, or
relax on the back patio amid a jungle of
green, with exotic carvings protruding
from stone walls. Savor a jerk shrimp
wrap while your companion digs into
grilled fajitas. Locally caught seafood
comes in a red curry sauce, or crusted
with cassava and served on basmati
rice with a ginger-lemongrass-coconut
sauce. — Rich Rubin
Bacchus’ Cruzan Rum cake
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OCTOBER 2006 Special advertising supplement 45
S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT
www.puertoricoisfun.com
www.prtha.org
www.puertoricosmallhotels.com
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his glorious island.
From the clip-clop
of horses drawing
buggies on the cobblestones
of Old San Juan to the
world-class surfing in Porta del Sol, from
the pristine sands of Porta Caribe to
the colorful firehouse museum of Ponce,
beautiful, historical and cultural Puerto
Rico offers a wealth of vacation options.
At 3,515 square miles, this enchanting
U.S. commonwealth will delight every
traveler – whether he’s seeking beaches,
mountains, city life, solitude, culture or
family outings.
San Juan has long been familiar to
Americans. After all, that’s where all
airplanes landed – and all vacations began.
Its lively beaches, sophisticated casinos and
historic buildings have charmed travelers
for decades. But today San Juan is only the
beginning of a Puerto Rican getaway. New
airports welcome adventurers warmly to
Aguadilla in the west and Ponce in the
south, making it oh-so-easy to reach
destinations that are virtually new to the
American tourist market. In fact, Jet Blue
and Continental fly nonstop from mainland
gateways to these delightful destinations.
Christopher Columbus began exploring
this now Latin-flavored destination in
1493. Today we can do the same, easily
zipping from one pretty warm-weather
sanctuary to the next.
The City in All Its Splendor
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is a
vibrant urban center filled with businesses,
museums, sidewalk cafés and centuries-old
buildings – plus plenty of modern ones.
Old San Juan, which dates back to colonial
times, is best explored by foot. Built between
1540 and 1783, El Morro is a fort that has
staved off countless enemies. Explore
the city’s many museums, including one
celebrating colonial life, one about the
Americas and one specializing in art.
Spend time in Isla Verde, a series of
beaches fronting luxury hotels and seaside
restaurants. For shopping, try the Plaza
Carolina mall,
filled with more
than 200 stores.
Two years
young in Old
San Juan is the
crisp and clean
Sheraton Old
San Juan Hotel,
overlooking the cruise-ship docks. This
upscale property takes every effort to
merge urban pleasures with Caribbean
comfort. In addition to Sheraton Sweet
Sleeper Beds, guests can take advantage
of the new high-energy restaurant
and bar Fogata Latino Bar and Grill,
an onsite casino, a rooftop pool with
awesome views, flexible meeting space
and of course walking access to Old San
Juan’s bounty.
Talk about easy access: The lovely
Embassy Suites San Juan Hotel &
Casino is only one-third of a mile
from the airport, meaning you’ll be at
your poolside nirvana within minutes
of arriving in San Juan. And you may
find no reason to leave: Within the full-
service all-suite hotel are a freeform
lagoon-style swimming pool, a game
room, a fitness center, high-speed
Internet access, complimentary cooked-
to-order breakfasts and nightly manager’s
receptions. Two restaurants and a pool
bar are ideal for meals and refreshments.
You’ll find panache throughout the
Holiday Inn San Juan, a surprisingly stylish
hotel steps away from Isla Verde beach and
close to the airport. Equipped with the
latest technological equipment, including
wireless Internet access in the lobby, this
hotel delights vacationers and business
travelers alike. Among your meal choices
are the impressively urban Asian-Latin-
fusion J. Lee’s Asian Bistro and the modern-
Mediterranean-fusion Vinsanto Café
and Bar. A free-form pool, a top-notch
concierge desk, in-room CD players and
bathrobes, massage services and children’s
programs are among the amenities. The
meeting space is 15,000 square feet.
The East Coast
The volcanic lands of Puerto Rico’s
east coast have formed a diverse
destination. Perhaps the most famous
site is El Yunque Rainforest; take one
of many hiking trails to see the lush
foliage and thundering waterfalls. The
beaches are exceptional in Luquillo,
especially Balneario Monserrate in
Luquillo, where snacking at the shacks
is half the fun. Travelers with disabilities
might enjoy the Sea Without Barriers
on the beach’s east end. Fajardo, filled
with marinas and home to a nature
Cobblestone streets,
restaurants serving
cutting-edge meals,
and historic colonial
buildings meld past
and present in lively
Old San Juan.
46 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
reserve, is a launching point for day
trips to outlying areas.
The waters beckon along the east coast,
and East Island Excursions will bring you
out to see them in any number of ways.
Catering to individuals, small groups and
large ones, this day-trip specialist boasts a
fleet of sailing catamarans and high-speed
catamarans. You can sail to a deserted
island for snorkeling (with instruction),
swimming and lunch, or zoom over to
any of three locations during the day for
beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and
lunch. At night, take a high-speed trip in
an electric boat that will bring you into a
stunning bioluminescent bay.
Once settled into The Westin Rio Mar
Beach Golf Resort & Spa, you may find it
hard to pull yourself away for exploring.
Situated on 500 acres – including a full mile
of beach – this recently renovated property
features relaxing guest rooms colored in
chili, cinnamon and mahogany; 13 tennis
courts; and on-site water sports. You’ll find
two world-class golf courses, one designed
by Greg Norman, the other by Tom and
George Fazio. You can treat yourself to
luscious treatments at the Mandara Spa,
dine in contemporary-Caribbean Aqua
Luna with ocean views, or swim in quiet
pools and activity pools, both with private
cabanas and butler service.
Grand spaces, all-inclusive prices
and sophisticated architecture set the
Paradisus Puerto Rico apart from its
peers. Located in Coco Beach, Río
Grande, the self-contained Sol Meliá
beachfront paradise features all suites
and villas. From a lagoon-style pool to
three tennis courts, from privileges at two
18-hole golf courses to a casino, plus an
activity center, dance classes, water sports,
biweekly shows, a spa offering more than
50 exotic treatments, and six restaurants,
Paradisus is truly its own rejuvenating
little world.
Porta Caribe
Fringed by the gentle and warm waters
of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico’s south
coast has been known as Porta Caribe
since Summer 2006. And what a port
it is. Encompassing sightseeing favorites
including the culturally rich city of Ponce
and the magical dry forest of Guánica, the
south coast is rapidly gaining favor as a
vacation destination. It rarely rains here,
meaning visitors are almost guaranteed
Caribbean sunshine throughout their stay.
Be sure to make time to hike the Toro
Negro Forest with its steep waterfalls; to
peruse the paintings, sculptures and prints
at the Museo de Arte Ponce; and to learn
about local music at the Museo de la
Música Puertorriqueña in Ponce.
The 20-acre Copamarina Beach
Resort is a tropical beach resort offering
both all-inclusive and European Plan
options for guests. Far from the gaming
and urban pleasures of the big cities, this
Hundreds of miles of stunning coastline ring Puerto
Rico, assuring surf-seekers of warm waves, soft sand
and gentle breezes no matter where they lodge.
OCTOBER 2006 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT 47
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verdant hideaway appeals to families and
couples. Among the pleasures they enjoy
is Guánica’s gorgeous dry forest, which is
essentially on the hotel’s patio. Eco-tourism
is a focus, with nonmotorized sports
aplenty: kayaking, sailing, paddleboating,
snorkeling, diving, mountain biking, hiking,
tennis, and swimming in its two full-size
pools and two kiddie pools. The new
Bodyderm Spa pampers with indulgent
treatments such as herbal hydrotherapy
treatments and aromatherapy massages. A
dive center is on-site.
Porta del Sol
Go west, weary traveler, to Porta del
Sol, a sanctuary of sand, surf and scuba
diving, where whale-watching is prime
sport. Laid-back is the rule in Porta del Sol,
and enjoying the balmy weather and scenic
surroundings is the daily goal. Surfing is
primo here. Landlubbers enjoy the zoo in
Mayagüez. Nature lovers might explore
a coastal forest and a World Biosphere
Reserve. Kayak and canoe excursions are
a relatively new option here, and are
especially popular when excursions head
to the Punta Ballena Reserve for spotting
manatees and crested toads. For a taste of
culture, allot time to enjoy the Le Lo Lai
Festival every Thursday.
The surfing-savvy town of Rincón is
nestled in Puerto Rico’s northwest corner,
fittingly since the word means “niche.”
Visitors who fly into Aguadilla simply drive
down Route #413, the Road to Happiness,
to reach this resort-rich pocket known for
miles of splendid beaches – most of them
empty except for the public beach during
July, when Sanjuaneros take their holidays
here. Known as the Undiscovered Caribbean,
Rincón is located where the Caribbean Sea
and Atlantic Ocean come together. Its waves
are excellent for surfing, and in fact these
rollers are the area’s calling card. There’s so
much more to do, though: scuba diving,
snorkeling, Scuba, horseback riding and
mountain biking for starters. Within Rincón,
take time to see the Fun Coast, a traditional
beach community; the low-key Caribbean
Coast; the intimate beaches and evening
show on the Sunset Coast, known for its
lighthouse; and the long swimming beaches
and charming plaza of downtown Rincón.
From world-class surfing to lively plazas and
excellent whale-watching, laid-back Porta del Sol
offers countless activities for its guests on the go.
Active travelers need only call Taino
Divers to plan excursions. This Rincón-
based outfit offers scuba and snorkel
excursions to Desecheo Island, sunset
cruises that are also ideal for whale-
watching in the winter months, offshore
fishing trips to the Mona Passage, and
offshore bluewater voyages to hunt for
wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna and mackerel.
Need instructions and gear? Just ask.
Taino will even customize a day trip
for you. You can snorkel and fish, get
married on the boat or underwater
– you name it.
An intimate four-star oceanfront
hotel, the Rincón Beach Resort offers
exceptional access to Aguadilla and
Mayagüez. Perched on Almirante Beach,
this stately property has a pool right on
the beach, an elegant restaurant featuring
steaks and seafood, and a swim-up bar.
Guest rooms are luxurious and equipped
with individual climate control, cable
TVs and refrigerators. Challenge a fellow
traveler to a game of outdoor chess; the
board is painted onto the ground, and each
piece is a couple of feet high.
Imagine having the comforts of home
during your stay in Porta del Sol. Island
West Properties rents beach houses and
villas, from one bedroom to five, from
budget to luxury. All have fully equipped
kitchens plus towels and linens. Choose a
home right near the Tres Palmas surf break,
or one with a 20-by-40-foot terrace, with
a thatched roof bohio on the beach or with
incredible sunsets. With 25 choices in its
portfolio, Island West has the right escape
for every renter.
Boutique resorts enamor guests
throughout Porta del Sol, offering
personalized service in homey owner-
operated lodging facilities. You’ll be
treated like family and will often find
affordable pricing.
Casa Isleña, in fact, was originally a
home. Today the nine-room oceanfront
hotel offers comfort within Spanish
architecture. Casually elegant, the rooms
have all the modern conveniences such
as air conditioning and cable TV. In
addition to combing the beach for seaglass
and shells, you
can swim in the
oceanfront pool,
watch surfers ride
the waves and, in
winter, see whales
swim by. And you’ll
be only a couple
of miles away from
With its play-
ful fountain and
stately architecture,
Rincón's plaza is a
reminder of Puerto
Rico's Spanish
heritage.
OCTOBER 2006 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT 49
Rincón’s Punta Higuera lighthouse and
the park surrounding it.
Watch pelicans fly overhead while
unwinding on the beach at the Pineapple Inn,
an intimate getaway on gorgeous Corcega
Beach. A private garden and a refreshing
swimming pool are splendid diversions.
Amenities like beach chairs and towels are
taken care of for you, and all rooms have
air conditioning, fans, TVs, refrigerators and
private bathrooms. All that, and you’re only
minutes away from Rincón, with its fishing
and diving charters and its diverse collection
of restaurants.
50 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
OCTOBER 2006 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT 51
yourself in history.
Discover the delightful historic sites of one of the New World’s oldest cities when you stay at
the elegant Sheraton Old San Juan. Explore fifteenth century Spanish fortresses, picturesque
churches, and numerous plazas and museums that encompass the city’s charm and beauty.
And, because it is within walking distance of the cruise ship docks, the Sheraton Old San Juan
is the perfect destination for those wishing to traverse the “Old City” a few days before or after
their next cruising adventure.
Call 866-653-7577, or visit
www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com
for more information!
Blessed by
cool breezes and
only minutes from
Rincón’s surf, the
Lazy Parrot Inn is a
dreamy retreat atop
La Cadena Hills. Appealing to beachgoers,
divers, surfers and all who wish to
experience Porta del Sol’s flora, fauna and
historical sites, the Lazy Parrot is practically
walking distance to the town of Rincón's
lighthouse and the beach. While you’re on
property, you’ll enjoy the air-conditioned
accommodations, the private baths, the
Excellent rollers
have made Puerto
Rico the surf-
ing capital of the
entire Caribbean.
daily maid service and even cell phone
service from most U.S. carriers. Smiling
Joe’s Restaurant offers hillside dining, and
the inn’s bar overlooks the pool.
The treasures are unlimited at the
Villa Cofresí Hotel and Restaurant, a
comfortable Rincón hideaway with
reasonable rates. Situated on Rincón
Beach, Villa Cofresí has its own pool,
restaurant and seaside bar – and offers
unsurpassed sunset views. Your visit will
begin by walking through the open-air
lobby. Over time, you’ll find yourself
wandering the gardens and the play and
seating areas, feasting on beachfront meals
and possibly attending an event in the
banquet room. Look for whales passing by
while you relax on the terrace, or if you’re
more active, try a banana boat, Jet Ski or
kayak on site.
The North Coast
Golfers can’t help but adore the
Dorado area on Puerto Rico’s north coast,
where sprawling fairways and challenging
greens – as well as ace instruction – have
drawn recreational players and tournament
Golf, horseback
riding, deep-sea
fishing, tennis,
diving, snorkeling
— they're all
terrific in
Puerto Rico.
52 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
·¸·/·¸ ¸ ···
· · ·/ ·-
lkFl8ll80l N08l
f08 ll$$
Experience our 500-acre resort paradise and take advantage of
special rates during our most popular months starting at just $259*
per night— our exclusive offer for Caribbean Travel & Life readers.
Offer valid for stays between January 1 – April 8, 2007.
Call 1.800.4.RIO MAR today and ask for rate code CARIBTL
www.westinriomar.com
Subject to availability. Book by December 19, 2006. Rates are per room, per night, based on double occupancy and do not include tax or resort service fee. Additional restrictions
and blackout dates may apply. Rate code CARIBTL must be given when making reservations. Not to be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer not applicable to groups.
Weekends (Fri & Sat)
from $359.00
Midweek (Sun – Thurs)
from $259.00
www. ri ncon. org
(787) 823-6429 www.tainodivers.com
[email protected]
Daily trips to Desecheo Island for
snorkeling, scubadiving. Sunset,
whalewatching, custom cruises.
Kayak, snorkel, scuba gear
rentals and sales.
island
west
properties
An intimate guest house on a
tropical beach on the west
coast of Puerto Rico.
Spectacular sunsets.
All rooms include: A/C,
private bathroom, cable & pool.
787-823-1430
Cell: 787-245-9067
www.thepineappleinn.net
Hotel Villa Cofresí is located
on the gorgeous Rincón beach
on the West Coast of Puerto
Rico with pool, restaurant,
bar-by-the-sea and breathtak-
ing views and sunsets.
www.villacofresi.com Paradise found on Puerto
Rico's western shore.
World class surfing, snorkeling,
diving, and whale watching.
Beach houses from $150 to $600
per night.
787-823-2323
www.IslandWestRentals.com
www.casa-islena.com
Email: [email protected]
Toll Free: 888-289-7750
Pass through our gates and enter
a place of tranqulity and beauty
800-294-1752
www.lazyparrot.com • Email: [email protected]
Just a short drive to Rincón beaches, whale watching,
surfing & the attractions of Puerto Rico's Porta del Sol
resort area.
Puerto Rico's
friendly budget hotel
competitors for
decades. The
entire family will
be fascinated by
the Río Camuy
Caves. Trolleys
both above ground
and under carry
you past dramatic
sinkholes, and there’s a thundering river
running through. While in the area, you
can tour the Bacardi Rum Distillery, fish
on the open seas, or even shop for bargains
at the Prime Outlets.
Settle into a spacious suite at
Embassy Suites Hotel Dorado del Mar
Beach & Golf Resort, an all-suite resort
directly on the beach. Should you want
to take a break from lounging near the
warm lapping waves, you can visit the
pool and Jacuzzi, play tennis or enjoy
spa treatments. Golfers can hone their
skills on an 18-hole, par-72 Chi Chi
Rodriguez-designed course; there’s also
a driving range. A new conference center
With 23 golf courses and six more
underway, Puerto Rico offers
instruction, challenging holes —
and of course comraderie.
provides more than 9,500 square feet
of meeting space. A full cooked-to-order
breakfast is complimentary every day in
the Paradise Café, and for lunch and dinner
consider dining in the Blue Seahorse Bar &
Grill, which is located in the center of the
lagoon swimming pool.
Vieques and Culebra
For the ultimate escape – and a
true taste of the Old Caribbean – head
to Vieques and Culebra, two small
islands off the Puerto Rican mainland.
Reachable by ferry from Fajardo, Vieques
is rural and uncrowded. On Vieques, you
can stroll any of 53 beaches, relax in
new hotels and take a night tour of a
bioluminescent bay. Culebra, reachable
by small plane or ferry, is known for its
wildlife reserve, home to 120 marine-
bird nesting colonies and an abundance
of other wildlife. Visitors to the area are
only allowed on two smaller islands,
Cayo Luis Peña and Culebrita, and must
leave by dusk.
World-renowned
pros designed
Puerto Rico's
greens, meaning
the games are as
competitive as the
weather is balmy.
54 S P ECI AL ADVERTI S I NG S UP P L EMENT CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM

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Movie stars! Moguls! Rockers and Jocks! The Caribbean is playground of choice
HEAT- SEEKI NG CELEBS AND
OCTOBER 2005 57
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For the Inside Guide to xyz, see page XXX
for the rich and fabulous — and we’ve got the scoop on all their A-list haunts.
THE I SLANDS THEY ADORE
58 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
BY MI C HE L L E TAUB E R • I L LUST R AT I ON S BY R OB E RT RI S KO
ARE THERE REALLY MORE CELEBRITIES IN THE
Caribbean at any given moment than there are in
Hollywood, Manhattan and South Beach combined
— or does it just seem that way? The gossip maga-
zines are constantly full of paparazzi shots of the
Bennifers and the Brangelinas of the world escaping to
the islands for hotsy-totsy getaways, urgent relationship
makeovers and even la-di-dah weddings. It’s an A-list whirlwind
of sex and drama (which aging leading man threw a drink at his
beauty goddess/actress wife in a restaurant and stormed back
to the yacht without her?) where stars can let their hair
down, or worse (which chat-show-hosting media-mogul diva
showed up at a restaurant wearing curlers?). We don’t dish that kind of
dirt, but we’ve got lots of bold-faced names, and we know where they
go to shed their clothes and big chunks of their ridiculous fortunes.
Just remember: Should you run into one of these megastars on your
next vacation, play it cool — autographs and frantically snapped cell-
phone photos are so L.A.
OCTOBER 2006 59
ANGUILLA
Peek inside the guest book of the
famous fab-magnet Cap Juluca resort
and you’ll find what looks like the
cast of a madcap movie — Denzel
Washington, Eddie Murphy, Kevin
Kline and Janet Jackson … There
are zero degrees of separation between
this island and Kevin Bacon, who
likes to jam at his buddy Bankie
Banx’s beach bar, the Dune Preserve
… Before the Brangelina era, Brad
Pitt vacationed here multiple times
with then-wife Jennifer Aniston
(they holed up in over-the-top villas
Exclusivity and Altamer) and hung
out with their good friends Courteney
Cox and David Arquette … One of
the island’s most popular celeb digs
is Cerulean Villa, a private seven-
bedroom home on Barnes Bay where
Uma Thurman and Liam Neeson
have stayed — though owner Laurie
Weltz has had to turn down at least
one notorious screen name: Adult
filmmaker Seymour Butz “wanted
to make a porn movie here!” laughs
Weltz. No dice … Howard Stern,
however, is a welcome guest on the
island … At feeding time, celebs flock
to the Blanchard’s Straw Hat or Scilly
Cay, where the specialty is savory
grilled local lobster.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
This two-island destination has
snagged its share of famous visi-
tors: Designer Giorgio Armani just
built a house on Antigua, where
Eric Clapton also owns a home and
founded a rehab center … John
Travolta celebrated his 51st birth-
day here last year aboard his yacht,
which he docked at Carlisle Bay.
Oprah Winfrey joined the festivities
and stayed at the Carlisle Bay Hotel
(though she’s also a fan of Jumby
Bay). “It’s upscale but not uptight,”
says Derede Samuel-Whitlock, direc-
tor of Tourism USA for Barbuda and
Antigua … Barbuda’s renowned pink
sands attracted Claudia Schiffer and
her fellow Victoria’s Secret angels
for a photo shoot. But for the best
stargazing, hit the weekly Sunday-
night barbecue party at the Shirley
Heights Lookout bar on Antigua. “If
you want to see celebrities on the
island,” says Samuel-Whitlock,
“that’s the place.”
BAHAMAS
Lying conveniently close to the
East Coast, and home to some of
the most beautiful water and beach-
es on the planet, the Bahamas has,
at one time or another, hosted just
about every star there is. Today show
weatherman Al Roker has lately been
frequenting the new Four Seasons
on Great Exuma, where his family
has roots … On nearby ultra-exclu-
sive Musha Cay, everyone from Billy
Crystal to Steve Martin to Oprah to
Bill Gates to Tim McGraw and Faith
Hill (who loved the lifestyle so much
they bought a neighboring island and
built their own home) have enjoyed
top-tier luxury and discretion …
Johnny Depp (who also owns his
own Bahamian island in the Exumas)
has dropped by Club Peace & Plenty
in George Town on Great Exuma,
which boasts a historic “slave kitchen”
bar built in the 18th century. Best
Fortune 500 moment? “Bill Gates
flew in on his 737 and ate breakfast
on our porch with Warren Buffett,”
says the inn’s Barry Benjamin …
At Old Bahama Bay Resort &
Yacht Harbour on Grand Bahama
Island, condo owners John Travolta
and Kelly Preston “come down all
the time,” says the resort’s Jennifer
Ehrman. “They are so not preten-
tious. They come and eat in the dining
JOHNNY DEPP, JOHN TRAVOLTA, LENNY KRAVITZ,
FAITH HILL: ALL OWN HOMES IN THE BAHAMAS.
60 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
rooms every night.” But diners beware:
Renowned chow-hound Travolta has
a habit of sneaking up on guests and
inquiring about their menu selections.
“He’s quite a big guy, and people will
be eating dinner and there’ll be this
hulking figure behind them: ‘What
are ya eatin’? Do ya like it? Should
I have it?’” Other celebs who have
unwound at Old Bahama Bay include
singer Alicia Keys and Law & Order
star Chris Noth, who got hooked on
the resort’s lobster-fishing trips. “He
was doing it in the pouring rain,”
says Ehrman. “We couldn’t get him
off the boat!” …
Uber resort Atlantis, Paradise Island,
draws stars looking to see and be seen
— which has made it a perfect getaway
for spotlight-loving Paris Hilton, who
danced the night away at the resort’s
Dragons nightclub. And Michael
Jordan, Oprah, Pierce Brosnan and
Woody Harrelson have all crashed over-
night in the blinged-out Bridge Suite,
which features a 22-karat-gold chande-
lier and a 2,500-square-foot entertain-
ment center (nightly rate: $25,000) …
Just down the beach, Robert De Niro
and Matt Lauer are among the A-list
guests who’ve bunked at the deluxe
One&Only Ocean Club …
Built like Cameron Diaz — long and
skinny — Eleuthera drew the Charlie’s
Angel herself this past June with fel-
low Angel Drew Barrymore. Lenny
Kravitz (whose grandfather was born
on Inagua) and Patti LaBelle own
homes here, and Julia Roberts and
Robin Williams have both escaped to
the green hills and dramatic cliffs of
this out island ... Off the northern tip
of Eleuthera, trendy Harbour Island is
a hot-bed of Hollywood who’s who:
CT&L staff spotted Robert De Niro
having dinner at the Rock House res-
taurant just as we went to press.
BARBADOS
When stars visit Barbados
they invariably end up at Sandy
Lane, the exclusive luxury resort that
is especially popular with famous two-
somes. Among the couples who’ve
come for the resort’s almost deca-
dent luxury, romance and tranquility:
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards (in
happier times), Cindy Crawford and
Rande Gerber, Angie Harmon and
Jason Sehorn, and Tiger Woods, who
staged his wedding to Elin Nordegren
there in 2004.
How seriously does the island pro-
tect its famous visitors? For Woods’
wedding, “The press was here by the
thousands, but there were only two
pictures ever published,” notes Hamish
Watson, general manager of the nearby
Treasure Beach Hotel.
BONAIRE
The Scientology cruise ship The Freewinds
— a favorite of Tom Cruise and Katie
Holmes — frequently docks at this inti-
mate Dutch island, which is renowned
for its diving. Liz Ginocchio, owner of the
small Golden Reef Inn, says her famous
guests come to play in the local waters,
which are protected as a marine park all
the way around the island. And every-
thing in it is “all natural — no swimming
with the dolphins,” says Ginocchio.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
It’s the natural attractions, along with
the creature comforts, that draw celeb-
rities to the BVIs. In Tortola’s Soper’s
Hole, not far from Little Thatch
Island (where Johnny Depp, a.k.a.
Captain Jack Sparrow, has stayed),
anyone grabbing a drink at the famed
Jolly Roger Inn should keep their eyes
peeled for that rock ’n’ roll pirate,
Keith Richards. Also spotted cooling
off at the Jolly Roger is notorious
top model Kate Moss, who stays at
Frenchmans Lookout, a luxe villa that
comes complete with a full-time staff
of four. “It’s so peaceful and relaxed,”
says Moss, who brings her young
daughter Lila and likes to hit favorite
local beaches like Josiah’s Bay, Apple
Bay and Smuggler’s Cove …
Country superstar Kenny Chesney
calls St. John his island home but
parties across the BVI border at Ivan’s
MOST CELEBRITIES PER
OCTOBER 2006 61
Stress Free Bar on Jost Van Dyke’s
White Bay, where he’s known to give
impromptu concerts … Eric Clapton
sails his yacht the Blue Guitar between
the BVIs and Antigua … Virgin Air,
Virgin Records, Virgin Everything
mogul Richard Branson owns Necker
Island, a private paradise that he rents
out for upwards of $30,000 per night
(Princess Diana was a regular guest) …
Beatle and BVI fan Paul McCartney
has recorded tunes on his yacht while
bobbing off the islands; when he makes
landfall he favors staying at Hawk's
Nest villa on Peter Island.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The D.R. is a fave of Oscar de la Renta,
Julio Iglesias and Mikhail Baryshnikov,
all of whom own homes at the Puntacana
Resort & Club at Tortuga Bay. Political
power couple — and prospective buy-
ers — Bill and Hillary Clinton have also
been guests there. The resort boasts a
separate VIP terminal for private jets
and is a quick flight from the United
States … Over in the capital, at the
newly opened five-star Hilton Santo
Domingo, super-couple Brad Pitt and
Angelina Jolie stayed in the Presidential
Suite overlooking the ocean. With the
hotel’s 21-story tower, “there is a sense
from every room that you are on a big
cruise ship,” says Simon Suarez of Coral
by Hilton resorts.
JAMAICA
Celebs adore Jamaica for its just-
chillin’ vibe and luxury-without-atti-
tude approach. Actor Dulé Hill and
his actress wife Nicole — both their
families have roots on the island — are
regulars at Royal Plantation in Ocho
Rios, where they like to keep things
low-key. “Mostly I sit by the bar on the
beach and then go in the water,” says
Hill. “Somewhere around midday I get
a spa treatment.” At night, “I’ll go to
Margaritaville in Mo-Bay”…
Back when they were the Newlyweds,
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey also
made the rounds at Royal Plantation.
True to form, the shopping-crazed
Simpson indulged in some local retail
therapy. “We had a local bazaar with
products indigenous to Jamaica,” says
Royal Plantation managing director
Jaime Stewart. “Jessica spent $800 just
like that!” The couple also indulged
in the resort’s C-Bar, a champagne-
and-caviar hot spot where the Veuve
Clicquot flows freely …
One celeb who really got her groove
on in Jamaica was Fran Drescher. The
actress visited Royal Plantation last
year, “and was very open about her love
affair with this Jamaican man she’d met
for the five days she was staying with
us,” says Stewart. She also requested
that local mento folk musicians give
a private concert on the beach, and
“she indulged in a lot of our Caribbean
cocktails,” says Stewart. Other celebs
who’ve unwound at the getaway — a
favorite of playwright Noel Coward
(the 100-year-old Steinway
piano he purchased is still
sitting in the resort’s draw-
ing room) — include
reggae superstar (and
Jamaica native) Sean
Paul, actor Richard
Dreyfuss and Detroit Piston Richard
Hamilton, all of whom lap up the
personalized service …
At Round Hill, old Hollywood
glamour — think Clark Gable, Grace
Kelly and Errol Flynn — lives on
as the current crop of showbiz stars
come by to relax, including everyone
from Bruce Willis to Harrison Ford
to Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell …
Hot young Hollywood couple Scarlett
Johansson and Josh Hartnett enjoyed
a recent getaway at the Goldeneye
resort in Oracabessa, where supermodel
Naomi Campbell has a villa … Over at
the historic Half Moon resort, guests
like David Bowie, Paul Simon, Spike
Lee and Harry Connick, Jr. “can be
really, really private — so we make
good use of our 400 acres,” says public
relations manager Marcia McLaughlin.
“No one’s clamoring for an autograph
or a picture — they’re really able to
relax.” The resort also hosted one of
SQUARE MILE? MUSTIQUE AT THE HEIGHT OF HIGH SEASON.
62 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
the all-time luminary couples, John F.
Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. “They
stayed here in the early ’60s short-
ly after he announced his candidacy
for the presidency,” says McLaughlin.
“Jackie penned a will on Half Moon
stationery, saying that Bobby Kennedy
should take care of Caroline.” A copy is
on display in the lobby …
Singer Kelly Rowland (Beyoncé’s
pal and former Destiny’s Child band
mate) opted for a mom-and-girlfriend
getaway at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios.
Her highlight? “Swimming with the
dolphins!” she says. “Also, I ate until
my head popped. Breakfast was awe-
some. They had this guava jelly … it
is so good on toast! And there’s a table
in this little corner, it’s the best seat for
breakfast because you can throw the
toast in the water and all these colorful
fish rush up.” Naturally, no girlfriend
getaway is complete without some seri-
ous spa time. “Best spa hands-down
I’ve ever been to,” says Rowland. “The
lady that runs it literally goes and picks
a freakin’ coconut off the tree, mixes it
to make a scrub … mmmm!”
NEVIS
This quiet, friendly isle is a favorite
of Live with Regis and Kelly co-host
Kelly Ripa, who often visits with her
family and frequently stays at the Four
Seasons, where “they cannot do enough
for you,” says Ripa. “Nevis is heavenly!”
The star also likes to drop in at local
favorite Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill,
where Sunshine serves up his famous
“Killer Bees.” (The exact ingredients
are top-secret — even for the cast of
The Sopranos, who also paid a visit
— but rum, fruit juice and a sprinkle
of nutmeg give the drink its signature
sting.) “Every celebrity who stays at the
Four Seasons ends up at Sunshine’s,”
says Nevis Tourism Authority CEO
Helen Kidd. “They like to kick off
their shoes, walk along the beach and
experience something local.” Hot
Hollywood couple Jennifer Aniston
and Vince Vaughn, and musical power
duo Beyoncé and Jay-Z (those two
get around!) also have all stayed at the
Four Seasons, where Beyoncé gave an
impromptu concert and Jay-Z stuck to
the video games in the children’s
lounge area …
Actor Matthew
McConaughey stayed in
a private home on the
island and went horseback
riding several times from the
Hermitage Plantation Inn, where best-
selling author John Grisham is a fre-
quent guest … Michelle Pfeiffer and
her producer husband David E. Kelly
enjoyed snorkeling with their kids at
Barbara Whitman’s sea-life education
center, Under the Sea … For island
cuisine, the must-eat place among the
stars is Miss June’s, a favorite of the
band Aerosmith, ABC news anchor
Charlie Gibson and Oprah. The draw?
Made-from-scratch feasts prepared by
Miss June herself, who serves curried
island favorites in the comfort of her
own home.
ST. BARTS
When they’re not basking on the top-
less beaches, grooving to the Euro
beat in nightclubs or perusing the
wares at stores like Cartier, Hermès
and Dior, celebrities like Usher, Rod
Stewart, Daisy Fuentes and Beyoncé
are often holed up in private villas,
where what they want is exactly what
they get — except, perhaps, the keys
to a black Lincoln Navigator, a request
made by hip-hop superstar Jay-Z. “I
told him they don’t have Navigators on
St. Barts — it’s too hilly!” says Island
Destinations CEO Pascale Gherardi,
who has coordinated Caribbean vaca-
tions for dozens of top stars. “We
explained that he would be much more
comfortable in a Jeep.”
Another unique request? Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who stayed at the
Hotel Guanahani & Spa, “wanted
very specific training equipment in
his suite,” says Gherardi. (He got
it.) Other Guanahani guests, includ-
CHIC ST. BARTS HAS SERIOUS COMPETITION FOR
ing Salma Hayek, Naomi Watts and
Ryan O’Neal, are content to enjoy
the French-influenced “European
laid-back vibe,” says hotel rep
Christa Guidi. “Most of our
famous guests are there to
relax, go to the beach, the pool,
maybe get a spa treatment” … The
island is also a popular New Year’s
destination — last year both David
Letterman (who owns a home on the
island) and young lovebirds Enrique
Iglesias and Anna Kournikova (who
arrived by yacht) rang in the new St.
Barts-style.
TURKS AND CAICOS
At The Palms, located on a 12-acre
estate at the center of Grace Bay Beach,
famous guests — the resort is hush-
hush on names — frequently indulge
in the spa’s signature zareba treat-
ment, a blend of fresh aloe leaves,
locally produced salts and lemongrass,
says managing director Darren Law
… Meanwhile, at the Meridian Club
on Pine Cay, one movie-star couple
requested that the kitchen stay open
late and that they be permitted to
bring their pets. “We bend the rules
a little,” admits manager Jeff Humes
… Over at Parrot Cay, where Bruce
Willis, Keith Richards, Christie
Brinkley and Donna Karan all own
homes, celebs come “to chill — not
because it’s a scene,” says the resort’s
Maryalice Giroux. Ben Affleck and
Jennifer Garner tied the knot at
Willis’ home in 2005, and Lindsay
Lohan has been a guest there as well.
“We all know who they are,” Giroux
says, “but we don’t care who they are
in the outside world.”
HERE AND THERE
BELIZE Private-island resort Cayo
Espanto has lured the likes of Tiger
Woods and Leonardo DiCaprio. After
being greeted by the resort’s entire
staff, one big-timer said to resort
owner Jeff Gram, “Y’know, you don’t
really have to do all this for me just
because I’m famous.” “Don’t take this
the wrong way,” replied Gram, “but
we do this for everyone!” … PUERTO
RICO At the Ritz-Carlton
San Juan Hotel, Spa &
Casino, Ricky Martin,
Jennifer Lopez and
Donald Trump have
all dropped by …
GRENADA Guests
like Morgan Freeman
and Jerry Hall escape
to the Spice Island,
where they bunk at
Laluna, a 16-cottage
resort that boasts adult
sophistication.
“It’s one
of those little gems off the beaten
track,” says general manager Christine
Nelles … CAYMAN ISLANDS The
new Ritz-Carlton on Seven Mile
Beach on Grand Cayman has
drawn the likes of Sheryl Crow,
Tony Bennett, Tom Cruise and
newly installed CBS news anchor Katie
Couric, who relaxed at the resort’s Silver
Rain La Prairie spa. Actress Jessica
Alba learned to dive in Cayman for
her movie Into the Blue … BERMUDA
Michael Douglas’ family has deep
roots on the island, where the actor
lives part time with wife Catherine
Zeta-Jones and their two kids …
MUSTIQUE One of the original celeb-
rity Caribbean destinations — particu-
larly during Princess Margaret’s ’60s
heyday at her villa Les Jolies Eaux — is
still a hot draw among the rich and
royal: Prince William and his girlfriend
Kate Middleton recently stayed at the
luxe, ultra-secluded Villa Hibiscus
(which rents for $14,000 a week and
is also a favorite of Tom Hanks, Denzel
Washington and Hugh Grant). The
British heir got into the Caribbean
spirit by turning up barefoot at the
ever-popular Basil’s Bar. The island
also continues to be popular among
rockers: Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams
and Shania Twain all own homes on
Mustique. Designer Tommy Hilfiger
also built a home there, where
— you guessed it! — Beyoncé and
Jay-Z have visited. (Just
try not to spot them
on your next trip.)
OCTOBER 2006 63
CELEBRITY SUN WORSHIPPERS FROM NEARBY ANGUILLA.
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BY Da
BY DAVE HERNDON • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN-PHI LI PPE PI TER
When it comes to hard-core independent travel, I take a backseat to no man,
woman, or Outside magazine beast. I’ve always been the kind of guy who’ll hack
through leech-infested swamps with a buck knife between my teeth in search
of virgin waterfalls to deflower. But I must have gone soft, because after only
three days of trying to simply tour the lush terroir of Martinique — and finding
more than my share of thorns on this “Isle of Flowers” — I ran screaming like a
baby-child into the mollycoddling arms of a gated all-inclusive resort …
MARTINIQUE
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OCTOBER 2005 65
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Fort-de-
France
Trinite M
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Le Francois
Macouba
Saint-
Pierre
Sainte-Anne
Trois-Ilets
Mt. Pelée
traveler who doesn’t mind a bit of idiosyncrasy. Fregate Bleue
is a Relais du Silence, a designation that indicates you will
definitely never hear a steel band or much of anything else after
dark. “In the Caribbean you live like a bird,” said proprietor
Madame Yveline de Lucy. “You wake up early and you sleep
early.”
A doyenne among Martinique’s hoteliers, Madame de
Lucy and her husband Charles made their mark by restor-
ing the landmark Leyritz Plantation as a resort worthy of
hosting Gerald Ford, Henry Kissinger and Giscard d’Estang
for a 1974 summit on the first oil crisis. If anyone would be
able to advise a first-time visitor on where to go and what to
do to get a feel for what makes Martinique special, it would
be a credentialed booster like her. Spreading a map over a
VISUALLY, IT'S AN OVERSTUFFED
GIFT BASKET WITH DRAMATIC
SEASCAPES AND A MADRAS BOW
OF OLD CREOLE AMBIENCE.
WHEN YOU EXIT THE AIRPORT AND HIT THE
highway in Martinique, the first thing you notice is that the
road is a nicely paved piece of work, a reminder that you’re
in a department of France. The second is that the driver of
the vehicle behind you appears to be sitting next to the baby
strapped into your backseat. Dale Jr. and the rest of NASCAR’s
bump-drafting speed jockeys have absolutely nothing on the
hellhounds who roam the roads of Martinique, riding herd on
any sightseeing slowpoke sorry enough to be puttering around
the winding, vertiginous byways in an underpowered little
pooch of a rental car. It’s said that bicycle racing is the number-
one sport among Martinicans, but I’d venture, based on the
number of vehicle corpses rusting by the roadsides, that high-
stakes tailgating is their true passion.
Oh, but the torture feels so good when it stops.
When you can gain enough separation from your chase
vehicle to take in the surroundings, you suddenly realize that
you’re motoring through some of the prettiest terrain in all the
West Indies. There’s not a landscape painter alive who wouldn’t
jump at the chance to render Martinique’s particular arrange-
ment of tropical flora and volcanic topography. Flowers, of
course, grow everywhere, randomly and in superb gardens of
gingerbread-frilled habitations (plantation houses). Cane fields
carpet the valleys between mornes (high hills) in the south, and
rainforests swarm over the mountainous north, where rivers
spill from impressive peaks. Church-steepled fishing villages
nestle into discreet bays. The land is profusely productive of
fruits sweet to the taste, appealing to the eye and intoxicat-
ing to the spirit. The same could broadly be said of the other
Windward Isles, but Martinique just seems riper, a particular
mix of the cultivated and the wild. Visually, it’s an overstuffed
gift basket ribboned with dramatic seascapes and a madras bow
of old Creole ambience.
ARRIVING AT MY FIRST DESTINATION, LE FREGATE
Bleue, I was able to catch my breath after the drive, only to have
it immediately stolen away again by the view
from the inn’s main room, a straight shot
past the boughs of a pink-flowering
pear tree to a cluster of jade islets
just offshore. A seven-room inn
on the Atlantic side of the island
furnished with a hodgepodge
of antique mahogany four-
posters, armoires and eccentric
one-offs, the place exudes that
elusive quality called “charac-
ter” that appeals to the kind of
CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
breakfast table on the terrace, Mme. de Lucy located nearby
Le Francois on the map and explained that her little hotel
was a perfectly situated base for investigating all quadrants
of the isle. A 40-minute cross-island drive would bring us to
the hub of tourist activity on the southwestern peninsula.
That would be the place to catch a pleasant ferry ride to the
crowded capital, Fort-de-France. If it was beaches we want-
ed, the nearby southeast coast would present a different
one for every day: the remote Atlantic north, the historic
Caribbean north and the jungly mountain ranges that
divide them — all within convenient day-trip distance.
Circling various attractions on the map and enthusing
about their virtues, she calculated how long it would take
to tour the 50-by-20-mile island and announced, “A week
is too short — 10 days is good.”
To me it sounded like a lot
of time out on the road under
hot pursuit.
Mercifully close by was
Habitation Clément, a handsome
19th-century rum distillery and estate that’s now a showcase
of museum-quality Creole furnishings and, surprisingly, a
gallery devoted to contemporary art. (It too was the site of a
Franco-American summit, between George H.W. Bush and
French president Francois Mitterand, in 1991.) The tour
concluded in the tasting room. Martinicans are positive that
their beloved rhum agricole, made from cane juice rather
than processed molasses, is the world’s finest rum (see “Get
Anse d'Arlet,
on the island's
southwest pen-
insula. Previous
spread, clockwise
from far left: A
planter's habitation
in the northeast;
Cathèdral Sainte-
Louis in Fort-de-
France; motoring at
Club Med; a young
Martinican; Rocher
du Diamant.
OCTOBER 2006 67
68
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Thee to a Rhumerie” on page 72). I was eager to get an edu-
cation in the sweet stuff, but the unsmiling server, a woman
in a madras costume, was not eager to educate, to say the
least. You could put it down to the language barrier, which is
profound in Martinique, where English is not widely spoken
and the French-only signs and brochures found everywhere
are of little help — but I happened to be with my wife, who
grew up in the French West Indies. C’est dommage. The tour
was nevertheless enjoyable, thanks to a ramble through the
grounds, which have obviously enjoyed many generations of
expert keeping. It was a wonderland where you half-expected
ancient wood elves to materialize from the rooty trunks of
bearded fig trees.
The next day, I steeled myself for the white-knuckled drive
across the island to Anse Mitan
for lunch at the highly recom-
mended La Villa Creole, and
arrived to learn that the chef
had called in sick and the place
was closed. As we entered the
nearest alternative, a sparsely
attended seafront restaurant,
a hostess dressed in madras
greeted us with daggers in her
eyes and seemed ready to use
them when, on account of
toddler-safety concerns, we
requested a table other than
the one at which she seated us. I was officially
0 for 2 with the madras ladies. Buh-bye.
Now it was getting late for lunch, but in Trois-
Ilets, we spotted a promising-looking restaurant
with a name that translates questionably: Les
Passagers du Vent. It was in a quaint case in the old
part of town, with bright yellow doors and shut-
ters, Ray Charles on the sound system and the
art show of the month on the walls. The Parisian host was
ultra-friendly, and it would have been a very cool place to
hang out even if the food were only so-so, which it was not.
(Nor was it inexpensive.) The first courses in particular were
works of art. Good old conch was gussied up as a Tulipe de
Colombo de Lambis, topped with crème de kiwi and served in
a basket of delicate pastry.
The restaurant was the kind of prize — a find — that
makes independent travel rewarding, and it saved the day.
But all in all, the general battle was hardly relaxing. Then
there came an especially tense moment when an oncoming
SUV driver delighted in bullying me to back off a bridge
that was clearly wide enough for both our vehicles. In that
confrontation, the latent aggression I’d been sensing so far
hardened into an explicit hostility of the kind I only rarely
encountered in nearly 30 years of living in various boroughs of
New York City. This syndrome was no longer a case of a simple
pain in the posterior that could be endured with extra caution
behind the wheel and a thickened skin; I realized I could be
endangering my family by taking them along as I tried to get to
know Martinique in the footloose, instinctual way that it seems
to invite. Feeling uncharacteristically tense on a Caribbean
island, we needed a vacation from this vacation. It was time to
take refuge behind the gates of a beach resort.
CLUB MED BUCCANEER’S CREEK IS THE VERY
property that first introduced the germ of the all-inclusive
concept to the Caribbean
when it opened in 1969.
Through good times and
bad, it’s been a flagship
for both the chain and the
island. Its just-completed
$65 million reconstruction
and expansion to nearly 300
rooms signals an effort to
re-brand Club Med as an
upscale chain and a push to
reintroduce Martinique to
travelers from the States.
Growing pains were evi-
dent at the front desk, but what a pleasure
it was to simply roll out of our handsomely
appointed (if not luxuriously large by American
standards) beachfront rooms, pull up a lounge
chair, watch passing sailboats and simply chill
on one of the island’s finest beaches — scal-
loped with jetties, shaded by palm trees and long
enough to afford a fair amount of personal space.
The activities menu was exhaustive. Reading the list of tours,
I had to admit that I could have saved myself a lot of aggro by
simply coming here in the first place and going on some of
the guided outings. The myriad sports on offer harkened back
to Club Med’s origins, before it became known for horizontal
athletics in the anything-goes ’70s.
At the bar, I was pleased to find madras ladies who knew
how to serve with a smile, an apparent dividend of the club’s
longstanding relationship with the nearby village of Sainte-
Anne. It was in the dining room, however, that I discovered
the resort’s most legitimate claim to what it calls “new
luxury” status. It’s hard to envision buffet food superior to
the daily fare there. The fish grill was always putting out pre-
OCTOBER 2006 69
St. Christopher works
overtime. Opposite
page, clockwise from
top: Habitation
Clément; Club Med;
Sainte-Anne vendor.
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70 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
mium items like lobster tails
and scallops, while the meat
choices included rack of lamb
as well as steak. Most surpris-
ing were the broad selections
of French cheeses, the adven-
turesome vegetable terrines,
the fresh breads and desserts,
the very drinkable bottles of
house wine.
Despite its upscale retrofit-
ting, Club Med has not gone
staid. Irrepressible G.O.’s still try to encourage group par-
ticipation with sports contests and costumed theme parties.
Che’s posterized image loomed large over the dance floor on
Havana Night, and all it took was a couple of visits to my
friendly madras ladies — Cuba libre! — to suspend disbelief
and go along with the program.
In a resort full of French vacationers, it was easy to spot
the other three Americans — an adult couple and her 15-
year-old boy — who were visibly having a fantastic vacation.
The grownups celebrated Havana Night by quaffing tots
of Grand Marnier at no extra cost (beads are out, non-
luxurious plastic wristbands are in). These Rhode Islanders
had chosen to come to Club Med because of the activi-
ties and sports. She had a
breakthrough in water skiing
while he took his first tennis
lessons. Importantly, the kid
was thriving, windsurfing
and playing ping-pong with
cigarette-smoking French
teenagers.
“How do you like it here?”
I asked him over the blare of
Euro-disco.
“Cool,” he responded.
“What do you like about it?” I said, trying to draw
him out a bit.
“Atmosphere,” he replied economically.
“What do you like about the atmosphere?” I persisted.
“Fun,” he said — and really, what more was there to say?
From our beachhead on the southern peninsula it was easy
to prowl Sainte-Anne, where tourist shops fit nicely into the
warp and woof of a weathered fishing village, and to stroll
Anse des Salines, a long, relaxed beach where snack bars sell
accra (cod fritters) and a diversity of folks read books and play
pétanque in the shade. Having regrouped and sampled the
south coast, we were ready to strike out on our own again,
this time to the less populous northern precincts of the island.
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AT THE OUTSET OF THE LAST
CENTURY, THE CITY OF SAINT-PIERRE
WAS THE GRANDEST PLACE
IN THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAND.
OCTOBER 2006 71
BUCCANEER’S CREEK MAY REPRESENT
Martinique’s best foot forward this year, but at the outset
of the last century, the city of Saint-Pierre on the northwest
coast was the grandest place in the history of the island. In
the Musée Vulcanologique, photos from its heyday show
whitewashed city streets populated by Gilded Age haute
bourgeoisie gentlemen in top hats and ladies in long dresses,
all of whom appear to be dressed to attend the opera. Its
elegance, prosperity and refinement earned Saint-Pierre the
sobriquet “the little Paris of the West Indies.” The city was
already 250 years old when Mount Pelée erupted in 1902,
obliterating it and claiming all but 1,000 of its 30,000
inhabitants. Today it’s a fishing village and tourist attraction
with fewer than 5,000 residents.
On the day I visited, a mist descended from the slopes of
the volcano and coalesced into showers that rained on the
village like a faint reminder of the epic cataclysm. Pedestrians
huddled for shelter on narrow sidewalks under rusty metal
balconies on buildings with wooden doors and shutters that
cried out for paint. A fisherman hawked bloody slabs of tuna
and marlin on the black sand beachfront. To call Saint-Pierre
moody would be a vast understatement.
We ate lunch at a seafront restaurant called La Vague
Saint-Pierre that was a slice of paint-peeled post-colonial-
ism straight out of Graham Greene, complete with a ceiling
fan whirling in the barroom and
lacking only for a jaded Sidney
Greenstreet character in a Panama
hat and sweat-smudged linen suit.
Everything about the place was
faded, except for the shiny sailboats
moored just offshore and a table
of chic “metros,” as Parisians are
known here (not necessarily fondly). The offerings were
typical fare: a starter of assiette créole, with boudin (blood
sausage) and accra followed by a selection of colombos (mild
curries) of chicken, pork or goat; shark with creole sauce;
octopus fricassee; or grilled dorado. The meal was not distin-
guished by anything more than local flavor, and the service
was characteristically glacial, but nevertheless, the setting
was deeply atmospheric, evocative of history in a place that
had been extravagantly blessed, horribly benighted and
sentenced to an afterlife as a ruin.
Our destination that afternoon lay on the opposite coast, so
rather than double back on the main roads, I took a secondary
route across the island and was elated to find that the tailga-
teurs had lost my scent. I could relax my grip on the wheel,
drive at my own pace and enjoy the surroundings. When we
got to a village that used flowers to spell out “Bienvenue a St.
Denis” and “Ave Maria” on its hillsides, it was obvious we’d
Both pages, from
left: Mount Pelée’s
1902 eruption
ruined Saint-Pierre.
Villa Bougenot;
Saint-Pierre today.
72 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
R
Rum is usually made from molasses, but distillers in the French
West Indies had the bright idea of making theirs directly from
sugar cane juice; the product is called rhum agricole to distin-
guish it from the rhum industriel made conventionally elsewhere.
Connoisseurs claim that rhum agricole has a lighter and more subtle
taste, which is why the aged version (rhum vieux) has always
been sipped, neat or with a few ice cubes. Rhum blanc (white)
is usually used for the ubiquitous ’ti ponche (“little punch”), made
with sugar or cane syrup and lime.
Martinique’s rum is a key aspect of its culture and history, so
visiting the distilleries is a window into the island’s character as
well as a tasting and shopping opportunity. Most
rhumeries welcome visitors on free tours of their
distilleries, and they all have tasting rooms and
museums. These six produce noteworthy brands,
and are geographically distributed as convenient
stops on day trips to the island’s Caribbean and
Atlantic coasts. Though most are open all year, the
best time to see them in operation is during the
cane harvest, from February to June.
Dillon In the center of Fort-de-France, Dillon’s
tranquil gardens belie the bustle outside. Their cane
comes from 120 small planters who must haul it
through the crowded city, so the distillery will move
from this site in the new year, but the museum,
tasting room and sales shop will stay put. Buy: Très
Vieux, which is hard to find off site, priced from
$40-$100 according to age. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-
4 p.m.; 011-596-596-75-00-18; rhum-dillon.com
Neisson This family operation at Le Carbet is a good
place to stop on the way to Saint-Pierre on the west
coast. Set in a green and fertile valley along a bumpy
dirt track, this working distillery has a gritty charm, with an ancient
copper still that bubbles away during harvest season. The flavor
and aroma of its world-renowned white rum permeate any cocktail
mix. Buy: Rhum Agricole 50%, known for its distinctive aroma,
about $14. Open weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-12
p.m.; 011-596-596-78-03-70; neisson.com
Depaz For a pick-me-up after visiting the gloomy remains of Saint-
Pierre, continue north to the Depaz site at Le Precheur. The old
mill, refurbished, is now an excellent restaurant offering Creole
cuisine at lunch and dinner on weekdays, and at dinner Saturdays.
The view of Mount Pelée and the sea make this a wonderful place
to drink one of the many varieties of rum made on the premises. And
don’t worry, those are clouds — not smoke — that you often see at the
peak. Buy: Paille, white rum aged in oak for a year, $9. Open Monday-
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 011-596-596-78-13-14; depaz.fr
JM The Rhumerie de Fond-Préville in Macouba is a worthwhile
detour on a trip up the remote northeast coast. JM rum is named
after founder Jean-Marie Martin and its vieux rum is one of the
island’s most highly regarded. This is another hands-on, working
distillery with huge iron wheels and cogs employed
in the liquidly organic process: the gushing water, the
steam, the huge gears sloshing through vats of oil
and streams of sugar juice gushing into fermentation
tanks. Visitors can look into the open 30,000-liter
vats to see and smell the yeasts at work. Buy: Rhum
Vieux, at various prices depending on age. Open 7
a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays;
011-596-596-78-53-40; rhum-jm.com
St. James The English name was calculated to
appeal to the American colonist export market back
in the 18th century — they even use the square
bottles more characteristic of Scotches and gins.
St. James products offer some of the best value for
money, especially the boxed Hors D’Age. Located
on the Atlantic coast near Sainte-Marie, it also offers
one of the more thorough tourism experiences. The
mill and distillery are authentic. There are trips three
days a week on the plantation railway, and there’s a
fine restaurant attached. Buy: Hors D’Age, $25.50.
Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m; train runs on Tuesday
and Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Saturday
2 p.m.-5 p.m., $5 per ride; 011-596-596-69-30-02
Clément Rum is still aged but no longer distilled at Habitation Clément
near Le Francois on the east coast. The former still is now a museum
with the taped noise of the engines at work. The former cane fields of
the delightful estate are now covered in lawn, shrubs and flowers. The
house itself is an exquisitely preserved specimen of a plantation habita-
tion. Buy: La Cuvée Charles Clément, $36. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
daily (closed in September); there is a $9 charge, refunded if you buy
rum; 011-596-596-54-62-07; rhumclement.com — Ian Williams
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OCTOBER 2006 73
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Clockwise from top left:
Shades of rhum; JM
distillery; cane fields;
Saint James vats.
Images still needed
corbis
CONNOISSEURS CLAIM RHUM
AGRICOLE, DISTILLED DIRECTLY FROM
SUGAR CANE EXTRACT, HAS A LIGHTER
TASTE THAN INDUSTRIAL-MADE RUM.
74
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A PULL QOUTE WOULD GO
HERE AND THIS IS WHERE IT
WOULD FIL L THE SPACE AND
Clockwise from left: A
plantation house; Joëlle
Rosemain; Domaine Saint
Aubin; gourmet fare.
Opposite: Jardin de Balata.
THE PLACE WAS A DREAM COME
TRUE … HERE WE’D FOUND
SOMETHING WONDERFULLY
AND UNIQUELY MARTINIQUAISE.
OCTOBER 2006 75
passed into a sweeter, back-roads Martinique. The spires of
the Pitons du Carbet mountain range loomed over a dense
floral kingdom. The road cut through gargantuan thickets of
bamboo and Jurassic fern trees in a series of sensuous S-turns
that invited the car to cruise through the tunnels of foliage like
a surfboard in a long tubular wave. Roadside signs indicated
diverting hiking trails and waterfalls, but I didn’t dare break my
newfound driving groove.
THE OZ AT THE END OF THE MAGIC ROAD WAS
Le Domaine Saint Aubin, a plantation house turned inn
with a vanilla wedding-cake exterior — cream-colored walls,
pastel yellow trim and a red gabled roof. Inside, it was a clas-
sic Creole period piece, circa 1919, with doilies on antique
tabletops, inlaid wood floors, Persian rugs, wingback chairs
in a library stacked with volumes of literature; the likes of
Getz and Gilberto on the stereo prevented the atmosphere
from being too grandmotherly. The high-ceilinged bedrooms
had French doors that opened onto a wraparound veranda
perched over cane fields that sloped down to the shoreline;
it was like sitting on the balcony of a grand old theater that
specialized in dramatic vistas of the shoreline, sea and sky.
The place was a dream come true, not just for us as
travelers who knew that here we’d found something wonder-
fully and uniquely Martiniquaise, but for the couple who
have operated it since the beginning of last year. Laurent
Rosemain, whose family appeared on the island in 1715, is
descended from the “free-colored” son of a slave and a plant-
er; many of the antique furnishings are family heirlooms. His
wife Joëlle used to sew costumes for the opera in Paris and
cooked in Provence. Her talented hand is evident everywhere,
from the curtains and new upholstery on the chairs to the
kitchen, where she not only produces Creole-inflected gour-
met dinners but bakes
rolls, croissants and pain
au chocolat for break-
fast; they go nicely with
tropical fruit confiture
and sweet, tiny bananas
grown on the property.
This woman could take
Martha Stewart to school
on the domestic arts.
Laurent insisted that a
trip to Martinique would
be woefully incomplete
without a visit to the Jardin de Balata, so the next day we
backtracked up to the spine of the island and took the his-
toric Route de la Trace down to the botanical garden, set on
a hillside between the Pitons du Carbet and Fort-de-France.
The garden was created over the course of 20 years by a
horticulturist and landscape designer named Jean-Philippe
Thoze on the grounds of a family property that he rescued
from neglect. He seems to have gotten carried away — he
collected more than 3,000 species of tropical plants from
around the world. This obsessive labor of love has been
richly rewarded, not just in the beauty and vitality of the
plantings and landscaping, but in the buoyant atmosphere
of the place. Children played hide and seek among the trees;
families took pictures in the various flattering settings; lovers
young and old held hands on the sloping terrace paths. Sheer
la-la land, an enchanting finale to our visit to Martinique.
It was also a balm. On an island that had initially put up a
fight, I was thankful to discover a place with more blos-
soms than thorns, a slice of pure heaven on earth.
Dave Herndon is the executive editor of CT&L.
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MARTINIQUE
The Way to Go
Martinique is not geared up
for mass tourism; cruise-ship
traffic is not heavy, and
there aren’t many big resort
hotels for an isle of this
stature. So it’s conducive
to independent travel, with
a couple of caveats, which
bear repeating: Driving
around the southern half
of the island is hectic, and
English is not widely spoken.
This scenario leaves the
field wide open to the kind
of well-traveled French-
speakers who will love stay-
ing at Creole habitations
that have been turned into
inns, and won’t have trouble
finding their way around the
island’s many natural and
cultural attractions. Others
are referred to resort hotels
like the Club Med or the
five-star Cap Est, where
your needs are taken care
of and guided tours are
available. Or have it both
ways: spend a few days
relaxing at a beach resort
down south, then move up
north to go exploring.
Take a Hike
Two-thirds of Martinique
is protected land, and the
island offers a well-marked
trail system, with loops over
a variety of coastal and
mountain terrains, including
a two-hour ascent of Mount
Pelée. Trailheads with maps
Continued on page 114
CT&L Says
Lunch can easily
drag on for more
than two hours in
ordinary restau-
rants. Picnics are
wise economies in
every way.
76 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
ALL

ASHORE
that’s going

ASH RE
CRUISING — IT’S THE TRAVEL VERSION OF SPEED DATING: YOU HAVE LESS
THAN 24 HOURS TO DALLY IN EACH PORT TO SEE WHICH PLACES GIVE YOU
SUCH A TINGLE THAT YOU’LL WANT TO COME BACK FOR MORE. QUALITY
SHORE LEAVE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS FOR YOUR TROPICAL TRYST, AND
WE’ VE GATHERED ALL THE INTEL YOU NEED TO HELP YOU CHOOSE WHICH
CRUISE ITINERARY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU.
B Y D E B B I E S N O W
OCTOBER 2006 77
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f it’s short hops to stalwart
ports you want, look to the
eastern Caribbean. The clas-
sic itinerary here includes a
major Bahamian port (Nassau
or Freeport), Puerto Rico (San
Juan), St. Thomas (Charlotte
Amalie) and St. Maarten (Philipsburg)
— plus a private beach-party island
— with most ships putting into three
or four harbors during a seven-night
trip. These islands are crowded in high
season, but since they have a history of
receiving cruise passengers, you’ll find
top-notch pier-side infrastructure. Taxi
stands and markets lie within a short
walk of the gangplank. And since the
stopovers are close together, you’ll have
more shore time to look beyond the
obvious tourist attractions.
The newest port here, Grand Turk
in the Turks and Caicos, received its
first arrival in February with mixed
sentiment. Once simply a sleepy dive
destination, Grand Turk is now expect-
ed to receive 300,000 guests annually.
The 13-acre cruise center, decked out
with a white sand beach, pools and
cabanas, will usher arrivals to shore
excursions like scuba diving and horse-
drawn carriage visits to the quaint vil-
lage of Cockburn Town.
The eastern Caribbean makes a
good playground for families, with
a mixed bag of surf and turf activi-
ties. In the crystal-clear waters off the
Bahamas and the Virgin Islands, snor-
kel trails sustain aquatic societies, and
deep canyon walls draw larger marine
monsters. You’ll find islands with pro-
tected coves and mangrove hummocks,
where birdcalls and the splash of your
kayak paddle are all that break the
silence. There’s sport fishing, sailboat
racing and kiteboarding — and plenty
of sunny beaches to plant yourself on
when you’re looking for something
more low-key.
And don’t forget the shopping.
Freeport was the first to originate duty-
free shopping back in the 1950s. Since
then, Nassau and St. Maarten have
stepped up to the plate, and St. Thomas
is considered the spending-spree mecca
of the West Indies; no other port can
beat the hustle and bustle of the nar-
row streets of Charlotte Amalie, where
bargain hunters scour 400 stores.
A bonus on the eastern Caribbean
itinerary is the “private island” experi-
ence offered by most major cruise lines.
Imagine a secluded stretch of beach
to enjoy for the day, with water toys,
lounge chairs, hammocks, barbecues,
seaside massages and programs for the
kids. This crowd-pleasing stop is usual-
ly the first or final one, as the locations
are predominantly in the Bahamas,
close to home ports in Florida.
With its well-honed itineraries and
first-rate (if somewhat familiar) attrac-
tions, the eastern Caribbean can satisfy
any interest. There’s a vast number of
outings available that can be booked on
board or prior to sailing. Cruise lines
organize beach excursions and island
tours — a good choice if it’s your first
visit. Or consult our “Off the Charts”
suggestions for independent activities,
and venture out on your own with a
taxi or rental car.
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Disney’s Castaway Cay, Bahamas
OCTOBER 2006 79
BEACH LANDINGS
For swimmers and snorkelers, it’s tough to
pass up half-mile-long Magens Bay Beach
on St. Thomas. All you need is your bathing
suit and a beach towel (plus the $3 entry
fee), because along with alabaster sand and
calm water, Magens has a beach bar, snack
shack, showers and restrooms.
Puerto Rico’s Isla Verde Beach has
packed golden sand, and on a good week-
end it’s packed with golden Sanjuaneros
in swanky beach attire. Stop at the Ritz-
Carlton for a cocktail.
Palm-studded Cabbage Beach on
Paradise Island is far from the chatter of
Nassau’s casinos. This long strand of crushed
coral between the Atlantis Resort and the
Ocean Club is ideal for leisurely walks.
The north and south ends of Orient
Beach on St. Martin are the places go
au naturel — if that’s your thing. Between
them, find funzo beach clubs with chairs
and umbrellas for rent, bars/restaurants
and water toys. For family time, head next
door to Le Galion Beach, where you can
rent water-sports gear from Tropical Wave
and have lunch at Chez Pat.
Cane Garden Bay’s white crescent
on Tortola is home to Quito’s Gazebo and
Myett’s Garden and Grille. Apple Bay, to
the west, boasts Bomba’s Surfside Shack
and its famous full-moon parties.
Swimsuits are optional on Anse du
Gouverneur and Anse de Grande
Saline, two secluded beauties on St.
Barts. For celebrity sightings, hang at Le
Nikki Beach Bar on Baie de St-Jean.
WHERE THE ACTION IS
Hikers can explore 22 trails winding through
sugar plantations and overlooking magnificent
coastlines in the 11,000-acre Virgin Islands
National Park on St. John.
From Christiansted on St. Croix,
head to Buck Island Reef National
Monument, the only underwater national
park in the United States. Blaze the snorkel
trail, where submersed markers detail the
reef’s fish and coral.
Thrill-seeking eco-tourists can hook into
the Fly Zone on St. Martin. The zip-line
courses through the last bit of jungle on
the island.
Wander the 28,000 acres of lush foliage
in the El Yunque rainforest on Puerto
Rico. Here, you can see 100-foot trees,
hear the croaking of the coqui frogs and
laze under a misty waterfall.
On Grand Turk, hop a short boat ride
to uninhabited Gibbs Cay and snorkel with
stingrays in the shallow, clear water. Explore
the coral reef 50 yards off the beach.
MAGICAL HISTORY TOURS
St. Croix has the Heritage Tour, a trail
of diverse sites spread over the island. Check
out sugar estates (like Whim Plantation),
botanical gardens and breathtaking coastlines.
View a magistrate court in session at
Parliament Square in Nassau. The col-
lection of pink buildings, built in the early
1800s, serves as the seat of government
for the Bahamas.
Fuerte San Felipe del Morro is a mas-
sive Spanish fort on the
northwest corner of Old
San Juan. Drop in on tun-
nels, towers and dungeons
in six layers of stone.
TREASURE HUNTS
Some of the world’s
best coffee is grown in
the highlands of Puerto
Rico. Scout the local markets for Alto
Grande or Café Yauco Selecto.
Nearly every store in Christiansted has a
selection of Crucian bracelets. Said to origi-
nate on St. Croix, these traditional knotted
wrist ornaments come in silver and gold.
Antiques and loose gems are duty-free
on St. Thomas. Look for vintage maps and
period art, or bring back a sack of emeralds.
Shop like a Parisian in St. Martin’s Marigot
— pick up a few scarves at Hermès; visit
French boutiques for the hottest European
looks; and stock up on truffles.
OFF THE CHARTS
Dive with toothy critters on the Shark
Adventure at Stuart Cove’s on Nassau.
If that’s too Fear Factor for you, then
chug along the reef in a bubble-topped
underwater bike.
Learn to sail on one of five boats
designed for the 1987 America’s Cup at
St. Maarten’s 12-Metre Challenge.
You’ll join the crew and race around markers
through a short triangle course.
Overnighters in San Juan can take a
kayak tour on a bioluminescent bay in La
Parquera, El Yunque or Vieques. Just wave
your hand in the water to make the mysterious
micro-organisms emit a blue-green light.
Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, Bahamas
El Morro, Puerto Rico
80 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
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andy coastlines backed
by jungle-shrouded
lowlands, emerald
hillsides draped in
steamy rainforests,
archaeological discov-
eries and underwater
treasure troves: The western Caribbean
beckons to the adventuresome.
There are no ho-hum harbors in
this distinctly scenic slice of the tropics,
where you’ll find a brimming stewpot
of culture, wildlife and topography.
Ships on this course hail from varied
ports like Galveston, New Orleans
and Tampa Bay, as well as the standard
hubs of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
On this route, your liner may call on
Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico and
possibly Belize or Honduras during a
seven-night stint. The longer 10-night
itineraries head farther south, usually
docking at Costa Rica and Panama.
Jamaica, the third-largest island
in the Caribbean, offers two cruise
destinations (Montego Bay and Ocho
Rios). Once in either port, your
opportunities to explore remote cor-
ners are only limited by time. The
scenery swings from bustling towns
along azure seas to sleepy settlements
deep in the Blue Mountains. This is
the island that gave birth to reggae,
so you’ll tour to the soundtrack of the
languid one-drop beat.
The Mexican ports include
Cozumel island and stops along the
eastern Yucatán Peninsula, where the
flat interior is cloaked in green and
pocked with fascinating cenotes (sink-
hole entries to an underground river
system). The beaches are milky strands
— edged by sprawling resorts along the
northern section and blessedly deserted
to the south. Rich in ancient history,
the entire Yucatán from Mexico to
Guatemala is peppered with remnants
of Maya cities. Some temples and pyra-
mids have been restored, while others
lie surrounded by thick jungle.
As you approach the Central
American stops, development gives
way to rainforests that provide home
for the wildest of wildlife. In the exotic
ports of Honduras, Costa Rica and
Panama, there’s an under-the-radar
lack of infrastructure and an engaging
population. The western Caribbean’s
barrier reef system (second in size
only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef )
begins off the coast of Belize and is
a top draw for underwater explorers.
You’ll want to take advantage of the
many opportunities to plunge into the
translucent waters packed with neon-
colored fish.
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Chichén Itzà, Mexico
OCTOBER 2006 81
BEACH LANDINGS
Seven Mile Beach is Grand Cayman’s
most beautiful, but as an alternative to
organized excursions where cruisers are
herded onto small sections of sand, grab a
taxi and go to West Bay Public Beach
on the northern half of Seven Mile.
For an even quieter beach day, take
a water taxi to Rum Point on Grand
Cayman’s North Sound. Hang out in the
hammocks or snorkel the reef. Later, have
drinks at the Rum Point Bar & Restaurant.
Playa del Carmen is more than a
beach; it’s a Bohemian boomtown with
European attitude and rich Mexican cul-
ture. After a day in the sun, drop by Fly, a
South Beach-style restaurant and bar.
WHERE THE ACTION IS
Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios may
be the most popular excursion on Jamaica.
Climb the giant rock staircase to where the
600-foot waterfall trickles down to form lazy
swimming pools.
In Belize, slip into a rubber tube and
coast the cool waters as they carry you
through the underground caves along the
jungle-cloaked Branch River.
Learn how to tackle those Belizean
jungles on the Survival Trek. Come home
with secrets and skills for making fire, find-
ing water and building a shelter.
Visit an aviary, butterfly farm and turtle
nursery at Xcaret ecological and archaeo-
logical theme park near Cancún. Snorkel the
river, ride a horse or swim with dolphins.
Go for a ride on the West Bay canopy
tour on Roatan. Zip-lines soar through
emerald hills and end up beachside.
Spend the day at Cozumel’s
Chankanaab Park, where there’s some-
thing for everyone: a botanical garden, sea
lion attractions, replicas of Maya sites, and
plenty of snorkeling and diving.
Take a trip to Grand Cayman’s Stingray
City to snorkel with and hand-feed these
sleek marine creatures. If your ship arrives
early, get over to Stingray Sandbar, where
there are more rays and fewer people.
Ride the Costa Rican Jungle Train
along the steamy Caribbean shoreline. Pass
over rivers and along curtains of coconut
palms, and visit a working banana plantation.
Rafting the Martha Brae River on a 30-
foot raft is the way to go. Groves of bamboo
and layers of ferns line the riverbank outside
of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Swap your cruise ship for a smaller boat
and transit a portion of the Panama Canal.
You travel over the man-made Gatun Lake,
cross the continental divide and enter the
Miguel Locks reaching the Pacific.
MAGICAL HISTORY TOURS
On the Costa Maya, take the bus into
the jungles near the Belize border and visit
10-acre Chacchoben Ruins, a restored
ceremonial center for Maya royalty.
Chichén Itzà, the meticulously
maintained and most-visited Maya city,
occupies the interior of the Mexican
Yucatán. Climb the steps of the 78-foot-high
temple for awe-inspiring
views. Getting there
is a long bus ride from
Cancún or a quick plane
trip from Cozumel.
The ruins of Tulum,
built between A.D. 400
and 900, are set on a
rocky cliff overlooking
the sea south of Playa
del Carmen. Take a
kayak offshore for a different point of
view.
The Belize Zoo maintains 125 animals
native to Belize and was originally set up to
adopt animals used in filmmaking. See tapir
and large cats like spotted jaguar and ocelot.
TREASURE HUNTS
In the Yucatán, shop for one-of-a-kind
Mexican silver and turquoise jewelry. Make
sure it’s stamped 925.
Along the Mexican coast from Cancún
to Costa Maya you can also buy hand-
woven hammocks in any color imaginable.
While in Cozumel, pick up a few baubles
set with gleaming cobalt-violet tanzanite.
Don’t come back from Panama with-
out the traditional Panama hat — made in
Ecuador.
Stock up on Blue Mountain of Jamaica,
some of the priciest coffee in the world.
Start a collection of black-and-white Lencan
pottery from West End, Honduras.
OFF THE CHARTS
From Costa Maya, arrange a trip to snor-
kel the largest coral reef in Mexican waters.
Banco Chinchorro lies off the coast of the
southern Yucatán and is home to rare black
coral, sea turtles and moray eels.
Tulum, Mexico
Canopy Tour, Roatan
82 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
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xotic islands and a
cornucopia of cul-
tures stand out as the
highlights of southern
itineraries. Dramatic
green-bearded peaks
on St. Lucia and
Dominica soar above seaside fish-
ing villages and interiors draped with
waterfalls and rainforests. Throughout
the region, local markets like those
dotting the harbors in Guadeloupe,
Martinique and Grenada come alive in
a patchwork of color — negotiations
take place in a cacophony of languages
and dialects, while spicy aromas prom-
ise gustatory delight.
The southern Caribbean maintains
pockets of colonial influence inter-
mingled with the sultry Caribbean
way of life. The pastel-painted Dutch-
designed architecture of Aruba, Bonaire
and Curaçao transports you to the
Netherlands, while the seaside towns of
Martinique and Guadeloupe whisk you
away to the south of France. British
heritage lives on in Barbados, Nevis
and St. Kitts, where afternoon tea is a
proper affair.
Cruise ships heading deep into the
southern Caribbean sail from New
York, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, San
Juan, St. Thomas and even Barbados.
Choosing the right itinerary can be
a mind-boggling exercise, as some
southern sailings are also paired with
eastern Caribbean stopovers. Others
may begin in the Leeward Islands and
terminate in the Windwards (see our
chart on page 85 for help in planning
your cruise). Holiday-season sailings
offer one-off combinations of ports
from the entire Caribbean.
Itineraries run from seven to 14
nights; they vary according to season,
and some routes may occur only once
a year, so make your plans early. Your
vessel choices are seemingly endless,
from big ships like the Queen Mary 2 to
100-passenger yachts like the SeaDream
I and SeaDream II. The former tend to
stick with the better-known islands —
Barbados, Aruba and Antigua — while
the latter balance the voyage between
big ports and others you may not have
heard of, like Bequia and Mayreau
Island. Some of the smaller cruise lines
bobbing about the southern harbors
cater to special interests; they may focus
on culinary activities while at sea or eco-
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St. Georges, Grenada
OCTOBER 2006 83
savory French-Creole barbecue
for a lunch of your own.
Antigua is rimmed with
excellent beaches. If your
excursion deposits you on Jolly
Beach, slip across the canal
to the less populated south-
ern side. Consult our website
(caribbeantr avel mag. com/
antiguabeaches) for directions
to myriad secluded strands, like
Half Moon Bay.
Spend the afternoon on
the beautiful white beaches of
Sainte Anne on the Grande-
Terre wing of Guadeloupe,
home of Club Med La Caravelle.
Buying a day-pass at the club
lets you join in Hobie sailing,
kayaking and volleyball.
Mullins Beach on Barbados
is sun-worshipper central on the
weekends. Island residents and
cruise passengers alike fill up the
lounge chairs and rent umbrellas for the day.
Food and drinks are on tap at ever-popular
Mannie’s Suga Suga.
Silky Palm Beach, home of Aruba’s
high-rise hotels, is fully-loaded with every
beachside activity imaginable. Head to the
Pelican’s Nest when you’re ready for a drink;
it’s on the pier in front of the Holiday Inn.
Home to the Four Seasons Resort on
Nevis, Pinneys Beach is a sure bet for
getting stung by a Killer Bee, the signature
drink at nearby Sunshine’s Beach Bar.
WHERE THE ACTION IS
Fly through St. Lucia’s rainforest on a zip-
line and a prayer. You just hook up and hang
on for a Tarzan ride between the trees.
Travel through tunnels and scale boulders
to reach the top of the Casibari rock
formations on Aruba, where you’ll be
rewarded with lofty views of the island’s
cactus-dotted landscape.
On a Grenada island tour, you’ll visit cocoa
plantations, a nutmeg station, the National
Park Nature Centre at Grand Etang Lake
and the crater of an extinct volcano.
Multisport junkies shouldn’t miss Caracas
Bay Island on Curaçao, where you can
mountain bike, windsurf, horseback ride,
kayak and snorkel. After, grab your binocu-
lars and relax with some bird-watching.
Hop aboard the Siamese junk Samur
and cruise Klein Bonaire. Snorkel, swim
and comb the beach.
Hike one of the two new trails at
Washington Slagbaai National Park
on the northern edge of Bonaire. The
13,500-acre park is home to parakeets,
large iguanas and flamingos.
More than 15,000 flamingos call
Bonaire home. Take a tour of their favorite
hangout, Goto Meer, a saltwater lake, and
stop off at the observation area for a better
look at these blushing beauties.
On Corea’s Kayak and Snorkel
Adventure on St. Vincent, you’ll paddle
through a bat cave to a Pirates of the
tourism in port.
Shore excursions in the southern
Caribbean are plentiful and varied.
You can take high-dollar helicopter
spins over Antigua or Aruba, watch
for whales off the coast of Dominica
or spend a day hiking the base of
the dormant volcano on Martinique.
Several harbors are smack in the cen-
ter of the action, with ships tying up
in downtown Oranjestad on Aruba,
Georgetown on Grenada and Fort-de-
France on Martinique. For those who
want to stay close to the comforts of the
ship, these ports allow for convenient
tours of museums and boutiques.
BEACH LANDINGS
The cliffs overlooking Crane Beach on
Barbados encourage lingering views of
the Atlantic. The beach itself is 200 steps
down. Bodysurf the rolling waves, stroll
the pink sand or enjoy a seaside massage.
Afterwards treat yourself to a cocktail at
Crane Beach Resort’s balcony restaurant.
On weekends, throngs of beachgoers
laze in the sun and picnic under the palms
and sea grapes backing Martinique’s Anse
des Salines. Stop at one of the roadside
markets on your way there and grab some
Half Moon Beach, Antigua
Rock formations in Aruba's outback
84 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
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Caribbean location, and the guides are
super-friendly.
Mountain bike down the lush Layou
River Valley to reach the heart of the
all-encompassing rainforest on Dominica.
You’ll pedal past coffee and banana planta-
tions and groves of citrus.
On the four-wheel drive Island Safari
Adventure, you’ll see the rough coastline
of Bathsheba, groves of palms and fields of
sugar cane in Barbados' backcountry.
Board the catamaran heading for the
Antilla, a German freighter that sank dur-
ing World War II just north of Aruba’s
Palm Beach. Spend the day snorkeling,
swimming or limin’ on deck.
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium has
more than 400 varieties of fish and marine
animals on display. You can swim with and
hand-feed sharks and stingrays, or stay dry
in the underwater observatories.
MAGICAL HISTORY TOURS
An electric tram journeys to the cen-
ter of Harrison’s Caves on Barbados,
where illuminated subterranean streams
are dripping with limestone stalactites
and stalagmites.
At Antigua’s English Harbor, a walk
around Nelson’s Dockyard turns up his-
toric forts and sugar mills in a colonial-era
Royal Navy base. For panoramic island
views, head uphill to the former lookout,
Shirley Heights.
Diamond Botanical Gardens on St.
Lucia showcases the world’s only drive-in
volcano. Take a dip in the min-
eral baths and stroll through
the acres of tropical gardens.
At the north side of St.
Lucia, wander the 40 acres of
Pigeon Island (in fact a pen-
insula) where you can investi-
gate colonial ruins and climb to
the top of Fort Rodney.
Visit the oldest synagogue
in the Western Hemisphere
on Curaçao. The Mikveh
Israel-Emanuel Synagogue,
founded in 1651, has a museum in the
back room.
Span the two halves of Curaçao’s city
of Willemstad — Punda and Otrapunda
— by walking across the Queen Emma
Bridge. The century-old pontoon bridge
swings open throughout the day to allow
boats in and out of the harbor.
All aboard the St. Kitts Scenic
Railroad, which loops around the coast-
line and through the island’s sugar planta-
tions. En route, you’ll pass villages with
papaya stands and pineapple plantings, and
enjoy the melodies of the on-board choir.
(See Day Trip, page 28.)
TREASURE HUNTS
Locally made Curaçao of Curaçao is a
novelty liqueur made from sun-dried orange
peels; it comes in a rainbow of colors.
Rue Victor Hugo in Fort-de-France,
Martinique, is the place to buy Creole-
designed gold jewelry.
Make a stop at the
Trois-Ilets Pottery
Village in Martinique
and pick up a painted
lamp while observing
the artists at work.
Score skin-soothing
souvenirs (and take a
tour) at the high-tech
Aruba Aloe factory.
Fill your tub with
Bonaire bath salts.
Earthworks Pottery on Barbados has
a selection of wheel-thrown pots, dishes,
candleholders and vases.
Stop by the Eudovic Art Studio in
Castries, St. Lucia, for exotic wood carv-
ings by well-known island artist Vincent
Joseph Eudovic.
Load your spice racks with nutmeg and
other zesty seasonings from the local mar-
kets in Grenada.
OFF THE CHARTS
Barhop on a private rum-shop tour on
Barbados. Negotiate a rate with a taxi
to visit a few of these unique drinking
establishments, housed in brightly painted
wooden shacks, where islanders gossip and
play dominos. Bring back the national rum,
Mount Gay Extra Old, claimed to be the
world’s oldest rum, distilled since 1703.
Steady breezes, calm shallow water
and a few tips from the experts will have
you skimming across the waves in no time
when you take a windsurfing lesson at Vela,
located at the Aruba Marriott Resort &
Stellaris Casino on Palm Beach.
Dive or snorkel any of the 86 world-
class sites surrounding Bonaire. Just look
for the yellow-painted stones along the
road indicating a dive site.
For the Inside Guide to Cruising, see
page 124.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Bonaire Marine Park
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OCTOBER 2006 85
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Carnival Glory Port Canaveral 7
Carnival Legend New York 7
Celebrity Millennium Fort Lauderdale 7
Costa Mediterranea Miami 7
Holland America ms Zuiderdam Fort Lauderdale 7
Norwegian Jewel * Miami 6
Princess Crown Princess * New York 8
Princess Caribbean Princess Fort Lauderdale 6
RCL Explorer of the Seas New Jersey 8
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Celebrity Galaxy * San Juan 10
Crystal Serenity Miami 10
Holland America ms Volendam * Fort Lauderdale 9
Oceania Regatta * Miami 11
RCL Adventure of the Seas * San Juan 7
SeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream I * San Juan 10
Silversea Silver Wind * San Juan 6
Windstar Wind Surf * Barbados 6
Seabourn Legend * St. Thomas 6
Chart includes only a sample of popular sailings. For complete information check cruise line websites (pg. 124). * Intinerary includes other stops not listed.
Carnival Conquest Galveston 6
Celebrity Constellation * Fort Lauderdale 11
Crystal Symphony * Miami 6
Cunard Queen Mary 2 Fort Lauderdale 6
Holland America ms Veendam Tampa 7
Princess Caribbean Princess * Fort Lauderdale 6
Princess Grand Princess Galveston 6
RSSC Navigator * Fort Lauderdale 10
RCL Legend of the Seas Tampa 7
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Ship Home Port Nights
CT&L
PHOTO CONTEST 2006
g r a n d p r i z e w i n n e r
PI CTURE PERFECT
CT&LREADERS HAVE AGAIN present-
ed us with their view of the Caribbean —
via more than 1,800 entries in our annual
photo contest. From beaches to bars to
barracudas, we’ve seen it all … yes, even
an inebriated iguana. Congratulations to
all the winners!
GRAND PRIZE Debra Tullio of Bear,
Delaware, is as avid about photography
as she is the Caribbean — she and her
husband have taken some two dozen
trips to various islands. She captured
this portrait of a gentleman she calls
“Bottle Mon” in Negril, Jamaica. The
Tullios first met him when he took time
out from bottle collecting to rest in the
shade near their beach chairs. “His face
has so much character, you don’t need to
know him to know what his story is,” she
says. “He’s gracious and gentle, and you
can read that in his face.” Debra wins
50,000 Starwood Starpoints, redeem-
able for a stay at one of Starwood
Hotels & Resorts’ Caribbean properties,
and two roundtrip tickets (up to a total
value of $1,000) for her vacation.
PEOPLE
FIRST PLACE Hats off to Randy Carr
of Yukon, Oklahoma, who snapped this
marcher and his bougainvillea beret on
parade in Negril. Randy wins 20,000
Starpoints.
SECOND PLACE Richard Lukis of
Nutley, New Jersey, found this fisher-
man hauling a raggedy net off Grenada.
The storytelling photo nets Richard a cer-
tificate for his choice of Sperry Top-Siders
plus a two-year subscription to CT&L.
THIRD PLACE Heather Johnson-
McCormick of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania,
snapped her sandy son Kyle on Grace
Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos. Heather
wins a new pair of Sperrys plus a one-
year subscription.
p e o p l e
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88 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
n a t u r e
FIRST PLACE His striking shot of a green
sea turtle soaring off Providenciales, Turks
and Caicos, earns William Czarnowski of
Endwell, New York, 20,000 Starpoints.
SECOND PLACE Adrienne Ari of Dothan,
Alabama, found this arrow crab cavorting in
a blue vase sponge near Grand Bahama.
Adrienne wins a pair of Sperrys and a two-
year subscription to CT&L.
THIRD PLACE Seattle, Washington’s
Jan Culbertson gets her Top-Siders and
one-year subscription for vividly capturing
the rare scene of a trumpetfish off Bonaire
camouflaging itself atop a parrotfish in
order to sneak up on prey.
OCTOBER 2006
90 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
FIRST PLACE Tony Newman of
Shakopee, Minnesota, opened his win-
dow over Antigua’s English Harbour and
saw a heavenly slice of photographic gold
— good for 20,000 Starpoints.
THIRD PLACE The last glimmer of day-
light across St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay
shone on Glen Mikkelsen of Albany, New
York. Glen gets new Top-Siders and a one-
year subscription.
SECOND PLACE Greg Charko of
Warren, New Jersey, sailed into second
with this shot of St. Martin’s Baie Longue.
He’ll get shoes from Sperry and a two-year
subscription to one darn fine magazine.
s c e n i c
OCTOBER 2006
92 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
b e a c h e s
FIRST PLACE The composition of palm
tree, railings and headland-filled horizon at
St. John’s Trunk Bay caught Lauren Fletcher’s
eye. Her photo captured it all, and that means
that 20,000 Starpoints are headed to her in
Fayetteville, North Carolina.
SECOND PLACE Okay, so it’s not the
clichéd “silky sand,” but the fascinating
texture of this Bonaire beach wins Greg
Sullivan of Irvine, California, a pair of
Sperry Top-Siders and a two-year subscrip-
tion to CT&L.
THIRD PLACE Waiting for moody,
“magic-hour” sunlight and just the right
pattern of waves earns the bronze beach
prize for Martin Kronstein of Highland,
New York. He clicked this shot on Long
Bay, Antigua, a perfect place to wear a
nice new pair of Sperry’s finest and read a
year’s worth of CT&L.
OCTOBER 2006
94 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
a n y t h i n g g o e s
FIRST PLACE Klaus Wolf of Kingston,
Jamaica, rolls into first with a shot that
gives new meaning to “mobile home.” He
wins 20,000 Starpoints.
SECOND PLACE Soon after Niels
Andersen of Racine, Wisconsin, let his guard
down, an iguana stole a snoot full of his
sundowner on Great Cruz Bay, St. John.
Fortunately, Niels had his camera at hand.
He may have lost a drink, but he gained a
pair of Sperrys and two years of CT&L.
THIRD PLACE Bottoms up to Brad Stone
of Kirkland, Washington, who grabbed a
shot of mother and child on Saltwhistle
Bay, Mayreau, in the Grenadines. Brad’s eye
for a tender scene earns him a pair of ace
boating kicks and a one-year subscription.
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OCTOBER 2006 95
The grand-prize winner and first-place fin-
ishers in the CT&L Photo Contest 2006
receive Starpoints from Starwood Hotels
and Resorts, redeemable for free nights
at some of the most desirable beach-
front properties in the Caribbean and the
Bahamas — where they can start shooting
pictures to enter in next year’s contest.
From Starwood’s Aruba Resort, Spa
& Casino, photographers can head west
to the California Lighthouse and find a
captivating scenic view.
The Sheraton at Our
Lucaya Beach & Golf
Resort and the Westin at
Our Lucaya Beach &
Golf Resort, both on Grand Bahama, sit
along one of the island’s many incred-
ible beaches, perfect for those sun and
sand shots. From the Westin St. John,
shutterbugs can visit one of the island’s
great dive sites or go birding in Virgin
Islands National Park, in search of a nature-
category winner. To learn more about all of
Starwood’s properties, go
to starwoodhotels.com.
Second- and third-place winners will
choose from more than 40 styles of
Sperry Top-Sider high-performance deck
shoes, sandals and sporting footwear
(including the Marlin, shown) made from
the finest materials, and
built for extreme comfort
and traction. Visit sperry
topsider.com to see the
latest styles.
a b o u t o u r p r i z e s
h o n o r a b l e m e n t i o n s
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Clockwise from top left: Yellow warbler in Belize by Debbie Apfeld of Alberta, Canada; blacktip shark and bar jacks in
the Abacos by Russell Nielsen of Wentzville, Missouri; Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, by Stephen Paul of Nipomo, California;
barracuda off Statia by Chris Greco of Allston, Massachusetts. For more Honorable Mention photos, turn to page 107.
Aruba St. John Grand Bahama
OverlookingOrient Beach and
one of the most spectacular
views in the Caribbean, your
private one to three bedrooms
villa of 4,500 sq. ft. is complete
with all the amenities and
services of a top luxury hotel.
The 16 Villas are just a
short walk to Orient Beach
restaurants, water sports and
beach activities.
Voted best boutique hotel in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine’s readers in 2003.
www.St-maarten.com
One Friendly Island
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is also shopping central. If you want to
maximize savings, before your vacation
take note of stateside prices for items
you might like to buy — jewelry, china,
crystal, perfume and electronics can be
purchased on St. Thomas at savings of
up to 30 percent. And the USVI has the
highest duty-free limit in the
region — U.S. residents can
bring back $1,600 worth of
goods per person — and there’s
no sales tax.
While the beachfront resorts
TR AVEL SMART
S T R A T E G I E S A N D E X P E R T A D V I C E F O R Y O U R N E X T V A C A T I O N
Room Deal s and Shoppi ng St eal s
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ne of the Caribbean’s original
holiday hot spots, St. Thomas
is a well-honed destination with
solid dining options and some of the
best shopping values in the region. And
although much of the island is heavily
developed, there are still areas — beaches
like Magens Bay and the offshore reefs
— where natural beauty is the main
draw, so St. Thomas can accommodate
almost any style of vacation.
The hub is bustling Charlotte Amalie,
capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which
receives cruise ships in an archi-
tecturally appealing harbor
fringed by steep mountains. Not
surprisingly, Charlotte Amalie
AFFORDABLE ST. THOMAS
Villa Santana’s
pool overlooks
Charlotte Amalie.
Top: Magens Bay.
are mostly mid-priced and above, the
island brims with hillside inns with rea-
sonable rates. Offering the top value in
accommodations is the Mediterranean-
style Mafolie Hotel (800-225-7035;
mafolie.com), which has a superb view
of the harbor from 800 feet above it. The
22 rooms vary in size and décor. The
least expensive have limited views, but a
deluxe unit with a panorama is just $10
or $20 a night extra. Mafolie’s central
location is ideal for island explorations by
car; little is within walking distance, but
there’s a free daily shuttle to downtown
and Magens Bay, and a small pool and
restaurant are on the premises. Doubles
are $89 to $119 in low season ($119 to
$159 high), breakfast included.
Located at the top of Blackbeard’s
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In high season Island Beachcomber
Hotel (340-774-5250; islandbeach
comber.net) costs a bit more than the
other hotels in this category, but it sits
on one of St. Thomas’ best beaches.
Most of the 48 comfortable rooms have
partial sea views, plus fridges and free
WiFi; six open right onto Lindbergh
Beach ($20 a night extra). Though
the hotel is a stone’s throw from the air-
port, jets are a nuisance only at midday.
Doubles are $99 to $119 in low season
($169 to $189 high).
Mafolie Hotel
100 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
ROATAN CHARTER
Specialists in the overlooked islands of
the Western Caribbean since 1981.
Let our Belize travel specialist’s design
the vacation that is right for you. Free
tour catalog features scuba diving,
jungle lodges, rafting, cave tubing,
fishing, Mayan ruins and more.
Lowest airfares, group incentives,
travel agents welcome.
800-282-8932
[email protected]
www.roatan.com
JOURNEY’S END RESORT
Journey's End Resort is located on 50
acres of pristine beach. We offer 47
luxurious private cabanas. Extensive
renovations include the new Serenity
Spa, La Habana - a cigar bar, martini bar,
and internet cafe. Featuring Luna- a des-
tination restaurant, and a 5 star PADI
facility. Salt water fly fish for FREE!
www.journeysendresort.com
[email protected]
1-800-460-5665
BELIZE LODGE & EXCURSIONS
We are a unique, all-inclusive, ecotourism
destination and adventure travel operator
featuring an incredible variety of “Overland
Tour Packages” throughout all of Belize and
operators of two distinctive lodges deep
in the remote jungles of southern Belize.
Indian Creek Lodge & Jungle Camp,
located within our 13,000-acre private
nature reserve, take seclusion, luxury and
service, and uniquely blends the three
to create the ultimate eco experience.
888-292-2462
www.belizelodge.com
[email protected]
SUEÑO DEL MAR
Paradise Has A NewAddress!
Experience carefree island living
complete with a private beach. Fish, dive
or snorkel in our azure blue water.
Onsite dive shop, Grill/Bar and pools.
One and two bedroom luxury resi-
dences are available starting at $39,000.
Phone: 011-501-623-6767
Website: EasyBelize.com
YOUR CARIBBEAN
GATEWAY TO
CENTRAL AMERICA
Your peaceful, English-speaking
neighbor only two hrs. from the
US. Belize offers tropical forests
rich with wildlife, 3,675-ft.
mountains, Mayan temples and
diving and fishing experiences
beyond compare. In a single day
you can go from a tropical
forest to the longest living
barrier reef in the western
hemisphere. And the people are
as warm and friendly as the
climate. Discover Belize. And let
the adventures begin.
Belize Tourism Board
PO Box 325 Gabourel Lane,
Belize City, Belize
800-624-0686
www.travelbelize.org
TURNEFFE ISLAND LODGE
Escape to your own private island just
30 miles off the mainland. An all-
inclusive resort for scuba divers,
fishermen & snorkelers. All rooms are
ocean view and elegantly appointed.
Over 70 dive sites less than a mile
from the island. Some of the best
fishing in the Western Caribbean.
Refer to code ID04.
Tel: 800-874-0118 or 713-236-7739
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.turneffelodge.com
AZUL RESORT
“A new level of relaxed luxury.”
Azul combines the space, comforts
and privacy of a luxury beach villa
with the amenities and services of
a world-class resort. Enjoy 400 feet
of pristine beachfront, sculpted
infinity edge pool and beachside
Tropical Lounge Cuisine at
our renowned Rojo Lounge.
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +501 226 4012
www.azulbelize.com
SUNBREEZE HOTEL
A Perfect Vacation Getaway! Centrally
located within a stroll of downtown
San Pedro with easy access to all
activities and entertainment. 42 spacious
air-conditioned rooms • Ocean and
Garden views • Oceanfront Restaurant
and Bar • Oceanfront freshwater pool
and sun deck • Gift Shop • Art Gallery
• Massage Studio • Full Service PADI
resort operator •Variety of Packages
available. Call Toll Free: 800-688-0191
Fax: 011-501-226-2346
Email: [email protected]
www.sunbreeze.net
Beaut i f ul
by Nat ure
Point Grace
An extraordinary Caribbean retreat located
at the point of the pristine twelve-mile
beach of Grace Bay. Seemingly untouched
by time, each suite has been designed to
include every luxury leaving you free to
encounter your own personal state of grace.
For reservations call 1-866-924-7223
and visit us at www.pointgrace.com
The Sands at Grace Bay
The Sands at Grace Bay is a combination of seclusion and sophistication. Spacious,
beautifully appointed suites for enjoying real vacation living on Grace Bay Beach
renowned for more than 12 miles of white powdered sand and transparent turquoise
waters. For reservations call 877 77-Sands and visit us at www.thesandsresort.com
Royal West Indies Resort
Royal West Indies is an all suite, luxury, beach-side condominium resort located on
Grace Bay Beach. Featuring Studios and 1 or 2 Bedroom Suites, the resort is perfect
for honeymooners, sun lovers and families alike. Enjoy non-motorized water sports
and fabulous meals at the resort’s international restaurant, Mango Reef.
For reservations call 800
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332
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4203 and visit us at www.royalwestindies.com
Turks & Caicos Club
Oceanfront 21 suite five-star resort on
Grace Bay Beach next to the island’s best
snorkeling reef. Full gourmet kitchens,
private balconies, pool, water sports,
fitness, restaurant and bar. Perfect for
Honeymoons, Intimate Weddings &
Escapes. For reservations call
888-4TCCLUB and visit us at
www.turksandcaicosclub.com
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 103
$117 PER PERSON IN LOW
SEASON ($136 high), based on double
occupancy. Not including airfare, car rental,
airport transfers, tax or service.
Average low-end hotel: $88 in low sea-
son ($126 high)
Breakfast: $10 for local breakfast of salt
fish, pumpkin fritters, spinach and egg
at Percy’s Bus Stop in Charlotte Amalie
(340-774-5993)
Lunch: $6 for a burrito at Burrito Bay Deli
in Red Hook (340-775-2944)
Dinner: $19 for almond-crusted yellow-
tail with sides at Hook, Line & Sinker in
Frenchtown (340-776-9708)
Activity: $38 for night snorkeling at Homer’s
Scuba and Snorkel Tours (866-719-1856)
Getting there: American Airlines flies to
St. Thomas from Miami, New York-JFK and
San Juan; Continental from Newark; Delta
from Atlanta; Spirit from Fort Lauderdale;
United from Chicago and Washington,
D.C.; US Airways from Charlotte. In win-
ter, charter operator Sun Country flies
from Minneapolis.
Taxi from airport to hotels: Ranges
from $8 (for two passengers) to Island
Beachcomber up to $14 for Villa Santana.
Rental car: $48 a day including pickup/
drop-off from Budget Car Rental (800-
626-4516; budgetstt.com), with cheaper
rates through the website for rentals of
five days or longer. A U.S. driver’s license
is sufficient, and remember that driving is
on the left.
Taxes: Hotel tax is 8 percent; a 10 percent
service charge or energy surcharge is typi-
cal; there is no departure tax.
Additional information: 800-372-USVI;
usvitourism.vi
AN AFFORDABLE
DAY I N
ST. THOMAS
Hill, the Green Iguana Hotel (800-484-
8825; thegreeniguana.com) is a nine-unit
complex overlooking Charlotte Amalie.
Rooms range from garden-facing digs
with kitchenettes to a condo with a full
kitchen and sweeping balcony view. All
are non-smoking and attractively fur-
nished, and the managers are particularly
attentive to upkeep. It’s just a five-minute
walk down the 99 Steps into town.
Doubles are $89 to $129 in low season
($135 to $165 high).
Also up the hill from town is Villa
Santana (340-776-1311; villasantana
.com), an estate built with treasury money
stolen by a Mexican general in the 1850s.
The four main units are each unique in
size, layout and character, but all feature
kitchenettes, private bathrooms and ceiling
fans (no air conditioning). These are priced
$85 to $95 in low season ($125 to $135
high). There’s a pool that overlooks the har-
bor. A handsome two-story unit that sleeps
four and an air-conditioned three-bedroom
villa are also available. — David Swanson
TRAVEL SMART
CHEAP THRILL
Night Snorkeling (Homer’s Scuba and
Snorkel Tours; 866-719-1856; night
snorkel.com) is a St. Thomas specialty
for confident swimmers. Armed with
a submersible flashlight, wet suit and
glow stick, you’ll experience a subtle
and subdued underwater world populated
by nocturnal oddities like octopus, sea
hairs and sleeping, cocoon-wrapped
parrotfish. Cost: $38 per person.
Tuesday through Saturday evenings;
reservations required.
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ARUBA Tierra del Sol’s (011-297-
586-7800; tierradelsol.com) Extreme
Rejuvenation package offers seven relax-
ing nights at the 600-acre resort and
country club. Three 50-minute spa treat-
ments (a body wrap, a hot stone massage
and a European facial) are included
along with the greens fees at the resort’s
Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf
course. Rates start at $933 per person,
based on quadruple occupancy in a
two-bedroom condo; $1,032 per person
for a two-bedroom villa. The deal ends
December 18.
BONAIRE Kick back for eight Lazy Days
and Dreamy Nights at Harbour Village
Beach Club (800-424-0004; harbour
village.com). You’ll be treated to a roman-
tic dinner on the beach, aromatherapy
massages, a beach hammock with a bottle
of sparkling wine, a boat dive (or diving
introduction session) and daily breakfast.
HOT DEALS
JW MARRI OTT CANCÚN
Available until December 17, the package
starts at $1,210 per person.
CARIBBEAN MARRIOTTS High sea-
son may be just around the corner, but
summer incentives are in effect through
December 16 at seven of the Marriott
and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexican
Resorts (888-727-3473; paradiseby
marriott.com). With the Sand Dollars
package, you’ll get one night free plus
a $100 food and beverage credit per
room, with a minimum stay of five
nights (seven at the Curaçao Marriott
Beach Resort & Emerald Casino). Rates,
based on double occupancy, start at
$149 per night (Curaçao) to $259 (JW
Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa).
CAR I BBE ANT R AVE L MAG. COM
Three islands. Endless possibilities.
Point Pleasant Resort
Three intimate pools & sun
decks nestled among the lush
hillside, cozy hammocks hidden
high above the horizon & a
secluded beach at the foot of
the nature trail. From breath-
taking views to private &
spacious accommodations,
Point Pleasant has everything
you need to make your
getaway unforgettable.
800-524-2300
340-775-7200
www.pointpleasantresort.com
[email protected]
ST. THOMAS
Bolongo Bay
Beach Resort
One-of-a-kind All Inclusive
experience offering 100% a la carte
dining at two of St. Thomas’ most
popular seaside restaurants and
premium brand liquor. Just 65
rooms right on the beach,
complimentary water sports, PADI
dive shop, tennis, beach volleyball
and best of all — the friendliest staff
on the island. European plan,
Wedding and Honeymoon
packages also available.
800-524-4746
www.bolongobay.com
ST. THOMAS
Sugar Beach
Condo Resort
Rated #1 condominium resort in
2005 by TripAdvisor.com! Located
on 500 ft. of sandy beach and
5 minutes from downtown shop-
ping. 46 spacious, deluxe units:
studios, 1 to 4 bedroom suites, all
facing the beach. Includes private
balconies, kitchens, central A/C,
ceiling fans, CATV, phone, pool,
lighted tennis courts and laundry.
Rates from $98.00.
800-524-2049
340-773-5345
www.sugarbeachstcroix.com
ST. CROIX
Divi Carina Bay
Beach Resort & Casino
Amidst St. Croix’s natural
island beauty is a place where
the Caribbean’s carefree spirit
meets the thrill of Las Vegas.
With all rooms facing the
beautiful Caribbean Sea, the
resort features a spectacular
1000-ft. white sand beach,
dazzling casino, a selection of
dining options, tennis court &
watersports, including PADI
5-Star Gold Palm diving.
877-773-9700
340-773-9700
www.divicarina.com
ST. CROIX
Secret Harbour
Beach Resort
Why settle for a room when
you can enjoy a fully equipped
beachfront or oceanview studio
or suite with private patio or
balcony overlooking our palm
lined beach? Enjoy tennis, pool,
dive/watersports and fitness
center and seaside restaurant.
Honeymoon, wedding and value
season packages available.
Last minute specials are on
our website.
800-524-2250
340-775-6550
www.secretharbourvi.com
ST. THOMAS
Emerald Beach Resort
A perfect honeymoon or business
location. Luxurious, romantic &
secluded...on the beach of
Lindbergh Bay. Minutes from the
airport & duty free shopping. All
beachfront rooms with private
balconies & free continental
breakfast daily. Oceanfront
restaurant, fresh-water pool with
waterfall & beach bar, diving,
tennis & water sports at the
resort. Free daily shuttle.
800-233-4936
340-777-8800
www.emeraldbeach.com
[email protected]
ST. THOMAS
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 107
PHOTO CONTEST
Continued from page 95
h o n o r a b l e m e n t i o n s
PEOPLE Havana, Cuba, by Joanne Dalpé of Quebec, Canada
SCENIC Negril, Jamaica, by Klaus Wolf of Kingston, Jamaica
ANYTHING GOES St. John by John Owens of Troup, Texas
108 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
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Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya
COZUMEL CONTEST — TIMES FIVE
Have you been dreaming of the perfect
island retreat? Of soaking up the sun on
a tranquil beach, feasting on super-fresh
Mexican seafood and going on world-
class diving and snorkeling adventures?
Or maybe of a few expertly made mar-
garitas in the land of premium tequila?
Well, wake up and go to caribbeantravel
mag.com/cozumelcontest. We’ve got five
chances to make your dreams come true
with free hotel stays at: Casa Mexicana,
Coral Princess Hotel & Resort, Fiesta
Americana, Hotel Cozumel & Resort
and Reef Club & Resort. Deadline to
enter is November 15.
WIN A BAHAMA BREAK
A glorious weekend escape to beauti-
ful Grand Bahama Island awaits some
lucky couple. You can enter to win
a two-night getaway to either the
Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our
Lucaya Resort or the Westin Grand
Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort.
The sister properties share 372 acres
— encompassing 7.5 acres of Lucayan
Beach — and all facilities, including
two golf courses, a casino, a spa and
beachfront eateries. Visit caribbean
travelmag.com/bahamasgiveaway by
September 19 to enter. Or did you
have something better to do that week-
end? — Rebecca Kinnear
OCTOBER 2006 109
Treasure
Beach
Treasure Beach offers
a stunning location
and quiet, intimate
charm. Located on
one of the island’s
best white sand
beaches, the 35-room
hotel is set in lush,
tropical gardens. Its
suites are cool and contemporary in design. Newly modernized,
the hotel also offers new luxury suites with private pools over-
looking the Caribbean Sea. Treasure Beach offers a ‘house party
style’ where service always comes with a smile.
(246) 432 1346 • www.treasurebeachhotel.com
[email protected]
Accra Beach
Hotel & Resort
Ideally located on
3 1/2 acres of tropical
landscape, this hotel
has rooms offering
panoramic views of
the ocean, pool or
island. Whether your
stay is for business or
pleasure our beauti-
fully appointed rooms, highly acclaimed gourmet restaurants and
well equipped banquet and conference facilities have been host
to the most discerning guests the world over. We look forward to
making you one of them.
(246) 435-8920 • www.accrabeachhotel.com
[email protected]
Almond Beach
Village
The Almond Beach
Village is a play-
ground for adults
and children like no
other. Kids-only activ-
ity areas guarantees
babies to teens will
have the time of
their lives. Adults are
free to enjoy a village replete with water sports, fitness classes,
entertainment and gourmet dining options. Contact your travel
professional or Almond Vacations.
1-800-4 ALMOND • www.almondresorts.com
Almond Beach
Club & Spa
Here, relaxation and
exhilaration walk
hand in hand along
powder-soft shores.
It’s as easy to enjoy a
leisurely day of gour-
met dining, afternoon
tea and treatments
in our full-service spa
as it is to experience the rush of water-skiing, windsurfing and
snorkeling along a tropical reef. Contact your travel professional
or Almond Vacations.
1-800-4 ALMOND • www.almondresorts.com
110 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
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NOVEMBER 9-12
The Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival
showcases “straight ahead,” Latin and
bebop stylings by such artists as McCoy
Tyner, Eddie Palmieri and Pharoah Sanders.
Contact: anguillajazz.org
NOVEMBER 9-19
Grand Cayman’s Pirates Week National
Festival encompasses 11 days of costume
parties, food fests and street dances. Contact:
345-949-5859; piratesweekfestival.com
NOVEMBER 10-19
You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy the 16th
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta just off
Palm Beach — the week’s festivities are open to
all comers. Contact: arubaregatta.com
NOVEMBER 24-26
Join the region’s top steel drum bands and
their supporters when they converge on
Antigua for the Moods of Pan competition.
Contact: 268-773-6633
NOVEMBER 25
It’s all about the mollusk at Provo’s Turks and
Caicos Conch Festival, where the chewy
critter will be cracked, jerked, frittered and
chowdered. Contact: conchfestival.com
Floris Suite Hotel
Surrounded by sumptuous tropical gardens, this all suite hotel, a
creation of the famous Dutch designer Jan des Bouvrie, is a true
sanctuary on the beautiful island of Curaçao. All suites are equipped &
furnished with first class design materials, direct dial telephone with data
port, fully equipped kitchen & a large patio/balcony. Enjoy the tropical free-
form pool, a gourmet dinner in the Mediterranean restaurant “Sjalotte” and
the private beach with bar/restaurant “La Plage Hook’s Hut”. The compli-
mentary shuttle to the downtown area & the beach runs 4 times a day.
Call +1-800-781-1011 or +5999-462-6111
visit www.florissuitehotel.com or www.designhotels.com
Sunset Waters Beach Resort
Situated on Curacao’s southwestern coastline on a magnificent stretch of
white sand beach, All Inclusive Sunset Waters boasts large oceanfront
rooms that offer panoramic vistas of the mountains, bays, cliffs, and calm,
pristine waters that create Curacao’s Gold Coast. Discover true Caribbean
charm as the enthusiastic staff caters to your every need. Experienced
Caribbean travelers find this intimate boutique hotel the perfect island retreat.
Contact us at 866-5SUNSET or
[email protected] or visit www.sunsetwaters.com
Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club
Not the end of the earth, but the end of the Island is where you will find
Curacao's newest Oceanfront Resort - Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach
Club. Elegantly-appointed suites, refreshing swimming pool perched above
the ocean, on-site dive shop, snorkeling just steps from one’s door, water
bikes, kayaking, state-of-the-art fitness center; open air dining and sunsets
beyond compare.
Contact us at 877-264-3106 or
[email protected] or visit www.khspecials.com
Breezes Curaçao
Super-Inclusive, family friendly beachfront resort in front of National
Underwater Park featuring all inclusive amenities, a five-star PADI dive
center, casino, 3 restaurants, bars, fitness center, spa, golf, playground,
pools, kids programs, tennis, snorkeling, ice skating rink and more.
Romantic and intimate weddings and honeymoons. Just about everything
you can eat, drink and do is included in one upfront price.
Contact us at 800-GO SUPER or
[email protected] or visit www.SuperClubs.com
Hilton Curaçao
Located at Piscadera Bay, the beachfront Hilton Curaçao boasts two private
white sand beaches, beautiful grounds, diving, a casino, and a health club
& spa on premises. All 196 guest rooms and suites feature stunning island
or ocean views and private balconies. Just four miles from the capital city of
Willemstad, Curaçao offers guests the luxury of a tropical resort with it’s
colorful Dutch architecture.
Contact us at 1-877-GO-HILTON or
visit www.hiltoncaribbean.com/curacao
Lions Dive & Beach Resort
The Natural Place to Stay on Curacao. Experience the Caribbean at its best
at Lions Dive & Beach Resort Curacao. You can relax in one of our ocean-
front rooms or luxury apartments with direct access to the beach. Stay
connected with our wireless hotspots, or cool down with refreshing cocktails
at our new beach bar-restaurant Hemingway, or take a refreshing dive into
the National Curacao Underwater Park which lies adjacent to Lions Dive &
Beach Resort.
Contact us at 11-5999-434-8888 or Toll Free 1-866-LIONSDIVE
www.lionsdive.com
114 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
inside
MARTINIQUE
Continued from page 75
can be found along roadsides on the main
routes of the interior and on the northeast
coast, and guided hikes are available as well.
For information and guides, French-speakers
can contact the Parc Naturel Régional de la
Martinique: 011-596-596-64-42-59.
WHERE TO STAY
Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek
Style: Newly upgraded all-inclusive beach
resort
Location: The southeastern peninsula, near
Sainte-Anne
Accommodations: 293 rooms and suites
Rates: 7 nights, $1,120 per person in low
season ($1,190 high)
Amenities: Nightly entertainment; sports
galore; spa and gym
Dining: Superior buffet in main dining
room; La Belle Creole restaurant
Contact: 888-WEB-CLUB; clubmed.us
Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
Style: Relais & Chateaux beach resort
Location: East coast, near Le Francois
Accommodations: 50 suites in three
categories, all with plasma TVs, DVD/CD
players, bars, internet; many with plunge
pools and outdoor showers
Rates: $505 to $1,261 in low season
($694 to $1,514 high)
Amenities: Guerlain spa; tennis; sailing,
fishing and other water sports including
kiteboarding; huge pool; small beaches
Dining: Two restaurants (one fish, one
fusion); extensive wine cellar; breakfast
included
Contact: 011-596-596-54-96-00;
capest.com
Fregate Bleue Hotel
Style: Homey, quiet inn
Location: East coast, near Le Francois
Accommodations: Seven ocean-view
rooms and suites in the main building, three
pool bungalow rooms
Rates: From $84 to $216 in low season
($153 to $388 high)
Amenities: English spoken by host; pool
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 115
OCTOBER 2006 117
Dining: Creole cooking at lunch and dinner
by reservation; breakfast included
Contact: 011-596-596-54-54-66;
fregatebleue.com
Le Domaine Saint Aubin
Style: Haute Creole plantation house
Location: East coast near La Trinité
Accommodations: 11rooms (growing
to 30)
Rates: $129 in low season ($199 high)
Dining: Breakfast $14; dinner $48, wine
not included
Contact: 011-596-596-69-34-77;
ledomainesaintaubin.com
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Tourist Information: Martinique
Promotion Bureau, 212-838-7800;
martinique.org
Documents: A valid passport is required.
Getting There: American Airlines (800-
433-7300) connects with American Eagle
in San Juan on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and
Monday. LIAT (888-844-5428) connects
to Martinique from Barbados and St. Lucia.
Dialing In: 011-596-596 + six-digit
number (on island, 596 + six-digit number)
Currency: The official currency is the
Euro (E1 = US$1.25)
Getting Around: Car rentals are avail-
able at the airport with a valid U.S. driver’s
license. Certain hotels provide airport trans-
fers, and taxis are available at the airport.
Le Domaine Saint Aubin
Villas by Linda Smith
“Once you’ve stayed in a staffed villa, you’ll never go back
to another vacation style again.” More than 50 exquisite
private villas adorn Linda Smith’s remarkable collection in
the heart of the Jamaican Riviera. Large or small, each
comes with its own pool and staff: chef, butler, house-
keeper, gardener and even a laundress so everyone leaves
with a suitcase full of clean clothes. Nannies, drivers and
masseuses available too. Handicap accessible. Golf and
tennis on site or nearby. Our collection includes intimate
honeymoon cottages, breathtaking beachfront villas, a
glamorous 18-acre mountaintop estate for 20, and even a
magical 18th Century plantation on 2,000 acres
renowned for its dreamlike weddings. They’re wonderful
for memorable birthday and anniversary celebrations for
everyone from toddlers to tycoons. We specialize in family
reunions (children welcome!). Simply the best.
[email protected]
301-229-4300
www.jamaicavillas.com
The Villas at Bluefields
Live like royalty. Jamaica’s best villa staff will attend to your every need. CT&L
wrote “Jamaica offers nothing better”. Safe, secure & unspoiled by commercial-
ism. Five waterfront villas nestled in total privacy & tucked into a secluded cove
on Jamaica’s exotic southwest coast. Packages include internationally acclaimed
staff, gourmet meals, all liquor, watersports & more. Spa services available on site.
A world apart…call owners for details at 202-232-4010. Fax 703-549-6517.
Website: www.bluefieldsvillas.com E-mail: vacations@bluefieldsvillas.com
Turks & Caicos - Grace Bay
Enjoy tranquil days, white-sand beaches, and sunny skies when you
vacation with Prestigious Properties. Our selection of private luxury villas and
intimate beach cottages are designed to help create the memories of
a lifetime. Prestigious Properties, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Telephone (649) 946-4379 • Fax (649) 946-4703 Member TCREA
[email protected] • www.prestigiousproperties.com
VI L L A VACATI ONS | I NTI MATE HOTEL S | THE MARKET | I NDEX
island marketplace
Your Caribbean dreams can come true in the Island Marketplace. Rent a villa,
buy a home, find the perfect hotel or a little bit of Caribbean charm. In addition,
you’ll find the handy index to our display advertisers. So call or follow-up online,
just don’t forget to say you saw it in Caribbean Travel & Life.
118 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
villa vacations
Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals
Our private homes include charming and affordable seaside cottages & deluxe
beachfront villas with kitchens, pools, jacuzzis & A/C. Spa, tennis, shopping,
dining, water sports, fishing & more available nearby. For hotel accommodations,
stay at Leverick Bay Resort-Caribbean Style. Perfectly suited, well-priced,
comfortable & clean and, best of all, friendly. For a free color brochure, call 800-
848-7081 or 284-495-7421; E-mail: [email protected]; Website:
www.VirginGordaBVI.com.
Fort Recovery Tortola Villa Beach Resort, BVI
SUPERB 1- 4 BDRM BEACHFRONT VILLAS ON BLUE CARIBBEAN W/
COOL breezes – magnificent views, patio, living rm, kitchen, bdrm, bath, AC, TV,
Maid, Pool & Dock. Package includes: 7 nts Villa, Jeep, B’fast, 3 Dinners ea.,
Boat trip, Massage, Pedicure, Yoga & Tax. From $1995 per couple.
Featured Discovery’s Ch., Fodor’s & AAA. Complimentary Wedding Planner.
800-367-8455 (wait ring), E-mail: [email protected] Also located
Bequia (Bek-way), St. Vincent & The Grenadines www.fortrecovery.com
Calypso Realty – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
For a week or a lifetime! We offer magnificent properties from beachside
condos to luxurious pool villas. Beautifully appointed, fully equipped, maid
service, pools and/or beaches, all with extraordinary views of turquoise waters,
palm fringed islands & lush, colorful landscaping. CALYPSO REALTY,
PO Box 12178, St. Thomas, VI 00801-5178 800-747-4858 or
340-774-1620 Fax 340-774-1634 Visit www.CalypsoRealty.com today!
Private Condominiums Cupecoy Beach Club
Enjoy the privacy and tranquility that sets Cupecoy Beach Club apart from
the hustle and bustle of other St Maarten resorts. Situated on the top of the
Cupecoy cliffs these condo’s offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.
All these luxurious units have 2 bedrooms, 3 baths. Each can be rented as
double deluxe rooms, one bedroom suites with private balconies overlooking
the ocean or garden and pool, one cannot help but feel on top of the world.
Phone & Fax: 599-545-2243 e-mail: [email protected]
Palm Terrace Villas
Large, luxury condominiums with pretty water views in Cruz Bay! Beautifully
furnished and conveniently located, these brand new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units
are a block from the Caribbean, and a short walk to our bustling village of Cruz
Bay. With only 6 units in a private and intimate setting, Palm Terrace has the
location, amenities and value to make your next St. John vacation special! For
more information or reservations, call 800-324-5107 / 800-562-1901 or on
St. John 340-779-4647 www.palmterracevillas.com
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
Relaxing under a palm tree has reached a wholenew level… Serendipitous days
spent sailing, snorkeling and exploring an island that is 2/3 US National Park.
Sensuous nights of delicious dining and Heavenly Beds. Surrounded by 47
acres of lush landscaping on a white sand beach. Superb service and gracious
amenities provided with personal touches that will surprise and delight. The
Westin St. John Resort & Villas — the perfect respite for friends and family.
Contact us at (340) 693.8000 or visit westinresortstjohn.com
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 119
St. Barth - Live Your Dream™
St. Barth...It’s what we do - EXCLUSIVELY!
Established in 1989, St. Barth Properties represents
over 140 private villas and 20 preferred hotels on St.
Barts, the Caribbean’s chicest island. We offer a full
menu of concierge services. The staff of both our US
and on-site affiliate offices are dedicated to meeting
our clients’ needs. We will be pleased to help you
choose an intimate, elegant hotel or one of our villas, all
personally inspected, ranging from a cozy bungalow to a
6 bedroom amenity-laden home. To view our collection
in full color, contact us for a copy of our Dream
Portfolio. Visit www.stbarth.com, to check availability
and book, live, on-line 24/7.
(800) 421.3396 or (508) 528.7727
Fax (508) 528.7789
Email: [email protected]
www.stbarth.com
Imagine lounging pool-side at your own private villa in an
exotic Caribbean island. Imagine the privacy, the space,
and the glorious surroundings. Wimco Villas manages over
1,200 private luxury villas in the Caribbean, including
200 exclusive villas in St Barts. We have 25 years expe-
rience in providing concierge level services in all of our
villas. We will take care of your Air travel, Restaurant
reservations, rental cars, babysitters, chefs and more.
Exclusive agent for SIBARTH Villas in St Barts.
Call 800-278-6469
Or visit us at www.wimco.com/ctl
Villa Case et Cuisine
Elegant island surroundings in stylish 2- bedroom/bath Villa of St. Barths
author/photographer. With loft, sleeps up to 6. Refreshing tropical breezes.
Beautiful view over scenic Marigot Bay, Caribbean, & exclusive Mont-Jean.
Large private pool, lush & fragrant illuminated plantation gardens, satellite
TV, DVD, “surround” stereo, gourmet kitchen, 4-poster beds, computer, fax,
& DSL internet connection. Concierge service. SUMMER / FALL rates.
www.st-barths.com/villa-case-et-cuisine/ Tel: (805) 969-6323.
T O A D V E R T I S E I N T H I S S E C T I O N
Contact
Ryan Fridl ey
at 407-571-4712
or
Dianne Smi th
at 407-571-4953
Special
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120 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
RE/MAX Island Properties – St. Maarten/St. Martin
Your Caribbean Dreams can come true… for a week or two… at your own private
villa. For over 20 years, Island Properties has been villa rental specialists on St.
Maarten/St. Martin. We are renown for full product knowledge, ensuring the
highest quality villas and unsurpassed service for our guests. We offer everything
from a romantic one-bedroom cottage to breathtaking beachfront villas. Call the
Rental Specialists today Toll Free: (866) 978-5852 or (599) 543-6160
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.islandpropertiesonline.com
Catered To Vacation Homes St. John, USVI
Getaway to the most exotic destination in America, St. John, US Virgin Islands! Catered To
Vacation Homes offer a bit of paradise for every taste & budget from basic to luxurious. Our
private homes accommodate two to ten people, are beautifully furnished & landscaped,
all with breathtaking sea views, most with pools or spas. Located near Cruz Bay, the Virgin
Islands National Park & the best beaches, each home has fully equipped kitchen, all linens,
TV, VCR, stereo, gas grill, beach chairs, beach towels & coolers. Call 800-424-6641,
fax 340-693-8191, E-mail: [email protected] Website: CateredTo.com
Destination St. John
A unique and exclusive selection of private vacation homes on the beautiful
island of St. John, USVI. Private waterfront and hillside homes ranging from
luxurious villas to Caribbean cottages. All offer lush landscaping, private
decks and glorious ocean views. Most with pools or hottubs. Personalized
service from the moment you arrive on St. John. Discount airfare packages
available. Call Destination St. John: Toll Free 800-562-1901. Phone/Fax:
340-779-4647. Visit us at www.destinationstjohn.com.
Caribbean Villas & Resorts Management
We offer 80 of the finest luxury villas & condos, w/ privacy, beautiful views,
pools, hot tubs, tennis or beachfront locations. Our diverse selection, from
1-6 bedrms & $170-$1,000/nt., insures we provide you with a villa to match
your budget & dreams. We also offer ultra-romantic hideaways for
honey mooners & lovers. Our friendly staff meets you at the ferry & serves as
your island hosts. Take a villa tour at: www.caribbeanvilla.com. 800-338-0987
or 207-871-1129
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 121
villa vacations
122 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM 122 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
Antigua & Barbuda
1. Antigua & Barbuda Department
of Tourism - Where the beach is just
the beginning — the Caribbean you’ve
always imagined. See page 21
2. Antigua Hotel & Tourist
Association - Here the Beach is just
the Beginning. See page 21
3. Elite Galley Bay - An exotic seclud-
ed Hideaway. See page 15
4. Elite St. James Club - Antigua’s
most famous address. See page 14
Bahamas
5. Abaco Beach Resort & Boat
Harbour - A Sea of Blue....and all
Colors imaginable await you at the
popular and upscale Abaco Beach
Resort. See page C2-3
6. Bahamas Out Islands Promotion
Board - The “closer” Caribbean! Ideal
for those seeking total relaxation,
world-class fishing, diving, snorkeling
and sailing. See page C2-3
7. Cable Beach Resorts - Three hotels
sharing the most gorgeous stretch of
sand in the Bahamas. Cable Beach.
Very Bright. See page 108
8. Cape Santa Maria - Untouched.
Undiscovered.barefoot elegance in
a Caribbean paradise. Four miles of
pristine-white beach. See page C2-3
9. Club Peace & Plenty & Peace
and Plenty Beach Inn - Pristine
emerald waters, private beach on
island, neat and clean, ocean view
rooms. Family owned. See page C2-
3
10. Four Seasons Great Exuma - Crystal-
clear Bahamian waters for diving, an
open-air spa and an oceanside golf
course designed by Greg Norman. See
page C2-3
11. Grand Isle Villas - Luxury Bahamas
resort rentals and sales, oceanfront
two-story villas, golf course, beach,
and marina. See page 114
12. Palm Bay Beach Club - Discover a
new way of life on this tranquil island.
An attractive investment, or vacation
getaway. See page C2-3
13. Pineapple Fields - Eleuthera’s first
luxury condo/resort set amidst lush
tropical landscape on 80-acres the
kisses one of the most spectacular
beaches in the Bahamas. See page
C2-3
14. Small Hope Bay Lodge - Great
small all-inclusive resort specializing
in Rest, Relaxation, Rediscovery, and
Romance. See page C2-3
15. Staniel Cay Yacht Club - The
embodiment of small island charm and
unique pleasures found nowhere else
on earth. See page C2-3
16. Tiamo Resorts - Naturally one of the
great vacations in The Bahamas! See
page C2-3
Barbados
17. Almond Beach Village - See page
109
18. Almond Beach Club & Spa - See
page 109
19. Accra Beach Hotel & Resort - See
page 109
20. Elegant Hotels - At Elegant Hotels,
everyday is an encounter with the
unexpected. See page 23
21. Treasure Beach Hotel - 35-Suite
hotel offers a stunning location on
white sand beach and quite intimate
charm. See page 109
Belize
22. Azul Resort - A new level of relaxed
luxury, beachfront villas with the
amenities of a world-class resort – See
page 101
23. Belize Lodge & Excursions Ltd. - A
unique, all-inclusive, ecotourism resort
destination and adventure travel opera-
tor. See page 101
24. Belize Tourism Board - Mother
Nature’s best kept secret. Choose
your adventure! On the Caribbean
Coast of Central America 2 hours
from the U.S. See page 101
25. Journey’s End - A private island
paradise on 50 acres of pristine
beach. A resort for the discriminat-
ing traveler. See page 101
26. Las Terrazas - Where the front door
of your villa opens directly onto the
beach. See page 12
27. Roatan Charter - Your one call
source to a perfect vacation in
Honduras and Belize. See page 101
28. Sueno del Mar - Residential Resort
on Ambergris Caye, combining the
best features of fractional ownership
and resort club membership. See
page 101
29. SunBreeze Hotel - Great loca-
tions, superb value, friendly efficient
service, a/c rooms, restaurant, bar,
gift shop, massage studio, dive shop.
See page 101
30. Turneffe Island Lodge Resort
- Escape to your own private island
all-inclusive resort for scuba div-
ers, fishermen and snorkelers. See
page 101
Bonaire
31. Plaza Resort Bonaire - Bonaire’s
premiere beachfront & reef-front
resort and Toucan Diving Center
“that have it all!” See page 111
32. Sand Dollar Condominium
Resort - is great for families,
the largest rooms on Bonaire.
Dine waterside at our new Pier
Restaurant. See page 111
33. Tourism Corporation of Bonaire
- Charming and unhurried with pris-
tine nature above and below the
water, Bonaire is an ideal destina-
tion for couples and families. See
page 111
British Virgin Islands
34. Elite Long Bay Beach Resort &
Villas - An adventurous hideaway.
See page 15
Cayman Islands
35. Boatswains Beach - Come nose to
nose with a shark. Swim with a tropi-
cal fish. Tickle a turtle. Giggle at an
Iguana. See page 43
36. Cayman Airways - Jet services from
Chicago, Houston, Tampa, Miami and
Ft. Lauderdale with connections to
Brac & Little Cayman. See page
116
37. Cayman Condo’s - 1, 2,3 & 4 BR
fully equipped condos on Seven Mile
Beach. See page 116
38. Cayman Islands Department of
Tourism - Stay with us for a few
days and we’ll stay with you forever.
See pages 29, 116
39. Grand Cayman Courtyard by
Marriott - Our 231 room, five-
story hotel is located just across
from Famous Seven Mile Beach. See
page 104,116
40. Grand Cayman Marriott Beach
Resort - Discover the grace &
color of our intimate Grand Cayman
Experience. See page 104,116
41. Paradise Villas Little Cayman -
The only 100% oceanfront resort on
Little Cayman. 12 oceanfront villas,
seaside restaurant, dive operation.
See page 116
42. Reef Resort - All beachfront
Luxury Suites, Pure Beach
Relaxation, the Barefoot Man, what
more could you want? See page
116
43. Sunset House - Beautifully reno-
vated rooms, walking distance to
George Town, meal packages, dive
shop, Cathy Church photo. See page
116
44. Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa
- Come and experience the Westin
Casuariana - the best resort directly
on famous Seven Mile Beach! See
pages 42, 116
Cruises/Yacht Vacations
45. Elite Island Yacht Charters - The
Vacation of a Lifetime at the Price of a
Lifetime. See page 109
Curacao
46. Curacao Tourism Board - Where
northern Europe meets the Southern
Caribbean. See page 112-113
47. Floris Suite Hotel - Surrounded by
sumptuous tropical gardens, Enjoy the
tropical free-form pool, a gourmet
dinner in the Mediterranean restaurant.
See page 112
48. Hilton Curacao Hotel - Luxury
of a Tropical Resort with a Dutch
Architecture. See page 113
49. Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach
Club - Elegantly appointed suites,
refreshing swimming pool perched
above the ocean, on-site dive shop.
See page 112
50. Lions Dive & Beach Resort
- Situated on a white sandy-beach
hugged by palm trees and spacious air-
conditioned rooms. See page 17
51. Sunset Waters Beach Resort - All-
inclusive sunset waters boast large
oceanfront rooms that offer panoramic
vistas of the mountains, bays, cliffs and
calm, pristine waters. See page 112
52. SuperClubs - The only SuperInclusive
resorts in the Caribbean. See page 112
Dominican Republic
53. Bahia Principe - Luxury all-inclusive
resorts in beautiful natural surroundings
– DR, Jamaica, Mexico, – 24-hour all
inclusive service experience. See page
11
54. Eden Bay Resort - On the Lush
Tropical North Coast of the Dominican
Republic…See page 116
55. Sun Village Resort and Spa - Come
for a vacation or stay for a lifetime.
Brand New million dollar spa Confresi
Beach, Puerta Plata. See page 8
Honduras
56. Anthony’s Key Resort - The resort
designed by nature. Every day is a
new adventure at AKR! See page 8
Jamaica
57. Breezes Resorts - All-inclusive lux-
ury rooms and suites in Jamaica, the
Bahamas, Brazil, Curacao, Dominican
Republic. See page 7
58. Couples Resorts - Rediscover one
another. Luxury all-inclusive resorts
in Jamaica, Couples Negril, Couples
Sweptaway and Couples Ocho Rios.
See page 114
59. Grand Lido Resorts & Spas -
Jamaica’s premier all-inclusive resorts
-- luxury rooms and suites by the
masters in the art of vacations. See
page 5
60. Jamaica Tourist Board -Jamaica
One Love -Experience the heart and
soul of the Caribbean; once you go...
You know. See page C4
61. Royal Plantation - Deny yourself
NOTHING. See page 117
Martinique
62. Martinique Promotion Bureau -
Also known as the French Caribbean’s
Little Heaven blessed with beautiful
beaches, lush vegetation, and sophisti-
cated hotels. See page 25
Mexico
63. Puerto Costa Maya - Beyond Your
Expectations. See page 13
64. RIU Hotels and Resorts RIU - Bring
the all-inclusive concept and legendary
service to the most popular vacation
destinations. See page 10
Miscellaneous
65. Colombian Emeralds - A 30 year
reputation for quality, integrity,
and value. Certified appraisals, US
Customer Service Center. See page
44
66. Professional Association of
Diving Instructors - PADI is the
way more than one million people
worldwide learn to dive each year.
See page 129
free travel information Simply MAIL the attached Reader Response Card, FAX toll-free to 888-847-6035,
OCTOBER 2006 123
Multiple Islands
67. Beaches Resorts By Sandals
Resorts - Voted world’s best all-inclu-
sive family resorts -- Jamaica, Turks and
Caicos. See page 35
68. Cheap Caribbean.Com - Save up to
70% off published prices on vacation
packages and luxurious resorts. See
page 98
69. Choice Hotels International -
Inviting and affordable hotels amid all
the pleasures of the Caribbean. See
page 100
70. Divi Resorts - Miles of white sand
beach. Nine colorful Caribbean resorts.
Six magnificent Caribbean islands. No
worries. Unlimited fun. See page 9
71. Hilton Caribbean - The places
you’d rather be. 14 beautiful hotels
and resorts on 9 different Caribbean
islands. See page 27
72. Holiday Inn Caribbean - Get a
FREE NIGHT on us! See page 39
73. Island Home - Caribbean Real Estate
specialists, Island Home can help
make your dream of owning an Island
Home…Reality. See page 117
74. Sandals Resorts - Voted the world’s
best all-inclusive resorts for over a
decade -- Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia,
Bahamas. See page 31
Puerto Rico
75. Casa Islena Inn - Pass through our
gates and enter tranquility and beauty
in Puerto Rico. See page 53
76. Copamarina Beach Resort
- Copamarina offers the finest in relax-
ation, dining, diving, sailing and eco-
tourist wonders to create the perfect
vacation experience. See page 52
77. East Island Exursions - Come Sail
with us…or take a Power trip. See
page 49
78. Embassy Suites Hotel Dorado Del
Mar - Spacious suite, walk to the
beach, exciting casino and free cooked
to order breakfast. Where Dreams
Come True. See page 50
79. Embassy Suites Hotel San Juan &
Casino - See page 54
80. Holiday Inn San Juan - Picture
Yourself here!!! See page 50
81. Island West Properties - Homes,
Land, Condos and Rentals in Rincon &
Porta del Sol. See page 53
82. Lazy Parrot - Rincon’s Road to
Happiness Inn full of Parrotphernalia
and always squawking good! See page
53
83. Martineau Bay Resort and Spa
- A new way of life awaits in Vieques,
Puerto Rico. Share in the Secret. See
page 49
84. Paradisus Puerto Rico - Puerto
Rico’s first all-inclusive, luxury all suite
resort with comfort, convienience and
amenities. See page 51
85. Pineapple Inn - Intimate Guest
House on a tropical beach in the West.
See page 53
86. Puerto Rico Tourism - Friendly,
beautiful and diverse island with over
230 miles of beaches. Tailor your
dream trip loaded with action or rest/
relaxation. See page 55
87. Rincon Beach Resort - Four star
boutique hotel with ocean view,
located in a corner of Puerto Rico’s
west coast known as Porta del Sol.
See page 50
88. Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
- The brand new Sheraton Old San
Juan Hotel, located on the water-
front, features newly renovated rooms
& suites. See page 51
89. The Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf
Resort & Spa - Is the Caribbean’s
ultimate beachfront vacation and golf
resort, located on Puerto Rico’s beau-
tiful northeast shore. See page 52
90. Taino Divers - Full Service Dive shop
and Charter in Rincon. See page 53
91. Villa Cofresi - On gorgeous Rincon
Beach with restaurant, pool & bar by
the sea. See page 53
St. Kitts
92. Frigate Bay Resort - The St. Kitts
choice for romantic celebrations and
special memories See page 115
93. Ocean Terrace Inn - A stunning hill-
top retreat offering panoramic views
of the Caribbean Sea & Nevis. See
page 115
94. St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The
Royal Beach Casino - This 26-acre
resort boasts gorgeous vistas and
luxurious amenities sure to please
even the most discerning traveler. See
page 115
95. St. Kitts Ministry Tourism
Authority - Blessed by nature and
rich in history – a Caribbean island like
no other. See page 115
96. Sugar Bay Club - A delightfully
informal resort ideal for couples or
families seeking a budget-conscious
vacation in the tropics. See page 115
97. Timothy Beach - The ocean lover’s
choice on St. Kitts offering deluxe
suites beautifully appointed hotel
rooms, snorkeling, water sports &
nearby golf. See page 115
St. Lucia
98. Anse Chastanet Resort
- Spectacularly scenic 600 acre
hideaway with 2 beaches bordering
on pristine reefs. Romance, Tranquility,
Adventure. See page 109
St. Maarten
99. Princess Heights - Luxury condo-
minium, boutique hotel-style accom-
modations with stunning ocean views
-- exclusive part of St. Maarten. See
page 96
100. St. Maarten Tourist Office
- Caribbean Hospitality -European
Sophistication Great Beaches World
Famous Restaurants and Nightlife.
World Class Resorts and Hotels,
Intimate Guesthouses and Villas. See
pages 96-97
101. Westin St Maarten Dawn Beach
- Relax on beautiful Dawn beach.
Revitalize yourself in our luxurious spa.
See page 40
St. Martin
102. Grand Case Beach Club - The
beach is so close, shoes are strictly
optional. Award-winning, charming
accommodations. See page 96
103. Green Cay Villas - Overlooking
Orient Beach — 16 private one- to
three-bedroom villas with services of
a luxury hotel. See page 96
104. St. Martin Tourist Board - The
charm of France, the beauty of the
Caribbean. Friendly and easy access.
You’ll love it! See pages 96-97
St. Vincent & The
Grenadines
105. Palm Island The Grenadines - The
Best Antigua has to offer. See page
15
Trinidad & Tobago
106. Trinidad and Tobago - Beaches,
waterfalls, scuba diving, rain forests,
and much more. Discover the twin
islands of Trinidad and Tobago - The
World’s most beautiful playground.
See page 105
Turks & Caicos
107. Alexandra Resort & Spa -
Escape the ordinary with first-class
oceanfront vacation rental suites and
ownership accommodations. See page
103
108. Point Grace - Beachfront elegance
redefined as ultra luxury sutes in a
romantic setting. See page 102
109. Royal West Indies Resort - All-
suite, luxury, beach-side condominium
resort on Grace Bay Beach; studios,
one- and two-bedrooms. See page
102
110. The Sands at Grace Bay -
Spacious, beautifully appointed suites
— real vacation living on Grace Bay
Beach. See page 102
111. Turks & Caicos Club - Oceanfront
21-suite five-star resorts on Grace
Bay Beach, perfect for honeymooners
and intimate escapes. See page 102
112. Villa Renaissance - The ambience of
a grand villa on the Caribbean’s most
spectacular beach — 36 luxury suites
and villas. See page 103
USVI – St. Croix
113. Buccaneer - Luxury four-star golf
and beach resort. Spa, tennis, fine din-
ing, historic, best location. See page
110
114. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort &
Casino - Featuring deluxe beachfront
guestrooms, stunning white sand
beach, restaurants, watersports center,
and the only casino in the USVI. See
page 106
115. Sugar Beach Condo Resort - You
will find fun, sand, and tranquility here!
Choose from 1, 2 and 3BR suites all
facing the ocean. See page 106
USVI – St. John
116. Concordia Eco Tents & Concordia
Studios - Choose private tent-cot-
tage with own deck and bathroom or
fully equipped studio apartment with
deck. See page 107
117. Maho Bay Camps Inc & Harmony
Studios - Roomy tent-cottages each
with private deck on hillside and steps
to secluded white sand beach. See
page 107
118. The Westin St. John Resort &
Villas - Set on St. John’s Cruz Bay
with a private 1,200 ft white sand
beach. 92 hillside and garden villas.
See page 37
USVI – St. Thomas
119. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort - Offers
the best All Inclusive experience, great
honeymoon or wedding packages.
There is something here for everyone!
See pages 106,110
120. Emerald Beach Resort - Perfect for
a family vacation, business trip, island
wedding or a romantic honeymoon!
Convenient to downtown, shopping
and the airport! See page 106
121. Pavilions and Pools - Your own private
1-bedroom villa and swimming pool
- quiet, romantic, and beautiful. 5 minute
walk to the beach. See page 107
122. Secret Harbour Beach Resort
- located on the quiet East End of St.
Thomas with the comfort of a beach-
front or oceanview suite for your visit
to paradise. See page 106
Villa Vacations
123. Bluefield’s Bay Villas - Jamaica - See
page 118
124. Calypso Realty - USVI - See page
119
125. Caribbean Villas & Resort Mgmt.
- Caribbean - See page 121
126. Catered To…Vacation Homes -
USVI - See page 121
127. Destination St. John - St. John,
USVI - See page 121
128. Fort Recovery Estates - St. Thomas,
USVI - See page 119
129. Palm Terrace Villas - St. John - See
page 119
130. Premier Real Estate - St. Maarten
- See page 119
131. Prestigious Properties - Turks &
Caicos - See page 118
132. ReMax Island Properties - St.
Maarten/St. Martin - See page 121
133. St. Barth Properties Inc. - St. Barts
- See page 120
134. Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals - See
page 119
135. Villa Case et Cuisine - St.
Barthelemy - See page 120
136. Villas By Linda Smith - Jamaica
- See page 118
137. Westin St. John - St. John, USVI
- See page 119
138. WIMCO - Multiple Locations - See
page 120
free travel information
or visit www.caribbeanttravelmag.com/freeinfo for DIRECT ACCESS to each Advertiser’s website and free information.
124 CARI BBEANTRAVELMAG. COM
CT&L Says: For complete itineraries, refer
to cruise-line websites. Promotional rates
may be available online or with travel agen-
cies. Look for an agency with Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) affiliation.
Carnival Cruise Lines: 888-CARNIVAL;
carnival.com “The Fun Ships” live up to their
name, with contests and games tempting the
young (and young-at-heart) party crowd.
Celebrity Cruises: 800-647-2251;
celebrity.com A high staff-to-passenger ratio
ensures personalized attention to the well-
heeled middle-aged and older clientele.
Costa Cruises: 800-462-6782; costa
cruise.com This Italian line lures in first-timers
and lively seasoned cruisers alike with dance
lessons, trivia contests, cooking demonstra-
tions and kids’ programs.
Crystal Cruises: 866-446-6625;
crystalcruises.com High-end service is enjoyed
by the devoted clientele on these elegant
and spacious ships. Passengers expand
their knowledge in the arts at the Creative
Learning Institute.
Cunard Line: 800-7-CUNARD; cunard
.com This line draws a mixed group of couples
who wish to enjoy the timeless traditions
associated with the Queen Mary 2.
Disney Cruise Lines: 800-951-3532;
disneycruise.com If your kids can’t get enough
of Walt’s world, then hop on a Disney cruise.
Holland America Line: 877-SAIL-HAL;
hollandamerica.com HAL offers afternoon
tea, ballroom dancing and a new kids’ club.
The line caters to a mixed batch of couples,
mostly over 40.
MSC Cruises: 800-666-9333; msc
cruises.com With a godmother like Sophia
Loren, expect authentic Italian-style cuisine
and hospitality. Well-traveled couples enjoy
exotic, obscure ports.
Norwegian Cruise Line: 800-327-
7030; ncl.com NCL attracts a friendly group
of free spirits, no-frills couples and families.
Oceania Cruises: 800-531-5619; oceania
cruises.com This line’s well-traveled passen-
gers, most of whom have reached middle age,
expect top-notch service and cuisine.
Princess Cruises: 800-PRINCESS;
princess.com Princess draws a diverse clien-
tele on the strength of its dining programs,
spacious cabins and wealth of activities.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly
Radisson): 877-505-5370; rssc.com RSSC
offers a favorable staff-to-passenger ratio;
the staterooms are spacious and elegant; and
the passengers tend to be worldly profession-
als and retired couples.
Royal Caribbean International: 866-
562-7625; royalcaribbean.com RCI is a mag-
net for curious, active types. Rock-climbing
walls, ice-skating rinks and the new surf
simulator on the giant Freedom of the Seas
keep the young couples and singles amused.
The Yachts of Seabourn: 800-929-
9391; seabourn.com Middle-aged couples and
seasoned cruisers enjoy the elegant ocean-
view suites. Signature services include caviar
and champagne in the surf, mini-massages on
deck and complimentary wine at dinner.
SeaDream Yacht Club: 800-707-4911;
seadreamyachtclub.com Two small yachts
offer departures from St. Thomas and San
Juan, and attract an intimate group of cou-
ples who are predominantly 40 and older.
Silversea Cruises: 877-760-9052;
silversea.com Italian décor and ownership
add Old World ambience to these ships. The
ocean-view suites exude romance for afflu-
ent middle-aged couples and retirees. All frills
are included, from grappa to gratuities.
Star Clippers: 800-442-0551; starclip
pers.com These tall sailing ships are small
enough to ply the protected coves and lesser-
known harbors. The cruise line caters to
couples looking for off-the-beaten path itin-
eraries and simple yet elegant amenities.
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises: 800-
327-2601; windjammer.com This tall-ship
line attracts an active lot that may want to
hoist a sail as well as a cocktail. The cabins
are small and the atmosphere laid-back on
voyages to small, picturesque ports.
Windstar Cruises: 800-258-7245;
windstarcruises.com Exquisite ocean-view
suites and an intimate ambience create the
feel of a private yacht. Couples of all ages
love these motor-sailing vessels.
inside
CRUISING
Continued from page 84
intimate hotels
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 125

Island Products
CARIBBEAN STYLE GIFTS & DECOR - Your on-line
source for tropical metal drum wall art. Palms, sea life,
beach themes, geckos. www.thefunkygecko.com
Naturist Vacations
AMERICAN AIRLINES® AADVANTAGE MILES® FOR
CREWED AND BAREBOAT CHARTERS! - 1,000 miles
per person. Caribbean/Worldwide. Best service/yachts/
price. www.PortYachtCharters.com, 800-213-0465.
BAJOR YACHT CHARTERS, INC. LOCATED IN
VIRGIN ISLANDS - Personally designed yacht
vacations. Power or Sail. Call Sandra 800-524-8292
www.bajoryachts.com
BVI ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE - Fully crewed luxury
charter yacht and villa from $11,500 per week, all
inclusive. (800) 479-7904, (284) 494-3656,
www.EndlessSummer.com, www.SummerHeights.com
VIRGIN ISLAND SAILING, LTD. - Sail & Power. Crewed
Yachts, Mega Yachts & Bareboats. 800-382-9666,
www.visailing.com
Island Art
FINE ART OF PARADISE - www.IslandStudio.com
Voted #1 online tropical Art Gallery. Original paintings,
Gicleés, and More.
Anguilla Puerto Rico
the market
St. John Bahamas
WWW.CARIBBEANTRAVELMAG.COM
Grenada St. John
ADVERTI SE I N
I N T I MAT E
H OT E L S
UNIQUE
INDIVI DUAL
DISTINCTIVE
CALL 407-571-4712
FAX 407-571-4713
E-MAIL:
[email protected]
Car Rentals
RENTALCARSHOPPER.COM - Shop Rates from over
60 Car Rental Agencies Across the ENTIRE CARIBBEAN!
Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Cayman, Jamaica, Mexico, St.
Barts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten / St. Martin, St. Thomas,
Puerto Rico, Trinidad and more. Call us Toll Free 1.866.
STMAARTEN (1.866.786.2278)
Cruises/Yacht Charters
See the REAL CARIBBEAN from the deck of your own
private CHARTER YACHT. Explore coves & islands
that cruise ships & hotel guests never see.
For the price of a cruise, you can sail where and when you want
in privacy and comfort with first class food and service.
Relaxing, romantic getaway or action packed sports and party
cruise, we’ll find the right boat and crew.
We also know bareboats (without crew) better than anyone.
See why Conde Nast rates us the best agency to book your charter vacation.
ED HAMILTON & CO
37 Washington St., Wiscasset, ME 04578
800- 621-7855 207-882-7855
www.ed-hamilton.com
St. Thomas
126 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
the market
Travel Items
TRAVEL SUPPLIES - Save Big on Money Belts, ID/
Ticket Holders, Fanny Packs, Shoulder & Passport
Wallets, Tilley Hats, Eye Shades, Neck Pouches. Visit
www.BeltOutlet.Com Call 888-355-2358.
Weddings
AMERICA’S PARADISE, ST. THOMAS, USVI - Unfor-
gettable…From simply elegant to truly extravagant. St.
Thomas’ premier wedding service specializes in personal-
ized tropical wedding arrangements and vow renewals.
Ideal for cruise ship or hotel guests. WEDDINGS THE
ISLAND WAY (800) 755-5004, (340) 777-6505,
www.weddingstheislandway.com
ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Ceremonies of
St. John Wedding Planning. Minister, Flowers,
Photography, Musicians, Video, Cake, Champagne,
Reception, Accommodations and Transportation on
St. John. Toll Free (888) 282-3933, (340) 693-7362
www.usviweddings.com
VILLA GUIDE
Anguilla
ANGUILLA - ArBron Villas – Caribella Beach Resort –
Masara Resort. www.lambertventures.com Call 800-969-
8002 or Email us [email protected] for free
color brochure.
ANGUILLA - 2 BR, 2 bath villa on Shoal Bay. Pool, Cable
TV & maid service. $375/night Nov-April, $275/night
May-Oct. 909-795-2523
ANGUILLA - Rent this exclusive oceanfront private
estate villa with two identical master bedroom air-condi-
tioned suites, maid service, pool, all amenities, spectacular
day and night views of St. Martin. Reasonable rates. Call
954-757-8882. Fax 954-757-8883. Web http://
www.BaliHaiVilla.com
EDEN HOUSE VILLA - three spacious air conditioned
bedrooms and an air conditioned POOL HOUSE
SUITE, amidst lush tropical gardens with views of
neighboring islands from a large dining patio. Tel: 264-
497-5620 or 264-235-5620, www.edenhousevilla.com
E-mail: [email protected]
PALM SHORES VILLA - Unique duplex. 1BR/1BA,
2BR/2BA. Beachfront pool. Stunning Views. Quiet.
www.anguillavilla.com 1-800-258-9283
VILLA AZURE - Your Dream Realized! New Mediterra-
nean 5-Star Villa with every amenity overlooking Amazing
Shoal Bay Beach. Over 8,000’, infinity pool, spa, sunsets,
360° views, private! It was built just for you. www.azure-
villa.com 414.278.0554 or 262-376-2247
Antigua
ANTIGUA VILLAGE - Luxury beachfront condominiums
in a tropical setting. Located next to Sandals on Antigua’s
most popular beach, sleeping 2-8, swimming pool, daily
maid service, watersports available. www.antiguavillage.
net or Tel: 268-462-2930
Bahamas
BAHAMAS, ELEUTHERA “KOKOMO” - A 3 Bedroom/
2Bath home directly on a pink sand beach. Sleeps 6-8.
Great snorkeling! 4 kayaks, pool table, AC, Satellite TV,
telephone, huge decks sun/shade, hammocks, barbecue
$2,195/Wk. 1-800-454-2299 or 239-732-5112.
www.kokomo1.com
ABACO, BAHAMAS — OUR SPECIALTY, 70 HIDE-
AWAYS - Small resorts, villas, inns, upscale private homes
to island style cottages - www.AbacoVacations.com.
(800) 633-9197
ABACO – DOLPHIN BEACH RESORT - Intimate
Out-Island hideaway, Fodor’s Choice 2005/06. Unique
beachfront cottages, rooms, pool, new Blue Water Grill.
Swim to reef, on-site Scuba, tennis. Honeymoon or
family escapes: 1-800-222-2646; 242-365-5137,
www.dolphinbeachresort.com
ABACO HIDEAWAY - Idyllic cottage on unique Man
O’ War Cay. Beach front and back - no cars, no bars, no
hotels. Affordable! 317-849-5308.
ABACO, HOPE TOWN - Turtle Hill Villas, Enjoy
the charms of this 18th century Out Island village.
800-339-2124, 242-366-0557, www.turtlehill.com,
www.turtlehillvillas.com
DIVE ABACO - (Since 1978) Marsh Harbour - BAHAMAS.
Hotel Packages, snorkel or dive, even if not certified.
Uncrowded, Unspoiled, Unforgettable! 800.247.5338,
www.DiveAbaco.com.
ELEUTHERA “BLUE PALMS” - New home directly on
secluded pink sand beach with fantastic reef snorkel-
ing. 4BR/2BA – 2 oceanfront master bedrooms. Sleeps
8. Fabulous turquoise ocean views from 50' patio.
Fully equipped kitchen, AC, 42" flatscreen satellite
TV, phone, gas grill, kayak. Car available. $2,000 WK,
1-610-695-8552. www.bluepalms.info
Barbados
BARBADOS - Luxury beach front villas and
condominiums on the island’s West Coast. Rates in-
clude staff to cater to your every need. Book on line at
www.bajanservices.com call 1-877-462-2526, (246)
422-2618 email: [email protected]
Belize
THE LODGE AT CHAA CREEK - Rainforest Reserve,
Adventure Centre and Spa. Canoe and kayak on pristine
tropical rivers, hike in Maya temple cities, horseback ride
through jungle trails, explore ancient ceremonial caves, bike
in the Maya Mountains, and enjoy charming accommoda-
tions and our exquisite spa in a 365-acre Nature Reserve.
Caribbean Reef and Rainforest packages. Tours throughout
Belize. Tel. +501-824-2037, Fax +501-824-2501, Email:
[email protected] - Website: www.chaacreek.com
British Virgin Islands
BVI – TORTOLA - Beautiful Villa, pool, private, panoram-
ic views. Walk to romantic beach. Experience Paradise.
772-692-1064
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - Just 12 charming cot-
tages on almost uninhabited Cooper Island. Remote,
casual, informal. Restaurant, wonderful snorkeling, full
SCUBA facilities. $105-$195 double. Brochure: 413-
863-3162; 800-542-4624; FAX 413-863-3662:
www.cooper-island.com
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - 2 luxurious villas for rent.
Magnificent ocean views. Walk to beaches, marina, and
restaurants. Located on world famous North Sound on
Virgin Gorda at Leverick Bay – sailing capitol of the world.
www.bvivillarentals.com Owner (908) 938-4692
BVI – TORTOLA – PARADISE FOUND - Charming, airy
villa. 2BR/2BA, pool. Spectacular view of Brewer’s Bay.
Short walk to beach/snorkeling. 904-725-2832.
LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESORT - On beautiful
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Fitness center, ten-
nis, spa, pool, café, WiFi, A/C. www.oldeyardvillage.com,
(284) 495-5544.
Naturist Vacations (con’t)
NATURIST NEGRIL - Firefly Beach Cottages, Negril’s
premier small beachfront clothing-optional resort since
1980. *AFFORDABLE * Couples, families, singles and
friends *Weddings au naturel. firefl[email protected],
Phone 876-957-4358. www.jamaicalink.com
Real Estate/For Sale
CARIBBEAN ISLAND PROPERTY, BOCAS DEL
TORO, PANAMA - Lots for $90,000 and less, Million
Dollar Views, ¼ - ½ acre lots! US 800-390-8818,
www.tropicalproperties.com
OWN REAL ESTATE IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
- Homes, Condos, Pre-construction opportunities. For
Sale: “THE TIDES” Playa Del Carmen Condo Hotel.
Purchase through Priority Reservation System. USA/CAN
1 (604) 628-7247, [email protected]. www.
resorts-real-estate.com. Playa: (044) 984-116-3251
SAINT MAARTEN: NEW CLIFFSIDE LUXURY
OCEANFRONT CONDO - STUNNING CORNER
UNIT BELOW PENTHOUSE. CARIBBEAN AQUA
WATER VIEWS EVERYWHERE. $999,000.00.
WWW.THECLIFFRENTALS.COM (305) 240-0438
ST. JOHN, USVI - Town & Country Real Estate,
2 offices covering all of beautiful St. John. Cruz Bay
(340) 693-7325, Coral Bay (340) 774-7962,
www.towncountryusvi.com
Travel
ISLAND INFO - www.IslandSuperPages.com. Plan Your
Trip at www.IslandSuperPages.com. Now with Free Island
Screen Saver & thousands of $$ in Coupons.
the market
OCTOB ER 20 0 6 127
TORTOLA, VIRGIN GORDA, ANEGADA & LITTLE
THATCH VILLAS - wide selection! McLaughlin Ander-
son, 1-800-537-6246, Virtual Tours + calendars at www.
mclaughlinanderson.com.
VIRGIN GORDA, BVI - Elegant house, 2 bedrooms,
2 baths, swimming pool, privacy, spectacular seascapes,
walk to beaches, restaurant, resort facilities. Brochure.
202-337-6820. http://www.mcarrow.com/seascape/
Cayman Islands
CAYMAN CONDOS - Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman.
1,2,3&4 BR fully-equipped condos. Christmas/New
Year’s available. 800-999-1338 www.cicondos.com
CAYMAN VILLAS - Over 100 Beachfront Villas
and Condos on all 3 islands; economy to deluxe. 345-
945-4144; or toll-free: 800-235-5888. Reservations@
caymanvillas.com or www.caymanvillas.com
COMPASS POINT - Cayman’s Outdoor Adventure
Resort. Located on the East End of Grand Cayman.
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, kayaking, Deep Sea Fishing,
Nature Trails. 18 Luxury condos, all oceanfront, free
Wi-Fi. www.compasspoint.ky / 1.800.348.6096 /
[email protected]
5-TIER SWIMMING POOL/HOT TUB - Designer
decorated luxury. 3 + bdr., 3.5 bath NEW
house! Beach. Best diving/snorkeling! Affordable.
www.CaymanParadiseVillas.com
OCEANFRONT VILLAGE CAYMAN BRAC - Friendly,
affordable 3BR/2BA/ house, two 1 BR/BA apartments,
A/C, pool, exclusive beach, spectacular dive / snorkel-
ing coral reef. 1-800-733-9821, 360-877-5414
www.villamarbella.net
PARADISE VILLAS, LITTLE CAYMAN - Only 100%
oceanfront Resort on Little Cayman. 12 oceanfront
villas, dive operation, seaside dining at the Hungry
Iguana. 1-877-3CAYMAN, www.paradisevillas.com
THE REEF RESORT - All beachfront Luxury Suites
offering “Pure Beach Relaxation” and exclusive entertain-
ment from the Barefoot Man. Plan your visit “virtually” at
www.thereef.com.ky, call toll free (888) 232-0541, or
email [email protected]
Grenada / Carriacou
VACATION VILLAS WITH STAFF - Free color catalog,
virtual tours at www.mclaughlinanderson.com. McLaughlin
Anderson 1-800-537-6246 or fax 340-777-4734
CARRIACOU — SIMPLEST OF THE GRENA-
DINES - Peaceful vacation villas. Down Island Ltd.
www.islandvillas.com, E-mail: [email protected]
Tel/Fax: (473) 443-8182
Hawaii
MAUI BEACHFRONT CONDOMINIUM - Breathtak-
ing!!! Watch humpback whales from private lanai. Sleep
to sounds of the surf fifteen steps away. Come li ! $119
Free brochures. Owners: 1-800-742-7955.
Jamaica
DISASTER PROOF YOUR JAMAICAN HOLIDAY -
Free Report Reveals the 7 Biggest Make Or Break
Jamaican Holiday Guidelines. Call 1-888-783-6378 ext.
10 or 403-543-8721 and record your details for the free
report. Learn the questions they don’t want you to ask!
NEAR MONTEGO BAY - Luxurious 4BR/4BA beach-
front villa at Silver Sands Resort. Tennis, snorkeling,
fishing, van/driver. Weekly $2,140-2500. Off-season
$1,380-1740, Includes cook/maid. 860-233-6821
www.jamahome.com / [email protected]
NEGRIL, CRYSTAL WATERS VILLAS - One, two and
three bedroom villas on Negril beach, each with cook/
housekeeper. Spacious beautiful landscaped grounds,
private beach, pool. Reservations 876 957 4284,
www.crystalwaters.net
NEGRIL, FALL IN LOVE AGAIN! - Luxury condo stu-
dio, clothing optional beach, pool, snorkeling, tennis,
kitchenette, A/C, restaurant, photos. From $450/wk.
876-957-9683. www.interlog.com/~kenhenry
JAMAICAN TREASURES VILLAS — LARGEST COL-
LECTION OF OVER 300 VILLAS IN JAMAICA -
Luxury Mansions - Honeymoon cottages. Spectacular
weddings. Fully staffed villas. www.jamaicantreasures.
com Toll Free: 1-877-446-7188. Tel: 305-767-2282
OCEANFRONT NEGRIL - Intimate property offers
best of Negril: cliffs, private beach, cool pool, full bar and
restaurant. SUPERB VALUE! www.westenderinn.com /
1-800-233-3876
JAMAICAN PARADISE: GET TREATED LIKE
ROYALTY - Call for our complete Jamaican holiday plan-
ning package in unspoiled Port Antonio. 1-888-783-
6378 ext. 20 or 403-543-8721 to record your address.
Affordable First-Class Holidays for You!
Mexico / Cozumel
AKUMAL, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO. CARIBBEAN
BEACHFRONT PROPERTIES - for rent, one hour from
Cancun or Cozumel. Mayan ruins, diving, fishing, beautiful
beaches. Call AKUMAL VACATIONS: 800-448-7137,
www.akumalvacations.com
COZUMEL VACATION VILLAS - Best selection of
rental homes and condos beachfront or in town. Chef, maid,
airport greeting. 1-800-224-5551. www.cVvmexico.com.
Montserrat
MILESAWAYVILLA.COM - Beautifully remodeled
exclusive, private 3br/3ba, fully equipped. Stunning
ocean views, sunsets, pool, ocean access, housekeeping.
$700-1100/week. Suites/Rooms $40-70/night info@
milesawayvilla.com
VILLA “TAN RY DOON” - Private oceanfront. Breath-
taking views of coastline, mountains, and lush tropical
gardens. Spectacular sunsets. 2BR/2BA, pool, maid, fully
equipped. 802-442-9236. www.montserratrental.com
St. Barthelemy
FRENCH CARIBBEAN INTL - The leading resource for pri-
vate villa rentals. 800-322-2223 / www.frenchcaribbean.com
St. Lucia
BEAUTIFUL ST. LUCIA - Secluded, elegant villas with pri-
vate pools and spectacular ocean views. Specializing in Wed-
dings, Honeymoons, Romantic getaways. www.stonefieldvillas.
com, info@stonefieldvillas.com 1-758-459-7037 / 5648
LES CHAUDIERES - Simply paradise. Private secluded
oceanfront villa, extraordinary panoramic views, 3 bedrooms,
pool, beach. (610) 255-4903, www.leschaudieres.com.
[email protected]
St. Maarten / St. Martin
VILLA – Dreaming of a Caribbean home but don’t want to spend mil-
lions on 3-4 weeks vacation? Become a member of our St. Martin
private residence club and enjoy a private 4-bedroom multi-million
dollar villa complete with resort amenities without the hassles of
remote ownership. 28 day memberships available. $185,000 USD,
refundable upon termination. Call (617) 513-6811.
FRENCH CARIBBEAN INTL - The leading resource for pri-
vate villa rentals. 800-322-2223 / www.frenchcaribbean.com.
JEFF BERGER’S EVERYTHINGSTMAARTEN.COM -
for info on sightseeing, beaches, restaurants, shopping,
entertainment, cruises, low-cost airfares, hotels, villas,
car rentals, and more.
CUPECOY BEACH CLUB - Private, oceanfront condomin-
ium. Available as deluxe room, one-bedroom, or two-bed-
room suite. Across from Atlantis Casino. 847-658-6081,
evening 847-639-3996, or 1-888-CUPECOY
SAINT MARTIN/SINT MAARTEN DREAMING? -
Stop dreaming and start planning! WWW.SXM-INFO.
COM has information on hotels, villas, condos, restaurants,
beaches, cars, activities, shopping, services, contests,
coupons and more.
ST. MAARTEN - 2 Bedroom Condo on Dawn Beach – Views
to St. Barths - $275/night to $500/night. New Westin
with Casino / spa next door. Great unit. Available nightly
or weekly. Contact via e-mail [email protected]
ST. MAARTEN - Luxurious but affordable one- and
two-bedroom spacious condos on beach. Pool, tennis,
cable TV. Private owner. 937-274-5853, E-mail:
[email protected].
VILLA’S LOCATION IS ONE IN A MILLION - A few
steps from the pool to one of the most beautiful Caribbean
beaches. www.oceanbeachparadise.com
VISTAROYALE - Private pool. Breathtaking view. All
amenities. 2-4 guests. More than 100 references provided
on request. www.vistaroyale.com 1-888-844-4149
E-mail: [email protected]
St. Vincent & Grenadines
SUGARAPPLE INN - BEQUIA. Eight spacious apart-
ments, just two minutes walk to the beautiful Friendship
Beach. Come dive, sail, or do nothing on Bequia. Call
784-457-3148 www.sugarappleinn.com
Trinidad & Tobago
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - VILLAS, BEACH COTTAGES,
Hotels, Bed & Breakfast’s. Carnival, Tropical Adventures,
Diving, Birdwatching. 23 years experience, information,
packages, 800-525-6896. www.pancaribetours.com
TOBAGO - Spectacular 4BR/3BA private villa.
Stunning view of Bucco Reef. Pool, Cook, housekeeper
included. Walk to golf, beaches. Short/long term rentals.
Owner 203-221-1969.
TOBAGO - Two villas, five bedrooms/bathrooms, A/C,
spectacular sea views, birds, private nature trail, secluded falls,
retreats, weddings, yoga. www.paradisepointvilla.com
Turks & Caicos
ABSOLUTE VIEW - Beachfront villa with pool, 3BR
with A/C – 3 – ½ BA, central location, kayaks, BBQ,
Watersports / Fishing Packages. (649) 232-1143
www.absolutevilla.com
the market
128 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
UNITED STATES
VIRGIN ISLANDS
St. Croix
BEACH CONDOS - St. Croix’s Upscale Condo Choice!
As low as $53 night/person. 2-6 person accommodations.
See them – pelicancovecondos.com
BLUE VISTA VILLA - New 4 Bedroom Villa with Breathtak-
ing Panoramic Ocean Views. Heated Pool / Spa, Greatroom,
Bar, Flatscreen TV, Exercise Room. www.bluevistavilla.com
ST. CROIX, SHOYS BEACH - Lovely 3 bedroom villa.
Large pool and deck. Gorgeous view. Steps from Swim-
ming, Snorkeling, Golf. From $1,500/week. 508-785-
9895. www.shoysparadisefound.com
St. John
A WESTIN VILLA - Luxurious oceanview balcony
studio. Sleeps 4 in King/Queen comfort. Convenient
to town, National Park. Includes all Westin amenities –
maids, pools, beach, tennis, sailboats, more. Fully
equipped kitchen. February, June, July weeks still
available. www.stjohnwestinvilla.com 937-299-8696
[email protected]
CASA DE SUENOS - Luxurious, panoramic bay view villa,
Pool, 5 A/C bedrooms, 5 baths, high speed internet, satel-
lite TV, DVD, Surround sound system 1-888-742-0357,
www.windspree.com
CARNIVAL BEACH HOUSE - New beachfront cottage
on St. John with two studios available separately or
together. Air Conditioned, infinity edge pool, kitchen-
ette, full bath, great snorkeling, WiFi internet access.
www.carnivalbeachhouse.com or 340-714-1835.
DOS PALMAS - ROMANTIC fully furnished 4BR/
4.5BA villa with pool & tropical gardens overlooking
Coral Bay Harbor and the British Virgin Islands to the east.
www.windspree.com, 1-888-742-0357
LA BARRACUDA - Wonderful 4BR/4BA A/C villa, in-
cluding private bungalow. Pool, Jacuzzi and island charm.
Caribbean views and minutes to town and beaches. 1-800-
341-2532, www.GreatCaribbeanGetaways.com.
PALLADIO’S VIEW - Private 3BR/2BA villa, all ameni-
ties. Pool plus Spa. Superb down island view. Short drive
to beaches. 1-800-341-2532 or owners 610-544-8232,
www.palladiosview.com.
PERIWINKLE COTTAGE OF CORAL BAY - Cozy 2
BR/2 BA cottage overlooking Coral Harbor. Pool and Ja-
cuzzi. Caribbean Style. Excellent honeymoon destination,
www.GreatCaribbeanGetaways.com 1-800-341-2532.
ST. JOHN — LAVENDER HILL SUITES - Luxury ocean-
view 1 & 2 Bedroom Condos. Full kitchens, AC, TV, VCR,
PC & Internet, pool, and short walk to ferries, shops, res-
taurants. 800-975-5001, www.lavenderhill.net
STONEHARBOR COTTAGE - Picturesque 1BR+
Loft BR/2 BA new stone cottage with screened-in porch
and pool overlooking Coral Harbor. Affordable honey-
moon retreat. A/C, www.GreatCaribbeanGetaways.com,
1-800-341-2532.
SUNRISE - Commanding down Island ocean sunrise view.
Spacious greatroom & kitchen. 3 separate bedroom suites
with private baths. Private outdoor Jacuzzi. 1-800-341-
2532, www.GreatCaribbeanGetaways.com.
St. Thomas
ANCHORAGE VILLA - On Cowpet Bay, St. Thomas.
2 BR / BA. Tennis, pool, restaurant, sandy beach.
Days: 914-739-6293, Evenings: 914-739-5086
www.anchoragebeachvillas.com
CONDOMINIUM VACATIONS - Enjoy the privacy
of your own home in St. Thomas. Studio, one, two, and
three bedrooms in resort locations with all amenities.
Call 800-874-7897
LUXURIOUS PRIVATE VILLAS AND ESTATES -
with pools. Free color catalog, info, virtual tours +
calendars at www.mclaughlinanderson.com. McLaughlin
Anderson 1-800-537-6246 or fax 340-777-4737;
excellent service!
ST. THOMAS - Virgin Islands luxury vacation villas for rent.
Fully Equipped, maid service, pools and beaches, breathtak-
ing views, tropical breezes, lushly landscaped. Calypso
Realty, POB 12178, St. Thomas, VI 00801. Ph (340)
774-1620 or 800-747-4858 www.CalypsoRealty.com
“See our Color ad in Villa Vacations.”
VIRGIN ISLANDS, ST. THOMAS - Privately owned
luxurious seaside villas on COWPET BAY; 2 to 4 bedrooms.
Call Pat: 800-788-4VIP (4847), www.viprentals.com
HTTP://WWW.USVI.NET - The Internet’s FIRST and
BEST Web Travel Guide in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit us!
Check out our “web cam”.
I SL AND MARKETPL ACE
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CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE
Ryan Fridley
Marketplace Advertising
(407) 571-4712
Fax: (407) 571-4713,
E-mail: [email protected]
All Island Marketplace ads are pre-paid. VISA,
American Express and MasterCard accepted.
DEADLINES
December 2006 Issue
Space Reservation: September 20, 2006
Materials Due: September 27, 2006
Changes or materials arriving after December 27,
2006 will run in the January/February 2006
issue of Caribbean Travel & Life.
Say you saw it in
130 CAR I B B E ANT R AVEL MAG. COM
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CONNECTIONS
LIMIN’ WITH GEORGE FOREMAN
The champ f i nds peace and l ove on St . Luci a
Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight boxing champion
George Foreman, 57, is an ordained preacher, a Texas horse rancher, a
father of 10 (including five sons named George) and an accomplished
entrepreneur — when it comes to grills, he’s more famous than Weber. As
often as possible, Foreman escapes to his home on St. Lucia.
PRINTED IN THE USA
Caribbean Travel & Life (ISSN 1052-1011, USPS 005-382) is published nine times a year — January/February, March, April, May, June/July, August/September, October, November, December — by World Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 8500, Winter Park, FL
32790; (407) 628-4802. Entire contents copyright 2006 by World Publications, LLC. May not be reproduced in any form without the expressed, written permission of World Publications, LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Winter Park, FL, and at additional mailing
offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One-year subscription is $23.95, and two-year is $38.95. For subscriptions, address changes and adjustments, write to Caribbean Travel & Life, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Caribbean Travel & Life, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER 40018707 CANADA RETURN MAIL: 4960-2 WALKER RD. WINDSOR, ON N9A 6J3
cast a line out, and I’ve had some success with
the local fish. It is so wonderful to eat — St.
Lucia gives fish another flavor altogether. My
children love the mangos. They grew up say-
ing, “Oh, let’s go back to St. Lucia to get the
mangos.” Every child we’ve had, we’ve made
the journey back, so they all think St. Lucia is
home. — Interview by Jane Ammeson
M
y wife is from St. Lucia, and she still
has family there. I met her on the
island by way of coincidence — it
was love at first sight. We go back every three
months and stay for a couple of weeks. It’s
the only place I can truly rest. It’s quiet and
pretty, and the people are calm. It’s not like
some of the other islands; everything on St.
Lucia is tranquil.
I’m busy all the time, so a day with my
wife is a vacation for me. That’s why St. Lucia
is very important, because we can be together
and eat and take walks and have long conver-
sations. For fun, we hike up Gros Piton. It’s
beautiful over there near Soufriere. We love
to go to the Sulfur Springs and take baths,
and my wife loves the cassava. We stop at this
place on the side of the road near Soufriere
where they make cassava bread, just a little
place — they grind it, bake it and sell it. It’s
like something out of the Old World.
When I made my
boxing comeback, I
knew that someone
would knock me down.
And because of my age,
I knew they wouldn’t let
me get up. So I had to
be strong. My wife and I went to St. Lucia,
and some of the family took me to where the
bananas were growing on the hillsides. I would
walk up and jog down and then go back up to
those bananas. The hills in St. Lucia became
my training camp.
My favorite thing now is to gaze at the sea
from our house. I go down to the bank and

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