JAMAICA – Last Christmas I realized I needed a little sun. I regretted missing two invitations to go to Jamaica — here was my chance! I enlisted one of my best friends to share in the adventure. We chose Negril, the beach resort for locals on the island (it's their Malibu or Montauk). Negril used to be a hippie enclave and has slowly evolved into a boho jet-set destination with great Chris Blackwell hotels and restaurants — my music video … [Read more...]
The Other Side of Paradise
Warm winds, incredible sunsets, gently lapping waves—CUT! Please no, not another travel article about barefoot idylls on island paradises. Instead, let's consider how you (that being me) can have the cheeriest expectations of a balmy Caribbean house-sitting gig met with the miserable crush of the human ego, so that you (that still being me, but more embarrassed now) behave like a caged animal. Let's start before the howls: my girlfriend, who … [Read more...]
Finding the real Bahamas one drink at a time
OK, so I went to the Bahamas once before, as part of a cruise, putting in at Nassau and instantly clouding my view of the Bahamas as a whole, perceiving a place of giant cruise ships, sweaty tourists, over-priced gift shops and sheer sensory overload. Then most recently I visited Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island, a sedately unhurried resort, and was proven wrong. That, and having a Goombay Smash … [Read more...]
How Cuba Changed my Perception of Humanity and Restored Hope
I’ve taken a number of great vacations in my lifetime. Each vacation I’ve taken has left me with fond memories, valuable lessons, new friends, new-found knowledge and a new outlook on my surroundings and the world at large but one recent vacation, in particular, left me with more than I could ever imagine gaining from a week-long trip. I didn’t have to travel very far to this destination. In fact, I technically didn’t even have to leave the … [Read more...]
Our Family Glory in the Holiday Attributes of Punta Cana
Thinking of the sun and palm trees, one snowy and stormy weekend in Toronto, I decided to take my daughter Muna, along my grandson Mazin, and his wife Margarita, as a belated honeymoon gift, to the Dominican Republic. Now as we explored the huge Bahia Principe resort complex in Punta Cana, the Republic's resort par excellence, we were living our dream. As we walked the white sandy beach, Mazin remarked, "A great trip! I love your … [Read more...]
Learning to Fly at the End of the World: Travels Down the Yucatan Peninsula
A second huge palm frond hits my left shoulder, catching a little of my face this time. It smacks the woman behind me dead on. She squeals and leans down to her daughter, placing the girl’s little hand on the offended cheek. The salsa pounds and the colored flashing lights pulsate to the beat of the blaring music. The top of the bus sways as we follow the curve on this part of the Bahia Boulevard, a beachfront drive that snakes down the peninsula … [Read more...]
Bolongo Bay
Ever felt lost at a giant all-inclusive Caribbean resort? It’s not an unfamiliar feeling in a one-size-fits-all place with thousands of rooms and even more guests milling about where you’re a face in the crowd, a colored bracelet on your wrist. Not so at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas. This super-cozy, 62-room resort has been run by the Doumeng family for more than 40 years, where they know your name the instant you arrive and use it … [Read more...]
Scrub Island a new Caribbean getaway
There are tons of resorts in the British Virgin Islands, but not many new luxury ones. A recent entry into the resort scene, the first luxury development in the BVI in more than 15 years, is Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, not far from Tortola. The travel world has taken note: Scrub was named one of the Top 30 Resorts in the Caribbean’ by Conde Nast magazine. The 230-acre island, developed by Mainsail Lodging and Development and … [Read more...]
7 Souvenirs You’ll See at Every Single Caribbean Port
Caribbean cruise passengers spend twice as much money on souvenirs compared to people who take land vacations. Unfortunately, it's not because the wares you find at each port are so unique. In fact, here's a few seemingly original Caribbean treasures that you're sure to see over and over each time you leave the ship. #1 Caribbean Rum Whether you're a Pirates of the Caribbean fan or not, a bottle of Caribbean rum seems like a must-have … [Read more...]
The Best Jamaican Activities at Bluefields Villas
Is your family considering a vacation to Bluefields Bay? Bluefields offers some of best Jamaican activities for any family vacation to the Caribbean. Bluefields Bay, located on the coast in southeast Jamaica, provides a serene experience for travelers. The local Jamaican luxury resort, Bluefields Villas, is situated on the crystal blue waters of the bay. Its location is perfect for breath-taking views from the comfort of your private … [Read more...]
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