The Yacht, the Private Island, and Ultimate Caribbean Experience at Peter Island

Now you can explore the legendary Caribbean private island resort-- considered the best place to stay the world over—by land as well as sea, by exploring the crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands while onboard the luxurious 41' sailing yacht Silmaril. Peter Island, the largest private island in the BVI and accessible only by boat or helicopter, offers an exquisite Ashore/Afloat package, which includes two nights on the yacht, and two or five nights of resort accommodations. Starting at $5,571 for 4 nights stay, from Jan 4-April 30. This is romance and luxurious seclusion at its finest; the island is a stunning natural paradise of lush mountains and secluded white sand beaches. Offering oodles of watersports, divine dining and a spa—150 feet from the water— with extraordinary specialty treatments... what could get better than this?

Peter Island, Official Site

Peter Island, Five Star Alliance

Bliss on St Barts: A Winter Caribbean Retreat at Le Toiny

All the paparazzi images of celebs frolicking in the surf has got me thinking about St. Barts. Ah the pangs of separation after a brief jaunt a year ago. If I could have it my way, and winter the entire long, insufferable, light-less winter at this Caribbean hotspot, life would be so grand. I think I would choose Le Toiny as my camp, earning top honors on Conde Nast's 2006 Gold List (93.3 overall isn't a half-bad score, considering the rooms, service and cuisine all score perfect points). The self-contained villa-suites, influenced by the old French plantation houses, are loaded with high-tech amenities: two satellite TVs, stereo, DVD player, Bang and Olufsen telephones, CD player and fax, and fully-equipped kitchenette. From your own private plunge pool, gaze over the hilltop at the rolling green of the island and the sea beyond. Or watch a DVD from your Jacuzzi, before dining at the most magnificent restaurant on the island, Le Gaïac.

Le Toiny, Official Site

Le Toiny, Five Star Alliance

Cambridge Beaches Year End Notes

From Michael Winfield, President & CEO, Cambridge Beaches Our friend Mr. Winfield recently sent us an update on the goings-on at his property in Bermuda. Here are a few of the more interesting 'Did You Know' facts:

- Bermuda's first and only private luxury pool suite opened at Cambridge Beaches in May. Guests love 'North Rock' with panoramic waterfront views and the new infinity pool. - Based on 'North Rock's success, two more pool suites are planned. - The previous five-night minimum from June-August changed to four nights. - Jacket and tie are no longer required in the restaurants. - There were the highest number of weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, couples and family visits in 2005 then ever before. - For the first time, family programs were in place not only at Christmas and Easter, but between May-August as well (this will continue throughout 2006). - Couples loved the private beach dinners for 2 and the romantic island interlude. These were SOLD OUT throughout the summer. The proposal/romance concierge (yes, there is one) was kept busy! - 98.2% of guests responding to comment cards said they plan to come back.

Le Paradis St. Lucia Welcomes Westin

The lush, unspoiled landscape of St. Lucia-- 238 square miles of empty beaches and tropical paradise-- is the setting for the new luxury condominium resort development called (naturally) Le Paradis with its ultra-hyped Greg Norman designed golf course. The center of it all will be the Westin St. Lucia, set to open in March of next year with 232 guestrooms. Bring it on.

Via TravelWeekly

Battle of the Luxes: Turks and Caicos Makes Room for a New Fairmont

Take that, Amanresorts. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announced yesterday a new luxury hotel opening in 2009. The Fairmont Turks and Caicos will include 150 condos, along with 150 luxurious guestrooms. Also planned: a championship golf course, tennis courts, marina, and the signature Willow Stream Spa. Looks like the Turks and Caicos is fast becoming where it's at in the Caribbean.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Welcome Amanresorts

Those in the know have booked rooms well in advance of the March 1st opening of Amanyara in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is the newest of the Amanresorts, and the company's first luxury hotel in the Caribbean. Preliminary reports are more than enticing: 40 private villas and pavilions overlooking dreamy secluded beaches on a 2,025 hectare nature and wildlife reserve. Enjoy easy access to the reefs of the Northwest Point Marine Park just offshore for some of the best diving anywhere. Or soak up the sun on the pristine beach, grab a Hobie Cat for an afternoon sail, followed by a spa treatment in the privacy of your own villa. Excellent golf is available 30 minutes away at the Providenciales Golf Club, rated among the top ten in the Caribbean. It's just a short hop from Miami for spring break in Paradise...

Amanyara, Official Site

Amanyara, Five Star Alliance

The Caribbean’s Finest: Carlisle Bay in Antigua

Named to Luxury Travel Magazine's "Top 10 New Caribbean Resorts," Carlisle Bay is the essence of chic. The owners of the award-winning One Aldwych in London have succeeded in bringing contemporary luxury to the Caribbean. Since the hotel's opening in 2003, enraptured guests have raved. A stunning beach. Enormous ocean-view suites. To-die-for restaurants. An outstanding Spa with state-of-the-art gym. A tantalizing array of water sports and boat excursions. And the only private screening room in the Caribbean (with movie showings nightly). How's that for the perfect winter getaway?

Carlisle Bay, Official Site

Carlisle Bay, Five Star Alliance

Kayaking the Caribbean in Style with Arawak Expeditions

No hotel space in the Caribbean this winter? Sleep on the beach! Experience the beauty and blissful Caribbean sunshine of the Virgin Islands from a kayak, with Arawak Expeditions. A small, family-run outfitter based in St. John, Arawak was the first company offering sea-kayaking tours around St. John, and they know their territory. With years of experience, Arawak uses the best technology and equipment in leading environmentally-friendly tours in the Virgin Islands National Park. With gourmet meals—prepared nightly on the deserted beach-- to boot. The snorkeling is remarkable, in secluded, untouristed locations. This is adventure travel at its finest. A sample five-day itinerary starts in Peter Island, then involves gentle paddling from island to island, including: Pelican Island, Norman Island, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay, Lovango Cay, St. John.

Travel Deals to Mexico and the Caribbean

Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines just announced a new version of its Big 'S' Sale with prices starting at $19 each-way for domestic and Caribbean travel. Though serious restrictions apply, and the lowest fares are available for midweek winter travel, Smarter Travel investigated and still found savings of more than $300.

Fly to Mexico on American from $198 R/T. Destinations include Cozumel, Cancun, Los Cabos, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City. Valid through March 31, book by December 15. This sale is hot!

Via Smarter Travel

Jamaica Hangs the (Half) Moon

Half Moon, Montego Bay is celebrating the big 5-0 and has thus come up with some pretty sweet packages. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and space is available for the winter holidays, so why not book the "Take Me To The Moon" package? From $589 a night, includes swank accommodations, sumptuous food and—could it be?—unlimited beverage, unlimited use of the fitness center and tennis courts, a welcome gift with champagne, and round trip airport transfers. Chill on the palm-dotted beaches or in your choice of 50 freshwater pools, unwind at the spa, partake in the water sports, or challenge yourself on the world-class tennis courts and golf course. The dining options? For a self-contained little paradise, the restaurant choices are almost (surprisingly) limitless.

Half Moon, Official Site

Half Moon, Five Star Alliance