Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Cayman Islands






The aquamarine waters of the Cayman Islands are celebrated among divers and offer one of the top destinations in the world for undersea activities. With attractions like the Pedro St. James historical site and botanical gardens, the Cayman Turtle Farm, Stingray City, and the only conch farm in the Caribbean, the islands are also one of the best places in the Caribbean for families.

Vacation Memories To Last A Lifetime

Discover paradise at one of the Cayman Island's beautiful beaches. Enjoy picture-postcard perfection as calm, azure water laps gently onto the golden sand. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish or lounge against a palm tree and soak up the beautiful sunshine while enjoying a thirst-quenching rum punch.


Classic Tour in the Cayman Islands
Stingray Sandbar Snorkel Adventure
Travel by boat to the Stingray Sandbar, where you stand in waist-deep water and feed stingrays. Continue on to the Barrier Reef Shop for some shopping.

Price: from $39 per person

Where to Stay in the Cayman Islands
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
World class resort on Seven Mile Beach
  • The 144-acre resort with 365 rooms spans Seven Mile Beach to North Sound
  • Rooms feature feather duvets, Italian linens, marble bathrooms, and wireless Internet
  • Enjoy a Greg Norman nine hole golf course, a 20,000 sq. ft. La Prairie Spa, and the Ambassador of the Environmental program developed be Jean-Michel Cousteau

Published rate: from $409 to $869/night


Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort Bask in the Sun at this brand-new beachfront resort


  • Located directly on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach
  • 305 of the largest and most luxurious guestrooms and suites on the island, all tropically appointed and with balconies or patios
  • The resort features a full-service spa, fitness room, outdoor freshwater pool, and spa tub
Published Rates: From $189 to $539/Night




Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Beach Suites All-Suites resort located on Seven Mile Beach

  • This resort features 53 suites located on Grand Cayman's main beach for swimming and water sports
  • All of the large one and two bedroom suites are beachfront
  • Attractions include a spa, a Jack Nicklaus golf course and new club house, the Bamboo Restaurant and Lounge, and Hemingway's Restaurant.
Published Rates: From $239 to $649/Night




Sunday, December 9, 2007

St Lucia


St Lucia is indeed a Caribbean dream: a small, lush tropical gem of an island that is still relatively unknown and undeveloped, although it does offer a good variety of accommodation for tourists, including a few discreet resorts. St Lucia is one of the Windward isles of the Lesser Antilles, situated midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain between Martinique and St Vincent, just north of Barbados. It is tiny - only 27 miles (43km) long and 14 miles (23km) wide, shaped like an avocado.
The volcanic island's main landmarks are the Pitons, two soaring peaks on its southern coast, that rise up from the sea and shelter magnificent dense rain forest where wild orchids grow and brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound. The Creole people of the island are as warm as the tropical climate, and visitors are treated to plenty of smiles as they make the most of the island's natural beauty and secluded golden beaches, where coral reefs beckon snorkellers and scuba divers.
Most visitors are day-trippers who arrive on cruise liners at the island's main port, Castries, and generally do little more than shop for souvenirs. Those who have time to explore, however, are enchanted by the walks, cycling trails and natural beauty spots on the island, including the fascinating Soufriere volcano, with its bubbling sulphur springs.
The island has been left with a distinct French flavour, although its earliest colonists in the 17th century were British. The colonial history of the island, first settled by Arawak Indians around 200 AD, is a long saga of battles for control between the French and British. Britain eventually won the war in 1814, and granted independence under the Commonwealth to St Lucia in 1979.
St Lucia ClimateLike all Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys a hot, tropical climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures of 80°F (27°C) tend to be tempered by trade winds. The driest time on the island is between January and March but showers can occur throughout the year, however they are usually over quickly. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.
Castries

Five Ways To Enjoy St. Lucia

1. Slip on a snorkel and plunge into the crystal-clear waters at fish-friendly Anse Chastanet.

2. Grab a book, pack a lunch, and spread your towel out on Reduit Beach, one of St. Lucia's most popular beaches.

3. Enjoy the tranquil setting and tasty Creole cooking at Caribees restaurant.

4. Grab your hiking boots and follow the many extensive trails through the lush rain forest of the island's interior. Try the scenic Enbas Saut Falls trail, a combination of rain forest, cloud forest, elfin woodlands, and cascading waterfalls.

5. Take the Soufriere Island Delight tour and visit a drive in volcano.









Ladera Resort
Area : Soufriere

Hillside resort amid the lush Pitons of St. Lucia

From every point on the property, the panorama stretches out across a green sea of rain forest.
The six villas and 19 suites each have an open wall exposing breathtaking views of the Caribbean.

The award-winning restaurant, Dasheen, features fresh fruit from the resort’s landscaped gardens, and the pool and sundeck overlook the Caribbean Sea.


Rooms

Petit Piton Suite with Plunge Pool - One queen bed in suite designed to maximize views and privacy. Private plunge pool and open-air master bedroom. West side of suite is open to expose beautiful vistas.
Two Bedroom Suite with plunge pool - Two queen beds in suites designed to maximize privacy and views. Open-air bedrooms, large private plunge pool, stocked refrigerator, and coffeemaker. West side of suite is open to expose beautiful vista.
Gros Piton Suite with plunge pool - One queen bed in suite designed to maximize views and privacy. Larger than standard suite. Private heated plunge pool with waterfall. Sea and valley vistas in two directions. Stocked refrigerator and coffeemaker.
Luxury 2 Bedroom Villa Suite w/Pool - Two-bedroom villa with heated outdoor pool fed by stone waterfall. Design maximizes views and privacy. Four-poster bed in open-air master bedroom and queen bed in second bedroom. Living/dining area. West side of villa opens to beautiful vista. Two bathrooms, stocked refrigerator, and coffeemaker.



Monday, December 3, 2007

Yucatan Peninsula

Ten Ways To Enjoy The Yucatan Peninsula




1. Enjoy a guided boat ride through canals created by Mayan inhabitants more than 1,000 years ago at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Natural Site by UNESCO.



2. Cool off with a refreshing dip in one of the many cenotes, freshwater underground rivers that run through the area, considered sacred wells by the Mayan.



3. View the murals of the Palacio de Gobierno in merida



4. Take a tour of the Tulum ruins, the only archaeological zone in the area that overlooks the Caribbean Sea.



5. Stroll through the zocalo of Merida after dinner, and enjoy traditional drinks and musicians at outdoor cafes on Paseo do Montejo



6. Visit the towering ruins of Chichen-Itza, declared a World Heritage Cultural Site by UNESCO. This is the most completely excavated Mayan city in the region.



7. Scuba dive the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Meso-American Barrier.



8. Travel from Merida on a private tour of the natural reserve of Celestun, a breeding ground of pink flamingos.





9. Dance the night away to live salsa, merengue, and cumbia at Azucar, Cancun's hottest nightclub, with it's 16-piece Cuban band.



10. Stroll among the brightly colored buildings in Campeche City's historicalcenter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the baroque Spanish architecture.



Visit http://www.trueescapestravel.com/ to get more information on trave to the Yucatan Peninsula


Unforgettable Luxury Travel Begins With Your Travel Specialist


Unforgettable vacations begin with an expert. Professional travel counselors offer expertise, quality, experience, and confidence. They eliminate the worry and stress of planning every detail, so you spend more time dreaming, traveling and making memories.


Expertise
By booking your vacation through a Travel Specialist, you won't waste time searching for the best deals: they find them for you!


Quality
Travel specialists tour the destinations and properties, year after year, and are able to offer specific recommendations based on your preferences and desires.


Experience
If your dream vacation requires a complex or unusual itinerary, Travel Specialists have the experience to ensure every option is considered, common pitfalls are avoided, and the best local resources are made available.


Confidence
If anything changes during your vacation, your Travel Specialist will work with you to ensure that you get home or back to your vacation, as smoothly and quickly as possible.




The Bahamas

Bahamas

Graced with extensive beaches bleached white by the year-round sun and surrounded by turquoise waters filled with varied and colourful sea life, the Bahamas is a Mecca for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers alike. Although often thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually an archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small 'cays' strung out in the ocean starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the Atlantic Ocean.
The islands' first inhabitants were the Lucayan Indians who lived there from the 9th century until after Columbus discovered the islands in 1492, his first step into the New World. The resulting exploitation led to the native population being virtually wiped out. For two hundred years until independence in 1987 the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and culture. However, the mood of the island is now more Caribbean with a strong American influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.
Due to its proximity to the US, the Bahamas has become an offshore banking and financial centre. Tourism however remains its most important industry. The long stretches of empty beaches, clear waters and excellent facilities have made the Bahamas a popular destination throughout the year and the varied attractions of each of the islands ensure that there is something for everyone.

Andros, Bahamas

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is a favourite for scuba divers and fishermen. The island is undeveloped, the atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with palm savannas, primeval forest and huge mangrove wetlands making it a bird-watchers paradise. However, it is the underwater life that really makes Andros unique; it has the world's third largest reef running along its east coast for 167 miles (269km). The colourful assortment of fish life just beneath the surface, and blue holes and canyons (in the ocean and inland) which plunge down as deep as 200ft (61m) make this a truly spectacular place to explore whether you dive, snorkel or fish.

Bimini, Bahamas
The Bimini group is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and spans an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island, North Bimini (or simply 'Bimini') is barely seven miles long (11km) and no more than 1,200ft (366m) across at its widest point. The islands are best known for the excellent fishing opportunities, with visitors from around the world coming here to test their skills and catch an array of fish including tuna, sailfish, mako shark, barracuda and, above all, blue marlin. Almost all the action happens in Alice Town, a laid back town where fishermen gather to swap stories. During spring break the town becomes a little raucous with the arrival of crowds of college students. Scuba divers are also lured by some mysterious stone blocks in the waters off North Bimini which islanders claim are part of the 'lost city' of Atlantis.


Eleuthera, Bahamas

You are never far from the beach on the most popular of the Bahama's Out Islands, Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Eleuthera, and especially its satellite island, Harbour Island, just a short water-taxi ride away, have long been the holiday haunts of the fashionable set, sporting luxury hotels and fine restaurants that cater for trendy and wealthy visitors. The main entertainment here is sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, shell-collecting and fishing. The scenery can be enjoyed through a meander along the coast, passing scenic headlands and wandering through villages dotted between dozens of pristine beaches.


Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Fifty miles (80km) east of Miami, Grand Bahama is an idyllic island of white beaches and aquamarine seas beneath which the coral reefs teem with life. Most visitors stay in Freeport, a few miles inland, or at the seaside suburb of Lucaya on the south coast of the island. Here you can sail, play golf or simply relax by the pool at one of the many all-inclusive resorts. In town there are plenty of boutiques and bazaars to tempt shoppers, and evenings can be spent at one of the many restaurants. Those travellers with cash left in their wallets can head to one of the island's casinos. There is also much to entice divers and snorkellers. Outside Freeport, between Sweeting's Cay and Pelican Point, are seven blue holes inviting exploration, and a little further west is Deadman's Reef, accessible from the powdery white beach at Paradise Cove. East of Freeport is the Lucayan National Park, home to the largest underwater cave system in the world. Walkers can enjoy the island's natural flora and fauna or hire a kayak and explore the mangrove creeks.


Nassau ' New Providence Island, Bahamas

The nation's capital, on New Providence Island, is a colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour. It is a mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world charm. In downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th century, including the ancient Fort Fincastle, reached by the Queen's Staircase that was constructed by the labour of hundreds of slaves. Garden enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures. Enthusiastic shoppers on the other hand would be well advised to look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street. Alternatively visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds. Most tourists inhabit the spectacular resorts found on Paradise Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence Island and the city.


The Exumas, Bahamas

The Exumas encompass a myriad of islands and cays that stretch for hundreds of miles. The largest, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, are home to the small community of several hundred island inhabitants, who farm the land and welcome tourists. Visitors usually arrive by yacht, for these islands offer legendary cruising opportunities. If you come without sails, you will be tempted to hire a boat and make the most of the inviting waters. Most cays are edged with towering palm trees and expanses of white powdery beaches. The surrounding reefs have magical underwater gardens that draw divers and snorkellers. The main destination for divers is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile (456 sq km) natural underwater preserve, that can only be reached by seaplane or boat (charters can be arranged through the hotels).

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Summer 2008 Bahama Cruise

Summer Group CruiseBahamas Cruise Vacation 4 night Bahamas Cruise
DEPARTING JUNE 2ND, 2008FROM PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
aboard Sovereign Of The Seas


Come on everyone let's celebrate aboard the Sovereign Of The Seas and start this coming summer off right!!!

Whether you're looking for exciting water sports or a relaxing day on the beach, you'll find it all in the Bahamas. Located just north of the islands in the Caribbean, these islands boast brilliant blue waters as well as magnificent landscapes and scenic views.
Space is very limited so book early!

For More information and reservations contact:
True Escapes Travel
Chardye Lloyd
Phone: (770)648-6839
E-mail: Trueescapestravel@vacation.com
Web: Trueecapestravel.com
Web: Trueescapestravel.joystar.com
Web: Trueescapestravel.4mydeals.com

While onboard enjoy:
Rock-climbing wall
Johnny Rockets '50s-style restaurant
Sorrento's Pizza
Casino Royale
Themed bars and lounges including Boleros Latin lounge
2whirlpools
2 outdoor pools
ShipShape Day Spa
Open –air basketball court

All of this and more for only:
Interior Stateroom
From USD 389*

Oceanview Stateroom
From USD 419*

Junior Suite
From USD 829*


*The cruise price includes accommodations, most around-the-clock dining options, nightly entertainment and most onboard activities. Prices are cruise-only, per person. In U.S dollars and based on double occupancy. Government taxes and fees are additional.

Deposits are due January 31st, 2008 so you have plenty of time to get ready