Join me (& BareDiver International) in Bonaire July 2012!

It’s that time again…time for our annual Bare Diver Group Dive Trip!  This year we are inviting all of our friends and families to the wonderful island of Bonaire the week of July 28 – August 4, 2012.  Bonaire is always our 1st choice because the diving is easy, the visibility is extremely fantastic, the water is warm, and the marine life is plentiful.  Bonaire is absolutely some of the very best diving you will do in the Caribbean and we are all excited to go back!

Our host hotel is Captain Don’s Habitat where we have been making annual pilgrimages since 2004.  All Bare Diver guests have the choice between Deluxe Ocean View Rooms or 2-bedroom bungalows.

Included in your Bare Diver package is (but not limited to):
· Hotel Accommodations for 7 nights
· Round-trip airport transfers to/from Captain Don’s Habitat
· 6 days of unlimited air for shore diving & unlimited night diving
· 6 days of 1-tank boat diving
· Welcome Rum Punch
· All weights and weight belts
· Managers’ party with live entertainment
· Underwater photo contest with prizes
· Official Bare Diver T-shirt
· Free Wi-Fi
· Packing lists, island information, excursion information
· Bonaire kick-off party
· All taxes, service charges, and energy surcharges
· $75 Matching Resort Credit*
· FREE PADI Advanced Certification** class for anyone 12 and older

Packages start at $603 for an adult diver. Prices do not include airfare but I would be happy to find you the best possible flights. Delta Air Lines fly direct from Atlanta and Continental Airlines fly direct from Houston!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Le Blanc’s “standard” buffet is the most amazing buffet you’ll ever experience!

I realize that it’s very odd for me to write an entire blog about a hotel’s buffet, but I just have to share this with you because it is so amazing!  While I can go on and on (and I am sure I will in another blog) about Le Blanc’s amazing hotel and amenities, today I want to share with you what their ‘standard’ buffet looks like.  Remember, this is an all-inclusive hotel so you can eat as much as you want for as long as you want.
In three center of the entire buffet food area are 3 fabulous chefs that grill, sauté, or fry the items YOU have chosen for your meal.

While that in itself may not impress you, take a look at the amazing variety available for you to chose from:

Amazing seafood, beef, chicken! Again, you can have as much as you want – it’s included in your package!

Take a look just behind my friend, Julio, and notice the wonderful variety of sauces.  After you have chosen what you want to eat, how you want it cooked, and in what seasoning…then you can add your favorite sauce – or all try  of them!

But the amazing buffet doesn’t end there!  There is a huge variety of hot and cold sides to chose from:

And, of course, the most delicious desserts you have ever tried! Including home made ice cream ‘to die for’:

As I mentioned earlier, the buffet is not the only amazing thing about Le Blanc, but I was so impressed with the food, the service and the ambiance that I just had to share this with you! 
Ready to visit Le Blanc?  Contact me for a free quote on your hotel and flight package! christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Excellence Riviera Cancun is calling to you..are you listening?

Ready for a vacation? I hear the Excellence Riviera Cancun calling your name!  This resort is an Adult-Only, All-Inclusive paradise that offers you the luxurious atmosphere to relax in OR you can go a little 'wild’ and party at the swim-up bar or the piano bar.  There are hammocks on every balcony and patio as well as scattered around the beach and pool areas – don’t you hear them calling for you? Can you picture yourself relaxing in the warm, tropical weather?  Hmmmm…I can see it!

While the entire property is definitely 5 star, I must add that it’s those “little touches” in my hotel room that make my stay most enjoyable….like a comfy robe and slippers, or a variety of tea in my room for the morning, the fully stocked mini bar, or maybe it’s the great toiletries that they leave in my room.

Trust me when I say, you are going to enjoy your stay at the Excellence Riviera Cancun.  The staff is friendly, the amenities are excellent and the resort itself is absolutely beautiful.  Email me today for your FREE personalized quote on a trip to Excellence Rivera Cancun. Add round-trip airfare to your package and get additional discounts!  There are many airlines that now have direct flights to Cancun which gives you shorter travel time and more time on the beach or at the pool bar!

I look forward to working with you and sending you to the Excellence Riviera Cancun! christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Welcome to the Excellence Riviera Cancun!

The Excellence Riviera Cancun is a fabulous, adult-only, all-inclusive, luxury resort that is perfect for your next trip. Immediately upon arrival you will be greeted by extremely friendly staff who will escort you to the front desk and take over all your luggage from that point on.
Friendly staff:
Once you are checked into your room and the bellhop has shown you the amenities in your room (guaranteed to impress you, I might add). You can tour the Excellence property and enjoy some of the on-site activities such as:
Outdoor Billiards:
Outdoor Chess:
Enjoy one of the many pools or the swim-up bar:
Enjoy one of the many spa treatments like this traditional Mexican cleanse:
Or maybe enjoy a sunset dinner on the beautiful beach:
All of the above photos were taken by me personally on my trip to the Excellence Riviera Cancun in November of 2011.  I truly enjoyed this resort and would love to send you and your loved one or your friends & family this location. Contact me today so I can tell you more about this resort, give you a FREE personalized quote which can include your airline tickets – all for the very best price out there!
I look forward to hearing from you!  christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

It’s time to stay at the Fiesta Americana Condesa in Cancun!

While in Cancun I was able to enjoy the Fiesta Americana Condesa and I would love to send you there! It was an absolutely lovely property with 4 excellent restaurants, 3 bars, daily activities and nightly entertainment.  This resort is family friendly and offers children separate ‘kids clubs’ based on their ages/interests (unlike some resorts that expect the 12 year olds to share a space with the toddlers).  That being said, it is also great for adults and couples with separate pool areas, swim up bars, and beautiful Tropical Casitas. 

Contact me today so I can give you a FREE quote with or without airline tickets.  I am happy to help!  christy@caribbeanjoruney.com or christy@barediver.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

The Royal Resorts in Mexico are gourmet luxury AND all-inclusive!

The Royal in Cancun or The Royal in Playa del Carmen are fantastic options for those who want classic luxury mixed in with a Mexican flare and sprinkled with gourmet luxury!  The Royal properties will awe you with their stunning architecture but it won’t stop there….flawless service, amazing new room amenities (such as telescopes and flat hair irons) are going to keep you coming back again and again.  You don’t want to miss these resorts and now with all of the great flight options to Cancun you don’t have to!

Both of these properties are ADULT only and ALL-INCLUSIVE. I do not favor one over the other and actually would recommend you try them both! Let me give you a few highlights from each of them:

The Royal in Cancun

• Next door to their sister property so it’s perfect for weddings and honeymoons!
• Full exchange privileges with other properties
• Catholic wedding chapel for weddings on property!
• FREE phone calls local and international
• Jacuzzi in your suite
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Use of hydrotherapy in the spa for all guests
• 24 hour room service
• Nightly entertainment including “Cirque du Soleil” style shows
• Beach Butler Service around pool and beach area.

The Royal in Playa del Carmen

• Steps from Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue with shopping, cafés, and nightlife
• On-line check-in for guests 48 hrs. prior to your arrival AND you can chose the room you want within your room category!
• Pillow menu
• Full exchange privileges with other properties
• Jacuzzi in your suite
• FREE phone calls local and international

Contact me today for your FREE quote!  Christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

American Airlines has new Non-Stop flights to Antigua!

American Airlines has recently added non-stop air service to Antigua from JFK!!  Antigua is a wonderful island with lush vegetation, warm people and great resorts!
Some of my favorite resorts are pictured below!

St. James Club

Sugar Ridge

Galley Bay

Carlisle Bay

Contact me today for your free travel quote and take advantage of these great new DIRECT flights from JFK!!

christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Gran Melia Cancun takes care of its Guests!

If you travel a lot like I do, you know that there are a few things that make your hotel stay extremely more enjoyable and stress free (and isn’t that the goal?). The Gran Melia in Cancun is one of the few hotels that offer you the following amenities that make every traveler’s stay more magical and there are direct flights to Cancun from many US cities!

FREE WIRELESS INTERNET THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY! This is by far, one of the most important amenities for me while staying at any hotel. Like so many other travelers these days, I need to work a few minutes here and there even when I am on vacation. Most hotels have ‘spotty’ internet and you need to frequently reconnect, need to be in the lobby area, or you need to be stationed in your room with a connecting wire. Once you check into the Gran Melia Cancun you can accept their Wi-Fi and you are connected EVERYWHERE, without interruption, and without any codes or passwords. I cannot emphasize how wonderful it was to always be able to get an email, type a quick reply and put my phone or laptop away – not having to reconnect or run back to my room make the Gran Melia my absolute favorite hotel in Cancun!

EXTRA LARGE TOWELS AND LOTS OF THEM! Remember the last time you were in a hotel and there were only 2 towels and you wanted to use them both but need to save one for your significant other? And to top it off the towel was so small you could hardly wrap it around your body? The Gran Melia Cancun will make sure you never have this experience. Your room will be stocked with 4-6 extra-large (yes, I really mean extra-large!) towels for your convenience. I know my fellow travelers understand my excitement of this great amenity and those of you who are new travelers will definitely appreciate it when you go.

A SELECTION OF PILLOWS. If you are staying 3 nights or 10 nights at a hotel, there is nothing worse than being stuck with a pillow you do not like – be it too hard or too soft. The Gran Melia offers you both options in your room to ensure you get a great night sleep so you can wake up well rested and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

BATHROBES AND SLIPPERS. It is always a nice to have at your disposal - soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. These are nice to have for sitting on your balcony or answering the door for room service. I always appreciate it when a hotel leaves me a robe and slippers! Gran Melia has robes and slippers in all of their rooms!

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE AROUND THE POOL AND ON THE BEACH! I know it’s hard to believe, but not every hotel offers you food and beverage service around the pool and/or on the beach. The Gran Melia has an extremely friendly, multi-lingual staff that offers you a full menu of food and drink service. This may not seem important when researching for hotels, but I promise you that once you are on your beach chair and comfortable, it is very nice to have someone bring you your drinks rather than having to collect any important personal belongings and make your way to the bar. This is a “must” for any traveler wanting to spend hours at the pool or beach!

The Gran Melia offers you many more great amenities and perks that I could go on and on…. Drop me an email and let me tell you about this wonderful property! christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Hilton Los Cabos, Mexico is FANTASTIC!

I just checked into the Hilton in Los Cobos, Mexico yesterday so I do not have any photos for you to see yet, but I wanted to tell you how WONDERFUL this resort is.  This resort is fantastic for families, groups, girls’ getaways, couples, and singles.  There are 2 adults pools both with swim-up pool bars, an absolutely fantastic beach (very large, soft sand, plenty of space), an outside Jacuzzi and watersports on the beach (including jet ski’s, kayaks, etc.).  For the children, they have a kid’s club with activities and games, a kid’s pool, and naturally those slushy drinks that every child loves!

This is great new news: Virgin Airlines now gives you Direct Flights from Chicago!  Naturally, there are many ways to get here and there are other direct flights so shoot me an email and I will find you the most direct and economical flight for you.

Stay tuned and I’ll send you the pictures of our trip!  Today is Zip Lining…gotta go zip!

Christy@barediver.com OR christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Calabash Cove is the perfect resort for adult groups.

Calabash Cove is the perfect resort for adult groups traveling together - whether it is for a beautiful Destination Wedding or just a few couples who want a quiet, yet luxurious, resort to enjoy their vacation. At Calabash Cove every single room has a fabulous view of the ocean and just past the ocean is the amazing backdrop of the far side of the cove which lights up at night to make the most stunning and romantic view. There are four room categories at Calabash Cove including Ocean View, Swim-up Suites, and Waters Edge Beachfront Cottages. All rooms are available with or without the all-inclusive package. There are not any ‘bad rooms’ at Calabash so there is absolutely something for every budget.

There are four swim-up suites at Calabash cove Each swim-up room is adjacent to the main pool with its stunning infinity edge and the comfortable swim-up tiki bar. Get your group to reserve all four of these swim-up suites and you will rule the pool for your entire stay! Guaranteed.

There are nine Waters Edge Cottages all of which have their very own private patios and plunge pools. Eight of these cottages are side-by-side so a group of two couples or a group of four couples could reserve 2-4 cottages and be in close proximity to their friends yet also have the privacy and space they desire. These cottages fill up fast so pre-booking them in advance is a must!

Ocean View Suites at Calabash Cove are in blocks of four - all with stunning views of the ocean and each with its very own Jacuzzi tub and spacious patio. Take over a block of four or take over the entire building of eight – it’s your party and the view is waiting for you!

The perfect thing about Calabash Cove is that is that is a boutique property.  You cannot loose your friends unless you chose to hide in your room or go off-property. The staff is amazingly hospitable and the food is absolutely fantastic. Calabash Cove is the perfect choice for your adult group – contact me today to learn more about Calabash Cove and get your FREE personalized quote for your next vacation! Did I mention that there are now Direct Flights to St. Lucia? 

Christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

FREE contest to win 7 nights in Majorca, Spain if you enter by 4:00 PM (CET) on October 25, 2011!

Here’s your chance to win SEVEN FREE NIGHTS at the Iberostar Royal Cupido in Palma, Majorca…but you cannot wait because the contest ends October 24, 2011 at 4:00 PM Central Eastern Time.  Ready to enter?  Click here and follow the steps:  http://blog.edreams.com/2011/10/21/win-a-7-nights-stay-in-majorca/

It’s FREE….what are you waiting for? You deserve to win this trip!!

Good luck!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

St. Lucia resorts offer you private cottages with your own private pools.

Calabash Cove offers you stunning Waters Edge Beachfront Cottages. These beautiful cottages are surrounded by lush landscaping and steps away from the beach. Calabash Cove is a quiet and luxurious resort with exceptional service and divine food. Calabash Cove offers you the option of being all-inclusive or not all-inclusive.

Sandals Grande offers you uniquely designed Rondoval Cottages. These fantastic cottages are circular in shape and offer you your own private patio area with a pool, lounge chairs and an outdoor shower. Pair these up the wonderful inclusions Sandals Resorts always offer you and you cannot go wrong. Sandals Resorts are for couples only which adds to your romantic ambiance.

Cap Maison offers you fully furnished bungalows that can be one, two or three bedroom units. Each bungalow has a stunning rooftop terrace with your very own private pool, patio and a view that will take your breath away. Cap Maison offers you top of the line in service, food, wine and ambiance.

Contact me today for your FREE personalized quote to any of these romantic properties!  Direct flights to St. Lucia are now available! christy@barediver.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Calabash Cove may win the annual Bartender Competition with a “Longer Vacation”!

On November 1^st of 2011 the island of St. Lucia is hosting their annual “Cocktail Competition”. The greatest bartenders from all of your favorite resorts will be competing. All bartenders are required to concoct both a frozen drink and a shaken drink. All drinks are required to represent the island of St. Lucia and use its naturally grown and distilled ingredients.

This year, my dear friend, Jonathan, from Calabash Cove Resort will be competing for the first time. While I am not an expert, I believe he has a superb chance of winning! His new shaken drink recipe uses two local rums and other secret ingredients that gives this drink an absolutely refreshing yet unique taste. Jonathan’s drink is is called the “Longer Vacation” and perfect for representing St. Lucia is is nothing like I have ever had before.  Who doesn’t want a “Longer Vacation”?!

If you will be visiting St. Lucia on or around November 1^st of this year please stop by Calabash Cove and try Jonathon’s winning drink. I promise you’ll be completely impressed and possibly one of the first to congratulate Jonathan on his big win!

Good luck, Jonathan! We’re cheering for you! We know you’ll put Calabash Cove on the map! Contact me today for your FREE personalize travel quote including airfare.  There are now direct flights to St. Lucia!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.

Calabash Cove is the perfect resort for adult groups wanting a lush & tropical vacation!

Calabash Cove is the perfect resort for adult groups traveling together - whether it is for a beautiful Destination Wedding or just a few couples who want a quiet, yet luxurious, resort to enjoy their vacation. At Calabash Cove every single room has a fabulous view of the ocean and just past the ocean is the amazing backdrop of the far side of the cove which lights up at night to make the most stunning and romantic view. There are four room categories at Calabash Cove including Ocean View, Swim-up Suites, and Waters Edge Beachfront Cottages. All rooms are available with or without the all-inclusive package. There are not any ‘bad rooms’ at Calabash so there is absolutely something for every budget.

There are four swim-up suites at Calabash cove Each swim-up room is only a few steps up from the main pool with its stunning infinity edge and the comfortable swim-up tiki bar. Get your group to reserve all four of these swim-up suites and you will rule the pool for your entire stay! Guaranteed.

There are nine Waters Edge Cottages all of which have their very own private patios and plunge pools. Eight of these cottages are side-by-side so a group of two couples or a group of four couples could reserve 2-4 cottages and be in close proximity to their friends yet also have the privacy and space they desire. These cottages fill up fast so pre-booking them in advance is a must!

Ocean View Suites at Calabash Cove are in blocks of four - all with stunning views of the ocean and each with its very own Jacuzzi tub and spacious patio. Take over a block of four or take over the entire building of eight – it’s your party and the view is waiting for you!

The perfect thing about Calabash Cove is that is that is a boutique property. There are less than 30 rooms throughout the entire property so you cannot lose touch with your friends unless you chose to hide in your room or go off-property. The staff is amazingly hospitable and the food is absolutely fantastic.

Calabash Cove is the perfect choice for your adult group – contact me today to learn more about Calabash Cove and get your FREE personalized quote for your next vacation! Delta Airlines now has direct flights to St. Lucia, but almost all large airlines have flights to the island at some point during the week.

christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives license.