A Luxury Travel Blog

Next time you stumble upon a rum shack on a secluded beach in Jamaica, perhaps you’ll think back to this video. As well as being fun, it does make you wonder about your experiences as a tourist when you travel… are you getting the genuine article or are you being presented with what the locals think you want to see?

Island Outpost has issued a number of ’steals’ this Autumn “for the free-spirited” among us.  Here are the offers:

Jake’s Treasure Beach, South Coast, Jamaica

Chill out both body and mind… Retreat to a world of relaxation, sensuality and revelation in the free-spirited atmosphere of Jake’s in Treasure Beach.

OFFER: Fifth Night FREE · 30-minute massage per person at the resort’s new Driftwood Spa · Welcome bottle of wine.

RATES: Starting at $95 per room based on single or double occupancy. 18.25% Service Charge and Government Tax are additional. Special offer valid on new bookings only.

TRAVEL DATES: Now through December 14, 2008.

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

Dramatic cliffs, mesmerizing ocean views…. grottoes, one for intimate dining, and another for a rendezvous in a bubbling hot tub… A promise of romance, serenity and privacy awaits at The Caves.

OFFER: Fifth Night FREE · 30-minute massage per person · Welcome bottle of wine.

RATES: Starting at $425 per room based on double occupancy and are inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and house wines and spirits. 18.25% Service Charge and Government Tax are additional. Special offer valid on new bookings only.

TRAVEL DATES: Offer from Oct 1 – Dec 22, 2008.

Geejam, Port Antonio, Jamaica

Geejam, an ‘uber luxury’ insider escape, is located in San San, close to Port Antonio, in the parish of Portland, on the pristine shores of northeast Jamaica. The Geejam ethos stems from synergizing local Jamaican flair with a singular approach to service, cuisine and accommodation. Whether it be for a vacation, a recording session, a photo shoot, a wedding, a honeymoon or just a fleeting getaway, you are invited to taste this uniquely modern experience.

OFFER: Fifth Night FREE. Complimentary roundtrip flights from Kingston to Portland for stay of 7 nights or more.

RATES: Starting at $425 per room based on double occupancy and includes breakfast. Special offer valid on new bookings only.

TRAVEL DATES: Now through Nov 30, 2008.

Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountains, Jamaica

Reconnect with you inner self through Strawberry Hill Living, a simple lifestyle embracing all facets of mind, body and spirit, bringing an optimum balance of de-stressed self-awareness. A 60-foot negative-edge swimming pool, nature trails, bird-watching expeditions and mountain bikes help you connect with the intense natural beauty of this fertile region, famous the world over for its strong, smooth coffee blends.

OFFER: Fifth Night FREE.

TRAVEL DATES: Now through Dec 14, 2008.

Compass Point, Nassau, Bahamas

Don’t leave any vacation days behind! It’s time to fall in love with relaxation again, especially when Compass Point is offering the fourth night free! At this Cable Beach retreat, unwind in one of its 18 huts, two-story cottages and cabanas for three nights, receive the fourth night free. Book your fall special now!

OFFER: Fourth Night FREE.

RATES: Starting at $240 for a Sea View Studio based on single or double occupancy.

TRAVEL DATES: Now through November 14, 2008 for stays between Monday and Thursdays. Special offer valid on new bookings only.

Private luxury villa rentals in Jamaica, from Jamaican Treasures.

A stylish equilibrium between ultra-modern technology and the intrinsic grace of Jamaica’s organic vibe resonate at this new resort. Originally founded by music producer Jon Baker as a recording hideaway that played host to No Doubt, Common, India.Arie, Björk and Gorillaz, among others, Baker has now joined forces with fellow music industry veteran, Steve Beaver, to metamorphosize Geejam into an insider escape. Located on six acres of the lush San San Estate, the property extends from the foothills of the John Crow and Blue Mountain chains to the Caribbean beachfront. Within immediate proximity is Frenchman’s Cove - voted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world’s top five beaches. Room rates start from $425 a night low season (or from $1,650 for Sanwood, the original villa), and you can currently book 4 nights and get a 5th for free.

• Nisbet Plantation Beach Club - Newcastle Beach, Nevis
• Jamaica Inn - Ochos Rios, Jamaica
• Excellence Riviera Cancun - Puerto Morelos, Mexico
• Galley Bay Resort - St John’s, Antigua
• East Winds Inn - Gros Islet, St. Lucia
• The Caves - Negril, Jamaica
• Villa Renaissance - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
• La Casa Que Canta - Zihuatanejo, Mexico
• Pompano Beach Club - Southampton, Bermuda
• Cozumel Palace - Cozumel, Mexico

Come back tomorrow for the best in South America!

Vacations are always more fun when there’s a coastline in view, or at least so say Tripadvisor.  They’ve come up with a list outlining their top 10 favourite beachside destinations:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Honolulu, Hawaii 
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Surfer’s Paradise, Australia
5. Negril, Jamaica
6. Miami, Florida
7. Viti Levu, Fiji
8. Boracay, Philippines
9. Tenerife, Canary Islands
10. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand

What places would be in your top 10 that are not in this list?

If you’re dreaming of a no-stress, relaxing-on-the-beach kind of vacation, then - according to Tripadvisor - the top 10 all-inclusive resorts are to be found mostly in the Caribbean.  Their list is as follows:

1. Iberostar Bavaro, Dominican Republic 
2. Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico 
3. Royal Hideaway Playacar & Occidental Resorts, Mexico 
4. East Winds Inn, St. Lucia 
5. Couples Negril, Jamaica  
6. Iberostar Varadero, Cuba 
7. Divi Aruba All-Inclusive Beach Resort, Aruba 
8. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 
9. Iberostar Costa Dorada, Dominican Republic 
10. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Bahamas

Sit back, relax and enjoy a short promotional video from the Half Moon resort in Jamaica.

Equestrians looking for a vacation to pursue their passion need look no further than Half Moon, the only resort to boast its own equestrian centre in Jamaica and one of only three such resorts in the Caribbean. Led by skilled and passionate trainers, the centre offres exciting programmes for all ages. Guests can take advantage of the signature Beach Ride, which takes riders for an exhilarating swim on horseback into the sea. The Jungle Jaunt, ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, leads riders through a wooded grove and along paths on a scenic hillside. Little ones need not feel left out also, as the centre offers pony rides for children under six. Prices for riding experiences are $15 for pony rides, $50 for the Jungle Jaunt and $70 for the Beach Ride, while a private riding lesson is only $50 for 30 minutes.

Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort is due to open next month following a $4 million investment.   The spa was once the resort’s signature villa, Fern Tree House, but is being transformed into a 68,000 square foot sanctuary for the mind and body. The spa will meld modern spa techniques with Jamaica’s ancient healing remedies of native herbs, fruits and botanicals.

Richard Whitfield is Managing Director of Half Moon, a beautiful resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, that has been welcoming guests for over 50 years.  Richard joined the resort as Financial Controller back in 1976 and became Director of Operations in 1986.  Following the retirement of Heinz Simonitsch in 2002, Richard was promoted to the role of Managing Director.

What is it that you do exactly?

I have the privilege of representing as Managing Director the 800+ men and women who serve the guests of Half Moon, a 400 acre resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica, with warm Jamaican hospitality and true professionalism.

At Half Moon our mission is to exceed our guests’ expectations and so we set about providing the very best products and services to our clients.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy the genuine enthusiasm and dedication of our staff to take care of our guests.  I enjoy receiving feedback from our clients on things that went well in their experience and also commentary on how they would like to see their experience improved.  As we always strive to be the best at what we do, our guest feedback is essential to achieve that goal.

I also enjoy taking a tour of the resort on a daily basis, seeing our staff in action, seeing our guests enjoy this atmosphere that we have created and working with our managers on staff in fine tuning the product.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

1. Excelsior Palace Hotel in Rapallo, Italy.  The food was exquisite and it was further enhanced by the setting overlooking a placid lake.
 
2. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Osaka, Japan - seamless in their presentation.
 
3. Four Seasons Hotel, London - impeccable service.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Excelsior Palace Hotel.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Half Moon has been privileged to host many of the world’s elite, including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Princess Anne, His Serene Highness Prince Reiner and his family among many others.  In fact Jacqueline Kennedy, when she visited with then Senator John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, penned one of her wills on Half Moon stationery; a copy of which now hangs in our lobby.  I personally have had the privelge to meet The Queen, her daughter Princess Anne, the Prime Minister of Canada Mr. Paul Martin, among other world leaders and celebrities.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

The tented hotels of Jaipur, India.

Thanks, Richard.

Guests reserving Half Moon’s luxurious Royal Villas this winter can receive up to $1400 in resort credit when they book Half Moon’s Winter Escape package. With the Winter Escape, guests who book a minimum of 5 nights will receive a resort credit of $1000 for a 5-bedroom villa, $1200 for a 6-bedroom villa and $1400 for a 7-bedroom villa.  The package also includes daily breakfast as well as round-trip airport transfers in Montego Bay.  The credit is applicable for restaurants, activities and other services at the resort and the package is valid for stays until 15th April 2007 (excluding 14th-22nd February).

Trisha Johnson is President of Aegean Sails which offers high end yacht (gulet) charter services in the Aegean Sea (Greece and Turkey). Trisha previously worked in tourism in the 1980s, but spent several years in the relocation business working with New York corporations, before getting back into travel in 2000.

What is it that you do exactly?

I specialize in the beautiful hand made wooden yachts called gulets in the Aegean/Mediterranean.  They cruise the Turkey coast, which they name the Blue Voyage, and the nearby Greek Islands. I am now just setting up to offer Croatia also. A typical day in my business starts early in the morning as my business is centered in Turkey, and Turkey is seven hours ahead of New York. Because we own and operate our own gulet, there are various issues which need to be dealt with, and so I correspond with Captain Yilmaz, captain of the Piccolo and a partner in my business.

I then respond to the requests which have come in for information on possible trips.  People are looking for help in all aspects of their trip to Turkey, and I take great pleasure in helping them all I can.  I have worked up a network of experts in the area, so although I may not book many of these aspects myself, I can always put them in touch with someone who can help them.  It is great fun explaining to them the many advantages of a gulet holiday and talking to them about the many ports of call.  Some people want more time on land, some people more time on the water.  They might be interested in the fascinating history of the area, or they may be more inclined towards diving or water sports.  Each itinerary is based on that particular group, and putting it together, is one of the best parts of my day.  People are always happy when they are planning their vacation, so we can’t help but to have fun working on it together.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A large part of my job is marketing and devising the needed materials to help us reach out in many directions.  This is all the creative part of the business and I get a lot of pleasure out of, especially when it all comes together.  I have a great team of talented people that I work with, who have all been to Turkey and enjoyed the Piccolo, so they all give enthusiastically of their best.  And then, all of a sudden, along comes a request like yours, which is a lot of fun to respond to.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

I travel too much to remember 3 best places, but from recent trips my husband and I enjoy a tiny little hotel in Negril, Jamaica called “Idleawhile“.  There are only a handful of rooms decorated beautifully in true Caribbean style.  There is a bar and restaurant right on the beach but the best thing for me is that I can walk from my room, through a tropical garden, straight onto the beach.  No large foyers for me.  The owners of this hotel own one of the largest hotels a little further down the beach, where you have access to all the facilities, e.g. gyms, tennis, etc.

Another spot we loved to stay recently was the Sheraton Hotel in Antalya, Turkey.  It is right on the sea looking out to the Taurus mountains which ring the sea to the right of the hotel.  We were given a suite room with terrace and lots of glass to enjoy the view.  Watching the sun come up over the mountains which seem to touch the sea was truly spectacular.

We have just returned from a two week trip to Australia where we spent one week in Noosa, Queensland.  There were a group of us, so we rented a wonderfully relaxing house on Witta Circle within walking distance to the town.  We had our own beach on the river, a pool, an open, well-decorated house with spacious bedrooms and great bathrooms.  The laughing kookaburras (birds) delighted us each morning, and there was always a beautiful bird song going on around us. We could walk to the sweeping, sandy Noosa beach and have iced coffees Aussie style on the way home.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

My recent dining experience was La Vida right on Hastings St., the main street of Noosa, Queensland.  The atmosphere was upmarket, it was busy with happy diners and offered delicious cuisine.  I love oysters, and here they were particularly tasty.  My main course was a twice roasted duck over a kumara mash which I followed with a truly downunder dessert of pavlova with cream and passion fruit.  Yum!  Writing this makes me wish I could dine there again soon.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

While we were in Sydney, some promoter had paid $6m for Paris Hilton to appear and identify with some Down Under beer.  How this woman, who I can’t figure out does what, gets paid to do this, is anyone’s guess!!!  One night she donned a black wig and had her own night on the town.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

A return trip to Australia to relax in Cairns and visit more of the outback.

Thanks, Trisha. Your gulets look fabulous - I shall be following your progress with interest.

It’s not a publication I can claim to read often but an article in the Jamaica Gleaner caught my eye today. Recent discussions by tourism industry officials at the Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa concluded that the way forward for Jamaica is to set out to be the best.  This, according to Adam Stewart, the 25-year-old CEO of Sandals Resorts International, has been the basis of Sandals’ 20% growth in the last year.  Jamaica projects about 1.2 million visitors in 2007, about 100,000 more than last year.

As if by magic, a replica of an old-fashioned Jamaican village welcomes you, with gingerbread architecture, a town square, skilled craftsmen and coconut vendors of selling their treasures on the cobble-stoned streets…

If you enjoy golf, sunshine and unadulterated luxury then the Tryall Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica is the place for you to be.  The club are currently offering four free green fees for those booking holidays at the exclusive resort for the end of this year. The club treats its guests to house villas, fully staffed with chef, housekeeper and maids. It also has an excellent selection of entertainment facilities besides the fantastic golf courses.