The 17th season of Golf Channel's popular Big Break reality series will be produced at Atlantis Paradise Island resort - and the golf tournament will be hosted by the prestigious Ocean Club.  

(Photo Courtesy of Ocean Club, Bahamas) 

The Big Break Atlantis series will premiere on May 14, and will feature a cast of 12 women competing against each other in an attempt to make their lifelong dreams of playing alongside the world's top golfers a reality. The ultimate winner will receive an exemption to a to-be-announced 2012 LPGA Tournament, cash and other prizes.

(Photo courtesy of One & Only Ocean Club)

Formally a private estate, the One & Only Ocean Club is a luxury resort that offers 106 luxury rooms with full dining, full service spa, white sandy beaches, tempting gardens, and a golf course as scenic as it is challenging. Guests can also take advantage of Atlantis' Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay and the largest open-air marine habitat in the world.

The Ocean Club course features 18-holes - par 72 designed by Tom Weiskopf. The course features breathtaking signature holes, seaside greens and tees stretching over 7,100 yards of beautiful coastline. Ernie Els is the Ocean Club's touring pro, and Michael Jordan stages his annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational here.

For more info about the Big Break Atlantis series, visit the source article at Expats In The Bahamas

One & Only Ocean Club Bahamas

http://oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com/

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

http://www.atlantis.com/default.aspx

View Entry

• Sites to Visit

Check out Caribbean Festival/Carnival/Events for 2012 - we will make additions and updates when notified of events and dates.   

Here's a few upcoming events . . . follow link below to view what's happening in the Caribbean for 2012 - Linda

Moonsplash Music Festival - Anguilla

Mar 8-11, 2012

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 

Mar 29 - Apr 1, 2012

Barbados Holetown Festival

Feb 12-19, 2012

 Caribbean Festivals 2012

View Entry

From the ordinary to the extraordinary, the possibilities in St Maarten are limitless . . . Hotels, restaurants, casinos, nightclubs and beaches in between. 

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino "Hot Winter Sale"

Save 35% off rates. Free daily breakfast is included. Reduced rates start at $123 at Great Bay, and $140 at Maho, per room, per night. These discounted rates are based on double occupancy on Oceanview or higher room category. Offer valid on new reservations made by March 28, 2012 for travel through March 31, 2012. www.sonesta.com/mahobeach 

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino is offering the same "Hot Winter Sale" as above - AND a "72 Hour Sale"

The 72 Hour Sale must be booked by January 29, 2012, and guests receive 50% off ALL rates for room only - as well as all inclusive. Travel dates - February 5 - March 31, 2012.

www.sonesta.com/greatbay  

Photo courtesy of Westin Resorts & Spas

Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa features a "Sunsational Savings 2012" Promotion

This promotion offers a free night (when booking a minimum of six nights), daily breakfast for two, and complimentary room upgrade based on availability at check-in. Rates start at $360 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Book by Dec. 11, 2012 for travel through Dec. 18, 2012. www.westin.com

Coral Beach Club offers 20% when booking five nights through the "Escape the Winter Luxury Promotion"

Reduced rates start at $520 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Offer valid on new reservations for travel through April 14, 2012. Also check out the Summer/Fall Getaway Promotion which offers 25% off. www.coralbeach-club.com

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers a five-night "Romance/Honeymoon Package"

This packages is priced from $1,445 per couple, including one-bedroom, oceanfront accommodations, along with other extras. Offer valid on new reservations made by Dec. 23, 2012 for travel Jan. 1 - Dec. 23, 2012. www.divilittlebay.com

Only a couple of days left to book this luxury boutique . . .

Luxury boutique hotel The Princess Heights offers 30% off with the "Steamy Winter Specials" Promotion - and  "2012 Spring Sale " 

Both offers available on new reservations. "Steamy Winter Promo" must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012 for travel through April 12, 2012. 

The "2012 Spring Sale" must be booked by Feb 1, 2012 for travel April 13th – April 30th, 2012. Check out other promo's on the site for 2012 - 2013.  www.princessheights.com 

 St Maarten Island Tours

View Entry

When planning my trip to The Grenadines this year, first on the list of things to do was a stop on Happy Island.

We sat sail early in the morning with a nice tradewind breeze, and the water was quite smooth. The water colors are amazing in the Grenadines, changing from light aquamarine to a deep blue indigo. A school of dolphins appeared suddenly and accompanied us for a bit, and then just as quick disappeared from sight.   

Happy Island is not your typical island destination. This is a man made island formed out of conch shells, and can be found just off the coast of Union Island in the Grenadines.

As the tiny island came into sight, we could see a man moving around the perimenter. The captain anchored, and as we drew closer in the dinghy the man waved happily, and greeted us with a big smile. He said "Welcome to Happy Island " - OK, I'm already happy to be there!

The island's owner is Janti Ramaj. He came up with the brilliant idea for his own island when helping remove conch shells from Union Island's beach. Janti used tons of shells over the years, and added lots of cement to hold the island together. 

One Happy Man!

I should note "conch " is the name for these shells throughout the Caribbean, but in the Grenadines "lambi shells " is the preferred name. 

As he made rum punch, I inquired as to how he picked this particular spot. He stated there is a large reef below, so this was the perfect place to build. 

Another question - did he have to get permission from the government? Of course not he replied - they were just glad to get the over abundance of shells off Union Island. As he continued to build over the years, the government finally gave him approval, and now Happy Island is official. 

After the island rose from the sea, the next project was building a house for he and his wife to live in. The two room wood structure is extremely small, but it seems to work for them. The kitchen area serves two purposes - cooking/bedroom, and the other room is for the bar. Janti planted palm trees in the sand for a nice landscaping touch. Plastic white chairs round out the island bar's decor. 

Reggae and Soca music blares from giant speakers 

The island runs on wind and solar power

Janti has the true spirit of an entrepreneur who saw an opportunity and took full advantage. I've met many people in my travels throughout the years in the Caribbean, and he is by far one of the most interesting. 

As the rum punch kept flowing, we shared stories and many laughs. This will always be a stop when visiting The Grenadines. Janti and his wife are great hosts.

Happy Travels,

Linda

 www.travel2thecaribbean.com

View Entry

• Requested Travel Info

View Entry

• Way to Go!

Two new Bahamas mobile travel guides 

from leading UK mobile company World Mobi. 

Both guides are free of charge, and offer easy access with web links - 

along with island contact info for featured services. 

Image courtesy of World Mobi

Bahamas.City.Mobi offers travelers a variety of island attractions, entertainment and dining for 29 of the Bahama islands. The guide features 194 accommodations, 32 attractions, 40 nightlife spots, 105 restaurants, 38 shops, 34 transport companies, and more. 

http://bahamas.city.mobi/  

Nassau.Mobi is a city guide specifically for the capital featuring 52 accommodations, 15 attractions, 30 nightlife spots, 63 restaurants, 30 places to shop, 26 transport companies. 

http://nassau.mobi/

Both mobile guides offer currency converter, translator, emergency numbers, as well as other island services. The Nassau guide offers a weather feature.   

______________________ 

World Mobi - Leaders in mobile web site development and mobile strategy

http://www.worldmobi.co.uk/

View Entry

After viewing the video, head over to the NEW enhanced site

I am beauty unspoilt. Culture preserved.  

I am a diver’s dream and hiker’s paradise. I am the trailhead to adventure and discovery, unlike any other Caribbean destination. 

I am volcanic peaks, boiling waters and underwater champagne springs. Sparkling waterfalls, rushing streams and rainforest canopies. 

I am celebrations of music, art and flowers. I am nature’s island. 

I am Dominica. Are You?

 Dominica - The Nature Island

http://www.dominica.dm/index.php

View Entry

Celebrations on the island of St Croix, USVI always feature stilt walkers called Moko Jumbies.

In West Indian tradition, the Moko is the village watcher - looking out for danger from his great towering height. The name is believed to have originated in Nigeria and the Congo, and means African God. 

The Moko is a "diviner” and is represented by men on stilts who perform acts beyond normal human ability, rising to the skies without assistance. 

Jumbies represent either good or evil, and are supernatural beings who cannot be seen by non-believers. In traditional West Indian folklore, they can be ancestors as well as a bridge to the spiritual world.

Enjoy the dance of the colorful Moki Jumbies

Video Uploaded to YouTube by Visit USVI

Follow USVI Tourism Official Twitter Page 

 Learn more about USVI

View Entry

• Way to Go!

NBC's Today Show will broadcast live from The Bahamas 

on February 9-10 from 10 am - 11 am EST 

Image courtesy of NBC Today Show

Today Show hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb will show viewers why "It’s better in The Bahamas"

The Today Show team will use Atlantis Paradise Island resort as their Bahama home base. In coordination with the Tourism Ministry, the Today Show team will visit the new $12 million Straw & Craft Market in Nassau, along with other attractions. I know Kathy and Hoda will get some much needed beach time!

Nassau is the first stop on our 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise next month. Looking forward to posting pics of the new multi-million dollar market - and LOTS more when we return.  

 Bahamas vacations, tours and more

http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com/Bahamas.html 

View Entry

The Amazing Race is one of my favorite TV shows . . . 

Did you know that in his limited spare time, Phil Keoghan is a bike racer? (He won an over-40 state title in California recently.) And did you know The Amazing Race host has a women's bike team that pedals to aid in the fight against multiple sclerosis?

Keoghan and the team (aged 17-43) are in Bermuda helping to promote the island as a cycling destination. Most people think of it as motor scooter heaven (you can't rent cars), and it's "a great place to ride" a bicycle, he says.

 Read full article at USA today

View Entry

• Caribbean Travel Specials

Escape the cold this winter to a warm Paradise indulgence . . . 

 

Marriott Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort

Choose from nine Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean and Mexico Resorts and Save up to 25%, plus get a $50 Daily Resort Credit.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Save up to 25%
• Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Save 20%
• Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino Save 25%
• Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort Save 20%
• CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort Save 25%
• CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Save 20%
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Save 25%
• Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort Save 20%
• St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino Save 25%

Book by January 31, 2012 for stays March 1 - May 31, 2012. Use Promotion Code LLF

* Minimum length of stay is required and varies by resort.

http://www.paradisebymarriott.com/all-frills-no-chills

View Entry

The Anacaona Boutique Hotel in Anguilla is now offering five new deals for visitors in 2012. The goal is to have guests book their reservations early and save on the reduced rates.

photo courtesy Anacaona Hotel Anguilla

The Amorous Anacaona is a seven-night package that includes a standard room for two people, with local taxes and service charges, daily continental breakfasts, three dinners for two in the Firefly Restaurant, champagne or rum upon arrival, a one-hour massage for each guest, a daytrip for two to Sandy Island, as well as being able to plant a “love tree” in the hotel garden. Rates start from $2,950 and the package is available from January 2 through April 8, 2012.

The “Dine Around” package is also seven nights, with rates starting from $3,100 for two people. The owners of the hotel designed this package because they wanted their guests to try some of the other dining opportunities on the island. Visitors will be able to have dinner for two at Blanchard’s, Straw Hat, Oliver’s and DaVida, as well as three evenings at the Firefly Restaurant, which also includes Thursday’s Antillean buffet and folkloric show, Mayoumba. The package also includes the standard room for two people, local taxes and service charges, daily continental breakfasts and a welcome rum beverage. The deal is available from January 2 through April 8, 2012.

The “Anacaona Getaway 2012” deal offers four nights in a standard room for two people, local taxes and service charges included, daily continental breakfasts, two dinners for two in the Firefly Restaurant, a welcome rum drink, and a bottle of wine in the room. Rates start from $1,520 for two and it’s available from January 2 through April 8, 2012.

“January in Sunny Anguilla 2012”: Pay 6, Stay 7 is a package where guests can stay six nights in any one of the 27 rooms and suites at the Anacaona and they receive the seventh night free. It is available from January 2 through February 4, 2012.

“March Madness” 2012: Pay 6, Stay 7 is another package where guests can stay six nights and receive the seventh night for free. It is worth $1,750, but visitors will only pay $1,500. The deal is available from March 1 through April 8, 2012.


Visit www.anacaonahotel.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/

 More about the island of Anguilla

View Entry

• Caribbean Travel Specials

Stay 7 pay for 5 - Plus extra savings at St James Club, Antigua - Luxury Caribbean All Inclusive Beach Resort 

Photo courtesy of St James Club & Villas

St. James’s Club & Villas, a posh resort on a private 100-acre estate; With 147 rooms and 41 hillside villas, St. James’s Club is tucked away on a secluded 100-acre peninsula on the southeastern coast.

 

A posh, full-service resort that exudes a casual ambience, the storied property offers travelers an exclusive hideaway replete with amenities and activities. With its stunning hillside location and lush with tropical foliage, St. James is located directly on two white-sand beaches. 

Guest accommodations offer beautiful water views and ample privacy among the palm trees and greenery. 

Choose your travel dates, and get a quote

View Entry

My bucket list was formed many years ago, and first on the list was to visit every Caribbean island nation. To date, Sint Eustatius, also known "Statia " is the only island still remaining. Another goal was to visit all 50 U.S. States - and 11 states still remain years later.  

The more ambitious part of the list were destinations around the globe. Over the years the same places have stayed on the list, and many more were added.  

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to get real, and honestly question the validity of the ongoing bucket list . . . 

1) Are the travel goals I made so many years ago what I really desire to do today?

Actually no! I have changed over the years, have different goals, interests, and a clearer vision of what I now want out of life.  

2) Why visit these particular destinations? 

Rather than just seeing as many places as possible, my travel goals now are more personal. 

3) Why have I kept so many destinations continually on the list?

Being honest I somehow felt it would be failing at not obtaining a goal. 

Taking this into account, I've crossed the remaining 11 U.S. States off the list -  none of them hold any particular interest. Goal accomplished!

Being somewhat of a history buff, the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius ("Statia") will stay on the list, and will be visited next year. This was the first entity in the world to recognize the U.S. as a new nation in 1776. 

Now for the bulk of the ongoing global travel list. I've crossed off every destination but Africa and Australia. These two destinations are places I truly want to experience.  

Whew, that feels good!

The ideal travel destination for me has to be tropical. That's why I travel to the Caribbean every year - these islands literally call out to my soul. Each island is so different, and uniquely beautiful. 

Currently traveling solo on the beautiful island of Bequia in St Vincent & The Grenadines, and then moving on to Barbados. Then it's back home for a few weeks, and looking forward to an 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise with the hubby. 

New travel bucket list goal - Only add more places after visiting destinations already on the list!  

Happy Travels,

Linda

www.travel2thecaribbean.com

View Entry

• Caribbean Travel Specials

Bahama Beach Club is located on the small coastal community of Treasure Cay on Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. 

It's an ideal base for island hopping and exploring hidden cays, and deserted islands. 

The Bahama Beach Club's "Warm Winter Savings” features a free 4th night with a 3 night booking.

Rates for a two-bedroom, two-bath villa start at $300 and rates for a four-bedroom, four-bath villa start at $700. 

Villa prices include daily housekeeping services, cable TV, air conditioning, and unlimited in-room long distance calling to the U.S. and Canada, along with high-speed wireless Internet. The Bahama Beach Club also offers all-inclusive meal plans. 

Other on- and off-site amenities include a 3.5-mile beach, two fresh water swimming pools, swim-up bar, and concierge services including customized island excursions, beachfront family barbeques, private massages and spa treatments. 

For more information, call 800-284-0382 

E-mail: info@bahamabeachclub.com

Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and 

The Bahama-Out-Islands (Bahamas Family Islands)

View Entry