Adventure Antigua Eco Snorkeling Island Tour By Boat

Courtesy of Adventure Antigua on YouTube

Travel Sweepstakes: Spectacular Getaways in New England

Photo courtesy Smugglers' Notch Resort

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa - Enter to Win a $1,500 Spa Getaway for Two!
More...

Smugglers' Notch Resort - Enter for your chance to win a week-long family vacation
More...

Woodstock Inn and Brewery - Win a Ski & Stay Package
More...   

 

Sailing Action! Regattas, Beach Parties, Fun

Get ready to battle the tradewinds. A sample of exciting regattas and sailing festivals in the tropics.

 Photo Courtesy of Antigua Sailing Week

 Grenada Sailing Festival

 January 28, Feb 1, 4-6, 2011

Event Website 

Antigua Sailing Week

 April 24-29, 2011

 Event Website

St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta
March 25-27, 2011

Event Website 

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
 March 3-6, 2011

Event Website 

Tobago Carnival Regatta

February 13-20, 2011

Event Website 

BVI Spring Regatta Festival 

March 28-April 3, 2011
Event Website 

Visiting 'The Essex Resort & Spa'

The Essex on YouTube: Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

Destination: St. Maarten

Tropical Fun in the Sun: 3 Hot November Festivals

 Photo courtesy of Pirates Week

Experience Cayman's Pirates Week on November 11-21, 2010. The National Festival is eleven jam-packed days of family fun -- fireworks, street dances, food and drink, kids day, glittering parade, sports events and a mock ‘pirate invasion’. For more information, visit www.piratesweekfestival.com 

The 7th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival will be held from November 26-28, 2010, on the tropical island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos - home to the “ World’s Best Beach.” The highlight of the Conch Festival is a ‘conch-etition’ which pits the island’s best restaurants and chefs against each other in a tasting competition judged by a panel of local and celebrity chefs. An added twist this year is that a member of the public will also serve as a judge. For more information, visit www.conchfestival.com

The 1st annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival is set for November 19-22, 2010. The roster of celebrity master chefs and culinary experts will showcase their talent in the 'Birthplace of Rum'. Bravo's hit reality cooking series "Top Chef" Tom Colicchio will be joined by culinary superstars Marcus Samuelsson, Ming Tsai and Tim Love, as well as local Barbadian culinary talent. The festivities will feature chef demonstrations, tasting events and interactive sessions. For more information, visit www.foodwinerum.com
 

 

Think Spring! Upcoming New England Flower & Garden Shows

 Courtesy of Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show 

The 19th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show will be held on February 24-27, 2011 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, located at One Sabin Street in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island 02903. The theme will be "Gardening with heart". In partnership with the American Heart Association. For more information, visit www.flowershow.com/show-info

 "Capture the Magic" is the theme for the 30th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show - Event will take place on February 24-27, 2011 at the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford. For more information, visit www.ctflowershow.com

Blooms! will be held in conjunction with the Boston Flower & Garden Show on March 16-March 20, 2011 at the Seaport World Trade Center Boston, MA 02210. For more information, visit www.masshort.org

Larimar: A Rare Gem in the Dominican Republic

Larimar is a rare semi-precious gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic province of Barahona. Early inhabitants believed the stones originated from the sea. In 1916, a parish priest named Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren discovered the blue rock and unsuccessfully petitioned the government for permission to explore its origin. In 1974, local Dominican Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling, a member of the U.S. Peace Corps, rediscovered the blue stones along the shore and were traced to the volcanoes on the island. Samples of the unusual stones were later identified as pectolite by the Smithsonian Institute. Pectolite exists in other parts of the world, but DR is home to the only known blue variety. Larimar with its incredibly beautiful blue-green hues was named after the daughter of Méndez (a combination of  Larissa, and Mar, the Spanish word for the sea.)

Photo courtesy of the Larimar Jewelry Factory

The Larimar Jewelry factory in Santo Domingo, DR also owns the Larimar Museum. Learn more at www.larimarfactory.com

The Luxury Travel Report - Oct.9

Bavaria 45, Photo Credit: Dream Marine

Luxury Yacht Charter Debut of Bavaria 45 Trendsetter in the Grenadines
"From first transom walkthrough to lowerable bathing platform via shower and barbeque, private yacht charter family holidays to her key destination, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - the Caribbean island chain over 600 islands in the Windward Islands, including Mustique and the Tobago Cays - is raised to exciting new levels of cruising ease and luxury."   
Dream Marine World Wide Yachting

Luxury yacht showcase draws a crowd at the Delamar on Greenwich Harbor, Connecticut
"The showcase, held at the Delamar on Steamboat Road, featured dozens of luxury yachts of all sizes, the newest high-end car models as well as tables from businesses, artists and jewelers."
Greenwich Time

Martinique’s Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa Earns Coveted 5th Star 
Martinique’s premier vacation address for luxury and pampering, the Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, has earned a coveted fifth star validating its place among the finest hotels in the Caribbean. The Relais & Châteaux property was judged anonymously by an independent inspection agency overseen by Le Comité Français d’Accréditation or French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC)."
Business Wire

Twin Farms Provides Luxury Vermont Retreat
"Imagine a place nestled far in the Vermont woods on 300 acres where the only thing you will hear from your private cottage is the distant call of a bird or the light rustling of leaves from a passing buck."
JustLuxe 
  

Relax & Unwind in Vermont: 2 Fabulous Spa Getaway Packages

Photo courtesy of Green Mountain Oasis Day Spa
 

Gourmet Spa Getaway - The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa
Package includes 1 nt  accommodations in a traditional guest room, Chef in Training cooking class onsite at Cook Academy; choice of one: 50 minute Swedish Massage, 50 minute Transformation Facial, Essential Manicure & Pedicure + unlimited spa access, delicious spa lunch, Essex Fresh Start breakfast, early check-in and late check-out when available. More

'Relax & Unwind Package'  - The Eddington House Inn, Vermont  
This package includes 2 nts lodging, dinner for 2 one evening at Pangaea Lounge, 2-1 hour spa treatments at Green Mountain Oasis Day Spa, bottle of wine, endless desserts, locally made creamy chocolate truffles. More

Adventure: Boiling Lake, Dominica

 

Courtesy of Jungle Bay Resort & Spa

The Lake is inside the Morne Trois Piton National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Manor on Golden Pond: It Started with a Love Story

 

Photo Courtesy of Manor on Golden Pond 

"At the turn of the 20th century, wealthy Englishman Isaac Van Horn had amassed a fortune developing land in Florida. He had also captured the heart and hand of a beautiful debutante. In 1904, with Madeline by his side, he visited the Squam Lakes region and became enchanted with the beauty of New Hampshire and the Squam Lakes Region. He had long held a dream of building a stunning mansion, high on a hill. He was particularly taken by Shepard Hill with its spectacular vistas of the White Mountains and majestic pines."
   "...Sadly, the happy times would not continue as Madeline suffered a premature death. Broken hearted, Isaac could not bear living in the same house that had given he and Madeline so much happiness." 

Today, the luxurious English country inn greets visitors looking for a distinct destination resort with local character, refined décor, memorable cuisine, and world-class service. Here, you can indulge in the 700-square-foot spa, learn how to prepare award-winning cuisine and explore the myriad of surrounding area attractions and diversions. For more about Manor on Golden Pond, visit www.manorongoldenpond.com.

BLOGWATCH: Travel New England & The Caribbean

Foliage without crowds: Maine’s Schoodic region delivers big time 
"It packs a wallop, with not one, but two Scenic Byways, a portion of Acadia National Park, the fabulous Donnell Pond Public Reserve Lands, and the Petit Manan section of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Reserve." 
--Hilary Nangle, Maine Travel Maven Blog

BVI to Host First Caribbean Superyacht Regatta
"The inaugural Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous will be held on March 16-20, 2011 in the British Virgin Islands, and the event will also mark the debut of a new superyacht marina and yacht club on the North Sound coastof Virgin Gorda that will be linked to the Biras Creek resort and the new Oil Nut Bay luxury resort community." 
--Robert's Caribbean Travel Blog at About.com

Food & Wine in the Sun

 

Courtesy of Cayman Islands Tourism 

Cayman Cookout on January 13-16, 2011 -- "Join Chef Eric Ripert for a weekend celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Caribbean at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. An incomparable roster of world famous chefs, sommeliers and spirits blenders will offer tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver." Info page

Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival on November 19-22, 2010 
"Set among the pristine white beaches and glorious limpid blue waters of our tropical paradise, some of the world’s greatest chefs and wine experts will join together with the island’s best culinary artists to share their talents and to create, what is certain to be, an unforgettable and rewarding experience." Info page

Tourism Buzz: Thursday 9.30.2010

Recent Headlines 

Sod turned for $800m project on Barbados 
"HARLEQUIN HOTEL & RESORTS is seeking to redefine tourism in Barbados by establishing a US$400 million (BDS$800 milion) facility with soccer fields and tennis courts using Liverpool and Pat Cash as star appeal and partners." --Nation News
More

 As the leaves turn, dollars flow into Vermont
"Leaf peeping is a multi-million dollar industry in Vermont. At least it is if you add up all the money tourists spend while they’re not looking at the leaves: on lodging, food, gas, groceries, shopping and recreation." --Burlington Free Press 
More

Relaunch of Dominican Republic’s icon tourism region
"Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia on Tuesday said he heads a committee that includes all of Puerto Plata’s sectors to relaunch that tourism region, begun in the 1980s, the country’s first." --DominicanToday
More 

Discover St Vincent Island: A Tropical Paradise

An introduction to St.Vincent & The Grenadines main island.

Travel Story: Daily Picks

British Virgin Islands: Castaway -- (Independent.ie)
"The view from the plane as we landed gave me my first wave of wonder at the natural beauty of the Caribbean, with jewel-like atolls in dazzling colours stretching as far as the eye could see..."  More

A Taste of New England Along the CT Wine Trail -- (BrookfieldPatch)
"Right here in Connecticut we're fortunate enough to have the Connecticut Wine Trail, which features 20 wineries across the state that offer an assortment of entertainment and tastings during the fall season." More

How I found the US skiing hot spot -- (Herald.ie) 
"THERE are several good reasons why New Hampshire might appeal to Irish visitors... Our reason for being there was very simple — New Hampshire boasts some of the most picturesque skiing on the east coast." More 

Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Bread

It's Apple Picking Season in New England!

Yield: 1 loaf pan (9 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 2 1/2")

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 cups peeled and diced apples, moistened with lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chopped raisins or dates
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sour milk
 
Cream together butter and sugar and add beaten egg, stir in fruit and nuts. Sift together dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Place in a loaf pan; let stand for 10 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees F until cooked, about 1 hour. Serve plain or buttered.

Recipe courtesy of http://www.vermontapples.org/ 

Photo of the Day: Musha Cay

 

Photo courtesy of Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay 

Musha Cay is a private island hidden among the out-island of The Exumas in the Bahamas. Discover 700 acres of lush natural beauty where the only other guests are selected by you. Pictured above is the 2200 sq. ft. Balinese Beach Pavillion. The island hideaway features a state-of-the-art giant outdoor movie theater on Coconut Beach, collected antiques and treasures from around the world and an amphibious catamaran. View property

Adventure Channel: Touring Grenada

Spice Craft Tour 
Itinerary and photo provided by Helvellyn Tours

A 100% Grenadian experience!  
 
Originally British, the ‘Creole buses’ were the first large means of transportation on the island in the 50’s. Bringing these buses back into circulation gives the opportunity of savouring the charm of Grenada in the early days! Nothing has changed: bright colours and natural air-conditioning……………..…so, off we go for a truly local cocktail! 
 
Climb onboard our local bus and we will take you to discover local creations, sold by the creators themselves. Better shopping, better prices in a true Grenadian market ambience. 

Our first stop takes us to a craft center that produces pottery, bath and body products, paintings, wearable art and so much more…..

Our second stop takes us into the heart of the city, heavily influence by the French and English with its red brick buildings and fish scale tiled rooftops. A two sided town: The Carenage is a port for spotting wooden schooners built in neighbouring island Carriacou, fishing boats coming in after time on the high sea and private yachts pulling up to the yacht clubs.

The Esplanade: Here the large cruise liners dock. Lined with vendors the wonderful aroma of spices greets us.
 
The ambience continues to flow as we leave the hustle and bustle behind. The bus follows the road along the tropical hills, stopping at one of our Forts taking us further back in time.

Further along the path, we admire the rural delight of the Grenadian countryside: stylish houses, well kept gardens, mango, papaya, breadfruit and cocoa trees with a panoramic vista of the southwest coast.  
 
We allow ourselves to be gently rocked and soothed by the Caribbean breeze as we are taken back to our hotel. 

To learn more about this tour, contact helvellynhouse@spiceisle.com or visit www.travelgrenadagrenadines.com
 

Discover the Town of Bar Harbor, Maine

The Luxury Travel Report

 Photo courtesy of Windjammer Landing

Laid-Back Luxury on St. Barth’s: Le Sereno Gets Five-Star Status
"It comes as no surprise that Le Sereno– the intimate beachfront hotel on the French Caribbean isle of St. Barth’s– just nabbed five-star accreditation under the French government’s new hotel ratings system." 
The Informed Traveler, Cal Simmons' Guide to Luxury Travel 

Rhode Island's Newest Beach Hotels - Watch Hill’s Ocean House and other luxury oceanside hotels in Rhode Island
“The world does not need any more McMansions.” So says Charles Royce when explaining his decision to save the Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island’s beloved Victorian hotel. --Departures Magazine 

Canouan is one of the Caribbean’s most up and coming luxury destinations 
"Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Canouan is one of the Caribbean’s most up and coming luxury destinations. Located in the heart of the Grenadines, less than 20 miles south of Mustique and 110 miles west of Barbados, the 3 square-mile island is surrounded by small bays and coves, secluded white sand beaches and one of the Caribbean’s largest coral reefs, offering incredible diving and snorkeling." --Travel Channel Blog
 
Luxury Green Certified Caribbean Resort Undergoes Major Refurbishment and Celebrates Being 'Forever 21' 
"Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, a leading luxury, Green Globe certified St. Lucia property, announces the celebration of its 21st birthday with a new villa refurbishment program and a special Forever 21 Caribbean vacation escape. Forever 21 provides a complimentary rejuvenation program for all guests who stay a minimum of five nights from November 1, 2010 through November 20, 2011." 
--PR Newswire 

 Connecticut Gold Coast hotels launch “Sail Away” fall getaways  
"...In Connecticut, visitors now have an alternative to the road trips they have been accustomed to with the “Sail Away” fall getaways currently being offered by two Gold Coast Delamar hotels in Greenwich and Southport, featuring overnight stays in both luxury hotels and a private coastal cruise aboard a traditional New England Grand Banks yacht from one hotel to the other, with a picnic lunch, champagne cocktails and a chauffered drive back to Greenwich." --Connecticut Plus

St Kitts gets private air terminal
"A private air terminal is to be built at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on St Kitts, the island’s tourism authority has announced." --ttglive

 
 








  

BLOG WATCH: Eco Style

I

Image Credit: Ecohome

"Cape Cod has many natural wonders, and one of them is brand-new. The Massachusetts island is now home to the Truro residence..."(pictured above)
Earth Techling Blog

Divi Resorts Adds Eco-Friendly Products To All Caribbean Properties
The Timeshare Blog 

Road to Eco Adventure at the Wyndham Rio Mar in Puerto Rico
Hotels Uptake Blog 

Resort Romance: "Suite" Packages

Passport to bliss...  

 

Seascape Romance Package at Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa
"Romance is just moments away on the coast of New Hampshire. Show your loved one just how special they are by pampering them with a romantic getaway." 

This package includes: Deluxe accommodations, Breakfast for two at the Wentworth Dining Room, Dinner for two at the Wentworth Dining Room (Includes salad, entree & dessert), Split of chilled champagne. More 

Love on the Coast Package at the Samoset Resort 
"Rekindle romance in the heart of Mid Coast Maine. It's been too long since your last romantic retreat..."

Package includes: Two nights luxurious accommodation, One dinner for two at Marcel's AAA Four Diamond Restaurant, 2-one hour massages. More  

The Ka'ana Romance Package at Ka'ana Boutique Resort, Belize
Package includes: Helicopter transfer from Belize International Airport to Ka’ana Resort passing over the Maya Mountains and the 1000 foot falls with bubbly on arrival OR Road transfer from Belize International Airport or Municipal airport to Ka’ana Resort, Accommodation in a premier Casita, Full breakfast daily, One Private Dining Experience with musical entertainment, One Ka’ana Couples Signature Massage in our personal spa, "Craboo" tasting in Ka’ana's wine cellar, One full-day “Private Tour” to excursion of choice, One half day “Private Tour” to excursion of choice. More

Romance & Private Package at Galley Bay Resort, Antigua 
Package includes: Romantic champagne picnic on secluded beach, An evening of in-room romance package with candles, flower petals and aromatic bath oils, Two massages (one each) with trained masseuse, Two matching Galley Bay bath robes. (in addition to standard complimentary honeymoon gifts of fruit or flowers and sparkling wine or champagne in-room upon arrival. VIP check-in). More
 

Photo credit: Samoset Resort





 
 

Adventure Channel: Touring Barbados

Best of Barbados Tour
Itinerary and photo provided by Glory Tours, Barbados

Our first stop on this unforgettable tour will be Harrisons Cave where you will travel through the winding tunnels in a tram and make your way into the beautifully light caverns, view the majestic stalactites and stalagmites which have been growing from the floors and ceilings for many centuries. Cascading through the caves, the crystal blue waters form magnificent pools and waterfalls; Harrison's cave is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime.

Then make your way through the Island's green hills and down on to our spectacular East Coast where you will view the Atlantic surf crashing onto the rugged coastline.

After enjoying these breathtaking sights & stops you will enjoy a delicious lunch full of local flavor. With your tummies full and your cameras ready we are off to the Wild life Reserve for a glimpse of those mischievous Barbados green tail monkeys. Walk along the paths and watch them swing from the trees but look out is that a speed bump bellow? No it’s a red led tortoise making his way around. There are many different animals at the reserve for you to enjoy. The Monkeys, Turtles, Deer, Peacocks, Mara, Cayman just to name a few.

For the second part of your day join us on a glass bottom boat trip along the glitzy west coast of the Island. Take a swim with our friendly sea turtles and snorkel with hundreds of fish off of one of our colorful reefs. 

To learn more about Glory Tours, contact sarah@glorytours.org or visit http://www.glorytours.org/

Adventure Channel highlights exciting tours in the Caribbean and New England. To submit an itinerary for publication consideration, write to bostonpresssuite@gmail.com.

The Luxury Travel Report

Tune in every weekend for the 'Luxury Travel Report' - Bringing you what's hot from the world of luxury travel in the Caribbean and New England and the people who have their pulse on it!

Luxury for Less from Ritz-Carlton in the Caribbean This Fall
"Acknowledging that the economic recovery is slow to materialize in some quarters, The Ritz-Carlton's marquee properties in the Caribbean – The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – have designed offers for fall that allow guests to experience the best of both worlds with luxury lifestyle amenities paired with value-driven pricing." --Luxist Blog

St. Lucia's Jalousie Plantation Wins Top Hotel Award
"The resort, which is undergoing a US$100 million enhancement that will see the property re-branded and re-launched as The Tides Sugar Beach next year, was also named at number 25 on the readers' list of the top 100 Places and Hotels in the World—the first time The Jalousie Plantation has been afforded such accolades." --Luxury Travel Magazine

Pamper Your Pooch with the Luxe Pups Package at the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf
"The next time you pack your bags for a trip to Boston you won't have to leave your favorite canine behind. With the exclusive Luxe Pups Package at the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, guests and their four-legged friends can relax and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment while relaxing in the lap of luxury. This royal canine treatment is four paws up!--Boston Harbor Hotel

A look at Amanyara on the island of Providenciales
"Amanyara looks incredibly spacious, yet it gives you complete privacy depending on whether you are here on a romantic vacation or just to get away from the bustle of everyday life." --A Luxury Travel Blog

Samoset Resort: Quiet Luxury in Maine
"The Samoset Resort, in Rockland, Maine, is fairly remote and offers a comfortable retreat from the frenetic pace of city life. Located a tad more than three hours from Boston, it's a great place for people looking to disappear for a few days, either to swing a golf club or simply to hide from the realities of everyday life." --Luxist.com

Experience the ART of Luxury
Boston's XV Beacon Hotel is offering •Overnight accommodations in the Gilbert Stuart Suite (1 or 2 bedrooms) •Private VIP tour of the Museum of Fine Arts •2 tickets to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum •Breakfast for 2 ($50.00 credit) •Transportation to the MFA in the hotel's Lexus sedan.
--XV Beacon Hotel

Sandy Lane Launches Exclusive Signature Room Fragrances by Aromatherapy Associates
Sandy Lane Resort on Barbados, recently launched an exclusive range of signature room fragrances by Aromatherapy Associates. These elegant burning essences are currently used in The Spa at Sandy Lane and have proved immensely popular with its discerning guests. Due to this demand, two fragrances have been created and are available for purchase directly from the spa - The Sunrise Room Fragrance & The Sunset Room Fragrance featuring exotic West Indian ingredients.--Sandy Lane

Vermont Vacation

Shades of New England

:: Upcoming Seafood Festivals

Succulent Fare & lots more

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival - Sept. 10, 11 & 12
The most spectacular seaside festival with fun, food, and events for the entire family!

Scallop Festival in Bourne - Sept. 24, 25 & 26, 2010

“Best Festival Award” by Cape Cod Life Magazine

Turks & Caicos Conch Festival  - Nov. 26 & 27, 2010
Celebrating the islands’ most famous delicacy, historical icon, and number one export

Wellfleet Oyster Festival - October 16 & 17, 2010
Celebrates the town's famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions

Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival - October 16 & 17, 2010
Honoring the "Harvest of the Sea" in Newport, Rhode Island

Eco Profile: Bonaire's Marine Park

Photo courtesy of  Tourism Bonaire

History of Bonaire's Marine Park

"In 1961, while most places were still nailing turtle shells to the wall and slurping turtle soup, Bonaire was enacting legislation to protect sea turtle eggs and nests. In 1971, at a time when divers carried spear guns in much the same way that divers today tote underwater cameras, Bonaire banned spearfishing from its reefs. In 1975, the island made it illegal to break coral, take it from the water, or sell it--activities that are still practiced today in the Indo-Pacific. It was no wonder, then, that the government of Bonaire decided to create the Bonaire Marine Park, the next logical step in the island's conservation efforts. With the generous financial support of the World Wildlife Fund of Holland, the Marine Park was established in 1979 . The park's purpose is to ensure that Bonaire's marine resources-its magnificent coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves-remain intact so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful coral reefs for years to come, just as they are now." --Geographia.com

Planning an eco trip to Bonaire, visit http://www.tourismbonaire.com

Tourism Buzz: For the week of 9-5-10

Perfect weather sparks New England tourism rebound
Bloomberg Businessweek

Labor Day Tourism takes a hit in Maine
Press Herald

The Flinty Nature of New Hampshire Tourism – In Defense of the Grande Dame Resorts
Hotel News Resource

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister wants to increase tourism
Trinidad Express Newspaper

New attraction for Barbados heritage tourism market
eTurboNews

Anguilla's Viceroy Resort sold to Starwoods Hotel Group
The Anguillian Newspaper

Cape Air to fly to Anguilla commencing December 22, 2010
The Anguillian Newspaper

Puerto Rico looks to top-end travelers to boost income
The Independent UK

Photo of the Day: The Moire Room at Blantyre

Photo courtesy of Blantyre Resort, Lenox, MA

Voted #1 Small Hotel in the U.S. and #66 in the World in

Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2010.

The award-winning Blantyre, a Relais & Chateaux property, is located in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts. The Main House, The Cottages & Carriage House all feature sumptuous furnishings. Click here to view

BLOGWATCH: Caribbean Romance, Travel Tips, Vermont Weddings

3 Islands for Caribbean Romance
Orbitz Blog

Timeshare Rentals & Other Budget Travel Tips
Redweek Blog

2 gorgeous Summer Weddings at Riverside farm in Vermont. Just lovely!!!
Riverside Farm Blog

Maine's Award-winning Chefs

:: Photo of the Day: Cliff Walk

Take a walk back in time to Newport's gilded age!

Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

Photo courtesy of Go Newport

Cliff Walk Website 

:: SPOTLIGHT: From A Former Jail to Luxury Hotel

Liberty Hotel, Boston

"Commanding in scale, the original granite edifice was innovative for its day, comprising a beautiful cruciform-shaped structure complete with a 90-foot central rotunda and cupola built in 1851. Today, through meticulous planning reflective of the property’s colorful past, this strong and beautiful building is home to a variety of transcendent public spaces linked by historic catwalks – including lobby and reception areas, restaurant, bar, grand ballroom, and meeting rooms – as well as a limited number of guestrooms. Among the other dramatic features that have been preserved are vestiges of jail cells within the hotel lobby bar and magnificent, oversize windows. A new, adjoining 16-story tower houses the majority of guestrooms with every modern convenience." --Liberty Hotel

Once a destination for notorious criminals, the Liberty Hotel in Boston, is today a destination of luxury and elegance in the heart of Boston.

The former Charles Street Jail was a collaboration between architect Gridley James Fox Bryant, widely considered Boston’s most accomplished architect of the time, and Rev. Louis Dwight, a prominent Yale-educated penologist whose travels shaped his interest in and advocacy for prison reform.

Upon closing its doors in the 90s, the building was acquired by the nearby prestigious Mass General Hospital and proposals sought for its reuse, with the condition that significant elements of the building be preserved. In 2001, Carpenter & Company was designated the developer of the project.

Together, a team of designers, architects, historians and conservationists transformed the property into what is now one of 'The Leading Hotels of the World'.

Take a look inside! Click here

BLOG WATCH: Aboard the Arabella, Sandy Lane's New Chef, Sea Turtles, Moose Moment, Aruba Wine Extravaganza

Recent Blog Features

The Patron Secret Dining Society aboard The Arabella in Newport
Providence Journal Food Blog

New Executive Chef for exclusive Sandy Lane resort in Barbados
Chef Hermes Blog

VI Love Turtles - Steve Simonsen, the world class St. John photographer, has been working on a documentary about sea turtles...
Frank Barnako News of St. John Blog

NH Historical Photos Show “Memorable Moose Moment” at Luxury New Hampshire Hotel
The Balsams Resort Blog

Wine tastings under the stars at first ever Aruba Wine Extravaganza in September.
A Luxury Travel Blog

Museum Visit: Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum

Craftsmanship

Beautifully, finely woven lightship baskets are unique to the island of Nantucket. Their design evolved slowly, beginning in the 19th century with the native indians to the crewmen aboard their lightships stationed at South Shoals.

With many shipwrecks occurring at South Shoals, the Lightships functioned as lighthouses. It was here that 'basket making' became a hobby for lightship crewmen as well as a source of income. A cottage industry was born.

Basket weaving on these sea vessels ended soon after the turn of the 20th century. Today, there is no large scale commercial production, but dozens of hobbyists and part-time weavers continue the basket making tradition on Nantucket.

The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum is preserving this rich history. For more information, visit http://www.nantucketlightshipbasketmuseum.org/

Photo Credits: 1. Michael Kane Lightship Baskets 2. Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum

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View post on our companion blog New England Food Adventures

:: Today's Featured Photo

Jade Mountain Resort: A View of the St. Lucia Pitons

Photo Courtesy of Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

The luxurious Jade Mountain Resort is an award-winning hotel featuring bold architecture and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and twin mountain peaks, the Pitons.

:: SPOTLIGHT

Elliott Erwitt's Puerto Rico

"50 years ago, Elliott Erwitt came to Puerto Rico to photograph the islands and the people who live there. Since then, Elliott went on to become one of the world's most celebrated photographers of contemporary life..."

On his return to see what had changed and what had remained the same, Erwitt captured his story in pictures. His work became the center of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's $10 million advertising campaign launched last December and seen on networks like Bravo, Food Network, Fine Living, Travel Channel, CNN and CNBC. The campaign also ran in print titles like Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, In Style, Town & Country, and Travel & Leisure.

Sit back and enjoy the view! Click here

:: BLOG WATCH - Nuts About Southwest, vtravelled Blog, enRoute Blog

 Recent Airline Blog Features:

Southwest Airlines Celebrates One Year at Boston Logan
Southwest Airlines 'Nuts About Southwest' Blog

Bona Fide Barbados: The Real Island Deal
Virgin Atlantic vtravelled Blog

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