If you are thinking about visiting Jamaica and you want the best value for your buck, you’re in luck! In July 2008 Palladium Resorts opened up two new properties called The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa, as well as the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa. These resorts are both about 23 miles west of Montego Bay and are located in an area that contains both lava-rock and sandy beach coves! While the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort is an adults only property, the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa is designed to be very family friendly.

But whether you are traveling as a couple just trying to get away from it all or you are traveling with you family, these resorts will not disappoint. The Grecian architecture and decor will never cease to provide an exotic atmosphere for you to enjoy. There are many different ways for you to spend you’re day, days, or even weeks at these resorts, they are both fully equipped with beauty services, massage parlors, hydrotherapy, and gyms. Not to mention the tennis courts, volley ball beach courts, soccer field, mini-golf, pools, and even a basketball court. To explore these two new, exotic destinations, click here and book your trip!

While economic times are tough life can be just as tough. Sometimes it is necessary to escape all of the hassles of the world and take some time out for yourself. Whether that time is by yourself, with your partner, or with your family it is an important aspect of life. But the problem comes when all of the good deals for travel cost an arm and a leg for seven nights. The trick is to find a good deal on a vacation for a weekend. Two or three nights is the ideal length of time for the budget and work schedule. 

With that fact in mind, the next question would become where to take these two or three nights so that you can really get your moneys worth. One good option could be the Hotel RIU Montego Bay, located in one of Jamaicas hottest vacationing spot the RIU is a great option for any single, couple, or family to enjoy life on the beaches for a weekend. The RIU has something for everyone in the family! The kids can enjoy a action-packed day full of swimming, both in the ocean and in the pool, dancing, singing, and playing games all supervised by trained staff while their older brothers and sisters enjoy the chill teen area complete with an inline skate park, a non-alcoholic bar, and hammocks on the beach. But while the kids are off enjoying their day, mom and dad can be enjoying a lovely day at the spa, sitting on the beach, or even playing beach volleyball with some newly met friends! The RIU can be as relaxed and chilled as a person wants with its hammocks, spa, and pools, but it can also be the catalyst to a action packed weekend with nights full of drinks, dancing, and new acquaintances! Two or three nights at the RIU could be just what you need! Check out TropicalTravel.net to book your budget weekend today!  

 The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino has recently gone through a $20 million redesign, which is obvious the second you get there.  This resort offers intimacy and serenity, along with action and activity on a beachfront access, and is perfect for everyone, from couples to families to groups.  Their beautiful open-air lobby is where you will get your first impact of the intricate redesign through looking at their beautiful light fixtures, white marble floors, sleek couches, and breezy white curtains.

 Their upgraded 360 guest rooms all now include flat-screen TVs, iHome alarm clocks, bathrooms with more space, rainshower showerheads and stylish marble countertops all designed with a “Caribbean-contemporary” décor in bright, but not tacky, oranges and greens.  They also have many varieties and levels of Suites available, so you can choose the room that is more specific to your needs and preference. 

If you are looking for unbeatable views, any of the rooms should satisfy, but the Sunset Suites and Ocean Front King Suites are the best when it comes to views and tranquility.  And if you’re looking for the most luxury and accommodations to really spoil yourself, the Governor’s Suite would be ideal.  Located on the top floor, on the Regency Club level, the space consists of cathedral ceilings, two furnished rooftop terraces, a large living room, multiple bathrooms, and Regency Club access.  Through the Regency Club, you are offered complimentary breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and wine each day in the private lounge, a dedicated concierge staff, and more between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.  And for families the three-bedroom Orquidea Suites offer you and your family a comfortable deluxe living room, a conference table for eight, a long balcony with stunning views, a master king bedroom, and two queen bedrooms with French balconies.

When it comes to dining, the Hyatt offers special accommodations that are ideal for groups, families, or couples.  For groups, the qualified staff members can arrange activities and meals for groups or couples that start with a chauffeured limp ride, and are topped off with your favorite dessert and after-dinner drink.  And for groups you can arrange a gourmet group brunch rich on the beach underneath a palapa.  You can dine on the outdoor, torch-lit, patio of the hotel’s Ruinas del Mar, which offers twists on traditional Spanish cuisine in a dramatic atmosphere.  It is also recommended to tray the restaurants lavish Sunday brunch, served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and which is popular with locals.  Other dining at the restaurant include:  gourmet Asian at Café Japengo, Northern Italian at the casual Café Piccolo, fresh South American food and an extensive drink menu at the Palms Restaurant, where you can dine to the sounds and entertainment of live music and Latin dancers.

For couples, you can arrange special meals or exhibitions for private occasions, such as honeymoons or engagements.  The Hyatt’s “Ultimate Experience” sunset cruise for two includes a private two-hour sail for two aboard the The Fiesta (a 62-foot catamaran), and where you are treated to a five-course gourmet dinner cooked onboard by a personal chef.  The night starts with a limousine ride from the hotel to the pier and a red carpet escort to the ship.  The bar on the ship will be pre-stocked with you choices of preferred cocktails and Dom Perignon, and you can dine and drink to the sound of the saxophone serenade, and keep these memories from the discreet, professional photographer which will take candid photos of the night.

 And for activities, you can spend time at the bustling casino, listening to the live music throughout the resort, and at the many outdoor lounges.  Also on the grounds is their Stillwater Spa, the Fitness center, and their three-tier pool (with swim-up Balashi Bar and waterslide).  Also located at both the hotel lobby and on the beach, you will find information desks for the onsite adventure outfitters, Red Sail Sports.  Through the outfitters, safe and knowledgeable guides oversee diving lessons, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing charters, and many other watersports.  Their packages come in large group, family-friendly and full-day-with-meal itinerary options. For more information regarding Aruba, contact tropicaltravel.net

BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN

Almond Beach Village

The Almond Beach Village consists of 400 rooms in 10 different room categories.  This resort is perfect for families, and some couples.  Though very beautiful, it is ideal for families, which means a lot of families travel there regularly, so couples looking for calm and secluded experience may not want to choose this resort.  But for those who won’t mind some of the families, there are several adults-only swimming pool on the property, along with a nightclub on the second floor, which is open until 2 a.m. 

The resort went under major refurbishments about two years ago, when they added a fifth floor.  They also have future upgrade plans in the making, such as plans to add four new treatment rooms to their spa.

Almond Casuarina Beach Resort

This resort, situated on Dover Beach, opens in spring on the south coast of the island.  Currently, the resort is undergoing a $30 million expansion and refurbishing of the existing property.  This family-oriented, all-inclusive property holds 289 rooms, separated in to six categories, ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites, and as a guest here, you are given access to the other to Almond Resorts, with complimentary shuttle service between the resorts.  Amenities here include:  dining at the three gourmet restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, golf, free water sports, a Kid’s Club (where different age groups can find activities and more to do throughout the day), spa services, and land activities.

Their rooms come within six categories, ranging from standard rooms and two-bedroom suites.  And as a guest here, you are offered access to the other two Almond Resorts in Barbados; they even have a complimentary shuttle service between the resorts for your convenience.

Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is located only 20 minutes from Almond Beach Village, but seems worlds away.  This resort is the opposite of family-oriented, but caters to more upscale couples, and is one of the most elegant properties.  Known not only for their elegance, but also known to those with a passion for golf, Sandy Lane is where Tiger Woods got married, and where many come to golf.  Among their courses are: the Green Monkey (world-renowned, and the most aesthetically pleasing, with waterfalls and cliffs among the many sights), the Old Nine (an executive nine-hole golf course), and the professional Country Club Golf Course.  For more information regarding Barbados, contact tropicaltravel.net

Belize just recently gained independence from Great Britain in 1981 but is seen as one of the most beautiful travel destinations in South America. Belize is a unique vacationing spot in South America because of the fact that it is one of the few countries on the continent that speaks English as a native tongue. But dont let the language fool you, this small country might speak English but it is a cultural blend of Spanish, Mayan, Caribbean, and British culture, which makes it a very interesting place to explore!

If a person were to travel to Belize and did not want to wander very far into the country they could find many things to do in the capital, Belize City. Things like the Museum of Belize, the St. Johns Catherdral, which is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America, and the House of Culture could draw a group of people interested in culture and history. While at the same time the Belize Zoo and Community Baboon Sanctuary located just outside of Belize City could give a taste of the exotic nature found in this small Central American vacation hotspot. But no matter where you go in Belize, a person can always find something to do. Whether it is hunting for the perfect photo of a puma at the Los Roques Archipelago National Park, diving and snorkeling in the Ambergris Caye, or even taking part in the February/March Carnival found in Merida complete with bull fighs, masquerades, street dancing, and parades, there is something for everyone in Belize! (And yes, 709 different ice cream flavors can be found at Coromoto Ice Cream Parlor in Merida!)

For more information on booking a trip to Belize please contact us at tropicaltravel.net!

Many people feel that after a few trips to the Caribbean that they have experienced everything that the islands have to offer. Places like Jamaica and Punta Cana have lost their appeal with familiarity. But there is good news! St. Lucia is making serious headway in creating a new, active hotspot for tourists to frequent. St. Lucia currently has three new hotels of note, the Cap Maison has recently opened its doors in the December of 2008, the Calabash Cove has been placed overlooking the beautiful Bonaire Bay, and for those active thrill-seekers, the Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa has opened the first paintball course that the Caribbean tourists have ever seen.

But that is not all, many people are not only seeing these hotels and resort, but they are seeing the future attractions like the Tides resort that is being built on the location of the Jakousie Plantation with $100 million renovation plan. Other resorts to look forward to could be the Le Paradis and the new Greg Norman signature gold course and the expanded Villa Beach Cottages Complex. Taking all of this into consideration, American Airlines have opened new routes of travel between St. Lucia, JFK, and Miami.

If you would like to book a trip to St. Lucia then please go to tropicaltravel.net!

Designed by Majorcan artist Jose Deudero, the Rose Hall Suites offers an unusual blend of service, activities, and luxury. With a friendly and professional staff, a guest could enjoy many activities such as table tennis, volleyball, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and for the kids, Lucy’s Mini-Club can be found open everyday for kids from the ages of 4 to 12. But if all else fails, a relaxing day at the spa never hurt anyone. Rose Hall also offers four different choices for dining, depending on your food preference a guest could find Mexican, Gormet, Mediterranean and Steak House.

Rose Hall Suites has been fully equipped with 273 suites, 44 superior suites, and two presidential suites. These open and airy suites have plenty of area to lounge or work in, whirlepools, flat-screen TVs, and fully stocked mini-bars. Rates begin at $240 a night per person. But if you are looking for something a bit more, the adult-only Iberostar Grand Hotel opened on January 16th with rooms starting at $336 a night per person. But even with rooms like these, it would be a shame to not take advantage of location of the Rose Hall Suites. At Mystic Mountain, for instance, a guest could experience a breathtaking view of the Port of Ocho Rios right before hopping on the Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica for a fun filled, zipline, bobsled ride. 

For more information on how to experience the Rose Hall Suites for yourself goto tropicaltravel.net!

There are only a handful of five-star hotels in St. Lucias Island and the newest arrival set to debut in December 2008 could be the best of the best. Calabash Cove will be ready just in time for the holidays and is accepting reservations right now.

Private pools are steps away from Balinese-style Waters Edge Cottages and lavish Manor House Suites look out towards beautiful oceanic sunsets with accompanied private patios. If that is not enough there is a unique, practical, and private option of a Swim Up suite that comes with a luxurious Jacuzzi. From the patio of your private room you can swim unrestricted to the infamous water bars to pick up a signature cocktail or wait until the sunset turns dark blue and have a romantic midnight dip.

In the Water Edge Cottages hides their charm. There are secluded plunge pools, outdoor rain showers and hammocks. Each one is equipped with a honeymoon size Jacuzzi and if a honeymoon is what you are on Calabash Cove offers an all-inclusive customized honeymoon experiences for the newlyweds.

Calabash Cove is home to seven luxury Sunset Suites overlooking the Mosaic Beach, which sits on the waters of the Caribbean. Additionally, there are six Ocean View Junior Suites with Jacuzzis that sit next to the Manor House and Sweetwaters.

A full service beauty salon, Far Eastern-influenced Spa, and a Fitness Temple are some of the perks of the resort along with the highly anticipated Windsong Restaurant. Book Calabash Cove and get the island breakfast buffet. All-inclusive rates will include meals and beverages.

Sting Rays, turtles, and sharks are only a arm length away during these magnificent dives along the Grand Turk Wall, which is the third largest barrier reef in the world. Guests rave over the quality of the dive and resort. From the very experience divers to the first timers this resort goes above and beyond expectations. The vast amount of fish life and coral displays are breathtaking and the dive sites are easily reached within ten minutes with quick, calm, intervals of boats. The outer cay, like Gibbs Cay, is a great place to snorkel through. You and the stingrays will swim together next to this beautiful uninhabited island.

 
The Bohio Dive Resort is set on Pillory Beach and boasts 16 rooms with ocean views and terraces facing west to enjoy the Caribbean sunset. Before you head out into the water there is plenty of opportunity for instruction. Bohio has its own dive center with experienced PADI instructors waiting to help all level divers. Also on the resort is Bohios Guanahani restaurant and bar which is open seven days a week and offers everything from Italian coffee, Cuban cigars, and cocktails to local and international cuisines.
The welcoming and intimate feel of the resort is one of its main attractions. You almost feel as though you are becoming part of the Bohio family. It does not take long to figure out that Bohio is an ancient Taino term for, Home. For more information regarding Turks and Caicos, contact tropicaltravel.net

The Sunscape Punta Cana is not just getting a new name but a $25 million dollar new look when it becomes the Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana this year.  Located in the Dominican Republic, this new look resort boasts state of the art amenities and enhancements that will assure the satisfacation of both past and new vacationers.  The Dreams brand is showcasing 500 lush guest rooms with 40 suites, and a 24-hour room service, bars in and outside of the room, and many gourmet dinner options.  The rooms will be equipped with new beds, new furniture, MP3 hook ups, flat screen TVs renovated bathroom and a new look interior design.

The preferred Lounge inside the resort is gone but only to make way for a new more extravagant Lounge and pool area.  In addition to various Jacuzzis and gazebos there will be wireless Internet throughout the hotel for the guests to roam unplugged at all times.  The Palm Beach Punta Cana has also revived and recharged their dinning experience.  There are now four new gourmet resaurants with a menu boasting over 30 invigorating changes.

For even more entertainment the old convention center will be turned into a Desires Nightclub and Music Lounge and Casino and a new Convention Center consisting of over 2,200 square feet will be added.