For a limited time, guests who play 2 rounds of golf will get the 3rd round free at Sandals Emerald Bay! Sandals Emerald Bay is known for its 18-hole, 7,200-yard, championship course, designed by PGA pro Greg Norman and named among the best in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure Golf.

Golf rounds can be purchased online and guests must use all three rounds during their stay at Sandals Emerald Bay.

Exclusive Golf Offer from Sandals Emerald Bay

Booking Window: Now – May 31, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 15, 2010
Discount Code: None
Minimum Stay: none

The Caribbean attitude toward sexual preferences is relaxed. Combine the Caribbean with a rainbow twist, with its ‘fun in the sun’ destinations, and care free attitude and it seems like an ideal vacation spot for gay and lesbian couples. Unfortunately not all the islands in the region are the same. In fact, the Dutch, French and US Virgin Islands are openly welcome to same sex couples, where as islands like Jamaica and Barbados…well let’s just say not so much.

Here are some gay friendly Caribbean destinations for gay travelers.

St. Barts

With its French flair and a numerous private villas to choose from, St. Barts is has been called the most gay-friendly island in the Caribbean! Gay St. Barts (or St. Barths or St. Barthelemy) attracts a huge crowd of travelers, and it’s no wonder: there are a multitude of beaches, delectable restaurants, renowned hotels, and shopping options. There isn’t a gay only beach or specific gay and lesbian bar in St. Barts, but it is one of the gay friendliest locations in the Caribbean. This is the place to get lost in the Caribbean for a few days, far from the cruise-ship crowds.

St. Maarten/ St. Martin

Both Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin have long been popular with the LGBT crowd, with many private villas for rent and beaches and bars where gay and straight couples peacefully mingle. Gays can be found at the island’s only gay night club Eros (found on the French side of the island), and on the beaches of Baie Rouge and Orient Beach, both also nude. Beyond the beach and shopping scene, the island has great deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving is excellent, with various reef, wreck, night, cave and drift diving options. St. Maarten’s reputation was somewhat sullied by a 2004 incident where a gay couple was assaulted near a popular beach bar, but island tourism officials were quick to apologize, and the island remains near the top of the list for many gay Caribbean travelers.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico remains the oldest city to fly the American Flag: San Juan, its capital. The island has long been a popular destination for east coast and Midwestern visitors. As more and more people from out west have taken Caribbean cruises, they have discovered the unique charm, beauty, and excitement of this Island and its warm and friendly people. So, let’s start our exploration with Gay San Juan. Gay travelers visiting Puerto Rico will find the Caribbean’s only real gay nightlife scene: San Juan highlights include the Atlantic Beach Bar (with a weekly drag show) and clubs like Eros. On both the mainland and the island of Vieques you can find gay-friendly resorts. Condado Beach is also known as one the most visible gay scenes on the island where there are a number of gay clubs, cafes and beach hideaways to keep you entertained. Gay travelers in Puerto Rico have the benefit of protection by U.S. anti-discrimination laws.

US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands has become increasingly popular among gay travelers, many of whom wind up at the welcoming Sand Castle on the Beach Resort in Fredericksted. There isn’t much gay or lesbian infrastructure on St. Croix for gay travel. But the island does have a gay hotel, a couple of gay-friendly clubs and a gay business guild, and it remains popular with gay locals and tourists alike. Gay travelers visiting the USVI can expect a friendly and tolerant attitude throughout the U.S.V.I., and if public displays of affection are not exactly embraced, the reaction is not likely to be more than a second glance.

Curaçao

Curaçao has in recent years put itself at the forefront of gay tourism in the region. It launched a gay and lesbian travel Web site, many of its hotels are members of gay tourism associations, and there are three LGBT bars (a rarity in the Caribbean) that are open nearly every night of the week. Even life partners of citizens can receive permanent residence on the isle. After Puerto Rico, it’s probably the best bet for any kind of all-gay vacation in the Caribbean. Curaçao is also that rare Caribbean isle with a bona fide gay event – the “Get Wet” weekend in September, with outdoor movies, pool parties and boat trips.

Dominican Republic | Santo Domingo

The oldest European-founded city in the Americas, Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. With upscale restaurants, high rise condos and office towers lining the streets, this may not be how most people picture the Caribbean. As the economic hub for the nation and the region, Santo Domingo has a lot more to offer than sun, sand and sea. It’s a must-see destination for those looking for sophisticated entertainment, shopping and an exciting night life. Santo Domingo offers the gay traveler a range of gay bars and clubs and some gay friendly resorts.

So you tell us, when it comes to Caribbean nightlife, does the island scene thrive with gay flavor?

Source: Gaytravel.com & About.com

Without a doubt, the beaches in the Caribbean are some of the world’s sexiest – some clothing optional too!

St. Barths’s Grande Saline Beach. Hidden behind rolling dunes, St. Barths’s Grande Saline Beach is both intensely popular among island vacationers and yet secluded enough to give canoodling couples ample space to coo amongst themselves. Most visitors arrive at this stretch of white sand by car and a short hike over the dunes to the beach. Officially speaking, nude sunbathing is not allowed, but that doesn’t seem to bother beach visitors, who routinely belly up here sans swimsuits. While restaurants and resort hotels flank many of this tiny island’s beaches, this swimming spot has neither, so you’ll have to plan accordingly.

Barbados’ Crane Beach. This breezy, pink beach with rugged cliffs, rolling dunes and turquoise waters was originally a harbour, and is considered by many to be one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, Barbados’ Crane Beach dubbed one of the sexiest beaches in the world!

Barbuda’s Long Beach. Barbuda has one strand on the west coast that continues virtually unbroken for 17 miles. The sand varies ever so slightly along its length – mostly it’s sugar white, but in some sections, tiny remnants of broken shells give the beach a beautiful pink hue! Visitors who head to Long Beach are rewarded with a relaxing day spent snorkeling, bathing and tanning.

St. Maarten’s Mullet Bay. Just about everyone who visits St. Maarten heads to Mullet Bay Beach as it’s one of the prettiest and most popular beaches on the island. The beach is very active on weekends and holidays as tourist and locals alike flock to the beach for island barbecues and surfing.

Some of the Caribbean’s Best Beaches – Exposed!

White sandy beaches edged with the ocean’s aqua tones are always inviting, and every local has a favorite spot for sunbathing or just liming! Read more.

Many people travel to the Caribbean to get married, honeymoon or to celebrate a romantic occasion. Here are some tips to help make your visit to the island of Antigua the most romantic!

1. Enjoy the Sunset
Sail off into the sunset and enjoy a cruise that features views, nothing less than spectacular! Have some snacks aboard the boat and enjoy sipping on exotic cocktails as you gaze limitlessly at the fiery array of colors in the sky being created as the sun sets. Sway to the rhythms of the sweet island melodies while you fall in love with your partner all over again. Watch for the amazing colors of the sky after the sun sets for an even more memorable sunset!

2. Discover Antigua by Air
If you ever watch those “searching for love” reality shows like The Bachelor, you’ll notice at some point along the show, a couple will go on a helicopter tour. There’s a buzz that you get from seeing a beautiful island from a different perspective and perhaps, this is one of the most memorable tours on the island – see just about all of Antigua’s coastline from deserted offshore islands to the downtown cruise-ship port and from busy Dickenson Bay to pristine and rugged Half-moon Bay. Visit Montserrat and get closer to an active volcano than is more possible any other way, and see the charred remains of its now ruined capital.

3. Arrange a day at the Spa
Savor the relaxation and rejuvenation as you lie side by side on a beach and listen the waves crash on the shore at any of Antigua 365 beaches! Pamper yourself to new heights, leaving all your cares behind.

4. Enjoy Horse Back Riding
Explore English Harbour in the afternoon while riding on horses, enjoying the trail rides through the hills and horseback riding on the beach. There are some fantastic views along the way!

5. Dinner at one of Antigua’s Finest Restaurants
Antigua has several options of unforgettable restaurants, so dining choices vary. Select a romantic ambiance, candlelit table for two, and take a trip around the world!

If you’re also romantics at heart, what other suggestions would you add?

Enjoy Warm Sands and Hot Savings At Sandals Resorts:

Guests who take advantage of our hot savings will receive up to 2 nights free! Guests Who book a minimum 7-night stay by May 20th, 2010 will also receive a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit! This offer is available at select Sandals Resorts.

Additionally, guests staying for three nights or longer can get up to 65% off at all Sandals locations! Please see details of this amazing offer below.

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Booking Window: Now – May 20th, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 28, 2010 & January 1 – December 28, 2011
Blackout Dates: December 29 – 31, 2010 & February 19 – 26, 2011
Minimum Stay: 7 nights

Acts of crime and violence can be found worldwide and so you don’t have to cancel your vacation to the Caribbean or think that one island is more safe than another just because of the headlines!

Know the facts – The Caribbean consists of several islands each with their own uniqueness. Most of the violence that has taken place in the region is due to conflicts between gangs and drug users. Tourist are in little danger of meeting up in trouble once you follow your own sense of judgment, be cautious of your surroundings and be sure not to get involved with the wrong people.

With each island being different in culture, its people, and attractions, it’s important that you research your options carefully before making a decision on your destination. We’ve put together, what we take to be the top 5 safety tips for travel, to significantly reduce the risk of you being a victim of crime:

1. As you’re packing, think twice about taking valuables with you. If they’re not essential, they’re probably better off left at home. This will also make for lighter bags, allowing you greater ease of movement which can deter potential thieves.

2. Buy a money belt (not a fanny pack) to carry your money and passport underneath your clothing.

3. Carry only the cash you need for the moment in your pocket or purse. Carry your passport, credit card and extra money inside your clothes in a money-belt, or leave them in your hotel’s safe. When you need to get something out of your money belt do it in a private place.

4. Exercise particular caution when in crowds, markets or on public transportation. Pickpockets can be very crafty and sometimes work in pairs – one person will distract you while another takes your wallet.

5. Avoid hailing cabs along the street. Ask your hotel to call a cab for you as they will take note of the taxi number and the driver’s name. At the airport and bus stations at most islands there are official taxis that you should take. Have your resort or travel operator advise you of any authorized taxi or public transport association at your destination.

Do you have any safety tips you can share?

Top 3 Day Trips from St. Maarten

St. Maarten has amazing resorts and a hot nightlife, not to mention pristine white sand beaches, though it’s also the gateway for experiencing the smaller surrounding islands, especially if your main interest is soft adventure and relaxation. Here are some day trips you should check out during your stay in St. Maarten.

SABA

At a blossoming peak of 877 m, this unspoiled volcanic island reaches the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is surrounded by charm, thriving rain forest, and incredible offshore diving; making this tiny 5sq mile Caribbean island a major destination for the true eco-tourism traveler!

Saba Visitor Guide

ST. BARTS

This French Caribbean Island is a good spot to practice windsurfing & snorkeling. Many visitors enjoy diving the nearby coral reefs and even sailing around the island while enjoying a delicious meal. It’s capital Gustavia, unlike many, is a duty-free port. A little Caribbean, a little European, you’ll find elegant boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, and a tranquil lifestyle.

St. Barts Visitor Guide

ST. EUSTATIUS

St. Eustatius, commonly referred to as Statia isn’t known as the “The Golden Rock” for nothing! It was a key trading center during the 17^th and 18^th century. It’s one of the few islands left in the region that you’re able to see a vast array of the old Caribbean. After more than 150 years of declining fortunes, Statia began developing its tourism infrastructure in the 1960s and 1970s. With a land area of 8.1 sq. miles, approximately 2500 inhabitants, St. Eustatius is not overly developed. Laid back with great diving and well preserved natural habitats make this a great vacation for the adventurous tourists.

St. Eustatius Visitor Guide

Getting to these islands:

Visit Gocheapcaribbean.com for incredible low fares to these destinations!

Winair offers daily connections from the Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten with daily flights to the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths. Book at www.fly-winair.com or call 1 (866) 466 0410.

Companion Flies Free to The Bahamas:

For a limited time, Sandals Resorts is offering free companion travel to their two resorts in The Bahamas! Guests who book a minimum 4-night stay by May 10th, 2010 will receive Free Companion Airfare from US gateways! This offer is available at Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian only.

Additionally, guests staying for seven nights or longer can get up to 1 night free at both locations! Please see details of this offer below.

Sales Tip: Guests must enter the discount code to receive this offer. The Companion Flies Free promotion is combinable with the current 65% offer to both Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian. This offer is also combinable with the $250 Red Lane Spa Credit available at Sandals Royal Bahamian only.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Companion Flies Free Promotion

Disocunt Code: CFF10
Booking Window: Now – May 10, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 22, 2010
Blackout Dates: March 19 – April 10, 2010
Minimum Stay: 4 nights