Search Results for Category: Barbados

Life’s a Beach – Watersports of the Caribbean


Lanchas De Motor En Linea En CancunAuthor: Isla Campbell

Long, white beaches, stunning scenery, warm, tranquil waters and a unique relaxed attitude to life are all factors that draw millions of visitors to the islands of the Caribbean every year, looking for their own ‘taste of paradise’. It is the quintessential relaxation destination for American, British and European visitors wishing to splash out on something special.

Also named the West Indies – due to Christopher Columbus mistakenly believing he had reached India when he first sailed into an unknown landmass – the Caribbean is made up of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and is grouped into 27 territories. It is situated southeast of North America and east of Central America, ensuring tropical weather and warm waters all year round.

Possibly the best-known island, Barbados is a well-developed tourist centre, with grand hotels and resorts, calm waters and steel band culture, while the history buff will be fascinated by the capital of Antigua, St. Johns. Further west, the Victorian town of Port Antonio offers a view of the area’s colonial past as well as views of the Blue Mountains, and the wildlife of the Bahamas will attract all seasoned flora and fauna devotees.

The area offers more than an opportunity to sunbathe though, and this is something many tourists chose to exploit. The warm waters are ideal playgrounds for a range of sports. Jamaica’s north coast, for example, provides ideal conditions for a variety of activities, including sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, whereas Dickinson Bay in Antigua is perfect for canoeing or trying to avoid falling off a jet-ski.

Possibly the centre of Caribbean water sports, however, is Barbados. The island can offer scuba diving with fantastic year-round visibility, calm and majestic sailing, and even a high-octane ‘Thrill Seeker’ experience, which includes jetting at high speeds in a 35′ Scarab off-shore powerboat, custom designed for complete comfort and safety, but mainly for speed. Tours like this, interspersed with leisurely snorkeling and swimming, take full advantage of the ideal conditions provided by Barbados, and by the Caribbean in general.

Although lazing on a beach with a colourful cocktail in hand may sound like many peoples’ idea of heaven, holidays in the Caribbean can offer far more. The history and culture of the area is vastly unique but also varied, and the wildlife alone is worth a visit.

The Caribbean’s beaches and seas rate among the most beautiful in the world, so it’s easy to see why they are the main draw for most tourists. Many visitors, however, want a little more than just relaxation, so the islands have developed into an ideal playground for holiday-makers in search of a little excitement. Perhaps most impressive, is that the Caribbean can offer both – thrills and relaxation – depending on what each visitor is looking for.

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A Guide to 5 Fun Things to do in Barbados


Barbados is a land of pristine sandy beaches stretching lazily under the rays of the tropical sun. Although there are several fun and entertaining activities available on the island, there are five that top the list.

1. The main attractions of the island are the beaches that liberally adorn its coastline. A trip to the beach is a must for every visitor to Barbados. Statistically, the beaches account for a staggering 70 miles of the coastline. The beaches of Barbados are grouped according to locations: north, south, east and west coast. Barbados offer travellers a beach for every kind of activity one could wish to indulge in; for those seeking to relax under the Caribbean rays where the waves are gentle, the West coast beaches are the best choice. As a general rule of thumb the beaches on the west coast are best for families with small children, and as one moves further to the north or south beaches, travellers are sure to find water sports and fun activities in abundance.

2. The second fun activity in Barbados is the underwater tours that the island offers. The flora and fauna beneath the surface of the ocean defy belief with their shapes and colour. Some exotic species that can be seen include the green turtles and parrot fish. Also, there are coral reefs to marvel at, and relics of old ships resting on the bed of the ocean. Wrecks are best seen in Carlisle Bay, and diving in the S. S. Stavronikita is sure to be an unforgettable experience for divers. For non-divers, there are submersible tours to take one through the mysterious depths.

3. Crop over, Barbados’ largest, loudest and most popular summer festival is a five week party event held annually on the island dating back to the 1780s, a time when the island was one of the largest sugar producers in the world. At the end of the sugar cane harvest there was always a huge party to commemorate the successful season. The tradition continues today with the ceremonial delivery of the year’s sugar cane and the crowning of the carnival King and Queen. This five week event is packed with thousands of revelers from around the world who enjoy the mix of live music, dancing carnival, markets, cultural presentations and much more! When? 07/03/2010 – 08/02/2010

4. This November Barbados you can enjoy delectable food, exceptional wine and rum over four fun filled days. The Food & Wine and Rum festival will bring together the Caribbean’s finest food, wine, rum & culture; all framed by the beauty of the most luxurious and desirable destinations! When? November 19, 2010 – November 22, 2010

5. There are two caves that must be visited by all adventure lovers in Barbados; namely, Animal Flower Cave and Harrison’s Cave. The first is situated along the cliffs, near the northern edge of the island. It is a study in natural history and geology and has a great deal of local folklore associated with it as well. The cave’s appellation is derived from its numerous sea anemones, locally known as animal flowers. Harrison’s Cave is only accessible using specially designed transport and has majestic stalagmites and stalactites in its caverns.

Orson Johnson – Holiday Velvet, a website providing Barbados holiday rentals and Holiday and Vacation Rentals.

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Caribbean Golf


Antigua GolfTropical golf heaven – blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship course designs, it’s no wonder why the Caribbean attracts so many golfers from around the world!

Discover a variety of unique course layouts in the Caribbean’s many, geographically distinct islands—from greens lined with volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards. With several amazing golf courses to choose from, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect course for you.

Golf in Antigua

The picturesque and beautiful island of Antigua has two wonderful golf courses and hosts a number of golf tournaments. The first is Cedar Valley Golf Club and the other is Jolly Harbor Golf Club. Both these two major golf clubs are famous for hosting a number of world class golf tournaments. Moreover, the location of these two golf clubs in Antigua is at such picturesque places that easily charms both the players and the visitors.

Both these golf clubs in Antigua are favorites of the golf lovers and have their own distinctive features.
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  • Cedar Valley Golf Club – Cedar Valley Golf Club is located at Friar’s Hill Road that is in the eastern part of Antigua’s capital St. John. This golf club was designed by Richard Aldridge and is famous for arranging big golf tournaments like British ProAm and Eastern Caribbean Golf Championship and many others.
  • Jolly Harbor Golf ClubIn the Valley of Shekerly Mountain, in an exotic tropical park location this beautiful and huge golf club is situated. This park was designed by Karl Litton, a famous architect who builds golf courts. Apart from the charming location, this golf club is very much efficient to organize important golf events as well. This huge golf course has seven lakes to make the game all the more challenging. There are several rental availabilities on site.

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Golf, BarbadosGolf in Barbados

For those who want to play golf while vacationing in the Caribbean, Barbados is the island of choice. With some of the region’s most luxurious and breathtaking courses, Barbados has gained unprecedented attention among the world’s golf aficionados. Following is a sampling of courses and facilities offered:
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  • Barbados Golf ClubIn June 2000, Barbados’ first championship public golf course opened. The course, designed originally in 1974, was redesigned by architect Ron Kirby. Kirby, one of the most respected and experienced golf architects in the world, reconstructed the 18-hole, par-72 golf course to be fair and challenging, yet pleasurable and relaxing. Strategically planted twenty-five- year-old trees dot the course, creating maturity amid the newly developed 6,805-yard layout. Two lakes enhance play on five holes, forming a dramatic “Amen Corner” on holes 15 and 16. A series of coral waste bunkers have been carved through four holes on the course, adding to the challenge and personality of the course. The course was approved by the PGA European Tour and hosted a Seniors Tournament in 2002. A clubhouse, bar, and restaurant are located on the premises. Amenities and rentals are available.
  • Sandy Lane Golf Club - The prestigious five-star Sandy Lane Hotel has three golf courses: the Sandy Lane Old Nine; the 18th hole Country Club; and the exclusive 18-hole Green Monkey – the latter two designed by Tom Fazio – which has been named by golf aficionados one of best in the Caribbean. Sandy Lane now ranks among the top golf resorts in the world. Tee times must be booked in advance.
  • Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country ClubDesigned by Robert Trent Jones II, this superb 18-hole championship course has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s finest, with the front and back nine holes offering contrasting challenges, stunning scenery, a constant view of the sea and a succession of “feature holes.” This spectacular golf club is part of a $400-million residential and tourism resort development that includes 350 condominiums, clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center and racquet club. Although green fees include use of an electric cart, rental and equipment rates vary.

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Additional Golf Courses in Barbados include: Rockley Golf Club, Almond Beach Club Resort Golf Course, Black Bess Plantation and Apes Hill Club.
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Golf in Jamaica

Monetgo Bay, JamaicaThe draw of the Jamaican golf scene is as powerful as the slice of a champion’s swing. The greens offer an exciting diversity of challenge that keeps the pros coming back again and again, while novices hone their skills on some of the world’s most scenic courses. Sophistication and elegance make the clubhouses popular gathering spots, and well-stocked pro shops can meet just about every need.

Montego Bay is the natural focal point for any golfer who visits Jamaica, and the region has become a mecca for the sport in recent years, offering a mix of established, longtime favorites and a few new ones. The other resort areas island-wide also offer quality golf experiences.

  • Cinnamon Hill Golf Course - Set on the site of a former sugar plantation, the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at the Rose Hall Resort & Country Club features challenging holes and breathtaking views across the Caribbean Sea. The fairways are laden with water hazards, and dramatic changes in elevation define many of the holes. Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, this 18-hole, par-71 course runs 6,637 yards (6,069 meters) and is a re-design of the Three Palms Ocean Course. Cinnamon Hill ranks among the most exceptional and enjoyable in the entire Caribbean.
  • White Witch Golf Club - The White Witch Golf Club is named for the legendary ghost of Annie Palmer, the “White Witch” of Rose Hall, who ruled the Rose Hall plantation until 1831 and is alleged to have murdered three husbands. White Witch seems to have been etched out of the lush vegetation, challenging players to clear deep gorges and gauge the number of breaks in each green.
  • Half Moon Golf Club – Opened in 1961, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr. masterpiece is widely regarded not only as one of the finest courses in the Caribbean, but in the entire world. Half Moon is a long par-72 championship course that stretches 7,119 yards (6,506 meters), relatively flat and distinguished by deep, wide fairways. More than half of its holes face Caribbean trade winds, making club selection and caddy-reliance important considerations.

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Additional courses include: SuperClubs Golf Club, Negril Hills Golf Club, Sandals Golf & Country Club, Caymanas Golf Club, The Manchester Club, and Constant Spring Golf Club.

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Golf in Turks & Caicos

  • The Provo Golf & Country Club - known as one of the best and most challenging tests of golf in the Caribbean, Provo Golf Club is a relaxing green oasis, set amongst the natural flora and fauna of the island. Fairways feature natural limestone outcroppings and are lined with native bush and inland lakes. The front nine features water on six holes, while the tight back nine has a further four ‘lake holes’, home to a colorful array of water birds including flamingos, pelicans and various types of heron. Great facilities, no restrictions on tee times, good tempo rounds, a cooling island breeze and a great round of golf – what more could you ask for!
  • Waterloo Golf Club - Waterloo Golf Club is a 9 hole, par 54 course built in the grounds of the Office of the Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Officially opened on January 3, 1998, it was designed by His Excellency the Governor and built entirely by volunteers, including the Governor himself. The course which is 2758 yards long, is open to tourists. It is located just a few hundred yards from the Cruise Ship Center. The Green Fees are $25 per day, no matter how many times you play.

Photo credits: Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board, Tourist Board of Barbados, Turks & Caicos Islands Tourism Board and Flickr member MoreThanGolf

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4 Sexy Caribbean Beaches


crane beach, barbadosWithout 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.

Mullet Bay, St. MaartenSt. 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.

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Barbados secures additional Martinique airlift


BarbadosBRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 1, 2010 – Barbados has made further progress in its bid to penetrate the French Caribbean with major Martinique tour operator, FOYAL Tours, scheduled to launch a charter between the two islands for the Easter and summer periods.

The Easter charter will run for two four-night periods, from March 27th to April 1st and then from April 1st to 5th, utilizing a 48-seater aircraft provided by Air Antilles Express. Following their highly subscribed summer charter in 2009, FOYAL Tours has also scheduled five seven-night charter flights utilizing a 70-seater Air Caraïbes aircraft from July 20th to August 24th.

The new service will complement the existing airlift to the island offered by LIAT. In addition, it will bring further expansion to the island’s business from Martinique, which grew by 3.1 per cent in 2009 over the previous year.

FOYAL head, Guy Leocadie, endorsed Barbados as a preferred destination for his clients, particularly families, and anticipates the market will grow with the right airlift mix.

“2009 has been a success and we expect that the good partnerships we experience with all the operators in Barbados and above all with the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) will help us to fight with economical situation giving us a chance to confirm this trend in 2010,” Leocadie said.

BTA business development manager in the Caribbean and Latin America department, Stacey Hutchinson, described the new service as vital as the island seeks to increase arrivals out of the Caribbean.

“Martinique is growing in its importance as a tourism source market for Barbados and we are grateful for this additional airlift as it presents a great opportunity for us in terms of increased visitor inflows and expenditure especially during these times of economic downturn,” she said.

She added that Barbados’ ability to garner new airlift in these difficult times is testimony to the island’s ability to deliver the level of return on investment that travel trade partners have come to expect.

“This charter programme symbolizes a major display of confidence in the destination as it follows on the heels of the very successful summer charter programme to Barbados in July/August 2009, which was also operated by the same tour operator. Given the great potential of the French West Indies market, this will be a wonderful boost for tourism in Barbados as we will become more accessible to Martiniquan travelers,” Hutchinson said.

In 2009, the BTA partnered with FOYAL Tours on an advertising campaign on Antilles Télévision to promote the summer charter program. FOYAL Tours will once again be advertising the programme on TV.  The charter programmes also will be heavily promoted during the upcoming trade show, Salon du Voyage et des Vacances, which takes place at the Madiana Convention Centre March 5th to 7th.

Hutchinson emphasized the BTA’s commitment to targeting the French West Indies market through ensuring that the relevant travel partners are fully equipped with the knowledge of our tourism product and creative selling tools. By extension, she urged local industry partners to “continue to offer the highest level of service to ensure that our visitors have the best experience”.

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GOL Brazil to Barbados


Direct Air Service from Brazil to Barbados to Begin Later this Year!

Barbados will soon have a direct non-stop flight from South America. Starting Summer 2010, GOL, the second largest airline in Brazil, will operate a Boeing 737 from Sao Paulo to Bridgetown once a week on Saturdays, with same-plane connections to Buenos Aires, Argentina and connections to Rio de Janeiro at no additional cost.

This will be the second scheduled service from Sao Paulo in Barbados’ history. In the mid-nineties, BWIA operated a flight from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago through Barbados to Sao Paulo.

The new service was born out of meetings which the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), aided by Hon. Consul to Brazil, Jorge Nemr, held with GOL in Sao Paulo and in Barbados in August and September last year. Since then the parties have been in constant contact via e-mail and telephone. The flight will be promoted from March, 2010.

Brazil was chosen as a target market because it is an emerging market in a new global economy. It has great influence internationally in tourism and business. It has been out of the recession since the fourth quarter of 2009. Brazilians are very interested in travelling and although they speak Portuguese, they are reasonably comfortable dealing with a second language.

According to local tourism officials, Brazilians are looking for sea, sand and sun destinations but also a destination with a certain level of sophistication and the infrastructure to which they are accustomed. This is therefore a good fit for Barbados.

Photo Credit: Flickr Member: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lrargerich/

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Romance Caribbean Signature


romance signature

If you are planning on having the most romantic getaway of a lifetime, the honeymoon you’ve always dreamed of, or looking to have your wedding on a charming Caribbean island, you’ve come to the right place! Caribbean Travel & Leisure’s Romance – Caribbean Signature offers the perfect guide for that ultimate romantic Caribbean getaway.

Martha Stewart WeddingsPlanning a Caribbean destination wedding is easy, as most popular resorts have full-time wedding planners to help you arrange your special day, and it will save you money as Caribbean island weddings are often less expensive than the more traditional weddings.

Our Romance packages offer the luxury, comfort and romance you look for when choosing your destination – lush spacious rooms, luxurious spas and much more at our all new Romance –Caribbean Signature page! http://caribbeantl.com/romance

Fan us on our Facebook page and share your Caribbean destination romance desires! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caribbean-Travel-Leisure/195150257248



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AAVactions on Sale!


Tropical

This week’s travel deals are with AAVacations! It’s so easy to plan a dream getaway with American Airlines Vacations. . .

Romance, adventure, beaches…a fantasy of love in Barbados?

AAVacations.com – Book a four night stay in Barbados between now and February 12, 2010, and your companion flies free! Valid for travel until May 31, 2010.

Check out the AAVacations.com site for more information on the offer. Be sure to visit our Barbados page for more information on planning your trip!

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It’s the Caribbean Vacation Sale!

Now’s the time to book the fabulous beach getaway of your dreams for much less than you thought possible. Combine the current major flight sale plus up to 60% off Caribbean hotels for an unforgettable trip at an equally amazing price. And don’t forget you can pay for part or all of your hotel stay with AAdvantage® miles! Put as few as 500 miles toward the cost. Fly for less and stay for less in the best destinations in the Caribbean! Choose from a wide range of islands and properties.

Destinations Hotel Rating Offer
  • Antigua
Halycon Cove by Rex Resorts 35% Savings
  • Antigua
The Verandah Resort & Spa 25% Savings
  • Barbados
Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts 35% Savings
  • Barbados
Turtle Beach 30% Savings
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Crystal Cove 20% Savings
  • Montego Bay
Coyaba Beach Resort 5th Night Free

Soon you could be relaxing on a gorgeous beach, watching the waves roll in with a cool drink in your hand.

Book by February 21,2010, travel by May 25, 2010.

Check out the AAVacations.com site for more information on the offer. Be sure to visit our Barbados page for more information on planning your trip!

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