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Documenting the North Atlantic Trash Gyre

Eddy Patricelli — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:02:54 GMT

It drifts above and below the ocean’s surface hundreds of miles off the Atlantic Coast. It’s filled with reminders of home. And while it lacks a sandy beach, and it isn’t an island, our fingerprints are all over it. By now, you’ve heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Sadly, there’s also one in the Atlantic, and more emerging elsewhere.

Photo by: Caribbean Travel Magazine Editor

Garbage floating in the Atlantic Ocean

By now, you’ve heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Sadly, there’s also one in the Atlantic, and more emerging elsewhere. Islands cinematographer Justin Lewis is creating a documentary film on the North Atlantic Trash Gyre, and a hard cover book showcasing the sea life it impacts. That is, if his project can gain more support.

Travel Deal for the Hopelessly Unromantic

sspears — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:27:14 GMT

Photo by Serendib Villa and Spa

It's long past Feb. 14, and you forgot Valentine's Day. You slipped. You went brain dead. You whiffed. And now you're in a doghouse so big, you can even afford the property taxes on the square footage. But the editors at ISLANDS are here to rescue you.

No, we're not going to sell you a diamond bracelet. It's too late for that. But we can suggest one trip that you can book now that will wipe away all the dark clouds over your relationship. Added bonus: The guys stay home.

Photo by: Serendib Villa and Spa

Valentine's Day trip

Starbucks Arrives on Harbour Island, Bahamas

Eddy Patricelli — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:21:40 GMT

Photo by Eddy Patricelli

No, don't worry. Quaint, cozy Harbour Island remains quaint and cozy, with no signs of American franchises. Well, except one. Locals Ryan and Gem Austin recently opened Cocoa, a Starbucks-infused coffeehouse. Located across the street from the iconic Valentines Resort, Cocoa opened one month ago, shortly after Starbucks coffee and espresso machines arrived from Italy. Yep, they're serving the real deal, along with free WiFi. So if you need a nudge to get beyond Nassau, know that Harbour Island has your morning fix. Follow Cocoa on Twitter @cocoainbriland.

Photo by: Eddy Patricelli

Photo-Cocoa

W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:44:23 GMT

Escape to Puerto Rico and enjoy a free night of your choice, dining credit and complimentary upgrade.

Terms & Conditions:
Offer is only valid at W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island
• Offer is valid for stays through December 18, 2013.
• This promotion is applicable for new bookings only.
• All package amenities associated with this promotion are per room, per eligible stay and include: the 4th night free, $100 food & beverage credit and upgrade based upon availability at check-in.

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:38:13 GMT

Escape to the Bahamas with your special someone and enjoy your 4th night free, up to $200 in Food & Beverage credits and a complimentary upgrade.

Terms & Conditions:

Royal Caribbean's Hidden Cruise Playground

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:42:04 GMT

Photo by Royal Caribbean

Photo by: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Haiti stop

Almost every cruise line sailing the Caribbean can boast of having its very own private island. But only Royal Caribbean can claim its own peninsula, Labadee, an exclusive playground on Haiti’s north coast where the action aboard the world’s two largest cruise liners, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, moves from ship to shore. The 26-acre playground comprises seven “neighborhoods”: Columbus Cove has a water park with floating “icebergs”; there’s Adrenaline Beach, with the Dragon’s Tail roller coaster; and the Barefoot Beach Club, where private over-water cabanas await those with a taste for the finer things (and a spare $200 to reserve one for the day). But don’t leave Labadee without ...

WIMCO Villas in the Caribbean

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:15:54 GMT

First time traveler incentive - Book a week in a private villa in the Caribbean with WIMCO Villas and you will get a gourmet grocery package delivered to your villa upon arrival. No need to figure out where to eat out that first night, relax in your villa and graze on gourmet treats. Use promotional code CTLVILLA

Terms & Conditions:
Good for all new bookings made from Jan 10 to Oct 1, 2013, for travel from Jan 14, 2013 to Oct 31, 2013. For travelers who have not rented villas from WIMCO before

A New $80 Deal to Puerto Rico. Seriously, JetBlue?!

CT+L Editors — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:50:01 GMT

Photo by istock

Usually we don't push a ton of deals at you because if your inbox is like ours here at CT+L, you're getting swamped with Caribbean cheap flights, all-inclusive vacation packages and beach resort deals all the time. It's hard to separate the OK deals from the great. But when we came across this JetBlue deal -- which ends tomorrow -- we had to pass it along. Really, for $80, you could be on your way to Puerto Rico, plus a lot more amazing spots in the Caribbean. And we know how much you love Puerto Rico.

Photo by: istock

Flying to the perfect beach

Recipe: How to Get Your Rum Cake Really Drunk

Audrey St. Clair — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:58:05 GMT

Photo by Jon Whittle

Rum cake is a staple across the Caribbean. From plum-pudding varieties for the holidays to light, sophisticated brown rum cakes for year-round celebrations, this elegant cake is a perfect foundation for all things dessert. Chef and cookbook author Ramin Ganeshram has a brand-new way to enjoy the famed confection (pictured): paired with mulled dried fruits, hard sauce and whipped cream for a sugar-plum vision strictly for the grown-ups.

Plus here are seven more favorites made better with rum:

Photo by: Jon Whittle

Ramin's rum cake

Rum cake is a staple across the Caribbean. (We've just added our chef's delicious rum cake recipe below -- the best rum cake you'll ever have.) From plum-pudding varieties for the holidays to light, sophisticated brown rum cakes for year-round celebrations, this elegant cake is a perfect foundation for all things dessert. Chef and cookbook author Ramin Ganeshram has a brand-new way to enjoy the famed confection (pictured): paired with mulled dried fruits, hard sauce and whipped cream for a sugar-plum vision strictly for the grown-ups. Plus here are seven more favorites made better with rum...

This is the Sexiest Caribbean Video Ever. Thanks, Rihanna

CT+L Editors — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:59:28 GMT

Seriously, this video from Barbados tourism is making the rounds at our office today and it's spectacular. Even if you aren't a Rihanna fan, even if you didn't know she was from Barbados, even if you hate catchy music (wait, you hate catchy music?!), you'll love this video. In the 30ish years of Caribbean Travel + Life, our editors and photographers covered Barbados 30ish times. Yet in just over one minute, Rihanna will have you wanting to hop a plane to this beachy, rummy island for the vacation of your life.

Photo by: Caribbean Travel Magazine Editor

Rihanna's Barbados video

CT+L Interview: Secrets of Guy Harvey and His Fish

Christopher R. Cox — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:47:41 GMT

Photo by Courtesy Guy Harvey

Even if you’ve never heard of Guy Harvey, you probably know his fish-themed T-shirts, sported all over the Caribbean and beyond. The Jamaica-born Cayman Islands resident specializes in marine art — everything from small pen-and-inks of groupers to 300-foot murals of sharks — and knows the scientific names of all his salty subjects. But what else would you expect from a former university professor with a Ph.D. in marine biology? In his second career as a wildly successful artist, Harvey’s remarkably realistic images adorn canvas and even vinyl car wraps.

Photo by: Courtesy Guy Harvey

Guy Harvey and fish

How to Score Your Own Caribbean Beach House

Matt Dutile — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:15:34 GMT

Photo by Matt Dutile

Photo by: Matt Dutile

The Beach House, TCI

Finding a big, beautiful Caribbean beach: easy. Finding a big, beautiful Caribbean beach that you can have (or at least feel as if you can have) all to yourself: Well, that’s not quite as easy. Over the past few months I’ve been shooting in the Bahamas, Aruba, Bermuda and other island locales — places with no shortage of sugary strands. And I’ve noticed that while you can easily find a small cove for some solitary sun-worshipping, it’s a whole lot harder to find a place of your own along those expansive sweeps of sand that really define (for me, at least) what a Caribbean beach is all about. More often than not, I find myself at resorts where the beach, albeit magnificent, is lined with seemingly endless rows of blue-and-white-striped beach chairs and a procession of beach umbrellas stippling the sand like freckles. Call me selfish, but having to share the shore with so many ...

Why This May Be the Best Food in Puerto Rico

Baz Dreisinger — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:32:31 GMT

Warning: a conversation with Robert Trevino will make you salivate. That’s because the feted chef behind three of San Juan’s hottest restaurants tends to reroute all talk back to what really matters: food. His latest venture is the “distinctly Latin but distinctly Asian” Budatai, he says, regaling me with details of quesadilla egg rolls and Peking-style nachos. Only one thing excites him as much as food: Puerto Rico itself. “Part of opening a great restaurant is loving your city. I got here and fell in love with this place.” Here are the highlights of the CT+L interview:

Photo by: Caribbean Travel Magazine Editor

Chef Robert Trevino

Sandals Expanding Its Caribbean All-Inclusives

Chris Tauber — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:01:21 GMT

Big news is happening with two of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Photo by: Caribbean Travel Magazine Editor

sandals new caribbean all-inclusives

Big news is happening with two of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Both LaSource in Grenada and The Veranda on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos have long been favorite resorts of both CT+L editors and readers, LaSource for its luxury spa vibe that permeates throughout the resort and The Veranda for a charming boutique atmosphere on Grace Bay. Now Sandals has acquired both of these great all-inclusives, with big plans to ...

Star Clipper Cruise Line

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:12:14 GMT

This fall and winter, trade your scarves and shovels for balmy breezes and palm-fringed shorelines with a tropical getaway to the Caribbean and Costa Rica aboard a glorious tall ship. On select seven-night sailings from November through March aboard Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, guests can take advantage of exceptional savings and book a SetSail cruise-only rate starting at just $1,299 per person, double occupancy. That represents 66 percent off brochure rates!

El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:42:23 GMT

Take a break from winter and save 20% when you book a stay of four or more nights. Go ahead and unpack your swimsuit so you can soak up the sun along with the savings. Enjoy delectable cuisine, world-renowned beaches and pampering spa treatments.

Terms & Conditions:

Caribe Hilton San Juan

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:27:12 GMT

Terms & Conditions:

El San Juan Resort & Casino

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:21:05 GMT

Terms & Conditions:

Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:47:31 GMT

Terms & Conditions:

Le Blanc Spa Resort

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:14:52 GMT

Book now and begin enjoying our most complete vacation inclusions. Reservations with a 5-8 night stay will receive up to $1500 in Resort Credits per room, Reservations of 4 nights will receive $750 in Resorts Credits per room, and Reservations of 3 nights will receive $500 in Resort Credits per room.

Terms & Conditions:
Please vist website for rules and restrictions, and applicable use.

Top 20 Best Things to Do at Atlantis Paradise Island

Chris Tauber — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:35:34 GMT

Photo by Chris Tauber

Photo by: Chris Tauber

atlantis paradise island leap of faith

I just got back from Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, and have finally finished sifting through my notes and photos to come up with the ultimate Top 20 ranking for this mega resort off Nassau. Yes, for you, gentle reader, my son and I spent three grueling days in Aquaventure and two nights at The Cove -- plus sights beyond -- to accomplish the hardest work assignment ever. But we did it to ensure that your next (or first) visit to Atlantis with your family is as high on the awesome scale as possible. I think you'll be surprised by what's No. 1 on the list after you see ...

theReef Resort

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:29:15 GMT

theReef’s Simply Summer 2013 Sale is the perfect opportunity to discover why we are the ultimate island vacation. theReef is Grand Cayman’s only full-service beachfront resort – so you are absolutely guaranteed an ocean view suite. Enjoy sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean and 1600ft of private white sand beach starting at just US$139! Email reservations@thereef.com, call toll free 888-232-0541 or contact your travel agent for more information or to book your Simply Summer Sale vacation.

Terms & Conditions:

Plantana Condos, Seven Mile Beach

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:01:04 GMT

A few steps to the beach and a stroll to everything else you desire along Seven Mile Beach Relax in the comfort of your own 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villa, each with its own screened patio overlooking the ocean or gardens. Enjoy the peace & tranquility of Plantana’s expansive white sand beach, mature shade trees & crystal clear water. Add the convenience of nearby watersports, spa, golf, shopping & entertainment and indulge in Cayman’s casual eateries to fabulous fine dining. Discover Plantana, your home away from home.

The Greatest, Fastest Bahamas Trip is Coming...

Chris Tauber — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:28:28 GMT

We know you love the Bahamas. Really love it. So in our quest to bring you the best Bahamas vacation ideas anywhere, I'm about to head off to a whirlwind trip of Nassau Paradise Island.

Photo by: Caribbean Travel Magazine Editor

atlantis bahamas trip

We know you love the Bahamas. Really love it. So in our quest to bring you the best Bahamas vacation ideas anywhere, I'm about to head off to a whirlwind trip of Nassau Paradise Island. Yes, I'll bring you even more fresh photos and travel tips from a stay at The Cove Atlantis to supplement our Why We Love Atlantis photo gallery. But I'll also being staying at the Sheraton Nassau and touring the One&Only Ocean Club and Graycliff Hotel. And unlike past CT+L trips to the Bahamas, I'm doing this family style, with a real-life kid at my side at all times as a legit travel critic for the pint-sized set. Will your family love a trip like this? He'll be the judge. And yes, he is ...

Vote - Reader's Choice

chris_tauber — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:21:09 GMT

Enjoy this inspirational view of the Amanyara luxury resort in the Turks and Caicos. It's one of the reader-nominated luxury resorts in the Best of the Caribbean Readers' Choice Awards.