Caribbean

Swaying in a hammock between two tall palms. Frolicking in warm, clear ocean water. Savoring a pampering morning at a seaside spa or an afternoon on a golf course with gorgeous views at every turn.

The Caribbean has long held the allure of idyllic destinations designed for rest and relaxation. Yet a recent string of extreme weather—most notably Hurricane Irma—has left devastation in its wake, casting a serious shadow on these notoriously sunny locations.

So, what can you do to help?

The first thing to do is donate to legitimate recovery efforts like the Red Cross, Global Giving, or Hurricane Relief Fund. More than clothes and water, those most hard-hit areas need money to rebuild infrastructures, rebuild communities, and rebuild lives.

The second thing to do is travel to the Caribbean. Tourism is vital to this region, so if you’re considering a trip this winter or anytime next year, now is a fantastic time to book your escape to any of the following destinations:

In the Caribbean, Aruba, Barbados, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Grenadines, Jamaica, and St. Lucia are all open for business; Antiqua, St. Kitts/Nevis, and Turks & Caicos escaped heavy damage and are ready to welcome guests after completing clean-up efforts.
In Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun/Riviera Maya, and several Pacific Coast resort destinations like Huatulco, Ixtapa, and Puerto Vallarta are all open for business.
And don’t forget Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama are also tropical options that survived the recent hurricane season without damage.

When planning your Caribbean vacation, there are a few special considerations to make—for instance, if you plan on traveling during the 2018 hurricane season (July – October) you might want to focus on destinations that are typically outside of hurricane paths, like Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenadines, and St. Lucia; and before booking your hotel, check on its current status—here’s a great resource for individual hotel updates.

Feeling worried or finding it hard to choose which destination is right for you? I’m here for you. As a Travel Specialist, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping people just like you plan and enjoy dream escapes. I’m up-to-date on your best options throughout the islands and Mexico, and I’ll match you with the destination and resort that best reflect your needs and budget; and I’ll calm any concerns along the way.

Contact me today (call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com and let me know how I can help!

A honeymoon is a most grown-up trip. Allow yourself the freedom to do exactly what you want, when you want to—without endless bills and far from tantrumming toddlers—when you stay at an all-inclusive resort. But not just any all-inclusive resort! As a Romance Travel Specialist, I’ve planned honeymoons for two decades and I know exactly which resorts translate into a truly unforgettable and enjoyable honeymoon; here’s a look at some of the favorites:

#1 Sandals Resorts—Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada

This is your ultra-all-inclusive choice, with stunning tropical settings (and some of the world’s best beaches), lovely accommodations, and gourmet candlelit dining options with unlimited beverages, as well as exciting water sports and golf included at every resort. Secret: With more than 20 room types, it’s hard to know which to choose—let me help you decode the choices so you get exactly what you want.

#2 Secrets Resorts—Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

This option redefines the very idea of all-inclusive with Unlimited-Luxury®, providing a sophisticated setting with superb personal service and world-class amenities (like unlimited access to daytime activities, live nightly entertainment, and top-shelf spirits). Secret: This is your best-value option; if you want to experience even more luxury, choose the Preferred Club for an upgraded suite, access to an exclusive lounger, special concierge service, and more.

#3 Karisma Resorts—Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

Here, you’re treated like family with an all-inclusive experience that’s based upon an authentic commitment to personal service and ultimate comfort. You’ll certainly appreciate their focus on complete luxury, which spans from stunning architecture to the anticipation of your every need. It’s also worth noting that their luxe offerings are made in tandem with sustainable practices and community support. Secret: Stay at one of their Gourmet Inclusive® properties to savor fine meals crafted from fresh ingredients; this is an especially delectable option for those with special dietary needs, including vegans, vegetarians, celiac, and gluten-free diners.

#4 Couples Resorts—Jamaica

On one island, four unique and uniquely wonderful resorts tempt you, each with its own personality (casual to retro glam), and a made-for-play-and-pampering environment. What’s included? Pretty much everything, from golf and tennis to PADI-certified scuba diving and catamaran cruises to gourmet dining and premium-brand spirits. Secret: Honeymoon extras are available, and you can boost the love with a Romance Package and by planning unforgettable experiences with their Romance Concierge.

#5 Boutique Resorts—Worldwide

Your choices for all-inclusive resorts include utterly unique, boutique resorts around the world. Here’s a little insight on a few favorites in the Caribbean.

Galley Bay—Antiqua

This rustic-chic getaway is set on a long stretch of white-sand beach, with a smattering of accommodations set amid 40 acres along the warm, clean Caribbean. Leave your wallet behind when you visit one of their three romantic open-air restaurants, attend a cocktail party or beach BBQ, or get your adrenalin flowing from a full array of water sports, tennis, and more. Secret: Honeymooners here get VIP check-in and fruit or flowers and sparkling wine or champagne upon arrival; you can also add on one of two Honeymoon Packages, which might include a romantic champagne picnic on a secluded beach or a soothing one-hour aromatherapy massage for two.

Sivory Punta Cana—Dominican Republic (DR)

At the edge of the Caribbean, this intimate resort invites you to experience peace and quiet along with an authentic DR experience. In addition to pleasures like a holistic spa and artful restaurant, the staff here has perfected the art of anticipation, from a just-when-you-need-it refill on your cocktail while you lounge by the infinity pool to an offer to take your honeymoon-selfie while you stroll the sand at sunset. Secret: The most memorable (and convenient) way to arrive at this remote resort? By helicopter, of course! And forget about some out-of- the-way landing zone—you’ll touch down directly onto the beach. Talk about kicking off your honeymoon in style.

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa— Lucia

There’s no doubt the two of you will fall in love with Calabash Cove—it is, after all, set on St. Lucia, one of the most romantic spots anywhere, with its glorious (and iconic) twin peaks, white-sand beaches, and tropical foliage. All this loveliness is perfectly enhanced back at the resort, where everything seems designed to encourage alone-time, from its exotic gardens full of secret pathways and hidden spots to your very own private island cottage. Secret: Three words—water’s edge cottage. A mere nine luxe-tropical cottages are set along the surf, each offering breathtaking sunset views along with a secluded plunge pool, Jacuzzi®, outdoor rain shower, and hammock. The only intruders on your private revelry? The island hummingbirds, which are drawn to the flora surrounding each cottage.

BONUS SECRET —

While not technically “adults-only” there are many resorts and boutique hotels that cater to adults looking for a romantic getaway and many offer an optional meal plan. A cliffside retreat on the island of Santorini, a rainforest hotel in Costa Rica, and island-resort in Belize, an overwater bungalow in Tahiti, a tented camp in Africa…. your options are endless.

There’s so much more where this came from! Let me assist you in finding your just-right honeymoon experience, whether it’s at an all-inclusive resort or a private vacation home, or anything in between. I know the world and how best to travel it—and my job, my passion, is making travel dreams come true. (See how this process works, and the many benefits of using a travel agent.)

To get started, complete my Honeymoon Questionnaire, call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com. I look forward to working with you!