What is the definition of a hidden gem? Is it secluded, is it majestic, is it mesmerizing? If we’re talking about all of these points, then we are talking about Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. This resort rises above 600 acre of beach front. It’s stunning and unusual architecture by owner Nick Troubetzkoy made his vision (of building in harmony with Caribbean nature) a reality. The beauty of Jade Mountain truly is something to be seen. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Attractions’ Category
Hidden Gem: Jake’s Jamaica
Located on Jamaica’s south coast in the fishing village of Treasure Beach, Jake’s Jamaica is the perfect place to escape the crowds of other all-inclusive resorts and to enjoy and laidback atmosphere. In 1993, the hotel opened with only two rooms. Today, each of the 24 pastel-coloured villas and cottages have been furnished with local materials, enhancing its Caribbean atmosphere. (more…)
Hidden Gem: Caye Caulker, Belize
Caye Caulker truly is a great place to experience laid back island life. It is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. Measuring roughly 8 km (north to south) and less than 2 km (east to west), the island embodies the word relax.
With its clear blue sea with its breathtaking underwater scenery, it is no wonder this island is one of the worlds most recognized diving and snorkeling location. Just off Caye Caulker you can snorkel in the world’s second longest barrier reef. Swimming with thousands of species of marine life, not to mention nurse sharks and rays, is a once in a lifetime experience.
Stunning Waterfalls of the Caribbean
Waterfalls are always a very popular tourist excursion. Many people flock to see the tall cascading falls and to swim in the pools of water beneath them. The best waterfalls are those in mountainous areas. Here are a few of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Caribbean.
Belaine Falls, St. Vincent
These falls are only able to be reached by boat. After a scenic boat ride, you must wade through shallow water to get to the beach. Once you reach the falls, you will see 60-feet of cascading water and rock-enclosed freshwater pools. Book a day trip to really experience this adventure.
Relaxing at a Caribbean Spa
There is no better way to defrost your winter chilled body than relaxing in the Caribbean, or is there? Imagine not only relaxing in warm sand, but spending a couple hours a day being pampered at a spa. Does it get much better than that?! Canadians are starting to realize that they do not only have the option of a tropical all-inclusive, but more and more spa packages are becoming available.
If you like to enjoy the warm sun, tranquil blue waters, and beautiful sand beaches, with the addition of being pamper, then maybe a Spa vacation is right for you. Here are some of the Caribbean’s leading spa resorts:
Rome in the Off-Season
There is never a bad time to visit Rome. However, if you dislike large crowds, there are some important guidelines to follow when booking your trip to Italy’s capital.
Caribbean Golf Resorts
As Canadians, I think we can all agree that besides hockey, golf is definitely one of Canada’s favourite sports. Even though some provinces have only 2-3 months of good golfing conditions, we Canadians find a way to squeeze in as many rounds as possible and spend many warm summer days on the links.
With the popularity of golf increasing, and because our ‘golf season’ is so short, more and more people are incorporating golfing into their winter vacations. Why not mix in a couple days on the golf course to brush up for next season?
If you are interested in a winter golf getaway, here are some great Caribbean golf courses worth looking into.
Bahamas:
Grand Bahama Island is the perfect blend of international glamour and tropical ease. Sunny skies and very few days of rain make this a perfect island for many golfers from around the world.
Lucayan Course: (more…)
A Tour of Northern Italy
Many people come to Italy to explore the tropical south of the country without ever realizing how many gems that northern Italy has to offer. No trip to Italy is complete without venturing north as it arguably has it all. It has beautiful mountain ranges, world class wineries, magnificent large cities, sleepy smaller cities, Italy’s largest fresh water lakes, and has coastline on the Ligurian Sea in the west and the Mediterranean in the east. Here are some ‘must see’ destinations when venturing to the north of Italy.
Exploring Cinque Terre, Italy
Perhaps one of the most stunning and photographic locations on the Ligurian coast is Cinque Terre, a must see on any vacation to northern Italy. Sometimes overshadowed by nearby Pisa and Tuscany, this small piece of coastline paradise provides an unforgettable and visually astounding journey.
Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’, is a series of five coastal villages all of which are within 24 km from tip to tip. These villages are popular tourist destination for hikers, photographers, artists, and anyone who is awestruck by aesthetically pleasing scenery. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are each tough to reach by car. A single steep winding mountain road is the only access point by car, and no doubt quite treacherous. A safer and more commonly used mode of transportation to and throughout the villages is the train which finds itself a way along the coast through many tunnels.
Canada’s Wine Regions: Niagara
Short distances from Niagara Falls, Ontario are two of Canada’s most popular wine-country destinations. Both are located in the Niagara Region and are set between the picturesque Great Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. Small historic towns welcome visitors with a keen and adventurous pallet for new and fresh Canadian wines and of course the region’s specialty; Icewine.