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10 reasons why St. Lucia is a perfect Caribbean island destination!

December 17, 2018 By Susan Robson

**St. Lucia, a perfect Caribbean Island!**

Top 10 reasons why St. Lucia is the perfect Caribbean getaway! St. Lucia’s sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and luscious rainforests draw visitors from around the world to experience all that it has to offer. And it offers so many unique and unforgettable inspirations, that it leave visitors with memories that last a lifetime. Being a small Island in the Caribbean, unlike any of its neighbors and unique in its own way, here are several things you need to know before visiting St Lucia.

Food on the island combines Creole with French and West Indian. The restaurants and hotels/resort in the major towns serve many different types of food and international dishes. Fresh seafood is caught and brought in daily, along with locally grown vegetables and fruits. The main agriculture on the island, and exports, is cocoa and banana.

Most Saint Lucians are bilingual, speaking Kwéyo`l, a creole language that is a mixture of French and African languages. English is spoken & instructed in schools, and it’s used in business, government offices, and in most formal settings. The people are happy, friendly, and helpful. Service throughout the island is exceptional – from beachside bars, boutique restaurants, and fine dining. Everyone we met was such a joy to get to know and wanted share their island. St. Lucia is very safe compared to other Caribbean islands, and the locals told us that theft/crime is not very common. Everyone we met never displayed any kind of aggression, in fact the opposite, as they displayed a warm charm and genuine friendliness.

#10 Hike the Pitons

The Pitons are to St Lucia what the Great Wall of China is to China. One of the most photographed landmarks on St. Lucia, they rise straight out of the sea, and offer a majestic scene across the western coast. Gros Piton stands 2,619 feet above sea level, and together with Petit Piton, they present really stunning views of the island once you reach the top, or if they are viewed from below! A hike to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island is a wonderful way to get a panoramic view of the island without being overly challenging!

#9 Pigeon Island National Park

History & a hike to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island is a wonderful way to get a panoramic view of the island without being overly challenging, mentally or physically! Don’t let the name fool you, Pigeon Island is a quiet place to stop, swim, and take in the beautiful views. Visitors can also learn about the island’s history and explore the 18th century ruins at Fort Rodney, pictured below.

#8 Scuba or snorkel

St. Lucia offers world class diving locations with amazing experiences to offer. No matter what your level or diver or snorkeler, the island has many wonderful diving sites with spectacular coral formations, fascinating shipwrecks and reefs teeming with tropical sea life.

#7 Drive thru Volcano at Sulfur Springs Park & Botanical Garden

A must see is the world’s only Sulfur Springs drive-through volcano in the Caribbean! The 30-minute guided tour will take you to the top of the volcano, and the sulfur mineral bath afterwards will feel like a spa treatment. This location can get crowed! Plan on going early in the day to enjoy it the most.

#6 Fly through the rainforest canopy

For those who want more than a tan from their holiday, St Lucia couldn’t be better. Approximately 77 % is covered in forest. So this is good reason to escape the beach and start exploring. Visit the Rainforest Adventure, about a 20-minute drive from the capital, Castries. A gondola, series of treetop platforms linked by zip lines, takes guests deep into the jungle. The guides are knowledgeable – and all ages are certain to love it.

#5 Castries Market

**Local people & food at Castries Market**

St. Lucia’s capital boasts an open air market that is full of a variety of food & souvenirs. National Geographic has rated it #3 food market in the world. Don’t miss out on the locally caught fish, spices, fresh fruit and fresh coconuts on the streets of Castries. The market is closed on Sundays.

#4 Hurricanes try to stay away from St. Lucia

Because this is such an enjoyable island, with so much to do, most hurricane wrath is felt further north and the very worst of the stormy weather tends to stay away from this more Southern location. (Hurricanes can reach St. Lucia.)

#3. Chocolate lovers heaven on earth

Hotel Chocolat, since 2011, has been home to a 14 room hotel & restaurant. Britain’s famous chocolatier, obtains cocoa from it’s plantation, the Rabot Estate near Soufriere. Dine on a delectable menu featuring chocolate or plan to go on one of its three-hour “bean to bar” tours to learn all about cocoa production, pick and taste fresh pods, graft your own plant, and then smash dried beans to make a chocolate bar.

#2. Best Resorts & locations imaginable

Nestled between St Lucia’s landmark Pitons and the Caribbean waters, find so many luxurious resorts & hotels, making vacations the most memorable spots anywhere in the Caribbean. With impeccable service, incredible menus, eye dropping views, and gorgeous accommodations these luxurious resorts won’t soon be forgotten.

And the #1 reason why St.Lucia is the perfect Caribbean island…St. Lucia has best view in the Caribbean!

There are more gorgeous beaches on St.Lucia than imaginable! Along the west coast – Anse Castanet, further north – Marigot Bay with it’s picturesque harbor, mile-long Reduit Beach, and the largest, most popular, near the town of Rodney Bay, is the biggest, and most popular. St Lucia’s spectacular coastlines and Grand Pitons are among the most photographed.

If you want to find out more about St. Lucia: https://www.stlucia.org. Don’t miss my next posts about the resorts that I visited while on St. Lucia. Call/ email today to find out how to experience St. Lucia’s Top 10! Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Susan

Luxury At It’s Finest – Hyatt Zilara Cancun

September 13, 2018 By Susan Robson

Hyatt Zilara foam party

Hyatt Zilara Beach Wedding

Luxury at it’s finest, again! Another WOW factor! Situated on the widest stretch of beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone, Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an adults-only, Luxury all-inclusive resort where guests find themselves experience Mexican warmth that truly makes them feel special. On our site visit, we found the resort expansive, modern and impeccably clean. Breathtaking views of the Caribbean spacious suites, fine dining, and above and beyond service from an attentive staff, make a stay here not hard to take! Add to that, luxurious amenities, and meticulously maintained grounds and facilities. To compliment all of this are six gourmet restaurants, spa treatments and services in Cancun’s only ocean view spa. Wine and spirits tastings, and enhanced pool and beach butler service top all this off.

Hyatt Zilara Beach

Hyatt Zilara Beach

The “Luxury at it’s finest” Hyatt’s weekly pool parties with live DJs, keep everyone active. The days and nights are filled with interactive dining events, Caribbean jazz dinners, and exciting circus events. There are Mexican cultural dinners, a Venetian carnival show, theme parties, guacamole and cocktail classes, and more. Daily morning yoga classes, followed by water aerobics or volleyball, a variety of games, arts, crafts, culinary lessons, and wine and spirit tastings keep everyone busy. Fee-based scuba and water sports also available. There is so much to do here, you may just not want to leave. But just across the street is shopping, shopping, shopping! The ideal location of Hyatt Zilara Cancun is definitely a plus! If you would like to stay at a this fabulous, adult-only property, located right on the popular Cancun Hotel Zone, be sure to contact Susan@GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons at Ocean Riviera Paradise

August 17, 2018 By Susan Robson

Are you planning a Destination Wedding or Honeymoon? Take notice of this resort and incredible event at the Ocean Riviera Paradise in Riviera Maya, Cancun for everyone…no matter what your travel requires.

Ocean Riviera Paradise Fest

This will be the 1st Edition of this event to include: Renowned Chefs and Celeb Pit Masters Fire Up The Kicthens During the 1st Edition the Paradise Food & Drink Fest.
More than 15 renowned chefs
11 demos performed by international cuisiners
Original BBQ Series
More than 10 kitchen talks featuring seminars, chats and workshops
Gastronomic authorities who combine their talents in 6 pairing dinners

Paradise Food and Drink Fest at Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort in Riviera Maya is a culinary event planned for all guests to experience excitement and passion of an all-inclusive festival – never seen! If this were your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon – can you imagine?

Gastronomic Experiences

This will be an event of talented chefs shaking pans with travelers who are passionate about world class cuisine, wine, cocktails, and much much more!

This premier lineup says it all. “The talent is second to none and will absolutely enhance the guests’ all inclusive experience.” stated Juan Carlos Dominguez, Vice President of Marketing, Ocean by H10 Hotels. “The festival will offer a variety of activities to feed upon from the first cracked eggs at breakfast to the last bites of chocolate at dessert, into four categories throughout the day”

Click here to see a full list of chefs, events, and experiences. www.paradisefoodanddrinkfest.com

If you would like more information to be a part of this epicurean experience, contact Susan@GoTravelStl.com, or to start planning your Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, Anniversary, or Family travel! Thank you! Susan

Jamaica One Love

December 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

Just 6 weeks ago, I traveled to “Jamaica One Love” for a Destination Wedding Symposium at the new Moon Palace Grande Jamaica in Ocho Rios. This by itself was very exciting, but then we would be doing site visits at 15 resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios! How could we ever cover that much ground? It took stamina and an “I can do it” attitude for Jamaica One Love!

Negril lived up to it’s “best beach” reputation, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to choose two of the best…and on the “best” beaches…Sandals Negril, adults only, and Beaches Negril, a family property. Sandals Negril was wonderful to return to again. Ten years ago, I attended my son & daughter-in-law’s wedding on this very same property! It was just as beautiful as I remembered it! Sandals Negril could best be described as “a little bit exotic and a whole lot of chic. It epitomizes the free spirited personality that has long made Negril the exotic playground of choice for fun-loving pleasure seekers. You can get closer to the water than anywhere else in Negril.”* This is a Quick glance video of the features of Sandals Negril – Sandals Negril video

on the longest stretch of Negril’s seven mile beach
unlimited premium brand drinks

every room just steps from the beach * unlimited fine dining at 7 restaurants
beachfront walkout club level rooms * unlimited land and water sports
swim-up suites * free WiFi in all rooms and public areas
24 hour room service * free Non-stop airport transfers
nightly entertainment

Beaches Negril is perfect for families of all sizes and ages. We arrived just in time for lunch and found so many delicious options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Negril embodies the ultimate relaxed lifestyle, “laid back” was invented here. The resort is a spot so in-tune with nature, that it’s tallest building cannot reach higher than the tallest palm tree.* Again, you are located on the widest stretch of the Negril’s 7 mile famous beach. Everything you could possibly want is right next to the water here. Not only the beautiful Caribbean water beckons you, but a waterpark, fabulous pools, restaurants, and bars, all seek your family’s attention. And, here’s a Quick glance of the features of Beaches Negril:

20 acres of lushly landscaped gardens * Pirates Island Waterpark
3 pools with 2 swim-up bars * 9 specialty restaurants
Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street * Trench Town Teens only game room
Liquid at Beaches Nightclub * Scuba program
Supervised kids camp * Xbox play lounge
Scratch DJ Academy * Thrilling family adventure and excitement

Other resorts that I visited and completed site visits (ask me about these): Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, and Sunset at the Palms.

Next up? Montego Bay! Are you looking for an all-inclusive luxury family, or adults only luxury resort? The Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara are vacation destinations with oceanfront dining and a pristine beach on the Caribbean Sea! Find both the Hyatt Ziva (for families) and the Hyatt Zilara (for adults only), right on the same Hyatt property. The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall just completed a multi-million -dollar renovation, and it is apparent! The property itself, is fabulous with all the amenities and comforts that a seasoned traveler could want. And if it isn’t here, no worries, the Hyatt will take care of it for you. This is a story that a guest (I’ll call him John, and his little boy will be Jack) at the Hyatt related to me during lunch. John brought his family to vacation at the Hyatt Ziva because he believed that with all of the goats in Jamaica, he would be able to obtain goat’s milk for his son, that required this for his diet. After he arrived, to his horror, he discovered that yes, the island has goats, but the government doesn’t allow the use goat milk on the island. So now what would he do? He contacted management, and they immediately sprung into action. Management contacted a firm in Miami that sold and distributed goat’s milk. It was flown to the Hyatt in Jamaica, so that Jack could have the goat’s milk his diet required. Amazing!

Other properties that I absolutely recommend in Montego Bay are: Royalton White Sands, Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid, and the Iberostar Grand. In Ochos Rios, the properties included Couples Tower Isle and Jewel Paradise Cove. I’ll be glad to share information about them with you.

Lastly, we traveled to Ocho Rios for the Destination Weddings Symposium and more site visits. Do you think I’m worn out yet? No way! We arrived at the new Jamaica Grande Moon Palace for the remainder of our stay. This resort is only 5 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, sits in a beautiful bay, and straddles the Caribbean Sea on one side. It’s the best of both worlds to have a quiet bay to play in kayaks, sun-fish, snorkel, etc., and then have access to the ocean right next to the resort. The resort’s luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views can happen from 705 rooms and suites, that feature 24 hour room service, free WiFi access, top-shelf drinks, and unlimited other amenities and features. Your benefits don’t stop there! Up to $1500 in resort credits are part of the benefits for guests. These credits can be used for spa, excursions & tours, private romantic dinners, and more. These credits vary in accordance with the length of a guest’s stay and are subject to a 16% service fee on all products and services. How much of a good thing can you handle?

Jamaica offers so many tours and excursions that make it your “Jamaica one Love”. Dunn’s River Falls, bob sledding, river rafting, zip lining, shopping, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin swims, Mystic Mountain, Rick’s Cafe, and catamaran sunset tours are just a few of the exciting adventures that await you!

After all of this, do you think that Jamaica could become your “Jamaica One Love”?

Susan

*excerpt taken & quoted from Sandals.com and Beaches.com*

What are the Most Romantic Properties in Riviera Maya?

May 31, 2015 By Susan Robson

What are the most Romantic & Gourmet Inclusive properties in Riviera Maya? Recently, I was thrilled to be able to complete site visits of all of the El Dorado properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico. These properties are among the most romantic hotels in the world, as recognized by Forbes.com, and can be attributed to the exclusive & luxurious services, for couples only, on the properties. To intrigue you, think about a beach and pool butler, exclusive swim up suites, and unforgettable, gourmet ala carte restaurants, serving only the freshest of fresh, from El Dorado’s own greenhouses, to tempt your palate with every single bite!

El Dorado Seaside Suites is just 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport (it’s probably best to pay the extra for Non-stop transfers). The resort features a new 2015 lobby, hosts guests in 380 rooms on the property, and serves guest meals in 6 + 2 open air restaurants (no reservations, except at 2). Most impressive is that El Dorado has it’s own greenhouses and growing fields for all of the garden fresh vegetables, herbs and ingredients used to prepare their succulent dishes and delectable entrees. Lobster has an up charge of $50…small price for this gourmet delight! On the property is the famed “coconut nursery”, where 7,000 plants are nurtured and grown, then replanted on the properties. A swim-up bar is found in the main pool, but the real attraction is the swimmable beach. Guests can swim way out to the reef, and snorkel and kayak if they choose. Entertainment is not in short supply here, with daily shows at 9:30 p.m., and the main bar stays open until the wee hours of 2 a.m. A beachfront jacuzzi junior suite would be my recommendation for the perfect romantic getaway at this sophisticated All Suites resort for adults only.

An unforgettable, romantic getaway, the El Dorado Maroma, a boutique resort, quietly boasts just 99 suites, four international restaurants, and three bars for it’s guests. By the fall of 2015, 56 over-the-water villas will be complete to give guests even more options. Travelers have been requesting the “Bora-Bora” type accommodations, and now, El Dorado comes through! At this sophisticated and impressive location, guests can swim & snorkel, or in the next moment, ride camels or horses! Maroma Beach cannot be beat! Like on the other El Dorado properties, Maroma accesses the main greenhouse for it’s vegetables, herbs, and ingredients. You can easily see why this astonishing Gourmet Inclusive concept creates an unforgettable experience! All room categories receive butler service for the pool & beach. My recommendation for room category is the Mi Hotelito Beachfront suite or the Infinity pool jacuzzi suite. Do take note, though, if you choose the Presidential villa as the accommodation, you receive 1 complimentary dinner cooked by the Chef in YOUR room. How awesome would that be? The Catholic Wedding chapel at Maroma can accommodate up to 100 guests. Would this be the perfect size for your wedding?

Located just 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, is the well-known, El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale. Guests will find the ultimate in luxury and comfort at this spectacular beachfront resort. A total of 478 rooms are located on the property, divided into villas, casitas, and suites. Featuring gourmet inclusive at it’s seven ala carte’ restaurants, a culinary theatre, premium beverages at the 17 bars and lounges, personalized service at every turn, and 13 swimming pools, you just can’t be pampered more! With many choices for room categories, my recommendation would be the Oceanfront jacuzzi junior suite, or go all out for one of the Individual casitas, located directly in front of the ocean. Bali beds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Kayaking and snorkeling will be so much fun when the artificial reef is completed. Biking is also offered at the resort. El Dorado Royale has so many wonderful locations for weddings – 8 on the beach, 2 garden, and 1 sky wedding location.

Take just a minute to view one of these videos: El Dorado Spa Resorts

If you would like information about any of these El Dorado properties, take a few minutes to fill out my Perfect Honeymoon finder, and I’ll receive your information to review before I get in touch with you. Thank you for taking the time to read about these fabulous resorts!

Susan

Experts talk…Complimentary Destination Weddings

May 1, 2015 By Susan Robson

At the Romance Travel Market conference held in Chicago, Experts spoke about Complimentary Destination Weddings at All-Inclusive Resorts. I spoke to several of the All-Inclusive Resort experts in attendance about the “Complimentary” Destination Weddings at their resorts. Here is what they told me:

Certainly, couples getting married want to save money. Fiesta Americana offers Complimentary Destination Weddings that can definitely be an advantage for a couple getting married, with 10 or fewer guests. If there are a few more guests, then the couple can pay additionally for the added guests, or upgrade the package to include, say 20 guests. Fiesta Americana also gives the couple an upgrade to a suite for their Honeymoon, and other romantic amenities such as decorations, bottles of wine, and special turn down service to make their day more romantic. Comments by Liz Cruz – Fiesta American & Live Aqua, wedding manager.

Now, this is Ricardo Mora, regional sales & marketing manager for Karisma properties. The Complimentary Destination Wedding is a valuable opportunity for Wedding couples at Karisma properties of El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma, Generations, Azul Sensatori, Azul Fives, and Azul Beach. There are many options that a couple can choose, such as ceremony decorations and reception location. Signature services, such as wedding guest concierge, a groom’s room with the wedding bites on the day of the wedding, and a Personalized Wedding website and Honeymoon gift registry, are other options available.

Yesse Sanchez, Romance Travel Specialist with Paradisus Resorts, agreed totally that the Complimentary Destination Wedding was a wonderful option for couples with a small number of guests and modest budget. The couple receives a basic package with some choices that make a beautiful wedding at the Paradisus Resorts. They can also make choices and add options to make their Dream Wedding even more personalized and unique. The couple probably doesn’t have to add a lot to make it a very customized wedding for themselves. At Paradisus Resorts, our Wedding department can handle small or large weddings, and make each of them very original and special.

Tracy Schwerin, Wedding Business Development Manager for Couples Resorts in the USA and Canada, also spoke to me about this topic. She said the free Wedding is definitely worth it, at Couples Resorts in Jamaica. The Bride and Groom receive everything they need for their Wedding Day…flowers, cake, and champagne at the ceremony location. It is designed to be perfect for the happy couple. Couples Resorts has more than 40 years experience in designing Weddings for our guests , and the Complimentary services we provide would cost thousands of dollars in the United States.

It was a pleasure to speak to these Wedding experts about the Complimentary Destination Wedding packages offered by their resort brand. This Complimentary option for today’s couples, appears to be an excellent choice for a small (under 10 guest) wedding in a Mexico or Caribbean destination. For more information about Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete my Perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding analysis.

Susan

12 Most Romantic Moments for Real Stl Couples – Dream Honeymoon

April 10, 2015 By Susan Robson

Over the last year, I have collected the Most Romantic Moments for real Stl Couples, as I have helped them plan their Dream Honeymoons. These are real people, with real Aspirations and Dreams! You will be amazed at how creative their Romantic Proposals are. These are their real stories…
First, we took a hot air balloon ride over the wineries in California. Then, we got engaged at a park overlooking the ocean.
I was totally surprised with our engagement! My boyfriend had reserved a hotel room, bought concert tickets, and then invited both of our families to meet us in a restaurant.
Our proposal was on a beach with a photographer – my boyfriend had just set up a photo session of us. Then we rode in a carriage and went to eat at Mickey Mantels.
My boyfriend and I went parasailing in San Diego together and that is where he popped the question! We aren’t the stereotypical romantics, so this was a once in a lifetime moment that we spent together.
We aren’t big with acts of romance…we do little things for each other all the time.
My boyfriend proposed to me at the Melting Pot in Stl, for Valentine’s Day.
We went hiking, and my boyfriend proposed to me on the trail when we stopped to rest.
We were engaged at Elephant Rocks State Park.
A visit to NYC at Christmas time was the setting. We walked around the Botanical Gardens.
Our romantic proposal was during a candlelit dinner, followed by a theatrical show, and then we capped it off with slow dancing in the parking garage.
Roses and champagne accompanied our romantic dinner at the Melting Pot in Stl.
My boyfriend proposed at sunset, on the beach in Hawaii. When we went back to our room, there were flowers and champagne to greet us!

These stories are real, fantastic, and they often help me to find the perfect resort destination for a Dream Honeymoon. Think about it, where could you visualize the couple Honeymooning, that went parasailing together for their engagement? Or, even hiking at Elephant Rocks State Park? If the most romantic event was a beautiful dinner with champagne and roses, then for sure that couple needs to experience that on their Dream Honeymoon!

If you are ready to start planning your Dream Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, go to my website www.GoTravelStl.com, and complete the Perfect Honeymoon Finder.

Susan