Unik Island Resort on Isla Mujeres

Unik Island Resort & Spa, a new luxury boutique brand in Mexico, announced it will open its flagship hotel on November 1, 2008 on Isla Mujeres. Located just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is accessed by a 25-minute private yacht transfer, which takes you to the resort that will feature 84 suites and full-service amenities. A total of 84 sleek and modern suites will feature exquisite views and every amenity, including flat screen televisions, CD/DVD players, iPod docking stations, high-speed wireless Internet, 400 count bed linens, laptop-sized safes, fully-stocked mini-bars and much more. Every room, regardless of category, gets twice-daily maid service, lavish bath amenities, candles, bathrobes and slippers, aromatherapy at turndown and an array of other services that keep Unik Island Resort & Spa’s accommodations several steps above the others in the region. Beyond the walls, the natural beauty of Isla Mujeres one of my favorite island hideaways serves as a backdrop for the elegant pool area, built on four different levels and following the lay of the land. Each pool offers guests a different experience, and each flows into the next in a soothing cascade of blue water. Meetings and groups are welcome to the state-of-the-art facilities, which can accommodate up to 210 attendees. Business services are available, as are full-service wedding planners and an assortment of wedding packages. The resort is located eight miles north of Cancun across the Caribbean Sea on Isla Mujeres. Upon arrival at the Cancun International Airport guests are whisked away via hotel-arranged car service to the resort’s Dockside Registration/Reception area, where they are greeted with refreshing beverages and light appetizers before boarding the complimentary, private boat service that will take them directly to the resort’s pier in just 25 minutes.

NO PRETZEL FOR YOU!

Let go of the pretzels and peanuts. In what could be the ultimate cost-cutting move by airlines buffeted by sky-high fuel prices, US Airways Group says it will eliminate free snacks in coach class on all its domestic flights starting June 1.

Online Travel Buyers Like Podcasts and Video

Rich content and social media—including podcasts or live online video and traveler-generated reviews from within and outside of one's social network—can help determine where leisure travel will be purchased online, says PhoCusWright. Nine out of 10 online travel buyers say travel-related podcasts and online video influence their purchases, the research firm says in its new PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Tenth Edition. The new report examines the critical influence of rich media, reviews and Web 2.0 in online travel purchasing. Findings indicate that the vast majority of U.S. online travelers are influenced by anonymous feedback and recommendations from fellow travelers. The most popular are reviews from people they do not know, travel blogs/online diaries and travel review Web sites. Visit http://www.phocuswright.com/.

JOST VAN DYKE - BVI

The east end of Jost Van Dyke was my home for a number of years, where I lived primarily off the sea. At that time roads or electicity even fresh water did not exist. One cooked over locally made charcole, diving or retreiving fish pots was the way of life. Much of this I learned from Charles who lived with his family on the hill behind my property, he and a few others taught me much about island living. This photo on the left is of my old friend Foxy who owns and runs Foxys Bar one of the original bar/resturants on the island. I have great memories of sitting with his kids when they were young at the back of the bar watching one of Capt. Mike Burke's Windjammer sailing ships anchor off shore...The arrival of passengers many in bright colored shirts shouldering up to the bar asking how much a drink would cost. Foxy's kids amused me by asking "why they ask the price, don't they know if they have no money Foxy give them drink for free" Foxy and I towed the old water tank that sits up behind his place (it may no longer be there these days) behind my small boat from Little Jost....Nice memories.

Here's a little history of this beautiful island. Jost Van Dyke , population 150, is named for a noted Dutch pirate. It is mountainous, has lovely beaches, tropical restaurants and watering holes at Great Harbor and White Bay. Jost measures just four by two rugged miles, the island is rich in history. It's been home to Arawak Indians, Caribs, Dutch, Africans, and English. And John Coakley Lettsome, founder of the London Medical Society, was also born on Little Jost Van Dyke. Jost Van Dyke did not receive public electricity until December 23, 1989, and the entire island did not recieve electricity until the end of 1997. For many years the island residents used generators and many were innovators by using solar panels. Whether you stay for a day, week, or a month, you'll find plenty to do. Trace the old trails that connect the island. Explore the overgrown ruins of sugar mills. In the fall and winter, watch whales and dolphins from a hilltop. Or visit the bubbly pool at the East End, where the foaming sea forms a natural jacuzzi. You could walk across to Little Jost or take a boat to Sandy Cay, the perfect castaway island. It is reported that Christopher Columbus sighted the British Virgin Islands in 1493, on his second expedition to the New World; Overwhelmed by their multitude, he christened the islands 'Las Once Mil Virgines' - in honor of St. Ursula and the 11,000 maidens who sacrificed their lives in 4th century Cologne. The Crest of St. Ursula is a national symbol of the British Virgin Islands. The islands were said to be inhabited by Caribs and Arawaks. The Dutch established the first permanent European community here in 1648. In 1666 British planters took over control of the island group from the original Dutch settlers. The islands attained the status of British Colony, and remained part of the Leeward Islands from 1872 until 1956, when the British Virgin Islands became a separately administered entity. To preserve its close economic ties with the U.S., Virgin Islands the group did not join the 1958-1962 West Indies Federation of British Islands. In 1967, the new Constitution provided for a ministerial system of government headed by a Governor. The island group remains under British Sovereignty today. The BVI’s are constitutionally autonomous of the UK except for external affairs, defense, internal security, terms and conditions of service of public officers and the administration of the courts. These areas are the responsibilities of a UK appointed Governor. The Territory features an internal self-government that has a long history of political stability. There is an Executive Council, with the Governor as Chairman, which includes the Attorney General (ex-officio), the Chief Minister (appointed by the Governor from those elected to the Legislative Council to handle financial matters), and three other ministers appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The British Virgin Islands offer the finest sailing anywhere ... and are home to the world's largest yacht charter fleet. Balmy trade winds provide a most comfortable, tropical environment. Temperatures are rarely below 77 F in winter; or rise above 90 F in summer.

CANEEL BAY - ST JOHN USVI

While we're cruising around the USVI and BVI let me share another favorite with you, St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, retains a tranquil, unspoiled beauty uncommon in the Caribbean or anywhere else in the world. Settled in the early 1700s by Danish immigrants attracted to the island's potential as a sugar cane-producing colony, St. John soon blossomed into a thriving society. The ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and other smaller plantations on the island attest to the island's agricultural history.The extensive sugar cane farming, however, did little to affect the natural beauty of St. John. Its unspoiled forests and stunning beaches attracted the attention of wealthy families such as the Rockefellers, who sought privacy and tranquility on the island. In 1956, Laurance Rockefeller was so moved by the island that he bought and donated broad expanses of land to the National Park Service to keep St. John "a thing of joy forever."Today, two-thirds of St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, featuring fascinating trails, secluded coves, and dazzling white beaches. The Reef Bay Trail takes hikers through dense forests, plantation ruins, and rock outcroppings marked by well-preserved petroglyphs. Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay are just four of the dozens of beaches. Cruz Bay, the center of activity on St. John, contains colorful shops, lively bars, and fabulous restaurants.

CANEEL BAY RESORT has been an alluring escape for loyal guests since its founding 50 years ago by Laurance Rockefeller. Set on 170 acres in Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John USVI. The resort's pristine natural surroundings and low-key luxury are its coveted signatures. One hundred and sixty-six charming guest rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape in close proximity to any of seven white-sand beaches that frame the resort. Four distinct restaurants and a private Wine Room offer an array of dining experiences and cuisine that honors the destination. Other amenities include The "Self Centre", which is dedicated to nurturing the mind, body and spirit in addition to a fitness center, 11 tennis courts and Turtle Town, a dedicated facility just for kids. Try the peach daiquiris and the snorkling trail at Trunk Bay voted one of the worlds best beaches.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS LITTLE DIX BAY

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda is another of my favorite spots in the British Virgin Islands just a short flight or boat ride from St Thomas. The legendary Caribbean Resort is designed with both couples and families in mind, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda is offering an exceptional seasonal rate available from May 1 - December 19, 2008 with savings of up to 30% off regular room rates. Inclusive of full American Breakfast buffet for two, the "Rosewood Escapes" special is priced at $475 per night for accommodations in a Premium Ocean View room, or $525 per night in an Ocean Cottage, based on single or double occupancy. Taxes and gratuities are additional. Set on its own half-mile crescent beach, the five-star resort founded by visionary philanthropist Laurance S. Rockefeller recently introduced "Sense", A Rosewood Spa offering longer spa treatments, a breadth of wellness and relaxation therapies created with local products, herbs and plants, and kids' Move 'n Groove and Yoga classes. Exciting culinary offerings from new Chef Marcel Driessen are featured at the resort's three restaurants and in private beach dinners. For more information or reservations, call 888.767.3966 or the resort directly at 284.495.5555.

St Thomas - Frenchman's Reef Resort

Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is one of St. Thomas's premire resort properties...Located at Morning Star Beach, it has been one of my favorite island hang-outs for many years.

This hotel has a smoke-free policy, 15 meeting rooms and 60,000 sq ft of indoor/ outdoor venue space for your wedding or business event. The property has 8 floors, 451 rooms, 28 suites .

Resort View Rooms at the Frenchman's Reef offer lush garden and hillside views of St. Thomas Water View Rooms at the Frenchman's Reef offers sweeping views of the harbor and the Caribbean Garden Rooms at Morning Star overlook the lush greens of the resort's tropical gardens. Beachfront Rooms at Morning Star Resort have views of the Caribbean Sea. Harbour Suites have king-size beds with separate sitting areas or parlors with views of the harbour. Royal Suites feature two-story loft bedrooms jacuzzi and spiral staircase to a king-size bed,

Frenchman's Reef is a complete Caribbean vacation resort setting overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas, the largest and best equipped hotel facility in the US Virgin Islands.

The Crown Jewel of Treasure Island Florida

This week I had an opportunity to visit Ocean Properties recently opened Residence Inn by Marriott located on St Pete Beach at Treasure Island. This is by any standard not your typical Residence Inn, it is the "THE CROWN JEWEL" of Treasure Island.

From the moment you enter the property a wonderful journey created by the Ocean Properties design team Michelle Mauricio and Paula Siegel begins. After a stroll on the beach I was greeted by General Manager Rick Willson and Shannon Cunningham, Director of Sales & Marketing. Also in attendance was St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau David Downing, Director of Public Relations and the new Executive Director, DT Minich who brings with him the expierience and expertise that helped make Lee County CVB one of the best in Florida.

This all new Residence Inn by Marriott offers 105 outstanding luxurious one, two and three bedroom hotel suites along with a great location, but what really counts is the colorful upscale ambiance, super service and of course the extra amenities such as free breakfast, free high speed internet, green energy efficient stainless steel appliances in fully-equipped kitchens, flat screen TV’s in every room and private balconies overlooking what appears to be a never ending beach.

Within walking distance or a short drive, you will find a wide selection of restaurants, attractions and shopping. Tropicana Field, downtown St Petersburg and Raymond James Football stadium only a short distance away.

During our stay we enjoyed a hearty meal at Carino's , dinner at the Middle Grounds Grill is a must and I highly recommend the Veal Osso Bucco, but Shannon's choice of the Petite Filet was looking good.

TTRN also recommends : Crabby Bill's and The Hurricane

During a quick stop in Sarasota we visited with Erin Duggan Public Relations Director Sarasota & Her Islands Convention & Visitors Bureau over lunch at the Bijou Cafe. along with Kerry Morrissey and Christina Sorondo. Then a quick stop at the Lido Beach Resort to say hi to GM Shannon Burdge and Director of Sales, Karen Rangel who presented me with a copy of Stephen King's new novel. Ck out how you can win a trip for two for a 3-night stay at the Lido Beach Resort, along with a copy of the new Stephen King novel, set on the fictional island of Duma Key. The main purpose for the Sarasota stop was to attend a meeting of Longboat Key residents at the Hilton Longboat Key regarding local ballot questions 1 & 2 which would allow an increase of 250 new hotel rooms on the Key. The visit also presented an opportunity to have a pleasant chat with Matt Walsh Editor & CEO of The Observer who was covering the story.

NEWS ITEMS Second - Honeymoon - Ten Hot Spots for Summer A survey by ASTA polled 585 travel agency owners and managers to determine the most popular Second Honeymoon destinations and uncover other emerging travel trends for 2008. Hawaii was the most popular second- honeymoon destination with 24.4 percent share of the total response. Cruising was ranked number two. The third most popular second honeymoon destination, the Caribbean, Jamaica and Cancun, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, Europe, ranked number six, and Italy, ranked number seven, proving that interest in European vacations is still strong despite the current weakness of the US dollar. Mexico claimed the number eight position. Tahiti, and St. Lucia fell into ninth and tenth place respectively. American Airlines has expanded the range of features available on the mobile version of AA.com, providing more tools for travelers using Web-enabled devices. The new enhancements allow customers to book flights, view fare specials, request upgrades, enroll in the AAdvantage program, purchase Admirals Club one-day passes and change their flights for many domestic reservations. These additions complement the features in place when the mobile version of AA.com was launched earlier this year. This includes flight check-in, flight and baggage status checks, destination and weather information and AAdvantage member log-in. Throughout the year, American will add further mobile capabilities for travelers on the go, the airline said. For information: http://www.aa.com/ Hawaii, Rising costs of operations, such as the escalation in fuel prices, has led Hawaiian Airlines to increase its round-trip airfares for flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland by $30, effective immediately for travel starting on or after May 1.

On the Hotel Scene:

The Riviera Maya has a number of hotels in various stages of development.

Easily accessible from many cities throughout the U.S., the eighty-one mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the Mexican Caribbean inthe state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Tulum, one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan World. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of under ground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to many of Mexico's most significant Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf courses, spas, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was also featured in the January 2006 issue of Travel and Leisure as "The Next Riviera."

Just Opened:

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya/

http://www.valentinmaya.com/

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/

http://www.puntaturquesaresort.com/

Must See Attractions:* Selvatica is a company that offers adventure activities and that has been recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine as "one of 35 great adventures in the world." Zip n Snorkel is the company's newest offering,with a small group guided tour through the Riviera Maya, with zip-lining through the jungle and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos along the region's beautiful reef. Visit http://www.selvatica.com.mx/ * Ah Cacao Chocolate Café promotes natural well being through the enjoyment of real chocolate and coffee all from Mexico. Aside from gourmet coffee drinks the recently opened Ah Cacao Chocolate Café offers an all natural menu of brownies, dark chocolate bars, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate cake and more, as well as a gift shop! Ah Cacao Chocolate Café is located on the corner of Playa del Carmen's famous Fifth Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue. For more information please visit http://www.ahcacao.com/. * Xcaret is an eco-archeological park located in Playa del Carmen. In 2008, the following new attractions will be introduced: A Mexican wine place with a wine tasting hall and a store, selling only Mexican wines and Henequen Hacienda, which will have a museum of Mexican art, a room for big events, Yucatan food restaurant, and demonstrations of henequen production (raw fibers from the henequen agave cactus are shredded, pulled, woundtogether made into rope). Visit http://www.xcaret.com/ .* Alltournative is an adventure company that is offering a new half-day for a small group of people called Rio Secreto, or Secret River. Equipped with helmets with flashlights, wetsuits and life jackets, the group descends to the underground river, where they have the opportunity to explore the hidden caverns, stalactites, stalagmites, corals and othernatural treasures, hidden in the underground world. Visit http://www.alltournative.com/ .

For more information on the Riviera Maya call 1-877-7GO MAYA, e-mail mailto:info@rivieramaya.com

Ten amazing adventures under $1,000 (2008 edition)

How much adventure can you get for $1,000? More than you might think. For less than the cost of a single night at the Plaza Hotel in New York, you can climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, trek to remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, or learn to sail a racing yacht. These and seven other trips that cost under a grand are offered in an article by Molly Feltner.