Antigua

Antigua- Looking for the perfect beach?  Then I’m sure you can find it on one of Antigua’s 365 white sand beaches.  A beach for every day of the year! This is a water-lovers paradise where you can go kayaking, yachting, swimming with the stingrays, and snorkel the amazing reefs in crystal clear blue waters.  If you are looking for calmer waters, then the west side or Caribbean side is where you want to stay. The ocean side is perfect for the surfers.

With amazing picturesque beach views, Antigua offers breathtaking accommodations. Romance is almost inevitable in this tropical paradise . With romantic backdrops, each resort offers an abundance of amenities.

Jumby Island Resort offers the ultimate in privacy where you will ferry over to their private island.  Bikes are personalized and available to get around on the island. They even have their own small farm with chickens for fresh eggs in the morning.  Can you imagine a place where there’s no need for a key and everyone knows your name? That’s how private it is.

Antigua island

Photo credit: Life Enhancing Travel

If you time your stay right, you can also catch the Hawksbill Sea Turtles hatching.  Their nesting season runs from approximately June through October. In some areas you will notice red street lights along the road by the beach at night.  This is so the bright lights won’t attract the turtles to the road, believing it’s the bright light of the sea.

island of Antigua

Photo Credit: Life Enhancing Travel

One of the resorts that offer an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles is Hermitage Bay, a stunning, tropical hideaway.  Imagine your destination wedding with this beautiful intimate setting.

Then, enjoy your honeymoon from one of the 25 intimate cottages nestled into the hillside at Hermitage Bay.

Antigua

Photo Credit: Life Enhancing Travel

If you are looking for a little history you will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site here.  It is the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755. Overlooking the dockyard is Shirley Heights, where you will find the best views and sunsets.  On sunday nights, be prepared to party. There is food and drinks with local entertainers and bands as you watch the beautiful awe-inspiring sunset.

Antigua island

Photo Credit: Life Enhancing Travel

Marriage Requirements

There is no waiting period or residency requirements to get a marriage license.  You can’t get any easier than that!

Climate- Antigua and Barbuda are sunny and warm year round with cool trade winds. The average temperature ranges from the mid-seventies Fahrenheit in the winter to mid-eighties Fahrenheit in the summer.

Language- English

Population- Almost 90,000 residents on Antigua

Entry Requirements- Visitors from the U.S. need a valid passport (valid for six months after travel dates) and a roundtrip or onward ticket. Some non-U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents traveling from the U.S. require a visa, which can be applied for on arrival at the airport.

Currency- The unit of currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD$). The exchange rate is approximately US$1 equals EC$2.70. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island, as are traveler’s checks and major credit cards. ATMs are available.

Tipping- 10-15 percent depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10 percent gratuity, so be sure to check the bill.

Time- Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round. During the fall and winter, noon in New York is 1 p.m. on the island. During daylight saving time in the U.S., the hour is the same on the Eastern Seaboard as it is on the island.

Antigua offers incredible views, understated luxury and pampering.  You can’t beat a better place to plan your next romantic vacation and I know you are going to love it!

See you on the next adventure!

-Tammey

 

P.S.  If Antigua looks like your dream destination and you want to make this trip a reality, contact Tammey Perkins, tammey@LifeEnhancingTravel.com , with Life Enhancing Travel

 

P.P.S.  You can follow my journeys on Instagram @enhancingtravel




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Lucia will inspire you!

Saint Lucia has earned the slogan of, “Let Her Inspire you” and it is easy to see why!

Saint Lucia

With resorts ranging from family friendly properties with kids’ and teens’ clubs, water slides, petting zoos, paint ball, and trampolines; to boutique properties with little cottages and nearly private beaches; to mega resort properties; to three-sided-open air sanctuaries formed on the side of a mountain for a romantic getaway, Saint Lucia offers it all.

jade mountain

When asked, “What can I do in Saint Lucia?” I have to respond with, “it is easier to advised what you cannot do in Saint Lucia!” You cannot find sky scrapers. You won’t find a desert terrain. But truly, many activities abound in this lush and beautiful paradise! You will understand why Saint Lucia is referred to as the Hawaii of the Caribbean!

Land adventures can be experienced through ziplining, hiking, biking, climbing, jungle swing, aerial tram, bird watching, dune buggies, Segway tours, and even a volcano experience with hot springs! Water adventures include snorkeling, scuba, beaches in various colors, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, kite surfing, speed boating, catamaran cruises, whale watching, and fantastic deep see fishing! While you will not be short on activities in Saint Lucia, should you want to venture out, you can even take a trip over to the neighboring island of Martinique!

Hike Saint Lucia

I describe Saint Lucia as something for everyone. The clearness and blues of the water welcome you from every direction. The topography offers mountainous Pitons, Rainforest, areas known for calm waters, and areas known for waves and kite surfing! The temperature stays between 75 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The English language is spoken fluently by most on the island. The currency is Eastern Caribbean, but they will commonly accept the US Dollar when you are shopping or tipping. And YES, the people are welcoming, and the tap water is safe to drink!

If interested in finding out more about Saint Lucia, feel free to reach out directly to TravelAgentSuz

If  you don’t know where to go on your next romantic getaway, take our virtual quiz and find your top two matches here:

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Written by TravelAgentSuz

Romantic Aruba

That’s One Happy Island, Get Happy In Aruba!

If you could take a moment and imagine perfection.

Imagine powder white sands, crystal clear waters, culinary delights sure to excite even the most picky of foodies, and pure luxury available a stone’s throw away.

Welcome to Aruba, this small island only a quick boat ride away from the coastline of Venezuela offers everything you would want for the setting of your next romantic destination. So let’s explore, Aruba. It really is one happy island.Aruba beach

Location, Location, Location:
Aruba is one of the most Southernmost islands in the Caribbean and is apart of what is known as the ABC Islands (Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire). Together these islands make up the Dutch Caribbean.
The good news for visitors of Aruba, is due to its location, the island enjoys an arid climate with pleasant weather enjoyable year round. Also due to its location in the extreme Southern Caribbean, the likelihood of hurricanes or bad weather ruining your vacation as the island is located outside the commonly known “hurricane belt” are low.

The Island
Visitors looking for a different experience from the lush tropical vegetation present on other Caribbean islands will be at home in Aruba. You will find on the west and south coasts, sandy, crystal beaches with calm waves (my favorite is Baby Beach which is calm, warm, and clear to the bottom), hotels to fit any budget, and shopping, ranging from super luxury to island chic and activities as calm or heart pumping as your heart desires.

On the north and east coasts, you will find dryer conditions and may even spot some cactus and other trees more likely to be seen in the desert than a tropical island. The arid environment is the perfect place to have amazing adventures such as ATVing and dune buggy rides. Home to Alto Vista chapel, it is a great historical site while there remember to get your refreshing coconut water sipped straight from a coconut.

Island of Aruba

Having Fun:
Although it is no muss no fuss to go to an all inclusive resort, I challenge you to resist the urge in Aruba. This island is known as a foodie paradise with restaurants lined up and down the main streets of Oranjestad, the island’s capital. Why stay at the resort when you can explore the downtown and enjoy all of amazing food that is offered.

If food doesn’t excite you how about shopping? Whether it is luxury brands or flea markets there are shopping opportunities available for shopaholics with any budget in the downtown area. Taking a stroll through Renaissance Mall, or in the downtown area is the perfect way to spend a low key afternoon.

Aruba is an excellent location to plan your romantic vacation. Aruba will check all your boxes for food, excitement, beach, and adventure.

When your ready to plan your getaway to Aruba, contact Tammy at Million Miles Travel

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Luxury Resorts in Dominican Republic

Eden Roc Luxury Resort is a European Glamour with a Caribbean Twist ~
This brand new boutique hotel within the Cap Cana Resort community blends European Glamour with Caribbean charm providing the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
Step inside Eden Roc at Cap Cana, and you’ll find a slice of Europe in the Caribbean. With its bold, Mediterranean Revival design, this 34-suite hideaway evokes the rivieras of Europe, with lime and fuchsia accents adding a tropical touch. Turquoise waters, sugar sands and a natural grotto — complete with waterfalls and a lagoon — elevate the refined, Caribbean ambience.
.Eden Roc at Cap Cana

Virtuoso Amenities for your stay in 2017

    • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
    • Full breakfast daily (served in restaurant)
    • Complimentary 30 minutes massage per person per stay
    • $100 USD Food & Beverage credit
    • Early check-in/late check-out (if availability)
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas- La Romana.
“A member of the Leading Hotels of the World”
Built high above the Chavón River with views of the river’s gorge, Altos de Chavón replicates a 16th-century Italian village hand-constructed out of rock, stone, iron, wood, and cobblestones.
Expect gourmet cuisine and fine wines and spirits throughout the destination’s restaurants and bars, a 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club, Polo & Equestrian Club, a Tennis Center, called the Wimbledon of the Caribbean, and 245-acre Shooting Center. Spanning 7,000 tropical acres on the southeastern coast. caso de capo
Virtuoso Amenities for your stay 2017-2018:

      • Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests (for EP/Room only reservations)
      • $200 USD equivalent Spa Services credit  (not combinable, not valid on room rate)
      • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
      • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability from Elite Patio to Elite Balcony

Hotel Boutique Casa Colonial Beach & Spa-
Located on the exotic north coast of the Dominican Republic and directly on the water, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is the ultimate, world-class seaside resort. This tastefully intimate resort, thoughtfully designed by Sarah Garcia, daughter of owner Don Isidro Garcia, features an exceptional fusion of old-world elegance with distinctly contemporary style. The resort sets its colonial chic vibe with sheer curtains, eclectic furnishings, fabric light elements and one-of-a-kind art throughout.
Hotel Boutique Casa Colonial
Virtuoso Amenities for your stay in 2017

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests in Veranda Ocean Front Restaurant, on the beach or room service
  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Virtuoso advisors can secure exclusive amenities at nearly 1,200 properties around the world, when you check in your VIP!

Barbados- Romance in the Caribbean

Barbados- Sophisticated and casual, warm and friendly, and always distinctively charming. The Caribbean’s easternmost island boasts beautiful powder white sand beaches, shady palms, and clear blue waters all surrounded by lush tropics of this friendly little British island.

Barbados is nestled in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean’s most eastern island. Blessed with beautiful powder white sand beaches, shady palms, and clear blue waters all surrounded by lush tropics of this friendly little British island. Barbados is an ancient coral reef that formed over one million years ago, with 20-mile stretch of soft coral, permeated by the water forming underground caverns

.Barbdos

Highlights:

  • Barbados Beaches- As diverse as the island. The west coast is calm and palms sway on the white sandy shores while the water laps gently to shore, head to the South side and you will still find flawless sandy beaches protected by coral reefs, go south-east and experience more lively surf  for watersports, along the east coast the beaches are wind-blown and the shore is pounded by the Atlantic ocean making a surfers dream come true. Head to the North side and coral and sandstone cliffs rise out of the sea reaching over hundred feet in height, you will also find sheltered coves there.
  • Lawrence Gap- A 1.3 km stretch of road in the parish of Christ Church, is famous for it’s fine restaurants, diverse accommodation, lively nightlife and good shopping.Commonly known as a place where cultures meet and merge, a great Barbados experience.
  • Oistin’s Fish Fry- Fishing town on the south coast, puts on their version of street fair with excellent fresh fish, (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish), lobster, chicken etc…in a informal setting. Enjoy live bands, dancing, craft vendors, or just hang out with the friendly locals.
  • Harrison’s Cave- Located in the central uplands of the island, this breathtakingly beautiful, crystallized limestone cavern is a testament to nature’s mastery. Flowing streams, deeps pools, of crystal clear water and towering columns characterize this living cave. This is a must see to believe underground adventure!
  • Wildlife Reserve- Tropical haven for exotic animals, reptiles and birds, of which are threatened with extinction. Wander through their tropical jungle, or stay a day and experience the wild side of Barbados, don’t miss the green monkeys!

Find your Destination Match at www.Virtualhoneymoon.com

Dominican Republic- Romantic Caribbean Island!

Dominican Republic – The Caribbean’s most geographically diverse country, showcasing everything from tropical rainforests and alpine ranges to mangrove swamps and desert expanses. These natural gifts offer superb adventure travel and eco-tourism options, catering for mountain-bikers, trekkers, water sport fanatics among other outdoor enthusiasts. With their almost perfect weather year round 78*-88* its natures tropical paradise, just waiting to be explored!

Dominican Republic

  • Punta Cana- Boasting a series of wide white beaches that stretch nearly uninterrupted for 35 miles, has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean.
  • Puerto Plata- The first beach destination developed for tourism in the Dominican Republic, it remains one of its most popular, with a long string of affordable beachfront resorts and a reputation as one of the best spots for windsurfing in the world. North Coast resorts, including laid-back
  • Cabarete- On the North Coast, Cabarete is famous for kite-boarding and also a well known snorkeling area.
  • Limon- A impressive waterfall, that is 52 meter high cascading into a amazing swimming hole.
  • Santo Domingo- One of the oldest city’s, where Christopher Columbus first landed! Stroll the cobblestone streets, shop Mercado Modelo handcraft market, experience some local food.

*Locals Secret:  Merengue Festival- held the last two weeks of July, the largest music festival in the country, most of the activity is on the Malecon but there are related events across the city of Santo Domingo.
*Hidden Gem:  Hoyo Azul, a chilly, neon-blue lagoon that’s perfect for diving into on a hot day.

Travel back in time, discover influences of the ancient Taino Indians, Spanish, African, Latin and European, sip a coconut drink, stroll the white sand beaches, the Dominican Republic has it all….Honeymoon or have your Destination Wedding in the Dominican Republic!”

 

  • To connect with a Dominican Republic Island Destination Specialists, and get your personalized travel album and up to $100 off one of our recommended resorts, visit us @ www.VirtualHoneymoon.com/DominicanRepublic

     

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Curacao Island – Top Honeymoon location!

Curacao Island is rich in multicultural heritage,  with its distinct blend of Spanish, Dutch, and Caribbean architecture, is the seat of the Dutch Antilles, offers over 38 breath-taking beaches with perfect weather outside the hurricane belt!

Curaçao is an island proud and rich in multicultural heritage.

Curaçao island is one of our top honeymoon locations, for good reason!
They are proud and rich in multicultural heritage, with its pristine beaches and secluded romantic coves, marvelous hotels, glittering nightlife, casinos, international cuisine and fantastic duty-free shopping. Dive and snorkel among rare corals and marine life in water as clear as the air. Marvel at the beautiful Dutch architecture. Tour the historic countryside mansions, called “landhuizen”.

 

Some of our top highlights:
*Explore St. Christoffel National Park- This nature reserve in NW Curacao is dominated by St. Christoffel Mountains, where you can wander into several awe-inspiring caves, rock formations and see exotic birdlife, iguanas and timid deer.
*Floating Market- Historic Willemstad is edged by the island’s natural harbor, Schottegat, where Curaçao’s famous floating market takes place. Get a dose of local culture and observe dozens of colourful barges full of Venezuelan wares and agricultural produce.
*Christoffel National Park- This 1800- hectare preserve is formed from three old plantations. The main house for one of the plantations, Landhuis Savonet, is at the entrance to the park. It was built in 1662 by a director of the Dutch West India Company. It’s now an excellent museum on the colonial era.
*Willemstad Trolley Tour- See historic Willemstad on a narrated tour aboard an open-sided land train, which departs Fort Amsterdam to the sound of clanging bells. The “train” then journeys downtown through Willemstad’s pretty pastel-colored, red-roofed colonial streets.

 

To find out more about this Romantic Caribbean island and connect with a Destination Specialist , go to www.Virtualhoneymoon.com/Curacao

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Cayman Islands – Island hoppers dream

Cayman Islands- Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman are Caribbean archipelago renowned for its beautiful beaches, world-class diving and incredible food and enjoy tropical climate throughout the year with temperatures as high at 90* in summer and as low as 72* in their winter.

Cayman Islands,Cayman Islands- Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman are Caribbean archipelago.

Cayman’s is all about switching off. The extraordinary beaches on all three islands are perfect for whiling away lazy days, whilst the surrounding waters are a treasure trove of marine life. With world-class spas and resorts to celebrity-designed golf courses and the best selection of gourmet restaurants in all the Caribbean, Cayman kind delivers all the measures of a life well-lived. With unmatched service and unrivaled pride…..that’s Cayman kind, find yours!

Some of our top recommended highlights on Cayman Islands:

  • Cayman Brac Caves- The Bluff that runs along the centrer of Cayman Brac is riddled with caves, many of them with tales to tell about the islanders who have sheltered there during hurricanes. One of the popular ones is Bat Cave, which for obvious reasons, is a photo opportunity in the making.
  • Seven Mile Beach- The turquoise waters of Grand Cayman’s West Bay are backed by the long, sandy Seven Mile Beach, and, this glorious stretch of coast retains its idyllic charms, with some of the best snorkeling in all of the islands!
  • Stingray City- Snorkel alongside southern stingrays at Stingray City in North Sound on Grand Cayman. These shallow waters are home to a profusion of stingrays and visitors can get right up close with these otherworldly, gentle creatures.
    *Island Hopping- Cayman Brac- caters to adventure-loving nature enthusiasts with its spectacular hiking trails and caves
    *Little Cayman- smallest Cayman island is an adventure in seclusion unlike anything else in the Caribbean. With fewer than 170 residents, most of the island is free of people and full of glistening white sand beaches that make your trip feel like a private island vacation.

 

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Anguilla Island – Top honeymoon destination

Anguilla Island is one of the smaller Caribbean islands, at just 16 miles long and three miles wide, the most northerly of the British Leeward Islands.

Anguilla island

Home to 33 pristine beaches with more than 12 miles of stunning, powder-white sand. This island paradise retains the laid-back character of a sleepy backwater. Goats still wander the streets and reggae music blares from passing cars.  
On the Island of Anguilla, it lays claim to some of the finest beaches in the region, its a perfect Honeymoon and Destination Wedding spot! Anguilla Island has some of the most luxurious hotels and some amazing areas to explore on this small yet bountiful island paradise, check out some of our top highlights below:

  • Explore white coral beaches- Many of the best, like Rendezvous Bay, Shoal Bay and Road Bay, offer water sports but Crocus Bay and Barnes Bay can’t be beaten for peace, quiet and warm cyan seas.
  • Offshore Islands- Sandy Island and its beach bar is just 15 minutes from Sandy Ground Harbor and Prickly Pear is 25 minutes away. Scilly Cay, another favorite for lunch, sits in the bay just off the fishing village of Island Harbor.
  • The Fountain- explore a huge underground cave with a constant supply of fresh water at Shoal Bay.
  • Snorkeling or Diving- There are numerous sunken ships within its depths, there is much to explore. The best diving areas to travel to are those at Sandy Islands and Prickly Pear Cays.

    *Top recommended beaches we love on Anguilla Island; Rendezvous Bay, Shoal Bay and Road Bay, Crocus Bay and Barnes Bay.

To find out more about this Romantic Caribbean island and connect with a Destination Specialist , go to www.Virtualhoneymoon.com/Anguilla
get your Personalized Travel Album and up to $100 off one of our Recommended Resorts!

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British Virgin Islands – Top Honeymoon Destination

British Virgin Islands, surrounded by sixty small islands of topaz sea, 16 of which are inhabited, for those seeking a great yachting experience on their Caribbean vacation, BVI is a must visit island(s), with is almost perfect weather of  sub-tropical average of 82*degrees

BVI

The British Virgin Islands, known for its sloping hills of green, lush mountainous terrain, extensive coral reefs and famous shipwrecks sum up the thrills and spills of the British Virgin Islands. With myriad nautical pursuits on offer, the idyllic islands are a slice of paradise, though for travelers who prefer to watch the sea rather than get into it, there is the breathtaking chance of spotting dolphins and whales criss-crossing the surface.

 

Top recommended highlights for British Virgin Islands include:

*Sage Mountain- Climb mountain for excellent views of the island and breath-taking coast, which kisses the sky at 1,800ft. The mountain sits in a gorgeous national park lined with mahoganies, hanging vines, white cedars and kapok trees. The area is well-marked with trails to explore.
*Chest National Park- Snorkel amidst the stunning coral gardens of Chest National Park. The island is said to have been named when the infamous pirate Blackbeard put 15 mutinous men ashore with only a bottle of rum between them.
*Rhone Marine Park- The wreck of the RMS off Salt Island is a mecca for divers. The mail ship sank during the hurricane of 1867 and now lies in two sections in waters between 30ft and 90ft deep. The clear water also allows for good snorkeling of the wreck site.
*The Baths in Virgin Gorda- a unique rock formation of dimly lit grottoes and caves most of which can only be reached by foot or boat, not to be missed!

To connect with a British Virgin Island Destination Specialists, visit us @ www.VirtualHoneymoon.com/BritishVirginIslands

 

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Bermuda Island

The island of Bermuda is probably best known for two things: lurid, knee-length shorts and the fabled Bermuda Triangle, a stretch of sea where boats and planes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. However, these lazy stereotypes serve only to distract from what is an exceptionally beautiful destination.

Bermuda Island

Bermuda Island is comprised of around 180 islets, this island looks like your archetypal Caribbean retreat with its fine sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs and swaying palms.

A couple of our top recommend highlights on Bermuda Island:
*Visit Hamilton Harbor, where you can cruise around and see the best views of the pretty pastel-painted capital, stopping at Somerset Bridge, the rural village of Somerset, and the Royal Naval Dockyard, some of the finest sights on the island.

*Visit Fort Scaur- a good place to picnic, swim and enjoy the panoramic view of the picturesque Great Sound. Designed so it couldn’t be sighted from the sea, the 19th-century fort was built by the British in case of an American attack on the dockyard. Find the weather stone – its forecasts are never wrong.

*Fort St Catherine- Built in 1614, the largest and most fascinating of the island’s fortifications. Perched above the beach in the north west of the island, the stone ramparts and interior are both well preserved. Inside there is a museum dedicated to Bermuda’s military history.

Click here to virtually experience Bermuda Island and connect with a Romance Travel Specialist.