Jetsettersblog

at Port de Plaisance, Thursday March 1st, 2012!

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – These young energetic musicians are no strangers to the island, they actually made their debut on this same stage in 2010 for St. Maarten’s ChildFest. Their funky mix of music seemed an obvious choice to bring back to the island for the 2012 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

NexCyx began in 2004 as a musical experiment on the University of West Indies campus in Barbados. Since then, it has evolved into a celebrated entertainment outfit, with a repertoire of original hit music, and a solid—and growing—fan base.

The Barbadian pop band is an artistic mishmash of a self-taught pianist turned producer (André), a drumming prodigy (Chad), an accidental bass guitarist (Kris), a one-woman dancer-singer-rapper (Mahalia) and a hardcore rocker (Russell).

NexCyx exudes an unmistakable energy—it’s fresh, upbeat, bold and unmistakable.

In 2010, when they welcomed Chad, the drumming wonderchild, to their lineup, they dished out an extra serving of youthful swagger. Together, they’re just what the music industry ordered, it seems. And the fans are eating the group up!!

In under a decade, NexCyx has played at a range of venues throughout North America and the Caribbean region, while holding down a demanding gig schedule in Barbados, where their singles are in heavy rotation at local stations.

“Gossip Girl,” released in 2009, became the band’s breakout single and instantly landed as a fan favorite. Hits like “Queen,” “OnThe Floor” and the socially conscious “Take A Minute,” also followed, etching a place for NexCyx on the international music stage—and ushering in a new era of fandom.

The Band’s favorite memories are: A high school auditorium filled with screaming students belting out the band’s hits word for word tops the cake for Russ, opening for Erykah Badu and Angie Stone to wild applause, hopping on to the SXSW stage two years in a row, and performing to rave reviews at a concert headlined by Jamaican musical duo, Brick and Lace are some other great memories..

NexCyx defines their music as follows:” if it were an icecream, it would be loaded with nuts (lots of them), chocolate, gummi worms and tequila—with a cherry on top.”

That said, there is a distinctive camaraderie that the band shares, which musical groups the world over struggle to achieve.

That NexCyx is on the right track is obvious. There’s an MTV Artist of the Week accolade in their history already—and an Artist of the Month title from Rockwired.com. And now they can add performing at the prestigious St. Maarten Heineken Regatta to their resume.

Be there, Thursday March 1st to experience Nexcyx kick of the 32nd edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

All the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta parties are free and open to the public. Food and drinks are available each night. Parking at Port de Plaisance is easy, safe and free.

For full information on the 2012 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including entry information, the Notice of Race, photos, videos, party and band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com

Antigua’s Jolly Beach Resort is offering a “Winter Escape” promotion featuring all-inclusive rates starting at $348.50 per room, per night, double occupancy for a standard room. The offer applies to travel through April 15, 2012. Children ages 3 to 11 years who share a room with two adults pay $63 per child, per night, while kids 2 years old and younger stay free.

In celebration of the 2102 Leap Year, the Grand Lucayan, Bahamas resort is offering travelers born on Feb. 29 a $29 per room, per night double occupancy rate.

Rooms are based on availability and a two-night stay is required. Guests must present government-issued ID with birth date upon check-in.

Tropical Treatment: The Somerset on Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Welcomes New Wedding Planner and Exciting News for 2012
*Under new management, resort gears up with Family, Romance and Seasonal offers**

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, January 23, 2012 — It happens suddenly. In the course of everyone’s winter, a weekend escape changes from something that sounds tempting to something you desperately need.

If you live in the northeast, you’re no doubt yearning for somewhere that’s reliably warm yet somewhere you can be immediately (or at least by lunchtime).

A resort with that just-right blend of intimacy and sophistication. After a few months swaddled in fleece, a beach would be a definite bonus and great food. Yup, it would have to have a decent restaurant (or possibly two?). And while we’re dreaming, would a plush, spacious suite be too much to ask? As it happens, no it wouldn’t. That fantasy of yours sounds a lot like The Somerset, the boutique resort on Grace Bay, arguably the finest beach in the Caribbean.

The Somerset offers a variety of 53 luxurious, spacious villas and estates ranging from 1,400 square-foot, one-bedroom Garden Villas to 5,300 square-foot five-bedroom Ocean Front Estates.

The property has two restaurants and bars and private dining options along with in-room spa choices and full concierge services.

“This year The Somerset has turned up the dial on customer service,” says Ulrich Krauer, the new managing director who joined the resort from Kona Village in Hawaii. “We are still a fairly new property, having originally opened in November 2006. Our owners are committed to giving guests at The Somerset a five-star resort experience, and we are well on the way to becoming one of the best full-service properties on Grace Bay Beach.” Krauer has revamped the family and weddings programs, upgraded amenities and services, and implemented a new restaurant team for a new and improved guest experience in 2012.

The Somerset on Grace Bay News for 2012

Destination Weddings at The Somerset; New Resort Wedding Planner

The Somerset is extremely popular with destination weddings, hosting more than 20 weddings and bridal events each year. New for 2012, the resort now has its own Wedding Planner — Rosalind McKensie, formerly with NILA Destinations in Turks & Caicos. Special group rates are available.

For couples getting married at The Somerset, the bridal party can opt for a two-bedroom villa with additional “bridal party suite” for hair/makeup/spa treatments.

This third accommodation is attached with separate entrance and can be transformed into a relaxing spa room for exclusive use during the stay.

Wider Range of Activities This Year

By land or by sea, The Somerset has all new activity equipment for water and beach fun. This winter season the resort offers paddleboards, windsurfers, Hobie Cat sailboats, kayaks, snorkel gear and more. All equipment is for guest use on a complimentary basis, lessons are required for use of Hobie Cats, wind surfer and paddleboard for a one-time charge and complimentary use thereafter. Those who prefer to stay dry can have fun playing beach volleyball, corn hole, ladder golf, lawn croquet, beach yoga and more.

Food & Beverage Upgrades

O’Soleil, the island’s renowned Caribbean-Mediterranean restaurant, has re-opened under the helm of new Executive Chef Joel Rheaume, formerly of The Grace Bay Club. O’Soleil is an upscale dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and dinner. For a more casual lunch, the Somerset features LunAsea Bar & Grill by the pool and beach area; waiter service is available on the beach.

Somerset for Families: Free Kids Club; Extended Family Suites

The new “Caicos Kids Club” program for children ages 5 – 12 is complimentary this year. The Club is operated by certified teachers from a local school who are qualified to ensure a fun and educational experience. The daytime program changes daily to give a variety of activities and on select evenings a group kids dinner and entertainment is offered (sundown-8pm) to give parents the opportunity for a “date night” dinner together if they wish.

Every accommodation at The Somerset is equipped with a full kitchen, outfitted in Viking® appliances. A new grocery order program is available for those who would like their kitchen fully pre-stocked with their family’s favorite items upon arrival (billed at cost by The Somerset, plus nominal delivery fee).

Inquire about this program with reservations, and check back on the website soon as the order form will also be available online this winter.

For families traveling with extended family members, the two-and three-bedroom Ocean View Villa suites include as one of the bedrooms a ‘Queen Guest Room’ with a separate entrance.

This accommodation is luxuriously appointed with a queen bed, four-piece bath with therapeutic spa bathtub and separate shower, as well as a kitchenette. It is an excellent option for families with adult children or in-laws (also a great option for families traveling with a babysitter or nanny).

Rates at The Somerset on Grace Bay in winter start at $900/night, based on double occupancy, for a 1,400 sq. ft. one-bedroom Garden View Villa. As of April 8, rates start at $650/night for the same category. All rates include continental breakfast. For more information or to make a reservation please visit www.thesomerset.com  or call 877-887-5722. Special offers are available, click here to view. Follow The Somerset on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheSomerset  and Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheSomerset.

The Somerset is a 10-minute ride from Providenciales International Airport (PLS) with direct air access from the U.S. on jetBlue (New York JFK, Boston), Continental (New York JFK, Newark), American Airlines (New York JFK, Miami and Dallas in winter season only), Delta (Atlanta), and US Airways (Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston). In Canada direct access is available on WestJet from Toronto and Air Canada from Toronto and Montréal.

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Enhancing the guest experience, new creative touches include the “Tu Deseo” (My Wish List) wish board mounted in each guest room. From extra towels, a sunrise aqua yoga session, to local fruit with their room service breakfast, “Tu Deseo” will allow guests to express themselves and make their stay more enjoyable.

A boutique gym and ocean front business center round out the offering.

According to the new General Manager, José Torres, “The Water Club has all the right stuff to take the Metropolitan Area’s luxury boutique hotel experience to the next level and we’re having just as much fun with our new concept as our guests are.”

With 15 years of experience, Mr. Torres is well positioned to help the resort retain its leadership position as one of Puerto Rico’s top hotels.

His youthful enthusiasm paired with his proven ability and knowledge of the inner workings of resort properties give him invaluable insight into what makes a unique property like the Water Club tick—and what to do to make it a success.

Renowned as the hot spot for local residents and tourists, Mist offers comfortable seating areas for rooftop relaxation, swimming pool, signature cocktails and a decadent Island-Italian-Spanish-fusion menu featuring Socializers—small plates you can share—prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients.

The new restaurant Zest on the ground floor welcomes guests with a unique subaquatic atmosphere and a modern experiential cuisine menu featuring sustainability-sourced ingredients, each dish infused with a unique scent meant to stimulate every sense.

The Water Club’s entire culinary operation is under the careful watch of new Executive Chef, local celebrity Raul Correa Soto, the 2008 Cattlemen’s Chef Challenge Champion, and collaborator for El Nuevo Día ’s “Por Dentro” Food Section and Primera Hora .

Even the Beach Experience has been re-engineered. Electronically connected to the hotel and restaurant, the Water Girls offer fast and unique service with a Beach Party menu built on user-friendly foods.

The perfect combination of comfort and luxury, 80 guest rooms including stunning suites feature ocean front views, partial ocean views, and city views. Plush beds dominate the space, with new pillow-top king sized mattresses made up with pristine, high-thread-count linens.

Room rates for The San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel range from $199 to $359 per night, based on double occupancy. Stay tuned for more at http://waterbeachclubhotel.com/ 

About The San Juan Water and Beach Club

Also known as the Water Club, The San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel is located in the city’s stylish Isla Verde, five minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and just 15 minutes away from the cruise docks, business district and the famous Old San Juan. Amenities include a rooftop sundeck and pool, wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, and a boutique gym. For business travelers and small groups they offer an intimate venue for up to 120 guests reception style, an elegant boardroom, an ocean front business center, and a 24-hour front desk service. In addition, the San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel boasts some of San Juan’s most beautiful beachfront and newest dining options. The Water Club was recently voted #4 on TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Caribbean . The hotel is the latest addition to Dallas-based Aimbridge Hospitality’s growing resort division.

Experience paradise island life, enjoying turquoise waters, white sand beaches, delicious food and stunning accommodation in the company of only those closest to you with exclusive take over of the newly renovated private island Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines.

The ultimate venue for a secluded retreat with friends, a family gathering or a memorable celebration, with the entire island at guest’s disposal and accommodation to host up to 44 people, this stunning resort can be yours to make home and castaway.

Petit St. Vincent, which has often been referred to as ‘heaven on earth’, offers spectacular sea views across some of the clearest water in the Caribbean; two miles of white sandy beaches; soft rolling hills; 22 individual luxury cottages; an open air spa; a rustic local style restaurant and a chic new barefoot beach bar and restaurant for entertaining. Following a major refurbishment, completed in November 2011, the island provides guests with the ultimate luxury escape within a relaxed, non-intrusive environment full of Caribbean charm.

Surrounded only by those in their party, exclusive hire guests can enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with having the run of the island, with the freedom to do as they please.

With so much to offer there is never a dull moment on PSV;

guests may wish to unwind and relax on the endless white sandy beaches, sample the resort’s fine food and wine, hike the tropical hills or even take a sailing excursion on one of the islands fleet of hobie cats and boats, including Jasmin, a 52’ flybridge motoryacht and Beauty, PSV’s very own classic sailing boat.

The opportunities are endless and no task is impossible for the fabulous staff on Petit St. Vincent.

Exclusive island rental of Petit St Vincent from $300,000 (approx £185,535) for 5 nights including full use of the resorts 22 private cottages, 3 meals daily and non alcoholic drinks

OR $6,818 per person based on two sharing a cottage.

British Airways (www.ba.com)  and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly to Barbados direct from London Gatwick. From Barbados, guests fly to Union Island (a 55 minute flight) and from there take a short boat ride to Petit St Vincent.

www.petitstvincent.com

ON VIRGIN GORDA, B.V.I.

Rehydrate with true coconut water before the Caribbean Breeze Spa Treatment only in May and June

Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. – Guests that book the Caribbean Breeze Spa Treatment this May and June at Sense, A Rosewood Spa® at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, will receive a complimentary and local treat. Rehydrate before your spa treatment when a coconut is selected from the surrounding lush gardens, opened just for you and served with a straw. Drink coconut water directly from the source instead of a carton, this May and June, only with the Caribbean Breeze Spa Treatment.

The taste of the fresh coconut water is enhanced when it is sipped while relaxing next to the two-tiered infinity spa pool before your treatment overlooking the Caribbean below.

Once you are refreshed, the relaxation continues with the 90-minute Caribbean Breeze Spa Treatment which takes place in an open-air treatment room offering spectacular views.

The treatment begins with a head-to-toe exfoliation with Pineapple Papaya Enzyme Scrub followed by a full-body wrap of aloe, ginger root and antioxidant-rich green tea. As the nourishing mask soothes the skin, the scalp is massaged with warm Coconut Oil and then the body is misted with hydrating coconut milk and massaged with Kukui Lotion.

The Caribbean Breeze Spa Treatment will be available only during May and June 2012 including the complimentary coconut for $180.

Sense, A Rosewood Spa® overlooks the sparkling waters of Sir Francis Drake Channel and offers an array of Caribbean specialties and indigenous treatments such as the Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey Wrap and the Salt Island Scrub. The spa’s relaxation area features a two-tier infinity pool and an exclusive Cliff Spa Suite is available for couples.

The spa also hosts Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes. Spa services are offered daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and rates at Rosewood Little Dix Bay start at $495 per night. For more information or to make reservations Rosewood Little Dix Bay, please contact (284) 495-5555 or visit www.littledixbay.com

Located on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the timeless resort offers discerning clientele an arms-length respite from day-to-day stresses amidst lush foliage, a half-mile crescent-shaped beach, and a colorful barrier reef. Guests can choose from a wealth of elegant villas and guest rooms, including hexagonal cottages and two- and three-bedroom villas nestled along gorgeous gardens and shaded footpaths.

The resort’s three dining venues specialize in fresh Caribbean cuisine, including the open-air Pavilion, the intimate Sugar Mill, and the Beach Grill, which serves light-fare on the white sands. SENSE®, A Rosewood Spa offers the finest in beauty and recuperative programs in a dramatic setting, with treatments that utilize indigenous botanicals plucked right from the resort grounds. Complimentary services include a wide array of watersports, use of the on-site fitness center and tennis courts, and more. www.littledixbay.com

BOZEMAN, Mont.–Be a ‘Caribbean Queen’ this spring break and set sail in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands on this women-only sailing adventure that includes plenty of sun, sand, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.

On this trip by AdventureWomen, Inc., guests cruise the British Virgin Islands on a marvelous luxury yacht, the Cuan Law, the world’s largest trimaran sailboat that’s equipped with every amenity. Women can soak up the sun and scenery while choosing from adventures like sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling, dining on decadent cuisine, or enjoying the views from the canopy deck onboard the boat. $2995 pp ($800 deposit). Departure date: March 4, 2012. Learn more about AdventureWomen’s 30th anniversary trips in 2012 at www.adventurewomen.com

Antigua’s best loved family all-inclusive resort, the Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, want to invite the future Olympians to train in Antigua! Nestled in 40 acres of beautiful lush gardens with stunning sea views, Jolly Beach offers the idyllic family getaway with endless activities and entertainment. Pick your categories and let the games commence!

Every week families get ready to compete in the Family Beach Olympics, overtaking the beach with lots of fun and chaos. Work as a team and play a game of football, cricket, basketball, pool, beach volleyball, or even the Antiguan game of Rounders. Or why not some friendly competition? Cheer each other on in the tug-of-war, the sack race or the lime & spoon race, and see who can win the Gold!

Jolly Beach Resort also has one of the largest ranges of water sport equipment in the region – start with some snorkelling and a trip on the Kayaks or train in the art of wind surfing or sailing from one of Jolly Beach’s friendly and experienced water sports staff. There are also surf bikes, paddle boats and Aqua Finns to try! Back on land there is a mile long stretch of sand ideal for some serious sand castles, daily beach volleyball and cricket competitions and tennis courts for the whole family to play on.

Jolly Beach Resort and Spa can provide everything the whole family will need for an enjoyable holiday. The resorts famous Kidz Club (3-12 year olds) has a host of activities including the islands very own master chef facilities at chef’s corner, Caribbean story time, treasure hunts and mini volley ball. Teenagers won’t be stuck for entertainment either, with the Jolly Teenz Club (13-16 year olds) they can enjoy night-time BBQ’s and bonfires on the beach, moonlight scavenger hunts, games area with a Nintendo Wii, Air Hockey, Foosball and Indoor Basketball.

When it’s time for a break from your Olympic activities recovery is best done lounging on one of the beachside hammocks by the glittering Caribbean Sea or relaxing around the resorts two fresh water swimming pools. Jolly Beach rewards all guests with a night of stargazing and roasting marshmallows over open fire mats.

To fuel these activities there are five restaurants and bars to choose from with a delicious choice of menus from Caribbean to Italian and casual gourmet. The hotels rooms and beachfront cottages are split into six all-inclusive categories to suit your needs, starting from a supersaver small room for fantastic value, standard, superior, King Superior, Junior Suit or Beach Front cottage which includes private verandas on the beach and flat screen TVs. Families and groups can all find the perfect room at the right price.

Virgin Holidays are offering 7 nights all-inclusive in Jolly Beach including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Antigua with transfers included, starting from £999 saving £469 (Prices are based on departures 10 – 31 Jan 2012). Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room, and include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges (which are subject to change).

The resort features in most leading UK tour operator’s brochures including Kuoni, Hayes & Jarvis, Thomas Cook Signature and Thomson Tailormade.

For further information visit www.jollybeachresort.com

Nevis’ Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is offering more than 40 percent off published rates for accommodations during the TriStar111 Triathlon in March, which will feature some of the world’s top athletes competing for a $10,000 top prize. Under the offer, nightly rates start at $199 for a superior room and at $249 for a deluxe garden suite.

The events begin on March 25 with the Nevis-St.Kitts cross-channel swim, and conclude March 31 with the TriStar111 triathlon. There will also be two other triathlon formats, the TriStar11.1 and TriStar33.3, for new triathletes and those in training. The 36-square-mile island of Nevis is a short water taxi ride away from sister-island St. Kitts. Direct flights into St. Kitts (SKB) are available from many gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. Connecting flights into Nevis are available from San Juan, St. Maarten and Antigua.