Jetsettersblog

GOGO Worldwide Vacations launched a Caribbean sale with free nights, room upgrades, resort upgrades and other enticements.

he sale applies to bookings made to Feb. 2 for travel March 15 to Aug. 31.

For a complete list of hotels and offers, visit www.gogoworldwidevacations.com 

GOGO Worldwide Vacations is a leading wholesaler of value vacation packages with 39 local sales offices serving 18,000 travel agencies.

For more information, call 888-567-0600 or visit www.gogowwv.com  You must book throuh a travel agent.

Several packages are being offered by Dominica’s hoteliers this season. Calibishie Cove is offering a seven-night package that includes one private dinner for two served on a room balcony that overlooks Calibishie Cove, as well as a complimentary kayak tour of the Hodges River and Treasure Island.

This package is available now through May 31 with weekly rates beginning at $940 per person based on double occupancy.

Refer to promo code 101ADHS when booking your reservation.

For more information, call 433-987-6742, email calibishiecove@gmail.com  or visit www.calibishiecove.com

Calibishie Lodges is offering 10 percent on all reservations when booking with Calibishie Lodges.

Guests will also receive a free bottle of wine when they add the meal plan to their reservation, and receive one free excursion when they stay five nights or more.

Rates begin at $114 per night, per lodge, based on double occupancy.

This promotion is valid throughout 2010;

use promo code “Anniversary Promotion” when making your reservation.

For more information, call 767-317-1843, email info@calibishie-lodges.com , or visit www.calibishie-lodges.com

Castle Comfort Lodge’s Reef and Rainforest Adventure Package is good now through Oct. 31.

The package includes seven nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, complimentary use of sea kayaks, one afternoon whale and dolphin excursion, three days of two-tank boat dives, three days of morning tours/hikes and unlimited shore dives off the dock.

Rates begin at $975 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information, call 888-414-7626, email divedominica@diveres.com  or visit www.castlecomfortdivelodge.com

Dominica Sea View Apartments is celebrating 10th anniversary by offering 10 percent off on all reservations.

Guests will receive a free bottle of wine when they add the meal plan to their reservation and receive one free excursion when booking for five nights or more.

Rates begin at $78 per night, per apartment, based on double occupancy.

This promotion is valid throughout 2010;

use promo code “Anniversary Promotion” when making your reservation.

For more information, call 767-316-9258, email info@dominicasseaviewappartments.com  or visit www.dominicasseaviewappartments.com

Fort Young Hotel’s Pure Bliss honeymoon package includes accommodations for seven nights in a room overlooking the sea, welcome tropical fruit plate and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine elegantly arranged on an ice bucket upon arrival, full breakfast served at the Waterfront Restaurant, one afternoon horseback ride through one of many trails, trips to Titou Gorge, Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls, whale and dolphin safari, intimate three hour sunset boat trip to the south of the island which includes a picnic, candlelit dinner with sparkling wine served on the pier or at the Waterfront Restaurant, nightly turn down service and round-trip airport transfers.

This package is valid now through May 31 with rates beginning at $3,528 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information, call 800-581-2034, email fortyounghotel@mindspring.com or visit www.fortyounghotel.com

For general destination information, call 866-522-4057 or visit www.discoverdominica.com

Dominica’s events calendar has been announced for 2010, with a variety of festivals taking place celebrating the island’s culture and heritage as well as the natural attractions and activities it offers for visitors.

Below is a summary of the main events in 2010 – further information and listings will be available on www.discoverdominica.com  as each event draws closer.

Carnival
15th – 16th February 2010

Carnival season is unquestionably one of the most festive times in Dominica. Known as ‘The Real Mas’ or ‘Mas Domnik’, the event culminates over a Monday and Tuesday in mid-February.

During this time, the people of Dominica showcase their folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama, poetry and music. Activities during this period include the Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Queen Show pageant, the Junior Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Street Jump Up and a National Carnival Costume Street Parade.

The Sensay costume will be widely worn during this final event. West African in origin, the Sensay is made of frayed rope, leaves and other materials, accompanied by a mask and often horns.

Hike Fest
May 2010

May 2010 is officially known as Tourism month in Dominica. Among the many tourism awareness activities which will be held that month,

Dominica will host its third annual Hike Fest over a period of one week.

The island is a haven for hikers, offering trails ranging from the sedate to the challenging and this event allows visitors to explore some of Dominica’s lush landscapes.

A series of scheduled hikes will be on offer so that walkers can enjoy the trails accompanied by locals and guides, knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, history and points of interest along each route.

Dive Fest
9th – 18th July 2010

Scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-based activities form the basis of Dive Fest, the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival which marks its 17th year in 2010.

Dive Fest gives absolute beginners the chance to try scuba diving or snorkelling for the first time – often completely free of charge. For experienced divers, events include an underwater treasure hunt and underwater photography competitions, with equipment provided by event sponsors. Whale watching excursions, beach barbecues and the popular Carib canoe race are amongst the other activities that take place during the festival.

Independence celebrations
24th October – 3rd November 2010

Dominica received its independence from Britain on 3rd November 1978 and the country commemorates this with a series of cultural activities and events. Next year, 24th October is Heritage Day, where a local village is recognised and awarded for their uniqueness.

Each year, a different village is chosen to highlight its individual, community and institutional achievements. Creole in the Park runs from 25th – 28th October 2010 at the Botanical Gardens in Roseau.

This day-time festival features performances from local, regional and international artists, blending traditional Creole steel pan drum music with the mouth-watering aromas of local cuisine. 29th October is Creole Day, where most Dominicans will wear some variation of the national dress, the Wob Dwiyet.

Local schoolchildren participate in a parade through the capital, Roseau, to showcase the different styles of dress. Independence Day is celebrated on 3rd November itself, with a series of cultural events, parties, folklore, music and dancing. During this time, citizens and friends of Dominica unite to reflect on the progress and development that has taken place on the island over the years and reaffirm their commitment to contributing to a positive future for ‘The Nature Island’

The World Creole Music Festival
29th – 31st October 2010

Taking place during the Independence Celebrations, the World Creole Music Festival will see beats and rhythms fill the Windsor Park Stadium until dawn, with live music acts from the Caribbean and beyond drawing in the crowds.

Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned groups and solo artists from the Creole-speaking world, with recent headliners including Maxi Priest, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Morgan Heritage and Shaggy.

For further information on all of these events, please see www.discoverdominica.com or telephone 0800 012 1467.

It’s that time of year when people cluster around brochures and start eagerly pointing at the Caribbean, cooing over pictures of white sand beaches and carefully constructed rum punches. And you can bet your bottom East Caribbean dollar they will be on about Jamaica or Antigua.

But what about the less explored places among these tropical islands? Newly re-launched travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk swerves off the beaten track in search of what’s new and not so obvious for 2009. The below are edited versions.

For the full monty (minus the dodgy striptease) go to www.nowfly.co.uk

Dive in – Grenada

Grenada is working towards becoming the dive capital of the Eastern Caribbean by 2012.

There are currently 30 world-class dive sites and Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique all have unspoiled reef formations.

nd from October British Airways is flying twice weekly year-round, making things almost suspiciously convenient.

www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Grenada.aspx

The island’s first campsite and eco-lodge – Montserrat
Budget accommodation goes up a notch with the new Mount Pleasant Eco Lodge and Camp Site.

Alongside 12 camping pitches, Harmony Cottage is a self-contained unit similar to a Mongolian Yurt.

A see-through panel in the circular roof means guests can stare at the stars and talk gibberish for hours.

Travel to Montserrat via Antigua www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Antigua.aspx

Arikok National Park has a facelift – Aruba

This park is home to a number of indigenous species of wildlife, flora and fauna typical of Aruba’s unique tropical desert climate. The 12.5 square mile park accounts for 18 per cent of the total land mass of the island. In July they unveiled the fruits of their three-year, €7.1-million infrastructure upgrade.

www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Aruba.aspx

Fight the sun-lounger – Dominica

The Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail opens within the next two years, although some sections are already open.

The Waitukubuli National Trail covers the length of the island from north to south, totalling a hearty 115 miles. Some trail sections also follow the coast, in case sea breezes and the smell of salt floats your boat.

www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Punta-Cana.aspx

A classic reopens – Barbados

OK, so Barbados is pretty mainstream. But we thought the Atlantis Hotel on the rugged east coast was worth a mention.

The new owners are restoring the 10-bedroom boutique property to its former glory and it reopened for Christmas. They are also going to charge one year-round rate of US$300 a night per room B&B.

www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Barbados.aspx

For further details regarding these tips, please visit:
http://www.nowfly.co.uk/48-Caribbean%20hot%20spots.aspx

Pleasant Holidays released its 2010-11 Caribbean brochure featuring 18 islands and 135 resorts.

The 52-page publication features the largest and most popular Caribbean islands including Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Bahamas, St. Lucia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Turks & Caicos.

For families and group getaways, Pleasant Holidays expanded its Caribbean villas and villa suites featuring fully-equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms in a home-like setting.

New offerings for 2010 include Curacao, St. Barts and the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic set to begin sailing in Summer 2010 to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Pleasant Holidays’ Wedding Travel Specialists will assist in planning travel, sightseeing, activities, accommodations, destination weddings, honeymoons and vow renewals.

Many hotels and resorts offer honeymooners and anniversary couples special amenities including free weddings, room upgrades, flower arrangements and more.

Pleasant Holidays’ Caribbean service includes a toll-free Wedding Travel Hotline, 800-818-9080.

Several resorts are offering early booking discounts for travel through April 2010 including reduced rates, free nights, daily breakfast, room upgrades, golf green fees and sightseeing tours. Many hotels in the Caribbean offer Kids Stay & Eat Free, supervised kids camps and themed activities.

Pleasant Holidays is one of the leading travel companies to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Las Vegas, and Tahiti/Fiji/Cook Islands, serving over 10 million travelers since 1959.

The company provides vacation packages and related travel services through its portfolio of four brands: Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World/Distinguished Resorts, Pleasant Activities and Air By Pleasant.

For more information, call 800-448-3333.

On Feb. 15 and 16, 2010, Dominica’s “The Real Mas,” Carnival will display the folklore and pageantry of Dominica.

Carnival celebrates the culture and heritage of the Dominican people through festivities and events. Blending elements of African, European and regional influences,

“The Real Mas” is a time when Dominicans showcase their folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama, poetry and music in a variety of competitions, performances and street activities. Dominica’s Carnival also shines for its diverse events showcased throughout these two days.

Their traditional Parade kicks off the Carnival festivities.

The Queen contestants, Calyponians, Princess Show contestants, the most popular bands, stilt walkers, cheerleaders and many more people saunter through the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Additional activities during this period include the National Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Monarch, Carnival Costume Street Parade and a traditional Masquerade competition.

“While there’s always a reason to visit Dominica, our ‘Real Mas’ is by far the most exciting time to visit Dominica and celebrate our Dominican heritage,” said Colin Piper, director of tourism at Discover Dominica Authority.

For more information, call 866-522-4057 or visit www.discoverdominica.com

Dominica will host several major events in 2010 that will showcase the island’s nature and the culture. Dominica’s Carnival will take place Feb. 15 and 16. Activities during this period include the National Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Monarch, Carnival Street Jump Up, National Carnival Costume Street Parade and a traditional masquerade competition.

For more information, visit www.dominica.dm/site/carnival.cfm

Tourists will have the chance to explore the rainforests on hiking trails when Dominica hosts its third Annual Hike Fest in May.

Whether visitors are experienced or novice hikers, Dominica has a trail waiting for both. The island’s unspoiled nature is unveiled while hiking to one of the island’s many waterfalls, or trekking through Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.dominica.dm/site/hikefest.dm

The Dominica Watersports Association together with its sponsors will present the 17th Annual Dive Fest, a series of activities focused on scuba diving and other water sports, from July 9 to 18.

Dive Fest activities will take place along the entire East Coast, from Scotts Head to Portsmouth, as well as at selected locations around the island.

Although Dive Fest has an environmentally-oriented focus, it has widespread appeal due to the variety of planned activities, such as barbecues, wine tasting, whale watching, sunset cruises and more.

For more information, visit www.discoverdominica.com/site/divefest.cfm

Oct. 24, 2010 marks Heritage Day, a day where villages are recognized. Each year a different village is recognized. Heritage Day is an opportunity to highlight individual, community and institutional achievements.

On Oct. 25 to 28, 2010 Dominica will host the eighth Annual LIME Creole in the Park, which was established for a daytime event during Dominica’s Independence Celebrations.

The four-day event is held at the Botanical Gardens and features performances from local, regional and international artists.

The event blends traditional Creole music with steel pan drums.

The 14th Annual World Creole Music Festival will be held Oct. 29 to 31, 2010.

A well-established Caribbean and International platform for artists of the genre, the festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music events in the Caribbean. Over the years, the festival has attracted musical groups and soloists from the Creole-speaking World.

Past performances included premier acts such as Exile One, Kassav, Gramacks/New Generations, Tabou Combo, Swinging Stars, La Perfecta and others as well as solo artists like Sean Paul, Ophelia, Tania St. Valle, Sakis, Franky Vincent, Sweet Mickey and Maxi Priest.

For more information, visit www.wcmfdominica.com   On Nov. 3, Dominica will celebrate its 32nd year as an independent nation with an array of cultural events, parties, traditional music performances, folklore and dances.

For general destination information, call 866-522-4057 or visit www.discoverdominica.com

With Tropical Sky

Tropical Sky is offering an exciting 17-night Atlantic cruise on board the Costa Mediterranea, including four-nights staying at the Almond Smugglers Cove in St Lucia from £1,099 per person (a saving of £200 per person).

Valid for departure on 5 December, the cruise takes in the coastlines of Italy, Spain and the Portuguese island of Maderia, before embarking across the Atlantic to the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Grenada, Roseau Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia.

The impressive cruise ship offers a wealth of facilities including a spa, fitness centre, four swimming pools, boutique shops, an outdoor jogging track and a choice of restaurants. Guests can also enjoy a vast choice of entertainment including a nightclub, theatre and casino.

Set in sixty acres of lush, tropical gardens on a secluded bay, Almond Smugglers Cove in St Lucia offers extensive facilities including a racquet club with tennis and squash courts, fitness centre and spa, five swimming pools, kids club, an array of watersports and free green fees on the nearby Cap Estate Golf Course.

The price includes flights from London Gatwick to Savona in Italy with Easyjet, a 13-night cruise on a half-board basis, four-nights at Almond Smugglers Cove on an all-inclusive basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

To book visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk  or call 0870 907 9600.

Windstar Cruises began its “80 Degrees of Sunshine; 180 Degrees from Ordinary” two-week sale Oct. 28 on select 2010 Caribbean sailings.

The seven-day voyages start at $1,799 per person, double occupancy.

The offer is valid on new bookings only through Nov. 11.

The 148-guest Wind Spirit debuts a new seven-day St. Martin roundtrip to St. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and St. Barts. Departure dates on sale are Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.

The 312-guest Wind Surf offers seven-day roundtrip sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados. A northbound itinerary includes St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia.

The southbound itinerary includes Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago.

Departure dates on sale are Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14 and March 14.

The “two-week sale is not combinable with any other promotions and programs.

Taxes are additional.

For more information, call 800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com

In 2010, Elite Island Resorts announces high-season Caribbean all-inclusive vacation savings when trips are booked by Feb. 1, 2010, for seven-night stays with 20 percent off January stays, 10 percent off in February and 30 percent in March 2010.

The luxury resorts cater to romantic couple escapes and family vacations with spacious guest accommodations, stunning locations and caring service. Extensive, dedicated complimentary kids clubs are featured at select properties.

Elite Island Resorts’ all-inclusive vacations feature food, beverages, room accommodations, activities, non-motorized water sports, taxes and gratuities. Children ages 2 to 11 may stay for $42 per child per night.

For reservations or more information, call 800-345-0356 or visit www.eliteislandresorts.com