Spice Island Beach Resort is not your typical all- inclusive. While it is wonderful to know that all the extras are included, such as premium top shelf liquor, both in the outdoor areas and ensuite, room service, water sports, and unlimited dining, what separates Spice Island from the rest is the attentive staff, the attention to detail, and the five star service throughout the resort.

Sir Royston Hopkin

Lady Hopkin

Ryan Hopkin

Janelle Hopkin

Spice Island is truly a family operation. Headed by longtime hotelier and former Grenada Tourist Board executive Sir Roy Hopkin, Lady Hopkin, Ryan Hopkin, and the heir apparent Miss Janelle Hopkin, along with long time general manager Brian Hardy. The close knit Spice Island family work together meticulously to ensure a guest experience worthy of the coveted AAA Diamond Award, only granted to six other resorts in the Caribbean and 118 resorts worldwide. in 2014, 2015 and in 2016, Spice island was awarded the Six Star Diamond award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, and has been ranked the #1 property in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor reviews. Spice Island is also a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).

Upon arrival guests are greeted by friendly staff with a cold drink in hand to assist with check in. The airport is less than a 10 minute ride from the resort. A big plus for guests trying to maximize vacation time without a long trek from the airport. Once checked in guests are taken to their suite  and the holiday begins.

Spice Island’s 64 suites range from the 620 square foot Oleander Garden Suites to the ultra- lux Cinnamon and  Saffron Suites, measuring 1440 square feet located directly on Grande Anse Beach, just a few feet from the water.

Entrance Seagrape Suite

Seagrape Suite Queen Bedroom

SeaGrape Beach Suite Patio

Our party was fortunate to be given a trio of suites to discover. My suite was the Seagrape Beach Suite (pic above), the resort’s most popular requested accommodations. Either King Size or Queen Bedrooms ideal for couples, honeymooners or families, these beachfront rooms complete with hammocks and lounge chairs, are the go- to if waking up to an ocean breeze and waves are your idea of paradise.

Luxury Almond Pool Suite

For a more private, Villa- like experience, the Pool Suites fit the bill. The Anthurium Pool Suites measure 1200 square feet, amidst personal gardens and a plunge pool. The Luxury Almond Pool Suites are 1500 square feet in size and feature a large private pool and outdoor terraces for sunbathing and dining. The most luxurious pool suites, fit for a prince or a sheik, are the Royal Collection Pool Suites, 1500 square feet, 16’X20 pool with private cedar saunas.

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 Say brook Point Inn & Spa has been a favorite New England weekend getaway for some time now, so in recent months when they debuted the Lighthouse Suite we were anxious to check it out. Located on the Long Island Sound on a marina, where we witnessed Mega yachts docked alongside fishing boats on a typical warm and crowded summer weekend.

The Lighthouse Suite has a an ample living area, bedroom, kitchen and a small balcony where it is highly recommended to sit outside, with wine in hand, and watch the boats go by. The sunrises are not to be missed as well. The elegant nautical decor of the suite adds to the ambiance and is a private getaway, within a larger hotel property that offers indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, The Sanno Spa, and the top rated Fresh Salt Restaurant and Marina Bar. Perfect for Honeymooners or just a romantic weekend getaway.

Bedroom Lighthouse Suite

Living Area Lighthouse Suite

Living Area Lighthouse Suite

View from Lighthouse Suite

Saybrook Point Inn and Spa has been certified Connecticut’s first green hotel. Committed to protecting the environment the property has an herb garden, which Fresh Salt Chefs use, eco-friendly cleaning products, solar panels, clean cooling systems and free electric car charging stations. Free loaner bikes are available to guests to explore the surrounding area.

Fresh Salt is an award winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as an amazing Sunday brunch. Outdoor tables and large windows ,and this year an expanded marina bar and seating along with a fire pit complete the look and feel of a proper upscale New England restaurant.

Fresh Salt

Marina Bar

View Pool/Marina

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is open year round and hosts several events in the fall and winter around Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s for the entire family. For more info and to book your stay please visit: http://www.Saybrook.com

2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (860) 265-1792

Located in the Northeastern part of the Dominican Republic the town of  Samana remains an unspoiled gem that is not yet dominated by all- inclusive chains and it’s tourism focuses on luxury and eco-tourism. January through March, Samana is primarily known for it’s whale watching with thousands of Humpback whales migrating annually from the cold Atlantic Ocean to the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Sublime Samana is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and with only 26 Suites and Casitas the goal is to provide guests with a luxury experience in a warm and friendly setting where the staff knows the guests by first name. The 18 suites are spacious with terraces and full kitchens with top of the line appliances and are large enough to entertain families. The eight 2 and 3 bedroom casitas are huge and perfect for girlfriend getaways, families, and multi-generational travel. One even has a rooftop jacuzzi on the massive outdoor deck.

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April 2016 was historic in the cruising industry for several reasons including a finalization of a cruise ship, The Adonia ,to be the first cruise ship sailing out of a US port to dock in Cuba. However, In mid- April we were fortunate to be part of a group of journalists to be invited to sail on a week long inaugural cruise to Amber Cove, a $85 million dollar port built by Carnival Cruise lines, the parent company of Fathom Impact Travel and to experience a different type of travel that will socially and financially impact the local communities in Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.

The Brainchild behind this vision is Entrepeneur Tara Russell along with support from Donald Arnold, CEO of Carnival Corporation and plc., and a team of devoted personnel who plan on adding a social and environmental aspect to the cruising industry. With over 20 years in the public and private sector , Tara understands that in today’s global climate, giving back and making a difference is crucial and that the billion dollar cruise line industry needs to partake.

The Adonia is a 740 passenger cruise ship acquired by Carnival from Renaissance Cruises and has recently sailed as part of the UK  P & O group. Having gone into dry dock and refurbished, this vessel is designed for cultural immersion travel with many locations on board for meetings, classes, discussions, and a few salsa and merengue classes as well. For trips to the Dominican Republic, a Dominican chef was hired to create a menu with regional dishes to accentuate the experience and the same will be done on the Cuba cruises. Regional cocktails like the Cuba Libre, my favorite, and the Mojito are prepared by the friendly bartenders on board. A note to Carnival, a beverage plan like the ones available on your other ships would help us enjoy many of these specialties at an affordable rate. Cabins are comfortable, pretty spacious and are based on double occupancy. Some can accommodate a third guest and are either inside, outside or featuring a balcony. A few suites are available as well.

The Adonia sails from The Port of Miami and spends one full day at sea, allowing  passengers to enjoy regular cruise ship amenities , but the schedule is jam packed with many immersion and learning activities to prepare for the days ahead in port. Amber Cove, alone is a destination in itself and serves as a perfect jumping point to the Social Impact activities. With a huge resort style pool complete with waterslides, a swim-up bar, luxury cabanas that can be rented for the day, and many retail shops it is a great place to unwind after a day spent in the local communities of Puerto Plata.

Some of the Social Impact activities include teaching English to the families in the surrounding towns,  Reforestation and visiting a local Cocoa Coop, where along with the local women chocolate is made and wrapped and put out for sale. These social impact activities are vital to the economic development and self sufficiency of the local people. Families are encouraged to bring children along on this cruise, because as I witnessed personally with my colleague’s daughter she got as much education and a genuine respect for giving back as the families she read English to! Snorkeling and Beach excursions are available at an additional cost.

For more info on Fathom Impact Travel and to Book your cruise visit http://www.fathom.org #TravelDeep

In the 1960’s and 1970’s The Mount Airy Lodge was the epitome of cool with a huge year round resort known to be “The honeymoon getaway” with first class entertainment with the likes of Bob Hope and Milton Berle and many more.

Like every destination it is difficult to keep that hype alive so when the 1980’s saw an economic downturn and East Coasters discovered other weekend destinations such as The Hamptons and weekend getaways to Las Vegas and beyond ,Mount Airy lost its stride and officially closed in 2001. in 2004 developer Louis DeNaples realized the huge potential  of this huge and beautiful piece of land so his company tore down the aging property and rebuilt The Mount Airy Casino in 2007.

Throughout the last few years and a total redesign of the rooms, outdoor spaces, and the opening of the indoor/outdoor pool and entertainment center called “Get Wet” a new era was born in the Poconos that brings in a younger and trendier demographic to the region without losing it’s appeal to the customer base that made Mount Airy what is is today.

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Brand new in 2015 Camelback Resort and Aquatopia Waterpark delivered a high end family resort to the Poconos that promises tons of fun for kids and is also a playground for adults with spa, dining, swim up bar, and ski options. 90 minutes from NYC located at the foot of Camelback mountain this year round resort is a perfect weekend getaway for the entire family.

Aquatopia is billed as the largest indoor waterpark in the northeast with 84 degree pool temperature year around and lives up to the hype with a huge wave pool, lazy river,  waterslides and coasters for every age group, an indoor outdoor hot tub where relaxing outdoors in January snow is a very cool experience. Adults have a private heated pool with a swim up bar that serves tropical drinks, has tv’s showing sporting events, and has full view of the waterpark so that the kiddies are never out of sight.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines has been considered San Diego’s top hotel since opening in 2002 and is a golfer’s paradise with two renowned 18 hole championship courses and is home to PGA’s Farmer’s Insurance Open every January. Located in upscale La Holla, close to some of San Diego’s best beaches and to Torrey Pines State Park the rustic yet luxurious lodge offers nature and outdoors enthusiasts tons of activities on the grounds and in the vicinity.

the Lodge has 170 rooms and suites with fireplaces ensuite, rich dark decor, and huge bathrooms with high end amenities. A heated year round pool with underwater music and a hot tub add to the relaxation factor. In mid January when there was a cold spell in San Diego and temperatures fell into the 50’s we still witnessed guests in the pool!

The lodge has two dining options, however the highlight of our stay was bar none our dining experience at A.R. Valentine. Executive Chef Jeff Jackson brings the best cuisine California has to offer with a farm to table experience and a seasonal menu based on produce that is in season and available at the local farmers markets and from small growers. The wine list complements the menu and the service is first class all the way.

To book your stay visit. http://www.lodgetorreypines.com or to reserve your A.R Valentien dining experience visit http://www.arvalentien.com

Curio Collection by Hilton recently acquired Jewel Paradise Cove and Jewel Dunn’s River Falls and transformed the two properties into ultra-all inclusive and
adults-only resorts with butler service, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations.

Jewel Dunn’s River Falls

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Dickenson Bay

Jolly Bay

Antigua is a Beach Lover’s dream come true with 365 white sand beaches that can entice a visitor to try a new one every day of the year. Discovered in 1632 by a party under the leadership of Edward Warner and claimed as an English territory Antigua has grown to be a tourist destination with English touches, but has been able to avoid the real commercialism other islands have dealt with.

Luxury resorts that cater to couples and honeymooners are prevalent like the ultra all-inclusive Sandals Grande Resort & Spa. Voted “The Most Romantic Resort ” in the Caribbean. Located on the world famous Dickenson Bay, pictured above Sandals offers luxury accommodations, some with butler service, 7 bars, 11 restaurants, a luxurious spa, and expert wedding coordinators that can assist in making sure your destination wedding and honeymoon is a perfect and memorable experience.

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Photos By David Allen

The recent 55 million dollar renovation of the company’s signature property, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort.

Tuesday, June 25, at 48 Lounge in Midtown.

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