Whenever I vacation in the Caribbean, I try to book a suite with knockout views. It’s not that I plan to spend all my time indoors, but when I do, I want the room to feel spacious, be well appointed, and afford killer views of the ocean, bay, or beautiful gardens.

New Prestige Suites at Hotel Guanahani, St. Barths

I’ve written about my love of St. Barths on this blog before. The island is gorgeous and there are too many excellent dining spots to mention, although here are a few of my favorite St. Barths restaurants. The island offers a plethora of top-notch resorts and villas and if you haven’t seen Hotel Guanahani’s new butler-inclusive Prestige Suites, you’re missing out!

The two-bedroom Serenity Suite—with views of Grand Cul de Sac bay—is my favorite. The bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and they share an expansive living room with a work area and wet bar. The interior is surrounded by a 538-square-foot deck and private pool. The nightly room rate includes roundtrip airport transfers, breakfast (Continental in-room or full American at Indigo restaurant), and non-motorized water sports.

Pool Pavilion Suite at Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

Amanyara is situated on the rocky coast of Northwest Point on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and has a lovely stretch of beach (soft, powdery white sand). This luxury resort—well away from the main tourist areas—is a standout in the region because its décor is as far away from the bright colors of the Caribbean as you can get. Instead, you’ll find an elegant and uber-contemporary design that’s constant throughout the public areas, pavilions, and villas.

The two-bedroom Pool Pavilion Suite meets all my requirements. Décor is minimalist with natural woods, recessed lighting, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, high ceilings, sand-colored terrazzo floor with teak inlays, and no-fuss crisp white linens on the platform bed. The 60-foot infinity pool is the highlight, but the ensuite gym and nanny accommodations plus golf carts for on-property transportation, are all nice touches as well.

The Best Suite on Jumby Bay’s Private Island off Antigua

Located on a 300-acre private island off Antigua’s mainland, Jumby Bay is a place I return to again and again. The resort—accessible only by boat—is secluded, the beach is beautiful, the landscape is lush, and wildlife is everywhere.

While you can rent private homes and villas here, there are also a group of suites that are quite impressive. Amanyara may hold the line at contemporary, but Jumby Bay suites hearken back to British Colonial days.

The Rosewood Estate Suite is especially compelling with a color palette of cream and soft beige. You enter the suite’s living room through an inviting fountain courtyard. The dining and living rooms lead to an infinity pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The master bedroom is spectacular and includes a private outdoor garden tucked within a four-walled courtyard. Here you’ll find an outdoor tub and rain shower. If you’re traveling with an entourage, you may book two connecting suites.

What Do You Think?

What’s your favorite Caribbean resort suite or villa? We’d love to get your opinion! Comment below.

—Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

I’ve got a perpetual tan. That’s due to living here in south Florida where we enjoy sunny weather just about year-round. Those of us living in warm-weather regions are often more cognizant of the importance of everyday skin protection from the sun. Protecting your skin becomes even more important when traveling closer to the equator where rays of light are the strongest.

If you’re heading to the Caribbean, Mexico, or any other warm-weather destination, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Use Sunscreen

First things first. Pack sunscreen! Select a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. If you’re fair-skinned, SPF 30+ is better and should be in your travel bag. If your skin never sees the light of day, you’ll need 70 to 100 SPF.

Water-resistant versions of sunscreen are a wise bet because you’ll likely be frolicking in the pool and ocean. Be sure whatever sunscreen you’re using doesn’t wash away in the hot tub!

Cover every inch of skin that will be exposed to the sun and do it 20 to 30 minutes before heading out for the day. Thoughtfully apply the sunscreen because ears, lips, scalp, and around the eyes are spots that are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Be sure to reapply the sunscreen every few hours.

Use sunscreen even if it’s cloudy out…harmful UV rays can still reach the earth.

Try a few different sunscreen types—from lotions or gels to sprays or creams—to find the product that works best for you. I especially like the sunscreen sticks that I can tuck in my pocket. It makes it easy to apply a touch-up of my face, arms, and legs throughout the day.

Cover It Up

Whether or not you use sunscreen, wear a hat—preferably wide brimmed—to protect your face, ears, and neck. Baseball hats are okay, but they’ll only protect your upper face and nothing else.

When it comes to your choice of clothing, pick fabrics with a tight weave in a bright color, like red or orange. This offers more protection than a gauzy fabric that lets UV rays through.

Spend Some Time in the Shade

Finally, pick a shady spot under an umbrella or cabana by the pool when the sun is strongest in mid-afternoon, or head for a thatch palapa or bale at the beach.

What Do You Think?

Do you have a favorite sun protection product? We’d love to hear about it. Comment below.

—Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

I love the Caribbean because the region is so much more than a collection of islands with gorgeous beaches, yacht marinas, and luxury resorts. There’s incredible depth of history and culture here, excellent native cuisine, and sea life at its best.

Each island has its own unique identity and list of must-do activities, but there’s one Caribbean pastime that many travelers overlook: stargazing.

Engaging in astronomy in the Caribbean is something that CARINA, the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy, actively promotes at its website and via events staged throughout the year.

If you’re already a fan of searching the night sky, you should definitely pack your telescope for your next Caribbean vacation. Don’t have a telescope? CARINA offers tips at its website for choosing your first telescope.

Why is stargazing so good in the Caribbean?

• For starters, you can view more of the night sky—the northern hemisphere and most of the southern hemisphere—here. That’s because you can see more of the sky the closer you are to the equator.

• The moon and other planets can be seen passing overhead instead of closer to the horizon. This makes it easier to see these celestial objects—they’ll be brighter and sharper through your telescope lens.

• The stars and planets appear brighter in the Caribbean sky, in part, because there’s a lot less light pollution here. This makes a huge different when stargazing!

But, don’t take my word for it! Take your telescope on your next Caribbean getaway and you’ll be wowed by the nighttime sky.

To learn more about astronomy in the Caribbean, visit the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy.

What Do You Think?

What cool Caribbean activities or events do you make time for each year? We’d love to hear about all the things you love about the Caribbean! Comment below.

—Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

Sometimes it’s not enough to plan a simple beach vacation. There are times—especially when you’re traveling with a group of friends—when you want your getaway to coincide
with an event of some type. Luckily in the Caribbean there are plenty of festivals to consider.

From Cancun-Riviera Maya’s glitzy, professionally produced Wine & Food Festival to Turks & Caicos’ more downhome and family-friendly Conch Festival to the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest, don’t miss the myriad events surrounding these festivals.

Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival

Mexico is a top getaway destination because of its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, rich history, and local cuisine. Over the years, the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival has developed quite a following. Head there in March and you’ll be wowed by almost 30 star chefs in the world of Mexican gastronomy.

This four-day event includes luncheons and dinners, cooking presentations, wine tastings, mixology seminars, and the Gourmet Tasting Village (a place to sample gourmet tapas and dine wine).

My go-to resorts in Riviera Maya include…

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Esencia Riviera Maya

Fairmont Mayakoba

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Maroma Resort & Spa

Rosewood Mayakoba

Royal Hideaway Playacar

Zoetry Paraiso de La Bonita

Turks & Caicos Conch Festival

Each November, visitors and the local community come together in Providenciales for a weekend-long celebration of the seafood delicacy that is the conch. Festivities begin on Friday night at Horse Eyed Jacks, a local watering hole, where there’s live music, drinks, and food.

The main event begins Saturday outside the Three Queen’s Bar & Restaurant in Bill Hills. Dozens of local restaurants and chefs vie for a nod in the conch tasting competition in categories like Best Conch Salad, Best conch Chowder, and Best Specialty Conch. Visitors can taste the chefs’ creations between noon and 7pm and cast a vote for Best in Show. Music and games—for children and adults—round out the day.

If you plan to attend the 9^th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival in November 2012, may I suggest staying at Amanyara, Gansevoort, Grace Bay Club, Parrot Cay Resort, Regent Palms, or The Veranda.

Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest

If you like music more than munchies, head for one of the Caribbean’s music festivals like the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest at the end of March each year.

The four-day event at the Tito Puente Amphitheater features performances by dozens of artists like Jose Heredia, Michael Camilo, Pancho Sanchez, and Mario Parmisano.

With 20 years under its belt, this is one of the Caribbean’s foremost music festivals. Pair a visit to the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest with a stay at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.

What Do You Think?

Do you visit the Caribbean for any specific festivals? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below.

—Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

Riviera Maya, located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo province at the eastern end of the Yucatan Peninsula, has become one of the most sought-after vacation spots for couples and families alike. Riviera Maya begins just south of Cancun and includes destinations like Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, Xel-Ha, Tulum, and Sian Ka’an. The island of Cozumel is located just off its coast.

This beach-lovers enclave is known for its boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and luxury villas. With direct flights to Cancun from numerous U.S. cities, including—among many others—Miami, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Dallas, Riviera Maya makes for an ideal warm-weather getaway.

This year-round destination offers excellent weather, gorgeous beaches, and the finest resorts that offer myriad family-friendly outdoor activities.

From snorkeling to dolphin encounters to catamaran excursions to deep sea fishing, your family will find something to make everyone happy in Riviera Maya.

Snorkeling & Diving at the Great Maya Reef

When most people think snorkeling, they think of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the pristine atolls of the Maldives. But, did you know that the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere is the Great Maya Reef off Riviera Maya’s coastline? There’s a vibrant underwater scene here that includes coral, starfish, sponges, tropical fish, and much more.

Dolphin Encounters

The opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins has become a popular vacation pastime and Riviera Maya offers several encounters for those so inclined. Try the Dolphin Discovery program at Puerto Aventuras or go with Delphinus in Cancun, Xcaret, and Xel-Ha.

Catamaran Cruises

Spending a few hours out on the water makes for lasting vacation memories and there are a plethora of tour operators offering catamaran cruises. These two-hulled ships are sturdy and stable so seasickness is usually not an issue. Book a catamaran for a daytime excursion or sunset tour.

Deep Sea Fishing

If your family loves fishing, a day of deep sea fishing is in order. After all, serious fishermen refer to the area as the #1 sailfish hot spot in the world. You’ll also find marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red snapper, grouper, and more.

Even if your family prefers simple pick-up games of volleyball on the beach or a round of golf at the resort, you’ll discover that Riviera Maya has it all.

Ultimate Jet Vacations recommends a variety of resorts in Riviera Maya, including…

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Esencia—A Seaside Estate

Fairmont Mayakoba

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Maroma Resort & Spa

Rosewood Mayakoba

Royal Hideaway Playcar

Zoetry Paraiso de La Bonita

For more information about vacationing in Riviera Maya—or anywhere in Mexico, contact Ultimate Jet Vacations toll-free at 1-800-231-4095 or send us an email.

What Do You Think?

Have you vacationed at Riviera Maya lately? We’d love to know what you loved about it. Comment below.

 —Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

Gorgeous beaches, chic boutiques, over-the-top resorts, and fine food are what draw people to the island enclave of St. Barth’s in the French West Indies. Its close connection to Paris means you’ll find some the most delectable food and wine in all of the Caribbean here.

Photo courtesy of Laurent Benoit and the St. Barths Tourism Committee

When I’m on St. Barths, here’s where I dine…

On the Rocks with Jean-George at Eden Rock

I’ve always been a fan of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and On the Rocks at Eden Rock sparkles. If you’ve dined at Jean-George’s Spice Market in New York City, you know what to expect in terms of the menu:

• Appetizers like Thai chicken and coconut milk soup; tuna tartar with avocado, radish, and a ginger marinade; or lobster tacos are standard fare here.
• Main courses range from perfectly seared sea scallops paired with a light green curry and bok choy to beef tenderloin prepared with soy miso butter to a homemade tagliatelle pasta with a basil and pistachio pesto.
• For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with On the Rock’s soufflé of the day, red berries and lemongrass sundae, or the daily assortment of sorbet with a tropical flare.

Taino at Hotel Christopher

I love Taino at Hotel Christopher for its open-air design and direct sea views. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two. The restaurant prides itself on offering a blend of inventive cuisine with traditional recipes. The chef likes to say that he serves “fancied local fare.”

• Appetizers tend to focus on seafood—think prawn risotto with coconut milk and ginger or lobster salad with mango and passion fruit marmelade—but the breadfruit soup with roasted hazelnuts is excellent as is the foie gras with grape condiment.
• Hearty main dishes like fillet of beef “black angus” and rack of lamb with eggplant caviar anchor Taino’s menu.
• Desserts here are intoxicating! Try the apple crumble with vanilla ice cream or the coconut milk panacotta with pineapple sorbet.

Hotel Guanhani’s Bartolomeo

While there are two excellent dining spots at Hotel Guanhani—Indigo and Bartolomeo—I gravitate more toward Bartolomeo due to its eclectic menu.

• Anyone game for beetroot gnocchi with jumbo shrimp? How about Parmesan ravioli with asparagus and black truffle? Or what about pumpkin risotto with quail and coffee powder? The starters menu is incredibly varied at Bartolomeo.
• Main dishes, like wagyu short ribs, veal filet mignon, roasted octopus, and pork belly—are exquisite. There’s also a five-course “Inspiration Du Chef” prix fixe menu for about 75 euro.
• Pastry chef Marina Savoi caps off each dinner at Bartolomeo with a list of mouth-watering desserts. My favorite is the coconut cake with passion fruit cream but the cheesecake is to-die-for as well!

For more information about vacationing in St. Barths—or anywhere in the Caribbean, contact Ultimate Jet Vacations toll-free at 1-800-231-4095 or send us an email.

What Do You Think?

Which St. Barths restaurants are your favorites? We’d love to get your opinion. Comment below.

—Emma Sandoval for Ultimate Jet Vacations

Escape to the paradise that is Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This lush strip of gorgeous
sandy beaches is one of the most coveted vacation spots in the world. While there
are plenty of hotels to choose from in this part of the world, very few are as special
as Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita.

This Five Diamond resort features a the world-renowned Thalasso Center. The
Center offers a unique blend of health science and ancient traditions that results in
fabulous treatments – from cellulite reduction to stress reduction and arthritis pain
relief.

Once you’ve had a spa treatment or two, enjoy the pristine beaches, play a round of
golf, practice your backstroke, take a dip in either a fresh water or salt water pool,
or try one of the many water sports offered – it’s all possible! For those wishing to
explore the surrounding area, there are ecology tours, day trips to Playa del Carmen
and Cancun, and wildlife tours.

While in Mexico, be sure to try some of their famed cuisine. Is there anything better
than fresh chips and salsa while sipping an icy margarita and gazing out at the
beautiful scenery?

Call Ultimate Jet Vacations today to find out more!

Anguilla paradise in the Caribbean offers you a relaxing and stunning setting that will make your holiday a true getaway.  The island of Anguilla has various luxury hotels were you can enjoy great amenities, food, Spas, and of course crystalline beaches.

Viceroy Anguilla is one of the most luxurious and modern hotels you will find the Caribbean.

The resort accommodations meld organic Anguillian palettes and textures with exceptional finishes to create settings for couples and families alike. From expansive and elegant garden-view guestrooms to remarkable beachfront villas with private pools, Viceroy Anguilla accommodations satisfy finely tuned expectations for style, comfort and service.

Each room, suite or villa offers:

-Custom-designed interiors, furnishings and accessories by tastemaker Kelly Wearstler

-Full or convenience kitchens appointed with premium appliances, cookware and china; washer/dryers; built-in ovens, wine chillers, warming drawers and Nespresso espresso machines in select accommodations

-Custom-designed Sferra bed linens

-Marble bathrooms; silver travertine outdoor showers with rain head faucets and built-in benches in select accommodations

-Private sundecks and personal outdoor spaces ranging from 200 to over 2,800 square feet; private pools and plunge pools; outdoor kitchen and covered outdoor dining in select accommodations

Book your next trip to Anguilla and enjoy special offers at www.ultimatejetvacations.com or call us today to find out how you can benefit.

Anguilla,

Located in the British West Indies it is a world renown island for its natural beauty, sparkling beaches, nightlife and much more,

Water sports at Anguilla are filled with adventure, boat racing is Anguilla’s national sport, many islanders well be happy to give you lessons on how to sail, it is an art of craftsmanship taught exclusively where it is done best. for those looking for action, Anguilla’s calm, timid waters are filled with marlin fish, snapper, and different types of tuna, take a deep sea fishing adventures with one of the many tourist sites on the island.

Anguilla is known as “The Cuisine Capital of The Caribbean” with so many chic beachfront bistros and bars to choose from, you’ll never run out of variety on this island.

Anguilla is a true Caribbean Jewel that offers everything for romantic couples or fun filled action for all age families

Our Best Hotels in Anguilla are

- Cap Juluca Anguilla

- CuisineArt Resort

- Viceroy Anguilla

Stretching south from the Cancun International Airport all the way to the Punta Allen, right next to Tulum one of the most exclusive luxurious vacation spots exists today, and it goes by Riviera Maya.

With tropical beaches, ancient ruins, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, this destination is sure to be a fun filled adventure along with a relaxing atmosphere.  You can head there with your entire family, or for a romantic getaway and you’ll be delighted by the convenience and beauty either way.

The biggest tourist attraction in Riviera Maya is Playa Del Carmen, were you’ll uncover massive water parks, tours of ancient Mayan ruins, underwater caves, and much more. Anything from world class scuba diving to relaxing on the beach with a Minty Mojito by your side is possible in Riviera Maya, an upcoming luxurious destination.

Some of our magnificent hotels in this area are:

-Banyan Tree Mayakoba

-Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Only the best from,

Ultimate Jet Vacations