Category Archives: Cayman Islands

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Valentine’s Day with COMO Hotels

January 28, 2014 admin0

Valentine’s Day – COMO Style

Como Hotels

COMO Hotels and Resorts Plays Cupid With Romantic Packages

January 17, 2014 (Toronto, ON) – It’s the time of the season where love is in the air. Whether you are roaming the stylish streets of London, or lounging on the beautiful beaches of Miami or Parrot Cay, COMO has romantic packages to help you be the Casanova your partner has always dreamt of.

Let COMO’s experienced staff and their attention to detail help create the romantic experience of a lifetime.

The Halkin Michelin Star Experience
Enjoy a stellar dining experience at two of London’s leading Michelin-starred restaurants when you stay at The Halkin by COMO.
This two-night gourmet experience begins with a glass of Champagne in The Halkin bar, before enjoying the eight-course tasting menu at Ametsa with Arzak Instruction – the ‘New Basque’ cuisine restaurant at the heart of The Halkin. The following evening you’ll enjoy another tasting menu, this time at ‘nobu’, the world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian restaurant at our nearby sister hotel, Metropolitan by COMO, London.

You’ll stay overnight in a Deluxe Room and enjoy a full English breakfast on both mornings, plus you’ll receive a £20 voucher to spend at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metropolitan.

For more information, please visit http://www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/rates-and-offers/packages/halkin-michelin-star-experience

Love The One You’re With at Metropolitan London
Treat your Valentine to an unforgettable stay at Metropolitan London. Love The One You’re With Includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Metropolitan Room
• Champagne and flowers on arrival
• Couples COMO Shambhala Massage and massage masterclass with body oil gift set
• Complimentary mini cocktail masterclass in the Met Bar and martini glass gift set
• Gift voucher and personal shopping appointment
• Breakfast in bed
• 4pm checkout

For more information, please visit http://www.comohotels.com/metropolitanlondon/rates-and-offers/packages/feel-love-metropolitan-london

Romantic Escape in Parrot Cay
We offer different lengths of stay for our Turks and Caicos honeymoon packages, with the romance tailored to how you want to spend your time together. The packages can be enjoyed from a minimum of three nights in a variety of accommodations, starting with our Terrace Rooms.

Inclusions:
• Accommodation (minimum three nights and maximum seven nights in a Terrace Room)
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (three courses excluding beverages)
• Daily afternoon tea served in the Library
• Half-day (four-hour) use of our Spa Cottage, including a one-hour couple’s massage and candle lit dinner
• Daily schedule of activities (yoga, Pilates, non-motorised watersports)

For more information, please visit http://www.comohotels.com/parrotcay/rates-and-offers/packages/romance

Valentine’s Day at the Traymore
Valentine’s Day 2014 will be the first big event at the Traymore – the new destination restaurant at Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach. At the Paola Navone-designed hotspot in the city’s Art Deco neighborhood, you will be able to get a first taste of the cuisine for which COMO Hotels and Resorts is already known, from the two Michelin-starred restaurants at the group’s hotels in London, to its award-winning healthy cuisine at COMO Shambhala Estate on Bali.

At the Traymore, two five-course ‘His and Hers’ set menus have been created by Executive Chef Jonathan Lane and Executive Pastry Chef Emanuel Alves. The night will include wines paired with each dish selected by sommelier Sergio Caceres. Featuring on the menu is a chilled lobster ceviche, coffee-crusted beef tenderloin with porcini mushrooms and polenta, and heart-shaped pink macaroons with raspberry and rose cremeaux, fresh berries and berries coulis.

For more information, please visit http://www.comohotels.com/metropolitanmiamibeach/rates-and-offers/packages/valentines-day-traymore

About the COMO Group and COMO Hotels and Resorts
COMO Hotels and Resorts creates personalised luxury travel experiences in its Urban Hotels, Island Resorts, Adventure Retreats and Wellness Resorts – highlighting wellness, cuisine, adventure and culture, service and design – while always trying to uphold a strong, sustainable approach towards the people and places where we operate.  Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts develops and manages handpicked, individually curated properties: The Halkin by COMO in London, two Metropolitan by COMO hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island by COMO in the Maldives, and three Uma by COMO experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. Point Yamu by COMO is a new property in Phuket, Thailand, which opened in 2013. The company also manages COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, COMO Shambhala, which promotes health, relaxation and learning through its products, services, cuisine, treatments and spa facilities within each COMO property.

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Alliouagana Festival of the Word, Montserrat. Nov 12-14, 2010

November 8, 2010 admin0

Dear Friends

In just about a fortnight from now we will be into the 2nd Alliouagana Festival of the Word which takes place from Friday November 12 to Sunday November 14, 2010. We hope that as many persons as possible will find this Programme interesting and will try to find the time to attend and participate in all of the planned activities. Attached is the Programme for the Weekend and you will note that the Pre-Festival Symposium on Thursday November 11 is in honour of the late Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell. Kindly help with getting this information to as many persons as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have further questions.

Sincerely

Gracelyn

Gracelyn Cassell
Chair
Steering Committee
Alliouagana Festival of the Word
c/o The University of the West Indies
Open Campus Montserrat
P.O.Box 256
Salem, Montserrat
Tel: 664 491 3924 / 2344 office
Fax: 664 491 8924

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Special Travel Arrangements into Montserrat for Arrow’s Funeral on October 1st, 2010

September 23, 2010 admin0

Special Travel Arrangements into Montserrat for Persons Coming for Arrow’s Funeral
Increased Flights and a Ferry Service to be Organised(September 23^rd, 2010 – Brades, Montserrat): In anticipation of the significant number of persons that will be coming for the funeral on October 1, 2010 of Montserrat’s most-famous son Arrow, the Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB) wishes to announce increased access, both by air and sea, to cater to these travelers. In addition to the regularly scheduled air services on Winair (www.fly-winair.com) and Fly Montserrat (www.fly-montserrat.com), several additional charter flights are being organised on Fly Montserrat. The cost of a return ticket from Antigua on these special charters is US$250 per person. Passengers can pay in EC$ or US$ cash or by credit card (Visa, Master Card or Discover Card). Travelers are also advised to limit the amount of luggage they will be bringing, as the aircrafts can only take a very limited amount of baggage. Along with an increased number of flights, a return ferry service will also operate during the week leading up to the funeral on Friday October 1, 2010. Further detailed information on dates, frequency and times of departure will be circulated, as soon as information is confirmed regarding the number of persons wanting to travel by ferry.Persons wishing to travel to Montserrat for the funeral, whether on the special air charters or by ferry, are asked to contact the Montserrat Tourist Board by email at info@montserrattourism.ms, by phone at (664) 491 2231, by fax at (664) 491 7430. The following information would be required: – Name of person traveling – Number of persons in the travel party– Time and date of arrival into Antigua– Airline and flight no. arriving into Antigua– Time and date of Departure from Antigua– Airline and flight no. for departure from Antigua– Indicate whether desirous of traveling by air charters or ferry – Accommodation in Montserrat where you will be staying
This travel information is necessary so that adequate return flights and ferry services can be arranged in and out of Montserrat during the period leading up to the funeral and afterwards. Persons are also asked to monitor the Getting Here section of the MTBs website at http://www.visitmontserrat.com/Getting_Here for updates on travel arrangements and also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat?ref=ts

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THE MIGHTY ARROW, Soca King of the World, dies at 60.

September 15, 2010 admin0

The Mighty Arrow, Soca King of the World, dies at 60.

OLVESTON, Montserrat (Sept 15, 2010) – The Soca King of the World, Alphonsus “The Mighty Arrow” Cassell, died at his residence on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat today at the age of 60.

The international recording artiste was diagnosed with cerebral cancer in early 2009. He was airlifted to the neighbouring island of Antigua last week for treatment.

His family wishes to thank the medical teams, friends and family who gave their support during the period of his illness.

Arrow or “Phonzie”, as he was referred to by close friends and family, is responsible for taking the soca genre to the international music scene with his 1982 smash hit, Hot, Hot, Hot.

Having won the local calypso competition on four occasions, the talents of the proud son of Montserrat were spotted by former Beatles manager, Sir George Martin, who worked with Arrow to turn his focus to his recording and touring career.

Arrow recorded no less than 22 studio albums with other notable hits including Long Time, Dancing Mood, O’La Soca and Groove Master.

He has performed at concerts, music festivals and gala events across the globe.

“His death is a great loss to the family, his native land of Montserrat and the music world,” said his brother, Justin “Hero” Cassell, another talented vocalist and songwriter, who worked with Arrow during his peak years.

Funeral announcements will be made in due course.

—For further information contact Justin “Hero” Cassell at (664) 496-0203.

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Organization for Tropical Studies Newsletter. Feb 2010

February 18, 2010

February 2010

Join OTS on

IN THIS ISSUE

Las Cruces Symposium

Auction Opens Next Monday!

Tropical Biology Apps Due March 1

Graduate Course Deadlines

Panamá BioCurso

Research at Palo Verde

OTS ONLINE STORE

Inquiry in Rainforests: an in-service program for teachers

July 14 – July 29, 2010

Teachers

Scholarship Applications Due March 1, 2001

2009 TAX RECEIPTS

Lost your 2009 gift receipt? Just e-mail us for a copy, we’ll be happy to send you one by e-mail!
Tax Receipt

Email us!

LDG Symposium

Contact information:
(506) 2773·4004 ext. 3000
recepcion.lc@ots.ac.cr

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OTS Auction Opens on Monday!

The OTS online auction will open at 8:00 EST, February 22, 2010!

We will continue to accept items until February 18, 2010. The auction will coincide with our Annual Meeting in Costa Rica.
Featured ItemWhale Watching & Sunset Cruise For 10

Bring nine of your closest friends for a 4 hour cruise along the South Pacific of Costa Rica observing whales and dolphins as they jump and play in their natural environment. Pacific Quest, a 110′ catamaran based in Dominical, allows you to sit back and relax on the open, upper observation deck with a tropical drink from the bar as the on-board naturalist answers your questions.

Special Instructions
More information about our tour is available at http://costaricawhalewatching.com/ Advance reservation is required for groups of 10 or more. Maximum capacity is 100 passengers, plus crew.
Humpback Whales are in Costa Rican waters from January through March and July through December. Other species of cetations are seen year round. Pacific Quest is a member of the Responsible Whale Watch Operators Association.

PREVIEW ITEMS

OTS Leaf DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM ONLINE TODAY

As a non-profit organization, all auction donations are considered tax-deductible according to applicable US tax laws. If you have an item you are considering donating to the auction, please contact Cathleen Lemoine at OTS, 919-684-6969 919-684-6969 , or e-mail cathleen.lemoine@duke.edu.

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Tropical Biology Applications Due March 1

Program in Costa Rica (BIO 134L), Summer
Summer 2010: June 14 – July 13

Biology 134L Field Tropical Biology offers students the exciting opportunity to study first-hand the evolutionary ecology of important plant and animal taxa in tropical ecosystems. Course design emphasizes intensive field work and visits all three OTS field stations as well as other sites. Students are thus introduced to a great diversity of tropical habitats, each possessing distinctive biotas that in turn demonstrate unique evolutionary histories and ecological dynamics. As part of the course, students work closely with resident professors in the design, implementation, and interpretation of their own independent research project in field ecology. Independent projects allow students to learn science by doing science in a beautiful and challenging tropical setting. Results are presented orally following the protocol of a scientific meeting. Students also submit a formal research report which becomes part of the permanent records of OTS field stations.

The course concludes with a short unit on conservation biology, including the application of island biogeography to reserve design and management, as well as the impact of deforestation and fragmentation.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive one course credit from Duke University.

Instructors:
Silvana Marten Ph.D.
Oscar Laverde M.Sc.

More Information
· Orientation Materials (127 kb)
· Syllabus (127 kb)
· FAQ’s (572.8 kb)

Graduate Course Deadlines

Tropical Butterfly Ecology May 14 – 28, 2010
Application Deadline: February 16, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled.

A two-week immersion course for graduate students engaged in or planning field research on tropical Lepidoptera. The course draws upon the coordinator’s expertise and 30+ years of work on butterfly ecology and evolution in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, China, Borneo and Australia. Based at La Selva in Costa Rica, topics will include field methods, ecology and evolution of butterfly-ant symbioses, behavioral ecology, mimicry, ecological physiology, quantitative natural history and future directions in this field.

Coordinators:
Phil DeVries, University of New Orleans,
Bruce Walsh, University of Arizona,
Isidro Chacón, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica & INBIO

Details (111 kb)
Application form (135 kb)

Tropical Plant Systematics June 10 – July 13, 2010
Application Deadline: February 15, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled.
Tropical Plants
Offered in even-numbered years, this course emphasizes a strong conceptual foundation in phylogenetic systematics in an intensive field setting. The course travels to diverse habitats around Costa Rica, from cloud forest and paramo to tropical dry forest and Atlantic lowland rain forest. This course is next offered in 2010 followed by another edition in 2012 as it alternates with OTS-18, the Spanish language version of the
course which is offered in odd years. OTS member students have
priority for admission; however students from non-member institutions
are welcome to apply.
Details
Application form (119kb)

Biodiversity of True Bugs (Heteroptera)August 8-22 2010
Application Deadline:March 10, 2010 for priority admission, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled.

This two week course is oriented towards graduate students and post doctoral fellows interested in intense field training in the collection, identification and inquiry-based research on the Heteroptera or True Bugs, which are well represented in the highly diverse tropics. Field collection, lab identification, and hands-on research experience on Heteroptera will be complemented by a lecture series on their natural history and classification. This program will enhance participants’ abilities to work on the ecology and systematics of this megadiverse group that includes important disease vectors, crop pests, and natural enemies. The course will take place in wet forest habitat at the La Selva Biological Station, including if possible sections of the Barva transect, as well as in the dry forest habitat and wetlands surrounding the Palo Verde Biological Station.

Coordinators:
Dr. Christiane Weirauch, University of California, Riverside,
Dr. Randall t. Schuh, American Museum of Natural History, New York
Details (216 kb)
Application form (135 kb)

Expanding the Frontier in Tropical Ecology through Embedded Sensors August 16-31, 2010
Application deadline March 15, 2010

OTS PASI With funding from the National Science Foundation, the Organization for Tropical Studies will conduct a conduct a Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI) to introduce tropical ecologists from the Americas to recent developments in embedded sensor networks.

Embedded Sensor Networks offer a powerful combination of distributed sensing capacity and open possibilities for countless applications in ecological research. The frontiers of ecology expand as biologists think of new applications and engineers develop the necessary tools to increase our understanding of how ecological systems work.

Coordinators:
Carolina Murcia
Phil Rundel

Details (724 kb)
Application form (57 kb)

Download the 2010-11 Graduate Course List Now

Previous Graduate Course Books

Attention Birders!

Upcoming BioCursos Trip: Panamá-Chiriquí Highlands and
Barro Colorado Island in the Panamá Canal
March 1 – 5, 2010

Panama

OTS is offering an exclusive tour for birding enthusiasts into Western Panama and the Smithsonian’s Barrio Colorado Island research station on the Panama Canal. Organized through the OTS BioCursos program, which provide adult education packages in Costa Costa, this one-week trip starts shortly after the OTS annual meetings to be held this year in southern Costa Rica at Las Cruces and the Wilson Botanical Garden.

Birding will be the theme of the day

Photo by Merris Mosdale as the group travels across the border and down into Panama. Bird enthusiasts, plant lovers, hummingbird and butterfly aficionados — whether you are a part of the OTS boards or part of the friends, alumni or research community — are welcome to join us. Everyone will be thrilled to discover the spectacular biodiversity of the region! Please see our link for additional information. Do know, we will be happy to work with you in making your travel arrangements to Costa Rica and Panama.

Full Description

Lower Price
Cost per person: $1299

Contact Jonathan Giles at 919-684-6188 919-684-6188 or jgiles@duke.edu.

Knee-deep in Research at Palo Verde

The Palo Verde Station is currently in its third year of a grant for International Research Experiences for Students, sponsored by NSF. Graduate students in the early stages of their careers have been selected on a competitive basis from educational institutions throughout the United States. Once selected, they spend 10 weeks working with OTS scientists on research projects in tropical biology, such as wetlands restoration, flood control, water usage, and reducing negative agricultural impacts on the region.

Jennifer Bufford Jennifer Bufford (University of Hawai’i Mānoa, top), an IRES (International Research Experiences for Students) participant, and assistant Poling Chan (Knox College, bottom) are measuring the species richness of three different aquatic plant communities, which correspond to different management (fangueo) regimes in the Palo Verde marsh. Jennifer is also monitoring bird use of these habitats and will examine the seed bank and regeneration in the field. The IRES program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to develop research at Palo Verde. Poling Chan So far, 12 young researchers have participated in this program.

This IRES project allows OTS to offer an international, collaborative research opportunity to U.S. students at a point in their education when such international mentorship and professional relationships can have the greatest impact on the selection of research questions, research design, study systems, and study locations. The work with local farmers, technicians, and extension agents has a dramatic impact on the entire local community as well as on a wider audience.

For more information, please contact Mahmood Sasa, Palo Verde Station Director at mahmood.sasa@ots.ac.cr.

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Don’t slash budgets!…warns Caribbean Marketer

December 15, 2009

Source: Barbados Business Enterprise Corp. (BBEC)

Contact: Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence + 1 201 861-2056 + 1 201 861-2056 bevanspringer@nj.rr.com

DON’T SLASH BUDGETS, WARNS CARIBBEAN MARKETER

General Manager of Bay Gardens Hotel, Waltrude Patrick (second from right) welcomes the BBEC team to St. Lucia at last week’s Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx). From left: Jeremy Stephen, Dr. Basil Springer and Marita Greenidge.

Photo credit: Margot Jordan

Photograph available here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgsbbfz_1525dtpsgfd3

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (December 13, 2009) – Young Barbadian marketing consultant Marita Greenidge is warning companies not to slash their marketing budgets in today’s recessionary environment. She advises that such times are when businesses should become more strategic about how marketing dollars are spent.

The 26 year-old Greenidge, a founder of the Barbados-based marketing consulting firm Crimson-Jade Consulting, is part of the executive management team and marketing advisor to the Barbados Business Enterprise Corp. (BBEC) which manages the new Barbados Entrepreneurs’ Venture Capital Fund.

“Marketing gets customers in the door so slashing budgets randomly without careful thought and analysis is not prudent. You have to ensure that the money spent creates value for the enterprise – and that means re-evaluating marketing strategies to determine what gives the biggest bang for precious marketing bucks,” says Greenidge, who holds an MBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from Simon Graduate School of Business, University of Rochester in New York.

Greenidge, who was in St. Lucia last week attending the 18^th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx), lamented that too often companies fail to integrate their marketing strategies with company objectives, leading to a waste of resources.

“That’s why it often seems so easy to cut the money being spent on marketing,” she said, encouraging companies to spend more time instead developing marketing plans clearly targeted at company goals. “We need to understand who our customers are, what price and product benefits are most appealing to them and which marketing channels and distribution methods are most appropriate for each group. Doing this helps develop more targeted marketing strategies, trimming away the fat and creating a leaner marketing charge that can withstand the pressures of any economic downturn,” she said.

At the recent launch of the Barbados Entrepreneurs’ Venture Capital Fund, Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson announced a government guarantee on any principal amount invested in the fund. BBEC is actively engaged in seeking private sector investment – local, regional and international – now that this government guarantee has been announced.

The Venture Capital Fund promises to quickly respond to the investment needs of entrepreneurs whose ideas have the “DNA of an elephant”. Almost 40 local businesses are expected to benefit from the fund over the next year.

For further information, visit www.bimventures.com.

About Barbados Business Enterprise Corp.
Barbados Business Enterprise Corp. (BBEC) is a public/private sector partnership with the Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust (CBET) Inc. BBEC manages the Barbados Revolving Seed Capital Fund and the Barbados Entrepreneurs’ Venture Capital Fund. BBEC is a virtual organisation that focuses on promoting economic development in Barbados. The trustees of BBEC are respected Barbadian business and development experts, Sir Neville Nicholls (Chairman), Sir Stephen Emtage, Peter Boos and Hazel Highland.

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Winter Holiday News 2009-2010

November 16, 2009

Winter Holiday News 2009-2010
November 16, 2009 — Wanderlusts who are yearning to get away during the upcoming
holidays should look no further and book a trip to one of the many sun or ski destinations
below to ring in the festive season. With special holiday deals and offerings from
Saint Lucia to Switzerland to Jackson Hole and Salt Lake City, travelers have enough
reasons to get away this winter and create lasting memories with family and loved
ones into the New Year.
Saint Lucia

* Cap Maison [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn1JZRbWM0A9_UUp3WVem9LhK-oLBi0HtvuUrnTK1-wRx5T68E4izMcycckROEEpYahkQflzkHYIhYHdryJIcCadHK1e7raUTs_uWjyreqlWWQ==]
is offering festive Christmas and New Year’s Eve prix fixe menus at Cliff [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn0lOmSsMeKJq-6ktJFNy8ni7tl5Ylk4dLBdh7CxpWShMdNt8L-FlPMIMazxniDpQncf0Jg-pxVzPMAjjbET8BXL-qtnprf1DjHVmPgEaGIFwA==]Cliff
at Cap [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn0lOmSsMeKJq-6ktJFNy8ni7tl5Ylk4dLBdh7CxpWShMdNt8L-FlPMIMazxniDpQncf0Jg-pxVzPMAjjbET8BXL-qtnprf1DjHVmPgEaGIFwA==]at
Cap, the resort’s signature restaurant featuring breathtaking panoramic views of
the Caribbean Sea. Both available at $135, the Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus
feature an elegant 8-course French West-Indian meal with classic staple dishes including
braised short rib of beef and slow-roasted turkey with herb and onion stuffing,
while giving a St. Lucian twist with its rich pudding dessert topped with island
rum anglaise. Holiday rates (from December 20, 2009 to January 2, 2010) start at
$565 in a Gardenview Room. Rates are based on double occupancy, per room per night
and include full breakfast. www.capmaison.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn1JZRbWM0A9_UUp3WVem9LhK-oLBi0HtvuUrnTK1-wRx5T68E4izMcycckROEEpYahkQflzkHYIhYHdryJIcCadHK1e7raUTs_uWjyreqlWWQ==]

* East Winds Inn [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn2RAEyqZ3aYlTd2KpodQ989DGpERxrtxYF02_FdAg9xap0os3DfunV7gAci6eW-Nh7RMlx4zM516d_J5clRByXfK2CNfqkw3NqeAmeytCI4-g==]
is offering guests who stay a minimum of seven nights, a free stay on EW Deluxe
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn1w1dps0o-zPbK8W17Zn3NHEUwbA5TzvrZh2b5YtRYMe9wNdh8iqmtZn5QkMNJbJJk_QW42cLV8_gPy4-Xii549swXyAQ7wBvGOSRLNWS2vyg==]Christmas
Day on an all-inclusive basis (7 nights for the price of 6). This is valid for all
new bookings and for arrivals at the hotel between December 19 and 24, 2009. Nestled
between Castries and Rodney Bay on the northwest side of Saint Lucia, East Winds
is an all-inclusive resort located on the waterfront of LaBrelotte Bay, one of
the most pristine, golden sand beaches on the island. The resort recently debuted
a new Open-Air 3,000 square foot Yoga and Fitness Pavilion this winter. All-inclusive
rates are based per room, per night and start at $950 in a Superior Double (from
December 21, 2009 to January 3, 2010), and include all meals, wine, bottomless
flutes of champagne and beach activities. www.eastwinds.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn2RAEyqZ3aYlTd2KpodQ989DGpERxrtxYF02_FdAg9xap0os3DfunV7gAci6eW-Nh7RMlx4zM516d_J5clRByXfK2CNfqkw3NqeAmeytCI4-g==]

* Ladera [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3gyvq8rvnlI1xZAH3Pu_kqQo-L-emuNnUgYIX-IzveZPCXiiur2MciMqtePZjPifRY8QSxSpaGIixAhMFFIi_PqmjfjZW6HqU=]is
offering a Christmas and New Year’s Eve Program this year, Dasheene [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3JTbc-lw1a99bZq0vKQ9brV7bWR9XTJ4fDKpUnvP0doaJTr8twEdtZINQK3FMPOarlTLCHAgoDBL1jm0pyVigeHg-nHXlmHgDfA9v3Jg4USA==]complete
with a classic Christmas Dinner at the acclaimed Dasheene Restaurant, evening entertainment
performances including local carolers and live bands, the option to attend Christmas
Day Mass at Fond St. Jacques Catholic Church, a cocktail reception with General
Manager Waddy Francis, and festive libations and meals at one of the Caribbean’s
best restaurants. There’s also a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner available at $135 per
person where revelers can enjoy a live band, dancers, party favors and celebratory
midnight countdown to ring in the New Year. Reservations are required in advance
for the New Years Eve Gala. Dress code is smart casual. Holiday winter rates begin
at $680 in a Petit Piton Suite with a plunge pool (from December 21, 2009 to January
4, 2010). Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, and full use of resort facilities
including warm volcanic mineral water bath, gym, beach shuttles, snorkeling equipment
and WiFi access throughout the resort. www.ladera.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3gyvq8rvnlI1xZAH3Pu_kqQo-L-emuNnUgYIX-IzveZPCXiiur2MciMqtePZjPifRY8QSxSpaGIixAhMFFIi_PqmjfjZW6HqU=]
Virgin Gorda

* Aquamare [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn25LZ_FI-hts2w3gj682yfPbSeC3VJ9WTv-0HypvgddrXJekAVNEyHuC-SDxawsl82Y0i7K8vjhKalb-Z1UPvswxxx8vzdUJ8dp8BLdXcwzPw==]offers
the setting for the perfect family beach holiday vacation. Now is the AQ Living
Rm [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3N-Mf8NHB01ltFoKW_crLwusPezKx5-LBY_l747OKI2ONFH5NkolC-hz7K5uijAjZlaArvud2gkYUJMTDGhuvrUgWJ7VXtgGSfv7Te_7SVmg==]time
to think about the holidays in 2010, since the 2009 holiday season is already booked
due to high demand. From the clear, calm, shallow waters that are made for young
swimmers to its safe and sandy beach just steps that’s perfect for sand castles,
the three villas that overlook the Sir Francis Drake Channel offer comfort, adventure
and luxury. With 8,000 square feet of private living space, five guest rooms, including
three Master Suites each with its own expansive marble bath area, the villas are
purposely built for large, multi-generational gatherings and comfortably sleep
up to 12 guests. www.villaaquamare.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn25LZ_FI-hts2w3gj682yfPbSeC3VJ9WTv-0HypvgddrXJekAVNEyHuC-SDxawsl82Y0i7K8vjhKalb-Z1UPvswxxx8vzdUJ8dp8BLdXcwzPw==]
Switzerland

* Lake Geneva Region of Switzerland [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn246HoDWo0cmvteh9AR13vZQNUXysUOtpM2WYz-tNRL-6tLhvrT1br_uF9Kdt8BgaZETaG0-nhXhIsUEnvLyk1C8L_ZnVSqklYKvUXPzxZpuw3-543rNKuHpqNcqAIurq0=],
located on the shore of Lac Léman (Lake Montreux Xmas [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn33zC7D-a40lkIGHq_bK8tiD3UeaV_ypCuk89ro3EHcOEfQkbpsu5EUH6E3-qfZ11lLDQzuTaFGO3sWHU9Z8T-icS_v407TIgUN_yb-d-wfJA==]Geneva)
in the French-speaking part of Western Switzerland, will feature their annual Christmas
Markets in Montreux and Lausanne from November 25 to December 24, 2009. Both cities
will be transformed into an enchanting holiday fair with over 100 richly decorated
stands resembling small chalets. In addition to the wide selection of holiday crafts
and gifts, the Markets feature classic Swiss cuisine, including roasted chestnuts
and light white wines from the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. www.montreux-vevey.com
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn0ShU6zTgSktDFHPD9GYulCNJIztPMm78GWQns9YZ9r4-3SJNhrPRqfrvhd-kB8ILx4eB_ZCrPmBBV0TGhrmwLVtALZwz7XcSJhjQ1iOM6SAg==]
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

* Hotel Terra [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn0zxPnh0Q8A7UZOdWH41pffvAL56xFZSkRPasNPfUsHjzfQatGz8JeBxnoEJ0bhvlALcnhyQz_TWRu16BrW1TG5XxD2ABaOgqmUG6XlcqsQozSTtwTZQvHn],
Jackson Hole’s AAA Four-Diamond LEED Certified hotel, is offering a Ski & Stay Free
Special [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3tZs5UT_ahBXnKeibD1wvCHIoXIe5Q0gGtvKm_6mRZtiAGvs2Sfcx0MoKri9rQgONUdKuZoeYIJMMz0RoVRO0xT5E3L–TBGPFzFutLZdL55GEppOC3_34xd2PS3o4FynIp0F3jnilwpnP0f3VY7uku8FqPJRcZghX2_MYtCJG3g==]
for the holiday season. Available at only $99 per person, per night, the offer provides
a complimentary lift ticket and a stay at Hotel Terra. There is a four night minimum
stay. Full, non-refundable pre-payment is required. Hotel Terra opened in February
2008, landing a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” and Travel + Leisure’s
“It List” shortly thereafter. The hotel was also named one of the Top Ten Eco-Hotels
by TripAdvisor’s customer reviews. Located slope side to the Jackson Hole Mountain
Resort, just a mile from Grand Teton National Park and just an hour from Yellowstone,
Hotel Terra is ideally situated to bring something new to the luxury mountain lodge
category. Holiday winter rates start at $289 at double occupancy, depending on dates.
www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn1vuw_uQqcI6ssMtj0v81k4BAKjVffjzda3ER8KX53MCXFwzxyPGjDiXDwW8NG7xM1S9Y4_OkG0d7LP6c4dWP31i9ztK5v5ZUKKwXZ9WaCsl9P5F7_WcBZj]

* Teton Mountain Lodge [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn38kCwrk4Ylgh9rek-9u3P-J3Rbk3sz5FqVRQF7mEE5hHGR8x-f96r7M2gejl8cGuzymlpo9t7TKOV3gOT8tzkBOSMrW3DLlQ-Wkmy37yJk4w==],
Jackson Hole’s AAA Four-Diamond hotel located at the TML Winter [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn3AJ00exxHuUrvMHsWlOfWpKyYMy9NoTCaxailyxwVrIH7CW7s8qINjCCfrGDCSureZp03t1xDQxWMV1whep7uZWvo11n8PoYPni198m2bPgA==]entrance
to Grand Teton National Park, is offering a Ski & Stay Free Special [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn0GHheECJveUJ09NeIPNkMNFexuMkl_u2v4gykqY5NSNhiZLZfJNLvtK-GwK4mFWndlp3uTO6Ean6l07Nl719xw1I5kZKv6lw5YPnPtfvIoqUhIkBh6WKThyBGxwwcJIUfO4i1ZI2TKyp54EfB_5Wz-]
for the holiday season. Available at only $99 per person, per night, the offer provides
a complimentary lift ticket and a stay at Teton Mountain Lodge. Couples or families
can capture the true spirit of the festive holidays with the luxury lodge, located
only steps from legendary Jackson Hole skiing. There is a four night minimum stay.
Full, non-refundable pre-payment is required. Holiday winter rates start at $289
at double occupancy, depending on dates. www.tetonlodge.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn38kCwrk4Ylgh9rek-9u3P-J3Rbk3sz5FqVRQF7mEE5hHGR8x-f96r7M2gejl8cGuzymlpo9t7TKOV3gOT8tzkBOSMrW3DLlQ-Wkmy37yJk4w==]
Salt Lake City

* Salt Lake City [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn1G_i16EGoOW8aFInC1h6mpqzGHWzgyo9KsePmLJi_0wC3pm5Xl4EaM-vcNEUxbrG4eE58wyGOEDOOS69qbA7OZRFbVdbr3Z5yHJ5P77gNpyQ==]will
host the 16th Annual New Year’s EVE [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn2LvNsOhvJmhnZFQJ7G87hS8f8TUVEhQJlc0rqcoCq7eRZQSXLaROqXakgCVKdy6Lb0VbMWmKZ3h0W47gFJw6-2rz1tgQYeDNbNzckg2IP_-Q==]celebration
from December Ice skating [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn38X7uUTCjCYNhPxhTM1SKh4py6KZsHdtHnuDoysPvNexi6Rh8fRh_scu5XnT73zSUHhJxT7S6uBGroepqankYP4a5TM4qE2WN06B_XRzP5p4ivZgZegU68]29
to 31, 2009. Presented by the Downtown Alliance
and hosted in venues throughout downtown Salt
Lake City, tens of thousands of visitors and locals
will gather for EVE, an indoor/outdoor urban extravaganza, complete with live
entertainment and performing arts, winter sports, activities for kids and
families and a festive midnight fireworks show. Over half of Utah’s out-of-state
visitors opt for staying in Salt Lake, and with good reason. Located just 30 minutes
from SLC International Airport with over 750 daily flights from most major domestic
gateways, the downtown area provides guests with the best of all worlds. Using Salt
Lake as their “base camp,” visitors are less than an hour drive from 11 of Utah’s
14 world-class ski resorts. www.eveslc.com [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102825395981&s=8349&e=001vDD7XRlqsn2LvNsOhvJmhnZFQJ7G87hS8f8TUVEhQJlc0rqcoCq7eRZQSXLaROqXakgCVKdy6Lb0VbMWmKZ3h0W47gFJw6-2rz1tgQYeDNbNzckg2IP_-Q==]

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Books, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat W.I., St.Kitts, St.Lucia

Caribbean Stories of Love and Food!

November 5, 2009

CARIBBEAN STORIES OF LOVE AND FOOD November 2009 – St. John’s, Antigua At last! Exquisitely original vegetarian recipes attributed to the West Indian islands from Antigua, Montserrat, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Barbados and as far south as Curacao in the Caribbean Sea. Jacinta “Jazz” Fenton, chef and nutritional coach, has published a 100-page book of her food adventures throughout the Caribbean, “Exotic Foods of the Caribbean – Vegetarian and Seafood Fair” “I wanted to share some of my favourite dishes which combine my professional Cordon Bleu training with my love of my native Caribbean food and culture, and my focus on healthful eating,” says Fenton, who now resides again in Antigua, after thirty years studying her art, traveling through France and Italy, and working in London, Miami, Houston, New York and various Caribbean islands. Her company, Festive Palate, was caterer of choice for many New York City photo-shoots, after-parties, United Nations events, and private celebrity and political celebrations, until she followed her heart and returned home to her beloved Caribbean isles. Ms. Fenton has teamed up with award-winning photographer Igor Kravchenkov, to bring her food and stories to life with his emotive and brilliant photographic artistry, as she shares her personal adventures from her beloved Montserrat to the southern tip of the Caribbean that of Curacao.This book brings the Caribbean’s culinary cultures to life, exciting the reader’s every sense. The recipes are redolent with the traditions, herbs, and spices of the Caribbean’s first inhabitants – the Amerindians – and the later African, Asian, European, and Mediterranean peoples. Several of these unique recipes are delightfully customized and flavored for the delicate palate of Vegans. She also shares lots of exotic recipes for seafood lovers who are excited about the delectable treasures of the bountiful, splendid Caribbean Sea. “ Exotic Foods of the Caribbean “ is available for purchase from online www.kimagic.com or www.jacintafenton.com www.amazon.com and all other booksellers.

Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Places to Travel

Cayman Islands’ Events in December09/January 2010

October 25, 2009

Jazz Fest is just around the corner on December 3^rd -5^th, 2009. The Grammy Award winning, Alicia Keys is the headliner at this year’s fest along with Peabo Bryson, Keith Sweat, Oleta Adams and many more notable artists. Don’t delay as this event is selling out quickly. Book your packages through Cayman Express, call 1-800-247-9900 to get booked now. Packages starting as low as $649. For more information go to www.caymanjazzfest.com

Join Chef Eric Ripert for a weekend celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Caribbean at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. An incomparable roster of world famous chefs, sommeliers and spirits blenders will offer tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver. Cookout is January 14^th-18^th, 2010. Go to www.caymanislands.ky/caymancookout/ for more details.

KiMAGIC-Travel News