With fitness and wellness trending, more hotels and resorts are catching on, and even luxury boutique hotels are now offering Wellness Retreats. Eden Rock in St. Barths, one of Oetker Collection’s most impressive hotels, has announced its first Wellness Retreat led by Head of Wellness, Aminata Clason-Diop. Guests at Eden Rock can enjoy this luxurious relaxing retreat from December 1-8.

The retreat’s cost is $18,773USD for the week and will be held in the brand new Maison Blanc Bleu, located in the hills of Gouverneur which is part of the Eden Rock Villa Rental program. This luxurious villa offers the ideal place to take in the island’s tranquility and scenery, allowing guests to get the most out of this wellness retreat.

The luxury retreat package includes: personalized island airport or port meet and greet, chauffeured transfer to villa, private room in Maison Blanc Bleu, wellness coach, spiritual coach, plant-based chef, butler, organic plant-based meals and beverages, activities, and spa treatments.

Each day will start with cold-pressed juice and a yoga session, followed by both motivation and fitness-minded activities. These include everything from spa treatments to goal-setting sessions, meditation and personal wellness consultations. Some outdoor activities such as boat trips, snorkeling and hiking give the opportunity to discover the island. Guests will also have the option of additional workout sessions at the villa’s private gym or of serving up on the tennis court.

To keep you feeling not only relaxed but healthy, for the whole week guests will be served an organic, plant-based wellness menu created by a private chef. Certain meals will be held at some of the island’s best restaurants, such as The Sand Bar onsite at Eden Rock.

The experts and instructors that will take part in the retreat have been carefully selected to ensure the well-being of the participants. They will show guests a different side of St. Barths for those who have yet to discover this unforgettable island. Under the guidance of Aminata, this retreat will be your golden ticket for a week of pure relaxation and rejuvenation.

As the creator of Eden Rock Wellness, Aminata Clason-Diop is in charge of all things Wellness at Eden Rock Hotel, from the physical activities such as yoga, SUP yoga, Pilates, and hiking, to creating of the recipes for the Wellness Menu and soon-to-open Juice Bar. Her main objective is to purify both the inside and outside in a mindful way and in beautiful and inspiring surroundings. Aminata is a certified Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, New York, a certified Yoga Teacher from YogaWorks, New York, and a certified Raw Food Chef from Matthew Kenney Culinary, Los Angeles.

For reservations/information visit: http://www.edenrockhotel.com/eng/wellbeing/wellness/

RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO (PRWEB) – Travelers can become a dancing star on the golden shores of AAA Five-Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit during the third annual LaBlast Getaway led by three-time World Dance Champion and “Dancing With The Stars” alum, Louis Van Amstel. Accompanied by two LaBlast master trainers, Van Amstel leads the program highlighted by daily LaBlast fitness classes from November 30 – December 3, 2016. For the first time, the partner-free dance classes will be accompanied by LaBlast Splash and Line Dance, both also partner-free. The energizing dance fitness class blending the true skill of ballroom dance with the calorie basting properties of interval fitness, LaBlast Fitness, takes place in the mornings, followed by the cardio building, joint-friendly, and outrageously fun LaBlast Splash in the pool in the afternoons. In the evening, LaBlast Line Dancing takes traditional line dancing out of the saddle and on to the ballroom floor. In addition, ballroom classes such as foxtrot and salsa will be offered both indoors in the resort’s new dance lounge and outdoors oceanfront. The easy-to-learn patterns and music selections from all genres and eras welcome any age and fitness level.

With the package guests enjoy unlimited LaBlast Classes with live music and dancing led by Van Amstel (and lead Master Trainers), a $50 USD spa or golf credit per adult per night and one spa hydrotherapy circuit per adult per stay at the resort’s spa sanctuary to relax and rejuvenate sore muscles after a morning of dances ranging from the Cha Cha to the Jive to the Waltz. In addition, a 10% discount at the resort boutique and round-trip airport transportation are also included in the package. Grand Velas’ all-inclusive rates include luxury accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes, gratuity and more. The LaBlast Package at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit starts at $269 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and requires a minimum stay of three nights. Packages are subject to availability. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit http://vallarta.grandvelas.com/. Learn more about Louis Van Amstel and the LaBlast Fitness Program at http://www.lablastfitness.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a Leading Hotel of the World, enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The centerpiece of the gardens is a three-tiered infinity pool, a preferred spot for catching the legendary sunsets. The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with plasma TVs, wireless internet access, fully stocked mini bar, L’Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. The resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusive in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.

Commonly described with phrases like “beyond perfect” and known as the Caribbean’s most glamorous hotel, Eden Rock is without a doubt one of the world’s most desirable locations for the traveling elite. With its origins as a the go-to spot for Hollywood A-listers and visited by names like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes, Eden Rock set the standard for the island’s worldwide reputation as a celebrity hideaway.

Now a family owned hotel and part of the Oetker Collection, Eden Rock continues to thrive as a getaway for the rich and famous and is regularly recognized among the Top 100 hotels in the world. Just this year Eden Rock was named the Best Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveller.  With core family values and green philosophies that pair with 5-star luxury accommodations and service to match, all situated on the sparkling shores of St. Jean Bay, Eden Rock St. Barths is a legendary masterpiece designed for a true chic and authentic island escape.

Perched atop a rocky point above the bay with breathtaking views of the crystal blue Caribbean Sea and white sugar sands below, Eden Rock is conveniently located at the heart of the island.  With access to the chic shops of St. Barths, gourmet dining from world-renowned chefs and irresistible indulgences all around, Eden Rock’s location makes enjoying all of St. Barths easy.

The hotel features 34 guest rooms and villas, all individually styled with playful interiors dotted with fine artworks from private collections, and views of the lush green gardens or beaches just below.

The latest addition to the world-class rooms at Eden Rock is the Christopher Columbus signature suite located in the historic main house and perched high atop a cliff with endless views over the St Jean Bay.  This single suite encompasses 2,200 square feet and features decadent furnishings, solid oak floors, modern art and a fully air-conditioned private terrace.

While embracing seaside luxury at Eden Rock you will enjoy endless water activities from kayaking to snorkeling and yacht rentals available through Princess motor yachts.  Take a stroll through the Eden Rock Art Gallery in the evenings or relax at the signature spa by Ligne St Barth for moments of pure pleasure and relaxation.

Every aspect of the experience at Eden Rock oozes tropical indulgence while the celeb-worthy hideaway offers an escape rife with history, 5-star service, tranquility and adventure and continues to thrive as the island’s most iconic hotel.  Whatever your whim, Eden Rock St Bart’s has earned its accolades and this “Legend Hotel” is the perfect slice of paradise for the ultimate getaway.

Visit the website to discover Eden Rock.

Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood just a 5-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport sits Casa Velas—a serene adults-only luxury boutique resort that’s helping set new and noteworthy standards in the all-inclusive realm. 

As one of the many properties in the Velas Resorts portfolio, which have earned no less than 43 diamonds by AAA, I had high expectations for my own stay at the location—especially given it has garnered 8 of those diamonds in its own right. What I had not anticipated, however, was how “at home” I would feel while on site, which felt as much like a private estate home with an ever-attentive staff rather than a slick hotel operation with pre-programmed employees. Indeed, the layout of the grounds and the casually elegant and intimate atmosphere evokes the sense of being in a private hacienda. Furthering this sensibility is a staff that all regard guests by name, who welcome you “home” upon arrival (with each outing) and generally do their utmost to ensure each guest’s needs and wants are being duly catered to.

All 80 traditional Mexican-styled suites at Casa Velas are top notch, with each boasting a private terrace with plunge pool or in suite Jacuzzi, goose-down comforters, free WiFi, L’Occitane bath products and a fully stocked mini bar. For even more privacy and space, the exquisite 3,000-square foot, four-bedroom Presidential Suite, which sleeps 8, is replete with original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante and also features a large dining room, living room, master suite with a spacious marble-laden bathroom, and an expansive terrace with an oversize plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

Terrace Terraza

While the Spanish style architecture and interior design captivates, the setting in which it all resides is truly breathtaking. Lush tropical landscaping abounds with abundant flora and fauna at every turn that, of course, attracts wildlife. In fact, a bevy of wild peacocks have taken up residence at the property and can be seen meandering about throughout the day and night. A pack of “pet” snapping turtles live in a pond-like water feature at the hotel’s front entrance for which the valet staff will eagerly provide you with food to feed them.

Adding to the serene green vistas is the fact that the resort overlooks the lovely Marina Vallarta Golf Course where Casa Velas guests enjoy special privileges like free greens fees. Other on-site amenities include a full fitness center with Life Fitness cardio and Nautilus equipment, a full service spa and salon, and a pool area with plush lounge chairs, shady cabanas and a swim up palapa bar. If surf and sand are high on your vacation agenda, have no fear as the hotel will provide you with complimentary, on-demand shuttle service to and from its private and exclusive Casa Velas Ocean Club where guests enjoy cushioned loungers and cabanas on the beach itself, along with food and beverage service, as well as access to a pristine pool area and al fresco eatery all overlooking Mexico’s Pacific Riviera beyond.

Pasillo Casa Velas Hall

Even amid all of this haute hospitality, what is incredibly impressive about Casa Velas is its elevated gourmet food and beverage program that has significantly raised the bar for all-inclusive hotels worldwide. With its on-site gourmet restaurant, Emiliano, one of only two restaurants in all of Puerto Vallarta that have earned the AAA Four Diamond award, guests are treated to unlimited access to high caliber cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24/7 in-suite service. Beverages at Casa Velas are equally progressive, particularly for an all-inclusive, with guests enjoying premium wines and liquor without restriction and can partake in fun nightly events like wine pairings; tequila, mescal and martini tastings; and other events that also allow guests to get acquainted and socialize.

If you’re a foodie seeking a culinary-oriented resort retreat, Casa Velas is for you. I particularly love the concerted and continual effort the property makes to keep its culinary options interesting and innovative, ensuring guests can have a unique atypical all-inclusive experience time and time again.

Lobby Services

Gourmet Tasting Menus
In addition to its regular menu, Emiliano also extends six different five-course meals (a new one each evening) that are masterminded by head chefs from Casa Velas’ sister property, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Menus draw from all three of their AAA Four Diamond restaurants: Frida, Piaf and Lucca . These dynamic menus rotate each evening and run for a week, starting with a French tasting menu and martini tasting hour on Sundays led by Piaf’s head chef. On Monday, Lucca’s Italian-Mediterranean sampling and wine pairing takes center stage. Tuesdays and Thursdays are an extra special treat as 20 guests are invited to a private “dinner with the chef.” Here, Chef Eliseo Ibarra Ramos prepares a special menu while television cooking personality, Yolanda Yanar, gives step by step explanations on the menu’s preparation. Wednesdays, Frida’s head chef hosts a Mexican tasting menu and tequila tasting hour. Fridays offer a truly elegant experience as Chef Ramos prepares a gourmet French menu while a renowned pianist provides accompaniment and live entertainment. Saturday rounds out the week with cuisine and seafood specialties from Veracruz, Mexico.

Authentic Street Food
While Emiliano’s gourmet tasting menus have proven enormously popular, the revered restaurant also features dishes that bring to mind the temping aromas and “tantalizing visions” of the street foods found in Mexico’s colorful markets. Guests can sample entrees, appetizers and desserts from six different regions including Veracruz, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Jalisco, and the Yucatan. Each day a different region is featured alongside Emiliano’s larger menu of additional Mexican and international selections. What’s more, servers are dressed in corresponding regional costume and are happy to answer questions about ingredients and preparation to any foodie’s satisfaction.

Where the Gastro Garden Grows
During my stay I strolled down to Casa Velas’ impressive on-site organic botanical garden where the resort grows its own herbs, flowers and vegetables. These uber-fresh ingredients find their way into fresh cocktails and culinary creations as ingredients and garnish. For example, home‐grown albacar, thyme, mint, lemon and cactus are used in the kitchen, while home‐grown mint is used for mojitos, cilantro for margaritas and hibiscus flowers in martinis. Want to bring the taste of a Casa Velas specialty cocktail home with you? The chefs will gladly send guests home with their favorite recipe. Guests will also spot, or better yet smell, clove, mint, aloe vera, spearmint, and basil leaves in the resort’s spa treatments.

A Mighty Mini Bar
Casa Velas’ commitment to luxury, well-being and elevated eats extends beyond the bounds of the resort’s restaurants and bars—extending right into the guest rooms. Instead of the usual boring, calorie-laden mini bar fare, Casa Velas provides freshly “made on demand” crudités. Guests can choose from the “Mexican turnip,” a combination of carrots, cucumber, jicama, or an alternative selection featuring celery, beetroot and pineapple. Guests can also choose from three different light and healthy dressings including mango, chipotle or albahaca (basil). Crudités are available upon request from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and, of course, are included in the all‐inclusive daily rate.

Service Standouts
I had the pleasure of dining with Luis Angarita, Casa Velas’ General Manager, who spoke about what sets the resort apart from others in the region. He underscored that, more than anything else, Casa Velas prides itself on providing top-notch service at every level of the operation. He also reiterated the resort’s focus on food as part of an all-inclusive, noting it’s a major draw. “Food, creativity and presentation comparable to top restaurants in world capitals,” Angarita gushed. “Name your favorite specialty cuisine–Mexican, French and Italian, it’s exquisitely prepared by award winning chefs…everything, from unlimited food and wines to premium beverages, in suite service, and even gratuities and tax are part of the all-inclusive daily rate.”

With its efforts to continually innovate coupled with the quiet, private and secluded nature of this Puerto Vallarta oasis, it’s no surprise U.S. dignitaries the likes of Condoleezza Rice, and two Mexican presidents have been hosted at Casa Velas. But, one need not be a dignitary to be treated like royalty here, as the staff goes over and above to ensure each guest is having a personalized and pampered experience. 

With its heightened level of hospitality, Casa Velas is playing an integral role in re-defining the all-inclusive category at large, and is a decidedly fine choice for the standards-driven jet setter.

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

Merilee Kern is Executive Editor and Producer of The Luxe List, showcasing noteworthy gifts, gets and getaways. Reach her online at www.LuxeListReviews.com.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

As the first and only AAA Five Diamond Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I had decidedly high expectations for my vacation experience at the Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale. From the moment I arrived and was graciously greeted by the valet personnel who eagerly escorted me to the registration area to be checked in by equally affable front desk attendants. With this first interaction, coupled with the litany of stellar staff interactions that ensued, it became quite clear my expectations would likely not only be met, but also readily exceeded at this property where a mandate of guest service excellence clearly reigns supreme.

“We pride ourselves on creating unique, memorable, and personal experiences for all of our guests,” said Michael Chiusano, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale. This is a lofty goal the property achieves on a daily basis, as attested by the hotel’s consistent exceptional ratings. Among other accolades, the property has, in fact, been the recipient of the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star rating and the “Top New Hotel” on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List.”

Oceanfront Cabanas

Chiusano describes the award-winning hotel as “refined luxury” with a “contemporary” ambiance and further explains the staff is “here to assist our guests with making The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale a home away from home. ”But, far beyond a homespun sensibility, this respite comes with an elevated array of creature comforts, such as a property-dedicated sommelier. It’s understandable why this is Chiusano’s personal favorite hotel feature given the sommelier offers private wine and food pairings in the on-site Wine Room, which impressively houses over 5,000 bottles of wine from around the world.

The Wine Room

The hotel sits on a prime beachfront location that was once the site of the infamous Candy Store, a spring break fixture in the 1970s and 1980s. Also of note is the structure itself.  The 24-story hotel boasts tiered and glass-walled architecture that is reminiscent of a luxury cruise liner, designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, while the Hirsch-Bedner designed interior plays homage to the seascape with stunning murals. Seashells and other beach-themed decor as well as neutral sand, wood, and wave-inspired interiors throughout set just the right tone.

Offering an unforgettable escape, the Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale offers 192 1940s-inspired guest rooms and suites, full-service spa, championship golf at the nearby members-only Grande Oaks Golf Course, sweeping Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal views, and a plethora of top-notch amenities.

All of the guest rooms and suites feature private balconies with a water view. There are seven Oceanfront Executive Suites and 15 Intracoastal Junior Suites as well as 26 Residential Suites, including one, two, and three bedroom options. No expense has been spared when it comes to the accommodations, including 400 thread-count Frette linens and goose down pillows, marble baths, and elegant, leather-wrapped and mahogany furnishings. All the latest technology is available with wireless high-speed Internet access, computer and fax hookups, multi-line telephones, data port connections, fully-integrated electronic guest control system, and a state-of-the-art DVD theater entertainment system with a 37″ LCD panel TV and LCD panel TVs in each bathroom. Guests also enjoy the fully stocked refreshment cabinet, complimentary morning newspaper, and twice-daily housekeeping service.

Guest Room and Suites

The property is rife with options to stay entertained and pampered. There’s the heated zero-entry pool located on a 29,000-square foot elevated tropical pool deck replete with full service bar. Lounge like a VIP by snagging one of the 10 Oceanfront Cabanas that feel as though they are suspended over the ocean. Each comes with its own “Cabana Captain” who remains at-the-ready to serve drinks, food, or advice as a personal concierge. There are many cabana packages to choose from that offer varying amounts of time and service, depending on what suits each guest’s fancy.

The spa, with its minimalist décor and soothing color palette, is a great place to unwind. With 8,500 square feet of refined relaxation, including 10 treatment suites and one couples’ suite, separate lounges for men and women, and a gift boutique, it behooves you to find time to partake in some of the spa’s signature 99 percent organic treatments. It’s the only spa in the area that offers natural, “chiral” anti-aging facials. This superlative spa has a wide range of European and contemporary spa treatments, including those utilizing organic botanicals. The fitness center is fully stocked with nautilus equipment, free weights, and cardio machines that allow you to work out while overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway and downtown skyline.

The on-site oceanfront restaurant, Via Luna, is an elegant Italian eatery that focuses on grilled meats from a local butcher, fresh seafood, and Italian favorites as well as scrumptious desserts. Visit the Via Luna Bar for signature libations and small bites, or eat on deck at the Poolside Café where specialty fruit drinks complement a fresh menu that highlights local staples, including ever-enticing conch fritters.

Guest Suites

Perhaps my personal favorite feature of the property is the Club Lounge, the only one of its kind at any luxury hotel in the city, which is included in all Residential Suite and a limited number of oceanfront guestroom reservations. Located on the 8th floor and boasting both  Intracoastal waterway and ocean vistas, this 2,200 square-foot sanctuary provides access to exclusive amenities, such as complimentary gourmet breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner buffets with libations and other beverages, a private TV and computer station, and a Club Concierge eager to tend to a guest’s individual needs. This enclave also has an expansive balcony to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.

With its perfect location to the beach and popular area attractions, unsurpassable guest service, and impeccable accommodations, the Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale is oceanfront elegance at its best.

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

Merilee Kern is Executive Editor and Producer of The Luxe List, showcasing noteworthy gifts, gets and getaways. Reach her online at www.LuxeListReviews.com.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

The ultimate in indulgence and the pinnacle of luxury, flying privately is a way to make even the most opulent of first class commercial cabins seem somehow lacking. And for island hoppers, it’s the only way to fly. While there may be no doubt that the “wow factor” of flying privately is alluring, the drawback traditionally has been a price tag that puts it out of range – unless of course you know where to look.

Flying empty legs – or deadheading as it’s known to some – is one way those in the know enjoy the benefits of exclusive travel without spending exorbitantly on fares.  In a nutshell, seats are available on private jets as they return from delivering or head out to collect primary passengers.  The cost?  On those formerly passenger-less flights, seats are made available at greatly reduced rates – reductions of 40% or more are not uncommon.  The trick is to know where to find them.  The benefits?  Nearly priceless.  Private travel means no TSA lines, no crowds, impossibly plush seats.  Care to bring your four legged companion with you?  No problem. Rover or Kitty can come aboard and curl up in your lap as opposed to in a carrier or worse, in the belly of the beast.

Magellan Jets, who estimates that nearly a full third of all private jets are flying empty legs; has a one-way search feature allowing passengers to plug in their desired dates and destinations to help match them with the best options. Return Jet, a online broker matching passengers with flights and the Manhattan-based Blue Star Jets are two other solid options for finding empty leg flights.  Luring passengers with the concept that flying privately may be more economical than traditional first class, they may be right and with good reason.  While travel booked without advance purchase in a first class cabin can come with tremendously inflated fares, last minute departures are actually more attractively priced when it comes to empty leg flights on private aircraft.  While every itinerary may not work with all would-be flyers, most will find the options to be plentiful.

It’s not only flight brokers who offer these empty leg flights.  Charter companies and private aviation groups have joined in as well. JetSuite is a private aviation group that makes its fleet available by the seat – or by the entire plane. The west coast based company offers a mobile app to let you fly on the fly and with the company’s ‘Suite Deals’, offers fares that are often well below what you would expect to pay – even in coach – on the commercial airlines.   It’s another world of travel that provides you with the best of both worlds:  the luxury of private air travel and the affordability of commercial.

By Gina Samarotto

The 2016 British Virgin Island’s Food Festival is coming in bigger and tastier than ever! November will be filled with competitions, demonstration kitchens and cooking with the island’s best chefs. In celebration of this year’s event Peter Island Resort & Spa will be hosting its very own Food Festival in support of the Peter Island Culinary Scholarship Fund. This fantastic scholarship program assists the further education of BVI’s aspiring culinary professionals.

Peter Island will be bringing in top chefs and mixologists from across the region for a weekend of flavorful food and culinary competitions. Some of the celebrity chefs and culinary legends that will be at the event include: Alex Ewald of St. John, Mixologist Abigail Gullo from New Orleans, Lisa Sellers from Antigua, Roberto Trevino of Budatai and La Pizza La Pasta in Puerto Rico, as well as the resort’s Executive Chef Joseph Johnson and other internationally renowned chefs.

On Friday November 11th a ‘Taste of the BVI’ 4-course dinner will take place in the resort’s main restaurant to start off the weekend. Diners and celebrity chefs will be invited to sample and judge a range of dishes prepared by chefs from some of the BVI’s favorite restaurants.

The event will continue the next day with a beach relay race and gourmet beach barbecue. This is followed by a ‘Caribbean Cocktail Challenge’ where guests will judge a bartending challenge and choose between cocktails prepared by the BVI’s top mixologists. That evening, attendees are invited to enjoy a 7-course tasting menu which is designed to showcase local Caribbean ingredients and cooking techniques, with each course being created by a different celebrity chef. To end the evening, the region’s best musical bands will keep the beat going for a night of dancing on a moon-lit beach.

The resort will be offering special getaway packages during the BVI Food Fete:  The 3-night Caribbean Food Festival Getaway Package starts at $2,148 and includes accommodations, a welcome kit with local spices and a recipe book, a festival t-shirt, and an all-access pass to all events at the resort’s festival.

Guests can also choose the BVI Food Fete Celebrations Rum Package, which includes 5 nights for two in either Ocean View Room or Ocean View Deluxe Room, a welcome bottle of rum and mixers, full breakfast buffet daily for two, and private rum appreciation and cocktail classes with expert mixologists.

About Peter Island Resort and Spa
Peter Island Resort & Spa is the largest luxury private island resort in the British Virgin Islands with 1,800 acres of unspoiled Caribbean island, features 52 rooms and suites, 3 extravagant villas, 5 breath taking beaches, and boasts one of the best spas in the Caribbean. It also has two renowned restaurants — head to Tradewinds for infused Asian-Caribbean cuisine and Deadman’s Beach Bar & Grill for more casual ocean-side dining.  Peter Island Resort & Spa’s elegant beachfront has been a treasured secret among yachtsmen and sophisticated travelers for over 30 years.  For more information about the event visit:
http://peterisland.com/events/peter-island-resort-spa-caribbean-food-festival

Discriminating travelers and foodies-alike will enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine at the 3rd Annual St. Barth’s Gourmet Food Festival from November 3rd to 6th.  For three evenings during this luxurious gastronomic event, specially chosen and highly acclaimed chefs will offer a four or eight course menu in the restaurants of St. Barth’s finest hotels, including:  Le Guanahani, Cheval Blanc, Tom Beach Hotel, and Le Barthelemy.

This year’s Patron Chef is the talented Christian Le Squer, head chef at the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris. The winner of three Michelin Stars, his cuisine and contributions are a guaranteed to impress.

Christian Le Squer

Among the very best in the world, this year’s guest chefs will be arriving from Paris, Béziers, St. Tropez, and will include a few elite local culinary stars. Together they will create their signature versions of french-inspired cuisine with an island twist.

It is an honor to welcome such talented chefs to our island. The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival is a major event that helps confirm the dominant position of
the island as a world-class tourist destination in the Caribbean, while allowing guests and residents of the island to enjoy the best of French gastronomy
in a friendly, festive ambiance that conveys the spirit of Saint Barth! – Nils Dufau, president of the Territorial Tourism Committee of Saint Barthélémy

Now is the perfect time to book a Caribbean getaway and treat yourself  to this unforgettable fine dining event. Surely there is no better combination than savoring world-class cuisine with the stunning backdrop of St. Barth’s Island.

Select luxury villas and hotels on St. Barth’s are offering special packages for the event.  Allowing you to enjoy the island’s finest accommodations, as well as reservations at one of the 4-course Festival dining events.  Some of our top picks for staying on St. Barth’s:  Le Barthelemy, Eden Rock, and private villa rentals with WIMCO.

Eden Rock Luxury Hotel

Everyone dreams of  white Christmas. But, if your version is paved with powdery sand and festive cocktails rimmed with salt, then a trip to one of our top destinations to spend the holidays in Paradise may be the way to get your holiday wish. And not to worry – a trip to a tropical beach won’t have you leaving the season behind. Each destination on our list will be decking the halls (or poolside tiki bars) with lights, gingerbread houses and plenty of ways to celebrate your holiday season. Here are our top picks for the sandy shores that will let you indulge the holiday spirit.

St. Kitts

With two weeks of celebrations, full of carnivals and parades every day leading up to Christmas, it doesn’t get more exotic than a Christmas on St. Kitts. Unlike most islands, St. Kitts and Nevis hold their annual Carnival from late November through the first week of January, rather than in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, which is in February. The celebration, Sugar Mas, combines elements of Carnival with Boxing Day activities, parades and street parties. Highlights include musical events like the Calypso Semi-Finals and Band Clash, followed by a variety of parties. The Queen and the Calypso Monarch are crowned on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, while The Grand Parade occurs on Jan. 1 with the Cool Down Fete wrapping up the season on Jan. 5.

St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival

Nevis

While a stay at Four Seasons Nevis will have you feeling joyful anytime of the year, the holidays are a special time for Merrymakers to enjoy the elegance of this beachside luxury resort.  This time of year, the lobby, restaurants and main areas are lined with seaside, holiday-themed decor. Each restaurant will feature special holiday menus and Coral Grill, in particular, will host a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. For an even more pampered holiday, choose to stay at one of the exclusive Villas on Pinney’s Beach where you can step outside your door and ring in the New Year at the resort’s White Party. There, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, dancing under the stars and a champagne toast under a private fireworks display. Talk about capping your year off with a bang!

Costa Rica

New Year’s Boat Parade in Costa Rica

Not only does Costa Rica offer visitors fantastic beaches, awesome surf, and unforgettable sunsets year-round, but during the Christmas season resorts along the Pacific Coast offer an array of Holiday activities. Choose from boat parades at the Los Suenos Resort & Marina or Marina Pez Vela, or dazzling firework shows that line the Pacific shores. Resort communities like Hacienda Pinilla, in the popular province of Guanacaste, host events throughout Christmas and New Years. From Christmas Eve dinners at the JW Marriott to rockin’ New Years Eve parties watching the stars over the golden Costa Rican sands, the jewel of Central America has plenty of events to have you ringing in the new year saying, “Pura Vida.”

The Bahamas

Winter is the high-season here, and for good reason.  From December – April, the islands get very little rain and daily temperatures range from 75-85 degrees, making the Bahamas the perfect escape from the bone-chilling rains of winter farther north. Drawing tourists from around the world, Christmas in the Bahamas is celebrated in the traditional gift-giving and feasting form. On the shores of the sandy beaches you’ll find special parades, parties and chef-crafted holiday menus with a tropical flare to bring you and your companions an unforgettable holiday season.

A White-sand Christmas in the Bahamas

Followed immediately by Boxing Day celebrations on the 26th, the festivities only continue.  Parades are held to ring in New Year’s Day and an event called Junkanoo is held both on Boxing and New Year’s Day, as it’s one of the biggest events on the islands. Resorts, like Atlantis, are decked out with holiday decor and hold an endless list of events for you and your family to enjoy.  Looking for a more private holiday – check out the “outislands”.  Places like the Abacos and the Exumas offer smaller celebrations rife with laid-back luxury and Bahamian hospitality.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The dazzling lights in Puerto Vallarta

While things are cooling down in many other places around the world, Puerto Vallarta is sunny and warm, with holiday activities that are just heating up. In this delightful Mexican beach town, the Christmas spirit abounds and celebrations begin weeks before Christmas. With a variety of parties, dazzling lights and festivals, people in Puerto Vallarta love to share in the magic of the season. During the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the beginning of December, masses of “Vallartenses” parade through the center of town in an elaborate display that shows off their religious devotion and vibrant local culture. These parades take place on the first 12 nights of December and create a magical scene for visitors at one of Vallarta’s largest events of the year. December is also whale watching season in Vallarta, when Humpback whales can be seen in the Pacific Waters turning your holiday into the adventure of a lifetime.

Resorts in Puerto Vallarta decorate lobbies, drape string lights both pool and beachside and dream up festive cocktails that make for a delightful holiday in paradise. Special services are also offered to make your holiday even more unforgettable. Garzana Blanca Resort and Spa offers guests the option of having a Christmas tree put up in your room to ensure your Christmas in Vallarta is everything you wished for.

St. John, USVI

Christmas on Caneel Bay

Located in the USVI,  Americans won’t even need a passport to enjoy a tropical holiday on the charming island of St. John. Here, Santa travels to the historic Caneel Bay by boat, arriving on Christmas Eve to hand out presents to the children. And while snorkeling isn’t a traditional Christmas activity, it may just top your list of holiday experiences. Thankfully, there is no better place to try it. Sip on a Gingerbread Martini and soak up the sun on the sands of the beautiful Virgin Island beaches.

Going to Cabo San Lucas anytime soon? If so, there’s really only one place to stay. As Cabo’s ultimate luxury destination, the Resort at Pedregal has made it so that you never even have to leave the grounds, if you so choose. Accessed by a kilometer-long private tunnel, guests emerge from the darkness to a vacation wonderland filled with pristine beaches, infinity pools as far as the eye can see, and a stark desert landscape.

Guests have several room options to choose from – like the indulgent one-bedroom Estrella suite, which offers the best perch from which to view the whole resort and ocean beyond, or the two-story casitas, perfect for small groups or families. Each comes fully stocked with a minibar, top-of-the-line toiletries and linens and features a private terrace (or two). They’re all smartly designed with Mexican craft details, like Otomi pillows or specially-made votives. All is intended to invoke the understated chic atmosphere of Baja California Sur. Oh, and we forgot to mention the best part: every room has its own plunge pool. If you’re a bit of a homebody or just not feeling like you need to leave your digs, you can take as many swims as you like in your personal pool, all of which overlook the Pacific Ocean.

For spa junkies, The Resort at Pedregal is one of the best options you can find on the globe. The Luna y Mar Spa, designed and run by award winning director Alan Naverrete sits at the heart of the resort and offers several treatments guaranteed to relax you to your core. The spa’s flagship program focuses on different lunar phases and offers several different massages, wraps, scrubs and more to correspond with different aspects of each phase. Another program features the ancient Mexican healing principles of curanderismo as well as Baja ingredients, drawing from local culture and tradition to bring the most authentic experience to the resort’s guests. Further still are it’s hydrotherapy treatments, a must for any spa operating nearly on top of the ocean. In keeping with The Resort at Pedregal’s extreme attention to detail, the spa facilities are truly impeccable. Each treatment room opens up to a meditation pool and waterfall, which overlooks the ocean just beyond its perimeter.

Unsurprisingly, the dining options are varied and top notch. El Farallon is the resort’s seafood restaurant and, fittingly, is located cliffside at the far edge of the resort. The only thing you’ll have to worry about, besides which fresh fish to choose, is whether or not you’ll get wet from the crashing waves. On your way to El Farallon is the resort’s new Champagne Terrace, offering mole and salt tastings alongside France’s finest bubbles. Don Manuel’s is split into a craft cocktail bar and a farm-to-table restaurant, serving Mexican classics like cochinita pibil alongside roasted chicken with roasted vegetables. Another hybrid favorite is the poblano risotto with parmesan and morel mushrooms. Fresh fish lovers will delight at Crudo, which is dedicated to serving sushi, aguachiles, ceviches and other raw fish options next to the covert swim up bar.

“Pedregal” means rocky in Spanish, and this slice of heaven built into a mountain reflects that perfectly. One of theresort’s best features is its design: even when it’s fully booked, its careful arrangement of spaces, like spreading the pool throughout the ocean’s edge of the resort rather than building around it, ensures you’ll feel like you’re just one of a few guests. Whether you’re doing yoga at the ocean’s edge or taking in the cotton candy sky of a Baja sunset, there’s little doubt you’ll fall completely in love with The Resort at Pedregal.

Article By:  Jackie Bryant