Tropical Tidbits

by Sue C Travel

It’s been a long, tough haul for the travel industry, but things are finally starting to pick up again. And revenge travel is real, especially now for those who didn’t get to their tropical getaways to escape last winter. Meanwhile, many sun destinations used the downtick in travelers to upgrade their entire tourism products. A lot of new builds, big refreshes, and redesigns have taken place, and all the sun, sand and surf spots are very eager to welcome you back again.

A new paradise for “parrot heads”

You need not be aware of Jimmy Buffet nor his music to enjoy the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau inspired by his biggest hit. But if you are a “parrot head” (super fan), you’ll appreciate the themes. The massive new luxurious family-friendly resort is located on beautiful Junkanoo Beach offering guests 300 rooms surrounded by so much to do, you’ll never have time to ‘waste away’. St. Somewhere Spa is ready to pamper adults while Fins Up Waterpark will keep the kids busy; it has a FlowRider surf simulator, too. And though this Margaritaville is not an all-inclusive, there are plenty of dining and bar choices on site, and it’s a short hop to downtown Nassau if you’re seeking some changes in latitude.

https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-nassau

New adults-only playground in USVI

With family-friendly all-inclusives throughout the Caribbean, Divi Resorts has now entered into the adults-only market with a complete revamp of their St. Croix property Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort. Officially launched October of 2021, guests 18 and over can now enjoy freshly redesigned rooms and suites, a glitzy casino right on the property with entertainment, and an eclectic choice of international cuisine and lively bars. Located on a pristine white sand beach with two freshwater pools, many activities and amenities will be included like miniature golf, a driving range, tennis, a fitness center, and non-motorized water sports. It’s now the only adults-only all-inclusive on the island.

https://www.diviresorts.com/divi-carina-bay-beach-resort-casino.htm

New way to play on the waves in Puerto Rico

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico was already an aquatic oasis of grand design for water babies with the island’s largest lagoon-style water circuit snaking over a massive expanse of sparkling seafront. But now they have expanded the ocean enjoyment even further with a massive floating water park right on the waves where guests of all ages can bounce around the climbing wall, swings, slides, obstacle courses, and more. Terrestrial pleasures include two 18-hole world-class Tom Kite-designed golf courses, and they are close to El Yunque National Rainforest where natural wonders abound.

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/puerto-rico/hyatt-regency-grand-reserve-puerto-rico/sjurc

Become a pampered castaway on a private island

On the exotic Indian Ocean might be an expected location for this popular all-inclusive, but the new Club Med Seychelles Eco-Chic Resort sounds divine. And it’s the ONLY resort on the pristine island of Saint Anne. As an Exclusive Collection Resort, couples and families are invited to a higher end and unique experience in harmony with the marine-life filled ocean and the lush nature wilderness. Trekking, diving, yoga, snorkeling, and glass-bottomed kayaks are just a few ways they invite you to enjoy it in this paradisiacal private setting.

https://www.clubmed.ca/d/asia-indian-ocean/seychelles

Best beach reads

Trudy Nixon, magazine publisher of True Anguilla and content creator extraordinaire, has finally taken the plunge into romantic comedy fiction with her new book Endless Turquoise. She’s created a captivating tale of two women traversing two destinations she calls home — England and the Caribbean. Though she calls the island “Zephyr”, those in the know realize it must be inspired by Anguilla where she’s lived for the past few decades. (And we’re eager to know how many of the romantic escapades are ripped from real life!) Regardless, it’s a great beach read, or perfect when you’re home in the cold and wishing you were on a beach. It’s funny, insightful, and as sunny and warm as the author herself.

Buy it here:
https://www.amazon.ca/Endless-Turquoise-Trudy-Nixon-ebook/dp/B08QDPDTZ6

Book a private villa on Anguilla

Anguilla Malihouna has luxurious two-, three- or four-bedroom villas for up to 12 people ideal for families or groups of friends to enjoy privacy, yet still have access to the main resort amenities just steps away. They also have great creative new programs and pastimes. Children can enjoy kid-friendly cooking classes, kite building, and even boat racing lessons. For adults, there’s new “Auberge Adventures” , a bevy of classes to master new skills like sailing, culinary arts, and horseback riding. Open air yoga and poolside Pilates are also popular.

https://aubergeresorts.com/malliouhana/

Provo is putting on the Ritz

Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, one of the world’s most celebrated beaches, just added one of the world’s classiest hotel brands to its shores. The brand new The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos opened summer 2021 to offer discerning guests 147 refined ocean view guest rooms, including 23 suites, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, a seafront water circuit (one pool is adults-only), and they even have their own private catamaran, the Lady Grace to take guests for snorkel and sailing trips. Dining includes a BLT Steakhouse and Coralli, and they have a Kids’ Club, and The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton provides late night adult fun.

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/turks-and-caicos