Tropical Tidbits Spring 2022

by Sue C Travel

Higher demand for low season in Caribbean hot spots

Typically, the Caribbean islands and Mexico are a winter escape plan, but they are seeing a huge demand for summer holidays this year. Thankfully, many resorts took the pandemic downtime to elevate their experiences and refresh and expand their properties like Aruba Ocean Villas who have newly constructed penthouse overwater bungalows (see page 59), so they are more than ready for the influx. Let’s see what’s new in the destinations where summer never ends…

Divi Little Bay raises the bar with new Oceans level

Divi Resorts are known throughout the Caribbean as first-rate escapes for many different types of travelers, but now they’ve added a new upper tier option within their St. Maarten oasis called Oceans. This brand new 98-room wing is located within their original Little Bay Beach Resort on its own private peninsula. Choose their all-inclusive or room-only plan and enjoy many upgraded amenities and services like fresh robes, comfy slippers, luxe spa products, espresso machine, gourmet coffee pods, VIP check-in and checkout and much more. The upscale new Oceans option is now also available at adult-only all-inclusive Divi Carina St. Croix Resort with plans to expand the new brand in the future.
Visit: https://www.diviresorts.com/oceans-little-bay.htm

New oasis for that “peaceful easy feeling” in Aruba

This cool new off-radar stay on One Happy Island reminds me of the classic Eagles’ song lyrics “I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight with a million stars all around…” It’s a deluxe tricked out Flying Cloud Airstream with its own private pool and whirlpool deck in the middle of Aruba’s arid outback. Surrounded by cacti and wildlife and looking out on a wild, restless sea, it really is for nature lovers. Sleeps four but can be a private little cocoon for a couple to use as a practical base when they are seeking a unique tropical holiday. Available through Airbnb only,
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/37482707

New large all-suite stay on little Saba

The five-square-mile Dutch Caribbean Island of Saba is known for its unspoiled nature, lush rainforests, and great diving ops, but there are only a handful of places to stay. And though most visitors go there to hike or dive, it has recently become more of a draw for mainstream travelers which is why the addition of the new Saba Arawak Hotel is so welcome. The new full-service all-suite resort is spread across four mountainside wings. There are 24 junior suites and 3 large one-bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchenettes. Guests will enjoy great sea views from the outdoor pool and deck, and an Asian/Caribbean themed bar and restaurant will open there soon.
Visit: https://sabaarawak.com/

New “Bonaire Bond Pledge” helps coral even more

The lovely pristine little Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire is well known for their pioneering eco-protection measures and efforts to keep their surrounding sea healthy and clean. It was way back in 1979, long before it was fashionable, that they designated all the waters around the island as a protected marine park. It paid off by turning Bonaire into one of the leading shore diving destinations in the world and attracting an elite eco-aware group of marine-life loving visitors. Today, Bonaire is out to offer a broader range of guest experiences, higher end hotels, fine dining, cosmopolitan nightlife and even new attractions like golf and land sailing, but they are also out to ensure their island’s best treasures continue to thrive. To educate potential new visitors about their important eco-initiatives they have created “The Bonaire Bond”, an online pledge. For every signature, Bonaire will plant a coral tree to help keep refurbishing the reefs.
Visit: http://www.bonairebond.com/

Star Clippers resumes South American itineraries

It’s been 8 years since the regal tall ships of Star Clippers have sailed guests through the wonders of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and through the famed Panama Canal. Now they’re celebrating the return of those awesome itineraries with some incredible specials. Book before July 15th to get free air from selected Canadian cities for December departures, and solo travelers can now benefit from no single surcharge for many of their sailings as well. Imagine witnessing the lush rainforests, colorful wildlife, and pristine seas naturally by wind power as the early explorers did. Bucket list worthy for sure.
Visit: www.starclippers.com/ca/specials/free-airfare-with-costa-rica-sailings-ca.html

Great beach reads

Author and sea captain Cheryl Bartlam Dubois has teamed up with celebrated author Debra Ann Pawlak to pen yet another great book focused on the Caribbean region, and she will be rereleasing her classic “West of the Equator- In Search of Paradise” this year as well.

“THE REVOLUTION: Captain, Pirate, Heroine” is a historical fiction set around Cuba, Jamaica, Tortuga, and the Bahamas, and the follows the perilous adventures of real-life Fanny Campbell who dressed as a man to commandeer British ships to rescue her lover from a Cuban prison during the American revolution. The British considered her a pirate, but Americans see her as a heroine. It’s a rollicking read ideal for enjoying by a tropical sea.
Visit: https://aplaceintime.press/product/the-revolution-captain-pirate-heroine