Romantic Sojourns

By definition, a sojourn is a temporary stay, but who is to define temporary - be it a single night, a weekend, a month or a lifetime. Is there more beautiful places on earth than the islands and seas of the Bahamas, Caribbean and Florida Keys to create a memory with that special person. Please visit our choices for Romantic Sojourns and if we have missed your special place, send us a note and we will add it to our tour.

2011 Best Luxury Hotel Awards - Caribbean Region

The World Luxury Hotel Awards (WHLA) is the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide. WHLA congratulates hotels that take the extra step, and differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”

Here are the 2011 Luxury Hotel winners for the Caribbean Region . . .

The Cotton House - St Vincent & The Grenadines
Located on the intimate Grenadine island of Mustique, the Cotton House is situated on a picturesque hillside surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Mustique is one of the most exclusive private islands in the world, and the Cotton House is the island's only full-service hotel and has 17 distinct rooms and suites.

The architecture reflects old world Caribbean style, but offer the best modern comforts and luxury. Many suites that dot the hillside and oceanfront offer private plunge pools.

Carlisle Bay - Antigua
Set on a breathtaking beach with a backdrop of lush rainforest covered hills, Carlisle Bay's 83 spacious suites, 2 outstanding restaurants and exceptional spa brings chic contemporary luxury to the beach.

The yoga and Pilates pavilion, nine tennis courts, luxurious private screening room, library and Cool Kids Club are just some of the many amenities. All suites offer stunning ocean views.

One & Only Ocean Club - Bahamas

Under the deep blue of an endless Bahamian sky, wrapped in the turquoise waters of an exuberant sea, One & Only Ocean Club nestles peacefully along a shore of delicate white sand beach...a treasured sanctuary of privileged perfection.

One&Only Ocean Club offers an unprecedented level of luxury and style with an expansive host of complimentary services and inclusions.

Dining at One & Only Ocean Club is renowned and unforgettable with exceptional choices for stellar dining.

Sandy Lane - Barbados

Since 1961 Sandy Lane has been considered the premier address in the Caribbean - a haven of tranquility, a luxury romantic retreat or the perfect location for families who desire the finest holiday experience with endless possibilities for recreation.

Sandy Lane has it all: a perfect location in Barbados overlooking the Caribbean Sea on a tranquil coral sand beach, and shaded by mature mahogany trees.

The timeless and classic elegance of the Palladian buildings mirrored in the spacious comfort of the 112 hotel rooms and suites, a stunning private villa, exceptional golf, gourmet dining, an outstanding spa, superb sports facilities and finally, an exceptional level of warm Barbadian hospitality.

Sivory Punta Cana - Dominican Republican

Sivory Punta Cana Boutique Hotel is a whole new concept in relaxation, a Boutique Hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World by the Caribbean Sea, where your pleasures, comfort and sense of well-being come first and foremost right down to the very last detail.

A private beach stretches out as far as the eye can see. Art Cuisine - the most exquisite gourmet food, and a select wine cellar stoked with 8,000 bottles of wine. The Aquarea Spa & Wellness Center offers a full range of massages, hydrotherapy, facial and body treatments.

Sandals Royal Plantation - Jamaica
For the ultimate in exclusivity and indulgent pampering, escape to Sandals Royal Plantation, the only all-butler, all-suite boutique resort in the Sandals collection.

Nestled within a magnificent coral bluff on Jamaica's lush north coast, this intimate resort of just 74 ocean-view suites is renowned for its impeccable service, unmatched attention to detail and retro-chic sophistication - complete with all the world-class amenities for which Sandals in renowned.

Sandals Royal Plantation is the world's only all-inclusive resort to be granted membership in the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of the World®, and the only Leading Spa® in all of Jamaica.

The Palmyra, A Solis Resort & Spa - Jamaica
The Palmyra brings the relaxed luxury of Solis to one of the Caribbean’s most beloved island destinations, the elite enclave of Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Here, with its white sandy beaches and lush mountainous terrain, The Palmyra offers a truly unique setting for an unforgettable island escape.

Explore lush tropical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, ancient ruins, three nearby championship courses, or slip away into Palmyra ESPA, the Caribbean's finest signature spa - unforgettable.

Courtesy braveweblog.com

Cancun’s Best Adults-Only All-Inclusives

The resort town of Cancun excels at the all-inclusive hotel model, adopted by many of the major properties along the hotel zone, a spit of land known as “Isla Cancun.” Couples are spoiled for choice, whether they’re after romantic seclusion or all-night parties.

Always check with the resort to find out exactly what services and amenities are included in the daily rate, as some resorts charge extra for certain activities like spa, excursions and special occasion dining.

Excellence Riviera Cancun
.This high-end luxury resort group – which also operates three other well-regarded Caribbean properties – puts an emphasis on service and luxurious extras, along with environmental sustainability.

What Makes it Special:

•Superlatives abound: 6 swimming pools, 5 al fresco jacuzzis, 8 restaurants, 10 bars
•The friendly staff specialize in creating romantic moments, like arranging a candlelit dinner for two on the beach
•The included activities are above-average: brush up your skills with introductory scuba diving lessons, cooking classes and Spanish lessons
•The luxurious, light-filled suites have a Mediterranean influence and some have private terraces, direct access to the pool and double Jacuzzis

Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun
This hacienda-style adults-only luxury resort has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor and is a AAA Four Diamond Resort. Backed by jungle and fronting a sparkling white-sand beach, the 290-room oasis is a popular choice for grown-up couples, especially honeymooners.

What Makes it Special:

•Pristine location between jungle and a stretch of white-sand Caribbean beachfront
•The “Unlimited Luxury” program, with perks like cooking classes, tequila tastings and a host of activities
•Access to Playa Paraiso golf course, with green fees waived as part of the Unlimited Luxury program (golf cart fees extra)
•A collection of upscale restaurants from Asian to Mediterranean, along with a casual beachside taco and ceviche bar

Excellence Playa Mujeres
This luxury resort is set on a two-mile stretch of white sand in an exclusive gated community just outside Cancun, and offers activities ranging from sunset cruises to dance classes and water aerobics. The resort looks across to the island of Isla Mujeres.

What Makes it Special:

•Like its sister resort on the Riviera Maya, this hotel piles on the options, with 9 restaurants, 11 bars and 7 swimming pools to choose from
•The proximity of a stunning, pristine beach without the crowds of Cancun or Playa del Carmen
•Suites are hyper-romantic, featuring four-poster beds, private jacuzzis and hammocks for two
•The martini bar in the lobby adds a glamorous touch

ME Cancun

This glamorous 419-room resort is all about a youthful, South Beach vibe, fostered by the catwalk-like lobby, designer-clad clientele and Maxim Beach Bar, where DJs spin tunes long after the sun goes down. The property shifted to an all-inclusive model as of January 2011.

What Makes it Special:

•The main pool area, with its huge infinity pool, swim-up bar and palapa-style daybeds
•The restaurants – Silk, Salt and The Beachhouse – offer upscale dining with an emphasis on service and romantic ambience
•“The Level,” the hotel’s premium collection of accommodations, offers services such as private VIP check-in, exclusive use of the 10th floor’s “Living Room” lounge, exclusive concierge services and 24 hour in-room dining

Temptation Resort & Spa Cancun
The raciest and most youth-oriented of the resorts here, Temptation is all about sun, fun and lounging by the three pools or seven jacuzzis while sipping endless margaritas. (The scene can get pretty wild, so this is definitely not the choice for couples seeking a secluded romantic vacation.)

What Makes it Special:

•Whether you’re after a sit-down gourmet experience or more interested in grazing on snacks by the beach, meal service is around the clock
•All rooms have private terraces or balconies
•The resort is “topless optional,” a hard-to-find category in Mexico
•Staff members are enthusiastic and always luring guests into games, contests and shows

From Emma Sloley About.com

photo Courtesy Temptation Resorts

Palm Island - One of World's Leading Private Islands

It lies on its own 135-acre island in The Grenadines, that chain of exclusive little islands that runs between St. Vincent in the north and Grenada in the south. Guests reach Palm Island via a 45-minute flight from Barbados to Union Island, followed by an 8-minute ride by private launch. Great care has been taken to ensure the resort blends in with these untouched natural surroundings. The five white sand beaches are complemented by just 43 guest rooms that are dwarfed by the coconut palms and charmingly styled with their island-setting in mind.　

Activities are low-key and generally focused upon the sand and the sea, while dining is always a breeze-cooled beachfront affair, the delicious Euro-Caribbean cuisine taking full advantage of freshly-caught seafood and locally-grown vegetables. Yet Palm Island is not just a resort. It's a place where guests slow down, recharge their batteries and gradually rediscover the wonders of nature. Panoramic walking trails show off indigenous iguanas and interesting bird life.

Visiting yachts and traditional beach homes contribute a sense of authentic island life. And boat trips to the world-famous Tobago Cays ensure visitors leave with a great 'sense of place'.

All-Inclusive Only - Included:

•Accommodations

•All meals -

breakfast, lunch and dinner

•All beverages -

name-brand liquors, house wine by the glass, Caribbean beers, tropical coolers and soft drinks

•Non-Motorized watersports -

windsurfing, sunfish sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, hobbies-style catamarans

•Day light tennis

•Freshwater swimming pool

•All tips, taxes and service charges

Note: No children under 16 years are accepted January 3-April 18.

All Inclusive guests are required to provide a credit card at check-in for possible incidentals; not included on the All Inclusive plan (ie. phone calls, bottled wine, bottled water, gift shop).

Rates start at $735 per night + regional airfare from Barbados starts at $400 per person.

Courtesy of caribbean.braveweblog.com

Almond Smugglers Cove

Almond Smugglers Cove opened in 2007 on the northwest coast of St. Lucia at Cap Estate, across from St. Lucia Golf Resort and Country Club. Guests can play three rounds of golf at the club, and the resort has its own Racquet Club for guests to use, with seven lighted tennis courts, a squash court, fitness center and spa. Cascading pools lead guests to the volcanic-sand beach. There are 351 rooms with views of the lush gardens or Smuggler's Cove. This resort is suited for all, couples, singles and families.

All-Inclusive Almond Smugglers Cove Rooms
The resort's 351 rooms (in 5 categories) are newly refurbished and offer terrace, air-conditioning, private bath/shower or walk-in shower, in-room safe, king or twin beds, satellite color TV, hairdryers, and tea/coffee-maker. All accommodations are in one-level cottages of four to six units.
Family suite: Offers two adjoining rooms with interconnecting door, tropical garden views. There are two bathrooms in these suites.

Standard room: These are nestled throughout the property with terraces overlooking the tropical gardens.

Deluxe gardenview room: These have vaulted ceilings and tropical garden views.

Superior or deluxe beachfront room: Located near the beach or atop a hill, these large rooms have king beds and Japanese tubs.

Superior deluxe gardenview room: On a hill near the racquet club, these offer a bit more isolation away from the activities of the resort, with tropical garden views.

One-bedroom gardenview suite: Spacious bedroom with an adjoining living room, some separated with French doors. Bedroom flows into a large vanity area and bathrooms with walk in showers can be requested. Terraces are surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

All-Inclusive Almond Smugglers Cove Restaurants and Bars
Open and airy restaurant at all-inclusive Almond Smugglers Cove in St. Lucia
Almond ResortsThere are four gourmet restaurants serving all meals. Included are a continental-style restaurant, a casual Italian restaurant, a seafood restaurant and an adults-only, traditional St. Lucia restaurant. After 6 p.m., men are requested to wear collared shirts and trousers in the restaurants; no shorts allowed.

The Great House is a gourmet restaurant located in a grand plantation house and is regarded as one of St. Lucia's finest dining establishments. It is located adjacent to the main Almond Smugglers Cove. There are several bars at the resort, including a swim-up bar, all serving premium brand drinks, cocktails and soft drinks as part of the premium all-inclusive program.

All-Inclusive Almond Smugglers Cove Activities and Sports
The resort offers the usual myriad of activities and sports as part of the all-inclusive package, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, banana boat rides and water skiing. The raquet club's spa offers treatments at extra cost, but the club offers guests free use of the tennis and squash courts and fitness center.

The resort also has a Kids' Club that replicates those at other family friendly Almond Resorts in St. Lucia and Barbados, designed for newborns through teens, including playgrounds, pools and activities center.

By Paul Kandarian, About.com Contributing Writer

Rendezvous St. Lucia

The upscale, 5-star, all-inclusive Rendezvous on St. Lucia, set on a two-mile stretch of Malabar Beach, is known as "The Romantic Holiday" for a reason. It is billed as a boutique resort for couples, and a full 50 percent of its bookings are honeymooners. There are 100 rooms and suites set amid seven acres of lush tropical gardens. In 2009, the resort saw a $15 million renovation, the biggest in its history. The Barnard family opened their house up to paying guests in the 1960s and the resort has since evolved into a sought-after destination in the Caribbean by couples and other true romantics.

There are 100 guestrooms at Rendezvous in the following categories: 36 garden-view rooms; 24 verandah suites; eight seaside suites; 21 luxury ocean suites; eight ocean-front cottages; and three luxury ocean-front suites. All rooms are also equipped with direct-dial phones, CD players, clock radios, marble floors, private bath with tub and shower and other amenities.

Rooms are spacious and well lit at Rendezvous all inclusive resort on St. Lucia
The Terrace Restaurant is set at water's edge, an open-dining experience serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, buffet style. The Boardwalk is on the beach, serving dinner. The Trysting Place is an air-conditioned, fine-dining option, open for dinner six nights a week with an a la carte menu. All beverages included means premium-brand alcohol and wine by the bottle at dinner, too.

Rendezvous has three bars. During the day, the swim-up bar is available for refreshments. The Terrace Bar is the central point here for music and dancing at night. The air-conditioned Piano Bar is the third imbibing option, which remains open until the last guest chooses to leave.

A wide range of options are available for the action-minded guest, including water aerobics, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, beach and pool volleyball, archery, tennis with a tennis pro, fitness classes, yoga, pilates, Calypso dance classes, live music and cultural shows and displays. Scuba diving is free at the Rendezvous.

The Spa in the Water Garden is available, at extra cost, to provide treatments that include the resort's signature Serenity massage and Sizzler massage. A wide variety of other treatments include a coconut and spice combination, hand and foot therapy, aromatherapy, deep remedial tissue massage, an exotic lime and ginger scrub, manicures, pedicures, couples retreat, couples massage and pre-wedding preparations.

By Paul Kandarian, About.com Contributing Writer