Archive for September, 2010

Sandbar Bliss

September 22, 2010

SandBar Tapas

I love Sandbar. My first experience was meeting Lisanne on a wet rainy night in June. I was greeted by the bartender with a truly welcoming smile. I asked for a Ti Punch and was treated to perhaps the best blend ever. The Rhum Agricole concoction was amazing. For Tapas we chose eggplant crab beignets, chilled roasted vegetables, and panko crusted shrimp. I went back in August and sat at the bar sipping a refreshing rum punch. In 60 sleeps I am back and await another night of Sandbar Bliss.

Sandbar is located on Sandy Ground, a short walk from Elvis’s Beach Bar.

My Viceroy Countdown

September 12, 2010

Due to my lifestyle I seem to always be on an island countdown..when am I back to Bonaire after a trip to the US, when am I back to Anguilla, my new favorite island..it’s sometimes a little frenetic.

I have been traveling or living in the Caribbean since 87. The Caribbean captivates me and haunts me all at the same time. Whatever island I travel, I immerse myself in the sights and sounds and truly feel at home. Antigua was my first island..and later working on the ill fated SV Fantome, I saw most of the Caribbean island chain. Thanks to my travel business I have stayed at some of the best properties. Not to diminish their value some of the smallest locally run hotels have also provide incredible memories. I lean towards boutique style hotels vs chains.
Anguilla was one island I had not visited in all my Caribbean travels. Finally, in 2008 my daughter and I got off the rock (Bonaire) and took Dutch Antilles Express to Sint Maarten and then the public ferry to Anguilla.  We explored the entire island in our rental car.  We had heard there were 33 beaches and were in search of perfection  What we found was staggering. In short the beaches astounded us on all levels. Gin clear water, white powder sand and long strands of Caribbean blue. We were mesmerized. Since, I have returned 4 times alone and have developed some wonderful new friendships and connections.

Mead's Bay next to Viceroy

My June trip was spent at the fabulous Viceroy. In 2008 we saw the property being built. Initially my impressions were that it looked like a gigantic vision marring the tranquil setting at Mead’s Bay. I usually abhor massive properties but later what was revealed to me was truly amazing. I have some clientele seeking a luxurious stay. I booked a room at Viceroy arriving June 25.  Words cannot describe the beauty and splendor at this property. Soothing music is piped discreetly amongst the walkways. Amazing art is throughout. The staff are discreet but always available with refreshing cool towels and icy cold water. The view are stunning from all vantage points.

Viceroy Bliss

for 3 nights I was in a little piece of heaven.  I return Nov. 22 with my 87 year young Mom to celebrate her life and my 18 year old daughter. We will be celebrating our family in a setting befitting for such a reunion. My countdown is 70 days. 70 days until my Viceroy Bliss.

Too book Viceroy call Ann at 800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com She has two for 1 specials and other booking incentives. Ann is an Anguilla specialist offering free island Concierge.

Anacaona on Sale

September 7, 2010

Anacaona's Beach

ANACAONA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

EARLY BIRD BOOKING SPECIAL

Book your reservation for the Winter Season today, pay for the entire reservation (accommodation tax, service charge and Government Marketing Levy paid upon checkout) and received 20% off our rack rates in the category booked.

  • Reservations must be made by September 30th, 2010
  • Travel between January 2nd, 2011 – March 25th, 2011
  • Amount due is payable no later than 48 hours after booking is made
  • Monies are non-refundable
  • Monies can be used on a future booking up to 15 months after date of original booking
  • Monies can be transferred to another person of your choosing to be used for bookings at Sirena/Anacaona Boutique Hotel up to 15 months after the date of original booking.
  • This special cannot run concurrent with any other special on accommodation rates
  • Travel Insurance is strongly suggested
  • Early Bird Special is subject to availability

Superior Double Room: King bed, AC, TV, Mini fridge, coffee maker, room safe, verandah or balconyUS$310.00

Junior Suite: 1 Bdr, king bed, queen pull out sofa, kitchenette, Jacuzzi tub bathroom, room safe, verandah or balcony: US$410.00

Standard Double Room: Queen bed, AC, Cable TV, room safe, coffee maker, mini fridge, balcony: US$250.00

Call 800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com for this special. Ask about our recent site inspection of Anacaona and our favorite room requests.

Anacaona's Thur. Buffett

Smokeys Photo Essay

September 5, 2010

My favorite one stop spot for Ting,  beach, sun, food, music  and fun is Smokeys. Clyde runs a smooth restaurant. Upon arrival I was given my own beach chair and umbrella. The waitstaff pampered me on this quiet day serving me an icy cold Ting immediately. If you have not tasted Ting, you have not lived. This grapefruit soda is both delicious and refreshing. A sip reminds me I am home..somewhere amazing in the Caribbean.

I always seem to gravitate towards the chicken roti. The salad is great with an amazing dressing and the roti is delicious. It’s not your typical roti. The skin is more like a burrito wrap but it works. The curry is really tasty.

I could sit at Cove Bay all day. The water is pristine with gin clear water. The white powder sand is blinding. What an amazing setting.

I never miss a visit to Smokeys. Typically I come on Sat. to hear the Musical Brothers play for the lunch crowd or on Sunday for the Mussington’s but my recent visit on a  quiet August day was sublime. I am back in Nov. and am counting the days until my Smokey’s Bliss.


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