Which Island Should You Escape To?

If you’re looking to the Caribbean to take the chill out of your bones this winter, go exploring beyond the usual haunts of the jet set – you’re guaranteed a much richer experience. The thrill of discovering a new favorite island is half the fun. So if you’re ready to branch out, here are a few islands to kick-start your imagination.

Breathe in the sweet and spicy air from all the nutmeg and cocoa farms on this gorgeous West Indies island where English and Grenadian Creole are spoken. Visitors can wander over 40 white beaches, including the famous two miles of creamy sands along Grand Anse, or sample the wares at three rum distilleries and discover how cocoa beans are processed at “chocolate farms” while nibbling on artisanal treats. Day trips to explore nearby islands are also a must – Petite Martinique and Carriacou are short ferry rides or puddle-jumper flights away and provide an authentic taste of local cultures and foods.

Once you figure out how to pronounce it (kur-uh-sau), you’ll start to feel at home on this laid-back paradise. Curaçao is one of the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea – it’s part of the ABC islands (Aruba and Bonaire are the other two). In Curaçao’s capital of Willemstad, recognized as a historical area by UNESCO, you can admire the Dutch colonial architecture. There’s much to enjoy among these pastel-colored buildings, but make sure to walk through the incredible street art of the nearby Scharloo District. While beach delights are easy to find in Curaçao, adventurous types can hike up for grand views atop Christoffelberg, also known as Mount Saint Christoffel.

Here’s another Caribbean gem, just a little off the beachy beaten path. Dominica is a lush tropical island found between Martinique and Guadeloupe. The island’s vibrant coral reefs just offshore are a diver’s paradise where volcanic subsea terrain and hot springs create a welcoming environment for many fascinating marine life. Snorkeling at Champagne reef – among all those little bubbles escaping the volcanic rock – might just tickle your fancy, too. Several top-end luxury resorts have opened in the last few years, making this small island packed with natural beauty an even more enticing destination.

This outer island in the Bahamian archipelago moves at a deliciously slow pace. Its name comes from the Greek word for “freedom,” which is apt because Eleuthera – while lined with gorgeous pink sandy beaches – is free from crowds or cruise ships or casinos. This thin island – no more than two miles wide – gives visitors views of both the roiling Atlantic Ocean and the calmer Caribbean Sea. Visitors who drive along the Glass Window Bridge – a causeway that connects the north and south and dubbed the narrowest point on Earth – can see both at once from their car. Eleuthera simply hopes its visitors slip into island time and escape normal life for a while.

In addition to booking clients into VIP meet-and-greet airport services, we can also set you straight on the best add-ons to make your journey more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the latest travel accessories to help make sure your luggage is safe and sound.

After months of gray winter weather, there is something special about spring break vacations. Imagine getting out into sunshine and warmth and wandering the bright tulip fields of Lisse in the Netherlands; discovering delightful spring ski conditions in Sestrière, high in the Italian Dolomites, or heading off-piste in Andermatt, Switzerland. Maybe it’s time for one last multigenerational gathering in Tuscany or Lisbon before the kids get busy with their own schedules.

No matter how you envision that escape, the best time to plan is now. Planning early has always been a good idea, but there’s never been a more advantageous time to secure an advanced booking in this economic climate.

If you know where you want to go, or if you just want to get a few ideas on where to mark a big birthday or anniversary, reach out to us. This gives us time to find the most convenient flights that work for you, and the best accommodations and experiences for your family. Give yourself and your family a destination to look forward to; we are great at making your dream trips come true.

We’ve been busy leveraging our buying power and relationships to get our clients the best possible perks! We’re excited to announce a new VIP Partnership:

On Hawaii’s Big Island – Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort, is an oceanfront haven steeped in culture nestled on a white-sand beach on the dramatic Kohala Coast. More than 90 percent of accommodations have ocean views and all guest rooms have private lanais. Five luxurious, two-bedroom Private Residences are the ultimate accommodations in Hawaii. There are abundant activities to do on property.

Start your day with beachside yoga or a sunrise canoe, snorkel above fish-filled reefs, help measure young honu (sea turtles) before releasing them back into the sea, hike to an ancient petroglyph site, dine amongst the company of loved ones at CanoeHouse or stargaze atop the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea. The options are endless! There are several promotions valid through December 18th including a 4th night free with enhanced credit and 7th night free on their Two Bedroom Residence through December 18th. For those looking to book their barefoot holiday, Mauna Lani still has space available over Thanksgiving and Festive!

We are excited to share that three of our VIP partners received Best of the Best Awards at Virtuoso Travel Week.

• In Scotland – Gleneagles won the prestigious Best Hotel award, family fun for everyone that delivers last memories of adventures in their Glorious Playground!
• On the water – Ama Waterways won the Best River Cruise Line award; they are celebrating 20 years of sailing this year with great promotions on select Europe & Mekong sailings for bookings by September 30th!
• In the South Pacific – The Brando won the Ultraluxe award, this stunning resort is on many bucket lists for good reasons!

Let us know if our advisors can help you plan a trip to experience our award-winning VIP Partners firsthand.

Another partner on the water, Viking is celebrating their 25th anniversary, with a launch Expedition Journeys to Antarctica and the Great Lakes as well as bringing modern river cruising to the Mississippi. You can receive up to $500 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings. Additionally, Departure Lounge clients receive $100pp for Ocean and River (excluding Expedition and Mississippi sailings) shorter than 14 days and $200pp for 14 nights or more on river only.

Here are a few of the current promotions available to Departure Lounge clients: