Photo Courtesy of Barcelo Resorts

Courtesy of the shimmering aquamarine sea, sun-kissed sandy shores and vibrant nightlife that heats up until sunrise, couples from around the globe rank the Dominican Republic as tops for a wedding or honeymoon.   From the Playa Dorada on the north coast to La Romana in the south and Punta Cana on the easternmost tip, the DR is where fantasies come true.

In Punta Cana, an expensive facelift transformed the Barcelo Resorts into one complex comprised of two properties rather than the five properties in its previous carnation.   The massive transformation resulted in the 391-room adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach resort and 1600- room family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. Renovations included refreshed rooms with rain-style showers, balcony hot tubs, high-end entertainment system, three-hundred brand new rooms in the Golf wing of the Palace Deluxe and a Club Premium lounge for an extra splurge.

Plenty of fine dining includes eleven restaurants and a host of spirited bars shaking and stirring mojitos and margaritas till the wee hours. Choices are many and vary from the spectacularly sumptuous Bohio Dominicano breakfast buffet, El Coral for seafood fresh from the ocean, La Dolce Vita with its Hollywood-inspired posters of famous Italian movie stars and menu of primo pasta and the Kyoto eatery for artisan sushi and sake.

On-site amenities include a P.B. Dye 18-hole golf course which at 6,655 yards is the most-visited course in the Bávaro and Punta Cana area, cigar and rum bar, shopping promenade, disco, Vegas-style Theater and a 24-hour casino.

The Big Day

Photo Courtesy of Barcelo Resorts

Weddings are glorious with ceremonies on the beach the big draw for couples saying I Do or renewing their vows.  “We do thirty weddings a month seaside,” says Diana Daza, sales coordinator, “sunset is the most requested although our staff can organize a wedding anytime from 11 in the morning until 6 pm.”

Ceremonies run the gamut from on a jetty with the Caribbean Sea and swaying coconut palms as the backdrop or a religious ceremony in the San Salvador chapel available from Monday to Saturday.

The Big Rub

Photo Courtesy of Barcelo Resorts

Dishing up a plethora of mellow rub downs for couples, the U Spa with thirty therapists and seventeen treatment rooms is open from 7 am for early risers. “The Romantic Escapes package is our big seller at $199.00 for seventy-five minutes of sensual massages with coconut oil and chocolate cream,” says Irena Moracic, spa manager showing newlyweds around the swishy spa with an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, Vichy showers, cloistered cabins with Jacuzzis and a  terrace with sun loungers.

The ‘Bride’s Dream’ starts with a honey exfoliation and adds a soothing facial, massage and paraffin mani and pedi for the total package while the ‘Floral Massage’ is divine with heat-activated floral satchels for a total head to foot experience.   And for the gals, the ‘Bride’s Spa Party’ gets rid of last minute stress with aromatic massages and facials for the whole gang.

The Big Deal

Photo Courtesy of Barcelo Resorts

Twenty-five percent off early reservations for a four-night stay travel through December includes a $1,000 room credit with $100.00 for golf and $250 for the spa. “By giving travelers a resort credit and offering the early booking discount through the end of the year, we’re giving travelers an opportunity to experience the expansive amenities and activities Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort has to offer,” said Claudio A. Zboznovits, vice-president, sales and marketing.

Click or Call

www.barcelo.com

1 800 BARCELO

Photo Courtesy of Marriott Resorts

With a plethora of flights landing at the international airport in Cancun, 30,000 magnificent hotel and resort rooms, close proximity to the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza and an endless stretch of white sand that is fully-replenished when a hurricane passes through, Cancun and Riviera Maya are Mexico’s top picks for a wedding, honeymoon, couples getaway or just a well-earned vacation.

The Maya, the Marriott & Mexico

Earning the prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is one of the finest beachfront resorts in Mexico. Manicured lawns are dotted with a maze of pools, sunlight streams into a stunning lobby with its shiny marble floors and exquisite pieces of artwork and the tri-level Mayan-influenced spa is simply spectacular with an indoor pool, Jacuzzis and therapists highly trained in the art of rest and relaxation.  With 448 rooms including seventy-four plush suites, the JW is adjacent to the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort with balcony views of the cerulean Caribbean Sea and the melodically calm Nichupté Lagoon.

Photo Courtesy of Marriott Resorts

For couples who covet variety on a holiday, both resorts are connected by a walkway and offer reciprocity of services to guests staying at including seven eateries, swim-up bar at Casa Magna and a trio of gourmet restaurants and two bars at the JW. “This is a different vacation experience than a stay at an all-inclusive because it encourages our guests to explore Cancun, rather than stay at the resort all day,” said Joaquin Cruz, director sales and marketing, “Yes, the recent negative attention on Mexico has put a damper on business but it’s picking up now because tourists are realizing that Cancun is a safe city for a holiday.”

Mangia Mangia

A trio of eateries tempt at the JW including the AAA Four Diamond Gustino that excels in Italian fare from lobster and black pasta to desserts that are fabulously dramatic.  Sedona Grill offers mammoth choices for breakfast and at the seaside Beach Walk; passion fruit infused ceviche with a side of diced habaneros is so good you eat it with your eyes closed. Servers in sea blue shirts are happy to suggest a fruity margarita or ice cold beer to take the edge off. At the Gourmet Deli, a pairing of coconut and mango gelato is a delightful respite from the afternoon sun.

At the Casa Magna, sushi connoisseurs flock to Mikado with Teppanyaki Chefs who demonstrate their culinary magic at each table.  La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse is for the carnivores in the family and those with big appetites rave about the sumptuous breakfast buffet with everything from an omelette station to Asian dumplings.  For authentic Thai cuisine like delectable tom yum soup and spicy noodle dishes, Sasi Thai serves gourmet fare under thatched palapa-shaded tables.  When the sun sets, performer wannabees head to Champions Sports Bar with a Karaoke microphone for those who think they can sing.  Keep your eyes (and an ear) open for general manager Chris Calabrese who belts out Sinatra tunes that would make ‘Ol Blue Eyes proud.

Bigger is Better

For twosomes who will pay handsomely to spoil themselves, the Spa is unapologetically sinful with fourteen therapists, seventeen treatment rooms and host of rubdowns for women, men, couples and even kids.  From traditional Mayan massages that use Mexican sand as a skin exfoliate and facials that include chocolate for skin silky soft, the massage menu is good enough to eat and too good to miss. “The best part of my job, “smiles Barbara Ybarra, spa therapist, “is when I see immediate results like a relaxed body and a brand new smile.”

Descent of the Feathered Serpent

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

Twice a year during the spring and autumn equinoxes at the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza,  a historical phenomenon is one of the most photographed images in Mexico.  At the pyramid of Kukulkan, the sun is positioned directly over the equator and day and night is of approximately equal length.  The perfect alignment of the pyramid with the sun causes a play of light and shadow that creates the illusion of a huge reptile slithering down the staircase of the north side of the structure, the only side whose base is decorated with snake heads.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Chichen Itza is among the most popular attractions in Mexico and well worth a day away from the resort.  The complex is open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with tours lasting up to three hours.

A Package Deal

For travel through December, both Marriott resorts are selling the ‘Escape! Mayan Experience’ that includes rooms with scenic balconies, tour of Chichen Itza, spa treatments, daily $50.00 resort credit and a welcome gift . “Much of Mexico is rooted in Mayan culture,” said Chris Calabrese, general manager of both resorts, “guests who book our Mayan Experience package are in for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover this cultureduring a time that is hugely important among Mayan people.”  www.jwmarriottcancun.com , www.casamagnacancun.com

A Sweet Treat: Mexican Wedding Cookies (courtesy: Daisy’s Holiday Cooking by Daisy Martinez)

Photo Courtesy of Finecooking.com

Makes 60 cookies

• 1¾ cups walnut pieces
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1. Pulse the walnuts in a food processor.
2. Sift together the flour, tapioca starch, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
4. Drizzle in the maple syrup and vanilla, beat until blended and then add the dry ingredients.
5. Add the walnuts and the chocolate chips and mix through the dough.
6. Roll the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
7. Chill for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
8. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and coat with sugar.

Get in Touch

Tourism information: www.visitmexico.com

Photo Courtesy of JTB

Adored as the top pick for weddings, honeymoons and otherwise romantic hanky-panky, Jamaica is now making it even easier for couples to enjoy each other under the tropical sun. A new and convenient online service with a concierge the Jamaica Tourist Board has named “Wendy” is up and running for couples who want to organize their nuptials in advance.

The Love Guru is on duty twenty four hours a day at visitjamaica.com/weddings or on Twitter twitter.com/weddingsinja.  Matching every couple with a wedding that suits their budget and their style, Wendy is delighted to suggest an array of possibilities from ceremonies on the beach to a lavish affair in one of the island’s grand ballrooms. “While other islands may offer sun and sand, Jamaica presents a fantastic diversity of options for couples in search of rich cultural experiences in addition to a setting of extraordinary beauty,” said John Lynch, director tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, “the island vibe ensures that travelers have a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.”

Wendy’s High Five for a Magical Wedding

Photo Courtesy of Dan Vermillion

Sunset Beach: Spectacular sunsets are in no short supply from the cliffs off Negril’s Seven Mile Beach to Montego Bay and Treasure Beach on the south coast.

Love Boat: A dreamy ceremony on a sailboat as a reggae band plays traditional tunes and tasty Jamaican cuisine whets every appetite.

Tropical Garden: A top pick is Shaw Park Gardens high in the hills overlooking Ocho Rios. With picturesque vistas of the seaside town below, the gardens are photo-ready for a wedding.

Lovers’ Leap: A dramatic cliff overlooking Cutlass Bay on the rugged south coast is one of the most striking views on the island. Rather than be separated, local legend has it that two young slaves jumped to their deaths from this cliff after their secret love affair was exposed.

Blue Lagoon: In Port Antonio, this secluded water hole is renowned for its vivid blue color and inimitable backdrop for a relaxed ceremony.  Accessed via a narrow lane tucked behind the road or on a small boat, the movie-famous lagoon is picture-perfect for couples vying for an authentic island experience.

Wendy’s Trio of Must-Do’s

Photo Courtesy of JTB

Hot & Spicy: From jerk seasoning to traditional “festival” bread and the fabulously aromatic Blue Mountain coffee, a wedding chockablock with Jamaican flavors is a must-taste.  And for dessert, a fruit salad aptly called “Matrimony “is made with homegrown apples and sour sop and when mixed with condensed milk, makes for a delectable wedding treat.

Reggae Beats: Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’  adds musical flavor to a ceremony while the Reggae Master’s seductive beats are always a big hit with couples celebrating into the night.

Explore, Explore: Jamaica offers more attractions than any other Caribbean island, making it the supreme locale for a romantic excursion.  For couples who enjoy snorkeling tours, river rafting, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding and zip line canopy rides high above magnificent waterfalls, Jamaica is a bonanza of fun under the sun.

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

A Ritzy Affair: The gold standard on the beach in Montego Bay, the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, is rolling out the regal red carpet for couples who covet unbridled luxury on the beach.  The 427-room AAA Five Diamond resort is offering a   complimentary wedding ceremony and two-night anniversary stay for couples who book twenty-five rooms through December 20.

Imaginative wedding packages include “Sunset Serenity” that includes a seaside ceremony with all the trimmings from a string duet and massages for the bride and groom to a gourmet brunch for the bridal party. Ritz Carlton Rose Hall

Marvelous Matrimony

(Courtesy: Sky Juice and Flying Fish: Traditional Cooking )

• 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored & diced
• 1 apple, peeled, cored & diced
• 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
• Grated nutmeg, to taste
• Pinch of cinnamon

1. Place the diced pear and apple in a medium bowl, add orange sections and mix.
2. Sweeten with condensed milk and nutmeg, and toss to combine.
3. Chill one hour before serving.

Save the Date

June 9 – 17: Ocho Rios Jazz Festival      www.ochoriosjazz.com

July 15 – 21: Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay     www.reggaesumfest.com

For more information, click www.visitjamaica.com

Photo Courtesy of Almond Resorts

With a trio of resorts in Barbados, weddings and honeymoons at an Almond is a guaranteed couple-pleaser. All-inclusive from top to bottom, the resorts offer a kaleidoscope of fun from water sports and West Indian cooking classes to energetic nights of calypso dancing under the stars. Unique wedding venues range from a historic Sugar Mill to a seaside gazebo and with wedding planners who excel at every detail; all eyes are on the couple as happy guests snap photos of the magic day.

On the west coast, the adults-only Almond Beach Club tantalizes with treats for twosomes like a roomy spa tub and shopping promenade. Set amidst fragrant gardens bursting with rainbow-hued flowers, a frolic in the warm waves or taking five in the spa is the perfect antidote to humdrum days home. Waterskiing, sailing and aqua cycling soothe the spirit and for landlubbers, there’s plenty action on the tennis and volleyball courts.

Photo Courtesy of Almond Resorts

Also on the west coast, Almond Beach Village tempts with comfy hammocks stretched between two coconut palm trees that morph an afternoon nap into a high art. For adventurous couples, sailing and windsurfing are tops and after dark, a night on the town is divine. For the ultimate chill-out, salt scrubs and seaweed baths are waiting at the Spa.

Fronting Dover Beach on the south coast, Almond Casuarina is a big hit with gastronomes who rave about the trio of eateries while the green monkeys outside snack on bamboo and fruit trees and frogs whistle in harmony. Popular nighttime outings include a fruity cocktail at the many bars and restaurants in the nearby St. Lawrence Gap and dinner at Oistins Fish Fry where steamed snapper and a side of macaroni pie is an authentic bite of local life. For couples who covet a room with a view, Room 3210 is for sublime vistas and quiet nights.

Making it Legal

Photo Courtesy of Almond Resorts

Getting married Almond-style is a breeze with the signature “For You, About You” wedding packages that include skilled planners, sunset ceremonies on the beach or in the perfumed gardens and uber-romantic suites for honeymooners. A sumptuous reception from a beach barbecue to an elegant affair in Enid’s Bajan restaurant is included in the all-inclusive program for wedding guests staying at any one of the resorts.

To sweeten the deal, weddings are gratis with a seven-night stay and include a bottle of bubbly, registrar fees,  wedding cake, floral bouquet and a Best Man or Maid of Honour , in the event the couple forgot to bring one along. Upgrades to the complimentary package run the gamut from the ‘Platinum Wedding For You’ with a seaside candlelight dinner and spa day pour deux to an ‘Opulent Wedding For You’ with a pair of champagne flutes to toast the day,  cascade bouquet of tropical flowers for the bride, couples massage to take the edge off jittery nerves, scrumptious breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding and a Couples Star from the International Star Registry as a treasured keepsake of a wedding in paradise.

Getting There

American Airlines flies nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown every Monday, Thursday and Saturday with returning flights every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.  Nonstop service is also available from New York, Miami and San Juan.  www.aa.com.

JetBlue offers daily nonstop flights from New York’s JFK airport with easy connections from Boston. www.jetblue.com.  US Airways flies nonstop each Saturday from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) with convenient connections from other cities nationwide. www.usair.com .

A Slice of Heaven: Coconut Sugar Cake (Serves 6)

Photo Courtesy of LoopBarbados.com

• 4 cups white coconut, coarsely grated
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ Tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 Tsp. almond essence

1. In a saucepan, boil sugar and water to form light syrup

2. When bubbles the size of small pearls appear, add grated coconut and cream of tartar

3.  Boil until coconut mixture comes away from the sides of the pan

4. Remove from heat and beat with a spoon for five minutes

6. Drop each spoonful on an oiled cookie sheet or enamel tray until they harden

7. Store in an airtight container

Courtesy – Enid’s Favorite Recipes – Almond Resorts

A Click Away www.almondresorts.com

Photo Courtesy of Hilton Worldwide

With temperatures in the eighties year round and no passport needed from the U.S., Puerto Rico tops the list as one of the most enchanting romance destinations in the Caribbean. Boasting a bevy of fine beaches, late-night casinos, greener than green golf greens, shopping and eco-adventures, Puerto Rico is a sun-soaked trio of islands that cater to every taste and every budget. Spanish culture abounds in San Juan while Vieques – the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean – and Culebra offer laid-back tropical charm without the crowds and the cruise ships.

Green Thumbs

Photo Courtesy of PRTC

For eco-astute couples who like to explore on their own, Verdanza Hotel in Isla Verde opened a charge station for electronic vehicles.   “The reduction of toxic emissions and the costs related to oil products make electric cars an increasingly attractive option,” said Rick Newman, president, “our decision to install a charge station was a natural next step in our commitment to contribute to a healthier environment.” www.verdanzahotel.com

At the foot of El Yunque rain forest, St. Regis Bahia Beach resort picked up top marks from Audubon International, the non-profit that champions environmental sustainability. The prestigious award honored the classic Caribbean décor and hydroponic garden that turns out the herbs and vegetables served in Fern, the Jean-Georges Vongerichten Asian fusion eatery. www.stregisbahiabeach.com

Si, Siesta

Five Hilton Worldwide properties now boast “Bride Whisperers” who plan weddings from soup to nuts and everything in between.  “The wedding planning process can be daunting, which often puts unnecessary strain on couples at what should be one of the most exciting times in their lives,” said Jessica Sierra, director of sales. Properties participating include the Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador with the Coquí Water Park and seven tennis courts and Las Casitas Village with 24-hour butler service.

www.hiltoncaribbean.com

Photo Courtesy of Water Club

Sweet on the beach, 80-room San Juan Water and Beach Club, known simply as The Water Club, is designed in sapphire-blue that match the Atlantic Ocean. “Think intimate beachfront wedding with a rooftop reception that turns into the bash of the year, catered to perfection by Chef Raúl Correa while the hottest DJs spin the tunes,” smiles José Torres, general manager, “All the bride needs to do is look gorgeous!” Nightly rates range from $199.00 to $359.00, based on double occupancy. www.waterbeachclubhotel.com

Choice Hotels International is big on low prices with generous discounts at several of their Caribbean properties. A rate slice of up to twenty-five percent with a minimum stay of four nights invite at hotels in the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.  “This is the first time we’ve rolled out region-wide promotions like these,” said Bill Clegg, regional vice president, “ those who stay fewer than four nights earn twenty percent off all Caribbean properties once advanced booking requirements are met.”  www.choicehotels.com

Meat & Greet

In Guavate, suckling pig is to Puerto Rico what barbecue is to Memphis. In the Sierra de Cayey Mountains, Ruta del Lechon or Route of Pork dishes up the tastiest pork this side of Tennessee. Spit-fired until the skin is a caramel crisp and served with arroz con gandulas or rice with pigeon peas is the real deal as salsa bands morph the spirited restaurant into one grand street fiesta.

Foodies load up on aromatic herbs, artisanal cheeses and local goodies like empanadas stuffed with hearts of palm at the Mercado in front of the El Museo de San Juan.  A delicious invitation to visit one of the Caribbean’s top art museums, vendors hawk their delectable eats in the courtyard every Saturday.

Putting in Paradise

Puerto Rico boasts more than twenty courses – more than anywhere else in the Caribbean. Top greens include the 18-hole Berwind Country Club in Rio Grande, two championship courses at the Westin Rio Mar and the Palmas del Mar Country Club in Humacao designed by Gary Player and Rees Jones. For spectators, Ladies PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour finish their seasons in Puerto Rico.

Getting There

Twenty-three airlines provide 15,000 flights from 62 destinations to the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. Cities with daily non-stop service include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Airlines offering service include Continental, Delta, USAir, United, Jet Blue, Northwest, Spirit and American Airlines which has made San Juan its hub for flights to other Caribbean destinations.

A Click Away

Puerto Rico Tourism:  www.seepuertorico.com.

Photo Courtesy of SGB

With breezes that are reliably balmy, water temperatures warmer than a bathtub and the sea and sky painted in spectacular shades of blue, the forty islands and cays in the Turks & Caicos are the perennial favorite of couples year round. Cycling is the transportation of choice, English the language of choice and the US dollar the currency of choice and with a gentle British vibe and welcoming locals or Belongers, the island chain is rolling out the red carpet to couples saying I Do’ on the beach.

From the main tourist centre of Providenciales or Provo and the serene islands of North and Middle Caicos to the historic capital of Grand Turk and tiny Salt Cay with just two quaint hotels, TCI is a multicultural treasure chest of natural beauty, swanky resorts, gourmet eateries, electric-blue water and secluded strands of silky sand. “The TCI star continues to shine in the region,” said Ralph Higgs, director of tourism, “we are excited about the 2012 season and we urge residents and locals businesses to embrace all the opportunities associated with the tourism industry.”

All Aboard

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

Brand new and very funky, Island Rhythms Tours are a must-do aboard a bright green flatbed truck.  With guides that are called “Ambassadors”, tours make stops at Lake Victoria to see the salt pond, Cheshire Hall where the two-hundred year old tradition of growing cotton is celebrated and Sapodilla Hill revered for the historic inscriptions that date back to the 18^th century. Delighted to host weddings, couples are invited to book an entire tour for their wedding party.  “We love romance and will organize a wedding from top to bottom,” smiles O’Brien Forbes, manager, “couples find it so much fun to marry on a moving truck as it winds its way around the island.” Souvenir photos and DVD’s are offered are reasonable costs. http://islandrhythmstours.com/

Savour the Spread

With a staff so friendly you’d swear you’d met them before, Pelican Bay, under the watchful eye of Master Chef Peter Redstone excels with mains like a succulent lobster so fresh it’s still angry. Ask for the house pepper sauce and then suggest they bottle it as a souvenir more memorable than a fridge magnet or a t-shirt. A favorite of couples who covet a night alone under the stars, the gourmet eatery encourages lingering over a cocktail or a cappuccino. www.pelicanbaytci.com

South Beach meets the tropics at Vino Tiempo, a hip and happening wine bar in the swank Regent Village. Owned by wine connoisseurs Tony Garland and Murad Mohamad, the bar tempts with fine wines, minty mojitos and potent cocktails, shaken or stirred, with local Bambarra rum. “We are the island favorite for bachelor and bachelorette parties,” smiles Tony Garland, “we also are tops for rehearsal dinners, wedding parties and any kind of soiree that spells romance.” www.vinotiempowinebar.com

Crazy for Conch

With the only conch farm in the world, it’s no wonder TCI also hosts an annual Conch Festival that salutes conch from fritters and ceviche to crepes chockablock with the seafood delicacy.  Conch-philes arrive early to sample a variety of dishes while esteemed judges’ award top honors. A day –long affair, the festival is tres fun with live bands, conch blowing and conch knocking competitions. “Every year the Festival gets bigger and better,” says Dick Bain, president, Blue Hills Conch Festival Association, “it’s an ideal way for visitors to get a sense of our history, culture and diverse tourism offerings.”   www.conchfestival.com

Chic Sleep

Photo Courtesy of COMO Resorts

Hand-picked by Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner for their 2005 wedding, Parrot Cay is magnificently surrounded by cobalt water and cooled by refreshing trade winds. Renowned for the opulent holistic Spa with a magical medley of massages, the swank resort is also the vacation home to an A-list crowd from Bruce Willis and Donna Karan to Oprah Winfrey and a few other You Know Their Names.  Yoga on the beach, catamaran cruises and pampering par excellence, the island retreat is revered for its no-paparazzi rule affording couple’s unbridled privacy as soon as they check-in.  “Parrot Cay is where you forget the world you’ve left behind,” says Grant Noble, general manager. www.parrotcay.como.bz/

Photo Courtesy of SGB

On one of the ten sweetest beaches in the world, The Somerset on Grace Bay is sophisticated charm with villa suites that linger at the edge of the turquoise sea framed by endless stretches of sugary sand. For up to a dozen guests, the “Intimate Vows” package includes all the paperwork including the marriage license delivered via FedEx, bouquets, boutonnieres and bubbly and a keepsake flower-filled conch shell. www.thesomerset.com.

It’s a beach bonanza at the Seven Stars Resort with bonfire parties and complimentary sunglasses cleaning.  www.sevenstarsgracebay.com. At Villa Del Mar, the penthouse suite is deliciously spacious and a favourite for newlyweds.  A short stroll from Grace Bay, the modern hotel is elegant without pretention and luxurious without the price tag. www.yourvilladelmar.com

Tying the Knot in Turks & Caicos

Documents needed for a legal marriage include passport, birth certificate and divorce decree (if applicable).    Couples must be in the Turks and Caicos forty-eight hours before submitting an application and couples under 21 years old must have parental consent.

Check with your travel agent for more details or ask at the resort as many will organize the legalities either before arrival or upon check-in. www.turksandcaicostourism.com

A diamond may be a girl’s best friend but a women’s-only getaway is the shiniest way to beat the midwinter blues. Before you buy that fancy car, trade the spouse for a newer model or generally behave badly, consider a girls-only vacation without the husband, the kids and the bills.

Nothing beats a midlife crisis like a day on the blue sea and if you’ve already left the spouse, never had one, might be looking for one or doing just fine solo, a girlfriend’s getaway is a popular winter rite of passage for gaggles of gals worldwide.

Big Girls Don’t Cry

The party kicks off with champagne cocktails at the swishy LaLuna resort in Grenada. With the aptly named  ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ package, gal pals check into side-by-side cottages with plunge pools and cozy porches for a three night/four day escape from the winter winds at home.  Tempting add-ons include yoga sessions for the entire gal gaggle, three spa treatments per person and a cooking class with the resorts handsome Italian chef.   All-inclusive rates, per person, start at $2,785 for travel through April 12. www.laluna.com.

Choice Hotels International is big on low prices with generous discounts at several of their Caribbean properties. A rate slice of up to twenty-five percent with a minimum stay of four nights invite at properties in the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.  “This is the first time we’ve rolled out region-wide promotions like these,” said Bill Clegg, regional vice president, “for those who stay fewer than four nights, they can earn twenty percent off all Caribbean properties once advanced booking requirements are met.”   www.choicehotels.com

Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

On the talc sands of Pinney Beach in Nevis, the uber-fabulous Four Seasons is offering a three-night package for ladies in search of the ultimate Caribbean chill-out. Starting in a five-bedroom villa, the package includes a pajama party with popcorn and DVD’s, leisurely massages, gourmet nibbles at the Hideaway Grill and personality testing for a custom blended perfume.  If that isn’t enough, extras include Ladies Tennis Boot Camp, rainforest hike with a real bush doctor and tours to an organic farm with Rasta Farmer Mansa. “Nevis is a place you can truly cocoon and escape the stresses of the modern living,” said Nancy Mitchell, spa director, “a trip with treasured friends is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.” www.fourseasons.com/nevis

Also in Nevis, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is offering Fitness Retreats for gals who put on a few unwanted pounds over the holidays. From yogurt to yoga, the week-long getaway includes nature tours, nutrition counselling and plenty of healthy gourmet cuisine. “We enjoy assisting friends in planning their perfect getaway,” said Jamie Holmes, general manager, “all they have to do when they get here is enjoy quality time together.” www.nisbetplantation.com.

The Big Ticket

Photo Courtesy of GotCountryOn-Line.com

No better way to bond with the girls or make a few new guy pals than at an outdoor music festival under the Caribbean sky. The hottest ticket this spring is the St. Lucia Jazz Festival set for April 30 to May 13 boasting a top-shelf roster of superstars from Lionel Ritchie and Ziggy Marley to South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and gospel king Kirk Franklin. Now in its 21^st year, the popular festival is held at various spots around the island including scenic Pigeon Island Island, Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie and in the quaint village of Fond D’Or in Dennery.

For tickets and island information: www.stluciajazz.org.

Girlfriend Getaways 101

1. Set a date and stick to it.
2. If anyone mentions her husband or kids by name, she puts a dollar in the communal kitty.
3. Bring your own chardonnay and don’t forget the corkscrew and peanuts.
4. Get t-shirts made after the trip, a far more personal souvenir than a magnet or snow globe.

Courtesy: www.girlgetaways.com

Photo Courtesy of Bermuda DOT

Adored as one of the world’s most romantic escapes, love is in full bloom throughout Bermuda with a celebration aptly named the “Feel the Love Month”.  Due to overwhelming popularity, the island-wide festival of discounts has been extended through March 3. Sponsored by the  Department of Tourism, the island invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or any day, with hotel deals, love cruises, champagne and strawberry fetes and salsa dancing till the sun comes up.

A quick two hours from east coast gateway cities, the sunny sliver stretches twenty-one miles along cerulean waters surrounded by a spectacular coral reef plateau. Beds for heads range from swanky resorts to quaint guest houses and with more than one hundred eateries dotting the island, couples are assured of a getaway worth a million memories. With more ship wreck dives than anywhere else on the planet, golf courses for novices and pros, horseback riding, deep sea fishing and smooth beaches caressed by pink sands, Bermuda aims to please and never disappoints.

Tee for Two & Other Fun Stuff

Photo Courtesy of BMDOT

The Couples’ Golf Tournament lights up the  Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton every Monday and Thursday from 8:30 to noon as twosomes get groovy on the scenic greenways that are home to the PGA Grand Slam.  Green fee discounts up to fifty percent and Department of Tourism gifts seal the deal for couples enjoying a day on the course.

It’s a champagne and strawberry affair on Tuesday afternoons at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens. After a gratis guided tour of the celebrated museum that is home to collections by such luminaries such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Winslow Homer, lovebirds get cozy listening to performances by Bermuda’s top saxophone players while sipping champagne and nibbling chocolate-covered red ripe strawberries in the Rose Garden.

Get on the Love Train every Wednesday on Front Street in Hamilton for a bird’s eye view of the islands most romantic hotspots with plenty of stops for photo taking. At night, polish the dancing shoes for SalsaMania with spicy two-step lessons, fiery Latin cuisine and potent libations as the band takes Latin dancing to new heights.  Clubs participating include the Moon Lounge and Victoria Grill.

Meet at the Dockyard Glassworks on Maritime Lane in the Royal Naval Dockyard every

Thursday at 2 pm to see talented artists create masterpieces using the process of glass-blowing and flame-working.  Compliments of the Department of Tourism, a unique glass lovebird is given to all the couples in the crowd. Also in Hamilton, the Love Cruise sets sail from Albuoy’s Point on Friday at 2 pm for an afternoon of musical entertainment and complimentary refreshments as the comfy boat glides through Hamilton Harbour’s most romantic hideaways.

Love is in the air on Fridays at the Bermuda National Gallery on Church Street in Hamilton as tourists and locals alike are treated to a serenade of love songs performed by local bands and on Saturday, put on the walking shoes for a leisurely tour of seaside St. George where the

island’s most romantic love stories were born.

Good Luck Moon

Photo Courtesy of BMDOT

Just about everyone with a little romance in her (or his) soul will be intrigued by the many moon gates that dot the island. Walking through these circular stone structures with sloping roofs that represents the half-moon of the summer sky is believed to bring good luck to honeymooners and everyone else in love.

As the story goes, a Bermudian sea captain built the first moon gate in 1860 after seeing one in China. He brought the idea home to Bermuda where it has become a tradition still honored today. Attached to a low wall or free-standing, moon gates are decorated with bright blooms and for couples walking through or photographed smiling in front of one, a long life and a bright future is the sunny forecast.

Make a Date

• March 15 – 18: College Week Reunion. This is the ideal time for baby boomers to take a memorable stroll down memory lane.  Hotel packages start at $597.00 for a three day Bermuda blow-out.
• March 16 – 22: Bermuda International Film Festival. An island-wide celebrate of international and homegrown cinema.
• June 15: Newport Bermuda Race.  More than 2,000 sailors will sail 635 miles from Newport, Rhode Island to St. David’s Lighthouse in Bermuda.

Well Connected

Get up-to-date information on the Discover Bermuda Blog www.gotobermuda.com/blog

Click on Twitter @GoToBermuda or Facebook www.facebook.com/BermudaTourism.

And for tourism suggestions, click on www.gotobermuda.com.

Saluted for endless stretches of sandy beaches, sun-drenched days and sultry sunsets, Jamaica is also a treasure-trove of culinary delights guaranteed to keep lovers in the mood. From a bounty of tropical fruits to fish fresh from the sea, it’s the fine art of jerk that is the island’s tastiest time-honoured tradition and for some, an aphrodisiac par excellence.

Hot food on a hot night adds spice to every vacation and with a platter of spicy jerk chicken before heading to the annual Jazz Festival in January or celebrating Valentine’s Day in February; romance is always in the air. .

Photo Courtesy of Sony Music

Taking the stage this year at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, mega-star Celine Dion will ignite the crowds with her classics like ‘The Power Of Love’, ‘Because You Loved Me’ and her Grammy winner ‘My Heart Will Go On’. “I am looking forward to doing my very first show in the Caribbean,” she told reporters, “what a beautiful way to meet the people of Jamaica on this, my first trip to the island. I just can’t wait.”

Other superstars set to woo fans from January 26 to 28 at the Trelawny Stadium, The Temptations and Jamaica’s home grown heroes Shaggy, Richie Stephens and the perennially popular Yellow Man.

Meat & Greet

Adored for the aromatic coffee beans that grow in the majestic Blue Mountains, the bananas transported down the river and the movies made at the Blue Lagoon, Port Antonio is also the birthplace of jerk or the fine art of grilling meat slowly over a low fire.

Photo Courtesy of JTB

Driving along the highway east from Kingston to Port Antonio, tangy aromas fill the air as the Boston Jerk Centre with a dozen or so open-air huts held up by steel poles comes into view. “It’s the best at Mickey’s”, says Donovan Thompson, grill master at Mickey’s Jerk Pit. “My jerk is good for your health, mon!”  This is no-frills dining with jerk chicken, lobster and pork served on paper plates along with typical Jamaican sides like festivals’ or sweet fried dumplings to mop up the extra sauce and a frosty Red Stripe to cool down the heat.

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

Back at Boston Jerk Center, Donovan Thompson wraps a piping hot plate of his pungent jerk for a picnic by the Bay. “My jerk is more-ish, “he says using a cheerful Jamaican Patois expression, “you eat it once and you want more.”

Yes, You can make this at home

Jerk Rub (Courtesy: “Jerk: Barbecue from Jamaica”)

• 1 onion finely chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped scallions
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican pimento (allspice)
• ¼ ground nutmeg
• ½ ground cinnamon
• 4 to 6 scotch bonnet peppers, finely ground
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

(Yields 1 cup)

Combine all ingredients into a food processor with a steel blade. Rub the paste on uncooked meat from chicken and pork to beef and goat. Store in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator where it will last for up to one month.

www.visitjamaica.com

www.jamaicajazzandblues.com

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

With a smile as wide as the sea and enthusiasm to match, Livingstone Alleyne is thrilled and delighted to wax eloquently about his beloved Barbados.  Driving a taxi for a decade, he’s a gracious rolodex of information from how to navigate the traffic roundabouts to picking a restaurant for a romantic dinner pour deux.  “I’m the driver of choice for guests checking into the Elegant Hotels Group of resorts,” he says with a humble twinkle, “and I can tell you they are the best on the island and exactly where I would take my wife for a special treat.” Operating a quintet of hotels and resorts – The House, Colony Club, Tamarind, Crystal Cove, and Turtle Beach – EHG is a powerhouse portfolio of upscale accommodations offering top-shelf amenities, stellar service and weddings on the beach.

Adults Only

Dinner on the beach at sunset is the big draw at The House, a seashell away from hip Holetown on the gold coast. Catering to the luxury traveler, The House impresses with thirty-four junior and one-bedroom suites overlooking the sea and Ambassadors who cater to every whim from arranging snorkeling and sailing excursions to serving dinner beneath seaside white linen canopies as the sun sinks behind the horizon. “No wish is too big for us,” smiles Marco Pavone, general manager, “our staff takes service seriously and for our guests, just ask and you will receive.”

With a star-studded guestbook that includes homegrown hero Rihanna and Hollywood glitterati like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Bacon, guests are treated like royalty. “Pampering starts as soon as you arrive,” adds Marco Pavone, general manager, “the property is small, the ambience is sweet and we’re adults-only.”

Romance Rocks

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

At the Tamarind Resort in Paynes Bay, nothing says romance sweeter than a watermelon martini as a saxophonist plays a roster of Lionel Ritchie tunes, a couple’s massage with candles and rose petals and watching the sun set from the balcony of Room 202.  “The romance market is a priority for us with our beachfront to include hammocks, comfy pod chairs and daybeds for two,” says Andy Howard, general manager as he recommends the blackened salmon to a couple dining in the open-air 246 Restaurant, named after the island’s area code.

For a sublime chill-out, the Tamarind spa refreshes with an invigorating scrub with sea salt and aromatic oils, seaweed wrap using uniquely hibiscus-infused seaweed and a gratis jet lag massage ideal for guests arriving from the United States.

All-Inclusive Paradise

Photo Courtesy of EHG

Framing seven acres of verdant gardens at the end of a Casuarina tree-lined driveway, the ninety-six sophisticated suites at the AAA Four-diamond Colony Club ooze comfort while at the Laguna restaurant, blackened red snapper is a show-stopper and a mint mojito poured by bartender extraordinaire Sydney Trotman at the Sunset Bar is refreshment par excellence. “My bar is vacation heaven,” he says chopping fresh mint, and “especially when you take a sip of a frosty mojito at dusk.”  Save room for a scoop of coconut ice cream made by Bico, the famed West Indies company tempting taste buds since 1890. “Our experienced staff can morph a great holiday into a grand holiday,” says Gayle Talma, general manager. On a sunny afternoon, nothing says vacation better than a ride on a ski boat under the watchful eye of skipper Jason Scantelbury. $150.00 buys an hour of bliss on the water with Jason. www.colonyclubhotel.com

Also on the west coast, couples are welcome at the all-inclusive Crystal Cove where the beachfront cliffs are eye candy and flying fish and creamy macaroni pie is delectable at the Bajan buffet. On the spirited south coast, Turtle Beach is a casual all-inclusive with the acclaimed Italian menu at Aiago’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and surfing lessons the crème de la crème of a vacation in the sun

A Click Away

www.eleganthotels.com, www.daphnesbarbados.com

For an island tour or a pickup from the airport, call Livingstone Alleyne at 246 230 9859.