Caribbean Travel

Jaunted: "Now that all the hubbub surround Jetblue's inaugural flight to Saint Lucia is over, we're free to focus on the important things, like getting on the beach and into the warm Caribbean waters, and that's exactly what we did yesterday afternoon during a scuba dive at the northern tip of the island, from the Cariblue Beach at the BodyHoliday LeSPORT resort."

NYTimes.com: "Airfares may be climbing, but there are several new bargains to the Caribbean.

JetBlue began a new, nonstop flight to Saint Lucia from New York yesterday, with flights every Monday, Thursday and Sunday. To mark the new service, the airline is offering special fares from $129 each way through Friday for travel between Nov. 2 and February 8, 2010 (except around the busy December holidays), or about $345 round trip, when taxes and fees are added in."

Still Traveling: "As I trudged through the rain recently, a friend diverted me from cold, wet thoughts with news that she was planning a trip to Aruba in a few weeks. I’ve never been to this small island just off the coast of South America, but the idea of white beach sand and warm Caribbean breezes were enough to push soaked clothes and flash flood warnings to the recesses of my mind – at least temporarily."

Martinique Named Top Caribbean Destination for Delectable Dining by Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine: "Martinique’s status as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” was confirmed recently in a Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine survey asking readers to name their favorite Caribbean destination for delectable dining. Martinique garnered 43.3% of the 807 votes cast over the one-month survey period, besting the likes of St. Martin (28.87%), Puerto Rico (14.13%) and Barbados (13.63%).

Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA, commented on the survey results, stating: “Caribbean Travel + Life readers are certainly among the most knowledgeable when it comes to the best that our region has to offer, so it’s especially gratifying to be recognized by them in this way.”"

Many Travel to Dominica for Yoga Retreats: "The exotic island of Dominica (www.dominica.dm) is heralded as a go-to spot by spiritual retreat enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. The Caribbean island, adjacent to St. Lucia and Barbados, offers a balance of adventurous and relaxing activities. Dominica Web site marketing executive, Samantha Smith, relates that yoga retreats has been a big reason for vacationers to visit along with the many other attractions Dominica has to offer.

Yoga retreats has been a popular enterprise with spiritual enthusiasts for some time, but recently has gained 'mainstream' traction, and Dominica is known to be a great setting for a retreat. 'People seek yoga retreats for many reasons,' states Smith. 'Retreat activities taking place in Dominica involve yoga exercises, organic foods, natural hot springs, spas, and massages. People stumble upon our site and realize Dominica serves as host to these kinds of activities, and become more …

Mail Online: "Tomorrow British Airways starts twice-weekly flights from Gatwick to Punta Cana, at the eastern end of the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean country has long been served by charter flights, but BA's new service will be the first direct scheduled service there from the UK - although flights do stop off briefly in Antigua both ways. Fares start at £644 return, though packages will be far better value. For more details see www.ba. com/dominicanrepublic."

Get a taste of the real Caribbean in Grenada: "Grenada may not attract the hordes of tourists that the likes of St Lucia and Jamaica do when it comes to Caribbean holidays - but this little destination has plenty to offer those who do visit the region.

Comprising one large island and two smaller ones, Grenada is tucked away in the south-east Caribbean and boasts unspoilt and secluded white sand beaches, a number of national parks and some beautiful scenery in the form of jagged mountains and wildly gorgeous waterfalls."

Sunday Mercury: "AS I waited, the tree canopy spread below like a lush green cloud, my legs dipped.

This was my one moment of dread in a dreadlock holiday that ticked all the boxes: beautiful hotels, stunning beaches, sunshine and gourmet food.

If it gets any better than Antigua, jewel in the powder blue waters that surround the string of Caribbean, I’d be very surprised.

This is a destination where breakfast at the Beach Club, part of the luxurious St James complex, is shared with hummingbirds who sip nectar from the exotic plants only feet from the tables."