We were recently asked to participate in a national “Battle of the Travel Bloggers” by the fine folks over at the Kiwi Collection.
This not only gives us our first national exposure, but also rewards us with a nice travel prize if we can deliver the most traffic to our article within a 24 hour period.
Therefore, please share in our excitement by clicking this link to read our article.
By doing so, your can read our photo essay on the Jade Mountain Resort, and Kiwi Collection will count your visit as a vote for us in the Battle of the Travel Bloggers.
Thank you for your support of The Roaming Boomers, and we look forward to bringing you valuable luxury travel information for decades to come.
Caneel Bay Resort, St. John, US Virgin Islands – This second stop on our 25th wedding anniversary Caribbean tour has been one of our favorite resorts for many years.
Quite a number of years ago, when our former business in Michigan began to taste success, we booked an unforgettable stay at the Caneel Bay Resort on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort is set on its own private peninsula amid 170 acres in Virgin Islands National Park, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Laurance S. Rockefeller “discovered” Caneel Bay in 1952 while sailing in the Caribbean. In 1955, Rockefeller began developing an infrastructure on the island to provide the resort with power, fresh water and roads. Caneel Bay opened in 1956 as a wholly original and ecologically sensitive resort. In 1993, Caneel Bay became a Rosewood resort, and in 2006, Caneel Bay celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
We spent 4 unforgettable nights at Caneel Bay, and here are the things that we remember most:
Our beachfront room sat right on Scott’s Beach, and we were literally 50 paces to the ocean from our back patio. It was very, very quiet, and much like having our own bungalow right on the ocean. Amazing!
Because of its location inside the 5,000 acre US Virgin Island National Park, there was abundant wildlife everywhere. Wild donkeys visited our location each day, and iguana and small deer were also ever present.
The 1950s styling in the rooms was a hoot. Everything was brand new, but styled in the 1950s. The Big Ben clock reminded me of my grandmother’s bedroom clock.
I don’t know how to begin to describe the incredible beach that lay outside our back patio. The water was crystal clear, the sand was the whitest of whites, and the brilliant turquoise, azure, and deep blue colors were absolutely mesmerizing. We spent every waking hour sitting under a shade tree reading a book, swinging in the hammock, snorkeling, or simply bobbing in the ocean.
The snorkeling was amazing. We saw scores of sea turtles, stingray, and brilliant colored fish. Furthermore, the coral teaming with these colorful fish was blazing and brilliant to see.
Scott’s Beach was adults only. Therefore it was oh so very quiet.
Without a television to lure us into staring submission, we found ourselves talking more, enjoying our books, and simply enjoying peace and quiet. Frankly, I had kind of forgotten what quiet was.
Our dinner at The Equator, high atop 18th-century sugar mill ruins.
Our half-day walk around the 170-acre former Rockefeller estate.
When the sun would go down, the rain forest came alive with the sounds of birds, frogs, and fauna completely unfamiliar to our ears.
Enjoying fresh fish from the ocean each day.
After our second stay at Caneel Bay, it remarkably holds an even greater grip on our hearts. Caneel Bay is certain to remain one of our favorite places in the world, and we are already pondering when we might go back again.
A friend asked me the other day where I would go if I could only visit one of our many visited resorts. Without hesitation, Caneel Bay poured from my heart and through my lips.
Caneel Bay is simply that special, and a place you should attempt to visit at least once in your life.
Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – When we were contemplating where to travel for our 25th wedding anniversary tour of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands were at the top of our list. The US Virgin Islands, and specifically St. John, and St. Thomas, were on the list because of the special place they hold in our hearts from earlier romantic journeys.
As we began to study lodging options for St. Thomas, it became abundantly clear that the resort to visit was the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas on the eastern side of the island.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has graced the Travel & Leisure Top 500 List, features 180 guest rooms and suites (each with a private balcony or terrace), and sits aloft with easy resort access to the splendid beaches of Great Bay and Coconut Cove.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas also features The Ritz-Carlton Spa, has its own 53 foot catamaran (The Lady Lynsey) for popular snorkel and sailing excursions, tennis courts, every imaginable water sport at their private beaches, is within 15 minutes of The Mahogany Run Golf Course (the islands only 18-hole professional golf course), as well as four exceptional dining establishments.
We spent four wonderful nights at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, and the things that really stick out in our minds are:
The beautiful setting with the lights of St. John twinkling in the night across the channel.
We spent 2 1/2 days luxuriating at the large infinity pool. The pool waitstaff were available to adjust your umbrella, bring you some rum punch, or simply pamper you.
Walking on the beach at night, enjoying the ocean breeze in the glow of a full moon.
Our evening dinning at Bluewater, the Ritz-Carlton’s fine dining restaurant. This was easily one of the top ten meals of our lives, and Head Chef David Benjamin (Chef Benji) was frequently stopping by our table to enjoy the worthy praise that continually flowed from our lips as we sampled his 8-course chef’s menu. Chef Benji is also the team captain for the Virgin Island Culinary Team and is leading other Caribbean chefs to hopeful gold in the upcoming Taste of the Caribbean Competition.
Our couple’s massage in an ocean-side cabana.
We look back with fond memories of the staff, and their dedication to our relaxation and enjoyment of this beautiful resort.
Let me be clear, if you are planning a stay on the island of St. Thomas, and are looking for a resort completely dedicated to pampering you in luxury, fine foods, and dramatic Caribbean vistas, then the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas must be your only consideration.
Disclosure: a portion of this wonderful experience was provided by the fine folks at Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Thank you!
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On our recent 25th wedding anniversary tour of the Caribbean’s most romantic resorts, we overheard a distraught lady bemoaning the fact that the airport security agents had taken most of her toiletries.
She had mistakenly thought that the 3-1-1 protocol for transporting carry-on liquids was discontinued.
As a reminder, here’s the deal:
3 ounce or smaller containers for liquids or gels.
1 quart-sized clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers.
1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin.
I will soon be doing a product review of a company called 3floz.com that might be a help to travelers.
Every Thursday XONA takes the forecasted high temperature for the day, cuts it in half, and that’s the room rate for a 1-bedroom King Suite. If the forecasted high is 100 degrees, room rate is $50 + tax for each night of stay.
Package price: $109 per night includes a 1-bedroom King Suite and golf for one player at the nearby TPC Champions Course. A second golfer may be added at a reduced rate.
Offer valid: through 9/26/10, book through 9/24/10
Hotel Valley Ho is offering a special package just for summer. The $555 No Surprise Package represents a 35% discount and offers the perfect opportunity to stay and play at Scottsdale’s downtown resort.
The package includes:
Two nights in a Signature Guest Room
Two drinks upon arrival to start your visit in style
Your choice of any two 60-minute spa treatments
A three-course prix-fixe dinner for two at Trader Vic’s
Breakfast for two at ZuZu both mornings of your stay
Extend the Weekend: For $50, delay your departure until 5:00 p.m., based on availability.
Package Price: $555
Offer Valid: June 1 – September 6, 2010
All taxes and gratuities included. Package meals do not include alcohol. You must notify Trader Vic’s of the $555 package when seated. Advance reservations are required for spa treatments and meals. Certain restrictions apply. Book now; this offer is subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers. To book this package, call 480.248.2000 or 866.882.4484 and ask for the “No Surprise Package”.
4th Night On Us
Reserve a 3-night stay at Hotel Valley Ho, and the 4th night is on us!
Package Price:
Offer Valid: for stays through December 31, 2010. This offer is subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
To book this special now, call 480.248.2000 or 866.882.4484 and ask for the “Stay Three / Four Free” offer”.
Stay and play at the Inn at Eagle Mountain and Eagle Mountain Golf Club and get one night accommodations, one round of golf and breakfast per person.
*Dates / Rooms
Mon – Thur
Fri – Sun
07/01/10 – 09/30/10
$75.00
$85.00
10/15/10 – 12/31/10
$145.00
$160.00
* Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Tax and Gratuity not included. All rates include breakfast. Will receive a coupon for each person playing golf, valid for $10 towards their meal. Upgrades available to Luxury and Premier Suites for $40.00.
Deluxe Guestroom (50% off second room), welcome arrival drink and family photo, free breakfast for up to 2 adults an d 3 kids, free dinner for kids with each paying adult, free Camp Hyatt for kids, 25% off services at Spa Avania, kids play free golf when playing with a paying adult, 10% discount on adventure experiences through Green Zebra Adventure Center, pets can come for just $25 per visit, daily drawing for a Green Zebra Desert Tomcar Adventure for two.
Package Price: from $165 per room, per night. Room tax, gratuities and resort fee not included.
Offer valid: through September 12, 2010
Resort details and activities – 2.5 acre water playground, complete with 10 pools, sand beach and three-story waterslide, pool kayaking, Native American Adventure Games, Nighttime Fish Safaris, Water Jousting, Big Ball Aqua Water Volleyball and Saturday Night Dive- in Movies.
This outstanding deal includes a two-room suite, complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception; live steel drum music poolside Friday and Saturday evenings; poolside room service; complimentary individual airport transportation 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and in-room wired/wireless Internet. Children 17 and under are free in same room with adult or guardian.
Package Price: $ 99.00 Single/Double* OR $109.00 Single/Double* including a $50.00 Food & Beverage Credit per day (restrictions apply) (Maximum $150.00 Food & Beverage per stay at our 4th Floor Grille & Sports Bar)
Offer valid: May 28 – September 12, 2010
*Subject to availability; Restrictions may apply. Reservations: (480)949-1414/ 1-800-528-1456 or
click on ‘Promotions’ tab on our website Reservations page!
Retreat to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa over a holiday weekend this summer and receive a complimentary night. Stay two nights over Labor Day weekend and receive a third night free!
Must stay two nights to receive the third night complimentary. Offer is valid on Best Available Rate. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply.
Package Price: rates start at $135 after complimentary night is applied
Offer Valid: August 29 – September 9, 2010.
Save up to 25% with Savor Summer!
Savor the Summer and cool off with decadent dining, relaxing spa treatments and cool cocktails! It’s what summer’s all about, so spend it at Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
$25 Resort Credit
Complimentary Room Upgrade
Package Price: Rates starting from $149
Offer valid: June 1 – September 18, 2010
Promotions based on Best Available Rate cannot be combined with any other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Enjoy a special getaway with the family or just yourself with this incredible end-of-summer value package! Free Massage with a 2 night stay! 3-day, 2 night package includes:
Guest Room Accommodations
Free Continental Breakfast
$25 Restaurant/Bar credit
One custom massage in the Eurasia Spa plus 30% discount on additional services
Free access to private Athletic Club with 11 tennis courts, 2 levels of fitness studios and free fitness classes
Package price: starts at $199
Package rates per room type are as follows:
Guestroom package – $199 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
Suite package – $249 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
One-bedroom Villa package – $299 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
Offer Valid: Package available August 1st , 2010 – September 15 , 2010
All packages are subject to availability, exclude taxes and gratuities. Rates are per room, not per person (no additional charge for solo travelers). For more information, visit www.scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com, call toll-free 866-733-9564 or e-mail info@scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com. Reference “Summer Rejuvenation Package” package.
Enjoy overnight accommodations in a newly renovated suite room, self-parking, breakfast for two and a $75 dinner voucher to Marcella’s Italian Kitchen. A bustling Italian cafe, the food is real Italian, simple and uncomplicated. The atmosphere is welcoming and the hospitality genuine. You’ll find great wines and handcrafted cocktails that will perfectly complement both your love of food and your love of life.
Where can you say goodbye to summer in style? Jet set to W Scottsdale for an exciting three-day, holiday weekend and gain insider access to its new exclusive summertime escape – Bungalow. Stay & Play Holiday package at W Scottsdale includes:
Insider access to Bungalow – a cool new poolside, indoor/outdoor escape outfitted with contemporary lounge furnishings, a flat-screen TV, specialty frozen treats, a selection of popular magazines, some much-needed SPF and more
Experience this unique desert hideaway in the Sonoran Desert Foothills with this exciting “Best of The Boulders” package. Priced from just $149 per night, you’ll enjoy nightly accommodations, daily breakfast, valet parking, access to the Golden Door Spa fitness facilities and classes, high-speed internet access, service personnel gratuities, and 30% off Spa Services at The Golden Door Spa. The Best of The Boulders Package includes:
Breakfast – A daily $15 per adult breakfast credit to be utilized at Palo Verde, The Bakery, The Spa Café, Bogey’s or In Room Dinning
Parking – Complimentary valet or self parking
30% off Spa Service – Enjoy a 30% off spa treatments at the world renowned Golden
Door Spa (discount not valid on salon services)
Fitness Facilities and Classes – Access to the Golden Door Spa fitness facilities and unlimited fitness classes
Inclusive of Resort Fee – Includes service personnel gratuities, transportation throughout the resort, in-room high speed internet, and daily newspaper
Includes a deluxe resort room (1 king or 2 double beds), breakfast for 2 in Zambra Grille, Two signature Melograno cocktails and a two Starbucks beverages of your choice.
Package Price: Weekends only $109 plus tax
Offer valid: through September 5, 2010. $209 after September 5 through December 31, 2010 (weekends only)
A limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions may apply. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations.
“Labor Day Splash Bash at Carefree Resort & Conference Center”
Join us at Carefree Resort & Conference Center for our Labor Day Splash Bash! Stay with us Friday 9/3/10 and Saturday 9/4/10 rates starting at $79.00 per night and you can stay Sunday 9/5/10 for $ 39.00. ($39.00 rate only valid with the Friday and Saturday night stay “Labor” Promo code rooms only)
Live entertainment in our Red Horse Saloon Friday night from 7p – 1a
Saturday Stay Cool at the Pool with the hottest local DJ spinning your favorite hits – from 11am-5 pm
Saturday’s entertainment begins at 5 with a live band and A Spectacular selection of our Chef’ creations available for a $24.95 per person.
Sleep in Sunday till 11:00 when the DJ will wake you with a mix of vacation music and a hot dog hamburger buffet at $12.95 per person.
Enjoy a Labor Day Weekend Getaway to The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with great rates, a $50 credit and 20 percent off food and beverage and an entire weekend of Family FUN!
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa located in the heart of “new” Scottsdale, is the number one Resort in the Valley for family travel. With the Chief FUN Officer at the helm of the “Family FUN Program,” and summer rates starting from $169 a night, guests will explore endless possibilities for a memorable family getaway. Upon arrival to the Resort, guests can pre-purchase a Food & Beverage Credit in increments of $100 to use throughout the Resort – including the pool – and save 20 percent!
Stay on The Westin Kierland’s Summer rates and enjoy:
Rates starting from $169 + tax
Includes $50 Resort credit
Valid through September 12th, 2010. Based on availability.
“Epicurean Experience” card* can be purchased at front desk upon arrival. Choose the amount, for example pay $80, get a $100 card, pay $160, get $200 and so on!
Visit www.ilovekierlandresort.com for details or call 480-624-1202 and ask for rate plan SUMMER. Rates based upon availability and subject to change.
Guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary activities offered during their stay, including: guided hikes to Pinnacle Peak Park, stargazing every Friday night, tequila and wine tasting, chocolate tasting with the pastry chef, access to the full-service Fitness Center, Kids for All Seasons comprehensive children’s program, and poolside cabanas and passed hourly amenities. Package includes $65 breakfast credit for two, including tax and gratuity and luxurious casita guest room accommodations.
$75 per room, per night Resort credit that may be used at the Resort’s Ahnala Mesquite Room & Lounge, Poolside Cafe, In-room dining or Spa & Salon services at Amethyst Spa and is NOT valid at any of the casino or golf venues
Check-ins on Friday receive complimentary Poolside BBQ up to 4 people per room from 5-9p (includes soft drink)
$20 gas voucher per room to be used for gas or purchases at Baja Chevron (across from resort
Dive-in Movies on Friday and Saturday evenings
Saturday Family entertainment Poolside such as airbrush tattoos and DJ
Kids 12 and under eat 99¢ breakfast when accompanied by an adult (up to 4 per room)
Complimentary membership in Fort McDowell Casino’s Fortune Club which includes $15 per person in casino slot play for new members plus $5 additional for each day of your stay. Existing members receive $5 per day in slot play
Reserved guests receive discounted championship Golf at We Ko Pa Golf Club. Contact the concierge directly for seasonal rate at (480) 789-5377
20% off Spa and Salon Services (excludes promotional offers)
Deluxe accommodations featuring our exclusive Sleep Number Bed guestroom (based on availability). This allows you to set your bed to our own perfect level of comfort
Instructions: Not valid for groups. Rate is subject to availability through September 6, 2010 and can not be combined with any other offer. Taxes and Resort fee additional. Resort credit has no cash value and must be used during current stay and is NOT valid at any of the casino or golf venues. Resort credit may not be used for anything that is not specifically listed in the description. Must be 21 years of age or older. Activities may not be substituted.
Go check it out, and book yourself a nice weekend of pampered luxury at discounted prices.
The Roaming Boomers
We were recently asked to participate in a national “Battle of the Travel Bloggers” by the fine folks over at the Kiwi Collection.
