Divi Flamingo Resort and Casino on Bonaire

The Divi Flamingo Bonaire recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation.  Everything looks new and fresh from the exterior paint to the walkways to the gardens to the rooms to pools and more. The accommodations are fresh and bright with modern bathrooms.  Many have sea views and some are located on the water's edge. 

The main reason is most people travel to Bonaire is for the diving and Divi Resort is the perfect place to go diving.  They have several dive boats and everything a diver needs.  Dive boats go out several times a day with experienced dive masters and their dive shop has everything a diver needs. Don’t want to dive then consider snorkeling. There is great snorkeling in

front of the hotel where the reef is teaming with fish on from a dive boat. No need to bring your snorkeling equipment with you as they have equipment you can rent and there is some you can borrow – gratis – at the Flamingo Beach Bar for exploring the reef in front of the hotel.  Don’t dive or snorkel or just want to relax by the pool – no problem.  Divi has two pools.  The main pool has beautiful poolside cabanas that are curtained for additional privacy. Guests can also relax on the resorts terraced beaches with a sea view. Besides the cabanas there are also two-person canopied beach lounges. The main pool has underwater music. How cool is that?

There is excellent dining at the Divi three outlets. The Calaba Pier in front of the Beach Bar is the perfect place during Happy Hour to relax with a libation and watch the glorious sunset. Divi has a giant chess set, bocci ball, shuffleboard, an excellent spa, and a casino.  Tours to various attractions on the island can be arranged at the tour desk in the lobby. Divi Resort is located at the edge of the small capital city of Kralendijk making it easy for a walkabout tour of the colorful capital.  For more information log on to www.diviresorts.com or call toll free 800-367-3484. 

Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara is the perfect romantic escape

The small island of Aruba in the southern Caribbean Sea is only 18 miles from the north coast of Venezuela. With sandy beaches, cooling trade winds, and friendly people the island is dubbed “One Happy Island.” Aruba is considered one of the safest Caribbean destinations. 

One of Aruba's most romantic getaways is the intimate Bucuti &

Tara Beach Resorts, an all-adult, non-smoking luxury resort. It is perfect for guests who seek a tranquil and romantic beach vacation along with a focus on wellness and a relaxing ambiance. Pampering starts with sit-down check-in where staff offers guests a refreshing towel and a glass of champagne.

Their concierge will be happy to assist with booking a jeep safari tour of Aruba, nearby diving and sailing excursions, horseback riding, golf and so much more. Don’t be surprised if the owner greets you during your visit.  It is that kind of place – the owner takes pride in his property.  Bucuti is adjacent to the Alhambra Casino and a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. But why leave the resort?

Located on magnificent Eagle Beach there is a comfy sunbed for

everyone – no need to rush down in the early morning to claim a spot! Staff is available to serve you and often show up with a treat throughout the day. It is the perfect place to watch the glorious sunsets. There is also an infinity pool. In the evening enjoy free movies under the stars – life is good.  

As one would expect the accommodations are superb with free Wi-Fi, a patio or balcony, and many amenities including walk-in showers along with unique features such as dehumidifiers and air purifier. Start the day with an extensive complimentary buffet breakfast with eggs cooked to order. Dine inside or, better yet,

on the oceanfront deck.  Dinner at the oceanfront Elements Restaurant is an affair to remember with menu options that include Organic/Natural, Vegetarian/Vegan, Gluten-Free and World Cuisine. The ultimate in luxury and romance is a candlelit dinner on the beach in a private palapa. 

Bucuti is a place to relax but there is a fitness center and spa. The best recommendation is grab a book from their lending library and head to the beach.  The beach is what it is all about. For more information check www.bucuti.com.

The Holiday Inn in Aruba is a great choice

There a many hotels and condos to choose from when visiting Aruba but you can’t go wrong when booking a stay at the Holiday Inn Aruba. Perfect for couples and families. The hotel has been completely remodeled with a lobby that offers a view to the sea and rooms that have a bright, fresh look.  The beach is wonderful with

plenty of palapas on one of the longest beaches in Aruba. They can be reserved after 4 pm for the following day.  There are three pools one of which is designated for children. Take note of the lounge island in the middle of one of the pools. 

The newly redecorated, air conditioned rooms offer a choice of bed configurations and sport a balcony. Guests can expect all the usual amenities such as cable TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron and, the best of all, complimentary Wi-Fi.  There are no complimentary bottles of water because the water in Aruba is safe to drink.  

There are several dining options which have all be upgraded with

new offerings.  Choose between a casual lunch at the Oceanside Bar and Grill or dinner and the ocean side Sea Breeze Restaurant. Of course, fresh fish is the order of the day. In the evening listen to the haunting sounds of the solo saxophone, trumpet or clarinet player while dining.  Several times a week there is a special beachside dinner featuring a Mardi Gras or Circus theme. 

There are a variety of beach/water activities from yoga to volleyball to bingo. Nearby there is a sports rental company for those who want to take a sunset cruise or rent some fun-in-the-sun equipment.  Families will appreciate the children’s activity center with various supervised free activities throughout the day. Babysitting is available. There is an onsite casino for those who are feeling lucky.

IGH hotels take good care of those who are members of their

loyalty program. Elite members can expect a free room upgrade, morning paper and first choice on a palapa while gaining more points for future stays. Nice touch. All this plus the Holiday Inn is one of the more reasonable ocean front accommodations. For more information check www.holidayarubaresort.com or www.ihg.com. 

Sunset Beach Studio in Aruba

Sunset Beach Studios is an excellent place to get away from it all. Located just steps from the ocean the studio-style accommodations are set is a tropical garden with a lovely salt water pool and Jacuzzi. Several of the 13 studio accommodations have a view to the ocean perfect for watching the glorious sunsets. And, best of all the cost is reasonable and the staff is Aruba-friendly ready to help with whatever is needed.

All accommodations have air-conditioning with a kitchen that includes a refrigerator, hot plate, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and all necessary cooking utensils.  There are also two charcoal broilers for guests to use.  There is a Super Food store a short distance away where there is everything one might need for any and all meals.  Of course, there are plenty of restaurants and fast food places like Wendy’s and KFC. Daily maid service is provided except on Sunday afternoon. 

There is no end to the fun things to do. There is something to please

everyone from shopping to snorkeling to wind surfing and all

manner of day trips that the staff can arrange. Or, just lounge around the pool or walk along the ocean. A rental car is handy but there are non-metered taxis and the bus can be picked up right outside the hotel.

The staff and owners are excellent resources for things to see and do. They have a wonderful lending library and snorkel equipment for rent. For more information log on to www.arubasunsetbeach.com or call toll free, 800-813-6540. 

A great find in the colonial center of Santo Domingo

Make the Hotel Atarazana your home when in Santo Domingo.The Hotel Atarazana is a boutique hotel that was once a private home located in the colonial center of Santa Domingo. It is only a short walk to all the places most people wanted to visit. The owners, Susanne and her husband, along with the entire staff are very helpful and have a good relationship with a driver who can transport visitors to wherever they want to go.

The main lobby and accommodations sport a contemporary,

minimalist ambiance. There is a lobby bar with plenty of seating for meeting with friends and family. All six of the non-smoking, airy, rooms have individually controlled air-conditioners which is complimented with a ceiling fan.  There is cable TV, complimentary wireless access, and breakfast is included.  Breakfast is served in a lovely little garden with a waterfall and a garden pool.

The best place in the evening is on the roof with a panoramic view of the colonial area. There are café tables, chairs and large lounging couches.  Consider buying a take-out dinner from one of the local restaurant and eat on the roof patio. It is a great place to watch the sun set. For more information check www.hotel-atarazana.com,

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach

Looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort vacation?  Then check out Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach near La Romana in the Dominican Republic. Accommodations at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach are two-unit stone cabanas each with a porch.  It

is perfect but not necessarily fancy.  The resort is three-stars but as another guest said, “I’d give it another half star.” And, I would agree.   One of the nice things about an all-inclusive resort is everyone can do what they want.  There were a lot of activities including beach volleyball, dance lessons, water games, yoga classes and other activities posted on the event board by the pool. One of the unique aspects is the trapeze where there are instructions in the morning for the youngsters and later in the day for adults.  Not into participating in activities then just enjoy relaxing by the pool.

The resort is truly international with many guests from Europe and South America Day trips to a nearby island are popular but also there are also snorkeling and diving options.  The evening shows are fun and especially great is the one that features Dominican culture.  Dining at the resort is buffet style but, as is true of most resorts, they have fine dining by reservation. Check on the reservation policy when checking in. Check for special rates for off season or low season when the price is usually lower. The Wyndham Dominicus Beach is a great, affordable all-inclusive resort. For more information check Wyndham.com.

The Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is a favorite

The Karibe Hotel in Juvenat, a quiet neighborhood close to Port-au-Prince and Petion-Ville, Haiti is a well-established favorite.  The recently remodeled and upgraded property boasts a garden-like setting with green spaces and gardens. The pool is a favorite place to relax with family and friends, or just curl up with a good book after a refreshing swim.

Currently guests have a choice of accommodations ranging from a standard room to the Presidential Suite.  All are nicely decorated with all the amenities one expects from a high-end property including complimentary internet and breakfast. An airport shuttle service is available. The hotel will soon have 100 new accommodations. The hotel is also home to first-class conference facilities and is specialized in the holding of meetings, forums, exhibitions and conventions of every size and kind.

Besides the beautiful pool guests can keep fit in their gym, take part in a yoga class, play some tennis, or totally relax at their Botanki Spa where personal service is the norm. Enjoy dining in their restaurant overlooking the gardens featuring Creole-inspired fusion cuisine. There is a gift shop adjacent to the lobby and a business center is available for guests to use. The Karibe Hotel is an excellent choice for leisure or business. For more information check www.karibehotel.com and www.haititourisme.gouv.ht/.

Villa Nicole is a great boutique hotel in Jacmel, Haiti

One of the newest hotels in Jacmel, Villa Nicole, is located on Haiti’s beautiful Kabik Beach.  The family-owned boutique hotel opened in May of 2013. Jacmel is three hours from Port-au-Prince or 30 minutes from Jacmel airport. Enter Villa Nicole via the well-appointed lobby and enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail. 
The rooms are modern and comfortable, with private bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, and electricity plus accommodations are attractively appointed. Many rooms have a sliding glass door giving access to a private balcony overlooking the sea. Room sizes vary between standard double bed, queen size beds and king size. Breakfast and internet access are included in the reasonable rate. The staff is attentive and ready to be of help planning off-property activities.


Guests will enjoy the small, beautiful sand and pebble beach in the middle of a small bay that is protected by coral reefs at both ends of the bay. Or enjoy their pool and hot tub or curl up with a book in the cabana by the pool. And, it is not overrun by tourists. Jacmel, is also noted for its bright, unique handicrafts and for its family-friendly carnival. A favorite day trip is to the Blue Basin. For more information check www.villanicolejacmel.com and www.haititourisme.gouv.ht.

The Royal Oasis Hotel in Haiti is the perfect place to stay

The Royal Oasis Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is another great new hotel located in the modern, upscale neighborhood of Petion-Ville.  Guests enter a bright slick lobby that sets the tone for their stay. It is close to several embassies, international companies and art galleries.  The beautifully landscaped property has well-appointed accommodations with all the modern conveniences one comes to expect from a high-end property. Plus they provide free internet and complimentary airport transfer for those upgrading to Royal Club. 

The Royal Oasis boasts several boutiques, an art gallery, bank and four restaurants along with meeting rooms with other additions such as the pool and conventions center to open up in the near future.  The lovely alfresco Les Terrasses Restaurant offers a casual dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere while more formal dining

is available at the La Villa Restaurant that features a 1930s theme offering Haitian and fusion items. The accommodations are lovely, the setting is wonderful, the restaurants excellent and the staff ready to serve. It all adds up to a wonderful place to stay with excellent service whether for business or pleasure.  The Royal Oasis is part of the Occidental Hotel chain. For more information check www.occidentalhotels.com/city-hotel/occidental-royal-oasis and www.haititourisme.gouv.ht.

La Colline Enchantee is a great eco-hotel in Jacmel, Haiti

On a hill just outside the city of Jacmel is the lovely tranquil La Colline Enchantee. The six colorful bungalows with a thatched roof are large with a wide porch perfect for relaxing plus the alfresco shower is enchanting.  And, each accommodation and the restaurant have complimentary internet access. The hotel relies on solar power and all the furniture, fabrics, and decorations are handmade by local Haitian artisans. 

Breakfast is included but the alfresco restaurant is open for all

meals and serves a variety of options including Haitian favorites. Only the finest local ingredients are used. In the evening enjoy a quiet cocktail or a Prestige beer before dining. The staff and owners are eager to make every guests feel at home by trying to meet every request.  They will suggest and organize activities. 

The grounds are beautiful with many trees and flowers that attract a variety of birds and butterflies.  The lap pool is inviting making it the perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing and/or shopping in Jacmel. Jacmel is famous for its beaches and handicrafts. A favorite tourist spot is the Bassin Bleu. And, to be in Jacmel for their family-friendly Carnival is to experience the very best Jacmel has to offer – music, dancing, colorful costumes and excitement. For more information check http://collineenchantee.ht.

Relax at Cormier Beach near Cap-Haitien, Haiti

In the north of Haiti, not far from the city of Cap-Haitien, is the relaxing beach resort of Cormier Plage. The long-established, family-owned resort is situated on a sandy beach with accommodations surrounded by five-acres of beautiful flowers and trees.  Truly a lush, tropical paradise. And, it is the only beach resort on the North Coast. 

Accommodations are large with a/c, free internet and personalized service. Each accommodation has its own private patio/porch perfect for relaxing in the evening after a day of sightseeing and/or work. And, the reasonable room rates include breakfast and dinner in their large, alfresco restaurant noted for its seafood. Before dinner enjoy a relaxing cocktail or a cold Prestige, the Haitian beer of choice, at the sunset bar. 

The helpful staff can arrange excursions to Labadee, Cadrasse,

Amiga Island which is also known as Rat Island, the amazing Citadel built in the 1800s on a mountain top and to the petroglyphs carved in the rocks by the Taino Indians near Ste. Suzanne. Also, the hotel can arrange transportation to the airport only 10 minutes away. For more information check Cormierhaiti.com.

Club Indigo in Haiti has the longest beach

What was once the Club Med has reemerged as Club Indigo with more than 225 rooms located in several colorful buildings on the sandy beach of Haiti’s Arcadin Coast.  All accommodations are air conditioned with sea view and offer free WiFi. Typical of Club Med the rooms may seem small but in keeping with the Club Med philosophy that small rooms encourages people to get out and enjoy the beach and beautiful surroundings. 

The Club Indigo Resort offers several options for dining and drinking including some on the beach. The main dining room, Gargantua, is large and airy with lovely paintings along the beams and great sea views.  The large buffet features international selections along with Haitian Creole cuisine. The main bar, The Gibberish, is the place for your favorite libations and tapas. 

Club Indigo has the largest fresh water pool in Haiti with a special section for children. And, the beach is truly amazing and nearly a mile long with palm trees for shade and lounges for your leisure pleasure. Enjoy the view of the hills to the east, the picturesque boats, and the island of La Gonave.  The sunsets are spectacular. There are a variety of leisure sports facilities and staff who will arrange day trips to explore the culture and nature of the local area. A long-standing favorite is once again welcoming guests from around the world. For more information check Clubindigo.net and/or Tourisme.gouv.ht/en. 

Enjoy Kaliko Beach Club in Haiti

For a relaxing beach stay on the Arcadin Coast of Haiti stay at the Kaliko Beach Club located about one hour from Port-au-Prince. The resort is not so big that one feels overwhelmed but not so small that services are limited. Kaliko’s garden setting creates a feeling of tranquility perfect for any stay. In other words it is the perfect size.  The colorful resort reflects the Gingerbread architecture usually identified as typically Haitian Creole. 

Accommodations are in large, colorful bungalows with a choice of ocean or garden view or, better yet, a bungalow with direct access to the beach. All accommodations are spacious with air-condition, satellite TV, and free internet with their own private garden. The bungalows are ideal for families. 

Needless to say, guests can enjoy the beach, the large free-form pool, and a myriad of activities such as beach volleyball and beach soccer.  And, diving, fishing, sunset boat rides and other off-property activities can be arranged by the hotel staff.  By the way, the staff is one of the best trained in the area. 

Arriving guests will receive a welcoming cocktail.  There are two

bars conveniently located by the beach and the pool where many of the cocktails feature Haitian rum. Enjoy dining in Kaliko’s poolside restaurant which features international dishes along with Creole favorites.  In the evening have a relaxing meal while listening to the hotel musicians. Ah, life is good at Kaliko.