Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Nation’s Only Underwater Hotel, Reopens In Key Largo

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Nation’s Only Underwater Hotel, Reopens in Key Largo

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the United States’ only submerged recreational hotel, is to reopen to overnight divers Friday, Dec. 1.

The famed lodge, located at Key Largo Undersea Park, sustained no damage when Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys Sept. 10. At the park, however, the Category 4 storm damaged a property generator, gift shop, office and above-ground rooms, temporarily discolored its Emerald Lagoon and scattered debris from downed tree limbs and foliage.

The lagoon reopened to divers and snorkelers in early November after an extensive cleanup.

“The excitement of having our first guests back after Irma is that we can again offer the public the technology of undersea living and what is required to sustain it,” said Teresa McKinna, vice president and chief financial officer. “People are interested in the science of it all.”

The lodge, whose entrance is 21 feet beneath the surface, has two bedrooms, a shower and head, and can comfortably host a maximum of six scuba-certified guests. Divers deliver supplies such as linens through an underwater opening called a moon pool.

A dockside compressor pushes scrubbed and filtered air into the lodge. Land-based dive operators closely monitor the air and safety of underwater guests during activities such as venturing out for a dive.

Guests can order fresh local pizza in an original box or choose gourmet meal options of filet and Florida lobster, baked potato, roll and homemade Key lime pie. Food is delivered in a weighted waterproof case.

The facility has hosted more than 10,000 overnight guests including Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, actor Tim Allen and two rock stars: Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and Phish drummer Jon Fishman.

A Tennessee college professor and instructor stayed in the lodge for a record-breaking 73 days in 2014 during a “Classroom Under the Sea” underwater living mission. The stay is cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “longest time spent living in an underwater fixed habitat.”

Jules’ overnight experience also offers what the lodge bills as the world’s only Recreational Aquanaut specialty scuba diving recognition. Its MarineLab educational programs teach about 5,000 students each year.

The lodge initially was the bright orange La Chalupa research laboratory, one of the most technologically advanced habitats of its kind. It conducted sea floor studies and saturation dive currents. First based in Vieques, Puerto Rico, La Chalupa was immersed in 100 feet of water, then moved to Miami and later to Key Largo to the park’s lagoon.

The lodge’s current name was inspired by novelist Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Opened in 1986, it celebrated 30 years underwater in November 2016.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge is located at Key Largo Undersea Park, 51 Shoreland Drive.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge information: jul.com

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

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Royal Caribbean Only Cruise Line With A Full Range Of PADI Scuba Diving Education Programs And Onboard PADI Five-Star Dive Centers

Only Cruise Line with a Full Range of PADI Scuba Diving Education Programs and Onboard PADI Five-Star Dive Centers Royal Caribbean International is now the only cruise line in the world with onboard PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) Five Star Dive Centers, which allows guests to become certified scuba divers as part of their vacation. Adventure seekers can dive in, exploring hundreds of storied shipwrecks in destinations like St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands, and some of the most vibrant and renowned coral reefs across the Caribbean, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.                   “For the past 16 years Royal Caribbean has worked closely with PADI to develop our onboard dive program,” said Roberta Jacoby, managing director, Global Tour Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “No other cruise line offers the opportunity for guests to become PADI certified scuba divers as part of the cruise, making it an ultimate dive trip as well. When guests sign up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course, they receive first-rate training and diver certification, performing their own scuba dives amidst the beautiful and serene waters of multiple Caribbean destinations and the South Pacific.”                   Royal Caribbean’s partnership with PADI opens up a vast underwater world for guests. Whether a newbie or experienced diver, Royal Caribbean offers a range of programs from a 30-minute Try Dive program, for those just wanting to get their feet wet, to PADI’s Reactivate™ Program for certified divers wanting a refresher; prices starting at $29 and $59 per person, respectively. Those seeking the ultimate scuba dive vacation can enroll in PADI’s Open Water Diver course to earn their complete scuba diving certification, starting at $599 per person. The premiere scuba course begins at home with the online course using either the PADI Touch™ app for mobile devices or PADI eLearning® online for desktop and laptop computers, leaving more time for the fun of scuba diving while on vacation. Once on the high seas, divers will test the waters in the ship’s pool before heading out to complete the four mandatory, open-water training dives in some of the world’s most spectacular underwater surroundings. The training dives will be split among two different ports of call, allowing for maximum sightseeing in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean or South Pacific. Upon returning home, guests will be certified scuba divers able to plan and execute dives on their own and have the stories to share about the aquatic world they’ve recently discovered.                   Guests looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the ocean and wonder of marine life can book their PADI course before boarding through the Cruise Planner, or while on board at one of the Royal Caribbean-exclusive PADI Five Star Dive Centers found on 10 ships across the fleet, including Oasis-, Freedom- and Voyager-class ships, as well as Quantum-class’ Anthem of the Seas. PADI is the world’s most respected and recognized organization in recreational scuba diver training and certification.                   Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean, including jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.                   The cruise line sails 25 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.  For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, Reopening September 1st

by Lana Bogunovich, www.vacationsmag.com

One of Fiji’s most renowned luxury resort destinations, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, is all set to welcome guests when it reopens on 1st September, following months of extensive renovations.

Located near the small town of Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu, the resort suffered severe damage after it was struck by category five Tropical Cyclone Winston, which unleashed its fury on Fiji 20 February.

Furthermore, almost every home of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s 180 staff members was damaged, and the owners and management team partnered with charitable organisations to internally raise funds, as well as provide food and water to its staff members, and continued on to raise a significant amount of money to further aid cyclone victims in the weeks that followed.

The resort remained closed for more than six months while it helped its staff and community get back on their feet before undertaking its own restoration.

“Our area was very badly affected by the cyclone and it was our first priority to ensure our staff and their families in the local community were safe and taken care of before we commenced work on the resort,” Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort representative Edoardo Rossi says.

Today, the newly restored and renovated resort is gleaming, and its loyal staff members are buzzing with excitement as they look forward to welcoming guests for the first time since the cyclone struck, in just under three weeks.

“We have chosen to see the silver lining here and take this as an opportunity to completely renovate the resort, and change everything, from the colour scheme, to the landscaping in the gardens, and we are now back and better than ever before,” Mr Rossi says.

Along with many new features such as improved WiFi, a new spa, furnishings, colour scheme and much more, the resort has a brand new look and feel.

“Almost everything is completely new, except the staff, so you know you can expect the same warm service and hospitality Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is known for.”

Nestled right on the peninsula of Savusavu Bay on 17 acres of former coconut plantation, the resort is surrounded by swaying palm trees, and overlooks pristine turquoise waters with a stunning mountain backdrop, boasting one of the most beautiful settings in Fiji.

Ensuring the ultimate secluded luxury escape, the resort has separate dining, accommodation and relaxation areas for families and couples, so each can enjoy their time without impacting the other.

The resort’s 25 beautifully appointed bures feature deluxe king-sized beds, spacious bathrooms, and private decks overlooking either the oceanfront or lush gardens. Perfectly designed for both couples and families, each bure offers privacy and seclusion. There are seven accommodation types to choose from, including two-bedroom bures, split-level bures, and the presidential villa, complete with master suite with sunken tub and Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor showers, its own private infinity pool, and much more.

There is an abundance of opportunity for activities, adventure and exploration, from the resort’s very own private island, one of the best kids clubs in Fiji, snorkelling stunning coral reefs, incredible dining and spa experiences, and a full service dive program at the Cousteau Dive Centre.

Moreover, nature lovers and marine enthusiasts will be particularly thrilled to know that Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is the only resort in Fiji with its very own Marine Biologist and Naturalist, Johnny Singh, who is passionate about sharing his knowledge with guests in fun and interactive ways.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a proud member of Virtuoso, the travel industry’s leading luxury network. When you book through a Virtuoso advisor, you maximise the value of your travel experience by having access to exclusive features and benefits.

fijiresort.com
virtuoso.com

This August Witness Rare Coral Spawning At Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia

Anse Chastanet’s Experts Predict 2016 Coral Spawning
to Take Place From 24th – 26th August

April 2016…// Anse Chastanet, St Lucia, is pleased to announce dates for this year’s annual coral spawning: 24th – 26th August. One of nature’s most spectacular and rare performances, only a handful of people worldwide see this phenomenon in their lifetime. Guests at Anse Chastanet, St Lucia, are lucky enough to witness this marvel annually as the natural wonder occurs right off the beaches of this characteristic resort.

Each year, Anse Chastanet’s scuba diving team, Scuba St Lucia, incredibly and accurately predicts the night spawning and prepares to take novice and experienced divers and snorkelers to observe the remarkable phenomenon which turns the seas yellow and pink with upwards moving “snowfall”. 

Accompanied at night by Anse Chastanet’s skilled in-house scuba staff, divers and snorkelers will be able to witness the mezmerizing fertilization process of both coral and various other reef inhabitants.

What is coral spawning and why is this so rare?

First discovered in the 1980s at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this annual mass reproduction phenomenon is now known to be critical to coral reef – and our own ecosystem’s - survival. Tropical coral reefs, although out of sight, are essential to our world-wide food chains.

Each year, coral release millions of packets of egg and sperm cells that appear as massive underwater clouds of white and pink upward moving “snowfall”.  After they drift to the surface for fertilisation, the sea will be partially covered by the slicks of coral larvae before they settle to the bottom destined to build the next generation of these vital ocean organisms.

While much of the coral spawning process remains a mystery, scientists from all over the world study these miraculous events, and now know that the ideal time for the release of the reproductive cells is a week or so after a full August moon. It happens an hour or two after sunset with the cover of darkness increasing the chances of larvae survival by overwhelming fish predators.

How is Anse Chastanet conserving and preserving this rare phenomenon?

This spawning phase of reproduction is now known to be a weak link to world-wide coral reef survival as it can only happen when conditions are just right; it is the phase most sensitive to human activity, non-point source pollution, and climate change.

As the world’s coral reefs are being decimated by the effects of global warming, this unique reproductive process takes on even further significance. Thankfully, Anse Chastanet has made a conscious effort for nearly 20 years to protect the reef from harm due to it exemplary and progressive sustainable designs and architecture; by minimizing impervious surfaces, keeping shorelines green and stable, and completely preventing runoff from entering the water – Anse Chastanet successfully preserves this wonder for future generations. 

Watch Anse Chastanet’s coral spawning video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZQ1KerxYPg

Seven night dive packages at Anse Chastanet for August start at US $2,389 per person on a double occupancy basis where both guests are diving. Rate includes full-board, airport transfers, 12 beach or boat dives, dive equipment and non-motorized water sports. Marine park fee of US $17 is to be paid locally. See more at: www.scubastlucia.com

Nightly rates at Anse Chastanet start from $375 per room based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT.  http://www.ansechastanet.com

To book or receive more information visit www.scubastlucia.com www.ansechastanet.com or call 1-800-223-1108 or email scuba@ansechastanet.com

 

About Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia

Anse Chastanet sits quietly in an idyllic spot on St Lucia’s south western coast close to the awe inspiring Piton Mountains. The resort comprises of 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 which are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. Local woods and other local products are in integral part of the design of the rooms. Anse Chastanet is home to St Lucia’s only Vegetarian restaurant as well as fine-dining option The Treehouse Restaurant. A number of fantastic treatments are available at The Kai Belté Spa and activities including a large variety of watersports are all on offer too.

Winter Is Here, And So Are Great New Flights To Bonaire

Delta and United among Airlines expanding non-stop air service to this tropical island paradise, home of the Caribbean’s premier luxury dive and beach resort

Temperatures may be falling in much of the United States, but the number of flights to the tropical island paradise of Bonaire is soaring. Starting in December, Delta and United are adding non-stop flights from cities including Atlanta, New York and Houston, making it even easier to escape to Harbour Village Beach Club, the Caribbean’s premier luxury dive and beach resort.
Located on a four-acre private peninsula on this unspoiled island paradise, Harbour Village Beach Club has been voted Bonaire's Leading Hotel on behalf of the prestigious World Travel Awards for the past ten years.

The resort’s well-appointed private suites are nestled amid lush tropical gardens, just steps from its dazzling white-sand beach, and feature opulent décor and thoughtful details like secluded lanais and double hammocks. Guests can enjoy world-class amenities that include an onsite First Class 5 Star PADI Instructor Development Center offering onsite scuba certification and a variety of other classes taught by some of the world's top professional dive teachers, and dive sites just off the resort’s beach.

Newly announced, expanded air service to Bonaire includes:
• Delta is offering an additional non-stop flight to Bonaire from Atlanta as well as a return flight on Sundays beginning late December 2015.

The airline also will feature additional non-stop flights to Bonaire from Atlanta as well as return flights on Tuesdays. Specific dates apply. Tuesday flights are available late December 2015 and mid-February through late March 2016. 

• United Airlines now has an additional non-stop flight to Bonaire from Houston, as well as a return flight on Saturdays through Summer 2016. In addition, United will add a non-stop flight to Bonaire from Newark as well as a return flight on Sundays from late December 2015 to early January 2016.

Bonaire is designated as having the most pristine coral reef environment and most species of fish in the Caribbean by the NOAA and is consistently named Best Overall Dive Destination by Scuba Diving Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards. Due to the island’s leeward location outside of the hurricane belt, and its consistently pleasant climate, crystal-clear visibility prevails at any depth and gives an enthralling view of the undersea landscape. Dive sites just off Harbour Village's shore include the shipwreck of the 60-foot "Our Confidence," located just 50 yards out, while another popular dive site, "Something Special," is also a short swim away. The resort also offers florescence night diving, allowing guests to use special UV lights to see the astounding array of florescent colors emitted by underwater animals and corals. Divers can also participate in coral reef educational dives at Harbour Village, a founding member of the Coral Restoration Foundation in Bonaire. In addition to diving, Harbour Village’s concierge can help craft the perfect itinerary of island adventures. Explore natural wonders such as Bonaire's famed solar salt beds and one of the world's largest pink flamingo nesting grounds, or catch a glimpse of the island's rare Bonairean Lora Parrot. Or relax at the resort, lounging at the seaside pool, dozing in a hammock on the beach or taking to the waves with our complimentary paddle boards and kayaks.

For more information on Bonaire and Harbour Village Beach Club, visit the luxury hotel's website at http://www.harbourvillage.com/ or call 1-800-424-0004 for inquiries on the resort's luxury diving packages.