Travelore Tips: Sunny Destinations Unaffected By Irma #GoDomRep

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Eden Roc at Cap Cana - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Offering exclusive luxury in the Dominican Republic, Eden Roc at Cap Cana, the only Relais & Chateaux hotel on the island, features 34 freestanding suites with private pools and stunning views. The resort offers extravagant amenities such as a full service spa, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (Punta Espada) located nearby, private Beach Club, Koko Kids Club, five diverse culinary selections, and more. Read more now

Calala Island – Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua Calala Island, named one of "The 10 Best Private islands in the World," is nestled in the undiscovered part of the Caribbean, off the coast of Nicaragua. Experience barefoot luxury in a pristine paradise with a team of 25 Calala-lalas (also known in some parts of the world as "staff") for a maximum of 8 guests. They ensure your every desire is met, seamlessly. Read more now

Hotel Valley Ho - Scottsdale, Arizona Hotel Valley Ho is the legendary hip hotel in downtown Scottsdale, paying tribute to its original and classic mid-century design. A hideaway for celebrities, this Downtown Scottsdale resort features generously sized guest rooms with all-glass walls opening onto airy patios or balconies, many with views of Camelback Mountain. Read more now Anse Chastanet - St. Lucia Anse Chastanet is set amid a lush 600-acre estate with two soft-sand beaches and breathtaking views of St. Lucia's iconic twin Pitons mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The environmentally friendly, award-winning resort has 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 that are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. Read more now Mountain Shadows - Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Arizona - Luxury Resort Mountain Shadows is the new boutique resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona, set in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. Opened in early 2017, the resort features timeless modern design, 183 guestrooms, a restaurant with an exhibition kitchen, two pools, a high-tech fitness facility, a fully revamped short golf course, a golf grill and lounge as well as 37,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Read more now Hotel del Coronado & Beach Village at The Del - San Diego, California This majestic oceanfront beach resort engages the senses and its storied personality captivates the imagination of global guests and San Diego locals alike. Situated on America's most beloved beach, The Del is an iconic destination on every savvy traveler's must-see list. Read more now

Condé Nast Traveler Names Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Top Two Resorts In St. Lucia

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S 2016 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS NAME
ANSE CHASTANET AND JADE MOUNTAIN
TOP TWO RESORTS IN ST. LUCIA

Both resorts listed earn coveted top-ten spots in the “Top Resorts of the Caribbean” category

Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet reached heights that rival the stunning Piton mountains they overlook. In the “Top Resorts of the Caribbean” category, Jade Mountain was number four, while Anse Chastanet was number eight. They were the only St. Lucian properties to earn placement in the top ten.

“We are honored to be a part of this prestigious list,” said co-owner Karolin Troubetzkoy of the travel survey, which covers hotels, cruise ships, cities and islands and is crafted from votes cast by more than 300,000 readers. “We believe that nature should be an integral part of the vacation experience, and our resorts reflect the beauty of St. Lucia while also offering top-quality service from our major domos, the famous butlers who attentively see to our guests' needs from arrival to departure.”

Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain share a lush, impossibly scenic 600-acre estate overlooking the Gros and Petit Pitons, 2,500-foot twin volcanoes that have come to symbolize St. Lucia and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property also encompasses two sandy beaches that border coral reefs; the organic Emerald Estate Farm, where much of the restaurants' produce is grown; and the historical former plantation site of Anse Mamin, popular for hiking. The cuisine for both resorts is overseen by the highly acclaimed chef Allen Susser, who conceived the groundbreaking Miami restaurant Chef Allen's and has won the James Beard Foundation's Best Southeast Chef award. The resorts have six restaurants between them, and menu highlights include kingfish ceviche, giant prawns, Chateaubriand steak and artisanal chocolate made from locally grown cacao beans.

The resorts' story began in the 1970s, when architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy opened Anse Chastanet as an eco-conscious hotel that was decades ahead of the current “going green” craze. With nearly 50 rooms scattered along the hillside as well as within a tropical, beach-level garden, Anse Chastanet is known for its spa, Kai Belté, as well as activities like scuba diving, birdwatching and jungle biking. The resort also offers educational culinary programs like cooking classes and chocolate tastings.

In 2007, after years of planning and construction, Troubetzkoy opened his labor of love: Jade Mountain, an intimate, luxurious sister resort at the top half of the property. His bold architectural vision helped bring to life extraordinary details like dramatically suspended bridge walkways (instead of hallways) and extravagant suites called “sanctuaries,” each with a massive infinity pool that appears to be floating above the sea. Every room is missing its fourth wall, creating a dramatic, stage-like setting from which to savor the views of the Pitons and the Caribbean. As Karolin Troubetzkoy explains, the goal for the properties has always been “to meld our own unique architecture with St. Lucia's spectacular natural scenery, while at the same time showcasing the island's rich, indigenous culture.”

In addition to several Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, both resorts have received numerous accolades such placement on Travel + Leisure's T+L 500 and World's Best Awards lists, theConde Nast Traveler Gold List, American Express Travel's Top 25 List and BRIDES magazine's rundown, “The 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in the Caribbean.” But to the Troubetzkoys, the hundreds of testimonials from their guests, which include trip descriptions like “heaven on earth,” “an absolutely magical place” and “trip of a lifetime” are the most important and meaningful honors.

ABOUT THE READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” Under Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travelers.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are announced in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 25, 2016. The full list is published exclusively online, at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

ABOUT CONDE NAST TRAVELER

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler (cntraveler.com) is the global citizen’s bible and muse offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 28-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzmán Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 4 Webby Awards since 2015.

www.cntraveler.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.

Coral Spawning Time At The Anse Chastanet Resort, Saint Lucia

Soufriere, Saint Lucia, August, 2015…It happens once a year… one of nature’s most spectacular and rare performances - Coral Spawning.  And it occurs right off the beaches of Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia.  Each August, the resort’s scuba diving team incredibly and accurately predicts the night spawning and prepares to take novice and experienced divers and snorkelers to observe the remarkable phenomenon.  This year the event is September 5 & 6.

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 phenomena overturned a long-held belief that most coral species reproduced by fertilizing their eggs internally. This "new" external phase of reproduction is now known to be critical to coral reef – and our own ecosystem - 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 a white and pink upward underwater “snowfall” of  massive clouds. After they drift to the surface for fertilization, 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 one of the ocean’s most vital organisms.

Tropical reef-building corals have tiny algae living symbiotically inside individual polyp tissue and neither could survive without the other. The coral gives the algae a substrate and home, and in return, the algae provide the coral with food. While much of the coral spawning process remains a mystery, scientists from all over the world study these miraculous events, and now know that triggers of this annual wonder are the right combination of temperature, day length, rate of temperature change, lunar cycles, time of sunset, and chemical synchrony. The ideal time for the release of the reproductive cells is a week or so after a full August moon an hour or two after sunset providing the cover of darkness. This method of mass spawning increases 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 – and is the phase most sensitive to human activity, non-point source pollution, and climate change. Anse Chastanet is able to provide access to this event and resource despite its close proximity due to its exemplary and progressive sustainable designs and architecture by minimizing impervious surfaces, keeping shorelines green and stable, and completely preventing runoff from entering the water – preserving this wonder for future generations.

Why is Scuba St. Lucia the easiest and most practical means to experience this event?

As always, Scuba St. Lucia is offering special night dives during the predicted period to allow guests to witness this magnificent spectacle. Diving is done on the Anse Chastanet reef, which is located just off the resort’s beach. Don't dive? No problem. Snorkelers can also participate, as the resort now also offers guided night snorkeling adventures. Or even better, cross learning to scuba off the bucket list with an easy and guided on-site resort course for newbies. Want photos to share the excitement back home but no underwater camera? Scuba St. Lucia also can lend underwater cameras to capture the beauty and awe of this special event.

Scuba St. Lucia's five-star professional resort diving operation, rated as the island’s best, caters to beginners and experienced divers alike including beach, boat, wall and wreck diving. The night dives right on the Anse Chastanet reef are a highlight for any diver, particularly during coral spawning – and is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner marine biologist!!!

Weekly package dive deals start at US 2389 per person/diver/double occupancy
A $200 per person per week credit is currently offered for travel  now to  Dec 19, 2015 if dive deal is booked prior to Aug 31, 2015
See more at: http://scubastlucia.com/wheretostay.html#diveSpecial

The special package includes:
7 nights  run of house accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast, lunch , afternoon tea and dinner, all tax/service, welcome drink and fruit basket on arrival, 12 beach or boat dives including tank, weights, belt, mask, snorkel, fins ( other equipment at a charge if needed, marine park fee to be paid locally ) complimentary non-motorized  watersports.  A marine park fee of S 15 is to be paid locally.

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

Anse Chastanet Resort is known for its spectacular scenery and authentic Caribbean charm paired with outstanding service in a tranquil 600 acre setting. With two magnificent beaches and being located in the midst of St. Lucia’s renowned marine park, the resort offers some of the best swimming, snorkeling and diving on the island. The resort’s more than 1.5 miles of shoreline features some of the island’s finest marine reserve coral reefs just off shore over its entire expanse. Taking full advantage of this premiere location, Anse Chastanet’s in-house scuba operation, Scuba St. Lucia, has been in operation since 1981 and has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations. Just 15 yards beyond the water’s edge at the Scuba Centre is found the Anse Chastanet Reef which offers an amazing profusion of tropical marine life in 20 to 140 feet of calm clear water. Perfectly set up for both beach and boat dives, Scuba St. Lucia offers guests a complete range of PADI courses, Enriched Air Nitrox; a well-equipped scuba store; three compressors; rental dive gear and an underwater Photo and Video center. (See more at http://www.scubastlucia.com). The resort’s beach facilities also include 2 restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, Kai Belté, and Yoga classes overlooking the sea. Adjacent to the resort’s second beach, Anse Mamin, is found 8 miles of hiking and biking trails amid the lush coastal jungle and 18th century plantation ruins.

For more resort information, visit http://www.ansechastanet.com andhttp://www.scubastlucia.com or
contact ANSE CHASTANET and Scuba St. Lucia via email ansechastanet@candw.lc or Tel 800-223-1108.

St. Lucia's Anse Chastanet Debuts Casuarina Piton Pool Suite

The award-winning Anse Chastanet luxury resort in St. Lucia has unveiled refreshed accommodations just in time for the winter season.

The resort, recently recognized as the best value luxury experience in the Caribbean for the New Year by Condé Nast Johansens, has become even more luxurious.

Anse Chastanet's re-branded Casuarina suite features a brand new 160 square-foot pool surrounded by a 135-square deck in the middle of the hillside resort with its breathtaking views of the storied Piton mountains rising from azure waters.

"The entire unit was redone and re-branded with a brand new bathroom as well as a huge walk-in closet," said Executive Director Karolin Troubetzkoy, who added the new accommodations were available for immediate bookings.

Exquisitely finished with coralina stone tiles and handcrafted furniture made from sustainably culled tropical hardwoods, Casuarina is nestled in lush foliage in a private hillside setting at Anse Chastanet Resort facing The Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.



The spacious bedroom with walk-in closet opens to a 420-square foot open walled patio-living room area. The grand bathroom, also with a Piton view, features a "Couples Shower" with "His" and "Hers" rain shower heads.

Anse Chastanet is offering daily rates for two at USD $1,150 (January 3-April 15, 2015), $1,015 (April 16-May 31 and November 1- December 19, 2015), $885 (June 1-October 31) plus 10 percent service charge and 10 percent VAT.

Breakfast and dinner can be added at $180 per couple per day, and an all-inclusive meals and drinks package can be added for $340 per couple daily.

Upon request, a second bedroom and bathroom can connect with Casuarina at the following add-on rates: $560 (January 3-April 15, 2015), $440 (April 16-May 31 and November 1-December 19, 2015), and $365 (June 1-October 31) plus 10 percent service charge and 10 percent VAT.

Delighted with the success of the Casuarina make-over, Troubetzkoy said plans are being laid for renovations to three similar Anse Chastanet rooms in the summer.

For reservations at Anse Chastanet, call 1 800 223-1108, email ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com or visitwww.ansechastanet.com.