JetBlue Is Now Flying Nonstop To A Caribbean Island Famous For Diving And Food

More than 80 different dive sites. A food scene anchored by a restaurant with a three Michelin-star pedigree. A fun, carefree, quintessential small-island vibe.

Travelers have been flocking to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire over the last few years, as a destination that was long something of a secret has started to find its place on the travel map.

Now, it’s a whole lot easier to get there, with just-launched flights between New York and Bonaire on JetBlue.

The new nearly-five-hour flight, which officially started this past week, will be running twice per week, with nonstop flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JetBlue has already flown for years to Bonaire’s Dutch Caribbean neighbors of Aruba and Curacao, and now it’s completed the trifecta.

It’s “significant step in our commitment to making our beautiful island more accessible to North American travelers,” said Tourism Corporation Bonaire CEO Miles Mercera, in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal.

So what do New Yorkers need to know about the island?

Well, the island found fame for its diving. What’s unique in Bonaire is that you don’t have to take a dive boat. Practically every dive site on the island is a shore diving spot, mean you can pull up your car right to the coastline, grab your tanks and jump in. (Most hard-core divers rent pick-up trucks for this purpose).

If you’re not a diver, you can dive into a food scene that is among the best in the region. It’s topped by the Brass Boer, the Caribbean outpost of the three-Michelin-star Die Librije in Holland and one that has regularly found its way to the top of the 50 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean rankings. It extends to everything from food trucks (make sure you go for the lionfish burgers at Cactus Blue) to seafood spots like At Sea.

The Brass Boer, the number one restaurant in the Caribbean last year.

What about hotels?

We love the Harbour Village Beach Club, a resort we named Caribbean Hotel of the Year in 2023 and one that remains the island’s signature place to stay — including the best beach in Bonaire. Rates from $350 right now.

There’s also the fun, sleek Delfins Beach Resort ($226), which, as we just reported, is joining the Hilton portfolio.

For a boutique stay, try the lovely Bamboo Bonaire, an adults-only hotel that’s all about wellness and serenity (Rooms starting at $226)

What about flight prices? You can book on JetBlue for as low as $555.24 for an itinerary in mid-November.

https://www.caribjournal.com/

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.

Australia’s Top 5 Luxury Reef Experiences

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s iconic attractions and for good reason, but this is not the only part of the country where you can experience the beautiful coral reefs and marine life that make the country so popular. Whether on your first of fifth visit to Australia you will always find a new reef experience awaits you, and here are five of my favourites from my time in the country:

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

There are many Queensland Islands that make up the incredibly vast Great Barrier Reef, however there are few that offer access to unspoilt, colourful coral and marine life directly from a pristine beach. Snorkelling over the giant clam garden off this island in the far north of Queensland is an amazing experience and I was pleasantly surprised by the turtle, reef shark, octopus and array of schools of different fish that I encountered just metres from the beach. For keen divers, the proximity to the famous ‘Cod Hole’ is also a major attraction to Lizard and the newly refurbished luxury resort on the island is certainly a bonus!

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Located 1200 kilometres north of Perth on Australia’s west coast, the Ningaloo Reef presents an unspoilt and quieter alternative to the north east of the country. Visit between late April and early August and you can swim and snorkel with the gentle giant of the water world: the whale shark. My property of choice in this region is Sal Salis in the heart of the Cape Range National Park. A luxury African style tented camp, Sal Salis is a tranquil haven where you can enjoy direct access to the reef and afterwards indulge in fantastic food and wine.

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

This UNESCO listed island can be reached by a two hour flight from either Sydney or Brisbane, and is home to the southernmost coral reef in the world. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, it is ideally visited in the Australian summer months (our winter). With visitor numbers limited to just 300 at any one time, this island is never crowded. I chose to take a coral viewing trip to visit three different snorkelling sites just seven minutes from the island’s lagoon beach, however you may like to take in the marine life (many of which are endemic to the island) directly from Ned’s Beach. Diving at Ball’s Pyramid off the island is another thing to add to the to-do list and Capella Lodge is the place to stay here, being the only property offering ocean and mountain views.

Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef

Back in Northern Queensland, this island has one luxury resort which prides itself on seclusion and a first class dining experience. A foodie’s paradise, this is the perfect location for not doing much at all. You can spend your time exploring the fringing reef directly surrounding the island, or visiting the great barrier reef itself, around an hour’s boat ride away.

Wilson Island

Located in the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef on its own coral cay, this tiny island is your ultimate private island experience. Offering barefoot luxury in individual tented cabins with no electricity, you need nothing more than a snorkel and a good book for your stay here, which will be exclusive only to you and your hosts. I was amazed by the quality of food that is created by just one man and a BBQ, and ecstatic to see a large green turtle sunning himself on the beach during my stay.

Contributed by Craig Burkinshaw, Founder Director of Audley Travel. A Luxury Travel Blog

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport