American Airlines Just Added A New Weekly Flight To Saint Lucia

Centuries-old cacao farms. Stunning hiking trails. Drive-through volcanoes. World-class rum. Maybe you know the Pitons or the three-walled hotels, but Saint Lucia is so much more than that — it’s a deep, layered destination that begs to be explored.

And Saint Lucia just got a major new route from American Airlines, which is now flying once each week from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport on Saturdays.

The new route, which kicked off earlier this month, is running on American’s Boeing 737 aircraft.

In February you can book the route for about $361 roundtrip in economy, according to AA.com.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/caitlinsullivan/

17 Sweet Travel Destinations For Chocolate Lovers, Wonderful Places To Consider After Travel Restrictions For Coronavirus Are Lifted.

1

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Gary Burke via Getty Images

Home to The Hershey Co., this destination in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, features Hershey's Chocolate World factory store and tour, Hersheypark theme park, The Hotel Hershey and its "chocolate spa," and many other attractions for lovers of all things chocolate.

2

St. Lucia

FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images

The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is a popular chocolate tourism destination with its cocoa farms, chocolate-themed hotels, chocolate heritage month and more.

3

Barcelona, Spain

Museu de la Xocolata

Barcelona is a great city for chocolate lovers. In addition to the delicious cocoa cuisine (shoutout to churros dipped in chocolate), there are also chocolate walking tours and the famous Museu de la Xocolata, which covers the history and production of chocolate and houses impressive chocolate sculptures.

4

Switzerland

AGF via Getty Images

Switzerland is an obvious chocolate travel destination. Many of its famous chocolate brands offer on-site factory tours to visitors wanting to learn more about the production (and try some samples). Popular tours include Maison Cailler in Broc, Läderach in Bilten and Camille Bloch in Courtelary.

5

Bariloche, Argentina

Christian Ender via Getty Images

San Carlos de Bariloche, aka Bariloche, is a town in Patagonia famous for its Alpine architecture and chocolate production. Many chocolate shops and cafes, including the popular Mamuschka, line Mitre Street.

6

Vienna, Austria

ullstein bild via Getty Images

Vienna boasts a rich cultural history that includes the invention of Sachertorte, a delicious chocolate cake that's become an Austrian staple. You can sample this sweet treat at a variety of spots, including Demel pastry shop and Hotel Sacher.

7

Oaxaca, Mexico

Phil Clarke Hill via Getty Images

There are ample places where cacao lovers can taste delicious chocolate throughout Mexico, but the best destination is probably the Oaxaca area. Although it's not a major growing region, Oaxaca's gastronomical history centers largely on cacao. Popular specialties include champurrado (a hot chocolate drink) and mole sauce prepared with chocolate.

8

Brussels, Belgium

ullstein bild via Getty Images

Visiting the source of Belgian chocolate is another obvious move in the world of choco-travel. Brussels is home to the Choc-Story museum, as well as famous chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Mary, Wittamer and Godiva.

9

Birmingham, England

PAUL ELLIS via Getty Images

In 1824, John Cadbury began selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate in Birmingham, England, and over time his business grew into the confectionary brand we know as Cadbury. Today, visitors to Birmingham can check out Cadbury World to learn about the history of the company, shop in the world's largest Cadbury store, sample Cadbury treats and participate in a variety of chocolate-themed activities.

10

Ecuador

RODRIGO BUENDIA via Getty Images

Ecuador produces world-renowned chocolate, and tourists can take farm and factory tours. Pacari Chocolate in Quito and the Guayas province-based Chchukululu offer popular tours.

11

Cologne, Germany

picture alliance via Getty Images

If you find yourself in Germany, consider checking out The Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum aka The Chocolate Museum in Cologne. The scenic museum presents the global history of cocoa and a look at contemporary chocolate production, as well as a popular cafe and shop.

12

San Francisco

Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images

Although the factory is no longer there, Ghirardelli Square still features a popular ice cream and chocolate shop from the brand. Visitors to San Francisco can also tour the Dandelion Chocolate factory and sample artisanal chocolates and cocoa treats throughout the city (special shoutout to Fog City News).

13

Vietnam

HOANG DINH NAM via Getty Images

Vietnamese chocolate has been described as "unlike any other." Tourists with a sweet tooth can explore the offerings from Marou or Azzan, which both offer tours.

14

Paris

Richard Bord via Getty Images

If you time your Paris visit right, you can experience the annual Salon du Chocolat trade fair, which includes fun events like a chocolate fashion show. Paris also has world-class chocolate offerings throughout the year, like the amazing chocolat chaud at Angelina and chocolatiers like La Maison du Chocolat and Jean-Paul Hévin .

15

Peru

Fotoholica Press via Getty Images

Peru has "ChocoMuseos" in Cusco and Lima, as well as popular chocolatiers like Roselen, and cacao jungle tours.

16

Ghana

Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, so the Ghana Tourism Authority recently launched its Cocoa Ecotourism Initiative to promote cocoa farms as a tourist attraction. Indeed, travelers can take tours to learn about the history and current practice of cocoa production in the country.

17

Tuscany, Italy

Amedei

Although Tuscany is probably best known for its wine, the region also has a lot to offer to chocolate fans. The so-called Chocolate Valley is a triangle between Pisa, Prato and Pistoia that boasts many small chocolate manufacturers, including Amedei.

Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chocolate-travel-destinations_l_5db342ace4b05df62ebebfec

Caribbean Update: Which Islands Are Ready For Travel?

Many travelers love to shake off the winter blues with trips to sun-splashed Caribbean islands. There’s nothing more magical than the pairing of winter festivities with tropical landscapes, but after the ravages of hurricanes Irma and Maria, which islands are equipped for visitors? Follow these guidelines to help decide your Caribbean travel plans:

Islands That Were Not Impacted by Hurricanes and Are Completely Open For Business

•   Jamaica
•   Aruba
•   Curacao
•   St. Lucia
•   Barbados
•   The Cayman Islands
•   Grenada
•   Haiti
•   Trinidad & Tobago

Islands That Were Minimally Impacted and Are Open

Antigua: The island sustained minor damage from the hurricanes and only one hotel, Galley Bay Resort and Spa, remains closed but is expected to open a few days before Christmas.

The Bahamas:  The main tourism centers of Nassau and Grand Bahama weren’t affected and remain open for cruises and travelers. However, the Out Islands of Acklins, Ragged, and Crooked Islands are currently not open to tourists.

The Dominican Republic: The minimal damage to a few hotels and resorts has been repaired and all hotels and airports are open.

Islands That Were Impacted By The Hurricanes and Are Mostly Open

Cuba: The iconic malecon seawall that runs along the coast of Havana received some damage and flooding in half of the city but everything has been cleared and ports, hotels, and attractions are open. Resorts in the Varadero area were slightly damaged but have been repaired.

St. Kitts and Nevis: The hurricanes ripped through the sister islands and damaged a few resorts, but all are now open.

Turks and Caicos: Power outages and considerable damage to some resorts have affected the island, although the airport and majority of hotels are now open. Beaches Turks and Caicos and Amanyara Resort recently reopened on Dec. 15 and Club Med Turkoise is closed until Jan. 31, 2018.

Islands With Major Damage and Only Partial Openings

Anguilla: A major portion of the island’s infrastructure was damaged but re-building has been steady and 30 percent of hotel, apartment, and villa rooms are now available, as are most restaurants. A majority of resorts are scheduled to reopen by spring 2018. The airport is open and most ferry services have been restored.

Barbuda: Irma tore apart 95 percent of this tiny island’s infrastructure, and restoring the island’s airport, water, and the island’s frigate bird population are still in process. Robert De Niro is helping efforts by moving ahead with his plan to build the Paradise Found Resort on the island.

British Virgin Islands: Airports and seaports are open but power has not been completely restored on all the islands. Most resorts are still re-building, but the cruise ports and yacht harbors are open.

Puerto Rico: While power has been restored to 68 percent of the island, 9 percent of the population still doesn’t have water or roofs on their homes. Cruises have returned to the port, some hotels are open, and tourism is returning to Old San Juan. Many travelers are volunteering to help clean up through voluntourism organizations.

St. Barts:  Electricity has been restored and some hotels and villas are open. The St. Barts Music Festival is still scheduled to kick off  in January.

St. Martin/Maarten: The airport is open but minor repairs are still being done in phases. 70 percent of hotels were damaged on the Dutch side of the island and many beaches were also damaged. Cruises returned to the island in early December.

St. Croix and St. Thomas: The power and water infrastructure has been restored to almost half the population on both islands and airports and cruise ports are open. Many of St. Croix’s hotels are open, including The Buccaneer, Club Comanche Hotel St. Croix, Cottages By The Sea, Frederiksted Hotel, and Sand Castle on the Beach. On St. Thomas, Bellavista Bed & Breakfast and At Home in The Tropics Bed & Breakfast Innare open as well as restaurants and shops in the main shopping areas on both islands. Festivities for the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix are scheduled through Jan. 6.

St. John: Cleanup on the island is continuing, although iconic beaches of Trunk Bay, Honeymoon, and Hawksnest are cleared and open for visitors. Hotels including Sea Shore Allure and Gallows Point Resort are also open for guests.

By Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Travelore Tips: Sunny Destinations Unaffected By Irma #GoDomRep

—

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