Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel....

Caribbean Luxury for Less: Treasures of the Islands

Finding luxury for less in the Caribbean is like hunting for treasure that’s actually easy to find--it’s simply a matter of knowing where to look and it’s definitely worth the search. Some of the best treasures of the islands offer luxury for less, thanks to things like shoulder- and off-season rates, package pricing that includes airfare, food, and more, all-inclusive options, and extra amenities and services that provide more bang for the buck.

Holiday Inn(R) and Holiday Inn SunSpree(R) Resorts (www.holiday-inn.com or www.sunspreeresorts.com) in the Caribbean offer guests family-friendly amenities and affordable quality. Visitors can experience the exotic style of the islands with the warm and welcoming hospitality that the Holiday Inn brand has become known for.

With nine locations in the Caribbean (three in The Bahamas, two in Puerto Rico, and one each in Jamaica, Aruba, Grand Cayman, and St. Thomas), Holiday Inn Hotels and Holiday Inn SunSpree Resorts feature kids activities, casinos, all-inclusive rate packages, and more, offering guests luxury at great values in the Caribbean.

For instance, Holiday Inn St. Thomas, Virgin Islands is offering a Cool Summer Shopping Package. Valid May 3 to October 31, 2003, guests can buy four nights and get the fifth night free. Packages start at just $212 per person (plus tax), based on double occupancy, including accommodations, continental breakfast, welcome drink, complimentary beach shuttle to Megan’s Bay, and discount coupons.

All of the other resorts offer similarly value-packed packages year-round. In addition, couples and honeymooners will find plenty of values and many of the nine properties include all-inclusive packages as well!

On Antigua, St. Lucia, and Palm Island, Elite Island Resorts (www.eliteislandresorts.com) presents their unique lineup of “Caribbean Hotel Deals”--from its comfortable and convenient Royal Antiguan to the ‘ultimate’ private island escape of Palm Island in The Grenadines.

In February, the chain announced a super savings plan. Staying at the 100-acre private peninsula property of St. James’s Club Antigua or the lively upscale Pineapple Beach Club on the island has never been this convenient or friendly on the wallet. Even the island’s most exclusive escape, Galley Bay, is on sale!

Looking for fun on St. Lucia? Windjammer Landing’s Villas is the ultimate villa sanctuary, while St. James’s Club, Morgan Bay, is an unbeatable vacation value. The latter is the is the island’s newest beachfront resort, sporting more than $2 million in just-completed renovations.

Elite Island Resorts is currently offering seven-night air-inclusive and all-inclusive vacations from $1099 to $1999. Saturday and Sunday departures from most east coast cities make getting there and getting home hassle-free. These rates are good for departures starting May 10, 2003, until April 25, 2004.

Barbados (www.barbados.org) is a country of contrasts, with serene Caribbean waters and coral beaches on one side and an Atlantic coastline ideal for surfers and sailor on the other. A range of full-service resorts, quaint bed and breakfasts, private villas, and self-contained apartments accommodate all types of travelers--from families to couples.

Visitors will find excitement in recreation, from golf to scuba diving, as well as tranquillity, with spas and top restaurants. Rich in culture, Barbados is known for friendly people and entertaining events year-round.

For planning the perfect Barbados vacation, Atlas Vacations (www.atlasvacations.net) is a great place to get the best deals. The various hotels Atlas offers all have great packages, including weekend getaways, weddings, honeymoons, family vacations, family reunions, and spring break vacations--all starting from a whopping $399 per person (double occupancy) from Miami or Fort Lauderdale or $441 per person (double occupancy) from New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Baltimore (and only $699 per person (double occupancy) from los Angeles). Rates are valid for mid-week travel (Tuesday through Thursday), with other days additional.

These discounted prices reflect the Barbados government-sponsored program called the “Best of Barbados" promotion. All of these great savings must be booked by July 31, 2003, and with Atlas Vacations!

Those who like all-inclusives should specifically consider, Almond Resorts (www.almondresorts.com). They two great all-inclusive options on Barbados. Whether you want a romantic getaway at Almond Club & Spa, a family adventure at Almond Village, or a little of both at either choice, Almond Resorts have it all in Barbados.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, on St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach Resort (www.secretharbourvi.com) is a small all-suite beachfront resort, where your suite is just steps away from the sea and amenities include a great beach, dining, pool, super snorkeling, tennis, and more. Bolongo Bay Beach Club (www.bolongobay.com) provides another great option, with 75 rooms right on the beach. It’s family-owned and -managed, with the friendliest staff you’ll find anywhere.

Over on the pristine island of St. John, Maho Bay Camps (www.maho.org) has to offer one of the best values--and most unique experiences--in the Caribbean, thanks to comfortable tent cottages overlooking Maho Bay. The third U.S. Virgin Island, St. Croix, features Chenay Bay Resort (www.chenaybay.com), with 50 wonderful West Indian-style cottages, each with their own front porch and within minutes of the crystal-clear Caribbean and lots of resort activities.

For those looking to see several islands in a unique way, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises (www.windjammer.com) is a winner. Founded in 1947 by WWII Navy Submariner Mike Burke, Windjammer is the largest operator of tall ships in the world. The fleet of six includes sailing vessels Flying Cloud, Legacy, Mandalay, Polynesia, and Yankee Clipper, as well as the lone freighter/passenger ship M/V Amazing Grace.

Windjammer sails year-round, from The Bahamas to South America, on six- and 13-day voyages. Along with unique sailings out of Panama and ‘Junior Jammer’ family options, the line offers a range of theme cruises throughout the year, including a ‘Cuisine’ cruise, singles cruises, a ‘Spa’ cruise, an ‘Art’ cruise, a photo cruise, and many more. For those looking for unique travel in the Caribbean at great prices, Windjammer is a treasure chest!

Thus, wherever you choose in the Caribbean, you’re sure to find a value-packed vacation treasure!

Spotlight on the Dominican Republic

If you’re looking for a land of sensations, it’s hard to beat the Dominican Republic. Making up the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is blessed with beautiful beaches, resorts, mountains, and much more!

The north coast of Dominican Republic has grown into a resort haven, with destinations like Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosua, Cabarete, Semana, and many more becoming tourist heaven. South coast destinations like Santo Domingo (the capital), Boca Chica, La Romana, and Punta Cana round out the wide range of choices.

For research, the Dominican Republic National Hotel & Restaurant Association (www.drhotels.com) is also a great resource. In addition, some excellent options in the Dominican Republic include Viva Resorts (www.vivaresorts.com) and Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resorts (www.amhsamarina.com). Amhsa operates an all-inclusive club concept that’s been very popular with those looking for a great Dominican deal at one price. Amhsa Marina features eight unique options, including hotels and resorts in Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Samana, and Playa Cabarete. Viva Dominicus Beach and Viva Dominicus Palace offer budget-friendly all-inclusive rates, nightly entertainment, great cuisine, and lots of activities.

For a vacation of great sensations, head to the Dominican Republic!