Category Archives: Caribbean

Whether it be a romantic getaway or a multi-generational trip, what could be better than an island vacation in the Caribbean? How about one where everything is included? Not only do all-inclusive resorts help you stick to your travel budget, but you dont have to carry your purse or wallet since most packages include accommodations, meals, alcoholic beverages, activities, childcare, and entertainment. Here are our travel writers favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, from Jamaica and Aruba to St. Lucia and the Dominican.

We won our trip at a Charity Auction to the Club Med in Punta Cana. As we exited the plane, it was my first experience feeling like I was walking into a Crayola crayon box. Everything is just a little more vibrant. We took a taxi to the resort, past one of Julio Iglesias homes (no sighting of Enrique).

Arriving at the resort, we received our first virgin strawberry daiquiri (which the little ones could have throughout the stay). We signed the littles up for Kids Club (4 months-17 years) right away so they could pick and choose their activities, giving the adults some downtime, and then reunite for family activities.

The spa allowed for as many massages as we could fit into our week. And, we welcomed them during these very active days.

We love the resort because of the outdoor activities: Trapeze school started a lifelong hobby, archery, golf, and fitness school, sailing and paddleboarding, the fun poolside antics of cast members (one dressed up like a trash can and startled adults and children alike) and the ability to go on excursions geared toward nature or culture.

Our favorite day excursion was to Bayahibe, where we embarked on a 75-foot catamaran that took us to The Wall for a snorkeling adventure accompanied by a guide. Stopping at Catalina, we enjoyed a delicious meal. Later, we lounged briefly at the beach before a snorkeling tour along the reef. Our catamaran trip took us along the coast of La Romana and Casa de Campo before heading to the Chavn River to discover the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The entertainment whether poolside antics or the nightly show, frequently with audience attendance was a nice way to finish the day.

The other thing I loved? Potable water in the suites! No need for bottled water to brush our teeth. It was a fabulous week! Gail Clifford

Sandals South Coast is located in Jamaica in the midst of a nature preserve, which makes it the only resort in the area. The beach is very secluded with a long white sand beach. Major airlines fly into Montego Bay and Sandals takes care of your transportation to the resort.

I love the resort because of the Rondoval Village. It is like a resort within a resort with a tiki hut-type dwelling nestled around a river pool. You also have your own plunge pool with a waterfall and super luxurious interiors. On my visit, we retreated to our oasis away from the crowds to enjoy the quiet pool, noshing on snacks delivered by the included butler and sipping cocktails and wine from the stocked bar in our room. You will find tons to do here and never need to leave the resort. Scuba diving is included at Sandals as well as a plethora of water and land sports. Each night there is some type of live entertainment. Peggy Cleveland

St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands. There are direct flights from the U.S. to Hewanorra International Airport or inter-island flights. I arrived on one of those from Martinique, which lies north of St. Lucia.

Not only is Jade Mountain a luxurious all-inclusive resort, but it is also adults-only. It is clinging to a cliff with a silvery beach below. I loved the remoteness on the one hand and on the other, that all spaces including the 24 guest rooms are open, affording unobstructed views of the ocean and the volcanic twin peaks called Piton. There is plenty of activity in the resort, which comes with an infinity pool, gym, restaurants, and butler service, but without TV and phones to guarantee soothing peace and quiet. Wi-Fi, however, is available, and you can go on day trips to volcanoes, botanical gardens, or sulfur springs. I loved the privacy and open spaces and didnt mind climbing down the steps to the beach. Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Antigua boasts a beach for every day of the week, but if youre determined to visit as many as possible to find the best and most romantic, make it easy on yourself. Book a room here. If Giorgio Armani finds it home-worthy (hes the next-door neighbor), you certainly cannot question its coved, hidden-feeling design.

Situated on 40 acres surrounded by a bird sanctuary with a three-quarter-mile-long secluded stretch of sand on the sunset side of Antigua, the adults-only resort makes a truly romantic hideaway.

Besides beach and quiet, Galley Bay reaches above and beyond with all sit-down restaurants, including Gauguin and its sequestered thatch cabanas for intimate dinners deux.

With spa treatments in a treehouse, suites a mere barefoot step from the beach, and off-beach cottages privatized with lush vegetation and their own pool, this is a true Caribbean original. The resort, which lies about 20 minutes from the airport, includes a full complement of land and water activities. Chelle Koster Walton

When you step into the open-air lobby with views of the turquoise ocean waters, towering palm trees, and bright blue skies, your blood pressure immediately drops into I-love-it-here vacation mode. The doorman wrangles your bags and issues a cheerful Welcome home as the front desk staff attaches your color-coded all-inclusive bracelet. You quickly notice you have ascended into a world of light and happiness. I can feel a wave of peaceful relaxation just thinking about lounging by one of their pools; pia colada in one hand and a beachy read in the other.

The Divi Aruba All-Inclusive is not only a gorgeous resort, it is planted on a gorgeous island. Exploring Aruba off the resort property is easy and you feel safe. Aruba offers fabulous shopping, every on-the-water sport you can dream up, outdoor activities, and lots of time for simply chillin. The most difficult decisions you need to make are whether to sit by the pool or the beach, which restaurant should be your dining pleasure, and what libation is the drink of the day.

The Divi Arubas guests return year after year; they have a dedicated vacation following. The staff is focused on keeping everyone happy and in a state of nirvana. It is my perfect happy place, which is perfect since its One Happy Island!' Sandi Barrett

BodyHoliday is on the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia. What makes this all-inclusive resort unique is that not only does it include all food and drinks, but also one spa service per day (excluding arrival and departure day). Services include massages and facials, and you can upgrade your experience to include hot bamboo sticks or hot stones. You can also add services for an additional fee. The resort includes multiple fitness activities per day, including sunset yoga, morning stretch, abs class, and spin. Water sports tubing, wakeboarding, sailing, and snorkeling are also included.

Pro Tip: The resort is 1.5 hours by car from the international airport, and its a windy road! But, you can take a helicopter or a boat (for an additional fee, of course!). Amy Sward

There are direct flights into Exuma International Airport, and its a short drive to the resort. I really loved that the resort is located on a beautiful property that has its own beach, as well as everything from a relaxing spa (a must for me!) to a variety of off-site excursions. Go for a historical island tour, a catamaran excursion that includes swimming with the famous (and cute) island pigs, a picnic on a remote island key. All of these activities keep it interesting and fun at the same time. A mix of resort theme nights and a very friendly and attentive staff tops it all off. Christine Chagaris

Our travel advisor Carie Skerritt says the best Caribbean all-inclusive resort depends on your guests. For adults-only, she recommends Secrets Resorts & Spas. For families with young children, Skerritt says Beaches is your best bet. Book your all-inclusive Caribbean vacation today!

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Our 7 Favorite All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean - TravelAwaits

New Caribbean properties continue to open, a positive sign amidst the impact of Covid in the region.

The Brix, Autograph Collection opened on Feb. 16 in St. Ann on the outskirts of the capital of Port of Spain, with 161 rooms and suites. All feature custom-designed furniture, warm color palettes and local art that reflects the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

The name Brix comes from the chemical measurement of sugar in solution -- a crop with deep history for the twin-island republic. "Brix fosters chemistry in every sense of the word where guests will find 'human chemistry in action' as business, friendships and family intertwine," a spokesperson said.

Rates start at $169 per room, per night.

The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte recently opened on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, a 15-minute drive from Puerto Plata's airport.

The resort offers 64 suites ranging from one to three bedrooms as well as five four-bedroom penthouses, including the three-floor Presidential Penthouse suite with five bedrooms and multiple terraces.

Facilities include three restaurants, a Caribbean speakeasy called The Cellar, three pools (two are adult-only), beachfront whirlpools with fire pits, a secluded beach with private cabanas, L'Occitane Spa, a marina and a helipad.

A two-bedroom suite starts at $956 per night, double. Guests who pre-pay in advance by credit card can receive a lower rate.

Both properties are part of Marriott International's independent hotel groups -- The Luxury Collection comprises luxury hotels, and Autograph is in Marriott's premium category -- and are therefore part of Marriott's Bonvoy loyalty program.

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Two Caribbean resorts open as part of Marriott collections - Travel Weekly

OPINION: Originating from Jamaica, the sound clash was an inspiring agent of hip-hop, breeding a culture of competition in contemporary Black music that still resonates today.

On a brisk evening in East Nashville, Tenn., many have gathered for a back-and-forth battle of music progressives.

The Red Bull SoundClash has traveled to its fourth city pitting the contemporary R&B stylings of Bren Joy against the Avant pop of Jake Welsey Rogers. In four rounds, the two singers fought for audience applause and screams as they took turns covering the same song, finishing each others tracks and performing their originals back-to-back.

Joy, an adventurous songwriter with a keening but smooth voice, reveled in the moment in front of a venue full of fans and music lovers. The towering heights and flamboyant strutting from Rogers only heightened Joys performance as the audience held the fate of the winner with the depth of their applause.

Jake Wesley Rogers and Bren Joy perform for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021. Photo provided by Red Bull.

This climatic showdown resembles another popular music competition; Verzuz. Starting off as an online beat battle between Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, it evolved into an in-person live event that features artists going hit-for-hit against each other.

Perhaps, it was fate that the first in-person Verzuz battle took place in Kingston, Jamaica, with dancehall legends Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. Garnering an apex of over 500,000 concurrent viewers, the Memorial Day battle was dubbed, the Soundclash Edition, as the two sang and danced into the night.

The sound clash originates from Caribbean culture, but its roots are also grossly entangled with the birth of hip-hop in America.

In Kingston, local crews or sound systems (a collection consisting of a DJ, MC and an engineer) would engage in battles going back to the 1950s. During that time, Duke Reids the Trojan and Tom the Great Sebastian started things off when they went toe-to-toe. With the selector choosing the songs for each crew, the rivals tried to show whose sound system was the loudest and whose performance was the most entertaining.

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Dancehalls and street parties were some of the only ways Jamaicans could hear new music, since buying new records was an expensive investment. Inevitably, the crews with the biggest, loudest portable systems could control the community and music trends.

The battles got bigger as the speakers grew higher, the bass kicked lower and the crowds grew larger. As the crews went back and forth blowing each other away, crowds would get rowdy, starting mosh-pits. This underground culture brought out the best in DJs, selectors and budding artists.

That culture paved the way for the creation of what we know as dancehall and ska. The sound clash made its way to the United Kingdom, but it had its most fierce impact on the United States with so many Caribbean immigrants finding homes in New York City. One of those people was Jamaican-born Clive Campbell, later to be known as DJ Kool Herc.

Kool Herc is known to be the man who started American hip-hop in the Bronx. Not only did his after-school parties and skills on the turntables make him the ultimate Selector in the Bronx, but his sound system, The Hercoulous, got the snowball rolling within the community.

From there, hip-hop godfathers like Grandmaster Caz and Afrika Bambaataa would battle each other with their sound systems. Sooner or later, dance crews were battling each other, and MCs were going head-to-head in nightclubs, all before the first rap record hit the American radio stations.

When Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee had their historic rap battle in 1981, modern hip-hop as we know it to be now was born. The sound system evolved into the rap group/crew, consisting of a DJ and one or more MCs. Sometimes groups would even feature dancers, like Whodini two MCs, a DJ and their dance crew, UTFO. All thanks to sound clash culture.

What breeds progression in Black music? Creativity, confidence and competition. Its the reason Michael Jackson once said: If Im not there to receive these ideas, God might give them to Prince.

Its the reason Jaheim openly challenged Usher to a Verzuz battle in January. Steel sharpens steel. Competition keeps artists on their toes.

When it comes to hip-hop and contemporary R&B, the Jamaican sound clash helped to initiate a tradition that has led to some of the greatest moments in music culture for nearly 50 years.

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Sound Clash to Verzuz: the history of how Caribbean music competition influenced Black American music culture - Yahoo News

As Wonder of the Seas steadily makes her way across the Altanlct Ocean, Royal Caribbean International revealed details on the entertainment options guests can expect onboard. The cruise line calls the lineup a Wonder for the Senses Across Air, Ice, Water, and Stage.

More than 100 world-class performers and technicians will ensure the shows provide the high-class entertainment Royal Caribbean is known for. Shows include an aquatic display in the AquaTheater, champion ice skaters performing in Studio B, and live music such as salsa, jazz, and acoustic performances in the various bars and lounges around the biggest ship in the world.

With the massive size of the Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas, there is more than enough room to have a wide variety of entertainment onboard. Royal Caribbean will feature four main production shows once she starts operations on March 4 from Florida.

Revolving around A Wonder for the Senses Across Air, Ice, Water and Stage, Royal Caribbean hopes to bring wonder, adventure, and innovation to life across the cruise lines four signature and high-tech stages, air, ice, stage, and water.

An all-woman cast will perform this high octane show in the open-air AquaTheater. The cast will perform dives from as high as 55 feet, slacklining feats, tumbling, aerial acrobatics, and more.

The iconic Studio B ice-skating rink will host a unique story about the earths changing seasons. A variety of visual effects and lighting will transform the venue from one season to the next, enhancing the performers characters and every move.

Royal Caribbeans very own superheroes, The Effectors: Captain Viz, Lume, Pixel, and Reverb, will debut in the Royal Theater later this year to battle against their archnemesis Crash and his sidekick Burn. To save the planet, the heroes rely on their artistic talents, performance skills, and the limitless power of their creativity. The Effectors latest installment features trailblazing uses of autonomous technology pioneered by Royal Caribbean.

With this production, the modern world of virtual communication comes together with the evocative power of live performances in a completely new style of musical presentation. This bespoke performance, featuring a medley of music, singing, and dancing, will emphasize the power of performance art to bring people together.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of the New Worlds Largest Cruise Ship

Besides the four main production shows, there will be much more to enjoy on Wonder of the Seas. There will be live country music at The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, live Caribbean music and DJs at The Lime & Coconut and the pool deck, and Jazz music at the Music Hall.

For those looking to bring their dancing shoes for some Latin moves, a six-piece band will be playing salsa, cumbia, merengue, samba, and more at Boleros. Those who like to sit and enjoy a pint while enjoying acoustic performances can head to the Cask & Clipper English Pub.

The 5,734-passenger, 236,857 gross tons, Wonder of the Seas, sets sail on March 4, 2022, from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. In April, she will head back to Europe for a summer in the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia, Italy. By October, Wonder of the Seas will return to the US, this time sailing from Port Canaveral.

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Royal Caribbean Reveals Four New Productions for Wonder of the Seas - Cruise Hive

Known to fans as the Jamaican Hurricane, Simone Edwards involvement with basketball was the result of a chance encounter at a high school event. She did not play basketball in high school. She was spotted by two American college basketball coaches after competing in a track meet in Jamaica. That began her journey towards becoming the first Caribbean and first Jamaican player in the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA).

But getting there was tough. Growing up poor in Kingston, Jamaica, in a gang-infested village, she knew she wanted to achieve more to enable her to help her mother who was working so hard to cater to the family, doing all kinds of menial work. Edwards at the time had heard of athletes going on scholarships to the U.S. and she wanted the opportunity for herself so that she could help take care of her mother and her three siblings.

So when two strangers walked up to her offering a Basketball scholarship even though she didnt actually know the game, she grabbed the opportunity.

I just said yes, Edwards recalled in an interview.

The two strangers, who introduced themselves as basketball coaches, approached her while she was competing for her high school in the 100-meter event at the national high school girls championship. They offered her a basketball scholarship to the USA, largely based on her height and athletic abilities.

All that was required was that I learned in one year, she said. Basketball was the platform that offered me a way out, and the opportunity to get a higher education so that I could help my mom and to break the cycle of abject poverty to which we were accustomed.

After learning basketball for a year, Edwards accepted a scholarship to Seminole State College in Oklahoma. She recounted arriving in the U.S. with a suitcase of warm clothes and $100 which her family raised for her. She lived in the dorm on campus and even though she felt out of place from the beginning, she was able to fit in thanks to her teammates, coach and mentors who became her support system.

Edwards first grabbed everyones attention on the court while playing for Seminole State College, leading the team to an undefeated conference record, ranking in the National Junior College Athletic Association Top 10. While there, she received numerous top sports awards and became the First Kodak All-American in the schools history.

She then became team co-captain at the University of Iowa and after graduating, Edwards was selected by the New York Liberty in the 1997 inaugural WNBA season. She competed internationally, leading teams to championships trophies before signing with the Seattle Storm in 2000 and eventually becoming a WNBA champion in 2004.

In 2006 when she retired from the league, she was selected to represent her home country, Jamaica, at the 2006 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships. Edwards won the countrys first-ever gold medal. In 2014, she returned to the team as head coach, winning yet another gold medal at the championship. Prior to that, she had joined Radford University as an assistant to Head Coach Jeri Porter from 2007 to 2008.

Off the court, Edwards has been speaking out on issues of bullying, self-esteem and sexual abuse. In 2000 while with the Storm, she founded the Simone4Children Organization to educate and uplift children, providing school supplies, clothing, and food to underprivileged children. Edwards has also started a girls empowerment movement in Jamaica called Girls Untapped and has been the director of the national basketball for youth, both male and female, in Jamaica.

The professional athlete recently authored her memoir Unstoppable: A Memoir of Adversity, Perseverance & Triumph, through her company, Diverse Writers Room. She details how she was able to find the inner strength to maintain hope in the face of opposition.

In 2017, the Jamaican government awarded Edwards with the Order of Distinction (OD), which may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who renders outstanding and important services to Jamaica and upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica. That same year, she accepted the duties of spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month to highlight the contributions of Caribbean Americans.

At the moment, more than 42.4 million immigrants live in the United States to pursue opportunities and dreams. Many of these immigrants believe in the American Dream and are optimistic about achieving it despite the political climate and threats they face almost every day. Edwards is living proof of that dream.

The 64 former centerhas since started a basketball academy to help and motivate underserved children in her home country Jamaica to learn the game of basketball as a vehicle to get scholarships, learn communication skills, among others.

Who knows, they could one day become even more successful than Simone Edwards, she said.

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From a gang-infested village to the first Caribbean player in WNBA - Face2Face Africa

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Three islands in the Caribbean that are popular with cruise-goers and travelers alike just removed several restrictions, making it easier and more appealing for foreign travelers to enter. Aruba, Grenada and the Cayman Islands are the countries in question, and in removing restrictions they are joining a rapidly expanding list of countries that have recently made it easier to enter, potentially leading to a tourism boom in the region in the coming few weeks.

Whilst they may not have gone as far as their Caribbean neighbour the Dominican Republic, who recently removed all of their Covid-19 related restrictions, the moves made by Aruba, Grenada and the Cayman Islands represent a step in the right direction as far as travelers are concerned, and could pave the way for a complete removal of restrictions in the near future. Heres a closer look at what exactly is changing in each of these countries.

Just a few weeks ago, the tropical island of Aruba made it much easier for travelers to be able to enter when they made it possible for travelers to be able to visit with just a negative Rapid Antigen Test result or, in the case of those with booster vaccine shots, not testing requirements at all. This week however, the country has gone a step further, removing several of its local Covid-19 restrictions.

The island has removed several of the restrictions it had placed on businesses at the height of the pandemic, allowing businesses and restaurants to go back to operating their normal hours, along with slashing capacity limits and closing time restrictions. On top of this, masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public places (apart from the airport), but encouraged allowing travelers to use their own judgement. Changes like these are a welcome step towards normality on the island, and could be enough to woo travelers back in greater numbers.

Previously, in order to enter Grenada, travelers had to ensure that they had a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 3 days before arriving in the country. However, recent updates by the government of Grenada have changed this requirement, making trips to the stunning country much easier for travelers, and much more appealing in the first place.

From now on, travelers can elect totake a Rapid Antigen Test, also known as an antigen test, instead of a PCR test. Travelers picking this option must ensure that their date of sample collection is within 1 day of their arrival in Grenada whilst this is a tighter window than for PCR tests, the affordability, availability and speed of Rapid Antigen Tests is bound to make it a preferred choice for many travelers.

Cayman Islands Restrictions Changes Information For Travelers

The Cayman Islands previously had particularly strict requirements after travelers had arrived. Travelers had to take lateral flow tests on days 2, 5 and 7 following their arrival on island, whilst at one point unvaccinated travelers had to stay in quarantine for as long as 14 days after landing on the island. Thankfully, both of these requirements were updated this week.

As a result of the update, the post-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated travelers has now been removed meaning no more tests on days 2, 5 and 7 after arrival. Additionally, the quarantine period for partially vaccinated, non-securely verifiable vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers has been reduced to seven days. Both changes are set to make the the Cayman Islands a much more enticing destination for travelers over the next few months.

Read More:The Dominican Republic Removes All Covid-19 RestrictionsTravel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022Switzerland Becomes The 4th Country In The World To Drop All Covid Entry Requirements

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These 3 Caribbean Islands Just Removed Several Travel Restrictions - Travel Off Path

Nurses play an important role in public health, which is the basis for UCF Associate Professor Jascinth Lindos research.

Lindo grew up in Jamaica and says her interest in public health and personal experience growing up on the island fueled her desire to look at what works bests to help build the nursing capacity in the region.

Nurses are key in helping the region best prepare for public health challenges. Epidemics of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, Chikungunya and Zika, face this region and its healthcare systems need strengthening. Being on the front line, nurses can help inform policy makers, and research provides good data for what works.

Through research, nurses promote or advance evidence-based practice, build knowledge to enhance quality of care and patient safety, and create mentors for future generations of nurse scientists, she says.

Thats one of the lessons she passes on at UCF through the many courses she teaches and with the students she mentors. However, this year shes on loan to the University of Bahamas where she is teaching courses and conducting research as part of her 2021 Fulbright Scholar Award.

The World Health Organizations 20162020 Global Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery lists developing nursing and midwifery research as an area of high priority, she says. We are currently working on research project designed to assess the quality of nursing documentation at a public hospital in the Bahamas as the template on which capacity can be built.

Once her research has concluded, she plans to publish her results with hopes of seeing some of the recommendations adopted by the university and others through the region.

UCFs reputation as a metropolitan research university, especially in nursing, is why she joined the College of Nursing in 2018. Before that she was an associate professor at Barry University in Miami. She also taught and was the program coordinator at the University of the West Indies School of Nursing in Kingston, Jamaica.

She has doctorate in public health and is a registered nurse. Before arriving in the United States, she also served as a research consultant to the Ministry of Health and Early Childhood Commission of Jamaica. She has led or co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed papers and presented at dozens of international conferences on nursing research, education, and maternal and perinatal mortality and workplace health.

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Making a Difference in the Next Generation of Nurses in the Caribbean and Florida - UCF

THERES A MYSTIQUE about the Netherlands-affiliated island state of Curaao, one of the three ABC Islands in the Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. (The others are Aruba and Bonaire.) Gleaming white beaches and clear turquoise waters in the shadows of towering cliffs dotted with centuries-old forts may come to mind, and historic downtowns with tall skinny candy-colored buildings. All that is, of course, a major draw. Increasingly, so is art.

On Curaao, scooter tours are available, which might take you over the Queen Emma Floating Bridge into the heart of the Willemstad district. This is where murals abound, and painters work in open-air bazaars down alleyways, and local personalities like Francis Sling hold forth. Sling, also a popular singer and poet, creates intricate, color-drenched portraits and depictions of island flora on buildings and on canvases in his breezy gallery.

You need a tour guide to catch all the varied art to be found in other nooks and crannies on the island. There is, for example, the museum-shop dedicated to the recently departed former beauty queen Nena Sanchez, set up in the Landhuis Jan Kok an 1840s plantation house across the street from a shallow salt lake where pink flamingos come to dine on tiny shrimp. Sanchezs sophisticated blue-hued women with flowers in their hair are famous around here.

And theres the cultural center at Landhuis Bloemhof, on whose grounds you find not only a crisp gallery space, but also an entire walk-thru installation called the Cathedral of Thorns, made of the dried branches of a prickly island shrub and a fab garden-side caf called Number Ten, where the avocado toast comes with fennel seeds and chili flakes. Also, you can head to Serenas Art Factory to paint your own chichi, a bulbous little statuette of an ebullient big sister that, with its no-two-are-alike mad swirls of color, has become an unofficial symbol of Curaao.

You might even get an art class, over wine and a dinner of wait for it Texas barbecue (an increasingly popular delicacy on the island) in the garden of yet another sprawling former plantation house. Landuis Jan Thiel was built in the 1700s, and Remy Bernabela, a retired pro cyclist, will bring his pit and cook up a truly accomplished spread of brisket, turkey, sausage and pit-roasted sweet potatoes.

Curaao's Tugboat Beach

A cute corner at Number Ten

Beachfront at the Papagayo

Other adventures du jour on Curaao include freediving with a Seabob, a bit like a small handheld jet ski that helps you go a little deeper and faster, so you can get close to the namesake shipwreck at Tugboat Beach. An outfit called Bearded Butlers can set you up; the proprietor is as patient as he is handsome if it takes you a minute to get the hang of it.

Speaking of unique beaches, theres the sparkling Playa Kenepa Grandi, kind of a local secret, as notable for its sweeping rocky vistas as its nearby military base that routinely delivers throngs of young hunks on break to cavort. (No kidding, its like a photo shoot for one of those steamy hunk-of-the-month calendars over here.)

The nightlife seeker may find his way to the Peitermaai district, where cool bars often presented in a hiply tattered baroque style are hidden down alleyways. The one called Mundo Bizaro is popular these days.

Lodging options span the Renaissance Curaao Wind Creek Resort a family-friendly affair near where massive cruise ships dock, with a lovely patio through which iguanas saunter during breakfast to the decidedly more contemporary and minimalist Papagayo Beach Hotel. Insanely beautiful thirtysomething Dutch couples must get a great discount at Papagayo; theyre everywhere.

Memorable dining options in Curaao include Restaurant Gouveneur de Rouville, a rambling old building with a Pat OBriens energy, yet another pretty crowd, and views of the harbor and Governors Palace. The menu features Keshi Yena, a classic dish of shredded chicken, encased in cheese and baked, thats said to date to the cooking of African slaves hundreds of years ago. At mod poolside Nultwintig (which means 020, the area code for Amsterdam) well-scrubbed Europeans enjoy truffled pumpkin risotto and grab their silverware from the silverware drawers conveniently hidden away right there at the table.

The people-watching is divine, and that might be the best art of all.

The Cathedral of Thorns

The lobby of the Papagayo

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On the Caribbeans Dutch Island of Curaao, the Emerging Art Scene Is as Colorful as the Scenery - Houston CityBook

I'm back on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship this weekend, this time checking out Independence of the Seas.

Since it's President's Weekend, my kids have off from school on Monday and that's a natural fit for a weekend cruise.

We had originally booked connecting Royal Promenade rooms for this cruise, but prices came down at the last minute and my travel agent was able to upgrade us to connecting balcony rooms for just $50 extra.

Independence is sailing from Port Canaveral and offering a 3-night Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay itinerary.

A week or so before the cruise, Royal Caribbean alerted us that embarkation would be pushed back an hour so that the ship could undergo additional cleaning. This is not unheard of over the last few months, although it is the first time I encountered it.

We had a 11:30am check-in time, but Royal Caribbean said for everyone to arrive one hour later than when they had booked.

We left our house and drove to Port Canaveral, which is about an hour drive door to door.

When we got to the terminal, they were letting people into the building to check-in, but they were holding passengers in the waiting area until the ship opened up boarding.

Luckily, by the time we finished checking in, boarding began. They started with suites and pinnacles, and then went in reverse Crown and Anchor Society before opening it up to everyone.

The weather started off a little cloudy, but everything cleared up as the afternoon progressed.

Onboard the ship, we grabbed lunch at the Windjammer.

The cabins weren't open until 2pm, so we took the kids up to the sports deck for a ride on the Sky Pad.

I booked the unlimited dining package for this cruise, and it's always a good idea to book your reservations for restaurants on the first day. I was able to get the days and restaurants we wanted without much issue.

We signed the kids up for Adventure Ocean next. On this sailing, there are 600 kids onboard and they are limiting parents to 3 hours per child for advanced reservations.

My wife took a well-deserved visit to the spa, while I took the kids to the pool deck. Independence of the Seas has a rather large Splashaway Bay, and they enjoyed the slides.

Once we got in the rooms, we dropped off our belongings and then headed downstairs to complete the muster drill.

Our next stop was up to the Sky Bar to enjoy sail away. We ended up staying in port a bit longer than expected, but it was a beautiful afternoon in terms of weather, so we enjoyed being outdoors.

As we sailed away, it was time to prepare for dinner and change.

We had dinner tonight in Izumi hibachi.

Dinner was great, and we had a really good chef who had some original material.

After dinner, we enjoyed some music at the pub.

Tomorrow, we will be visiting at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Independence of the Seas Live Blog - Day 1 - Embarkation Day - Royal Caribbean Blog

Fans are really disappointed over this massive production decision. They removed Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean. It was a deep shock for the fans. But knowing the audience, they are still determined to bring the star back on the board. Meanwhile, someone is really happy over Depps financial losses. Its none other than, Amber Heard. Their feud has still not settled down. Depp is ready to stretch the matter as long as possible. Both are accusing each other, but what is the actual truth behind their feud? Stay tuned with us, to know it all, just right here!

Amber Heard and Johnny Depps legal battle is still going on. Both have them are standing on their statements. Depp has made himself clear he hasnt physically hurt Amber in any manner. But Amber claims he has anger issues and Depp has mentally abused her. Unfortunately, the truth behind their internal problems is still not out. Both have stated different statements which have created confusion among us. In fact, the police have investigated the crime place twice, but they also have cited different things. The whole legal case is becoming bitter and chaotic.

Depp has additionally claimed Amber was having an extramarital affair. But the court didnt give him a strong chance to justify himself. Depps fans are obviously by his side and they are crossing all borders to stand by his side. Depp has told us he will do everything possible to prove himself innocent. Amber on the other hand is busy with her new Aquaman movie. Despite the audience voicing against her, the production has decided not to replace her from the cast list. Amber is nowadays involved with social activities. She is giving support to married women who are physically abused by their husbands.

It was a heart attack for Depps fan. Ambers legal case against Depp has surely made him suffer to the worst. His removal from Pirates of Caribbean 6 was just shockingly unbelievable for the fans. They obviously didnt support the decision. We wont deny Depp has faced a lot of financial losses. He surely is having a hard time. We still dont know what is the truth. But we are still trying our best to dig the whole thing out from the two renowned celebrities. Their marriage took a worse turn, no one had even imagined about this.

Since Amber has won the last court case, things have gone absolutely against Johnny Depp. She surely has hampered Depps acting career. But Depp is not that easy to beat. He will fight till the last. He needs to redeem his reputation and he will try her best to prove Ambers claims wrong. We will surely keep you updated on this topic. Thats all for now, to get more such updates on the latest celebrity gossip, stay connected with us, just right here.

The rest is here:

Amber Heard OVERJOYED after Johnny Depp FIRED from Pirates of the Caribbean 6 - Dominique Clare