Worst Travel Disasters: 6 Steps to Protect Yourself | Frommers.com

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3 Knockout Island Destinations: Anguilla, Tahiti and the Grenadines

Palm Island in the Grenadines for a week with my family over New Year’s; a nine day agent inspection trip to six islands in French Polynesia; two trips to Anguilla – one a family holiday in February and another in June to become an Anguilla Travel Connoisseur.

These are the trips I have made to my favorite island destinations in the last year. And why would you want to hear this? Seems a bit rude and boastful telling people all the wonderful places I have been. But I am telling you this to explain that while I travel with my family for enjoyment, I also travel to experience and learn about many wonderful places in the world. These travel experiences allow me to specialize in destinations and then offer firsthand knowledge and advice to clients.

So what do these three island paradises offer and which one should you go to? They are all a little off the beaten path and involve a little extra time and effort to get to, but it is well worth the effort.



Viceroy, Anguilla



Anguilla is a little island off the coast of St Maarten/St Martin – about twenty minutes by ferry or eight minutes by air.  It offers 33 beaches, about 100 restaurants, boutique resorts, B and B’s and private villas. What it doesn’t have; crowds, casinos or cruise ships. Celebrities love it for the anonymity it offers and the friendly people. It’s a fabulous spot for a wedding, honeymoon, family re-union or friend getaway. It is the little island that could!



Petit St Vincent, Grenadines



The Grenadines is a chain of islands running south from volcanic and lush St. Vincent down to Bequia with its famous port and ship building heritage, to the royal and celebrity hangout of Mustique, to Canouan home to the luxury golf  and villa resort (formerly Raffles), the hub of the south, Union Island, and the resort islands of Palm and Petit St Vincent and of course the Tobago Cays.

These islands offer relaxation and seclusion and great snorkeling and scuba. From Canada the best access is through Barbados and then onward via Grenadines Air.

You can sail the islands on your own or charter a boat and crew – a great way to discover secluded coves and beaches.

Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

And finally the Tahitian islands, which beckon with their romance and beauty. There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, but most people know only of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.  Television, films and magazines have given us a glimpse of her lush landscapes and coral motus surrounding multi-hued blue lagoons, but they remain unspoiled and un-crowded. The islands are far from Toronto five hours to Los Angeles and another eight to Papeete and expensive, but the rewards are many. No one comes home from French Polynesia disappointed! And guess what? The low season in Tahiti is our winter. Whether you cruise or island hop, stay in a five star overwater bungalow or a pension, this paradise will capture your heart

So which will you choose?

Hilton Moorea Stay

Belvedere

On leaving the Legends Resort we drove up to the Belvedere - the iconic Moorea photo stop. Unfortunately there were a few other people there and it seems I took a photo of someone taking a photo...

Next stop was our home for the night, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. Formerly the Sheraton this is the most American resort in terms of bedding and bathroom comfort - big comfy beds and claw foot bathtub and walk in shower.

Welcome to the Hilton

the pool

The resort offers 104 bungalows in six categories- garden pool to panoramic over water. There are two restaurants, two bars, pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and spa and aquatic activities. The hotel offers various cultural activities and Polynesian evenings - like other resorts in the islands.
We were treated to a sunset cocktail at the Toatea Bar by the over water bungalows and later a lovely dinner at the Rotui grill restaurant.
Next day we went off to the Sofitel for a site inspection. The Sofitel has the best beach and clearest water on Moorea, but it lacks the sunset view. It does however look back toward Tahiti and offers views of the sunrise. It is also close to both the airport and the ferry.

The resort has garden, beach and over water bungalows. The rooms are a good size with cool, contemporary styling; a nice blend of Polynesian and European style with splashes of colour. The over water bungalows have glass inserts in the living room floor which open to view and feed the fish. There are two restaurants - I like the Restaurant K for romantic dinners in the sand.

Moorea continued

After lunch we had a quick visit of the beautiful Legends Villa Resort which sits on the hill behind the Intercontinental; it offers the most amazing views in Moorea.

View from the top

When you enter the lobby you are graced with the most stunning view over the infinity pool to the beautiful waters of the lagoon below.

Legends Resort Pool and view

There are a number of villas spread across the hillside each with commanding views from a wrap around deck complete with jacuzzi, lounge chairs and a sheltered dining area. Indoors there is a modern kitchen/ dining bath and bedrooms and comfortable sitting area - with fresh comfortable decor. A great place for a wedding or a gathering of friends and family.

Jacuzzi, loungers and dining area

second bedroom

Living area of larger villa

Tahiti to Moorea - Fam day 2

After touring Tahiti hotels and some island sights, we boarded the Aremiti ferry for the 30 minute trip to Moorea. We were met at the ferry by Moorea Explorer - the yellow bus -and taken to the Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa. I checked into my garden pool bungalow, had a rest and dip in my private plunge pool prior to cocktails and a lovely dinner hosted by our charming host.

garden pool bungalow - Moorea Pearl

Next day we had breakfast and a tour of the property. The Pearl is a lovely resort with many on site amenities - bar, restaurant, pool, spa, shops, water sports and activities - but it is also walking distance to shopping and local restaurants. There are a number of different room categories to suit all needs.
They have a beautiful open air lobby where you are received with a cold towel, drink and sit down check in service.

poolside - Moorea Pearl

Next stop was the Intercontinental Resort and Spa - still one of my favourite hotels on Moorea. As with the Pearl you are met with a cold towel and refreshing drink with sit down lobby check in service. It is a larger property set a little further away from other amenities, but it is a beautiful property. There are lagoon and garden view rooms in the main building; garden bungalows with recently added plunge pools, beach and over water bungalows. The over water bungalows here are different - you enter from land and enter the water from the balcony. They have two restaurants, bars, two beautiful new pools with a swim up bar, expanded beach, a  turtle rehabilitation centre and a dolphin centre.

Intercontinental Moorea - looking toward Legends Resort

Both hotels have local artisans displaying their wares for sale in the lobby. I was pleased to see Nathalie of L'atelier du Chat at the Intercontinental. We bought a beautiful Tiki carved by her husband on our first visit to Moorea in 2004. We were treated to a nice lunch in the poolside restaurant and were then off to see the Legends Villa resort - on the mountain behind the Intercontinental.

Tahiti fam trip Nov 27 - Dec 8th

I just returned from a fantastic Tahiti agents trip hosted by Patricia Fargeon at Planet Tahiti/ Planet France and Roger Berube of Club Aventure. We were a small group of three agents, two photographers/photojournalists and two hosts. As many were from a french background, I had a chance to try and dredge my high school french from the dungeons of my mind - it was great to know I understood quite a lot even though I could not speak it.
We started on the island of Tahiti - arriving into Papeete where we stayed for one night. Most flights arrive late at night, so a hotel close to the airport is key. We stayed at the Sofitel a quick drive from the airport and with an easy check in.
We had a wonderful breakfast the next morning and then were off to visit the Manava Suites. This hotel is just two years old; it is a little further from the airport, but it has great views over to Moorea and nice contemporary Polynesian style suites with kitchen facilities. It is a great place for families or couples wanting  to save a bit on food costs and there is a supermarket very close by. There is also good dining on site which is open until late.
Next we went over to the Radisson Resort and Spa; it is on the  north end of the city on a black sand beach. It is also  modern polynesian style with many different room types to fit various clients needs. After touring the rooms, we were hosted for an amazing lunch.
Both the Manava and the Radisson are popular with the islanders as they offer some great specials for them and for us tourists.

Sofitel on arrival - ready for Christmas 

Manava Suites pool - view to Moorea

Radisson Tahiti - view from a suite

Culmination of a fantastic lunch

Tahiti, Caribbean, Central America; here are some winter vacation ideas.

If you have not yet booked your winter escape it is not too late, but do it soon -the special offers are expiring by the day. Can’t decide where or when to go? Here are a few suggestions. Your interests, who you are travelling with and how long you can afford to be away will influence where and how you go.

Club Med – Has refurbished and updated many of their resorts to appeal to a more contemporary, style conscious consumer. The most recent update is Sandpiper Resort in Florida; due to reopen in December it will offer professionally staffed golf and tennis academies and a big new spa facility.

There are adult only resorts in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (not renovated but great deals to be had here); family friendly resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic; romantic resorts in Thailand, Bali, Indonesia and the Maldives; ski resorts in Europe and finally the Club Med II sailing ship plying Caribbean waters in winter and European waters in summer. Club Med really does have something to offer everyone.

Disney and Disney cruises – Disney recently launched their new Dream ship and while I am not a fan of big cruise ships (anything over 700 people in my books) this promises to be quite the adventure filled cruise ship with many interesting innovations to captivate young and old alike. Disney is fun for everyone (come on admit it!) so it is a great choice for multi generational holidays. With all the special offers and the new Harry Potter theme park this is a holiday which will thrill just about everyone.

There is such a great variety of accommodation on offer you can make this a luxury or a value holiday. Florida is so close and with daily flight options you can go for a long weekend or longer.

Caribbean – Cruise or land there are many choices:

 Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Turks and Caicos for beaches;

St Lucia, Dominica, Guadeloupe; Grenada; Trinidad and Tobago for nature;

Barbados, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, St Maarten/Martin for nightlife and highlife;

The Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas – get away from the crowds and go sailing - bareboat or charter.

Central America – These countries have so much to offer but in particular –

Costa Rica, Panama and Belize for flora and fauna; Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua for history and culture;

If you have more time head further south to Brazil, Peru, Chile or Argentina for a dynamic, fun, culturally rich adventure.

Tahiti –North American winter is low season in Tahiti, so it offers good value and no crowds during our peak travel season.  To make it cost-effective and all-inclusive I recommend you do a cruise – Paul Gauguin has free air, family and group specials. Earlier bookings get the best prices and choice of cabins.

March Break perfection!

If you’ve got a few weeks then head down under to New Zealand or Australia – there’s an adventure waiting for you!