Bluefields Bay Jamaica — an unresort-like resort

Bluefields Bay Jamaica — an unresort-like resort

Nov 18, 2011

Welcome to Bluefields Bay Villas—the most unresort-like resort I’ve ever visited — in Jamaica, about an hour and 15 minut4es drive from Montego Bay in the small community of Bluefields Bay.

There’s more to Puerto Rico than the beaches

There’s more to Puerto Rico than the beaches

Nov 7, 2011

It is pitch black and we are kayaking through red mangroves, trying to dodge the roots, on our way to the Bioluminescent Bay Laguana Grande at Las Croabas, Fajardo in Puerto Rico—one of three on the island, I learn from our guide Joel from GSI Adventures.

To Aulani, Disney’s First Hawaii Resort

To Aulani, Disney’s First Hawaii Resort

Oct 20, 2011

Disney employed more than 100 local consultants to advise them on everything from storytelling to music to architecture. Local fish and produce are served at the resort restaurants and children can learn to snorkel with Hawaiian fish in the artificial Rainbow Reef.

Disney sees Aulani as the place for destination weddings

Disney sees Aulani as the place for destination weddings

Oct 11, 2011

There are already 1,000 weddings a year at Walt Disney World in Orlando–upwards of 20 per cent among blended families, says Korrie McFann, who oversees Disney’s e wedding and honeymoon business around the world. The company anticipates Aulani to rival Orlando for the wedding business.

Spas treatments for all ages at Disney’s Aulani

Spas treatments for all ages at Disney’s Aulani

Oct 6, 2011

Laniwai (the name means freshwater heaven in Hawaiian) is supposed to embrace the Hawaiian connection to nature. I think it can enhance family connections too both by encouraging families to enjoy the facilities together and on their own

There’s a lot do on Oahu but so too at the Aulani

There’s a lot do on Oahu but so too at the Aulani

Oct 5, 2011

There’s so much to keep kids busy right here at Aulani–the water slides and ides and lazy river, the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon, the chance to interact with the stingrays and play in the calmest lagoon I’ve ever seen.

Hawaiian tradition and culture blend with Disney at the new Aulani

Hawaiian tradition and culture blend with Disney at the new Aulani

Oct 4, 2011

Ready to learn the Coconut Walk? “Aunty,” who actually is well known Hawaiian entertainer Sonya Mendez, leads the children as they clap Coconut shell instruments together around the outdoor restaurant. In between songs, Goofy, Minnie and other Disney Pals—all decked out in Hawaiian gear—stop by for photos and hugs

A visit to Disney’s new Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii

A visit to Disney’s new Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii

Oct 3, 2011

What I like most is that this big resort—when it is fully open it will include 359 rooms and 481 two-bedroom condo units—is that it will up the ante for family resorts in Hawaii and elsewhere, improving the family experience in the process.

Learning to scuba dive at a Caribbean resort

Learning to scuba dive at a Caribbean resort

Sep 26, 2011

We’ve just finished the most spectacular dive of the day off of Grand Turk Island called “anchor” so named for a historic 10-foot anchor deep in the water. We’ve seen a Manta ray and sea turtle, hog fish, huge grouper, eel garden ray, that flounder and all kinds of other big and little fish–blue and purple, silver and spotted…as well as all varieties of coral.

Interacting with rescued marine mammals at Atlantis in the Bahamas

Interacting with rescued marine mammals at Atlantis in the Bahamas

Sep 12, 2011

The facility serves as the best marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in the Bahamas—the sea lions here were also rescued. Corbett shows us the lab which she proudly says is one of the most medically advanced in the Bahamas — for creatures or people, she jokes — complete with ultra sounds equipment, digital x-rays, anesthesia machines and more. Experts here have the ability via the internet to consult with experts around the world.