Our client Charles Dickson recently returned from a 10-night cruise on luxury line Celebrity that sailed throughout the eastern Caribbean. Chuck has been on more than 25 cruises, but this time he and his wife did something a little different — instead of booking their normal “veranda” room, they got a luxurious suite. What was the upgrade like? “It was just unbelievable,” said Chuck.
Chuck and his wife got to enjoy exclusive amenities like a butler who’d bring fresh coffee and pastries every morning, a full bathtub and relaxing rain shower, and over 300 square feet of private space — almost unheard of on a cruise ship! But the experience that really put splurging for the suite over the top was dining at Luminae, the incredible restaurant exclusively for suite guests. Said Chuck: “It was like dining at a five-star restaurant every single night. Other guests could dine there, but for a $50 up-charge for each person. So on a 10-day cruise, that’s an extra $1,000 for a couple.”
As Chuck pointed out, the luxury suite may not haven been Celebrity’s cheapest option, but it did provide the most value, through incredible amenities, exceptional service, and amazing dining and drink inclusions that they didn’t have to pay extra for. In fact, Chuck and his wife thought it was such an exceptional value and experience that Chuck says they’ll probably book suites exclusively from now on.
Upgrading to a luxury experience may not be in the stars for every trip, but the difference between traveling the way you’re used to and traveling luxuriously can be so huge it’s worth the splurge to experience the difference every now and then. And the best part is you don’t have to travel half way around the world to indulge in luxury — the Caribbean is teeming with properties that astound and inspire.
Check out this round up of some standout Caribbean resorts that absolutely put the “lux” in “luxury”:
Laid Back Luxury at Fowl Cay:
At Fowl Cay Resort in the Exumas, Bahamas, you get to take advantage of incredible resort amenities while staying in your own private villa. There are six villas spread out over the network of small, scattered islands — so it feels like you have the whole beach all to yourself! Luxurious touches like fully stocked pantries and fridges, a boat docked outside your villa just for you, and packed picnics prepared by top chefs mean you and your family get to revel in luxury on your own terms.
Utter Romance at Jade Mountain:
Looking to reconnect with a loved one? Look no further than Jade Mountain Resort, an incredible getaway tucked into the dramatic hilly landscape of St. Lucia. Splurge for one of the 24 “sanctuaries,” artfully designed suites that each comes with its own infinity pool and sweeping, panoramic views of the islands famous mountains, the Pitons, and glimmering beaches.
Country Club Style at Royal Isabela:
Pack up your clubs and head to Puerto Rico for the game of your life at Royal Isabela, whose oceanfront golf course is sure to astound. Stay in your own private “casita,” where a concierge fulfills each and every request. Live the country club lifestyle while exploring the beautifully landscaped (and eco-friendly) grounds, lounging in the grand library, and dining on farm-to-table dishes while mingling with other members at The Restaurant at La Casa.
Chic Overwater Bungalows Are Closer Than You Think:
You’ve seen them in far-away destinations like Bora Bora and Tahiti: serene, surreal overwater bungalows that seem to float dreamily on the ocean below. Soon, though, you won’t have to endure an incredibly long flight to get this exclusive expereince. Sandals is currently constructing overwater bungalows in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We can’t wait to see how Sandals adapts these luxurious accomodations to the laidback Caribbean lifestyle!
Are one of these incredible (and incredibly close) resorts calling your name?
Or perhaps you’d like to experience the bredth of all that the Caribbean has to offer in the name of luxury, like Chuck and his wife did on their Celebrity cruise? Either way, get in touch! We’d love to help you imbue your next trip with a bit of luxury.