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💭 🧳 Ready to take a holiday from the holidays?
Christmas is just around the corner, and while you’re busy wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or figuring out if eggnog counts as a meal (it does), this week’s newsletter is here to give you a holiday escape.
We’re taking you to the Caribbean—because nothing says “holiday cheer” like turquoise water, warm sand, and zero snow shovels. PLUS - escape winter to Jamaica’s highest rated resort, offering $250 in free food. Santa, take notes. 🎅🍹 »»
Merry Christmas, and may your holidays be as thrilling (and delicious) as these picks! 🎅✨
Stay Smart Inn-Sight 💡
TRAVEL HACK: Your Phone is Now Your ID at TSA in These 13 States.
(And Yes, It Actually Works!) 🛫📱
Exuma Exclusives
Stay Inspired✨
/ Pick of the week
Nestled on a protected point in Little Exuma, Bahamas, Blue Lagoon Villa is where pristine beachfront meets private lazy river paradise. This 6,000 sq.ft. three-building hideaway offers 270-degree water views and endless aquatic adventures.
🏖️ 🌊 | Blue Lagoon Villa (Direct Website)
📍 Location: Moore Hill, Little Exum, Bahamas
7 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 14 Guest
⭐️ Guest Grade: 4.87 Stars | 95+ Reviews
🗣️💬 | Guest Vibe Check:
Your cheat sheet – the the 'good to know before you go’
What’s Hot 🔥
Location: Uniquely positioned with private sandbar, crystal lagoon, and ocean access right outside your door – offering three distinct water experiences in one spot.
Family Paradise: Perfect setup for large groups (up to 14+) with main house and separate cottages, heated pool, and safe "lazy river" that's perfect for kids of all ages.
Adventure Ready: Comes equipped with kayaks for mangrove exploration, prime snorkeling spots steps away, and options for boat rentals right from your private beach.
What’s Not 😬
Bug Life: Pack extra bug spray – sand fleas and no-see-ums are frequent uninvited guests, especially after rain.
Remote Vibes: 45-60 minute drive from airport/groceries means you'll need to plan ahead and stock up on supplies.
Island Quirks: Expect occasional power/water hiccups and spotty WiFi in cottages – it's island life, after all.
The Verdict 🕵️
Book it for extended family trips and nature lovers seeking private paradise. Skip it if you need nightlife or want to be close to amenities.
💰 Booking Tip: I did the math so you don't have to – a 5-night stay in January booked direct puts almost $2K back in your pocket versus booking through VRBO or Airbnb.
Hotel Amigo
Stay Spotlight✨
/ Secret Bay, Dominica
Perched on a clifftop where the rainforest meets the Caribbean Sea, Secret Bay is frequently described by travelers as a hidden gem on Dominica, the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. This luxurious eco-resort has captivated guests with its unique blend of privacy, personalization, and breathtaking natural beauty.
What Sets It Apart
Exclusive iPhone for Your Stay 📱: A personal iPhone in every villa keeps you connected to your villa host and concierge for seamless service.
Access to a Secret Beach 🏝️: Kayak or hike to a pristine, hidden beach that’s perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and unwinding.
Luxury Villas with Private Pools: Villas feature private plunge pools, expansive outdoor spaces, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that immerse you in nature.
(According to Travelers)
Best Time to Visit: Guests recommend the dry season (December to April) for sunny days ideal for exploring and adventure, while the rainy season (May to November) is noted for its lush greenery and quieter atmosphere.
Travel Tips
Getting There: The drive from Douglas-Charles Airport to the resort is an hour long but scenic and winding. Guests suggest packing motion-sickness remedies if needed.
Mosquito Preparedness: While the rainforest setting is magical, travelers recommend bringing bug spray to fully enjoy the experience.
Stay Suite✨
/ the best suite to book
Travelers frequently highlight the Ti-Fèy Villa as the ultimate choice for those seeking privacy and indulgence. It’s a top pick for honeymooners.
Why Guests Love It:
Private Luxury: A two-story villa with a plunge pool, BBQ patio, and outdoor shower, all surrounded by Dominica’s lush rainforest.
Breathtaking Views: Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer panoramic vistas of the ocean and jungle.
In-Villa Dining: Travelers rave about the breakfasts prepared by villa hosts. The traditional Dominican breakfast, in particular, is a guest favorite.
Guest Insight:
“The in-villa breakfast was the highlight of our day. We loved the privacy and the feeling of being surrounded by nature, yet with every luxury at hand.”
Pro Tip from Guests: Bring snacks or order from local markets if you want to save on dining costs, as food prices can be high.
Stay Ahead ⚠️
/ Industry Insights + Trends
HEADS UP: A Marriott hotel in Bentonville, AR, is threatening guests with a $50 fee for staining their cheap-a$$ towels.
Yeah, you heard that right – FIFTY BUCKS for ruining a $5 towel. Use it to wipe off your mascara? Ka-ching! Cleaned your muddy Nikes? That'll cost ya!
Villa on Dunbar Rock
Stay Crazy 🫢
/ Stay or Nay of the week
Here's today's million-dollar question: Ever dreamed of spending your vacation ON a rock? Not hiding under one - but literally living on top of one? Well, someone in Honduras said "challenge accepted" and built this absolutely bonkers villa IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN!
Ridiculous Factor:
This 15,000 sq ft villa sprawls across 4 FLOORS OF ROCK (yes, rock), with an infinity pool hanging over the ocean (because regular ocean views weren't extra enough), plus, there's a dive center for when you need to make a dramatic underwater exit.
⭐️ 4.5 | 595 TripAdvisor Reviews
Sooooo, would you: Stay 👍️ or Nay 👎️ (When else can you point to a random rock in the ocean and say "that's my hotel"?)
🗳️ Poll time! Drop your vote:Let's hear it – would you STAY or NAY? |
A dream vacation in the Caribbean with up to 48% off
Look at this gem I stumbled upon! 🌴 Excellence Punta Cana is rolling out a dreamy Caribbean escape deal that’s too good to miss with up to 48% off with promo code WELCOME2025
Exclusive Perks
Inn-side Scoops 🗞️
/ Quick Bites: News You Can Use
🔍 Inside Scoop: Know the difference between a “hotel suite” vs "junior suite". One travel expert spills the tea. Read More →
🌴 27 boutique Caribbean escapes that trade mega-resort vibes for intimate charm – including Paul McCartney's honeymoon spot in the Bahamas.
📍 Condé Nast Traveler's Ultimate Caribbean Hotel Guide for 2025
Rockhouse Jamaica turns 50 with vintage cool vibes.
Six Senses debuts in Grenada with local-first luxury.
Eden Rock St. Barths remains the crown jewel of glam.
🧳 🫠 | Suitcase snippets
Bite-sized lodging news & insights
🛎️🗣️ | Check-in chatter
Gossip from the guestbook
🫵 | Before you go…
Lemme know your
Holiday Dream Location.Where are you spending your fantasy Christmas? |
"Your choice says a lot about your holiday spirit—cast your vote and let’s see where everyone’s dream location is!" 🎄✨
🫶 | Thanks for reading
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