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Dominica brands itself the Caribbean's "Nature Island," and Secret Beach, near Portsmouth, offers its own evidence. (JILL LAWLESS/ASSOCIATED PRESS) |
As the weather warms up across the United States, the Caribbean begins to offer its hottest deals, reminding travelers that even in summer the weather is pleasant on the islands and that all the amenities are still there. It's just that the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.
Dominica has everything from natural beauty to great snorkeling and diving to something called the Wacky Rollers Adventure Park . "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest " was filmed largely on this West Indian island, which will be the location for the new CBS reality series , "Pirate Master ." The Tamarind Tree has a six-night Pirates Package, highlighted by five days of tours and excursions, including a visit to all the movie sites, with the director's driver as your guide. In addition, the offer includes all meals, service charges, tax, and airport transfers. Prices through Aug. 31 start at $1,615 a person.
Visit tamarindtreedominica .com or call 767-449-7395 . For information on the island, go to dis coverdominica.com .
An example of how dramatically prices drop in the off-season : A four-bedroom villa at Villa C KUH on a hillside in St. Martin lists for $5,200 a week through Dec. 14. From Dec. 15-Jan. 5, the price is $15,000, and Jan. 6-April 15, it is $7,800.
For information on this and other villa vacations, visit Newport, R.I.,-based Wimco at wimco .com or call 866-483-4071 .
Caribbean cruises sail year round and it's hard not to find a bargain. Surfing the Internet, I was able to find a five-night western Caribbean sailing on the
Bonaire celebrates Dive Into Summer June 1-Sept. 30 with a variety of offerings for divers, families, and solo travelers. One example: The Black Durgon Inn's Diver's Paradise apartment package includes seven nights' accommodation in a superior apartment for $303 per person.
Visit blackdurgon.com . For all packages and event information, visit bonairediveintosummer.com or call 800-BONAIRE (800-266-2473) .
The 138-room Buccaneer on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, where you don't need a passport, is celebrating its 60th anniversary . A seven-night Family Special, available through Dec. 19, includes two rooms, spa treatments, golf greens fees or tennis (your choice of two per package), chilled champagne upon arrival, a $100 dining credit, daily breakfast, taxes, water activities, a children's camp, and a cocktail party. Prices begin at $2,982. A five-night package, which omits the dining credit, begins at $2,072.
Visit thebuccaneer.com/spec ials.htm or call 800-255-3881 .
Perhaps a 4 1/2-bedroom Barbados estate would be to your liking. Calliaqua , part of the Sugar Hill resort community , offers tennis facilities and guest privileges at Suga Suga Beach , which include restaurant, spa, beach amenities, and water sports. With Altman Villa Rentals' Calliaqua package , guests pay for six nights and stay seven. Also included are airport transfers for up to eight people, a car rental, and dinner for eight the first night, prepared and served by your private cook. The price through Dec. 15 is $9,185.
Visit aaaltman.com/calliaqua package.php or call 866-360-5292 .
Visit americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880 .
Visit oswegovictoria.com or call 866-602-1447.
Visit the Great Canadian Travel Co. at topoftheworldtours.com or call 800-661-3830 .
Call 877-255-1886 or visit inn attheoaks.com .
When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at car penter@globe.com