Sherman's Travel

The San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel is already one of Puerto Rico’s trendiest hotels, but with $2.5 million dollars spent on recent renovations, it has even more to offer. Notably new is Mist, a rooftop bar and lounge, to accompany the rooftop pool and views of the steps-away Isla Verde beach. At Mist (pictured) you can sip cocktails and eat Island-Italian-Spanish fusion tapas (made from locally grown ingredients) from the spacious pillowed and cushioned couches that truly deserve the word “lounge.”

If you’d rather consume your food by table and chair, the hotel also has a new restaurant, Zest. Zest, like the neon-blue-lit hotel that contains it, is uniquely decorated, with such design elements as a waterfall by the bar and a simulation of the surface of the ocean on the ceiling. The food, too, is unique: Diverse dishes are locally and sustainably-sourced and scent-infused to take your taste experience to the next level.

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If you’re thinking of heading to the Caribbean for a romantic, week-long winter getaway, here’s an idea: Instead of spending all seven nights on one island, why not split your time between two? Island hopping is easier in some destinations than others, so here’s a roundup of five two-island options that are not only easy to combine logistically, but also feature varied landscapes and ambience. Note: Caribbean resorts do command premium rates until mid-April or so, but if you check deal-finder sites, including ShermansTravel.com’s nifty price-comparison tool, you may be able to score some last-minute price breaks. Or, if you want to see multiple islands, you can always take a cruise. Check back next week for details on my favorite ships and itineraries. Read more

Black Friday bargains may lure intrepid shoppers, but it’s Cyber Monday that travel-savvy couples should be on the lookout for. A range of hotels around the country– as well as in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America – are offering 20 to 65 percent discounts on rooms for travel this winter and coming spring. The hitch: You have just 24 hours (from midnight to 11:59pm this coming Monday, November 28, 2011) to book them. Here are 10 great Cyber Monday deals that are primed for romantics: Read more

Stay at the upscale Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino with their Retreat to the Heat package. With rates starting at $169, stay three nights and receive the fourth night free! This is an effective rate of $127 per night – a savings of over 25% on their current rates. Plus, you’ll receive a $75 resort credit to be used on food, beverage, and more!

The hotel is located in the heart of historic old San Juan, directly on the waterfront. Soak up the sun at nearby beaches or enjoy yourself in the hotel’s casino. The Sheraton is also just steps away from world-class shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment.

Travel is valid from now through January 31. Book by December 15.

This deal is part of a wider sale available at Starwood Caribbean Hotels including the Westin St. John Resort & Villas and the Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba. Visit Retreat to the Heat to learn more.

THE VALUE: Save over 25% on current rates, plus receive a $75 resort credit.

THE CATCH: You must stay at least four nights to receive these savings.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Retreat to the Heat website and choose the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to San Juan.

For general trip-planning information, see our San Juan Travel Guide.

Looking for a last minute trip somewhere warm before the winter months are upon us?Look no further than the Wyndham Rio Mar in Puerto Rico, offering a fall nightly rate starting at $111—that is a savings of 35% off current rates. Travel is available now through December 23. The Rio Mar Beach Resort is the epicenter of the picturesque Northeast Coast of Puerto Rico. Its 500 acres are ensconced between El Yunque National Rain Forest and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This tropical beachfront hideaway was created to pamper and impress.

THE VALUE: Save 35% now through December 23 during when the average temperate is about 80 degrees.

THE CATCH: These rates do not include taxes or resort fees and are based on availability. Blackout dates do apply.

THE DETAILS: Visit Wyndham Rio Mar or call 800-474-6627 and mention the promo code DISFALL11.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Puerto Rico. Then, plan your getaway with our Puerto Rico Travel Guide.

After all that Oktoberfest frivolity, I suddenly have a hankering for more costumed fiestas, and not just because Halloween is on the horizon. Thankfully Atlantis Events has released its 2012 roster of cruises with two very different Caribbean itineraries, which translates into plenty of options to get your gay pirate on. Swimsuits and circuit parties, anyone?

Book now to take advantage of lower rates and snag a spot, because if history repeats itself these will sell out. Hedging your bets for a later sale is a losing proposition. Read more

Bridezillas, listen up: Your stress-laden, insomnia-wracked days might be over. (We’re guessing we’ve pricked the ears of one or two grooms-to-be as well.)

Ever thought of escaping to Puerto Rico for your magical day, soaking up the sunshine and unspoiled ocean views in five-star luxury? Hilton Worldwide has just debuted its new ‘Bride Whisperers’ program in five of its properties across the country, complementing an already impressive array of services provided to its guests.

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Relax on the 500-acre hideaway between the tropical El Yunque National Rainforest and a mile-long stretch of the Atlantic shoreline at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Rico. Travel now through December 23, 2011 with the “Caribbean Vacation Stimulus” package that has rooms starting at $255 per night and allows guests to receive two complimentary nights, when two consecutive nights are purchased –that comes out to $127.50 per night! Also, included in this deal is a $100 food and beverage credit at any of the Wyndham Rio Mar’s restaurants during the stay. The 4-Star resort is one of Puerto Rico’s premier beachfront vacation destinations with breathtaking ocean views that are matched by classic tropical décor.

THE VALUE: Stay two consecutive nights and receive two more nights free!

THE CATCH:Taxes or resort fees, is based on availability and blackout dates do apply.

THE DETAILS: To book this deal guests can call 800-474-6627 and mention the PKGCARIB1 or visit www.wyndhamriomar.com

WE’VE GOT MORE: Take a look at our Puerto Rico Travel Guide plan your time in port!

Also, check out our Travel Search for great flight options to Puerto Rico

It’s deals season in the Caribbean, and with good reason: Hurricanes and tropical storms swirl through the region this time of year, squashing many bargain-hunting beach-goers’ plans. This week, Hurricane Irene is causing trouble in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and seems to have her sights set on southern Florida. To compensate, some airlines are issuing ticket-change waivers for those areas on select travel dates; here’s what you need to know:

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I’ve visited Puerto Rico several times, but have spent most of my trips in San Juan and the Condado beach area. So when a friend mentioned the western side of the island, I was a bit skeptical. I had heard about up and coming destinations elsewhere on the island  – Vieques has a fabulous new W Hotel, and the St. Regis just opened an amazing resort in the north  – but the western coast remained a mystery to me until my most recent trip.

A few friends and I decided to meet at the Horned Dorset Primavera, near the town of Rincon. I had heard of the resort before, and a friend had stayed there a couple of years ago. This Relais and Chateaux property is a classic destination hotel. People come exclusively to stay here and remain on the grounds for the entire stay – and I easily can see why. The Horned Dorset Primavera is a terrific place to spend a few days or a week relaxing in the Caribbean.

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