Sherman's Travel

With temperatures soaring across most of the country, it’s hard for some of us to think about baking in the Caribbean sun. However, cold weather will be here before you know it, and with it a slew of new flights from the East Coast and Midwest to take advantage of tropical destinations.

Booking now for new JetBlue service from D.C. to San Juan (daily) and JFK to Samana, Dominican Republic (twice weekly) will score you big savings. Launching August 23, one-way fares on the San Juan route will be as low as $129 for travel through November 14 if you book by July 13; this will be the only non-stop flight between the U.S. capital and the Puerto Rican capital. Similarly, book by this Friday to secure one-way fares to Samana starting at $169 for flights from the November 14 launch date through February 9.

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Appealing to today’s more value-conscious upscale traveler, luxury line Crystal Cruises has added all-inclusive amenities to their standard pricing. These new benefits began with Crystal Symphony‘s first transatlantic voyage from Miami to Lisbon on March 19 (the next all-inclusive sailing will be the Crystal Serenity‘s trip from New York to London on May 8).

The new all-inclusive pricing includes prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, butler, and dining staff, an impressive selection of fine wine and premium spirits in the restaurants, open-bar service throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, and more.

As repeat passengers, my husband and I anticipated exceptional cuisine and a world of imaginative itineraries when we had the pleasure of taking an 11-day cruise through the Panama Canal in January. It was the perfect time of the year to sail from Costa Rica into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, stopping at the colorful ports of Curacao, St. Maarten and St. Thomas before arriving in Miami.

Unfortunately, it was too soon in the year for us to take advantage of Crystal’s all-inclusive pricing – but there’s always a next time. Read more

At La Samanna on St. Martin, guests are enveloped by a sense of calm that belies the busy byways and beaches of other parts of this heavily-touristed island in the French West Indies. Here, wrought iron gates guard white stucco structures entwined by tropical blooms while the 55-acre beach that fronts the resort, Baie Longue, is peppered with just a few fabulous-looking people. La Samanna is, bar none, the best place for an upscale celebration, discreet escape, honeymoon, or even destination wedding on St. Martin.

So, it’s big news that this luxury resort, run by Orient-Express Hotels, is switching it up and moving ahead with extensive renovations. Out of La Samanna’s 83 rooms, 30 rooms have been completely redesigned while 20 have received an update with new furniture. The remaining rooms and public areas will be finished from September 1 – November 2, when the resort will close while work is ongoing. The décor in the newly-renovated rooms features a blue and white motif with white travertine floors, marble bathrooms with ceiling showers, shabby-chic style couches, and oceanview terraces. Some suites also have private plunge pools.

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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

Mark your calendars: between November 25-28, you can book a room at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten starting from $150 per night – a 50% discount off the hotel’s seasonal rates. You’ll also receive up to $100 in island credit, which can be used at participating restaurants, spas, casinos, shops, and more.

This deal is valid for travel from December 18, 2011 through April 7, 2012. A minimum stay of three nights is required.

The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino is an upscale beachfront resort on the Dutch side of the island. Aside from a mile of white, sandy beach, the resort also boasts two pools, a swim-up bar, a health spa, and a redesigned interior. The hotel overlooks the beautiful Great Bay Harbor and is only a ten-minute walk from Phillipsburg, the island’s capital that’s home to great shopping, dining, and entertainment.

THE VALUE: You’ll pay as little as $150 per night, which saves you 50% on the hotel’s seasonal rates, plus receive up to $100 in island credit.

THE CATCH: You can only book this deal between November 25-28.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino site for more information. To book, enter the promotional code BF11 or call 1-800-SONESTA and mention this code.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our St. Maarten Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to the island.

Jet down to the Caribbean this winter to take advantage of serious discounts on St. Maarten hotels. Take your pick from Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Turquoise Shell Inn, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Princess Heights, and Belair Beach Club. Those booking this “Plaay to Staay” offer will also receive a $50 credit per room, per night good towards St. Maarten restaurants, shops, spas, casinos, attractions, and even car rentals. Be sure to book by November 10 for stays from December 15 to March 31, 2012.

THE VALUE: Save up to 25 percent off peak season rates.

THE CATCH: Winter is peak season on St. Maarten, so expect peak crowds.

THE DETAILS: Book by calling 800-309-2005 and mention the “Plaay to Staay” promotion.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

Sonesta’s duo of resorts on the Dutch half of St. Maarten – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino – offer easy beach access, swimming pools, multiple bars and restaurants, casinos, and spas. With “The Longer You Stay the Less You Pay” offer, you’ll get 35 percent off two-night stays, 40 percent off three-night stays, and 45 percent off stays of four or more nights. Book by September 30 for travel through December 17.

THE VALUE: Rates start at just $116/night.

THE CATCH: You must pay in full at booking, and the deposit is non-refundable.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten and code LUSLUP, or call 800-766-3782.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

Set your sights on the Caribbean with seriously discounted rates on the French/Dutch isle of St. Maarten. For stays of two or more nights through December 18, Princess Heights is offering rates of $136/night and will even throw in a free car rental. Located in the residential Oyster Pond area on a hill above Dawn Beach, the hotel’s 51 condos sport kitchenettes and balconies with ocean views. Book the low rates by August 31.

THE VALUE: This offer represents a savings of 50 percent.

THE CATCH: The rate does not include gas, tax, or insurance on the rental vehicle.

THE DETAILS: Call 800-881-1744 and mention the Summer Free Rental Car promotion. Check out the hotel at www.princessheights.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

Fronting one of the loveliest beaches on St. Maarten, the ultra-comfortable, contemporary Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa offers the usual superior Westin amenities and a sleek aesthetic accented by island touches. There are aquatic activities aplenty, an extensive casino (somewhat oddly set semi-open in the middle of the coolly abstract lobby), kids’ club and meeting facilities, the Hibiscus Spa, and grade-A Aura Steakhouse. Best of all, you can enjoy it all this summer for half the price!

THE VALUE: Winter room rates here can go for $419/night so you’ll save up to 54 percent with discount prices from $189/night through September 30.

THE CATCH: There are a limited number of rooms available at this rate so book fast before they sell out.

THE DETAILS: Call 011-599-543-6700 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on flights to St. Maarten.

Sunny Saint Martin/Sint Maarten blends French and Dutch colonial culture with a laidback Caribbean attitude. Sonesta Resorts’ two beach hotels on the Dutch side – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino – are slashing rates as low as $126/night for travel from May 4 to July 5 as part of the Spring into Summer Sale. The Great Bay Beach property features an on-site scuba and water sports center, while the Maho Beach Resort is home to the island’s largest casino. Both resorts boast a prime beachfront location, guest rooms with balconies, and multiple dining options. Be sure to book by June 30.

THE VALUE: The sale offers up to 50 percent savings for top ocean view rooms and suites and up to 40 percent off on lower room categories.

THE CATCH: Rate does not include 21 percent tax. Payment must be made in full at time of booking and is non-refundable.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten or call 800-766-3782; use booking code SPRING50.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.