The Exterior of the Aruba Marriott

Are you already ready for a warm-weather vacation?  Here in New England, Labor Day weekend really did signal the end of summer, as our weather all week is supposed to be cool and rainy.  This fall, several popular resorts in the Caribbean are offering some fabulous rates if you act fast.

Set your clocks for 9.10.11, when three of these deals both start and end.

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Receive nearly 50% off of resort rates when you book on 9/10/11.  Rooms must be reserved between midnight and 11:59 p.m. September 10, 2011 ONLY.  Valid for travel through December 23, 2011.  For reservations, visit www.arubamarriott.com or call 1-800-228-9290.  Promotional code D56

Kura Hulanda Resorts, Curacao

On 9/10/11, purchase one night at regular price and get the second night for $9.10 – a savings of nearly 50%!  Deal valid for travel through December 23,2011.  For reservations, visit www.kurahulanda.com

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casinos

Receive 30% off reservations when you book on 9/10/11!.  The 30% discount will automatically be applied on all bookings made on September 10, 2011, but bookings cannot be combined with any other offers.  Valid for travel through December 15,2011.  For reservations, visit www.marriottsanjuan.com or call 1-800-228-9290.

With rates like these, there’s no time like the present to plan a trip to the Caribbean!

Photo credit: the Aruba Marriott

Stunning scenery and popular tourist attractions are certainly part of any vacation, but truly memorable travel requires delving beneath the sanitized facade presented to tourists. Sampling authentic cuisine, striking up conversations with locals, and learning about the folklore of a place are just some of the ways to enhance the travel experience. This can be a daunting task, especially when staying at upscale resorts, where the goal is to make guests feel comfortable by surrounding them with familiar food and accommodations.

Enormous oceanfront pool at the Curacao Marrriott Beach Resort

Fortunately, during a recent press trip to Curaçao I was hosted by the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino, which provides the best of both worlds. Because the Marriott was the only branded property on this tiny Caribbean island for many years, locals regard it with a great deal of pride and a symbiotic relationship developeded between the resort and the community. In keeping with Marriott’s local and International ‘Spirit to Serve’ initiative, the resort participates in events Read More »