Flagship homes

Another Blogger has found there way down to St Lucia.  This time around she visited the large, split, couple and family friendly resort of ‘Coconut Bay’ in the south of the island.  I have personally never been there, so let’s see what Miss Ross has to say about it:

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by, Jan Ross

Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa

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I locked myself out of my house the other day. This would not have been that much of a problem had there not been about three inches of the snow on the ground, had it not been breath-takingly cold and had any of my neighbors been home.
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Finally, I located the other lone work-at-home individual and he was kind enough to let me use his phone. It was at that point that I realized I didn’t know anyone’s phone number. They were all in my cell phone. In my house. Ah. The joys of technology!
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I finally figured everything out and decided to shovel my walk while I waited for my daughter to come and let me in. And it was while I was lifting up shovels full of snow, my breath steaming in the frosty air and my toes buried deep in wool socks and snow boots that my mind drifted, picturing my toes in quite another location.
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The toasty warm sand on the beaches of the lovely St. Lucia.
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At this moment, as I write this post, the temperature in St. Lucia is 88 degrees Fahrenheit. A balmy tropical breeze is probably blowing. And frozen margaritas are being served as individuals lounge on beach chairs by a turquoise colored ocean. You could be one of those individuals. And I have just the resort to suggest. The perfect resort for your family, as a matter of fact.
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Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia is the perfect place to head for a winter getaway or spring break. Situated on St. Lucia’s picturesque south side, overlooking the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and a perfectly groomed white sand beach, this resort is uniquely designed to be perfect for couples or families.
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One half of the resort is designed for adults. Harmony is Coconut Bay’s adults-only wing offering the perfect setting for a tranquil escape. With a fabulous pool and pool bar surrounded by tropical vegetation and chaises, hammocks and intimate cabana beds; the relaxing ocean front Kai Mer Spa and long, quiet stretches of beach, this haven is truly the place to relax and rejuvenate. The fourth floor rooms were recently upgraded and include mini-fridges and flat screen televisions, so even spending time in your room is a pleasure.
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View from a room at Coconut Bay
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But the other half is considerately designed for families and would be perfect for that spring break from school vacation you are considering. The Splash wing of the resort features colorful rooms which face the ocean and overlook the CocoLand Water Park. This unusual and distinctive water park (St. Lucia’s largest water park) features a lazy river and large slides, a huge family pool and the beautiful Atlantic beach.

The Kidz Klub is just steps from Splash and features a colorful water play area, an expansive fenced outdoor play area and an air-conditioned playroom.
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CocoLand’s lazy river and waterslides provide the ultimate in water fun for kids. The Coconut Cannon is the fastest slide and is enclosed for a thrill ride. The Coconut Coaster offers twists and turns before a drop into the plunge pool and a quick slip down another slide. When they are ready for a little bit easier experience, the lazy river takes tubers on an easy coast around various turns and exhilarating waterfalls.
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Cocoland
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CocoLand may very well be part of the best vacation your kids will ever have. It also includes the Kidz Klub, where youngsters will enjoy a supervised water playground, arts and crafts, games, nature trails, outdoor expeditions, a club house, air-conditioned napping quarters, and even more fun activities. This area just for kids is educational, interactive and fun, with a range of completely supervised activities for children ages 3-14. This wonderful resort even offers a complete curriculum designed by education professionals in the US which can give your kids not only an active vacation but a memorable learning experience as well.
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They haven’t forgotten about the preteens when designing this kid-friendly area. They can experience wild times on the water slides in addition to a program which adds in physical and educational challenges, island awareness and exploration, eco-activities and hikes over some of the property’s 85 acres. These older kids will feel like contestants on “Survivor” as they experience trials which are exciting and stimulating. They will participate in team games on the field or in the water, problem solving puzzles and get to see some of St. Lucia’s natural terrain and wildlife.
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Water slides and Lazy River
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Kids of all ages will receive a complimentary CocoPack upon arrival, then as they participate in the various CocoLand Kidz Klub activities, they will receive a different gift to complete their CocoPack: a T-shirt, bag, hat, mini scrapbook and water bottle and more!
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One of the best things about Coconut Bay Beach Resort And Spa is that it is an all-inclusive resort. I personally love staying at an all-inclusive because you can relax, knowing all your vacation expenses are paid before you ever arrive. This is especially wonderful when you are planning and budgeting for a family vacation.
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The all-inclusive plan at Coconut Bay Beach Resort And Spa with Vacation Express and The Travel Authority includes your accommodations, full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day at a choice of three restaurants plus a beach grill; unlimited beverages at a choice of five bars including a swim-up bar; complete resort fitness center; tennis center with 4 courts; the fully supervised children’s activities program and Kidz Klub and water features play area; daily entertainment program with a variety of land activities; theme water park attraction plus three swimming pools including an adults only pool; outdoor whirlpool; evening entertainment and theme nights; and a weekly Manager’s cocktail party. All hotel taxes and gratuities are included.
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What else can you possibly need?
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If this sounds like the perfect vacation location for you, then check The Travel Authority online or call 1-877-AXP-1515 for details about this resort or others represented by Vacation Express. Or even to find a local office. And let me know how your kids like Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa. I bet they will love it!
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Safe travel!

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http://thetravelauthority.blogspot.com/2010/01/coconut-bay-beach-resort-and-spa-st.html

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http://www.sknvibes.com/Sports/NewsDetails.cfm/12795

Just to show you that I’m not (too) biased…  I have posted the entire article below.  Denise Lewis talks about her travels and life and answers questions regarding all sorts of areas around the world.  Feel free to skip ahead to the the question, “Where Has Seduced You?”.  I bet you already know the answer.

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My Life In Travel: Denise Lewis, British athlete and Olympic gold medallist

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‘I visit Jamaica to get a sense of going back to my roots’

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Interview by Sophie Lam

Getty Images

Lewis says: ‘St Petersburg is somewhere I really want to go’

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http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/my-life-in-travel-denise-lewis-british-athlete-and-olympic-gold-medallist-1869099.html

I am very familiar with the US Peace Corps that stations numerous volunteers throughout the island of St Lucia (as well as worldwide).  I was not, however, aware that Japan had a similar presence.  Though not of the same magnitude of scale, here’s a quick write up on the newest volunteers who have come to help the education system of the country:

From left to right: Mr Ryo Miyake, Mr Hirokazu Ikeda, Ms Chiaki Ishizuka and Ms Nozomi Nakamura.

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency/Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JICA/JOCV) has the pleasure of welcoming Ms Nozomi Nakamura, Ms Chiaki Ishizuka, Mr Hirokazu Ikeda and Mr Ryo Miyake to the country. These volunteers will, with the exception of Ms Nozomi Nakamura, stay in St Lucia for two years where they are determined to promote well being and advancement. Ms Nakamura will work for a seven month period. All volunteers work in the communities at the grass roots level, in the areas of Education, Physiotherapy, Horticulture and Physical Education, respectively. We are especially thankful to welcome Ms Nozomi Nakamura, as this will be her second assignment to this country.

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The JICA/JOCV aims to spread the benevolence of Japan through providing technical assistance to the developing countries of the world with the objective of creating a better tomorrow for all. We hope that the people of St. Lucia will join us in welcoming the volunteers who provide such beneficial services for our country.

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http://stluciastar.com/content/archives/10192

St Lucia’s famous landmark Pitons (Photo: TravelPost.com)

I like this picture to the left…  almost as much as I like Mr Bousquet’s optimism for the upcoming year/s in St Lucia.  He and I share a similar opinion:

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CASTRIES, St Lucia, January 14, 2010 - St Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Investment Rufus Bousquet says he is optimistic Saint Lucia will reap real benefits from new investments and developments this year.

And he says he expects the construction sector to lead economic activity this year.
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Bousquet says various projects, which were delayed last year because of the economic slowdown, will come back on stream in 2010, along with several new projects.
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“By virtue of the investments which government and its various agencies are going to be making, particularly in the construction sector, we expect that both the private and public sectors will do enough to absorb those who are displaced in other sectors,” he said.
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Bousquet, who is also the minister responsible for the National Development Corporation (NDC), says the NDC will spearhead major developments in the southern quadrant of the island during 2010.
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The developments are earmarked to stimulate economic activity in the country, while creating employment and improving the livelihood of all citizens.
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“We  will see major new developments in the Vieux-Fort area, both from the private and public sectors through the National development Corporation, ” the minister remarked.
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“The NDC has done considerable work and put various plans together for the sale of lands and for the development of various properties in the area. The private sector is also on board with plans for the development of tourism facilities throughout the area.”
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Minister Bousquet says he is also excited about the development of a new terminal at the Hewanorra International Airport, the construction of which is expected to begin soon.

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http://www.caribbean360.com/News/Business/Stories/2010/01/14/NEWS0000010052.html

It’s Groundhog Day!!    …  Sorry I couldn’t resist.

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I recently wrote about how welcoming it is to travel to St Lucia Solo, which I suppose needed some mentioning because St Lucia is so well known as a couples destination.  Well fear not family people!  I found an article for you too.  This one comes from our friends in Baltimore, who we always welcome with open arms in St Lucia, since they’re always so welcoming to us Boston folk when our Sox go to their town. (sorry balti, unnecessary dig)

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Boiling mud pots, rain forests, and a drive-in Volcano.

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All that and spectacular beaches, too, on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia (www.stlucia.org), which promises a lot more than your typical resort getaway. (Did I mention Pigeon Island National Park with its old barracks and caves that were said to be used by pirates?) With a culture that has borrowed from both the British and French — the small island midway between Martinique and St. Vincent changed hands some 14 times before finally gaining independence in 1979. Less than 200,000 people live on this little bit of paradise — only about 27 miles long and less than 15 miles wide.

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“St. Lucia is a lot different than other Caribbean islands because it is so green and so natural,” says Rene Isaac, a native St. Lucian and US Airways pilot, and my seatmate on the nonstop (just four hours) Jet Blue flight from New York. Now that Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) flies here from New York — and also offers vacation packages — there are more options for families looking for a different kind of Caribbean experience (jungle biking, Zipline or a raucous Friday night fish fry), and everyone speaks English and takes U.S. currency.

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I’m here for a weekend girls’ getaway with two of my oldest friends. We’re staying at a new Rock Resort The Landings (www.thelandingsstlucia.com), ideal for girls, couples or families (complimentary kids’ club, pool table for teens) because it is all spacious condo-like units (ours has a balcony hot tub) with full kitchens, multi-baths and bedrooms. All on 19 beachfront acres on Rodney Bay near the northern tip of the island, even offering its own marina. (Stay at The Landings St. Lucia this winter and get a free night, $50 gift card and free Adventure Eye Video Systems helmet camcorder. When you get home, enter your video on RockResorts.com’s Three for Free contest page, where the winning video will win two FREE Epic Passes, allowing unlimited skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly, for the 2010/2011 ski season. You’ll need to book by the end of January 2010.)

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I like that other resorts here also are similarly designed. (Without the kids, there’s also your pick of three Sandals all-inclusive hotels, www.sandals.com or small inns, www.inntimatestlucia.org). We visit the deluxe Cap Maison St Lucia (www.capmaison.com) nearby, which is just 49 rooms and villa suites and gets raves for its restaurant Cliff at Cap, Moorish-inspired architecture and villas that have their own rooftop pools. (Stay five nights for the price of four and get a $500 food and beverage credit!) I love the rock where you can sit at a table, waves crashing all around, and enjoy drinks sent down by bucket from the bar above. I’m told it’s a popular spot for proposals.

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My gang, meanwhile, would give a thumb’s up to the Jalousie Plantation (www.jalousieplantation.com) on the southern part of the island (complimentary kids’ club and water sports, including a dive each day and substantial food credits this winter that will save you big bucks on food.) Spread out over 192 acres on what was once a working sugar plantation, Jalousie Plantation is located just outside the town of Soufriere. I loved the plantation atmosphere — the huge verandah where dinner is served and the 21st-century amenities (a massage in a tree house in the rainforest? Dinner cooked for you on your private deck?) (Book a luxury villa and you get a butler to cater to your every whim.

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The best part: Jalousie Plantation is just 40 minutes from the airport and smack in between the island’s famous Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They look like giant snow cones actually jutting out of the ocean, but the two peaks — yes you can climb the 2,600-plus Gros Piton — are actually lava domes — part of what makes this island different; they were formed from a volcano.

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Earlier, we’d toured the “Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano,” which our guide Ruthy Victorian tells us is 1,000 feet above sea level. It smells like rotten eggs — all the sulfur in the air (the nearby town of Soufriere roughly translates to sulfur in the air.)

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There are about two-dozen bubbling pools (temperatures more than 300 degrees!), a mixture of rainwater, heat, and seawater, with the heat coming from the magma a mile down. (The colors of the rock are amazing, everything from black to brown to yellow — all the colors of the minerals from iron to sulfur to calcium oxide and more.)

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Eighty people still live on the volcano’s edge, Victorian tells us. These residents farm the rich volcanic soil and the natural hot springs draw locals and tourists for their redemptive qualities. The water is supposed to cure everything from aching joints to bug bites to sunburn.

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It seems French soldiers recognized the medicinal properties of the water as far back as 1713 and built baths a short distance away at what is now Diamond Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths. We gawk at the mineral waterfall spewing multicolored water. All varieties of plants, flowers and vegetables grow here — everything from avocado to soursop, nutmeg, and philodendron that grows 20 feet tall.

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After our tour of the gardens, our group adjourned to a small inn called Villa des Pitons (http://villadespitons.com/), found up a steep hill and an even steeper flight of stairs. Here we were treated to a gorgeous view of the pitons and the pastel-painted Caribbean houses spilling down the hillside to the coast. As fishing and sailboats bobbed in the water, we feasted on local foods — breadfruit (very bland), plantains (similar to yams), barbecued chicken, lamb, Creole tuna and Dasheen, a kind of squash (not much flavor at all).

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On the sail back to the north part of the island (www.carnivalsailing.com), we stop at Anse Cochon, which roughly translated means Bay of Pigs. Centuries ago this area was known for swimming wild pigs. Today, there are none, just colorful fish, as it is a marine sanctuary where locals try their hardest to convince us to buy souvenirs.

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Meanwhile, more rum punch, anyone?

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(For more on Eileen’s St. Lucia adventure, read her trip diary at www.takingthekids.com and also follow “taking the kids” on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

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In St. Lucia the sun shines, the sand is white and the clear, calm Caribbean water is ideal for snorkeling. More important, I’m with two of my closest friends and for once not responsible for anyone else but myself. Next trip, I vow as I sip my drink, I’m going to bring my adventure-loving gang and we’ll climb to the top of Gros Piton.

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http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/sns-201001141058tmstakekidstp–f-a20100114jan14,0,7589368.story

I recently wrote about how welcoming it is to travel to St Lucia Solo, which I suppose needed some mentioning because St Lucia is so well known as a couples destination.  Well fear not family people!  I found an article for you too.  This one comes from our friends in Baltimore, who we always welcome with open arms in St Lucia, since they’re always so welcoming to us Boston folk when our Sox go to their town. (sorry balti, unnecessary dig)

.

Boiling mud pots, rain forests, and a drive-in Volcano.

.

All that and spectacular beaches, too, on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia (www.stlucia.org), which promises a lot more than your typical resort getaway. (Did I mention Pigeon Island National Park with its old barracks and caves that were said to be used by pirates?) With a culture that has borrowed from both the British and French — the small island midway between Martinique and St. Vincent changed hands some 14 times before finally gaining independence in 1979. Less than 200,000 people live on this little bit of paradise — only about 27 miles long and less than 15 miles wide.

.

“St. Lucia is a lot different than other Caribbean islands because it is so green and so natural,” says Rene Isaac, a native St. Lucian and US Airways pilot, and my seatmate on the nonstop (just four hours) Jet Blue flight from New York. Now that Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) flies here from New York — and also offers vacation packages — there are more options for families looking for a different kind of Caribbean experience (jungle biking, Zipline or a raucous Friday night fish fry), and everyone speaks English and takes U.S. currency.

.

I’m here for a weekend girls’ getaway with two of my oldest friends. We’re staying at a new Rock Resort The Landings (www.thelandingsstlucia.com), ideal for girls, couples or families (complimentary kids’ club, pool table for teens) because it is all spacious condo-like units (ours has a balcony hot tub) with full kitchens, multi-baths and bedrooms. All on 19 beachfront acres on Rodney Bay near the northern tip of the island, even offering its own marina. (Stay at The Landings St. Lucia this winter and get a free night, $50 gift card and free Adventure Eye Video Systems helmet camcorder. When you get home, enter your video on RockResorts.com’s Three for Free contest page, where the winning video will win two FREE Epic Passes, allowing unlimited skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly, for the 2010/2011 ski season. You’ll need to book by the end of January 2010.)

.

I like that other resorts here also are similarly designed. (Without the kids, there’s also your pick of three Sandals all-inclusive hotels, www.sandals.com or small inns, www.inntimatestlucia.org). We visit the deluxe Cap Maison St Lucia (www.capmaison.com) nearby, which is just 49 rooms and villa suites and gets raves for its restaurant Cliff at Cap, Moorish-inspired architecture and villas that have their own rooftop pools. (Stay five nights for the price of four and get a $500 food and beverage credit!) I love the rock where you can sit at a table, waves crashing all around, and enjoy drinks sent down by bucket from the bar above. I’m told it’s a popular spot for proposals.

.

My gang, meanwhile, would give a thumb’s up to the Jalousie Plantation (www.jalousieplantation.com) on the southern part of the island (complimentary kids’ club and water sports, including a dive each day and substantial food credits this winter that will save you big bucks on food.) Spread out over 192 acres on what was once a working sugar plantation, Jalousie Plantation is located just outside the town of Soufriere. I loved the plantation atmosphere — the huge verandah where dinner is served and the 21st-century amenities (a massage in a tree house in the rainforest? Dinner cooked for you on your private deck?) (Book a luxury villa and you get a butler to cater to your every whim.

.

The best part: Jalousie Plantation is just 40 minutes from the airport and smack in between the island’s famous Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They look like giant snow cones actually jutting out of the ocean, but the two peaks — yes you can climb the 2,600-plus Gros Piton — are actually lava domes — part of what makes this island different; they were formed from a volcano.

.

Earlier, we’d toured the “Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano,” which our guide Ruthy Victorian tells us is 1,000 feet above sea level. It smells like rotten eggs — all the sulfur in the air (the nearby town of Soufriere roughly translates to sulfur in the air.)

.

There are about two-dozen bubbling pools (temperatures more than 300 degrees!), a mixture of rainwater, heat, and seawater, with the heat coming from the magma a mile down. (The colors of the rock are amazing, everything from black to brown to yellow — all the colors of the minerals from iron to sulfur to calcium oxide and more.)

.

Eighty people still live on the volcano’s edge, Victorian tells us. These residents farm the rich volcanic soil and the natural hot springs draw locals and tourists for their redemptive qualities. The water is supposed to cure everything from aching joints to bug bites to sunburn.

.

It seems French soldiers recognized the medicinal properties of the water as far back as 1713 and built baths a short distance away at what is now Diamond Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths. We gawk at the mineral waterfall spewing multicolored water. All varieties of plants, flowers and vegetables grow here — everything from avocado to soursop, nutmeg, and philodendron that grows 20 feet tall.

.

After our tour of the gardens, our group adjourned to a small inn called Villa des Pitons (http://villadespitons.com/), found up a steep hill and an even steeper flight of stairs. Here we were treated to a gorgeous view of the pitons and the pastel-painted Caribbean houses spilling down the hillside to the coast. As fishing and sailboats bobbed in the water, we feasted on local foods — breadfruit (very bland), plantains (similar to yams), barbecued chicken, lamb, Creole tuna and Dasheen, a kind of squash (not much flavor at all).

.

On the sail back to the north part of the island (www.carnivalsailing.com), we stop at Anse Cochon, which roughly translated means Bay of Pigs. Centuries ago this area was known for swimming wild pigs. Today, there are none, just colorful fish, as it is a marine sanctuary where locals try their hardest to convince us to buy souvenirs.

.

Meanwhile, more rum punch, anyone?

.

(For more on Eileen’s St. Lucia adventure, read her trip diary at www.takingthekids.com and also follow “taking the kids” on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

.

In St. Lucia the sun shines, the sand is white and the clear, calm Caribbean water is ideal for snorkeling. More important, I’m with two of my closest friends and for once not responsible for anyone else but myself. Next trip, I vow as I sip my drink, I’m going to bring my adventure-loving gang and we’ll climb to the top of Gros Piton.

.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/sns-201001141058tmstakekidstp–f-a20100114jan14,0,7589368.story

I’ve put up 2 gossip posts in 3 days, which is clearly a little unacceptable (but also a little entertaining).. so back to the nuts and bolts.  Calabash Cove sent out this release to promote themselves for the new year.  I’ve never actually been, but I’ve heard good things, and I know the executive chef - he’s a pretty entertaining frenchman/bar bud that makes great food.  Here’s their take on themselves:

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ST. LUCIA, West Indies - (Business Wire) With the start of 2010, resolve to make this year’s vacation getaway a perfect ’10. Here are the top ten reasons to come to Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, a luxury boutique hotel on the northwest coast of the breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia:

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10. St. Lucia Jazz Fest – Each May, the cool sounds of internationally-known jazz, R&B and reggae artists mingle with sultry ocean breezes to create a tropical, musical utopia. This year’s festival runs May 1-9, and there is no better home base than Calabash Cove.

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9. Stunning Landmarks — St. Lucia is known for its distinctive, natural landmarks, such as the Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater, and its picturesque Pitons – side-by-side volcanic summits designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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8. Undersea Sights to See — The island’s steep coastlines and gorgeous reefs offer outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving.

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7. Explore a Rainforest – The rainforest preserves of St. Lucia’s mountainous interior are one of the Caribbean’s finest locales for hiking and bird watching. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view yourself from an aerial tram and glide through the treetops.

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6. More Island Adventures – Cruise on an authentic pirate’s galleon as seen in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” go deep-sea fishing, whale- and dolphin-watching, stroll through a quaint fishing village, cool off under a waterfall, enjoy world-class rocking climbing, golf and tennis or captain the sailing yacht “One Time” for a sunset sail.

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5. The Onsite Spa — Indulge the senses and rejuvenate the body and mind at the full-service Ti Spa. Keep to those New Year’s resolutions while enjoying the view of the Caribbean Sea in the adjacent fitness center.

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4. Windsong Restaurant & C Bar – One of the island’s finest restaurants, Windsong offers Asia/Caribbean inspired, elegant cuisine using fresh local ingredients, while C Bar serves international cocktails and fine wines from the Calabash Cove Cellars amid lively island music. Both afford stunning views of the coastline.

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3. Cove Gardens — Stroll the serene walkways of Cove Gardens and listen to the sounds of the birds and wind chimes while catching glimpses of the ever-present Hummingbirds.

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2. A Picture-Perfect Beach – Calabash Cove’s Bonaire Bay beach is a beautiful, secluded stretch of powder-soft sand sheltered in a secluded reef-protected cove. Our custom-made boardwalk is an ideal spot for an evening stroll, or a romantic dinner for two.

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1. Unique Accommodations – Calabash Cove’s charming accommodations include Balinese mahogany Waters Edge Cottages right on the beach and Swim-Up Suites with direct access to the resort’s oversized, infinity-edge pool from the patio of your room. All the resort’s accommodations feature private Jacuzzis and many offer plunge pools, outdoor rain showers and private hammocks. After all, what can possibly beat a glass of champagne with your loved one in your own private pool at sunset a stone’s throw away from the Caribbean Sea?

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For more information on Calabash Cove or to make reservations, visit www.calabashcove.com or call 847-841-7860.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/top-ten-reasons-to-stay,1117287.shtml

For those of you that didn’t know… and I don’t think I’ve reported it as of yet.. ‘The Bechelor’ found his way to St Lucia on his quest for romance.  Yes, the final three hopefuls along with our hero pilot came down back in November to film the final episodes of this season’s series.  Now you can get in on the action and win a trip to St Lucia..  the contest has already begun, so good luck out there!

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ABC has launched an interactive rose ceremony game in conjunction with the new season of The Bachelor: On The Wings Of Love.

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The 14th installment of the romance reality show premiered this week as airline pilot Jake Pavelka began his search for love among 25 hopeful bachelorettes.

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The interactive game allows fans to go online and choose who they think Pavelka will give roses to each week.

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Players will earn points for correct choices and for answering trivia questions about the previous week’s episode. Points are also available if the players correctly pick who will get the first rose of the evening and the order the roses are handed out.

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The player with the highest score will win a trip for two to the luxurious Jalousie Plantation in St. Lucia, while each week’s top scorers will receive special Bachelor gift bags.

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Fans can also watch episodes of the show with expert commentary online the day after they are broadcast. The first episode features Bachelorette star Jillian Harris and Ed Swiderski, while the second features host Chris Harrison.

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The Bachelor airs Monday nights on ABC.

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http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/s77/the-bachelor/news/a194394/abc-launches-interactive-bachelor-game.html

And here’s a blogger’s take on the contest:

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“Here’s your chance to play matchmaker with The Bachelor Rose Ceremony Game! Each week you have an opportunity to predict who will be given a rose by The Bachelor. Put your romantic instincts to the ultimate test and accumulate points for a chance at a great weekly prize. There’s also a trivia game to help you add more to your score. Play each and every week to raise your cumulative score for a chance to win an absolutely incredible Grand Prize: a trip for two to the beautiful tropical island of St. Lucia!The Grand Prize winner will have an 8 day/ 7 night stay at the Jalousie Plantation resort, located in the majestic Valley of the Pitons. 192 acres of magnificent rainforest sweeping down to a stunning white sand beach lends to the resort’s truly intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The luxurious villa accommodations are set within the tropical hillside with spectacular views of both the Pitons and the ocean. Find out more about this amazing vacation property by visiting www.thejalousieplantation.com.

Did you miss the first week of the game? Not to worry, your two lowest scoring weeks will be dropped in the overall competition for the grand prize. Also, each week there is a gift bag valued at over $3,000. So what are you waiting for? Start playing NOW!”

ffda

This may not be the proper venue, but since it’s so far down the blog I feel it’s OK… I haven’t seen the show, (although I suppose it’s probably a good idea so I can see how they’re portraying the island) so I don’t know all of the girls’ names (or personalities for that matter), but based on dahlia’s picks here, I’ve got say the show is doing great work… by my count, they’re batting a solid .670 on girls with possible stripper names.  Are we sure this isn’t a comedy?

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http://www.indenvertimes.com/the-bachelor-rose-ceremony-game-st-lucia-here-i-come/

The Guardian Listed a whole string of places to visit this year.. naturally St Lucia made the list.  This is a very unique trip they suggest, and also a little known fact about St Lucia - Some of the world’s best cocoa beans are grown here!  There are a few plantations that take great pride in their craft, with the majority of it being sent to Hershey, Pennsylvania to be used in their high end fare.  This particular trip takes you to the source of Hotel Chocolat’s Chocolat… and its new Hotel:

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Go nuts for cocoa
Hotel Chocolat is a high-street chain of chocolate shops, but this year it is making good its name and opening a real hotel. The six room Real Hotel Chocolat is on the Caribbean island of St Lucia, on the 140-acre Rabot Estate, a working cocoa plantation from which the shop sources its supplies. Guests can learn how cocoa is processed and, of course, have a tasting (or two) of the chocolate produced. Room rates are still being finalised.
• British Airways (ba.com) flies from Gatwick to St Lucia from £510. There’s no website yet; email thehotel@hotelchocolat.co.uk for details

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/jan/10/30-new-2010-trips?page=3