This week we are talking di travel tings! Specifically, we are exploring the Caribbean’s most luxurious and culturally vibrant destinations: St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Grenada, and Barbados.
St. Kitts and Nevis, renowned for their charm and elegance, are home to two of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean: the sleek Park Hyatt St. Kitts and the tranquil Four Seasons Nevis. The island also hosts "Sugar Mas" carnival in December, which offers an unforgettable blend beautiful costumes, music, and celebration.
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Jamaica remains a quintessential luxury escape, with iconic properties like the legendary Half Moon; the chic Round Hill Hotel & Villas, a favorite of celebrities; Goldeneye, a tranquil oasis, and Excellence Oyster Bay, an all-inclusice luxury adults-only haven perfect for romantic getaways or solo travel.
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Grenada, known as the “Spice Island,” is home to one of my favourite resorts, Silversands Grenada, featuring minimalist design and a beautiful infinity pool. Grenada also hosts their carnival "Spice Mas" in August, which is known to be full of history, music, dance, and vibes.
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Barbados offers the perfect blend of luxury, history, and cultural flair. The Crane Resort offers stunning views and exceptional service. Like Grenada, Barbados’ carnival, known as "Kropover" is an essential cultural experience; with music, dance, and a high-energy atmosphere that reflects the spirit and history of the island.
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Each of these destinations offers world-class luxury and rich culture, making them perfect for your next vacation! So grab. your tea, coffee, or a glass of wine, and let's talk di tings!
If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a 5 star rating, share this episode, and follow Let’s Talk Di Tings on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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.
Listen to LTDT on:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6akOR9kAnsbANiszBDcVOL?si=aa70627937124c3e
APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-di-tings/id1662696625
St. Kitts and Nevis, renowned for their charm and elegance, are home to two of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean: the sleek Park Hyatt St. Kitts and the tranquil Four Seasons Nevis. The island also hosts "Sugar Mas" carnival in December, which offers an unforgettable blend beautiful costumes, music, and celebration.
.
.
Jamaica remains a quintessential luxury escape, with iconic properties like the legendary Half Moon; the chic Round Hill Hotel & Villas, a favorite of celebrities; Goldeneye, a tranquil oasis, and Excellence Oyster Bay, an all-inclusice luxury adults-only haven perfect for romantic getaways or solo travel.
.
.
Grenada, known as the “Spice Island,” is home to one of my favourite resorts, Silversands Grenada, featuring minimalist design and a beautiful infinity pool. Grenada also hosts their carnival "Spice Mas" in August, which is known to be full of history, music, dance, and vibes.
.
.
Barbados offers the perfect blend of luxury, history, and cultural flair. The Crane Resort offers stunning views and exceptional service. Like Grenada, Barbados’ carnival, known as "Kropover" is an essential cultural experience; with music, dance, and a high-energy atmosphere that reflects the spirit and history of the island.
.
.
Each of these destinations offers world-class luxury and rich culture, making them perfect for your next vacation! So grab. your tea, coffee, or a glass of wine, and let's talk di tings!
If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a 5 star rating, share this episode, and follow Let’s Talk Di Tings on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
.
.
Listen to LTDT on:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6akOR9kAnsbANiszBDcVOL?si=aa70627937124c3e
APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-di-tings/id1662696625
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
If you're listening to the podcast on Apple Podcast, please
remember to rate and leave a comment below. Also, don't
forget to follow us on Instagram at Let's Talk the Tings. Now,
grab your tea, coffee, or a glass of wine and
let's talk the things. Hello everyone, Welcome back to another
(00:30):
episode of Let's Talk the Tings, where we discuss personal growth, travel, music,
beauty and wellness while encouraging you to live fearlessly and fabulously.
I'm ash and if you're anything like me, you've probably
daydreamed about summer vacation at least once already this year.
(00:54):
Well you're in luck, because this week I am taking
you on a jo to a few of my favorite
luxurious islands in the Caribbean, Saint kits and Nevs, Grenada,
Jamaica and Barbados. Whether you're looking to unwind on pristine beaches,
(01:15):
dive into culture, or indulge in world class luxury, these
islands have it all. I believe the last time we
spoke about travel was season one, so yeah, we're well overdue. However,
this time we're not just going to be talking the
resort things, but we're going to go a little deeper
(01:39):
into the culture, festivals, and other fun facts that make
each of these islands truly unforgettable. Okay, let's start with
Saint Kitts and Nevis, two islands that really offer the
best of both worlds in my opinion. And and if
(02:00):
you've ever been to the Caribbean, you know it's all
about the vibe, right, just even as a people, we're
about the vibes and Saint Kits to me, nails that
imagine yourself lounging in a luxury villa at one of
my favorites, the parkhayat Saint Kits. Now, this resort has
(02:22):
stunning ocean views, private plunge pools, and service that makes
you feel like you're the only guest on the island.
It also has a beautiful infinity pool that blends seamlessly
into the Caribbean Sea, so you're really going to feel
like little mermaid. Yeah, those are the kind of vibes,
(02:42):
very luxurious. It's really just to me, the ultimate spot
to unwind, taking the view and sip on a coconut
to drink if you feel so inclined, you know, and
trust me, you're going to want to be there for
the sunset because I'm told you can see the most
beautiful sunsets from there. Now, keep in mind, I have
(03:06):
never stayed at the Parkaya at Saint Kitts, but I
love the Parkayat properties. I've stayed at the Parkayatt Milan,
New York, several other properties, and they're always top tier.
And like I've said before, luxury to me is not
only fancy amenities, but also how you're treated. And I
(03:28):
get the feeling that the parkay At Saint Kitts is
right on par Now let's talk about Nevis, because it's
just so magical, maybe even more so depending on your vibe. Now,
Nevis is quieter, slower paced, and a perfect spot if
(03:50):
you're looking for true relaxation, now the four seasons. Nevis
is a place to be if you want the luxury experience,
but also a little bit of peace and privacy. Right
because sometimes people go on vacations for like we said earlier,
the vibes, you know, like the vibes are important, but
(04:10):
sometimes you go on vacation just for peace, for serenity,
you know, to get away, to hang out in a
little nook and read a book, and maybe you want
a little bit more seclusion, a little more privacy. If
that's the case, the Four Seasons is definitely the choice.
The island vibe is perfect for like a couple's retreat
(04:34):
or just some much needed downtime. Like I said, you know,
I think a lot of times when people think vacation,
especially if you have a type a personality, you're thinking,
you have to plan all these events and have all
these things to do. But then what ends up happening
is you come back from the vacation and you need
a vacation because you popped down and you're tired. So yeah,
(04:56):
like I said, this is definitely one of those resorts
that appears to be more serene and more in line
with that type of vacation. And the beaches I gather
are less crowded over there just because of the seclusion,
and I guess maybe less people, and you know, you
(05:17):
get the as typical island life. You get the lush
green mountains in the background, and it's just paradise. And
who doesn't want to go to paradise? Now, if you're
somebody that is really into history, like myself, here's a
fun fact. Nevis is actually the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton.
(05:40):
For those of you who don't know who is one
of America's founding fathers. So if you're into history, So
if you do decide to go to Nevis, you can
visit Hamilton House, which is his childhood home, and take
a little step back into time, you know, little moonwalk
back into those days and imagine being on the land
(06:02):
where one of the most influential figures in American history
grew up. I think that's pretty cool. And you can
take a guided tour, learn about all of the history,
and then head back to your resort for a sunset cocktail.
I mean truly. Like I said, if you're into history
and you like the relaxation, please, life does not get
(06:23):
much better than that. And one more thing to add,
especially for those who are into the vibes and like
the excitement. Sugar Mass. So Sugar Mass is the carnival,
the name of the carnival in Saint Kitts and it's
one of the most lively celebrations I hear that you'll
(06:45):
find in the Caribbean. Never been, but it is held
every December and it's an explosion of colors, music and dancing.
You can enjoy the celebration and then retreat to private
Sanctuary at the Park Hyatt, or the Four Seasons, or
obviously anywhere on the island. Just giving you a couple
(07:09):
that I researched. But there's so many beautiful options for
you to take in. All right, now, let's talk some
spice culture and unmatched beauty. Let's head over to Grenada,
also known as the Spice Island. I absolutely love Grenada.
(07:33):
I've been there once, but it was very it was
a long long time ago, so I'm overdue for another visit.
And I love Grenada because the people are warm. The
food is great. Everybody, if you've been listening to this
podcast for a while, you know I love my belly.
I love food, but the food is great, the people
are lovely, and I find that Grenada combines luxury with
(07:57):
incredible culture. And like I said, if you love food
and spices, Grenada is gonna be your place. However, when
it comes to resorts, my favorite is Silver Sands, Grenada.
It is just, to me, an absolute masterpiece. I can't
(08:18):
think of a better word to describe it. From the
moment you step into the resort, you're greeted by sleek,
modern designs paired with the beauty of natural landscape and
infinity pool that's very instagrammable. I'm sure you've seen it before,
but it overlooks the ocean and the villas are just
(08:39):
pure luxury, you know, complete with private plunge pools and
spacious living areas and some of the most stunning views
of the island. I'm talking tropical gardens, ocean breezes, privacy,
and the service ten O Tteno that's in service is
(09:01):
top notch. Like, honestly, you're going to feel like Beyonce,
You're going to feel like the Queen. You're going to
feel like royalty as soon as you arrive. And what
makes Grenada truly special is the connection to spices. I
find that makes them stand out from other islands. Grenada
(09:22):
is actually one of the world's largest producers of nutmeg. Yeah,
and as you walk through the island, you'll notice the
intoxicating scent of nutmeg in the air. It's honestly like,
I don't know, a natural perfume. With that said, while
you're there, you have to visit Grenada's Nutmeg Cooperative to
(09:45):
see how the spices are harvested and then processed. And
it's a really cool and educational experience and you can
pick up some fresh nutmeg to bring home as a
souvenir if you like cornmeal porridge. I'm sure it will
taste nice and there with your little contents male and everything.
But yeah, it's a really interesting experience. And I just
(10:06):
find it interesting how like how much spice is just
such a part of the culture there. It's very very interesting.
And speaking of spice, you know, I have to talk
about the excitement and the vibes. So if you are
in Grenada during Spice Mass, you are in for a treat.
(10:28):
Spice Mass is held every August. It's a huge cultural
event with parades again, you know, costumes, anything that you
know of any carnival anywhere essentially, but on this island.
And I find that carnival on different islands or in
different places, like we spoke about on I think it's
(10:49):
episode one or no. Part two with Camba Joe. There
are carnivals in different places, including in the US, where
they just have customs that make them stand out. So
what might happen at Miami carnival may not happen at Carabana,
which is in Toronto. What may happen at Carabana may
(11:09):
not happen in Trinidad and so on and so forth.
So I find that if you can make it to
these islands like during their carnival time and just learn
how the different islands do carnivals, I think that would
also be like a fun way to experience the island.
So yeah, Grenada is basically a good mix of luxury,
(11:30):
tranquility and if you go during spice mass in August vibes,
you know, so again it's like a three for one deal.
I think that's amazing. Okay, now let's head on over
to Jamaica, an island that's known for its lively energy
(11:52):
reggae dance hall and of course it's stunning beaches. But
what I love about Jamaica is that it offers so
much more than what most people expect. Let's talk luxury first,
because that's the theme of this episode. Half Moon Resort
in Montego Bay one of my favorite places for so
(12:16):
many reasons. I could honestly just do an episode on
half Moon on its own, but it's one of those
places where you'll never want to leave. You know. They
have private villas, beach front rooms, world class amenities. It's
just the ultimate luxury. And again I don't just mean
(12:37):
luxurious amenities, the people, the customer service, just the environment.
I just feel like you breathe a little bit better
when you're there, and who doesn't want to breathe better?
You know? But what really sets Half Moon apart, in
my opinion, is how it blends sophistication with Amaican culture.
(13:01):
You have that luxury, you have you know where you
can do a private pilates class, you can ride bikes,
you can play golf, you can do all of that.
But you still can enjoy Jamaican cuisine. You're still gonna
hear reggae music, You're still gonna get the vibes of
being on the island. With a hint of luxury, you
(13:23):
can enjoy a relaxing day by the pool, but you
can also get a taste of Jamaica's soul through local cuisine,
live reggae bands. They have live jazz and even cultural
tours that showcase the island's history. They also have a
garden on property. They have tennis courts. I mean, anything
(13:47):
you can imagine, honestly is there. They have Patty Again.
I go to food their sugar Hill restaurant. The food
is amazing. All their restaurants are amazing there Jamaican restaurant
which I'm drying a blank on the name right now,
but oh everything on that menu was so good. They
had these aki samosas. Oh my gosh, I mean the best.
(14:14):
I know everybody doesn't like aki, but if you like Aki,
ten out of ten. And if you're looking for a
more laid back, exclusive experience, I highly recommend checking out
Golden Eye in Aulturios. It's a boutique resort and it's
where Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond for those
(14:37):
that don't know, wrote his iconic spy novels. That's an
interesting fact. So you can stay in the same bungalows
where Fleming worked and wrote about Double O seven's adventures,
and the resort is just full of charm and private beaches,
lagoons and bungalows and really makes you feel like a
(14:57):
little piece of heaven. Another favorite of mine. Actually I
have two more favorites. So half Moon is a family property,
so you can go there with children. You know, it's
very family oriented, but it's also for couples or a
solo trip. It's good for that as well. And then
(15:19):
Round Hill is another favorite of mine. Round Hill is
just wow. I honestly I'm speechless, and that says a lot,
because yeah, let's start the things. But round Hill, the
service is top tier. There are so many beautiful and
lush trees, and like again, you literally feel like you
(15:43):
can breathe better there. I receive the best massage of
my life at round Hill. So I would definitely recommend
if you stay there to go to the spa. To
go to the spa and particularly ask for ALTHEA ten
out of ten. My back will never be the same.
So amazing. The staff is amazing, the food is amazing,
(16:07):
and I have a little story time about the food.
So I, like I said, I love Akian selfish, I
love Yam, I love you know, all the traditional Jamaican foods.
And so they change up the menu every now and then,
and apparently I think what happened was they changed the menu.
So something I saw on there the day before I
(16:31):
don't think was on the menu the next day. Something
like that. Anyway, I just casually said to the waiter,
you know, man, I would have really loved some calahloo
and selfish, and you know I would really love some
ginger tea. But I see you guys don't have it here,
so I'll just get this and when I tell you,
(16:51):
to my surprise, the chef went to their garden, which
is equally as lovely fresh Calaloo fresh ginger, best breakfast
I had in Ages, right, and again I didn't even
have to ask, like just by me mentioning that they
(17:12):
went ahead and did that. And you know, they even
apologized that it took so long, which I didn't even
notice because it's so beautiful. I was just there taking
everything in. But I just found that to be so
comforting to know that they could hear that you have
an ask and try their best to make sure that
that happened. So yeah, Around Hill will always be top
(17:32):
tear in my mind because of the association with the
service and most importantly the food. I know that sounds
craving of me, but I think that's you know, when
you're spending money, and you're spending your hard earned money,
you want to be able to relax. And luxury is
not again keep saying it, luxury is not just about
(17:56):
staying somewhere that's nice or staying somewhere that's five star.
I'm sure we've all have had experiences where we've stayed
somewhere that's quote unquote luxurious, but the service is poor
or you don't feel valued. And I can safely say
that you will not feel that way at Round Hill, last,
but not least, an adult's only option. That's full of vibes.
(18:20):
And the food is amazing, and they have so many restaurants,
and oh, it's just amazing excellence Oyster Bay. The food
is amazing. I believe they have far remember correctly, a
Jamaican restaurant, a seafood restaurant, an Italian restaurant. Gosh, there's
(18:42):
like I think there's like two or three more restaurants.
I can't remember, but literally, all the food at all
of the restaurants are amazing. So Half Moon, I believe
GoldenEye as well, and Round Hill are not all inclusive. However,
excellence is so with all of the With the first
three options, you know, you're ordering like you're at a
(19:06):
restaurant kind of thing. So usually with that the food
is good because it's made to order. With that being said,
I was a little hesitant about excellence because again, food
is very important to me. But oh my gosh, no,
like literally every restaurant I went to the food was amazing,
tasted amazing, service was amazing. It was just it was immaculate.
(19:29):
The vibes were immaculate, the food was immaculate. Again ten
outs at ten And finally, Barbados an island that combines
luxury and incredible culture and according to Travel and Leisure,
has one of the best resorts in the Caribbean. The
(19:51):
Crane Resort, which I gather is perched on a cliff
overlooking the stunning Crane Beach, which is consistently ranked as
one of the world's most beautiful beaches. And the resort
it just looks gorgeous, like they have private pools, they
have sweets and an amazing spa. And again, if you're
(20:18):
a fan of food like me, you have to try
the islands flying Fish. Barbados is also the birthplace of rum,
and visiting a local distillery is a must if you're
into rum. So, as I said, every island, we're going
to talk about a little carnival. We didn't talk about
it in Jamaica. But like I said, every carnival is different.
(20:41):
You just have to check the dates of when each
carnival is and if that's something that you're into. But
in Barbados. Their carnival has a name, it's called Cropover.
And if you're lucky enough to be there in August,
so I guess yes, in this case you'd have to
pick because Spice Mass is also in August. But yeah,
(21:05):
Barbados is just a beautiful island. I know there's another resort.
I believe it's Sandy Lane Resort. That's also another option,
just you know, for luxury. And like I said, these
are just these are just luxury properties that I've come
across that I've seenerated highly. But of course, stay where
(21:28):
you can afford, go where you feel like going. But
this is these are just my picks. So there you
have it. Saint Kits and Navis, Grenada, Jamaica and Barbados.
Each of these islands offers its own unique take on luxury, relaxation,
(21:52):
and cultural adventure. Whether you're into history, carnival, stunning resorts
or beautiful beaches, is these islands have everything you need
to create the most unforgettable, luxurious escape. Thanks again for
joining me this week, and I hope you feel inspired
(22:14):
to pack your bags and explore these incredible destinations once again.
If you love this week's episode, please make sure to
follow us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and leave a
five star rating.
If you're listening to the podcast on Apple Podcast, please
remember to rate and leave a comment below. Also, don't
forget to follow us on Instagram at Let's Talk the Tings. Now,
grab your tea, coffee, or a glass of wine and
let's talk the things. Hello everyone, Welcome back to another
(00:30):
episode of Let's Talk the Tings, where we discuss personal growth, travel, music,
beauty and wellness while encouraging you to live fearlessly and fabulously.
I'm ash and if you're anything like me, you've probably
daydreamed about summer vacation at least once already this year.
(00:54):
Well you're in luck, because this week I am taking
you on a jo to a few of my favorite
luxurious islands in the Caribbean, Saint kits and Nevs, Grenada,
Jamaica and Barbados. Whether you're looking to unwind on pristine beaches,
(01:15):
dive into culture, or indulge in world class luxury, these
islands have it all. I believe the last time we
spoke about travel was season one, so yeah, we're well overdue. However,
this time we're not just going to be talking the
resort things, but we're going to go a little deeper
(01:39):
into the culture, festivals, and other fun facts that make
each of these islands truly unforgettable. Okay, let's start with
Saint Kitts and Nevis, two islands that really offer the
best of both worlds in my opinion. And and if
(02:00):
you've ever been to the Caribbean, you know it's all
about the vibe, right, just even as a people, we're
about the vibes and Saint Kits to me, nails that
imagine yourself lounging in a luxury villa at one of
my favorites, the parkhayat Saint Kits. Now, this resort has
(02:22):
stunning ocean views, private plunge pools, and service that makes
you feel like you're the only guest on the island.
It also has a beautiful infinity pool that blends seamlessly
into the Caribbean Sea, so you're really going to feel
like little mermaid. Yeah, those are the kind of vibes,
(02:42):
very luxurious. It's really just to me, the ultimate spot
to unwind, taking the view and sip on a coconut
to drink if you feel so inclined, you know, and
trust me, you're going to want to be there for
the sunset because I'm told you can see the most
beautiful sunsets from there. Now, keep in mind, I have
(03:06):
never stayed at the Parkaya at Saint Kitts, but I
love the Parkayat properties. I've stayed at the Parkayatt Milan,
New York, several other properties, and they're always top tier.
And like I've said before, luxury to me is not
only fancy amenities, but also how you're treated. And I
(03:28):
get the feeling that the parkay At Saint Kitts is
right on par Now let's talk about Nevis, because it's
just so magical, maybe even more so depending on your vibe. Now,
Nevis is quieter, slower paced, and a perfect spot if
(03:50):
you're looking for true relaxation, now the four seasons. Nevis
is a place to be if you want the luxury experience,
but also a little bit of peace and privacy. Right
because sometimes people go on vacations for like we said earlier,
the vibes, you know, like the vibes are important, but
(04:10):
sometimes you go on vacation just for peace, for serenity,
you know, to get away, to hang out in a
little nook and read a book, and maybe you want
a little bit more seclusion, a little more privacy. If
that's the case, the Four Seasons is definitely the choice.
The island vibe is perfect for like a couple's retreat
(04:34):
or just some much needed downtime. Like I said, you know,
I think a lot of times when people think vacation,
especially if you have a type a personality, you're thinking,
you have to plan all these events and have all
these things to do. But then what ends up happening
is you come back from the vacation and you need
a vacation because you popped down and you're tired. So yeah,
(04:56):
like I said, this is definitely one of those resorts
that appears to be more serene and more in line
with that type of vacation. And the beaches I gather
are less crowded over there just because of the seclusion,
and I guess maybe less people, and you know, you
(05:17):
get the as typical island life. You get the lush
green mountains in the background, and it's just paradise. And
who doesn't want to go to paradise? Now, if you're
somebody that is really into history, like myself, here's a
fun fact. Nevis is actually the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton.
(05:40):
For those of you who don't know who is one
of America's founding fathers. So if you're into history, So
if you do decide to go to Nevis, you can
visit Hamilton House, which is his childhood home, and take
a little step back into time, you know, little moonwalk
back into those days and imagine being on the land
(06:02):
where one of the most influential figures in American history
grew up. I think that's pretty cool. And you can
take a guided tour, learn about all of the history,
and then head back to your resort for a sunset cocktail.
I mean truly. Like I said, if you're into history
and you like the relaxation, please, life does not get
(06:23):
much better than that. And one more thing to add,
especially for those who are into the vibes and like
the excitement. Sugar Mass. So Sugar Mass is the carnival,
the name of the carnival in Saint Kitts and it's
one of the most lively celebrations I hear that you'll
(06:45):
find in the Caribbean. Never been, but it is held
every December and it's an explosion of colors, music and dancing.
You can enjoy the celebration and then retreat to private
Sanctuary at the Park Hyatt, or the Four Seasons, or
obviously anywhere on the island. Just giving you a couple
(07:09):
that I researched. But there's so many beautiful options for
you to take in. All right, now, let's talk some
spice culture and unmatched beauty. Let's head over to Grenada,
also known as the Spice Island. I absolutely love Grenada.
(07:33):
I've been there once, but it was very it was
a long long time ago, so I'm overdue for another visit.
And I love Grenada because the people are warm. The
food is great. Everybody, if you've been listening to this
podcast for a while, you know I love my belly.
I love food, but the food is great, the people
are lovely, and I find that Grenada combines luxury with
(07:57):
incredible culture. And like I said, if you love food
and spices, Grenada is gonna be your place. However, when
it comes to resorts, my favorite is Silver Sands, Grenada.
It is just, to me, an absolute masterpiece. I can't
(08:18):
think of a better word to describe it. From the
moment you step into the resort, you're greeted by sleek,
modern designs paired with the beauty of natural landscape and
infinity pool that's very instagrammable. I'm sure you've seen it before,
but it overlooks the ocean and the villas are just
(08:39):
pure luxury, you know, complete with private plunge pools and
spacious living areas and some of the most stunning views
of the island. I'm talking tropical gardens, ocean breezes, privacy,
and the service ten O Tteno that's in service is
(09:01):
top notch. Like, honestly, you're going to feel like Beyonce,
You're going to feel like the Queen. You're going to
feel like royalty as soon as you arrive. And what
makes Grenada truly special is the connection to spices. I
find that makes them stand out from other islands. Grenada
(09:22):
is actually one of the world's largest producers of nutmeg. Yeah,
and as you walk through the island, you'll notice the
intoxicating scent of nutmeg in the air. It's honestly like,
I don't know, a natural perfume. With that said, while
you're there, you have to visit Grenada's Nutmeg Cooperative to
(09:45):
see how the spices are harvested and then processed. And
it's a really cool and educational experience and you can
pick up some fresh nutmeg to bring home as a
souvenir if you like cornmeal porridge. I'm sure it will
taste nice and there with your little contents male and everything.
But yeah, it's a really interesting experience. And I just
(10:06):
find it interesting how like how much spice is just
such a part of the culture there. It's very very interesting.
And speaking of spice, you know, I have to talk
about the excitement and the vibes. So if you are
in Grenada during Spice Mass, you are in for a treat.
(10:28):
Spice Mass is held every August. It's a huge cultural
event with parades again, you know, costumes, anything that you
know of any carnival anywhere essentially, but on this island.
And I find that carnival on different islands or in
different places, like we spoke about on I think it's
(10:49):
episode one or no. Part two with Camba Joe. There
are carnivals in different places, including in the US, where
they just have customs that make them stand out. So
what might happen at Miami carnival may not happen at Carabana,
which is in Toronto. What may happen at Carabana may
(11:09):
not happen in Trinidad and so on and so forth.
So I find that if you can make it to
these islands like during their carnival time and just learn
how the different islands do carnivals, I think that would
also be like a fun way to experience the island.
So yeah, Grenada is basically a good mix of luxury,
(11:30):
tranquility and if you go during spice mass in August vibes,
you know, so again it's like a three for one deal.
I think that's amazing. Okay, now let's head on over
to Jamaica, an island that's known for its lively energy
(11:52):
reggae dance hall and of course it's stunning beaches. But
what I love about Jamaica is that it offers so
much more than what most people expect. Let's talk luxury first,
because that's the theme of this episode. Half Moon Resort
in Montego Bay one of my favorite places for so
(12:16):
many reasons. I could honestly just do an episode on
half Moon on its own, but it's one of those
places where you'll never want to leave. You know. They
have private villas, beach front rooms, world class amenities. It's
just the ultimate luxury. And again I don't just mean
(12:37):
luxurious amenities, the people, the customer service, just the environment.
I just feel like you breathe a little bit better
when you're there, and who doesn't want to breathe better?
You know? But what really sets Half Moon apart, in
my opinion, is how it blends sophistication with Amaican culture.
(13:01):
You have that luxury, you have you know where you
can do a private pilates class, you can ride bikes,
you can play golf, you can do all of that.
But you still can enjoy Jamaican cuisine. You're still gonna
hear reggae music, You're still gonna get the vibes of
being on the island. With a hint of luxury, you
(13:23):
can enjoy a relaxing day by the pool, but you
can also get a taste of Jamaica's soul through local cuisine,
live reggae bands. They have live jazz and even cultural
tours that showcase the island's history. They also have a
garden on property. They have tennis courts. I mean, anything
(13:47):
you can imagine, honestly is there. They have Patty Again.
I go to food their sugar Hill restaurant. The food
is amazing. All their restaurants are amazing there Jamaican restaurant
which I'm drying a blank on the name right now,
but oh everything on that menu was so good. They
had these aki samosas. Oh my gosh, I mean the best.
(14:14):
I know everybody doesn't like aki, but if you like Aki,
ten out of ten. And if you're looking for a
more laid back, exclusive experience, I highly recommend checking out
Golden Eye in Aulturios. It's a boutique resort and it's
where Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond for those
(14:37):
that don't know, wrote his iconic spy novels. That's an
interesting fact. So you can stay in the same bungalows
where Fleming worked and wrote about Double O seven's adventures,
and the resort is just full of charm and private beaches,
lagoons and bungalows and really makes you feel like a
(14:57):
little piece of heaven. Another favorite of mine. Actually I
have two more favorites. So half Moon is a family property,
so you can go there with children. You know, it's
very family oriented, but it's also for couples or a
solo trip. It's good for that as well. And then
(15:19):
Round Hill is another favorite of mine. Round Hill is
just wow. I honestly I'm speechless, and that says a lot,
because yeah, let's start the things. But round Hill, the
service is top tier. There are so many beautiful and
lush trees, and like again, you literally feel like you
(15:43):
can breathe better there. I receive the best massage of
my life at round Hill. So I would definitely recommend
if you stay there to go to the spa. To
go to the spa and particularly ask for ALTHEA ten
out of ten. My back will never be the same.
So amazing. The staff is amazing, the food is amazing,
(16:07):
and I have a little story time about the food.
So I, like I said, I love Akian selfish, I
love Yam, I love you know, all the traditional Jamaican foods.
And so they change up the menu every now and then,
and apparently I think what happened was they changed the menu.
So something I saw on there the day before I
(16:31):
don't think was on the menu the next day. Something
like that. Anyway, I just casually said to the waiter,
you know, man, I would have really loved some calahloo
and selfish, and you know I would really love some
ginger tea. But I see you guys don't have it here,
so I'll just get this and when I tell you,
(16:51):
to my surprise, the chef went to their garden, which
is equally as lovely fresh Calaloo fresh ginger, best breakfast
I had in Ages, right, and again I didn't even
have to ask, like just by me mentioning that they
(17:12):
went ahead and did that. And you know, they even
apologized that it took so long, which I didn't even
notice because it's so beautiful. I was just there taking
everything in. But I just found that to be so
comforting to know that they could hear that you have
an ask and try their best to make sure that
that happened. So yeah, Around Hill will always be top
(17:32):
tear in my mind because of the association with the
service and most importantly the food. I know that sounds
craving of me, but I think that's you know, when
you're spending money, and you're spending your hard earned money,
you want to be able to relax. And luxury is
not again keep saying it, luxury is not just about
(17:56):
staying somewhere that's nice or staying somewhere that's five star.
I'm sure we've all have had experiences where we've stayed
somewhere that's quote unquote luxurious, but the service is poor
or you don't feel valued. And I can safely say
that you will not feel that way at Round Hill, last,
but not least, an adult's only option. That's full of vibes.
(18:20):
And the food is amazing, and they have so many restaurants,
and oh, it's just amazing excellence Oyster Bay. The food
is amazing. I believe they have far remember correctly, a
Jamaican restaurant, a seafood restaurant, an Italian restaurant. Gosh, there's
(18:42):
like I think there's like two or three more restaurants.
I can't remember, but literally, all the food at all
of the restaurants are amazing. So Half Moon, I believe
GoldenEye as well, and Round Hill are not all inclusive. However,
excellence is so with all of the With the first
three options, you know, you're ordering like you're at a
(19:06):
restaurant kind of thing. So usually with that the food
is good because it's made to order. With that being said,
I was a little hesitant about excellence because again, food
is very important to me. But oh my gosh, no,
like literally every restaurant I went to the food was amazing,
tasted amazing, service was amazing. It was just it was immaculate.
(19:29):
The vibes were immaculate, the food was immaculate. Again ten
outs at ten And finally, Barbados an island that combines
luxury and incredible culture and according to Travel and Leisure,
has one of the best resorts in the Caribbean. The
(19:51):
Crane Resort, which I gather is perched on a cliff
overlooking the stunning Crane Beach, which is consistently ranked as
one of the world's most beautiful beaches. And the resort
it just looks gorgeous, like they have private pools, they
have sweets and an amazing spa. And again, if you're
(20:18):
a fan of food like me, you have to try
the islands flying Fish. Barbados is also the birthplace of rum,
and visiting a local distillery is a must if you're
into rum. So, as I said, every island, we're going
to talk about a little carnival. We didn't talk about
it in Jamaica. But like I said, every carnival is different.
(20:41):
You just have to check the dates of when each
carnival is and if that's something that you're into. But
in Barbados. Their carnival has a name, it's called Cropover.
And if you're lucky enough to be there in August,
so I guess yes, in this case you'd have to
pick because Spice Mass is also in August. But yeah,
(21:05):
Barbados is just a beautiful island. I know there's another resort.
I believe it's Sandy Lane Resort. That's also another option,
just you know, for luxury. And like I said, these
are just these are just luxury properties that I've come
across that I've seenerated highly. But of course, stay where
(21:28):
you can afford, go where you feel like going. But
this is these are just my picks. So there you
have it. Saint Kits and Navis, Grenada, Jamaica and Barbados.
Each of these islands offers its own unique take on luxury, relaxation,
(21:52):
and cultural adventure. Whether you're into history, carnival, stunning resorts
or beautiful beaches, is these islands have everything you need
to create the most unforgettable, luxurious escape. Thanks again for
joining me this week, and I hope you feel inspired
(22:14):
to pack your bags and explore these incredible destinations once again.
If you love this week's episode, please make sure to
follow us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and leave a
five star rating.
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