The Viceroy Anguilla Resort & Spa, the beachfront paradise in the Caribbean, is asking its guests this year to remember to live with is Memento Vivere package. This package includes a continental breakfast for two each morning, a daily $100 resort credit and a chilled bottle of champagne and savory tapas waiting in your suite to welcome your arrival.

Set on Anguilla’s west end, this luxury hotel is surrounded by 35 lushly tended acres of landscape that sculpts privacy and exclusivity along more than 3,200 feet of exclusive Caribbean beachfront. With extraordinary views of the water and a few uninhabited islands on the horizon, if you are looking for a place to get away from it all, Viceroy Anguilla is your answer.

Using modern architectural forms, this beautiful resort intermingles with its natural environment and offers sophisticated interiors using an organic pallet of white and creams. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, each expansive guestroom offers private pools with either beach front or garden views. Full kitchens, wine chillers, an espresso machine and private sundecks are just a few of the fabulous touches these luxury Caribbean accommodations feature and along with great attentive service; it is one place you may never want to leave.

With the Memento Vivere package, start your morning off right. After your delicious breakfast, use your credit at their intimate two story spa that practices the philosophy of whole-person health along with treatments individually designed for personal transformation and optimal states for well being. The spa offers a broad range of fitness, social, body and energy programs and with a $100 resort credit each day, you’ll begin to feel heavenly in no time.

Spend your evenings in one of five exclusive Viceroy Anguilla restaurants and lounges. Savor the tastes of freshly caught seafood, locally grown fruit and vegetables accompanied by robust international wines and spirits. If you are looking for casual dining or something more refined there’s a restaurant for every taste and selections are seasonally tailored, insuring only the highest of quality. Reserve a table overlooking Meads and Barnes bay at sunset or enjoy a private meal delivered to your room.

The Viceroy Anguilla is truly a distinctive luxury Caribbean resort that has yet to be duplicated. And when booking though Kiwi Collection, be sure to mention the package name.

This January stay at one of the best hotels in the Caribbean and cure those winter blues. The fabulous Cap Juluca Resort in Anguilla is inviting you to stay with them and when you come for three nights they’ll give you a fourth night on them! Or even better when you come to stay for seven days Cap Juluca will only charge you for five!

Cap Juluca is a luxury resort that’s easy to fall in love with. Located along the intimate crescent of Maundays Bay on the island of Anguilla along white sand beaches, this location embodies the serenity, romance and physical beauty of the Caribbean.

Set on 179 acres complete with eighteen separate Moorish-style beachfront villas, all rooms at Cap Juluca are wonderfully spacious with spectacular ocean views overlooking the mountains of St. Maarten in the distance and direct access to the beach.

If you are planning a romantic getaway; exclusive, private pool villas are available and all rooms feature exquisite Moroccan décor which is as timeless as the resorts natural surroundings.

Each morning wake up to of the sounds of the ocean outside your villa and start your day with a delicious breakfast on your private patio or take a walk in the sand to Blue, Cap Juluca’s beachfront restaurant serving a wide array of international cuisine inspired by the Caribbean using local ingredients.

The resort also offers multiple evening dining options and caters to couples allowing one-on-one dining for intimate dinners creating a truly unique, memorable and romantic dinner by the beach. Dinner will also be paired with incredible wine making a special night an evening of perfection.

Activities are endless at Cap Juluca resort, from charted boat trips to an array of water sports like water skiing and scuba diving. And if you are a golf fan you are in luck. As recently as December 19, 2009, Cap Juluca has proudly reopened Anguilla’s first and only golf course.  This 7,063-yard championship course was designed by golf legend Greg Norman offering dramatic elevation changes, water features and is known as one of the finest golf experiences in the Caribbean.

Surrounded by natural beauty, luxurious ambiance and quite possibly the world’s best service, a stay at Cap Juluca will be one that will be hard to outdo. Come and visit this January experience the beauty that is Cap Juluca.

January and February are the perfect months to escape the cold and enjoy the warm, azure waters of the Caribbean. Hermitage Bay on the beautiful island of Antigua is an eco-friendly hotel designed for guests who really want to discover the natural beauty of the region.

Hermitage Bay is one of the most luxurious hotels in Antigua, and prides itself on its green initiatives and building practices, locally sourced food for its restaurant and secluded, lush location.

Found on the west coast of the island, Hermitage Bay overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The resort has 25 spacious Cottage Suites set within 140 acres of undeveloped tropical land. In fact, its location is one of the major things that make this resort stand out – guests are left with a totally relaxing sense of being far away in a private, tropical paradise.

If you really want a to take the experience of seclusion even further, the water sports team can drop you off by boat at one of the many deserted beaches surrounding the hotel with a picnic. Someone will come and pick you up when you are ready to go home.

Health and eco-conscious guests will really enjoy dining at Hermitage Bay. The resort uses organic, locally sourced ingredients for its cuisine, which is not only excellent for the local economy, but the environment as well.

In addition, nothing is wasted at Hermitage Bay – the property composts on site and participates in a pig feeding program with a local farmer to ensure food scraps are always recycled. The hotel grows its own herbs on site and guests can expect a memorable experience when sampling any of award-winning Chef Dezi Banhan’s culinary masterpieces.

The suites, which are perfect for extended stays on Antigua, boast gorgeous views of the island.

If privacy and seclusion is what you’re looking for, be sure to stay at one of Hermitage’s Hillside Cottage Suites. These cottages have private plunge pools complete with sunbathing areas and chaises, a wrap-around deck and (one of our favourite features) an outdoor “garden shower”, which allows guests to bathe under the stars.

Sun worshipers may want to check out the Beachfront Cottage Suites, which are found right along the sand. Major features of these suites include prime beach access and extensive terraced verandas with daybeds – perfect for relaxing, reading or star gazing.

After enjoying the grounds at Hermitage Bay, be sure to indulge in a spa treatment at its award-winning spa. This hotel’s spa is not to be missed as it made Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List”. You’ll find it on a secluded hillside.

In keeping with Hermitage’s philosophy, they are about to launch a new spa product line from Dorissima which uses only organic ingredients.

Remember that if you’re staying more than three nights, you can make use of the complimentary VIP ‘meet and greet’ at the airport and free transfers to and from the resort.

What a way to relax this winter!

For most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we are all too aware that summer has ended and that the autumn’s sweater weather is upon us. That’s why it’s time to heat things up with a tall glass of rum punch and start planning your next vacation to the Caribbean!

Made form sugar cane, sugar cane syrup or sugar cane molasses, rum is the most popular drink in the Caribbean and when you throw in a little fruit juice magic happens.
Gather your friends, a big bowl and an even bigger bottle of rum and start dreaming of a tropical paradise (like the best luxury Caribbean hotels below!)

Your Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe: (Serves everyone)

1 cup fresh lime
2 cups simple syrup
3 cups light rum
4 cups orange juice
4 dashes of bitters
Freshly grated nutmeg

Combine in a punch bowl and served chilled over ice.

Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean that serve up a delicious Rum Punch:

One & Only Ocean Club :
With a legendary reputation for entertaining the world’s elite for more than 45 years, the One & Only Ocean club is beautifully settled between miles of pristine beach and exquisite gardens in the Bahamas. Come here and enjoy the elixir of Bahamian life.

Peter Island Resort:
If seclusion, privacy and incredible snorkeling opportunities are up your alley, Peter Island Resort on the very private Peter Island (in the British Virgin Islands) is exactly where you should be planning your winter escape.

Carlisle Bay:
Situated on the magnificent undeveloped south coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay is a contemporary luxury to the Caribbean. With a back drop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor water actives or just relaxing on the beach with your rum punch.

Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet:
Grand sweeping spaces, amazing views and lovely infinity pools off of every room make Jade Mountain in St. Lucia a Caribbean paradise.

The Westin St. John Resort and Villas:
Perfect for active vacations filled with fishing, diving, parasailing, boating, snorkeling and – you guessed it – enjoying some fine rum punch, The Westin St. John Resort and Villas is a perfect resort in the US Virgin Islands.

Carl Gustaf Hotel:
Steps from the sea nestled on a hillside overlooking the picturesque city of Gustavia on St. Barthelemy; the Carl Gustaf Hotel is the epitome of luxury. This resort is the only of its kind in the Caribbean compiled exclusively of suites with private swimming pools, perfect to get away from it all.

The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos:
Found on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, The Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos is one one of the nicest white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Kick back and relax with a rum punch here while you work on your winter tan.

Lone Star Hotel & Restaurant:
On a deck just above the waves with a view over the calm Caribbean is the Lone Star Hotel & Restaurant. Famously known for being the best spot to eat out in Barbados, it is sure to cure anyone’s winter blues.

Where would Blackbeard stay?

It’s a question that pops into all of our minds here at Kiwi Collection on “talk like a pirate day”.

We follow our favorite buccaneer of yesteryear, Blackbeard, on his route of war mongering and piracy, imagining where he would spend his gold shillings today after a long stretch at sea on the Queen Anne Revenge.

Half Moon Resort in Jamaica:

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Before Blackbeard had any whiskers, he spent some time with his dad (also a British sailor) in Jamaica during the War of the Grand Alliance. Discussing wind speed, hurricanes and bowlines, it would have been quite normal for the then 8-year-old Edward Teach (later known as Blackbeard) to be swinging back goblets of more-rum-than-juice, learning all about the Caribbean from his father.

And what better place is there for some father-son bonding than Half Moon Resort? Located in the northern part of Jamaica, this resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Teach Senior and Teach Junior could have engaged in some rounds of golf at the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course, or enjoyed some shark-free time in one of the resort’s 51 swimming pools.

We’re pretty convinced that you won’t be able to get your eight-year-old a mug o’ rum at Half Moon Resort these days (social norms can be a bummer). But swimming with the dolphins? Horeseback ridding? These are but a few of the activities that keep guests amused at this gorgeous luxury resort today.

Sivory Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic:

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Blackbeard didn’t learn all of his skills from his father, though. He had to figure out how to fight and sail on his own, crewing on a British warship during the War of the Spanish Succession. During the war, he spent lots of time in the Spanish West Indies, including the Dominican Republic.

It’s a little known fact, but Blackbeard really liked his food and wine (he wasn’t your average pirate).  So we figure during shore leave, Blackbeard would have spent some time at one of the DR’s most foodie-friendly resorts, Sivory Punta Cana.

Stocked with more than 8,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines, a lover of fine vino will find it impossible not to relax at this peaceful beach resort. And, with three restaurants to choose from (Laveranda Restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine, Gourmond Restaurant featuring French cuisine and Tau Restaurant featuring masterpieces for lovers of Asian fusion cuisine), you can really indulge after many a lean day at sea.

Some other Blackbeard approved hideouts in the Dominican Republic would be:

Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf and Spa Hotel

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa

Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort and Club

Charleston South Carolina: the Beard Gets Blacker

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Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. In the case of Blackbeard, this included fighting in the War of the Spanish Succession, which kept him far too busy to take up plundering.

So, when the Brits pulled out of the war in 1713, he turned to a life of crime by singing up as crew on Pirate Benjamin Hornigold’s ship. Blackbeard was later elected Captain, renamed the ship the Queen Anne Revenge (yikes!) and he spent his days looting other boats for booze, money and guns.

Where did he commit the ultimate in looting? Charleston, South Carolina, of course.

This is where Blackbeard staged the famous Blockade of Charleston where he plundered five freighters and stopped any other ship from entering or leaving the harbor.

The Blockade of Charleston was certainly the highlight of Blackbeard’s career, and even for a quick holiday, he wouldn’t take his keen eye off of his pet project. So, we figure that Blackbeard would have chosen a nice resort right on the beach, like The Village at Wild Dunes, where he could keep one glass eye fixed on his business venture while enjoying a few mojitos.

This coastal resort has 120 rooms and suites – perfect for four ships worth of crew with varying interests. You can pretty much do as much or as little as you like at Wild Dunes, which makes it an attractive getaway for all types of travelers.

And, of course, for those who lead an active lifestyle (looting, plundering and swinging on ropes), no vacation is complete without a trip to the spa and fitness center.

Luckily, you can create your own “fitness retreat” including everything from yoga and other exercises to spa treatments, perfect for melting away a long day of gun wielding.

Anguilla is a traveler’s paradise, and nestled on the Island’s south west coast of Manudays Bay is Cap Juluca, which is quite possibly heaven on Earth.

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This luxury resort is a private self-contained enclave along two miles of gorgeous white sand beaches. And when you book your stay from now until October 31, 2009, you can indulge in their Linger Longer Package. In celebration of Cap Juluca’s $80 million dollar enhancement program, the resort is now inviting guests to receive an additional five nights’ stay when booking a minimum of five nights!

Just steps away from the sand are Cap Juluca’s 18 beach front villas, each with a beautiful ocean view. Your private patio is perfect for a beachfront breakfast while listening to the soft sounds of the ocean waves.

When not relaxing and soaking up the sun, Cap Juluca offers the finest facilities for water sports such as snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking, water skiing and sailing. The concierge can also secure a mega yacht, helicopter or jet for excursion to discover your surroundings.

The island of Anguilla is a community that is peaceful and joyous and there are so many things to see and do during your stay. Anguillans take pride in their island and take pleasure in sharing it with their visitors from around the world. Being rich in culture, art galleries and studios are scattered throughout the island. Visit them to see creations from local artists. With an abundance of historic architecture and landmarks, you are sure to feel inspired during your stay.

Many of Anguilla’s beaches are also nesting grounds for Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill turtles during the months April though November. The best beaches for possible sightings are Limestone Bay, Captain’s Bay and Cap Juluca’s own Maundays Bay.

After a long day of exploring, Cap Juluca is ready to meet your every need. Their specially trained therapists will help you find the peace and balance you seek. Using the ancient wisdom of its indigenous cultures, believing that the healing begins at home, an extensive list of spa treatments are available either individually or for couples in the privacy of your own room.

Anguilla is widely known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean” and Cap Juluca has a variety of restaurants to suite any pallet. The culinary experience here is one of international inspiration blended with the flavors of the island. Maintaining a garden-to table approach for most spices and herbs allows for only the best ingredients to make it to your plate.

Cap Juluca is known as a place of romance and nothing says this more than their private beach dinners. Offering special menus, dedicated intimate service under the setting sun and torchlight is sure to create a night of perfection.

It is true what they say, once you visit you may never want to leave.

Le Sereno in St. Barts is the perfect place to go for a relaxation vacation. Luckily for Kiwi Collection guests, this Caribbean resort is offering some fantastic special packages that go from this summer through to December that will really let you kick back and enjoy the beach in VIP style. For cooks who want to learn a thing or two about preparing authentic Bouillabaisse a l’Ancienne, check out the 8 days/7 nights package.

If you want to relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, St. Barts is probably where you want to be. Long considered a playground for the rich and famous, this gorgeous Caribbean island is well known for its pristine beaches, gourmet dining and high-end shops.

One of the nicest places to stay on St. Barts is Le Sereno. This boutique beach resort only has 37 rooms, and is right on the Grand Cul de Sac Beach. All suites and villas at this resort on St. Barts have ocean views, private terraces, gardens, plasma TVs and personal iPods (with iPod docking stations). Coupled with a great spa and a fantastic restaurant, you can’t go wrong with a vacation here.

We at Kiwi Collection learned that Le Sereno is having a few special offers that run from now until December 15th this year, and we need to share them with all of our friends.

The 4 days/3 nights package and the 6 days/5 nights package:

Enjoy VIP reception service at the airport and a bottle of Champagne to greet you upon arrival. Guests also receive a continental breakfast for two (either in their suite or at the restaurant), as well as a dinner for two at Restaurant des Pecheurs. You will also have a rental car at your disposal, delivered the morning following your arrival, a welcome beach bag and complimentary use of the gym, snorkeling and kayak equipment, tennis court and transfers to and from the airport.

For 4 days/3 nights: 1.488€ to 2.388€ (depending on your room)
For 6 days/5 nights: 2.190€ – 3.440€  (depending on your room)

8 days/7nighs Package:

During this vacation with Le Sereno, guests will get to learn how to prepare authentic “Bouillabaisse a l’Ancienne” as Le Restaurant des Pecheurs at Le Sereno is one of only a handful of restaurants outside of France to make this dish. In addition to all of the value in the 4 days/3 nights and 6 days/5 nights package, guests receive two lunches and a dinner for two at Le Restaurant des Pecheurs, as well as a Bouillabaisse dinner for two and the Bouillabaisse cooking class (working with Le Sereno’s Chef in his kitchen).

All you have to do is let the resort know you want to take part in the cooking course.

8 days/7nights package: 3.486€ – 5.586€ (depending on your room)

It’s the dream of many a bride-to-be to have the wedding in a gorgeous tropical paradise. Well, that dream can turn into reality with a little help from some of the Ritz-Carlton’s top hotels. The Ritz-Carlton’s “Reconnect package” offers complimentary wedding ceremonies and a complimentary three-night stay for your first anniversary! Be sure to book this offer before it expires on June 30, 2009.

Are you as excited as we are?

We just learned that some of the Ritz-Carlton’s finest luxury hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico are offering a special package this year for couples who want to have their ceremony in a tropical paradise.

Couples will get a free wedding ceremony in addition to a complimentary three-night stay during their first anniversary when booking a wedding on the “Reconnect” package. (Reconnect Rates start at $439 per night).

Participating hotels in our collection are:

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Rose Hall Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino

The Complimentary Wedding Offer includes:

Ceremony Location
Wedding Specialist
Wedding Concierge
Minister
Signature Bouquet
Signature Boutonniere
Signature Location Décor
Complimentary three-night first anniversary stay, redeemable at any Ritz Carlton hotel or resort in the Caribbean or Mexico

So what do you have to do?

If you want to take advantage of this offer, book your wedding before the offer expires on June 30, 2009. Your wedding can take place any time between May 1 and December 20, 2009.

You and your guests will need to stay for a minimum of three nights, and you’ll need to book a minimum of 25 rooms or more to be eligible for the offer.