Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 40)

DESTINATIONS CARIBBEAN LEFT: Walls built along the cliffs at The Caves have small terraces for private sunning ABOVE: A bedroom in the Butterfly Suite TOP RIGHT: A cliff-top sea view from one of The Caves’ handcrafted cottages BELOW RIGHT: The thatched-roof bar where guests meet to be escorted down to the dining cave THE CAVES LOOKING FOR A WATER-LEVEL VIEW OF THE SUNSET, I wander down stone stairs fronting the cliff to a terrace at The Caves on Negril’s West End. But rather than the sunset, I am drawn to the scene inside a sea cave off the terrace. There, nestled into the coral stone surroundings, is a single elegant table set with linens, crystal, candles and flowers. The staff is placing hibiscus blossoms and candles into every nook and cranny to create a romantic, over-thetop scene. Champagne is chilling in the ice bucket. A honeymooning couple is waiting at the thatch-roof bar to be escorted down to the magical cave for a five-course meal. 40 | TravelAgent September 1, 2008 Negril, Jamaica The romantic cave dining experience is just one of the special opportunities at The Caves (www.thecavesresort.com) in Jamaica, part of Island Outpost. The walls built along the 20- to 30-foot-high cliffs have small terraces at different elevations for private sunning. There are 12 cottages, all individually designed in colorful West Indian style, plus the new four-bedroom Clandestino Villa. We were most impressed by the unique experiences and activities focused around the sea caves, as well as the friendly, attentive Jamaican service. An atmospheric Cigar Bar opened last December in a seaside cave with dramatic lights and alcoves for seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy a specialty cognac and Cuban cigar. The snorkel trip into the sea caves in front of the hotel reveals schools of baby snapper, a yellow stingray, parrotfish and blue tangs. I follow lifeguard Paul Grant through an underwater rock opening and come up in the King’s Jacuzzi with swirling tidal waters. Kayak trips along the cave-riddled West End cliffs are also popular with guests. Nearby Rick’s Café is renowned for cliff diving: Clients can attempt to jump from different levels and marvel at the veterans diving from 90-foot heights while listening to live reggae music. Lap of Luxury Pampering takes place in the caves and on the cliffs here, too. A small room cut into the cliff wall holds a jetted hot tub for two with a window overlooking the sea. A sea cave is used for massages when the first rays of morning light illuminate the interior. And there is a massage hut on the cliff edge that makes a cheerful spot for a massage with sea breezes. Be sure to recommend Patrick Watt, spa director, to administer the Aveda treatments. All but two of the handcrafted cottages have sea views from cliff-top perches. Some of the suites are air-conditioned; the rest have ceiling http://www.thecavesresort.com

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Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Apartment Rentals Offer a Different View of Paris Pacific/Asia: Authentic Sarawak Culture and Longhouse Experiences are Highlights of a Visit to Malaysian Borneo South Pacific: Fiji’s Denarau Island Offers Paradise within a Paradise Las Vegas: As Business Slows, Discounts and Deals are in the Cards at Many Vegas Properties Central & South America: São Paolo, Brazil, is Ideal for Business or Leisure Vacations Caribbean: The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Offers Quiet Luxury Rosecita Jeffers Takes Over the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Cruises: Crystal Cruises is Making Plans and Changes for the Future Keeping Cruises Affordable with These 12 Tips for Clients Cover Story: Top Supplier Sales Reps Hotels: At Chicago’s Stylish Avenue Hotel, the Kids are all Right Bali is Reinventing Itself as a Family-Friendly Destination Tours: GOGO Worldwide Vacations Renews its Commitment to the Travel Agent Community Agent Profile: Ramesh Kalicharran Looked for His Roots and Helps Others Find Theirs Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo The YTB Controversy Rages On The Latest News From the Caribbean Australia Promotes Australia New Flagship to Relaunch Orient Lines Classified Marketplace Agent Access In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

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