August 19, 2004 -- Autumn is a splendid time to visit Bermuda, The Bahamas and Barbados -- islands stretching from as far north as the mid-Atlantic down south to the lower Antilles. Each as its distinctive cultural flavor as well and travel to all is on sale.
Bermuda
The Pink Beach Club & Cottages, a luxury compound, is offering rates starting from $385 per night per room for two people from November 1, 2004 through January 3, 2005, when the traditional high season begins. The special includes a Modified American Plan (MAP, meaning full English breakfast, traditional afternoon tea and a five-course dinner daily). It's a perfect escape for Thanksgiving, when air and water temperatures hover around the mid 70s and the resort will be serving up a traditional dinner with all the trimmings. If you're thinking inviting the extended family, you should know that the clubs' cottages can sleep up to 20 persons.
It's situated on 16 plus acres of hills and gardens, overlooking two pink coral sand beaches, and minutes away from a golf course. For reservations or more information phone 800/355-6161 or visit www.pinkbeach.com.
Bahamas
At a much more economic end of the scale is a trip to the Bahamas starting from $399 per person for a five-night air/hotel inclusive vacation at the Sheraton on Grand Bahamas island from US Airways Vacations. Seven nights of Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. start at only $426 per person. Five nights in a Wyndham resort in Nassau out of Boston begin from $414.
Other participating Bahamian Hotels include the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort and Westin at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. This offer is valid for travel from September 6 through December 14; the booking deadline is September 10. For more information or to make reservations, contact the sponsors at www.usairwaysvacations.com or by phoning 800/352-8747.
Barbados
The Almond Resorts in Barbados have an air-inclusive package starting from $1, 299 for five nights for departures out of NYC. Also included are all meals, snacks, room service, afternoon tea, beach picnics, all beverages, live nightly entertainment, tips, hotel taxes and service charges, water sports (including water skiing, wind surfing and banana boat rides), tennis, squash and fitness center use, and children's programs and nursery. Prices, which they say are 30% off regular rates, are per person based on double occupancy. This offer is valid through December 20 with some blackout dates in effect. For more information or to book, contact Almond directly at 877/ALMOND.1 or visit www.almondresorts.com.
Note that in none of the air-inclusive packages mentioned above are airport taxes and security fees included.