October 1, 2003 -- Fall is the season for good values in the Caribbean. We've got a line-up of beachy bargains that are up for grabs through the beginning of winter (that's December 21) and one Christmas spirit splurge over the holidays.
Aruba
The "Suite Summer SunSation" promotion at La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort & Casino in Aruba is good through December 19, 2003 starting from $599. The cost is per person, based on double occupancy, and includes the roundtrip airfare on American Airlines, lodging in a one-bedroom Gran Suite at La Cabana, hotel taxes and service charges, roundtrip transfers between airport and resort, air fuel surcharges and the Sept. 11 security fee. US airport taxes and island departure taxes are extra. Out of Philadelphia, the package starts at $665; from Boston $719; out of New York's JFK $735; and from Chicago, $799. Children under 12 (maximum of two in one room) can stay free of charge with at least one paying adult and using existing bedding. Phone Liberty Travel at 888/271-1586 or visit www.libertytravel.com. For more information on La Cabana read our review from Frommer's Caribbean 2004 at .
One Resort, Three Destinations
In the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, the well-known Viva Resorts people are offering their "Falling Prices" promotion, valid through December 23, 2003. The all-inclusive rates are per person per night, based on double occupancy and include:
- $89 (down from $103) at Viva Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
- $90 (down from $110) at Viva Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama Island
- $95 (down from $106) at Viva Dominicus Beach, in La Romana, DR
- $99 (versus $110) at Viva Dominicus Palace, in La Romana
- $112 (from $125) at Viva Maya in Playacar, Mexico
- $119 (down from $132) at Viva Azteca in Playcar
Children 12 and under stay, play and eat free when sharing a room with two paying adults (max. two children per room). All-inclusive means lodging, all meals, unlimited beverages, 24-hour snacks, tea time, daily activities and fitness programs, unlimited non-motorized water sports, live nightly entertainment, lessons in dance, yoga, cooking and meditation, and all hotel taxes, surcharges and tips. Call Viva at 800/898-9968, e-mail reservations@vivaresorts.com, online at www.vivaresorts.com.
Spice it up in Grenada
In Grenada, you can try an "Adventure Pack Deluxe Vacation" at $535 per person, based on double occupancy, now through December 15, 2003 at the Blue Horizons Cottage Hotel.You get your seven-night's lodging in a suite, a hike through the rainforest and either to a waterfall or hot spring, a gift kit of insect repellent, body oil, and more. Contact Blue Horizons at 800/223-9815 (212/476-9444 in New York State), or visit www.grenadabluehorizons.com. For our review, head to .
Don't Doubt St. Thomas
The Bolongo Bay Beach Club on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands has reduced its rates by almost 50%, its room-only European Plan charge dropping to $79 per room per night, down from $149. You must reserve by November 1, 2003 for travel from now through November 23, 2003. Phone them at 800/524-4746, e-mail info@bolongobay.com or go online to www.bolongobay.com. Get our opinion on the property in our Destinations section at .
Lastly, On St. Lucia with St. Nick
We wouldn't call this a budget offer by any means, but actual off-season rates during peak travel times are always a welcome gift. If you book by November 15, you can stay at the St. James Club in Morgan Bay over the holidays -- specifically between December 21 -- January 2 -- starting from $390 per day per person when you book a full week. Second rooms are available from $195 per pay per person. Look at it as a chance to truly splurge on some luxury with your family and friends. It's a value for the well-heeled who can enjoy the savings from the usual $600-a-day rates. Prices are all-inclusive and kids stay and eat free during this period. Call 800/345-0356 or go online at www.eliteislandresorts.com. Our review can found at .