When Janet and Jeff Blackwell checked into Beaches Negril on June 26, no one was paying much attention to a tropical wave forming off the coast of Africa. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, they planned to spend six days in Negril with their two grown sons, their wives and three small children, and then recreate their honeymoon with some private time at Sandals Montego Bay.

As the winds picked up, from 35 mph to 135 to 165, and the storm turned west and headed across the Caribbean toward them, they did consider changing their flights home. But tickets were scarce Read the rest of this entry »

It’s got mountains and oceans, coral reefs and rain forests, mud baths and sulphur springs, and a drive-in volcano. There are affordable hotels with amazing views and well-known hospitality names like Sandals and Zoetry that hug the mountains and rest in the rainforests. While the weather is hot and the towns a little crowded, visitors will find an awful lot to love here—including “the most beautiful hotel room” and “the most beautiful spa” in the world. It’s easy to see why the French and the British fought over this island 14 times. Whether you are looking for the ultimate in privacy and luxury or an affordable, beautiful, romantic and flower-filled Caribbean getaway, you likely can find it on St. Lucia.