Feliz Ano Nuevo

                      May all your tropical desires come true!

A Christmas Angel

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, from Tropical Desires!

Caribbean Travel Awards 2020

What's shocking is that the Dominican Republic didn't make the list for any of the many categories.

Bonaire is one of the region’s up-and-coming destinations, a tiny Dutch Caribbean outpost that is increasingly on the radar of sophisticated travelers. And its leading hotel continues to deliver in a big way. The 43-room Harbour Village is the best small hotel experience: large, comfortable rooms and suites; warm service, all the amenities you could ask for from a dive shop to a spa; and one of our favorite private beaches in the whole Caribbean. It’s a special, Old Caribbean experience that’s a must for any Caribbean aficionado. For the full list of awardees click HERE. And for the top all-inclusive Caribbean resorts list click HERE.

The Season For Red

Smiles Are Infectious

Culinary Delights in Santo Domingo

To experience the varied flavors of the Dominican Republic, bypass the resorts and head to the capital- the perfect getaway for food and nightlife.

Mason de Bari in Santo Domingo

In a country known for its meat-heavy cuisine, there are options. TIME VEGETARIAN KITCHEN is located on the always bustling Calle Padre Billini. Young diners pack the tables and share zucchini pasta carbonara and freshly baked bread with silky hummus. entrees $7-$10

MESON DE BARI is an aqua=painted stalwart in the Zona Colonial. It first opened in 1979 offering traditional meals. One standout is the steak with creole sauce and a generous side of rice & beans. entrees $12-$34

Another landmark is LA CASSINA in the Evaristo Morales neighborhood specializing in Italian and Spanish cuisine. The pastas dishes, such as ravioli stuffed with asparagus and ricotta are excellent as are many dishes, including the steak and mahi-mahi carpaccios. entrees $10-$52

Also in the Zona Colonial (facing the Alcazar de Colon) is the PAT'E PALO, where waiters sport pirate bandannas. It's no tourist trap! Sit on the patio and rub elbows with posh locals and out-of-towners. Order the coconut milk seafood casserole and a house-made charcuterie. entrees $14-$38

Source: Travel & Leisure

Victor

Hotel Housekeeper Fantasy

BVI Continues the Comeback Trend

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is said to have made a comeback since the 2017 hurricane season that devastated so much of the Caribbean. In fact, it's better than ever according to some sources. Read more HERE about a new way to experience the BVI by powered catamaran.

Also check out www.marinemax.com/vacations

FBI Releases Report on Deaths

On the heel of a wave of cancellations after weeks of widespread US press speculation on tainted beverages in the Dominican Republic in May, June and July 2019, a comprehensive FBI toxicology report just released denies there was factual evidence to the negative media stories. The findings by the FBI confirm the report Dominican forensic authorities had given. That the death of three at the same hotel was due to complications of already existing physical conditions.

The deaths spiraled into a media campaign that led to major cancellations of travel to the country amid speculations of intoxication due to fumigation at the hotel or toxic drinks. The FBI reportedly carried out comprehensive studies, with over 150 tests, and concluded the tourists died for natural causes.

The results were shared with the relatives of the deceased and end the speculation regarding the deaths of 63-year old Nathaniel Edward Holmes and 49-year old Cynthia Ann Day that died together when on holiday in the Dominican Republic.

View video of the findings HERE

Hombre Bonito

Bahamas Open for Business

The tourism director in the Bahamas wants everyone to know that most of the islands in the area were not effected by the recent storm, thus the best way to assist in the recovery efforts for those that were affected is to continue your support of the other islands with many activities and tourist destinations.
Click HERE for more information.

Javier of the Bahamas

BVI Food Fete 2019

If you want to do something special for the upcoming holiday season you may wish to sample the wares at the British Virgin Islands Food Fete!

It’s a diverse schedule of must-visit food stops, meaning travelers can get a taste of the BVI on one island or plan a getaway with multiple Food Fete stops in their itinerary.

It’s yet another sign of the BVI’s inspiring comeback from the storms of 2017 – and a resounding message that the BVI is back and better than ever.

For more, visit the BVI Food Fete.

Delightful Dante

See more of him at Latin Boyz!

Dioscar Gomez

Dorian Does Damaging Dance

Hurricane Dorian, at one time a category 5 storm, spared many of the islands as it does its slow dance through the Caribbean. However, the storm, now a category 4, pummeled the Bahamas killing at least five people as it makes its way toward the southeastern coast of the US.

Florida and the Carolinas have issued hurricane warnings and some areas have issued evacuation notices to residents. 

Check HERE for storm updates.

A Star is Born

DR places in Mr. World 2019

Representing Dominican Republic, Alejandro Martinez, 26, was crowned Mister World Caribbean 2019 during the Mr. World 2019 coronation night n August 23, 2019 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is a spinning instructor, an actor and a model.

Martinez has a degree in Child Psychology. As a model, he has worked with Fashion Designers of Latin America and Dominican fashion.

Born on December 28, 1992, Martinez hails from Salcedo, Hermanas Mirabal, Dominican Republic. He speaks Spanish and English and currently resides in New York, United States.

Macho Mexico

Change Is Good

When I consider what the SDQ airport was like when I first visited many years ago I am reminded of the saying, "you've come a long way baby."

dr1: Travelers arriving this Christmas to the Santo Domingo city international airport will be pleasantly surprised by a new arrival area. Aerodom announced that major renovation works are already underway of the central atrium of the capital city's airport.

The renovations include new flooring (in an area of 3,000 meters), new furnishing and equipment, and bathroom renovations. The restaurants that are located on the third floor will be relocated to the first floor. New restaurants are being added.

Aerodom expects all works to be completed by November 2019.

Las Americas International Airport has been operated by Vinci Airports since 2016.

Earlier this year, Aerodom opened the renovated parking area, with significantly lower fares for short and long duration stays.

Las Americas International Airport services around 140 direct flights a day from Europe, North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

http://www.aerodom.com/app/do/aerodo...mo.aspx?id=469

Antony

Hump Day

Face Time

Wade in the Water

What's REALLY Going On?

I have been intrigued by the mysterious deaths that are happening in the Dominican Republic. While I'm sure tourist deaths happen in other parts of the Caribbean, It doesn't seem those deaths are "questionable" or "mysterious."

I wanted to do some research so I googled "tourist deaths in the Caribbean." To my surprise and dismay the first two pages were all related to the DR. So much for attempting to do a comparison with other Caribbean destinations. Also, YouTube is full of speculative videos from vloggers both in and out of the D.R. None of which really give concrete evidence. I mean there are conspiracy theories of organ stealing, political theories of the US pressuring the DR to favor them over China in trade dealings or face the consequence of lost US tourism and many more theories.
 And now comes news of the latest reported death, making 31 year old Tracy Jester of Georgia the eleventh since June of 2018.

These are the times I miss the old Monaga blog. I could always count on clarity and good inside tea.

HERE is a link to a recent survey regarding how US tourists are feeling about travel to the DR.

U.S.A. Independence Day

Rumming Through the Caribbean

If you consider yourself an aficionado of fine rums here is some info you can use to check out some of the Caribbean's best!
The new Martinique Rhum Awards is July 4-7, featuring a rum tasting event at La Case Thai restaurant, a bartender competition at Ti Sable, distillery tours, a banquet and much more. Click HERE for more info.

Don Pedro Fernandez would carry his rum around in a small wooden barrel under his arm, giving a taste to those who wished to try it. He had studied the art of brandy distillery in France and returned to Puerto Rico with a copper pot still in 1871, soon producing the islands first rum. Today Ron del Barrilto also has a two-star and three-star variation. You're probably familiar with Bacardi brands, but no trip to PR is complete without a bottle of "Barrilto." Tours of the old plantation house and distillery are available.

And finally, from the DR-
Participate in rum tastings, lectures and workshops, concerts, cocktail contests and gastronomic tastings, among other events, that are part of the 2nd Dominican Rum Festival set to be held 19-20 July 2019 in Puerto Plata. In its second year, the organizers have chosen the impressive panoramic setting of the Puerto Plata Amphitheater.

Puerto Plata boasts the two leading options for touring rum factories – Brugal and Vinícola del Norte, both with outstanding excursion options including tasting and buying opportunities.

https://www.facebook.com/DominicanRumFestival/

sources- DR1.com, caribjournal.com

PRIDE 50

Happy 50th anniversary of PRIDE!

Quentin Elias

Caribbean Cane

Vacation Planning 101

Be sure to visit the Travel Info Page for helpful tips when planning your vacation to the Dominican Republic. Support the links for great deals and great experiences!

Dominican Mother's Day is May 26

Historic Hilton Reopens

By Alexander Britell

When it opened its doors in 1949, it was the first Hilton outside of the continental United States.

And for decades, the Caribe Hilton was one of the Caribbean’s signature places to stay, how Conrad Hilton first sent San Juan into the jet-set era and defined Puerto Rico’s glamorous side.

And now the iconic Caribe Hilton is making history again, ready to unveil a dramatic $150 million transformation project when it reopens this week.

Reminiscing About Robert

                          Sexy hombre from Santo Domingo

A Sexy Stroll

Big Thing in a Small Package

You know what they say...
If you are looking for big adventure you won't be disappointed with Little Cayman.
If you are tired of the resorts; the crowds and their cookie-cutter fare you should try Little Cayman.

Even before you get off the plane you can feel it.This is not like any other place you’ve visited in the Caribbean. It’s just 10 square miles here, a beach-filled corner of sand 80 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, a place so small the island’s main road actually crosses the runway at Edward Bodden Airfield.
Read more about the small island with a big bang HERE

Wishful Wednesday

St. Croix is Sizzling

St. Croix is welcoming back frequent and repeat travelers to the beautiful island as well as new travelers wanting to experience genuine Caribbean culture & cuisine. A new accommodation, The Fred, pictured above, is gay-friendly and in a great area to serve as a jump-off spot for your day or evening activities.

Local chef Digby Stridiron has been one of the leading lights of St Croix’s culinary renaissance, and he’s at it again with Braata, a “West Indian kitchen”/rum bar set in the heart of the city of Frederiksted. Here, it’s all about Caribbean flavors and comfort food, from adobo fried chicken to dishes like conch-and-shrimp mofongo, with Stridiron’s signature plating and a heavy emphasis on the Caribbean’s Noble Spirit.

For more about St. Croix click HERE.

Brat Pack

Haiti's Resilience

USA Today has an insightful piece on Haiti. You can read it HERE.

Jacob

See much more of Jacob at Latin Boyz!