Greetings!
Wasn't it just Memorial Day? We have come to the end of June and about to celebrate our birthday. Time certainly does fly. Let's make the most of it!
Happy Birthday to the U.S.A.! How will you be celebrating July 4, 2020? Here in South Florida, we usually can see multiple fireworks displays all over the city. My favorite fireworks show has always been the Macy's Celebration in New York. It will certainly be different this year.
Macy's Fireworks.
However you plan to celebrate - at home, barbecue's, zoom celebrations with friends virtually watching the skies light up across the US? Let us breathe and take the time to think about what this holiday means for all of us. It is a day to celebrate our freedom and commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Have a safe and happy holiday!
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Armchair Travel - Re-Opening the Caribbean
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As we are seeing it is possible that traveling to Europe may not factor into near- future plans, other destinations that are opening include the Caribbean. Here are a few to consider perhaps this Fall or Winter.
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Reopening July 1
st
to US travelers, but already open for travelers arriving by private jet or yacht.
Everyone entering will have to register at a Bahamas embassy or consulate and obtain a COVID-19 test with a negative result. If all protocols are met, then no COVID-19 test or quarantine will be required.
Where to Stay:
Known for its Versailles-inspired gardens and lawns, five miles of white sand beach and Jean Georges-fronted restaurant,
The Ocean Club
(a Four Seasons Resort) is the perfect place to relax oceanside. Stay in individual villas to ensure more space and a contact-free experience.
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Reopening to U.S. travelers on July 1
st
accompanied by a five-stage plan that includes protocols for pre-departure, in-flight, arrival, on-island, and returning home.
Travelers are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their departure. Before coming to the island, travelers also need to complete a screening form and arrival card, show proof of health insurance, and wear a mask while in airports and on the plane.
Where to Stay:
Sitting on 240 waterfront acres of paradise, the
Rosewood
Bermuda
resort is set to reopen on July 2
nd
. In their ocean-view private residences located apart from the main resort, guests will have access to their own private infinity pools, private golf carts, and the owner’s clubhouse.
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Since June 4th, St. Lucia has welcomed back travelers.
Currently, in taking a phased approached to reopen, the only flights able to come from the U.S. must fly through Hewanorra International Airport. American Airlines, however, won't resume its service from the U.S. until July.
St. Lucia’s government requires all visitors to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 of boarding their flights and undergo temperature checks upon arrival.
Where to Stay:
A luxury retreat exclusively for couples and adults, the
Ladera Resort
offers eco-friendly private suites, all uniquely designed to have an “open wall” to provide stunning views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Each suite comes with a private plunge pool – some with swings and cascading waterfalls – and private car transportation to anywhere on the island.
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Reopening to U.S. travelers and private jet terminals on July 22
nd
, while the Grand Turk Cruise Center will open August 31.
All incoming passengers are required to wear a face mask when they land on the island, and to wear one in public areas throughout their stay.
There have not been any specific protocols regarding COVID-19 testing at the airport released yet.
Where to Stay:
Amanyara
,
opening July 24
th
, is determined to keep cleanliness and sanitization protocols to the highest degree. Offering private villas that sit on over one-and-a-half acres, equipped with infinity pools, living areas, and the service of a personal cook and housekeeper.
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What's For Dinner?
Bahamian Conch Fritters
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Nothing says the
Caribbean
like conch fritters. Crispy on the outside and a fluffy on the inside, these little guys surely have a spicy kick to them. Don't forget to make the sauce to complete your
simple Caribbean meal!
If you can't find conch in your local market, frozen shrimp makes an excellent substitution. If fish isn't in your diet, try king oyster mushrooms.
Full Recipe
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Happy Hour - it is 5:00 pm somewhere!
Caribbean Rum Punch
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Rum punch is the perfect pairing to wash down the conch fritters. Loaded with sweet and tangy citrus, this cocktail will surely start happy hour the right way.
Mix pineapple and orange juice with a variety of rums (151 proof rum, dark rum, and coconut-flavored rum), grenadine syrup,
and
slices of citrus fruit into a punch bowl and voilà.
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A Unique Classical Concert: Music for the Flora
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Since mid-March, Spain’s Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house has remained quiet with both audience and performers remaining home amid the lockdown. This past Monday however, the house was filled with music again when the UceLi Quartet played Giacomo Puccini’s “I Crisantemi” (Chrysanthemums) for a slightly different audience.
Instead of people, the Gran Teatre del Liceu filled each of its seats with 2,292 plants for the concert. The concert organizers wanted to give viewers a new experience that would connect them back to nature in a time where going outdoors is difficult and, in some respects, dangerous.
Each of the plants, which were brought in from local nurseries for the performance, will be donated to local health care professionals as a thank you for their efforts during the pandemic.
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Staying in the Know:
As July 1
st
steadily approaches, European Union officials are currently trying to come to a decision on whether to block Americans from entering its borders during the first phase of reopening. European nations are creating two potential lists of acceptable visitors based on how countries are faring with the coronavirus pandemic.
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We continue to monitor the global situation and bring keep you up to date as possible. We encourage everyone to continue to practice physical distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and stay informed. We will get through this together.
We welcome your thoughts on our site and would love to share some of your favorite stories and travel experiences. We are here for you and look forward to the time when we can discover our wonderful world again.
We make it personal. We specialize in you!
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Stay safe! Be well!
Yours in Travel,
Lee
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”…
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305.443.5441
Contact us today to start exploring the world your way.
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