Caribbean Music Festivals

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival - While they may not be jazz, Earth Wind & Fire are the big draw this year. November 28 - 30 will  see Jim Beard, Ed Motta, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers and more will grace the seaside stage in Playa Del Carmen.  The best part?  The festival is free! St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival - This long running festival is returning in 2014 with a broadened artistic direction.   Set for April 30 - May 11, 2014 the music extravaganza will feature 50 performers all over the island.    Previous headliners included Air Supply, The Jacksons, John Legend,  Akon, Tito Puente Jr., R. Kelly, Amy Winehouse, Micheal Bolton, Rihanna, Kenny G and The O'Jays. Let me know if you want to be notified of next year's line up. Palace Resorts  -  The Beach Boys will be performing at Moon Palace. August 6 (next week).  If last minute travel is not your thing wait for Ricky Martin December 28.  Guests who stay 5 nights or more receive 2 free tickets. Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival - Last January, Mary J. Blige, Micheal Bolton, Arturo Tappin and more graced the stage. Performers for 2014 should be out soon.

Best Golf Resorts in Mexico and the Caribean

Great golf courses are a staple in most vacation destinations these days.  Whether you need to get away from the family for a few hours, or bring the gang along there's an exciting array of choices. 

Grand Lucayan

The Bahamas
Grand Lucayan Beach and Golf Resort
This resort is just 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Florida, so an  easy weekend retreat.  2 courses available with plenty of water features.  (13 out of 18 holes on the Reef Course)

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay

This former Four Seasons occupies a quiet out island in The Bahamas.  The Greg Norman designed par 72 championship course was named one of the Caribbean's best golf courses by Travel + Leisure Golf.  Book a butler suite and you'll enjoy unlimited golf with your luxury accommodations.





Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Rose Hall
The White Witch Golf Course spans 600 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation (close to Montego Bay).  Mountainous terrain with scenic views of the sea might take the edge off the wind challenging your shot.

Weekly Junior Golf Clinic

Sandals- All of the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica offer access to the Sandals Golf and Country Club.  What sets this course apart is the fantastic offerings for the family.  Kids can get their own clinics with a golf pro (included with the stay!).

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Fairmont Mayakoba

Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the top golf resorts according to Conde Nast Traveler.  This is Mexico's only PGA tour stop.  If you want executive luxury this is the place.  The resort spans 47 acres of lush mangroves and tropical forests.  Covered boats and golf carts transport guests through the winding canals   connecting the two-story casitas.  Though most people don't think of a AA Five Diamond resort as being kid friendly, they do offer a kids's club for up to three hours a day and a free children's menu at select restaurants. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

Moon Palace Golf View Suite

The 27 holes here span scenic dunes and lakes at the interior of this expansive property.  There is so much to do here, the family won't notice how long you stay at the course, neither will your wallet.  Stay 3 nights and get free unlimited golf or make everyone happy by splitting the resort credits for golf, spa services, tours or room upgrades at this mega resort.  With onsite dolphin discovery, flow rider, tons of activities and a kid's club this resort is perfect for large groups and meetings.  Why not take your next tournament on the road?

Los Cabos, Mexico
The One & Only Palmilla features a Jack Nicklaus 27 hole course divided into 3 sets of challenging holes.  The Sea of Cortez is your backdrop for 12 of them.  Cabo is a golfer's paradise and a nature lover's dream with plenty of eco-activities available in the Baja region.  The resort has one of few swimmable beaches.

The One & Only Palmilla

Great Scott Getaways