Florida Democrats want to win back Latino voters. It could be too late.

… hard to capture the Puerto Rican vote in the aftermath of … and secretary of state for Puerto Rico, called Scott a “good … campaign ran targeted ads telling Puerto Rican voters he would not … Torres, an Orlando Democrat of Puerto Rican descent, said early cycle …

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The Ultimate Caribbean Rum Festival Is Back Again in St Barth 

The world’s greatest rums. The Caribbean’s most glamorous island. 

One unforgettable week. 

The fifth annual Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth is set for Nov. 1-6, 2022 for a week-long celebration of artisanal rums from the region’s top producers. 

It’s a week filled with exciting events, from the opening party at the renowned Le Barthelemy hotel to master classes with celebrated distillers to the Tradewind Rum Expo to rum-and-cocktail pairing dinners and rum-and-cigar after parties. 

And then there’s another new addition: a world-first VIP tasting of Caribbean rums from the 19th century. 

The event is of course anchored by the annual blind-tasting rum competition, which brings in international judges to select winners in 10 different categories, including choosing the coveted World Champion (Martinique’s Rhum Neisson Armada 88 took the crown last year). 

“This year’s Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth will be bigger and better than ever,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal and co-founder of the event. “St Barth is a magical island, and it’s the perfect backdrop for our celebration of ultra-premium, artisanal rums.” 

It’s an event that’s equally enjoyable for neophytes and connoisseurs — whether you’re a longtime rum enthusiast or someone looking for a unique gourmet experience in the Caribbean. 

And it’s all headquartered at the world’s leading rum bar, the Rhum Room in Gustavia.

The Rhum Room St Barth, the Caribbean’s leading rum bar.

“After two years of Covid-restricted, socially-distanced festivals, we are planning to go all out and have a week of Rum themed events, from Master Classes to cigar Evenings, to an outdoor festival, a cocktail competition and of course the Tradewind Rum Expo,” said Christopher Davis, global rum expert, proprietor of the Rhum Room and co-founder of the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth. “There is something for everyone, and certainly rum aficionados will love the elbow rubbing with world class distillers, blenders and ambassadors, all bringing their A-game to St Barth for the 2022 Caribbean Rum Awards and St Barth Rhum Festival.”

“After speaking to the representatives of all the brands that won last year, there is an undercurrent of competition and preparation for this year and bringing new and special bottles for everyone to taste,” Davis said. “We welcome everyone to sunny St Barth in November to enjoy the best rum the Caribbean has to offer, whether Ron, Rum or Rhum.”

This year’s event is presented by platinum sponsors Tradewind Aviation, WIMCO Villas, The Moorings and Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa.  

Partners also include St Barth Tourism, Davidoff, SC Capital, Empire Social, Global Erudite and Les Ilets de la Plage, the island’s beloved boutique resort.

“We are thrilled and honored to be the exclusive aviation partner of the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth and the Tradewind Rum Expo,” said David Zipkin, co-founder and CMO of Tradewind Aviation. “The festival is the world’s leading celebration of fine rum and attracts experts and enthusiasts from around the world to learn about and enjoy rum on the beautiful island of St Barth, our most popular destination for Tradewind private and scheduled flights. Looking forward to another fun filled event!”

st barth testing
A Tradewind Aviation plane lands in St Barth.

Tradewind, the premier air carrier to St Barth, operates regularly-scheduled and charter service between San Juan, Puerto Rico and St Barth.

This year’s official villa provider is once again WIMCO Villas.

“The first week of November is an ideal time to visit St Barth,” said Stiles Bennet, president of WIMCO. “The ocean is warm, the island’s restaurants will have all recently reopened for the season, and whether you stay in a villa or hotels, you can take advantage of low season prices. Staging the Caribbean Rum Awards event in this window is ideal. We are excited to support the event for the fourth straight year, and encourage clients to plan a trip to St Barts to sample artisanal rums that they otherwise may never have access to.”

moorings catamaran caribbean
The Moorings is the official yachting partner of this year’s event.

The Moorings is a new partner for this year’s event, bringing the biggest name in Caribbean yacht charters and sailing vacations to the French Caribbean hotspot. 

“After a difficult few years during which so many on-water and in-person events were canceled, The Moorings is thrilled to sponsor this unique VIP event in St. Barth this fall with Caribbean Journal,” said Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager at The Moorings. “It is our hope that events like this shine a light on St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barth and the surrounding Leeward Islands as one of the world’s great sailing grounds – welcoming travelers once more – and highlight the resilience and beauty of these islands and communities.”

The beach at Le Barthelemy hotel.

That’s along with Le Barthelemy, St Barth’s premier luxury hotel and a stunning home for the week’s kickoff event. 

And if you’re looking to plan your trip to the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth, the event is working with Epic Experiences and its top St Barth travel advisor, Eva Grodbeg, to curate custom vacations for the week (you can find more here). 

While the Tradewind Expo is open to the public, the best way to experience this year’s festival is with a VIP ticket, which includes an all-access pass to VIP parties and master classes and a private rum tasting, among other inclusions. You find VIP tickets here

For more, visit the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth

The post The Ultimate Caribbean Rum Festival Is Back Again in St Barth  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Silversea Has Another New Cruise Ship 

Silversea Has a New Cruise Ship 

Luxury cruise line Silversea has christen its newest ship: Silver Dawn. 

The new boutique vessel, the 10th in the company’s fleet, is the third Silversea ship to make its debut in the last nine months. 

Silver Dawn is a jewel in the Silversea fleet and speaks to Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to delivering the best vacation experiences in a responsible way,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. 

The ship also marks the debut of Silversea’s new wellness program, Otium, which is “inspired by the ancient Roman lifestyle,” according to the company. 

The program includes a Roman-influenced spa; a holistic approach to leisure; and even a series of indulgent touches like champagne, chocolate and other gourmet snacks. 

Silver Dawn will be heading to the Caribbean in November. 

For more, visit Silversea.

The post Silversea Has Another New Cruise Ship  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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10 Best Places To Live in Nevada

What pops into your head when you think of Nevada? 

For most people, undoubtedly, it’s an image of Las Vegas, the party capital of the world. Aside from that, maybe it’s an image of sprawling deserts, or even mysterious Area 51. 

But there’s much more to Nevada than that. Some of the best places to live in Nevada for families and young professionals are nowhere near Las Vegas. 

The Silver State is truly a wonderland and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. So let’s go ahead and take a closer look at some of the best places to live in Nevada. 

1. Las Vegas: Party Capital of the World

Population: 641,000

Median Listing Home Price: $406,000

Of course, our list of the best places to live in Nevada starts with Las Vegas

Sin City has a pretty sordid reputation, but it’s not only about the casinos, the gambling, the resorts, and the wild clubs. Las Vegas is a bustling city that’s about more than just entertainment and tourism. 

For one thing, residents of Las Vegas can enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, some of the best and most eclectic dining opportunities in the world, to say nothing of the entertainment offered by the Strip. And if you’re less into the urban scene, and more into outdoor activities, Las Vegas is within easy distance of attractions like Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon

Best Place to Live in Las Vegas, Nevada

There are many great places to live in Las Vegas, but we’ve selected a few of the most attractive neighborhoods for home buyers. Summerlin is a master-planned community on the west side, close to Red Rock Canyon and full of parks and hiking trails. Southern Highlands, nestled in the southern foothills, is another favorite, located only 10 minutes from the Strip. 

And don’t overlook Aliante, another master-planned community in North Las Vegas, which features a golf course, a scenic lake, a casino of its very own, and even an amphitheater.  

2. Reno: One of the Best Places to Live in Nevada for Families

Population: 250,000

Median Listing Home Price: $555,000

The city of Reno can sometimes be overlooked as Las Vegas’ little brother. But it turns out “America’s Biggest Little City” has a lot to offer both young professionals and those looking to start a family. 

For one thing, Reno is located near the beautiful Sierras, full of lofty, snow-capped peaks. And Reno itself isn’t far from lovely Lake Tahoe, one of the most scenic and beautiful towns in the country.

Reno is also home to a number of new industries and has become something of a burgeoning tech hub. Tesla has a “gigafactory” in Reno, and both Switch and Apple have constructed huge data centers there. All of this has contributed to Reno becoming one of the top places to live for young professionals. 

Reno is also one of the best places to live in Nevada for families since it has plenty of first-rate public schools and family-friendly attractions. 

3. Boulder City: Gateway to Hoover Dam

Population: 15,840

Median Listing Home Price: $429,000

Boulder City is an intriguing little city only about a half-hour’s drive from Las Vegas. 

The town is located in a kind of bowl or valley just to the east of Las Vegas. It has that small-town charm, but it’s not too far from the big city; best of all, Boulder City is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The spectacular Hoover Dam is nearby, as is the gorgeous Lake Mead Recreational Area

Sometimes, finding the best cities to live in Nevada takes a little out-of-the-box thinking. Boulder City might not be your first choice, but this small city combines outdoor adventure with the glamor of nearby Las Vegas. 

4. Mesquite: One of the Best Places to Live in Nevada for Retirees

Population: 18,446

Median Listing Home Price: $397,500

If you’re moving to Nevada to retire, you might want to consider Mesquite. 

Mesquite is located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, in Clark County, and is a renowned Nevada retirement community. And, of course, since this is Nevada, Mesquite is home to its own mini assortment of casinos, resorts, and golf courses. Due to its high number of retirees, Mesquite may not be among the most family-friendly places to live in Nevada. 

But thanks to its amenities and year-round warm and sunny weather, Mesquite is a fine destination for those looking to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

5. Incline Village: Lake Tahoe Living

Population: 8,777

Median Listing Home Price: $1,400,000

Incline Village is unquestionably one of the best places to live in Nevada—and it’s also among the most expensive. 

The town is located on beautiful Lake Tahoe, so you can understand why it’s such a pricey destination. But if you have the money to afford it, Incline Village is a true paradise in the Sierras. Of course, there are plenty of lakeside activities and watersports for the adventurous during the summertime. In the winter, you can venture out to enjoy the numerous ski trails crisscrossing the mountainside. 

For those with the income to support it, life in Incline Village is as close to a paradise in Nevada as you can get outside of Paradise, Nevada. 

6. Henderson: Sin City Suburb

Population: 320,000

Median Listing Home Price: $479,900

Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada, after Las Vegas. It’s more of a suburb of Las Vegas, really, and it receives high marks for its safety. It’s one of the best places to live in Nevada for families, and it’s considered among the 50 best places to live in America. 

And it’s no wonder since Henderson has numerous amenities, including trails, golf courses, bike paths, and lakes. Considering its proximity to Sin City, Henderson has a surprisingly low crime rate. At the same time, it benefits from the same mild climate as Las Vegas, as well as fast access to all its many resorts and entertainment venues. 

7. Elko: The Old West

Population: 20,564

Median Listing Home Price: $352,000

Elko is one of Nevada’s best cities for those looking to experience a little more of that Old West mystique. Elko has everything you could want: close proximity to outdoor recreation areas, beautiful views, and lots of cowboys. Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains are nearby, which have some of the loveliest scenery in Nevada. 

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that Elko is located in northeastern Nevada, which is quite remote. If you’re looking to get away from big city living, this is the place for you; otherwise, you’ll have a long commute to reach more populous areas. But there are a number of attractive parks and public spaces to make up for it. 

Plus, the city is one of the most affordable in Nevada, with a low sales tax and an unusually high number of amenities.  

8. Sparks: Reno’s Favorite Suburb

Population: 104,246

Median Listing Home Price: $520,000

Sparks is another fantastic town located in northwestern Nevada, not far from boomtown Reno. 

It’s really a suburb of Reno, and like Henderson, that means you get to enjoy a somewhat cozier atmosphere, while still being near the attractions of urban life. Sparks is one of the most family-friendly places to live in Nevada, with top-ranked schools and many recreational parks and areas. The city’s livability and affordability makes it attractive for young professionals wishing to take part in Reno’s burgeoning startup scene. 

9. Verdi: Cozy Mountain Town

Population: 2,949

Median Listing Home Price: $895,000

Verdi is another suburb of Reno, nestled up against the California border. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, and evokes that soothing mountain town atmosphere and rural feel. 

Verdi has some of the top-rated schools in the state, a very low crime rate, and has all the outdoor adventure opportunities you could wish for. The urban life of Reno isn’t far away, but the surroundings in Verdi are perfect for raising a family in a more naturalistic and rural setting. This is why Verdi is one of the top destinations for young families in Nevada. 

10. Mogul: Small-Town Living

Population: 2,031

Median Home Price: $639,500

Finally, we come to Mogul, Nevada, another suburb of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. 

Mogul is considered to be one of the best suburbs in all of Nevada, and it’s easy to see why. As with the other Reno suburbs, Mogul has it all: low crime rates, fantastic public schools, and a tight-knit, small-town feel. As with Verdi, Mogul is a popular destination for professionals moving into the Reno area, and this has been driving up home prices—especially as people flee the coastal cities. 

With its climate, its access to outdoor adventures, and its proximity to Reno, Mogul shouldn’t be discounted when looking for where to live in Nevada. 

Nevada: Best Places to Live

From the azure waters of Lake Tahoe, to the glacial valleys of the Ruby Mountains, to the natural wonders of Great Basin National Park, Nevada has scenic beauty in spades. 

We think this list of some of the best places to live in Nevada is a good way to start your search. So what are you waiting for?

If you’re thinking about a move to the beautiful Silver State, consider teaming up with iBuyer. We have the connections and experience to help you sell your home with a quick cash offer. Submit your address to get started.

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The post 10 Best Places To Live in Nevada appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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This is the Coolest Hotel in Tortola

There’s a lot that’s great about Cane Garden Bay in Tortola: a beautiful coastline, lively beach bars, a cool historic distillery, and even a bit of nightlife in a destination — the British Virgin Islands — that’s more known for peace and quiet once the sun settles. Sophisticated, however, is not a word often used to describe this unpretentious beach town on the north shore of the BVI’s largest island.

Quito’s Inn sings quite a different tune. In a town where the norm has been low-slung accommodations with basic amenities, this five-story hotel not only dominates what passes for Cane Garden Bay’s “skyline” but also reigns supreme with its stylish rooms and public spaces.

It’s a bit disorienting to emerge from the elevator and enter the lobby at Quito’s: guests can’t be faulted for thinking they had suddenly been transported to South Beach, or perhaps into the living room of hotel founder Quito Rymer, a reggae singer and composer who may be the most famous man in the BVI. A gleaming grand piano sits waiting for tinkling fingers on one end of the room, an elegant billiards table on the other. In between are plush couches that take full advantage of the unimpeded views of the bay and beach. Just off the lobby are a pool and bar decorated with vibrant artwork by Rymer — who has skills with a paintbrush as well as a guitar — a small spa, and fitness center.

All 21 suites in the hotel are named after Quito’s songs – Love in the Sun, Mix Up World, Reggae Express, and the “beach chic” room decor and amenities far exceed anything else you’ll find in Cane Garden Bay and make a strong run for best accommodations anywhere in Tortola. Even the entry level rooms twin and king rooms, which you can get into for as little as $290 per night in low season, have 400 feet of living space, private balconies with water views, full kitchens, and a bright and cheerful atmosphere with blue-painted tray ceilings, upscaled rattan furniture, spacious baths, and hanging chairs on the balconies. 

tortola hotel

The larger (935 square feet) Oceanview suites directly face the bay and add seating areas and work desks, and the 1,200-square-foot Cool Water Suites have separate bedrooms and cathedral ceilings; both room classes sleep four (albeit two on pullout couches), making them a good option for families or couples traveling together. At the pinnacle, literally and figuratively, is a 2,160-square-foot penthouse with two bedrooms (one in a loft), 30-foot ceilings, a soaking tub in the bath, and a wraparound balcony well-suited for entertaining, private dinners, or hours spent lounging with a book or working on a tan. It’s a room comparable to the finest private villas you’ll find in the BVI

Built on the base of the hills surrounding Cane Garden Bay, Quito’s Inn isn’t quite on the beach, although the sand — along with the Quito’s Gazebo restaurant — is right across the street. 

tortola hotel

The Gazebo is one of the hottest spots in Tortola, serving breakfast and lunch and offering daily happy hour drink specials, and entertaining guests with live music several nights a week.
Hotel guests can get beach chairs and umbrellas and settle in right in front of the restaurant or wander down the beach for a self-designed pub crawl or in search of activities like day and evening tours in transparent kayaks, snorkel gear, and other water sports fun.

Quito’s Inn is hard to miss in Cane Garden Bay: the yellow painted and red-roofed building is at the east end of the bay, and if there’s any doubt, just look for the giant “Q” painted on the side. Quito’s isn’t brand new: the hotel actually debuted in summer of 2019, but the hangover from Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic conspired to dampen attention to what should rightly be seen as a game-changing hotel in Cane Garden Bay and the BVI. The hotel has weathered these storms in style, however, and with prices frozen at 2020 levels, it’s a great time to discover what’s essentially a brand-new hotel that puts a fresh spin on a Tortola beach getaway without detracting in the least from the unpretentious charm that makes Cane Garden Bay great.

For more, visit Quito’s Inn.

The post This is the Coolest Hotel in Tortola appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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