Why Martinique Is the Best-Kept Secret in Caribbean Snorkeling

Martinique is mostly known for its magnificent beaches, its hikes and its impressive waterfalls; the impetuous volcano Mount Pelée; the rum, the colors, the music; l’art de vivre. 

But we often forget to talk about what is happening under the sea — Martinique’s underwater island ecosystem, so sensitive and yet so rich.

But travelers can visit this part of Martinique without a scuba tank. 

That’s because this French Caribbean island is quietly one of the region’s greatest snorkeling destinations. 

Equipped only with a mask and snorkel, you can, just a few meters from the shore, discover a wide variety of species.

There are fish, starfish, eels, lobsters, corals and sponges in a thousand colors — and turtles, too. 

You’ll see the French or royal angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, the flying gurnard, the lionfish (the Caribbean’s unwelcome visitor). 

And then there is the the sergeant-major fish which will surely come say hi out of curiosity.

It’s a true natural aquarium. 

caribbean snorkeling martinique

But the island’s biggest snorkeling stars are easily the turtles. 

There are five species of turtle present in the waters of Martinique; but you will especially have the chance to meet two of them during your snorkeling excursions.

First, the green turtle: it’s very easy to meet one near the beaches, especially those of Anses d´Arlets. 

It is mainly found in the middle of the herbaria on which it feeds.

This turtle is listed as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

caribbean snorkeling martinique

Second, the hawksbill turtle: This turtle is the only species of reptile known to have a spongivorous diet, that is to say that it feeds mainly on sea sponges. 

It is easily recognizable by its beak which allows it to tear off those sponges.

You can find her during her lunch in the middle of a coral garden but also on the beaches during the egg-laying season between March and October.

Unfortunately this turtle is classified as “critically endangered.” 

caribbean snorkeling martinique

Because while sea turtles have lived in the oceans for over 150 million years, they’re are now endangered — and it’s more important than ever to protect them and their habitat. 

All these creatures add up to what is perhaps the great undiscovered gem of Caribbean snorkeling. 

Martinique will offer exceptional “water hikes” that you will never tire of.

With each dive you will meet new species and if you take the time to take a closer look between the corals, an incredible miniature world will open up to you.

Stacy Hate is one of the top underwater photographers in Martinique. For more of her photos and videos you can follow stay_sea_rhums_lovers on Instagram. 

It’s getting easier to travel to Martinique this winter, with American Airlines’ relaunch of flights from Miami to Martinique in the first week of November. You can find more about how to visit the island here.

— CJ

The post Why Martinique Is the Best-Kept Secret in Caribbean Snorkeling appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Fiesta Boricua Celebrates Puerto Rican Culture In Humboldt Park; Free COVID-19 Vaccine Shots Available

… ) — Crowds turned out to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, and get vaccinated against … food and all kinds of Puerto Rican music and dance at the …

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These Caribbean Resorts Require Proof of Vaccination For Guests 16+

Elite Island Resorts’ portfolio of Caribbean all-inclusive resorts now requires all guests 16 and over to show proof of vaccination. 

The new policy, first announced last month, officially took effect this week. 

The company had initially set the threshold at 12 years of age, but increased the limit to 16 and up “to better accommodate regional differences in vaccine availability, travel requirements, and ongoing health studies,” according to a statement from the company. 

Hammock Cove in Antigua.

“Our goal, as always, is to help protect and conserve local medical resources, and thereby keep travel and tourism open and enjoyable in all our island destinations,” Elite Island Resorts said in a statement. 

Elite Island Resorts’ portfolio includes resorts in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines in Panama. 

That includes an island-leading five properties in Antigua: Hammock Cove, Galley Bay, Verandah, Pineapple Beach Club and St James’s Club; The Club, Barbados; Palm Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines; St James’s Club Morgan Bay in Saint Lucia; and the Los Establos Boutique Inn in Panama. 

all-inclusive antigua verandah resort
The Verandah.

That includes St James’s Club, Morgan Bay in Saint Lucia, which reopens its doors on Oct. 1.

It’s an industry-leading move by Elite Island Resorts Chairman Rob Barrett, one that sets a new standard for the Caribbean region; we’ll see how many properties in the Caribbean now follow suit. 

It’s also a nod in particular to Antigua and Barbuda’s strong tourism reopening, one that kicked off in June 2020 and has been a model for the wider region. 

For more, visit Elite Island Resorts. 

— CJ

The post These Caribbean Resorts Require Proof of Vaccination For Guests 16+ appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Eclipse at Half Moon, Jamaica’s Stunning New Luxury Resort

It doesn’t happen overnight. It doesn’t grow in a week. It can take years. It can take decades. 

Or, in the case of the legendary Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica — it can nearly three quarters of a century. 

Since its beginnings in the early 1950s, Half Moon has been one of the Caribbean’s grandest, most glamorous, most charming places to stay. 

So when Half Moon debuted its new Eclipse resort right before the onset of the pandemic, just before the tumult of 2020 began, that was the biggest question. 

Would it still have that indescribable ambience that once drew the likes of JFK and Queen Elizabeth II? 

Would a brand-new resort still feel like Half Moon? 

The answer is a resounding yes. And more.

The magnificent infinity-edge pool right on the beach is a town square of sorts.

This is Eclipse, the stunning, superlative new centerpiece of the resort, a modern property for the contemporary luxury traveler that expertly shapes its grandeur and pedigree of one of the Caribbean’s most legendary places to stay into a fresh, hip, buzzy property. 

The 57-room resort is set around two main anchors: the grand, modern Great House; and a spectacular beachfront infinity-edge pool that is in many ways the “town square” of the resort, the epicenter, the place to see and be seen. 

The rooms are plush, comfortable and sleek, marrying classic charm with modern convenience.

The food and beverage program is excellent — whether you’re eating superb fish and chips with a side of Appleton 12 at the edge of the pool or taking in an evening at the enchanting Sugar Mill.

And the beauty is, you get all of the resort’s amenities and space – that means you can take your bike and find a corner of the resort just for you, whether it’s the quiet sands of the West Cottages or the lush serenity of the Hibiscus Pool. 

The property includes a collection of Estate Ocean Suites, villa-style units just steps from the sand.

Or you can play 18 at the property’s eponymous Robert Trent Jones, Sr-designed golf course, dubbed the “Caribbean Augusta.”

Eclipse is the Half Moon for the 21st century — and it’s a reminder, a message, a bold statement: great hospitality is timeless. 

After nearly 70 years, something new has come to the front of Half Moon. 

And it’s a very welcome Eclipse. 

For more, visit Eclipse at Half Moon. 

You can find more in the latest CJ Video at the top of the page.

— CJ

The post Eclipse at Half Moon, Jamaica’s Stunning New Luxury Resort appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Does a Fireplace Add Value to Your Home?

It’s finally time for that home remodel! How can you make sure you’ll get a good return on your investment? Will a fireplace add value to your home?

According to The National Association of Realtors, adding a fireplace can raise your home value by as much as $12,000. But is it always worth the investment? The solid answer is: sometimes. Keep reading to find out more.

1. The Right Kind of Fireplace

Fireplaces vary in style, heat sources, and price. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of fireplaces available to homeowners.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are most commonly found in homes ranging around $450,000. They’re a great way to enjoy the heat and ambiance of a fire without the mess. Since they’re gas-powered, these fireplaces are enclosed and don’t require wood to run.

Thus, no ashes, smoke in the house, or opening and closing a flue. Gas fireplace owners can create a warm, cozy fire by simply flipping a switch.

Gas fireplaces cost anywhere from $2,300 to $10,000.

Electric Fireplaces

An electric fireplace offers the lowest cost fireplace option. If you want a linear wall fireplace or cozy corner unit, look into an electric fireplace.

Many electric fireplaces are portable. The ability to move your fireplace from one room to another increases its versatility. This may help you stage your home for re-sale which could make it more appealing to future buyers.

Electric fireplaces range in price from $1,500 to $3,500. Considering their versatility and ease of use, it’s an investment to consider.

Wood Burning Fireplaces

There really is nothing like the smell and real-live crackle of a wood-burning fire. Some people find the charm and nostalgia of a wood-burning fireplace irreplaceable.

Wood burning fireplaces require more maintenance than their gas and electric counterparts. They put out heat by burning wood, which produces heat, smoke, and ashes.

Homeowners are responsible for cleaning up ashes. Fireplace owners should be careful sparks from the fire don’t fly out of the fireplace and damage flooring.

For many, the heat and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace are worth the effort. The costs of installing a wood-burning fireplace are anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000.

Pellet-Burning Fireplaces

Fireplaces that run on pellets, sawdust, wood, or similar materials are a great option for the eco-friendly home improver. These fireplaces run on fuel pellets made from factory byproduct materials. Instead of heading to the landfill, leftover sawdust, wood, and other materials are burned in your fireplace.

Average installation costs of pellet burning fireplaces range from $4,000 to $10,000. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly upgrade, you’ve found it here.

2. Location, Location, Location

Like any good home improvement, location is key. Where will your fireplace be the most efficient? Which room in the house is a little more drafty during those colder months?

Maybe you’re going for a cozy, romantic master suite. A gas or electric fireplace would likely be the best option.

For large gathering spaces, you may want to make your fireplace the centerpiece of the room. A large fireplace could provide a lot of heat while creating a warm atmosphere for friends and family.

Take a look through current remodeling trends to help you decide. What does your contractor recommend? Browse through house listings to see where other homeowners have put their fireplaces.

Where you decide to put your fireplace will have a lot to do with how much it increases your property value.

3. Remember: It’s Going to Get Hot

Keep in mind that your fireplace will put out heat. Depending on the style and size, it could make your space uncomfortably warm.

If you live in a climate that sees cold winters or even cooler nights, virtually any place in your home could use a fireplace.

However, if your environment is warm and humid year-round, this may not be the smartest update for you. Talk to your contractor or real estate expert in your area to find out how common fireplaces are in your region.

What you see as a positive improvement may be a negative feature to potential homebuyers in your area.

4. Size and Style Matter

Additions to your home are only improvements if they add something positive. Placing a giant fireplace in a small room will make the room feel cramped, not cozy. On the other hand, a small, corner fireplace could look ridiculous in a great gathering space.

The same goes for style, what kind of tone does your remodeled space have? If you’re going mid-century modern, then a large, wood-carved fireplace wouldn’t fit in very well.

With so many options available, you should be able to find the size, style, and type of fireplace you need for your room.

5. Existing Fireplaces

To keep or not to keep? That is the question.

If your house was built in the 1980s or later, chances are you have a zero clearance fireplace. These are pretty easy for builders to work with. You may want to choose an electric or gas fireplace to insert in the space.

If your home is from the 1900s your fireplace is likely connected to the foundation. Removing these older fireplaces requires major home surgery. Most of the time, it’s better to repurpose the space or insert a new fireplace in the same spot.

You could have the chimney closed off and place decorative candlesticks in the space. If you decide to demo an existing fireplace, consult with a licensed contractor. Removing a fireplace could cost more than you expect.

6. What’s The Enclosure?

If you install a gas or electric fireplace, they’ll likely be enclosed with glass. If you’d like to update your space without replacing the entire fireplace, try swapping the glass doors or enclosure.

Looking to update your wood or pellet-burning fireplace? Get creative with the screen. Fireplace screens come in many sizes and styles. Choose one that best fits your remodeled space.

7. Maintenance Costs

Gas and Electric fireplaces maintenance costs vary. The size and type of fireplace determine how much you will be charged for a visit. Because they have mechanical parts, they’ll likely need repair over time.

Wood and pellet-burning fireplaces need to be serviced annually by a chimney sweep. They also require an annual flue inspection. The cost of maintaining these fireplaces depends on the geographical area and size of your fireplace and chimney.

All types of fireplaces need annual servicing. Check with local professionals to get an estimate on costs in your area. Unless you’re a licensed professional, DIY fireplace maintenance is not recommended.

Why Doesn’t Every Home Have a Fireplace?

According to a 2019 survey, only about 41% of new constructions have a fireplace. If fireplaces add value to a home, why are they left out over 1/2 of new builds?

Nixing fireplaces are a great way to cut costs. Many homeowners don’t anticipate added expenses of new construction. As a result, fireplaces are often on the chopping block.

Most home builders view fireplaces as a luxury, not a necessity. If you’ve decided to leave a fireplace out of your new build, don’t abandon the idea altogether.

Ask your builder to leave a space for a future fireplace. This will make it easier for you to fit it in when it’s time to remodel.

Will A Fireplace Add Value to My Home?

When a fireplace is the right size and style for your home a fireplace will add value. You may not get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment. However, the enjoyment you’ll get from using your fireplace has value as well.

Many homes with high property values have fireplaces. This is a good indication that fireplaces are desirable for high-end home buyers.

When planning your next remodel, don’t overlook the many benefits of fireplaces. They can heat your home in a more efficient way. They’re aesthetically pleasing.

Fireplaces can be tailored to your personal style. You can find the right screen or glass door to fit almost any space.

What’s My Home Worth?

So will a fireplace add value to your home? Many homeowners don’t realize how much value their home already has. Why not check out your home’s value before planning that remodel?

Our online iValuation can help you find out how much your home is worth. You can even see our cash offer on your home.

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