Activity Watch: Mexico's Longest Zipline

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To the thrill-seeker, the adventure junkie, hold on to your harness. Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Vallarta has opened its "Extreme Adventure" tour, a 6-hour, multi-activity land excursion featuring Mexico's longest zipline. The signature feature of this beast of a canopy tour extends 4,000 feet through the jungle, and will have you flying at speeds of up to 60 mph. You'll also go charging through river beds in Polaris RZR UTVs, rappelle from staggering treetop platforms, climb a 50 foot "Crazy Ladder", and channel your inner chimp on the Tarzan swings, suspended walkways, and hanging bridges. Oh, and how could we forget (told you, this is a tour and a half), in the middle of all the adrenaline pumping, Vallarta Adventures has created a hillside waterslide, so you can cool off without coming down from the amazing high. Be sure to pack a change of clothes, especially undies.

For more info visit vallarta-adventures.com

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Destination Watch: The USVI

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St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John...how on earth are you supposed to choose? Well, take a lesson from Goldilocks. When you have three awesome choices, don't settle for one. Do them all!

Go to the Ultimate USVI Guide

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Hard Rock Hotel's First Cancun All-Inclusive

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Photo by: Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

Rejoice rock n’ roll lovers, we’ve found your perfect Caribbean resort: the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. Formerly Cancun Palace, the re-branded hotel is the first-ever Hard Rock all-inclusive in Cancun, and lets you live like a rock star without needing a platinum budget. In-room double Jacuzzis, top-shelf drinks and 24-hour room service are at your disposal, regardless of your musical chops. Music video staples aside, the beachfront paradise has been given the Hard Rock upgrade. Relax in the renowned Rock Spa, enjoy dinner at the on-site Brazilian steakhouse or take advantage of the Sound of Your Stay program, designed to provide guests with an all-encompassing music experience during their vacation. Keeping with Hard Rock tradition, the resort will also host an ongoing schedule of live concerts and showcase an authentic collection of memorabilia from international and local musical artists. But if you just want to soak up the Caribbean sunshine from your private balcony, or recharge poolside, that’s fine too. Whatever makes you feel like a rock star.

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Destination Watch: The Bahamas

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Whether you want to be amid the bustle of Nassau, a lone swimmer in the Out Islands, or living the luxurious life in any of the islands' many all-inclusives, The Bahamas lets you pick your version of paradise. In our destination gallery, discover what makes these 700 + and nearly 2,400 coral cays so irresistible.

View the full gallery

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Sarah's Caribbean Shopping Guide - Recycled = Really Cute!

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What do you get when you combine recycled soda cans and a few sharp tools? In my case: a bloody mess. In jewelers Marthe Harwell and Jan Norris’ case: whimsical necklaces and earrings that say “Caribbean” in the most delightful way. Big-time lovers of the Mexican Riviera, Marthe and Jan are enchanted by the region’s vibrant color and culture, which inspires the playful pieces they create in their Jupiter, Florida studio. And apparently the designers were also inspired by the tunic I wore in the photo accompanying my editor’s letter in our August/September issue and sent along a customized necklace that echoes its funky vibe and vivid hues. How cool is that?! Thanks, guys! For more info about Marthe and Jan’s reincarnated metal jewelry, shoot them an email at martheandjan@bellsouth.net. 

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Mooring Crewed Yacht Vacation

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Valid From: 08/03/12Valid To: 09/30/12Phone: 888-952-8420Visit Website

A Moorings Crewed Yacht Vacation blends the comfort of an indulgent vacation with the spirit of adventure and travel. Few experiences can compare to the excitement of island-hopping in aqua-colored waters aboard your private, live-aboard yacht with a professional captain and gourmet chef at your service.

For a limited time we’re offering one FREE Day* in the British Virgin Islands — Just reserve your yacht for 7 days, and only pay for 6! Cruise aboard a Moorings 4600 sail catamaran or Moorings 474 power catamaran when chartering during select dates now – December 14, 2012 to redeem your savings. Be sure to book by September 30, 2012 and mention promotion code TRAVL when reserving this special offer!

Learn more!

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Deal of the Day: Club Med Punta Cana Flash Sale

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Club Med Punta Cana

Ah, to lay out by the Club Med pool all day as the Dominican Republic breezes tickle your toes. That relaxation is included in the all-inclusive Club Med price.

Visit the Club Med Punta Cana website.

Planning an early winter getaway? Club Med, stalwart of the all-inclusive industry, is having a flash sale on several properties across the Caribbean. But like all unbelievable deals, you have until tonight (Monday July 30) to book. The chain is dropping prices by up to 45% on resorts in Cancun and Ixtapa, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas, and a CT&L favorite, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. All the usual Club Med amenities -- accommodations, meals and lots of beach-centric activities -- are included, however there is one bit of fineprint: The Club Med membership fee of $60 per adult and $30 per child is not included in the sale prices. Oh, and reservations have to be made by 8:59 p.m. Pacific time for travel between Oct. 27 and Dec. 15. 

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theReef Resort

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'Fall in Love' with theReef Resort and the Cayman Islands. Spacious all beachfront One Bedroom Suite with king size bed overlooking the Caribbean, full kitchens, and patios/balconies, we are the The Ultimate Island Vacation for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic escape.
'Fall in Love with Cayman' at theReef:

1-Bedroom Beachfront Suite Every 4th Night Free Champagne in room upon arrival Paddle Board or Glass Bottom Kayak Rental from White Sand Water Sports 10% Discount off Couples Massage at Le Soleil Spa (includes private Jacuzzi and champagne)

Terms & Conditions:

One Bedrooms US$149 (Mon-Thu) US$169 (Fri-Su) (sleep 4 max) Rates do not include government tax (10%),service fee (12%), or energy surcharge (US$12) Booking Period: Now - Oct. 31 2012 Travel Period: September 4 2012 - November 1 2012 Every 4th night is FREE (consecutive nights only) •Stand Up Paddle Board or Glass Bottom Kayak Rental Free (1hr max per couple) Receive 10% off Le Soleil Spa Couples Massage includes private Jacuzzi and complimentary champagne hoteles en isla margarita

Check-In Is a Breeze with Carnival Cruises

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One of my least favorite parts of a cruise is, ironically, embarkation. I suffer from an epic lack of patience, so all the waiting — to check in, to see the room, to get my luggage — creates less a sense of anticipation and more a sense of annoyance. That’s why I’m really intrigued by Carnival’s new embarkation package, "Faster to the Fun."

Faster? To the fun? Do tell.

Now, I’ve never heard of an embarkation package; I think Carnival just invented it. Most cruise lines have long offered some sort of priority check-in option to their suite passengers and loyal cruisers, but Carnival’s program is open to anyone who's willing to pay the per-stateroom fee of $49.95. And it offers more than just skipping to the front of the line: Your stateroom will be ready when you arrive, you’ll have express luggage delivery to your room, and your choice of early or late debarkation. So far it’s just a test on two ships: the Carnival Imagination (starting Aug. 20) and the Carnival Liberty (Aug. 25). 

I’ll admit, if I were sailing on either of these ships, I’d probably bite. How about you? Is this a small price to pay for convenience, or would you rather bide your time in the terminal and have an extra drink (or 10) on-board? For more info visit carnival.com

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Tamarind Reef Resort

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Tamarind Reef is an intimate 38-room beachfront resort with spa and marina nestled into one of St. Croix’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Located just 3 miles east of historic Christiansted; Tamarind is a quiet retreat on the beach where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, play tennis, exercise, have a massage, go on a sailing charter, get married or all of the above. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, Green Cay, Buck Island and the yachts at Green Cay Marina. Amenities include fine dining and causal poolside restaurants, cooling lap pool, spa with massage, skin and nail care services, four lighted tennis courts with perfect Plexicushion surface, sand beach with coral reef, free kayak and snorkel usage and an adjacent 100-acre marine reserve with nesting turtles, birds and other wildlife. 

We invite you to join us and enjoy ‘Tranquility in Nature’s Paradise’. It is absolutely wonderful and waiting for you. 

Visit our website: http://www.TamarindReefResort.com

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Nude Beach Travel Tips for Vacations at Nudist All-Inclusives

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When I e-mailed a friend who had recently visited Desire Pearl, asking her what I should bring to the resort, she said, “Come with a very open mind.” This wasn’t exactly the advice I was looking for, but in hindsight, it was spot on.

A visit to a clothing-optional resort demands you lose your inhibitions, as well as your swimsuit. Oddly enough, however, after a couple of days, I found the sight of so many nude bodies only slightly more erotic than the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues I used to hide under my bed in high school. The imagination is a potent erotic stimulator, and at Desire Pearl, there is nothing left to imagine.

Some other observations: Despite the fact that the booze was free, it seemed like people drank less here than at conventional Caribbean resorts. Especially the men (for, perhaps, obvious reasons). And there was a much more congenial atmosphere; within 48 hours, I felt I could pretty much greet everyone by their first name. Guests invited me to have a drink in the pool or go for a swim in the ocean, and if they caught me eating alone at dinner, they’d insist I join them. That never happens to me at typical tropical resorts.

In short, everyone seemed really normal — in a good way. So are these people on to something? I don’t know. But I’m open to finding out.

DO: Groom extensively. Head to toe.
DON’T: Come with a “duck.” A duck is a decoy meant to lure other ducks to come in for a landing. People here know the difference between a significant other and a duck.

DO: Check out the theme nights in advance so you’ll know whether to bring your ’70s disco outfit or something from The Arabian Nights — or both.
DON’T: Assume everyone is into the swapping life (they’re called lifers). Lots of couples just like to vacation where they can be naked (they’re called naturists).

DO: Spend the day at the original Desire, in Cancun. Free shuttles run between the two resorts, and there’s no additional cost for food, drinks or scheduled activities at the other Desire.
DON’T: Bring the kids.

DO: Bring a wad of dollar bills for tips. Tipping isn’t necessary, but if you slip a dollar to the pool girl handing out towels, you’ll likely find your special chaise lounge miraculously reserved for you every morning and your favorite cocktails arriving before you even ask for them.
DON’T: Be a Vinny by being overly aggressive. Be a Sam: polite, fun and entertaining.

From the August/September 2012 issue of Caribbean Travel + Life magazine, now on the iPad.

A nude beach is a beautiful thing, especially if it's next to an all-inclusive nude beach resort in the Caribbean. A clothing-optional trip is the best way for a stress-free vacation if you're a nudist -- or just looking to avoid tan lines. Here the Caribbean Travel + Life experts present their editors' picks of the best nude beaches, nude resorts, nude travel tips and more.

Did you know your favorite international man of mystery was born in Jamaica? See what else you didn't know about James Bond during CT+L's Bond Week.

Punta Cana is a top Caribbean vacation destination in the Dominican Republic for families, spring breakers and honeymooners, with an amazing choice of all-inclusives, beach resorts and hotels. Here are the CT+L favorite places to stay on any budget -- with spectacular photos to inspire your next Punta Cana vacation. We just updated with CT+L expert Debbie Snow's visit to Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana.

To find the top (and topless) clothing-optional Caribbean vacations and nude beaches, CT+L looked for the all-inclusive resorts on the beach that a nudist -- or just a free-wheeling traveler -- would enjoy. See our picks, including exclusive photos and story on Desire and Desire Pearl in Cancun, Mexico.

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