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Aruba has New Airport Terminal for Private Jets

Filed under: Journeys, Wings

Fancy a trip to Aruba? Hate commercial flying and been frustrated in the past with lack of accommodations for your private jet? I'm more of a wannabe than an expert when it comes to globetrotting and travel, so in this case I'm not sure if I'm surprised that Aruba has lacked a terminal just for private jets or not. Being the romantic island getaway that it is I would have thought it would be a priority, but then it is a tropical island and they don't generally follow the normal rules and expectations ever anyway.

But none of that really matters now, as Aruba has finally opened a terminal for private jets -- apparently in a specific effort to attract more upscale patrons. It even has separate customs and immigration so travelers can get through faster and bypass the main terminal altogether.

Kate Spade Palma Jocelyn, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

The Palma Jocelyn Clutch from Kate Spade is unique - and not just because of the unusually bright choice of fabric. The clutch has a fold-over design with a smooth leather handle accented by Spade's signature gold studs. The opening of the clutch is secured with a zipper, making it quite secure, and it could even be carried as a small handbag instead of solely used as a clutch. Getting back to the print, the cotton-twill fabric has a tropics-inspired color scheme that really makes a big statement for a relatively small, slim bag (7 x 11-in). Price: $165.

Vera Bradley Limited Edition Kelly, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Vera Bradley's line of affordable luxury products makes the design house's widely popular. Buyers in all age groups and income brackets have pushed sales to over $100 million annually. It's a great recommendation for the quality of the products, like this Limited Edition Kelly handbag. The designer started making bags and luggage with quilted cotton, but the Kelly bag is made of bright, patterned silk. The pleated crescent shape and wooden handles give it a fun, retro look and make it both roomy and easy to carry. Inside, the purse is lined with bright pink to contrast with the tropical blue exterior. Price: $69.

South Long Island Nature Lodge

Filed under: Journeys

The South Long Island Nature Lodge is a private island located off the coast of Australia in the Whitsundays. Guests travel to the island on a private helicopter and stay in waterfront bungalows. One of the ultimate locations for secluded luxury vacationing, not only is it in one of the most scenic spots on earth, but there are a maximum of 14 guests allowed on the island at any given time. No TV, phones, young children or day visitors, just relaxation.

As the Lodge is in the Great Barrier Reef National Park, they offer some of the most extraordinary snorkeling, sailing and kayaking and have a dedicated 34-foot skippered catamaran to take guests on cruises to neighboring islands. The island surrounding the Lodge is tropical rain forest, so the land matches the ocean for beauty. As an added bonus, the resort is one of the most environmentally sustainable in the world, almost completely self sufficient for fresh water, waste disposal and electricity , which comes from a combination of solar power and natural gas. All activities, meals and services are included for approximately $1,725 per person for 5 nights of accommodation. A video about the lodge can be viewed on their website.

Ian Fleming's Private Island for Sale

Filed under: Estates

As we mentioned earlier, the 10-acre private island owned by James Bond creator Ian Flemming is up for sale. The island, just off the coast of Tobago in the Caribbean, is known as Goat Island. It is approximately 1 mile from the nearest town, called Speyside, and the estate comes with a boat parcel in the town to make travel easier. The main house on the property is a two-story West Indies villa that has 3 bedrooms, all of which have ocean views, and four bathrooms. There are two small apartments, each with a bed and bath, on the hill just up from the main house.

One of the main draws of the property, aside from its exclusive location, is that there is a world-class coral reef just offshore and Fleming himself used to spend an hour a day snorkeling there. Offers of $3 million and above are being accepted.

The Bridge Suite at the Atlantis

Filed under: Journeys

Though it was mysteriously absent from the Travel Channel's list of the most expensive hotel suites, the Atlantis Bridge Suite. Perhaps they did not consider the possibility that a hotel would charge an astounding $25,000 per night for a suite. The Atlantis is a premier destination in the Bahamas, known for its spectacular architecture and huge casino. The suite has 10 rooms, including a 1,250-square-foot living room with grand piano and twin entertainment centers, a dining room with a 22-karat gold chandelier and bedrooms with wardrobes so large "you could drive a car into them." The suite has a full kitchen and a permanent staff of seven, who access the rooms via a private entrance. There are 12-foot high ceilings throughout with full length windows and the suite's location is on the bridge that spans across the 23rd floor of the resort's two towers gives it the most spectacular views money can buy. Celebrity guests have included Michael Jackson, Oprah, Celine Dion and Bill Gates, but if you spend enough at the casino, the staff might just be able to fit you in for a night.

Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge

Filed under: Journeys


A former Sandinista training ground in Nicaragua is now a luxury eco-resort. A review in the Miami Herald brought my attention to the Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge which is an enclave of 15 bungalows each with a king size bed, sofa bed and a private deck with a day bed. The eco-friendly resort is run by solar power and has handmade furniture. It's not quite roughing it but there is no air conditioning. The resort has a pool overlooking the bay and offers hikes through the dry tropical forest. Their honeymoon package, which includes five nights of lodging and all meals, costs $2,700 during the high season.


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