Situation with Canadian couple that faces $1 million bill for premature birth of baby in Hawaii brings up an important issue, which is that half of all Canadians don’t buy travel health insurance. I’m guilty, too. But I won’t be in the future. The story in the Toronto Star the other day about the Saskatchewan couple who gave birth to a premature baby in Hawaii and now face a potential medical bill of $1 million is incredible. And very sad. It remains to be seen what will happen. I hope the insurance company will cut them some slack. But from Read more
Royal Westmoreland is a marvellous golf course in the northwest part of Barbados. The conditioning is superb and there are plenty of elevation changes to keep things interesting. Royal Westmoreland was designed by famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones II, so you know it’s an outstanding track. One bonus feature at Royal Westmoreland are the green monkeys that live in a nearby ravine. They’re awfully cute, unless they steal your golf ball that is. There’s a free shuttle from the villas at Royal Westmoreland to Mullins Beach, a terrific stretch of sand on the west coast of Barbados. Take a Read more
The Hanalei Valley on north Kauai is a lush, tropical spot where they still grow taro and live close to the land. The north coast of the island of Kauai features gorgeous mountains and fabulous gardens. Try a hike along the coast to a lonely beach that will have you uttering words like “paradise” over and over. Princeville Golf Course is a spectacular layout near the town of Hanalei on the north part of Kauai. Tahiti Nui is a fun bar in Hanalei town, where part of the movie “The Descendants” was filmed. I did NOT spot George Clooney when Read more
From lovely Miami Beach in the south to the wild east coast of Bathsheba and further afield, there’s so much to see in Barbados. Miami Beach is one of the top swimming (and sunning) beaches in Barbados. The water is warm and gorgeous to look at. There’s a food truck called Mr. Delicious that makes good rum drinks and very good rotis for lunch. They’ve discovered old tunnels in central Barbados, part of British military fortifications from some 200 years ago. They’re slated to open to the public soon for tours. Well worth it! Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is Read more
Stunning design, friendly people, great food and a fabulous cliffside location on a great beach help make The Crane Resort a fantastic destination on the southeast coast of Barbados. The Crane Resort sits on a cliff overlooking the rugged southeastern coast of Barbados. It’s a marvellous resort with fantastic amenities and a true sense of getting away from it all. The swimming pool complex at The Crane is unique, with a series of free-form pools spilling into one another as they cascade down a small hill. There’s also an adults only pool that’s great for swimming laps. This warm pool Read more
JADE MOUNTAIN, SAINT LUCIA – This is a place that has to be seen – and felt – to be believed. The open-air rooms, glossy wood furnishings, private hot tub and private infinity pool are just the start of things, which probably is why the resort was rated the top Caribbean resort this week in the US Condé Nast Traveler 25th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s the second time in a row, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make it three next year. Here are some photos to whet your whistle. Private infinity pools in your open-air suite Read more
I started going to Dunedin back in 1993 when I covered the Blue Jays for the Toronto Star. And I’ve been in love with the place ever since. The town itself is a delight, with an adorable and tiny main street surrounded by lush landscaping, plus great restaurants and unusual shops and fun places to stay. The cycling is outstanding on the Pinellas Trail, and there are now two breweries in town to go along with the fine restaurants and shops. Honeymoon Island State Park features quiet, lovely beaches, and you also can take a ferry to nearby Caladesi Island, Read more
