MACO Caribbean Living

Seen any celebrities recently? Come MACO for us!

2009-07-09T08:59:00.008-04:00

MACO People, here’s what’s up, we want you to maco for us!

We are so accustomed to seeing everyone from J. Lo to Brangelina on the run from paparazzi whilst doing the everyday joys of life and we here at MACO People are wondering, “What happen to Destra, Ziggy, Tessanne, Allison and Bunji? Where are they hiding?” Then there's always the random sighting of Rihanna in Barbados (check her out at KFC, Barbados - see photo on left), Amy Winehouse in St. Lucia (she's not from here, but she's on our territory), or Machel Montano playing mas for Carnival.

If you have a candid celebrity shot or just a plain old “fan” picture send it in to MACO People at info@macomag.com and it will be featured in the next issue. Who knows, a career in photography may lie in wake or just bragging rights to show people your picture made the glossies!

Quintessentially city guide for the Blackberry

2009-07-06T08:50:00.008-04:00

Fed up with carrying around a heavy guide-book? Found yourself on a last minute holiday or business trip?

Looking for information on where to stay, when to go, where to eat, what to see, what not to miss, how to get around and much, much more about the world's finest cities?

Then look no further than Quintessentially’s Blackberry City Guide application - ideally suited for business travellers and anyone exploring a new city, and easily downloadable on the Blackberry Curve, Pearl and Bold.

One click on your Blackberry handset will link you to a host of exclusive city guides, available to both members and non-members of Quintessentially, providing the ultimate in travel knowledge for some of the world’s most sought after destinations. Quintessentially is the world’s leading private members’ club and concierge service.

Go to www.quintessentially.com/blackberry on your blackberry browser to download their new application.

The application is the perfect accessory for the summer months too, providing the very best travel guides to this year’s hottest destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, St Tropez, Cannes, Sardinia, Mykonos and Marrakech. The guides are updated regularly with the latest openings, new venues and must-see locations, letting you know all about where to stay, when to go, where to eat, what to see, what not to miss, how to get around and much, much more about the world's finest cities – ensuring your summer holiday plans or business travel, however last-minute or extraordinary, are covered.

Each guide also features a wide range of the irresistible offers, privileges and bespoke services that are available to Quintessentially members across the globe – from reservations at some of the hottest restaurants and upgrades at the most prestigious hotels, to VIP treatment and money-saving offers at all manner of clubs, bars, spas, gyms, shops, sightseeing spots and cultural haunts across the world – all just a phone call away.

For non-members, the Blackberry city guides provide an exclusive insight into all that Quintessentially offers, and a chance to become part of a club created entirely to make life that much easier, that much richer and that much more fun for its members. The content is free to all members and non-members, but the exclusive benefits, discounts and services offered by our partners are available only to Quintessentially members.

Following the success of the iphone version, the Quintessentially city guides for Blackberry are ideally suited for leisure and business travellers or anyone exploring a new city and are easily downloadable on the Blackberry Curve, Pearl and Bold. One click on your Blackberry handset will link you to a host of exclusive city guides, providing the ultimate in travel knowledge for some of the world’s most sought after destinations.

With 44 offices around the world, and researchers and fixers in every other major city, Quintessentially’s expert teams have the world’s best travel secrets at their fingertips.

Users of the Blackberry application can sign up to Quintessentially membership at the touch of a button, invite friends to make use of the city guides, and subscribe for free to the many weekly global Quintessentially newsletters too. To learn more about a quintessentially membership and all that is provides, please visit www.quintessentially.com.

Beach House Summer Specials

2009-07-01T08:53:00.004-04:00

Sitting beach side, the Beach House restaurant in Barbados offers a wonderful setting for dining. Known for its great service, Beach House recently launched its new summer menu with some serious recession busting prices. They’ve spent the last couple of weeks negotiating with local producers, as well as suppliers, to get the best value for money.

To view their menus and take a virtual tour of the restaurant, visit http://www.thebeachhousebarbados.com/.

Our tribute to MJ

2009-06-26T15:04:00.002-04:00

Words can’t even to express how heartbreaking the loss of Michael Jackson is. Regardless of what went on in his personal life or some of the strange things he did, the fact is that his music touched all of us. Imagine looking back at an era in your life and knowing that what you created was so great that it lived on, having the same effect on people generations upon generations.

We will miss Michael. From “Beat It” and “Bad” to “Heal the World” and “Man in the Mirror”, he is and always will be a superstar. Some of our MACO girls took some time out to share just how much he meant to us.

He is one of the few performers I ever wanted to see live…and now I will never have the chance. I just think he is one of the greatest performers ever…at least in my lifetime. Such a talent. Such a loss. We will miss him greatly.
Simone Gillette, Managing Editor

I had a Michael Jackson doll, with the whole red leather outfit. I had the one silver glove. I had all the early MJ albums, on cassette, and used to play them on my pink walkman, and crack my sisters up when I tried to do the moonwalk. His music made me laugh, and cry and feel and hope and love and dance. Dance a lot. Finding out that he had passed away was a hollow, breathless moment, like all the air had been sucked out for a second. Even now I feel like crying, and my hand shakes when I type. I feel like I have been witness to a lifetime of greatness, and this, in my lifetime, is the huge, heavy loss of an ICON.
Kerri Tucker, Sales and Marketing Manager

It’s like a piece of my identity has been lost. I grew up listening to his music, and his voice is as familiar to me as my sister’s. It’s truly a great loss for us all.
Jannue Jordan, Production Assistant

I can’t tell you how many shoe soles I’ve worn out trying to moon walk like Michael Jackson. Of course all that I accomplished was flattened shoes and a really awkward balancing act. I guess he’s truly walking on the moon now! RIP MJ!
Marlene Pires, Accountant

Get ready for supper at Flindt's, Barbados

2009-06-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

If you’re in Barbados and you’re looking for a delightful breakfast or lunch, Flindt Patisserie and Bistro is a cosy spot to visit. Starting this June, Flindt has extended its opening hours, offering supper on Thursdays and Fridays between 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Flindt, started by London-trained chef Carsten Flindt in 1998, offers reasonably priced meals, great service and excellent food. The perfect spot for a casual dinner with family and friends or an after wok get together, it’s also a neat spot for visitors looking for sumptuous pastries and meals. Their menu includes Flindt’s Bruschetta, Asian Shrimp Salad, pan-seared dolphin, Indonesian wok-fried beef and much more.

In Barbados, Flindt is also famous for his chocolate creations. If you’re thinking it’s your average cake shop, think again. Flindt’s isn’t just a cake shop; they do canapés, savouries, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, breads and desserts. Every day Carsten is bringing out new things. Desserts range from elaborate cakes and gateaux, to fruit mousses and chocolate dipped strawberries. Patisserie Flindt also does a full line of handsomely gift goodies and these include handmade truffles and bonbons, chocolate dripped apricots, chocolate dipped hazelnuts and Baileys chocolate fudge.

To make reservations, call 432-2626.

Vacancy: Full-time Graphic Designer with MACO Magazines

2009-06-17T18:57:00.009-04:00

Toute Bagai Publishing and MACO Magazines are currently seeking to fill a full time, in-house Graphic Artist position.

Applicants MUST be highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite. In particular:

- Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

Experience in magazine production is a plus. Ideal applicants must have managerial experience, and work well in a teamwork-oriented, flexible environment. It is very important that applicants have excellent organizational and time management skills with a marked respect for hard-core deadlines. They must possess an eager, creative mind, be able to take initiative, work well under pressure and not be afraid to do everything necessary to ensure a stellar end product.

Please submit your CV and a few chosen examples of your portfolio for consideration, and be prepared to show your entire portfolio in the interview process.

Deadline

Please submit applications to jannue@macomag.com. All applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on July 1st.

Travelling on a budget

2009-06-16T12:13:00.007-04:00

Packing your bags and going off on a travel adventure is one of those things that give you a feeling of absolute freedom. Travelling is really a form of escape… and discovery.

Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, soaking in the sun, eating delightful cuisine, and experiencing cultures that feed your soul… that’s what a vacation in our part of the world offers.

This year, travellers are much more careful about spending.

But that doesn’t mean they’re not spending at all. The current economic slowdown may have cut your calendar some, but that doesn’t mean you have to kiss your vacation goodbye. Be creative and get the best out of your travel plans.

We’ve come up with some tips that will help you to plan an affordable vacation.

- Sign up to your favourite travel newsletters, and blogs like MACO, where you can get the scoop on deals for airlines, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and events.

- Plan your trip during an off-peak season. Rates will be lower.

- Try to use your credit card miles when purchasing your ticket. You deserve a reward after all.

- Travel light. You’ll save on airline fees (at least one way), and you know you’ll need some space to take back some souvenirs and good shopping.

- Stay by a friend or by family. If you have friends or family where you’re going, staying by them will save you a tonne on accommodation. You can offer to pay for your groceries. Staying at a friend’s home doesn’t mean you can’t try out the hotels/ resorts. Go for lunch a day, or spend two days at a hotel.

- Get a deal. Check around for competitive hotel or inn rates that include meals.

- Eat in. You don’t have to buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. If you’re staying in a villa or self-contained apartment, or your room has a fridge and microwave, you can visit the local grocery or market and save on your food bill.

- Budget your spending. If you’re a shopaholic, decide what you’re going to buy and not buy. We know you may not end up taking this advice (think Confessions of a Shopaholic), but it’s worth the try.

- Look around. When you’re on vacation it’s so easy to want to buy the first thing that tickles your fancy. If you’ve got time on your hands, and the stores are well stocked with the item, look around at other stores. You just may find a deal.

- Buy the local newspapers. Check for sales ads or features about upcoming events that may be free or not too expensive.

- Taxi or rent. Compare costs for taking a taxi or renting a car. It just might be cheaper to rent, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re travelling from North America or Europe, then the currency exchange rate for Caribbean currencies is on your side. So start planning. We’re sure that you’ll find creative ways to get a great vacation on a budget.

Our Facebook username

2009-06-15T12:18:00.002-04:00

We didn't camp out waiting to grab up our Facebook username, as the clock struck a minute past 12 Saturday morning, but we did get our Facebook username.

You can easily find us at www.facebook.com/macomagazines. So spread the word, and join our community of 4,000 plus Caribbean travel lovers on Facebook.

Old times, new beginnings!

2009-06-02T09:09:00.004-04:00

Old times, new beginnings! The first issue of MACO Caribbean Living was launched in October, 10 years ago. I remember choosing the content for that very first issue and it really has not changed that much. Although the magazine has evolved, the core of MACO remains the same, and I am thrilled about it.

Much the same can be said about the Matalon house in Kingston, Jamaica! One of my favourite houses showcased in a past issue is featured again in this issue as it has been transformed under the creative hands of an architect, interior designer and a project manager – all women, by the way. The result: a one-of-a-kind home which brings the outdoors in. the Matalon house is a perfect example of how to live securely without caging yourself up with wrought iron bars and walls. The new interiors are also a dazzling example of elegant Caribbean living with an array of textures and fabrics. The house, like MACO, has simply evolved to adapt to a family’s demands and tastes.

In contrast, on page 52 is an entertaining and intriguing feature on historical Cuban pharmacies. Cuba has always starred one way or another in most issues of MACO, but this feature will give you a glimpse of not only the architectural heritage of these amazing buildings, but the wonderful eccentricities of the Cuban personality. Back home in Trinidad, Dr Johnny Lee will take you on a tour of Malabar Farms on page 60; owned by one of Trinidad’s oldest families, the Bovells. Although the use of the farm over the years has changed somewhat, he gardens have continued to mature and are now one of the most spectacular displays in horticultural beauty.

Now in our tenth year, we at Toute Bagai Publishing have taken the plunge and have launched MACO People (already on shelves in the Caribbean). Over the last decade, MACO has been featuring the fabulous homes of the Caribbean. Now, we bring you the fabulous lives of people who live in these homes, the jet set, the sexy and the famous. Our featured artist in this issue, PJ Stewart, is actually the mother of the Sandal’s princess Jamie Stewart, our cover story in the launch issue of MACO People. PJ (her work is featured on this issue’s cover) is a dynamic artist, whose passion for life goes way beyond her artistic capability. Her daughter clearly was born with that same passion.

This issue of MACO Caribbean Living celebrates the old and the new, whether it be the Matalon house, Malabar Farms, or the magazine itself. We have all simply evolved into something more beautiful than before. Enjoy.

This issue of MACO Caribbean Living features home and architecture from Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, Cuba, Trinidad, Barbados, and St Kitts.

Sushi, Sushi, Good for Your Body!!!

2009-05-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

By Kerri Tucker
Sales and Marketing Manager
Toute Bagai Publishing; MACO Magazines

Got a sushi craving? Well now all you lucky peeps in Trinidad can find it easier to get that somewhat elusive fix.

Sure there are a couple sushi restaurants scattered here and there in Trinidad, but those who’ve tried them know about the lack of ingredients (conveniently conveyed only after you’ve ordered), the overcooked rice, and the generally deflating experience that you’re usually left with. And to me, that goes against everything that the experience of eating sushi is all about - that titillating rush, that delirious high, that explosion of tantalizing tastes on the tongue that result in an amazing make-your-mouth-happy moment!

Well fear not Sushi Lovers – the popular lounge More Vino, located on the corner of O’Connor Street and Ariapita Avenue, is now offering their mouthwatering sushi options all week long!

Dedicated fans know that ‘Vino started with sushi only one night a week, and used this to lure in their unsuspecting victims, many who had never tasted sushi before, but were lulled enough by their Chianti to start feeling sexy and daring enough to pop a slippery lil sucker. As more and more taste buds were won over, novices became demanding and discerning, and sushi began being served on two nights a week.

Perhaps it was the mounting dollar signs or the thinly veiled threats from burgeoning sushi addicts, but More Vino will now be offering their full sushi menu every night of the week. The great part is that I have a tried-and-true group of wine lovers, who have now become sushi lovers too. Which means that on any given Friday (or Tuesday now) I can sample a variety of wines and rolls, because everyone at the table chooses something different.

My favourite roll has to be the Maracas Roll, the Trini-fied version of a Spicy Tuna. I can even get sushi-scaredy-cat Annalise to eat this one, even though she has a thing for the tempura shrimp in the Movi Roll. Joanna and Gary are a little more adventurous and get the Iron Chef, and Mark is always late so calls while we’re there to makes sure we order him a Rainbow roll. With Stash it’s simple – give that girl some tuna sashimi and a hunk of wasabi any day. The latter has been known to cause wasabi eating contests, provoked by more than one bottle of Mezza Corona.

So anyway, point is, there is no longer any need to rehab your burning sushi addiction – go out that fire tonight!!! Also, go ahead and tell Paula or Ian why you love MACO so much… and if you buy any bottle of wine, you’ll get a free hand roll! (Offer good only until May 29th 2009).

Yoga at Laluna, Grenada

2009-05-13T14:38:00.004-04:00

The new yoga schedule at Laluna’s Resort and Spa (Grenada) kicks off on May 14, 2009. The classes include Ashtanga/Power Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Yoga/Pilates. Ashtanga/ Power Yoga is a vigourous, flowing class connecting the breath to yoga postures. It offers a challenging workout for building strength, flexibility, endurance and body awareness. This is a fast-paced class and some yoga experience is required. Yoga Pilates, which is Yoga with the added benefit of Pilates, focusing on strengthening core muscles.

The new schedule is as follows:

- Mondays, 5 p.m. - Ashtanga/ Power Yoga

- Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - Kundalini Yoga

- Wednesdays, 5 p.m. - Kundalini Yoga

- Thursdays, 8 a.m. - Pilates

- Fridays, 9 a.m. - Kundalini Yoga

- Saturdays, 10.30 a.m. – Yoga/ Pilates

There will be no classes on Sundays.

Wellness Retreat

Laluna’s Wellness Retreat will be held from October 16-18, 2009, so save this date. The cost is US$980 (plus 18% tax and service). This package is for two persons, and includes accommodation for two nights in a suite, breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily yoga classes in the morning and afternoon, non-alcoholic beverages, and one Balinese massage per person.

For more information, visit www.laluna.com or call 439-0001 or email info@laluna.com.

Internships with MACO Magazines

2009-05-06T12:30:00.003-04:00

Toute Bagai Publishing (TBP) - publisher of MACO Caribbean Living, Destinations, MACO People, and other great publications - is inviting applications for internships for the period May to August, 2009. TBP is looking for three interns.

Candidates must be studying journalism and/ or publishing, and have an interest in magazine publishing specifically. The internship will require research, editorial work and general administration. Additionally, candidates must have basic computer knowledge: Microsoft Office Suite - Excel, Word etc. Graphics capability in CS3 and Illustrator is a plus. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 to 25.

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, creative, responsible, eager to learn, and possess initiative. This isn’t your average internship; each day you will be an actual part of a working team producing a world class magazine – so bring your A game!!!

Please submit your CV or letter of interest by May 15, 2009 via email to jannue@macomag.com

Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta in BVI

2009-05-05T18:54:00.003-04:00

We’re in a real sporty mood these days. The current issue of Destinations takes you into the adrenaline-pumping world of Caribbean eco-adventure with extreme bike racing in Costa Rica, road tripping in Tobago, and zip lining in Jamaica.

If you’re not the athletic type, no worries. You can have just as much fun watching the action. Think Trini Possee lime for one-day cricket, or going to a football match and cheering on your favorite team without having to flex your muscles.

This month (May 23-25) in the British Virgin Islands, there’s a great regatta called Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta, and we do mean wooden boats. No sleek machines… just trusty wooden boats that won’t let you go under. Foxy’s Regatta gets you back to the old days when you used… old boats. Foxy's and the West End Yacht Club have been doing this for 34 years now, and this year, they’ve added a new Classic Race for fiberglass boats over 30 years old. As the wooden boat era is slowly diminishing, Foxy and friends have decided to keep the legacy going, so they are revising the rules to allow some of the first fiberglass boats to compete in a Classic Race.

You can party at Foxy’s Beach Bar while the races are going on, and take the fun up a notch for the continuing party when the competitors come back to shore. The party kicks off on Friday night, and continues until Sunday. You can also mix it up a bit and take a ferry across to Jost Van Dyke or anchor in Great Harbour for the weekend. And don’t worry about where you’ll sleep; you can rent a room at Jost Van Dyke or sleep on the beach.

Whoever said you couldn’t have fun sporting through the Caribbean? For more info visit http://www.foxysbar.com.

Photo source: http://www.foxysbar.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2071

Costa Rica’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores

2009-04-29T16:28:00.004-04:00

"I was shivering. Hot chocolate was spilling on my shaking hand. But that was nothing compared to the vacant-eyed cyclist who sat in the corner of this little restaurant on the side of a mountain. A frigid climb in a 33-degree windchill and horizontal rain seemed to have made him catatonic, apparently unable to talk or think. His only movement was violent, spasmodic shuddering."

Click this link to read writer Roy M. Wallack’s full account of Costa Rica’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores, the world’s toughest bike race.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa

2009-04-17T17:36:00.003-04:00

St. Lucia is abuzz as its annual jazz festival draws near. Are you attending? Made your bookings as yet?

Well, if you’re going to the festival, but haven’t made accommodation bookings, you better hurry up because they go fast. You may also want to take advantage of specials currently being offered by Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa. The special expires on August 15, 2009. Visit their website for more info.

All-inclusive rates start at $99 per person and include:
- a free round of paintball
- an introduction to kite surfing class for everyone over age 12
- a CocoPack for each child under 12 (with backpack, water bottle, hat and t-shirt).

Since the resort is all-inclusive all drinks and meals, a fully-supervised children’s center and water park attraction are included in the $99 rate, which is nearly 65% in savings.

St. Lucia’s exotic southern coast is home to Coconut Bay Beach Resort, with two all-inclusive sides - Harmony and Splash. “Harmony” is a tranquil adult-only oasis offering the perfect setting for those seeking a romantic escape with a coconut palm-fringed pool, braided hammocks, intimate cabana beds and the oceanfront Kai-Mer Spa. At the opposite side of the resort, the young at heart are drawn to “Splash,” the resort’s tropical playground featuring CocoLand Kidz Klub, a paintball facility and the island’s largest water park.

If you’ve ever been there before, or you do visit, we’d love to hear your review. We’ll be posting more specials over the coming weeks. Stay tuned, can email us to let us know what sort of information you need for planning your vacation.

La Luna Spa & Resort special for CARICOM region

2009-04-06T09:46:00.001-04:00

La Luna Cottage Resort and Spa, in Grenada, has created a special offer for our CARICOM friends who live in the Caribbean to experience La Luna for a two night/three day escape.

Package price for 2 persons for 2 nights: USD $1,090.00

Package inclusions:
- Accommodation in a Cottage Suite with a private veranda and plunge pool (with early check in and late check out when available)
- Two yoga sessions
- One Balinese massage per person in our new Asian Spa
- Full American breakfast for two
- Lunch and dinner for two (excluding beverages)
- Use of all water-sports available at Laluna
- 8% Gov Tax & 10% service charge

This special rate is valid until December 20, 2009 and can only be booked within two (2) weeks of check-in, subject to availability. This offer is only valid for those who are residing in the CARICOM region and not for other overseas visitors or tourists.

La Luna’s regular cancellation policy applies. For more information please check www.laluna.com.

Amy Winehouse, Shaggy, Estelle and more for St. Lucia Jazz

2009-04-03T10:01:00.006-04:00

St Lucia Jazz is just a few weeks away, and from the looks of the updated listing of acts, it’s going to be a great show… as usual. Amy Winehouse (who happens to love St. Lucia) has been added to the Friday lineup; UK songstress Estelle joins other big R&B and jazz acts on the Saturday, and Shaggy, the boombastic, fantastic reggae star, will perform on the Sunday. Check out the updates below for the full lineup. Note, however, that you should continue to visit the St. Lucia Jazz website, as they continue to update the listing.

Tuesday May 5th
Gaiety on Rodney Bay
Monty Alexander’s Jazz and Roots Ensemble with Dean Fraser
7PM, US$40 EC$100

Wednesday May 6th
Gaiety on Rodney Bay
The Luther Francois and Emerson Nurse Quintet, Khalid Kouhen and Barbara Cadet
7PM, US$40 EC$100

Thursday May 7th
Pigeon Island
Kassav, Angélique Kidjo, The Original Wailers feat Al Anderson & Junior Marvin
7PM, US$50 EC$125

Friday May 8th
Pigeon Island
Amy Winehouse, KC and the Sunshine Band, Shayne Ross
8PM, US$50 EC$125

Saturday May 9th
Pigeon Island
George Duke with Male Vocal Pkg featuring, *Jeffrey Osborne, *James Ingram, *BeBe Winans, *Teddyson John, Michael McDonald, Boo Hinkson, Estelle, Michel Aubertin
2PM, US$70 EC$175

Sunday May 10th
Pigeon Island
Shaggy, Chicago, George Duke with Diva Vocalist Package featuring *Patti LaBelle, *Chaka Khan, and *Nicole David, Eclectic Pan Jazz with Allison Marquis, and Fate Sister
2PM, US$70 EC$175

To purchase tickets for St Lucia Jazz, click this link.

Deals on flights are available (like this one from British Airways).

Necker all to yourselves

2009-03-26T10:45:00.005-04:00

For those who can afford the sheer enjoyment of holidaying on a beautiful island all to themselves, Richard Branson’s Necker Island is high on the list of places to visit. The beauty about vacationing on Necker Island is that you can book it for a group of friends and/ or family, and have the island to yourselves, or share it with a few other guests. And when we say few… we mean few.

For selected dates between now and the end of May 2009, Necker Island is offering special rates for first-time bookings. Rates start from USD$36,000 per night, based on a minimum of 16 guests for stays of 3 nights or longer. Call Necker to find out more about per person rates.

You can also take advantage of the free night offer. Hire the island for 28 guests and when you book a 5-night stay between July 1st and December 18th, 2009, they’ll throw in the 6th night absolutely free! Or for a longer break, book 9 nights and pay for just 7 nights.

For its celebration week, you can share the island “house party” style with other couples and families from USD$10,900 per room for a 3-night stay. Necker has also just added an extra Family Celebration Week on July 15th for stays of 4 nights or 8 nights.

Necker’s 2009 7-night Celebration Week dates are September 26th, October 3rd, and October 10th, plus 3, 4 or 7-night “Family Fun” Weeks on May 30th and October 17th.

For more info, call Necker at 0845 017 6707 (UK), +44 1978 368531 (Int’l), 312 239 0931 (USA) or +246 432 6307 (Barbados) or email enquiries@worldwidedreamvillas.com.

Branson purchased Necker Island, after visiting the British Virgin Islands for a holiday in order to investigate prospective real estate. Necker is a 74-acre (300,000 m2) island. Guests stay in four Balinese-style private villas with a 360-degree view and cooling winds from any direction in the house, and enjoy two "private" beaches, private pools, tennis courts, breathtaking views, a personal chef and a wide array of water sports equipment, among other exciting amenities. Other activities include windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and speed-boating.

Numerous famous figures have stayed at the resort, including the late Princess Diana, Janet Jackson, Harrison Ford, Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy and Oprah Winfrey. The island is available for weddings, relaxation breaks, sports vacations and even complete rentals for any purpose.

Special on airfare from Trinidad to St. Lucia

2009-03-19T09:09:00.001-04:00

If you’re looking to book a flight from Trinidad to St. Lucia, you’re in for some good luck. The St. Lucia Tourist Board has partnered with British Airways to give you a special fare of US$265.28 – all taxes and fees included. Details are as follows:

Booking Period: March 15 – April 15, 2009
Travel Period: March 31 – May 17, 2009

You can book this special fare via BA's website – www.britishairways.com - or through your local travel agency. You can also take advantage of fantastic hotel accommodation. Visit www.stlucianow.com and/ or www.stlucia.org for more info.

This is a perfect opportunity if you’re looking to make early bookings for One Day International Cricket, Carifta Games and St. Lucia Jazz.

MACO People - profiling Caribbean fabulousity

2009-03-18T15:03:00.005-04:00

March has been an especially exciting time at MACO. We launched our new magazine, MACO People, and we’re busy as ever promoting it, and planning for the next issue. So how does MACO People fit into the MACO brand? MACO Caribbean Living magazine has been showcasing the fabulous homes of the Caribbean to the world for a decade (yes, we’re ten years old), and MACO Destinations has been taking you through some of the best places in the region. Now, MACO People takes you into the lives of some of the fabulous people who reside in these homes, and the heart of activity in these destinations.

CEO of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart, who flew in from Jamaica for the Barbados launch of MACO People, spoke highly of the magazine and the strength of the MACO brand within the region.

“Sandals Resorts is proud to be affiliated with the MACO Brand, and I can say with confidence that the company is filling a void that no other publishing house has been able to over the years,” he said.

To view photos from the magazine launch in Barbados, visit our Facebook page.

So far, we’ve getting a lot of support from advertisers and well-wishers, and this is very encouraging; our optimism has grown even more as a result. While the publishing industry is taking a massive hit, our very first issue of MACO People has made a profit, and again we have to express how thankful we are for the support from a wide range of advertisers.

The content of our magazine is one that could showcase the jet set or popular people of the region by doing intimate personality interviews with them. Also, sporting events in the Caribbean, or anything that is going on that is exciting that people want to read about and want to see pictures, that is what MACO People is all about with very little editorial, more pictures.

A tabloid-style, full-colour, social magazine, this issue of MACO People features Caribbean personalities such as Jaime Stewart-McConnell (daughter of famous Sandals Hotel chain owner Butch Stewart, and an executive of the Royal Plantation brand in Jamaica), Richard Thompson (Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic silver medalist), Sarah Williams (Barbadian entrepreneur and Polo Designer), and Gabrielle Walcott (second runner-up at the 2008 Miss World Beauty Pageant, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago). We also cover events such as Brian Lara’s Crop Over Party, Jamaica’s Pineapple Ball, Bahamas Fashion Week and T&T Film Festival’s Red Carpet event.

MACO People is published bi-monthly. We’d love to hear what you think of the mag. So get your hands on it and email us at info@macomag.com. MACO People is now out in bookstores.

Seven days of jazz in St. Lucia

2009-03-11T17:58:00.006-04:00

Festivals come and go, but there are some that stand out, attracting steady fans and newbies alike every year. St. Lucia Jazz has been in this category for a long time. Rated as the one of the top music festivals of the Caribbean, it’s known for great lineups, and has managed to maintain musical integrity.

Somehow, the producer knows how to create the right mix of artistes. For instance, you’d find the likes of Angie Stone and Anita Baker jamming on the stage together. And if you thought that the fest would have just a little bit of jazz to stay true to their title, think again. St. Lucia Jazz Festival is known for featuring great jazz bands.

This year’s edition of the festival runs from Thursday May 7th to Sunday 10th, and will be hosted at Pigeon Island. So far the line-up (as listed on the official website) features some great acts (see below). However, it should be noted that some of the acts are subject to change. As a teaser for the jazz fest, St. Lucia will also be hosting a series of events from May 4-7, under the theme Tea Jazz, which will feature acts such as The Band “Phaze”, the St. Lucia School of Music Jazz Band, Carl Gustave and Sisterhood. This means seven days of jazz in all.

Schedule of events
Thursday May 7th, 7 p.m.
Kassav, Angélique Kidjo, The Original Wailers feat Al Anderson & Junior Marvin.

Friday May 8th, 7 p.m.
KC and the Sunshine Band, Shayne Ross

Saturday May 9th, 2 p.m.
George Duke (with Male Vocal Package featuring *Jeffrey Osborne, *BeBe Winans, *Teddyson John), Michael McDonald, Michel Aubertin.

Sunday May 10th, 2 p.m.
Chicago, George Duke (with Diva Vocalist Package featuring *Patti LaBelle, and *Chaka Khan), *Nicole David, and Pan Jazz with Allison Marquis

To get regular updates about St. Lucia Jazz, visit www.stluciajazz.org. For specials on travel and accommodation in St Lucia, visit http://www.stlucianow.com/.

Photo source: Blue Isle Jazz.

Plymouth Jazz Festival postponed; new plans for 5 days of jazz

2009-03-09T09:26:00.005-04:00

Every year, music lovers have tough decisions to make. Which island should they visit? More importantly, which music festival should they attend, and which one will their favourite artistes be performing at? Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are usually the first islands to host their jazz festivals, which take place in January. This week, we take a look at a few of the jazz festivals scheduled to take place over the first half of 2009.

Plymouth Jazz Festival (Tobago)

Tobago’s Plymouth Jazz Festival usually takes place in April, and is one of the newest jazz festivals in the Caribbean, having kicked off in 2005. The festival itself goes beyond signature jazz and R&B acts, and uses the formula of hosting top, international acts in various genres of music. For instance, the likes of Rod Stewart, Sting, and Shakir have performed at the festival, as have Diana Ross, Mary J Blige, Earth Wind and Fire, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and other top R&B acts.

This year, for the first time, the Plymouth Jazz Festival has been postponed, and according to news reports, it will return in 2010. For persons who may have already booked flights and hotel accommodation, Tobago’s Division of Tourism and Transportation has reportedly planned five days of jazz at Pigeon Point, scheduled to start on April 22, and end on the 26^th, to fill the gap. According to the Tobago News, the five days of activities will feature a variety of jazz styles such as rhythm and blues, traditional jazz, pan jazz, Latin jazz and calypso jazz. It is also said that the legendary George Benson will be the headline act. We'll post updates on this event, as more details become available.

In our next post, look out for details about the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, which is arguably the top music festival of the Caribbean.

Photo source: Sting jams with Stevie Wonder. Trinidad Express.

Cuba's Castles

2009-03-06T07:10:00.001-04:00

The Caribbean is rich with tales of Europe's attempts to conquer the New World, and benefit from its riches. In this issue of MACO Caribbean Living, writer Juliet Barclay takes you on a guided tour through Havana's castles. Here's a sample of some of the magnificent sites. Photography by Jorge Gavilondo. To read the entire article, click this link.

Grenada's new La Luna Spa and Wellness Centre

2009-03-03T21:00:00.009-04:00

Press release:

Along with the opening of our Yoga Pavilion in December 2008, we are now pleased to announce the unveiling of our Laluna Spa and Wellness Center. The Asian influence of the spa is felt not only in the decor but also with our expert Balinese therapists and handmade Laluna products from Bali.

Additionally, Laluna has partnered with [comfort zone], a leading Italian spa brand, to offer a unique wellness experience.

[comfort zone] offers a complete product line of

beauty treatments and rituals, cosmetics and elements of design that renders every moment of one's life a pleasant interlude of well-being.

We incorporate a great passion for beauty with a sublime experience for the senses. This is why the lifestyle we believe in involves making each moment of one's life precious, and treasuring every moment, every day.

For more information about Laluna, please contact Bernard Bertucci at bb@laluna.com or visit www.laluna.com.

Laluna

Mome Rouge

St. George's

Grenada, West Indies

Tel: 473-439-0001

Email: info@laluna.com

The Art of Makemba Kunle

2009-02-23T18:31:00.004-04:00

Accomplished Trinidadian artist Makemba Kunle is known for his insightful pieces. There's a story behind every masterpiece. To read some of them and to see more of his work, check out his story in the current issue of MACO Caribbean Living by clicking this link.

Photography by Soft Box Studios.