The Insider's Club: March

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club Hot Spot of the Month

March 2016

Saint Lucia + Things to Know About Where to Go Featured Experience

A Romantic St. Lucia Getaway

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences Tech News

Travel Technology

Choose Your News Explore: Saint Lucia 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-11 Where To Stay 12-15 Featured Experience: A Romantic St. Lucia Getaway 16-17 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 18-29 Tech News: Travel Technology 30-32

A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter our featured destination is Saint Lucia, as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our hot spot, and exclusive travel deals around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter. Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature.

Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams.

I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.

-M

Backpacking Magazine - page 3

Explore: Saint Lucia

Explore Saint Lucia + Things to know about where to go

Offering calming beaches bordered by luxurious lodging, the mountainous island of St. Lucia is a shining emerald gem in the Caribbean Ocean. Offering the best in island life, wildlife aficionados welcome the buzz of the rainforest, while explorer types appreciate the options for adventure, like zip-lining or horseback riding. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most travelled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories.

Saint Lucia

What to do while your there

Chocolate Sail Channel your inner Willy Wonka at Hotel Chocolat. Your day begins with a private cruise along the scenic coast, where you’ll sip fine wine and champagne on your way to Soufrière and the majestic Pitons. At a renowned cocoa plantation estate, you’ll shell, taste and grind cocoa beans, blending them into a unique chocolate creation—your’s to take home.

Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!

Visit the Pitons and Mud Baths Find wonder and wellness as you travel along St. Lucia’s west coast to the beautiful town of Soufrière. The Twin Pitons dramatically rise before you as you approach Sulphur Springs, the world’s only drive-in volcano. This active geo thermic area is renowned for its mud baths—fountains of youth, according to local folklore. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated while soaking in the therapeutic mineral pools.

Treetop Adventure Park Experience the excitement and exhilaration of a world-class zipline in the Caribbean. Zipping through the treetops in the heart of St. Lucia’s rainforest delivers a rush that would leave even Tarzan breathless.

Trained guides take you on the ride of your life on a zip line course designed for maximum thrill and exposure to the best views of St. Lucia’s rainforest. Ranked as the #1 attraction in St. Lucia by TripAdvisor this thrill ride has 12 lines that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Backpacking Magazine - page 8

Hike the Tet Paul Nature Park The Tet Paul Nature Trail is nestled on six acres of lush beautiful land in the farming community of Chateau Belair. The trail is located in the Piton Management Area, Saint Lucia’s World Heritage Site. The hike is rated easy to moderate and is roughly 45 minutes long. The trail boasts some of the most spectacular views of the South of the island, the Jalousie Bay, Petit Piton and Gros Piton as well as Martinique and St. Vincent on clear days.

Anse Chastanet beach Arguably the best beach on St. Lucia for snorkeling and diving, picturesque Anse Chasranet beach is the place to be for any underwater enthusiasts. The Anse Chastanet reef starts just 10 yards beyond the water’s edge. The reef’s remarkable ecosystem offers an amazing profusion of unusual tropical marine life in shallow calm and clear water. Anse Chastanet Reef is home to more than 150 different species of fish.

Backpacking Magazine - page 10

Gros Islet Street Party Every Friday evening, the streets of Gros Islet are closed off to cars and a vibrant street party “The Jump-up� takes place. The bars stay open late and numerous street vendors set up stalls selling local cuisine. Grab a rum punch, some great barbecue, find a seat and enjoy a night full of dancing mingling with the friendly locals.

Saint Lucia

Where you should stay

Ladera: Soufrière, Saint Lucia Nestled in the rainforest, Ladera is the first eco-luxe property in St. Lucia, a romantic paradise for couples and the only resort in the Caribbean ever rated the world’s best by Condé Nast Traveler. Choose from 32 suites, each featuring open walls, a pool and views of the world-famous Pitons. For dining, Dasheene serves stylish St. Lucian cuisine. Be sure to schedule a relaxing treatment at The Spa, spend time in the fitness room or make your way to the volcano mud baths and springs only minutes away. A complimentary shuttle can take you to Sugar Beach, and activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes and island tours can be arranged.

ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES

Cap Maison Resort & Spa: Gros Islet, Saint Lucia On a magnificent oceanfront bluff high above picturesque Smugglers Cove on the north end of St. Lucia, Cap Maison Resort & Spa’s incomparable setting is a prize indeed. The exclusive resort is unique and sophisticated, offering Caribbean elegance and stunning waterfront views all around. Many of the spacious villas offer private roof terraces and infinity swimming pools (pictured) complete with loungers and dining area. The resort’s private motor yacht is available exclusively for guests’ use. Imagine a spectacular sunset cruise that ends with dinner in restaurant-rich Rodney Bay or returning to dine at awardwinning The Cliff at Cap.

Sugar Beach: A Viceroy Resort Winner of the Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Award” and ranked among the Caribbean’s top resorts by Condé Nast Traveler, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort has a legion of loyal fans. And rightly so, for its lush rainforest setting, shimmering white sands and emerald gardens, not to mention its views of the World Heritage–listed Pitons. Spread across some 100 acres, the resort exudes a timeless colonial charm, with fourposter beds, clawfoot baths and butler service in its luxurious accommodations; villas feature private patios and plunge pools.

Watersports are plentiful, and the spa is otherworldly.

Backpacking Magazine - page 14

Jade Mountain: Soufrière, Saint Lucia Choose to arrive at the spectacular Jade Mountain by helicopter — it’s the only property in St. Lucia with its own private helipad — first zooming between the spectacular Pitons. Every aspect of Jade Mountain’s organic design is equally dramatic, from the suspended sky bridge to your decadently sumptuous sanctuary (one of just 29 accommodations), where your infinity swimming pool seems to float in space. Guests enjoy the exclusive pleasure of dining on fresh, flavorful cuisine from award-winning Chef Allen Susser, and stargazing from the otherworldly Celestial Terrace.

Featured Experience:

Enjoy A Romantic St. Lucia Getaway

Enjoy A Romantic St. Lucia Getaway Valid for Travel April 1st 2016 - June 30th 2016 This AAA Four Diamond resort lays 1,100 feet above the Caribbean and looking out at the dramatic Pitons, each guestroom was built without a fourth wall - cleverly designed to be open to the breezes yet sheltered and completely private. Each guestroom enjoys its own private plunge pool. Enjoy fine dining at the Dasheene Restaurant.

Spa treatments are available at the Ti Kai Pose Spa. Included 5-nights hotel accommodations at Ladera Resort in a Grosvenor Piton Suite With Plunge Pool room from $1,821 per person Hotel tax Roundtrip hotel transfers Daily Continental breakfast CONTACT ME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITINERARY

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Andaz Maui at Wailea Wailea, HI United States

Valid for travel now through May 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park NY, New York

Valid for travel now through March 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay Complimentary Wi-Fi for duration of stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Trisara

Phuket, Thailand Valid for travel now through October 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability American Breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily $100 USD Equivalent Hotel or Resort credit Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa Moorea, French Polynesia

Valid for travel now through March 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests A complimentary dinner for up to two people per room, once during stay One beverage (only) credit of CFP 6,000 per stay (approx. US$70) Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

One&Only Palmilla San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

Valid for travel now through December 16th 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability Continental Breakfast daily for 2 Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability 30 minute Spa Treatment for two in the spa or in room A set of Aromatherapy Candles

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Hamilton Princess, Bermuda Valid for travel now through December 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Complimentary room upgrade Daily buffet breakfast for two $100 resort credit per room per stay

Tech News: Travel Technology

NomadKey Your keys are always with you when you travel. That’s the idea behind NomadKey--it’s shaped like a key and fits easily on your keychain. You’ll never leave it behind, and won’t even notice you’re carrying it. The NomadKey is also built to withstand the beating that your keys can take.

They also use scratch-resistant metals on the contacts so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of pesky caps.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE

Satechi Smart Travel Router Much of the time, hotel wireless internet can feel about as fast as a dial-up modem. The fix? The Satechi Smart Travel Router, which plugs in to the quicker wired Ethernet port at your room’s desk but frees you from being tethered to it – and allows you to hop online using multiple devices.

Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens The award-winning 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone 6/6s & iPhone 6/6s Plus delivers the most versatile and premium mobile lens experience in a compact, easy-to-use design. It features four advanced optic quick-change lenses (Fisheye, Wide-Angle, Macro 10x & 15x) that weigh in at less than an ounce so it is extremly easy to travel with.

www.leadingedgetraveler.com