Hole In The Donut Travels

Winter’s dreary skies and numbing temperatures make us yearn for warm Caribbean breezes but with today’s economy, most can only dream. Last December my visit to Curaçao was one of the most enjoyable Caribbean experiences ever, so I was delighted when I learned that Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino and Lodge Kura Hulanda & [...]

From the moment I arrived at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino, I was treated like a queen and fed like a king. Within minutes of settling into my oceanfront room, I had devoured the tray of gourmet chocolate, fine Danish cheeses, crackers, and fresh tropical fruit that awaited me and, just a [...]

The vividly painted architecture lining the waterfront in Willemstad may be the most famous feature of Curaçao, but the kaleidoscopic hues did not happen by design. The capital city developed after the Dutch claimed the island in 1634, beginning with Punda, the walled portion of the old city. Buildings tended to be two and three-story [...]

A steady stream of pedestrians crossing the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad, capital of the tiny Caribbean island of Curaçao, seemed unfazed by the shrill bell signaling that the floating pontoon bridge was about to open.
“Why aren’t they hurrying?” I asked my tour guide, Howard.
“The orange flag hoisted over the harbor master’s shack means the [...]

What sets one resort apart from its competitors? A great location is always preferable. The physical condition of a property is also a factor. But for me, the most important quality is customer service and the proper training of staff. I am pleased to report that Marriott’s Curacao Beach Resort and Emerald Casino, which is [...]

As you are reading this, I am winging my way to Curacao in the southern Caribbean, for a four day stay courtesy of Marriott Resorts. The press trip, appropriately named “Blog Paradise,” is sending nine bloggers to nine different resorts included in Marriott Resorts’ Paradise by Marriott Caribbean and Mexico collection to promote special limited-time [...]

Last week my attorney made me an offer. Somehow our legal conversation took a detour and I began telling him about the blissful year and a half I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. He also loves the Caribbean – so much so that he bought a home in Montego Bay, Jamaica, [...]

I just finished watching a 26 minute video where Senator Mel Martinez of Florida sets forth the reasons he opposes easing travel to Cuba. He provides an interesting historical overview, explaining that President Eisenhower was the first to place trade sanctions on Cuba, banning the selling of sugar, oil, and guns in response to Castro’s [...]

For years I have dreamed of traveling to Cuba. My desire may have originated with the movie Havana, which starred Robert Redford, but since then I have become even more intrigued upon seeing photos of streets filled with 1950’s and 1960’s era cars and hearing stories of the wonderful music that emanates from bars and [...]