Caribbean holiday steals

Book discounts in St. Barts, Antigua, Nevis and more — up to 65 percent off

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	Caribbean way of life From chic to rustic, expensive to affordable, tourists looking for some sun and sand can find what they're looking for in the Caribbean.

updated 9:20 a.m. ET Nov. 10, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Most are valid until December 31

The deal: The ungettable get: Christmas in the Caribbean
Until now, Christmas in Caribbean hotspots like St. Barts and Antigua has been reserved for the moneyed elite with high-season prices at their highest and hotels booked to capacity nearly six months in advance. But, in these unpredictable economic times, with even holiday regulars finding it hard to commit to the standard week block required for Christmas bookings, and a few too many cancellations, resorts are panicking, thus lowering their holiday rates and allowing shorter stays. What this means for you: Savvy travelers can actually use this financial downturn to their advantage. With a little last-minute planning, you can score significantly reduced rates, starting from $130/night, at some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive enclaves. Now that’s what we call a smart splurge!

ANTIGUA: $2,000 air credit and free kids’ stay at Verandah Resort & Spa
Antigua’s new all-suite eco-friendly Verandah Resort & Spa, set on a 30-acre bluff overlooking Diane Bay, features smart cottages, that sleep up to four, with verandahs and kitchenettes. Electric buggies shuttle guests around the property, sunlight is harnessed for power, and seawater is distilled for drinking.

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The savings: The resort’s stellar holiday deal includes 7 all-inclusive nights and a $2,000 air credit per room (received at the time of booking). Plus, up to two kids stay for free. This deal works out to be nearly half of the original cost if you figure that regular rates go for $635/night plus $60 for each child, that’s $5,285 for the week — not including air. With this promo, you’re paying only $349 per night or $2,443 for the week.

To book: Visit eliteislandvacation.com and click the Verandah Resort & Spa then save $2,000 Christmas sale.

CURAÇAO: 65 percent off with AAA card at Curaçao Marriott Resort
This popular casino resort sits next to the island’s best beach (there aren’t many on this rocky isle), home to clear waters and coral reefs, making for excellent scuba and snorkeling. The large resort manages to charm, what with its imitation Dutch colonial architecture, water views, and ideal locale near Willemstad.

The savings: Got good car karma? Put your AAA membership to use and snag low holiday rates through December 31 for only $149/night! We’ve checked regular rates here over the Christmas break and found the lowest to be a whopping $429/night so you’ll save nearly 65 percent. If you’re not an AAA member, perhaps it's time to join; initial membership costs $58 for the year.

To book: Visit www.curacaomarriott.com and enter promotional code AAA when making your reservation or call 800-228-9290 and ask for AAA.

NEVIS: Free weekend at the Mount Nevis Hotel
Thanks to the hotel’s money location on the slopes of its namesake mountain, the Mount Nevis offers some of the island’s best views, with 30 rooms spread across 17 acres of a former lime plantation.

The savings: This December 15 through January 10, you’ll get two nights for free when you book the first five — that ends up saving you about 30 percent off your stay (or $800).

To book: Visit www.mountnevishotel.com or call 800-756-3847.

ST. BARTS: 50 percent off reopening rates at the new Carl Gustaf
The already glamorous 14-suite Carl Gustaf, perched hillside overlooking Gustavia Harbor, has undergone a multi-million dollar facelift, adding the new Boutique Carita Spa — the first in the Caribbean — a made-over restaurant and lounge, and a tricked-out four-bedroom suite.

The savings: Half-price reopening rates (half-price anything is a rarity in St. Barts, especially during the holiday period!) include breakfast daily, airport transfers, and champagne welcome upon arrival, and start at 405 euros per night for travel this December 15–27. If you can’t get away in December, you can still save 30 percent off select dates in January and February.

To book: Visit www.hotelcarlgustaf.com or contact Private Entrance Collection at 212-616-5032.

TOBAGO: 30 percent off at the new Bacolet Beach Club
This stylish newbie, owned by former fashion model Gloria Jones-Knapp, comes with its own secluded beach on Bacolet Bay (which once set the scene for the movie "Swiss Family Robinson"), just minutes from the island’s capital, Scarborough. Sleek rooms come with private verandahs, bay views, and cool, eclectic furnishings.

The savings: Save 30 percent off nightly room rates with welcome drinks, continental breakfast daily, and a complimentary one-day jeep rental included, starting at $130/night.

To book: Visit www.bacoletbeachclub.com or call 868-639-3551.

Click here for $70 one-way fares to Trinidad and Tobago.

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