TS News 24 ENG

TravelSmart VIP NewsLetter
Year 6 No. 24 Winter 2019
Resort Collection News!
Royalton Antigua’s Overwater Bungalows
2019 Condé Nast Traveler’s Choice Award
Royalton Grenada Resort & Spa
FEATURING:
FASCINATING
CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS
& TRADITIONS
Holiday Traditions
(Page 8)
THE ANNUAL RAFFLE IS ON!
Cover your Annual Fee 2020
and get tickets to win fabulous prizes
+
MALTA: Mythical Island, beautiful bays,
culture and commerce.
(Page 7)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
TSNEWS CONTENTS
DEAR TRAVELSMART MEMBER:
The Winter TSNews is always an exciting issue for us to create. It has the
excitement of closing a year that was full of emotions, laughs, love, experiences
and, of course, many, many travels.
We kicked off 2019 with the opening of Royalton Suites Cancun, an
amazing, very chic and trendy Resort located in the heart of the Cancun’s hotel
zone. This tower brought us new experiences such as the Level 18, a rooftop
terrace filled with cabanas, pools and lifestyle. How can we ever forget that
our very own Members cut the ribbon for this resort and were received by the
entire Sunwing Travel Group’s Hotel Division in an authentic Mayan ceremony?
Just before our excitement could be vanished, the opening of Royalton
Antigua came along; showing us a resort with a private bay, its very own
beach, a historic fort and, of course, the very own –and now famous! -
overwater bungalows. If you don’t know about these yet, take a look at the
Resort Collection News and start planning to be the next guests at these units
with a lifetime experience.
Closing a year also has a bright side. The upcoming 2020 will bring amazing
opportunities such as the opening of Royalton Grenada –do you know it will
feature the very first French Restaurant?-.
Stop by the Members’ Corner to know more about our Annual Raffle. This
time, the Annual Raffle will give away thousands of dollars in prizes. Check out
how to participate, and you might end up being one of the lucky winners of a
Free Week.
That’s right. Closing a year is a mix of exciting
emotions; looking back to the past acquaintances
that filled our hearts with joy and endless memories
and looking forward to the new exciting
opportunities the new cycle might bring.
At TravelSmart we are full of traditions as the ones mentioned before; not
only our Annual Raffles, but our constant Resort opening and our characteristic
focus on providing outstanding services and always strive to exceed our
members’ expectations.
Join us on this TS News Issue looking back at our 2019 and looking forward
to our 2020 travels.
Enjoy!
2
3
4
7
8
15
17
18
Letter from the Editor
Your Membership
Resort Collection News
Around The World
Cover Story
Books & Movies
Member's Corner
Contact us!
Cover image:
Christmas in the Caribbean
This page:
Royalton White Sands, Jamaica
TSNews
Winter, 2019

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP
1
Tips to Detect and Avoid Vacation Fraud
Our industry is being affected by a quickly-growing type of fraud made by Phone and Web. These criminals
tend to use the name of our company and in some cases, our affiliates’ name to contact you and offer you
a deal to buy your membership. Fortunately, as long as you don’t share your information with them, you are
completely safe.
Remember that TravelSmart is not affiliated with any companies dedicated to buying
or reselling Memberships. So, if someone offers you to buy or resell your membership
in exchange for a fee, consider it Vacation Fraud.
Here are some tips to detect and avoid Vacation Fraud:
· TravelSmart VIP and its affiliates will never ask you to sell or transfer your membership.
· Avoid sharing any type of information such as your membership username and password with anyone.
· All official emails are sent from our domains: @travelsmartvip.com, @vamayab.com or authorized
partners domains: @rci.com, @resorts-advantage.com, @rsslatam.com.
· If you are contacted by a third-party or someone claiming to be part of TravelSmart who wants to
resell your membership, please contact our reservation center immediately:
US & Canada 1-888-544-1114 | Mexico 01-800-044-2583 | Europe (34)91-572-3108 |
Anywhere else in the world (52) 55-5011-5553
Member Services Hours: US&CA: Monday to Friday 9:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 10:00am-
2:00pm (EST). Latin America: Monday to Friday 9:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
(CST). Europe: Monday to Friday 9:00am-6:00pm (CET+1).
2
What is the Annual Fee and why should I pay it?
The Annual Fee is a small fee you pay every year which allows us to keep delivering services such as
Promotions on top of your already low Member Preferential Rate, Online Community Concierge,
a dedicated Reservations Center and Membership Enhancements. Being a TravelSmart membership
holder means that you have a membership that will continuously improve, offering you and your
family new luxury Resorts every year, exclusive events and benefits. All of this is possible thanks to
the Annual Fee!
Be sure to cover it before January 31st each year so that you can enjoy the benefits of your membership
and organize your next year's vacation with the best Member Preferential Rates. You can make an
online payment, logging into your account and clicking the Payment Section.
3
How Can I Rollover my SmartPoints in order not to lose them next year?
If you did not travel this year, you can always rollover your SmartPoints to the following year, free
of charge. To rollover the SmartPoints you did not use this year you must send a written request to
vipconcierge@travelsmartvip.com before December 31st, 2019 otherwise the SmartPoints will be lost.
Remember you must be up to date with all your membership payments in order to rollover the points.
Winter 2019 3
TSNEWS

RESORT COLLECTION NEWS
Overwater Bungalows: Royalton Antigua’s charm
Delivering the highest level of luxury in spacious
accommodations with anticipatory service offerings,
Royalton’s Chairman Category is the perfect selection for
discerning TravelSmart members in search of the ultimate
luxury getaway. These exclusive overwater bungalow
rooms are the first of their kind in Antigua.
The brand new, first of their kind, adults-only Chairman
Overwater Bungalows in Antigua, include one master
bedroom with a king-sized bed, seating area, dining room,
swim-out infinity plunge pool, over-water hammock and
glass floors to enjoy the ocean life below.
The new Chairman Overwater bungalows are not the
only reason you should plan your next TravelSmart VIP
getaway to Royalton Antigua. Indulge in a luxurious
escape with exceptional service, stylish architecture and
eclectic and delectable food. Sitting on a stunning private
beach next to breathtaking clear waters, you can relax
in upscale ambience and enjoy the relaxing effect of the
soft trade winds. Royalton Antigua is perfectly situated
on Deep Bay, beneath the watchful eye of historic Fort
Barrington.
This new generation, all-inclusive hotel offers TravelSmart
members and guests, a family-friendly vacation
experience where visitors of all ages are captivated from
morning to night. With Royalton Antigua so close to the
airport, you can be lounging by one of the pools within
30 minutes.
TravelSmart Members that have already lived this
experience where delighted, Mrs. Cane and her husband
visited the Royalton Antigua in October, they traveled
from Toronto and stayed in a Bungalow stating that
“every corner of this room, the glass floor, the coffee
maker, the Bose sound system, the amazing decor left
us breathless. Waking up with the ocean at our feet
and watching the sunsets from the hammock over the
sea made this getaway the best of our lives". Mr & Mrs
Johnson, members since 2015 from the United States
will not forget this experience. “This is an incredible
experience that I thought I would never have in my life
unless I travel on an expensive trip to Bora Bora which
it is far away from home. Antigua is the middle of the
Caribbean, the food is amazing, the people is so warm
and walking distance to Royalton Antigua you will find
history and the most amazing views of the island”.
Royalton’s masterful attention to detail will ensure you enjoy
every aspect of your stay. From the unlimited a la carte
dining to the signature DreamBed, all has been carefully
designed to deliver personalized service. So what are you
waiting for? Contact us at vipconcierge@travelsmartvip.
com to book your next TravelSmart VIP getaway to Royalton
Antigua and enjoy this unforgettable experience!
TSNEWS 4 Winter 2019

Two TravelSmart Resorts recognized with
Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Award
RESORT COLLECTION NEWS
Condé Nast Traveler, the best Travel Magazine in the
world according to several rankings, announced the
results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards and two
Royalton Luxury Resorts properties, Royalton Punta
Cana Resort & Spa and Royalton Hicacos Resort &
Spa, were ranked as among the Top 50 Resorts in the
Caribbean.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are
the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of
excellence in the travel industry. They are based solely on
traveler feedback and guest acknowledgement of each
resort’s dedication to exceptional customer service.
“This is a meaningful distinction as it’s a direct reflection
of how our guests truly feel about us,” said the President
of Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts. “This honor is shared
with all the staff at Royalton Hicacos and Royalton Punta
Cana as we aim to remain leaders in the luxury allinclusive
market.”
The only Cuban resort to receive this prestigious
award, Royalton Hicacos offers guests and TravelSmart
Members an authentic oceanfront vacation experience
in a picturesque setting with its stunning sandy beach,
thatch-roof buildings, on-property bridges, fountains and
mature greenery. This luxurious adults-only property is
a cut above other Varadero resorts with its all-inclusive
facilities designed to create a perfect ambiance for
relaxation.
Situated on one of TripAdvisor’s top ten beaches in the
world, Royalton Punta Cana is an all-inclusive paradise
perfect for families, groups and vacationers of all ages.
This upscale resort offers TravelSmart Members All-In
Luxury® including All-In Connectivity, the exclusive
designer DreamBed, unlimited reservation-free
à la carte dining, international and select premium
bar service, 24/7 concierge service and access to
one of the largest on-site resort waterparks in the
Caribbean.
Are you ready to visit one of these award-winning
resorts? Book your next TravelSmart VIP getaway today
by calling Toll-Free: (888) 544-1114 (US & Canada) or
by email at vipconcierge@travelsmartvip.com.
Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
Winter 2019 5
Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa, Cuba
TSNEWS

RESORT COLLECTION NEWS
Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa to open 2020
TravelSmart VIP is pleased to announce the opening of
the new Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa within the first
months of 2020. This resort follows the chain’s expansion
in the islands of the Eastern Caribbean, offering travelers
more options than ever to vacation in unique and exotic
destinations.
This latest addition to the leading hotel chain is expected
to be the largest resort on the Caribbean island of
Grenada when it opens, featuring 269 luxury suites.
Located beachfront on Tamarind Bay, the brand-new Allin
Luxury® resort will bring a new level of hospitality to
the picturesque island of Grenada. The island is home to
lush landscapes where visitors can explore picturesque
mountains, magical waterfalls and fascinating historical
sites; with plenty of opportunities for both adventure and
relaxation.
Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa will also be the first
property within the TravelSmart portfolio to debut
the new Ma Maison restaurant. A new dining concept
for the chain, the French bistro-style eatery will offer
authentic cuisine in a waterfront setting. Members can
also choose from a range of other cuisine options with
unlimited reservation-free dining at the resort’s à la carte
restaurants included as part of their stay.
Along with its enviable location offering direct access to
two of the island’s most inviting white-sand beaches,
guests can also look forward to well-appointed
accommodations, 24-hour room service, complimentary
non-motorized water sports, All-in Connectivity
offering free high-speed Wi-Fi resort-wide, a worldclass
spa and more. Each suite features rain showers,
two-person soaker tubs and handcrafted DreamBed
mattresses, providing the perfect retreat after a day
spent in paradise.
For more information about this New Club Resort contact
us at vipconcierge@travelsmartvip.com
TSNEWS 6 Winter 2019

AROUND THE WORLD
Mellieha, Malta
The Maltese archipelago lies at the center of the
Mediterranean Sea and consists of three beautifully
mythical islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta
is the largest island with a cultural, commercial and
administrative center. This small island country rests
just south of Sicily, attracting visitors with its stretching
shorelines, coastal cliffs, and beautiful bays with frequent
harbors. On the beautiful island of Malta, Mellieha is one
of the villages located in the north and has the largest
sandy beach called Mellieha Bay, also known as Ghadira.
The village has a lovely character and picturesque scenes
that provide you with a view of Malta as well as offering
you all amenities for a comfortable holiday.
As TravelSmart VIP Member, you can visit this beautiful
island, exchanging your SmartPoints or Primary Weeks
through RCI, the biggest Vacation Exchange Company
in the world.
To Exchange your SmartPoints or Primary Week*:
• Choose any place in the world or take our recommendation
and travel to Malta.
• Call your TravelSmart Reservations Center and ask
the agent to transfer your SmartPoints or Week
into RCI’s own currency “Trading Power”. To do so,
you will have to pay the Deposit Fee and be in good
standing with your club fees.
1,000 SmartPoints = 1 Trading Power Unit.
• Once your Points or Weeks are transferred, you
can make your reservation through RCI’s website
(https://www.rci.com/). If you need some help,
your TravelSmart agent will be more than happy to
guide through the whole process.
• Done! The world awaits.
TravelSmart Pick
Golden Sands Island Residence Club:
Malta gives travelers an exciting combination of history
and culture with a coast featuring majestic cliffs, curious
caves, pretty bays and sparkling azure waters. The
Golden Sands Island Residence Club located in Mellieha
is surrounded by valleys on top of a hill, providing
breathtaking panoramas of Malta. It is a beachside
resort with views designed to provide a tranquil escape.
It offers a concierge services, and amenities include a
private beach, award-winning dining, a spa, a wellequipped
gym, large lagoon swimming pools, a childfriendly
pool and activities. The resort is in a beach area,
1.9 km from Ta' Cenc, Palazzo Falson Historic House
Museum and Golden Bay. Please note: Parking still
subject to availability, please contact Resort for more
details.
You are almost there!
To check this amazing resort, please Click this link.
You can book this destination from 7 Trading Power
Units; equal to 7,000 SmartPoints!**
* RCI exchange fees can vary by market and destination.
** Subject to availability. Rates and Trading Powers can change before booking without further notification.
Winter 2019 7
TSNEWS

COVER STORY
FASCINATING CARIBBEAN
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS
Holiday Traditions
The sun, the sand, the music, and the remarkable
hospitality of TravelSmart VIP staff welcome you all
to the fun of the Caribbean during the Holidays. The
rich cultural diversity and the deeply rooted traditions
of the islands make for the colourful and enchanting
celebrations that mark the end of the year.
TSNEWS 8 Winter 2019

COVER STORY
Let's explore some of these
new traditions.
ANTIGUA:
The streets are filled with
traditional bands performing live
music, and the spirit of festivities
runs high.
Masquerade Party: The annual
event on the night before
Christmas, is a party that is open to
all and is free for everyone wearing
a mask. The visitors are welcome
to contribute with finger foods and
drinks to the Holiday table. The
event is marked with lots of music
and festivities.
Nelson Dockyard Party: This
party is a riot of colours, music,
and fun. The dockyard is full of
live bands performing reggae
on traditional instruments, and
performers presenting traditional
dances. The atmosphere is
electrifying making the fun and
festivities in Antigua, hard to
match.
Visit Royalton Antigua during
Holiday Festivities to experience
this fun everywhere, we are sure
you will need an elegant mask to
complement your night attire.
JAMAICA:
This nation has some of the most
fascinating and colourful traditions
celebrated throughout the
Holidays.
Junkanoo: A Masquerade parade
in the streets of Jamaica on Boxing
day and New Year's Day might stop
you in your tracks. The colourful
parade of masked and often
'fearful' characters dancing to the
loud and rhythmic band parading
Masquerade Party, Antigua
Junkanoo, Jamaica
alongside the streets is a sight to
behold.
House Decoration: Towns and
cities create a festive atmosphere
by decorating the streets and
palm trees with brightly coloured
Christmas lights known locally
as ‘pepper lights’. Houses in
neighbourhoods compete to create
the best lights display, and even
local taxis are decorated.
Witness the plethora of colours,
music, sun, and sand. The warm
hospitality of Royalton Negril and
Royalton White Sands will surely
make your holiday memorable.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
The country has its unique
traditions to celebrate the holiday
seasons. These traditions have
successfully preserved the sanctity
of Christmas and have made it
the most favoured destination to
celebrate a 'warmer' Holiday.
Angelitos: The custom where a
sender assigns a person to deliver
a gift for someone and to keep it a
secret till the receiver accepts the
award. The tradition is popular and
has been practiced for centuries.
Charamicos: The streets and open
spaces in the Dominican Republic
Winter 2019 9
TSNEWS

COVER STORY
are decorated with freestanding
wooden figures of trees, reindeers
and stars during the Holiday
season. The trees are often painted
in white to lend the effects of a
'white snowy' Christmas.
The warmth of the sun and the
clear surf can be a welcome change
from the chilling winter. Stay at the
Royalton Punta Cana and let the
whites of the Charamicos make
your Holiday a memorable affair.
SAINT LUCIA:
The picturesque Caribbean Island
has some of the most fun and
fascinating traditions.
Festival of Lights and Renewal:
This celebration takes place
December 13th and is one of
Festival of Lights, Saint Lucia
Street Decoration, Dominican Republic
the biggest in St Lucia, lining
up fireworks, rum, and plenty
of tasty food. The highlight is
the competition, where locals
and tourists alike make and
light colourful lanterns before
the island’s Christmas lights are
switched on. The whole event is
finished off with an impressive
fireworks display to celebrate the
patron saint of light, St Lucia, the
island’s namesake.
St. Lucian Black Cake Annual
Competition: This annual
competition to crown the most
scrumptious Black Cake on the
island is a major attraction. The
traditional Black Cake takes more
than six months to be baked
worthy.
Black Cake, Saint Lucia
Rosca de Reyes, Cancun
We are sure you are dying to try
this delicious Black Cake, well
visit us at Royalton Saint Lucia
during Holiday Season because
for sure will be presented in the
buffet with the great variety of
desserts.
CANCUN:
The Spanish speaking destination
of Cancun upholds the traditions
of Mexico during the holiday
season.
Las Posadas: The journey of
Joseph and Mary from Nazareth
to Bethlehem before the birth of
Jesus is celebrated across Cancun.
Three Kings Day: Celebrated
on January 6th, when the three
Kings arrived in Bethlehem and
gave their presents to Jesus.
Traditionally, this is when kids
receive their Christmas presents.
Parents give some presents to
the kids on Christmas but hold
one or two back for the Three
Kings Day. It is also customary to
eat a special kind of sweet fruity
bread called Rosca de Reyes.
This bread has a miniature figure
hidden inside that resembles
baby Jesus. The tradition says
that if your slice of bread has the
miniature figure, you will have to
prepare dinner for everyone on
February 2nd.
These beautiful traditions can be
celebrated in Royalton Suites
Cancun, Royalton Riviera
Cancun or Hideaway Riviera
Cancun. It's a time for festivities,
concerts, processions, carnivals
and fireworks.
!
TravelSmart Member TIP
Ask your VIP Concierge Agent to help you arrange your journey to
your Club Resorts and and do not miss these amazing traditions.
TSNEWS 10 Winter 2019

LIVING LIKE A VIP
COVER STORY
THE
Ultimate
BUCKET LIST
Run away from the cold winter and get closer to the sun, the alluring beaches, the rich
and exotic marine world filled with rainbow-colored tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, and
bottlenose dolphins, the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforests, and the historical
architecture make the Caribbean the perfect gateway for a lazy yet fun holiday.
Here are a few of the must-DOs while in the Caribbean.
Be at the most happening and fun Christmas day party: The Nelson's
Dockyard Christmas Champagne party in Antigua is a riot of colours. Groove
to the reggae music played by live bands or sway to the traditional rhythmic
beats of the classical musicians. Witness the conventional masked dancers
perform.
Visit Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins in Cancun: Get a glimpse of how the
ancient Maya people lived. The Maya city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO
world heritage place, famous for its amazing ancient pyramids.
Explore Barney's Flower & Hummingbird Garden in Negril: Visit
and walk around the garden and observe the huge variety of colourful
flowers and exotic trees. This House Garden is home for Jamaica's unique
Hummingbirds. You can see them and feed them!
Hike the Piton Mountains in St Lucia: Prepare yourself for this amazing
journey and hike to see stunning views from the pitons, the most iconic
symbols of St. Lucia, from where you will be able to admire the beauty of
the land and sea.
Do not scream on Antigua’s Devil's Bridge: The years of natural reef
formations have carved one of the most fascinating and dreaded natural
bridges. It's windy, and it's exciting. It hard not to scream while on the deck
of the devil's bridge.
Relive the bygone era: The splendour of the historical architecture lies
prominently in the city of Santo Domingo. It's an experience unparalleled
to sit in one of the restaurants and marvel at the ancient architecture well
within walking distance.
The Caribbean is the perfect choice to enjoy a nice holiday with loads of fun activities, adventures,
and enriching yourself in their culture. Don’t hesitate and discover the beauties and attractions
these destinations are offering you. Explore and immerse yourself in the tropics where the
fun never stops!
Winter 2019 11
TSNEWS

COVER STORY
LIVING LIKE A VIP
MOUTH-WATERING SEASONAL TREATS
The exotic culinary delights of the Islands are reasons enough for one to visit the Caribbean. Traditional Caribbean
food is spicy and hot. Here is a look at the best flavours that the Caribbean has to offer during the season.
STARTERS:
Chilly Caribbean Shrimp: Large shrimp
seasoned with sweet orange Habanero and
chopped fresh cilantro, are a treat for the eyes
and a great appetizer.
Chilly Caribbean Shrimp
Locrio
Sorrel Jam Swirl Cake
Caribbean Devilled Eggs: For egg lovers, it
is an appetizer that can hardly be matched by
another. Hard-boiled eggs with capers, and
onions with hot pepper sauce are sure to make
you hungry for more.
MAIN COURSES:
Locrio: The dish comprises of regional salami,
seasoned pork, chicken, or seafood served
with rice and vegetables. It is one of the most
popular of all the traditional Dominican dishes
and is a tasty and filling dish.
Cou Cou and Flying fish: Cornmeal and okra
are cooked together to attain the consistency
like porridge, and then the flying fish marinated
with hot sauce is added to the cou cou. It is
considered the favourite dish of the capital city
of Jamaica.
DESSERTS:
Sorrel Jam swirl cake: The traditional pound
cake baked after adding Sorrel paste or jam
giving it a sweet, tangy flavour with a hint of
spice is a seasonal favourite.
Coconut drops: Coconut is diced and cooked
with ginger and brown sugar. It's one of the
most popular desserts in Jamaica and commonly
referred to as 'drops', and it's a must-have for all
coconut lovers and foodies with a sweet tooth.
Caribbean Deviled Eggs
Cou Cou and Flying Fish
Coconut Drops
TSNEWS 12 Winter 2019

RECIPES
Beyond the turquoise water, white sand, and lush green
forests of the Caribbean, you'll find a cuisine just as
vibrant and unique. You can set your family and friends'
taste buds ablaze with something different to make your
holiday sparkle. We've got an easy recipe for a flavorful
main dish and a delicious dessert. Bon apetite!
MAIN COURSE
LIVING LIKE A VIP
COVER STORY
6. Add 4 1/2 cups of water water and bring to the boil.
7. Taste the water and season with salt to taste. Add the
rice and stir often to avoid excessive sticking.
8. Once all the water has evaporated, cover with a tight-fitting
lid and simmer over very low heat.
9. Wait 15 minutes, uncover add the remaining oil and stir
moving the rice at the bottom to the top of the pot.
10. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
11. Taste rice for doneness; it should be firm but tender inside.
LOCRIO
INGREDIENTS
• 4 lb [1.8 kg] of chicken cut into small pieces
• 1 cubanelle pepper, chopped
• 1 pinch of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup of celery, chopped
• 1/8 cup of halved pitted olives
• 1 sprig of fresh coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 5 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 5 cups of water
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of cubed pumpkin
• 4 cups of long-grain rice
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Marinate the chicken for10 minutes in a bowl containing
the cubanelle, oregano, garlic, celery, olives, coriander, 1
teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
2. In a cast iron or aluminium pot heat 3 tablespoons of oil
over medium-high heat, reserving 2 tablespoons for later
use. Add sugar to heated oil.
3. When the sugar turns dark brown, add the chicken (reserve
vegetables and herbs from the marinade), being
careful with splattering oil.
4. Stir, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, adding water by
the tablespoon as it becomes necessary.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add the vegetables from the marinade,
the pumpkin and the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
DESSERT
COCONUT DROPS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup chopped ginger
• 2 cups of brown sugar
• 3 cups of chopped coconut chunks
• 3 cups of water
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Chop a quarter of a pound of pealed fresh ginger that
has been cut into small pieces in a blender using the chop
setting. Use water to make the blender operate smoothly.
2. In a bowl mix one cup of this chopped ginger and water,
2 cups of brown sugar, 3 cups of firmly packed coconut
chunks and 3 cups of water.
3. In an uncovered dutch oven allow the mixture to cook
until it thickens then reduce the flame to medium low.
Use a large spoon to continuously turn the mixture to
prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot. Cook the
mixture until the sugar begins to caramelize.
4. When sugar begins to form at the bottom of the pot and
it is difficult to turn the mixture with the spoon, reduce
the flame to the lowest setting.
5. Spoon the mixture and drop it into a baking pan. Allow to
cool.
6. Let the drops cool and harden.
Winter 2019 13
TSNEWS

COVER STORY
LIVING LIKE A VIP
RECEIVE 2020 IN HOT-SUNNY STYLE!
New Year´s comes only once a year and what a great way to celebrate and have a good time in paradise. Now you
get to wear your summer outfits early for your tropical vacation during the holidays.
For New Years, most likely you are going to be sipping piña colada or margaritas on the beach and dancing a lot. The
last thing you want to pack is a heavy dress and high heels. Here are some recommendations.
COLORFUL AND FLOWY: The Caribbean is the perfect setting
for you to use your most extravagant colors. During the day wear
something light, colorful and flowy to match with the beautiful
turquoise blue sky and sea. The important thing is for you to enjoy
and be the most comfortable as possible.
GO SHINY! New Year’s Eve is the opportunity to celebrate the past
year’s ups and downs, and next year´s triumphs, preferable with a
sequin dress or a shiny jumpsuit. Don't be afraid to stand out, the
point is to not hold back and shine like the bright star you are.
COOL CASUAL WEAR: Holidays are a time
for having fun especially in New Year’s and
a casual outfit is not only a comfortable
choice but a practical one especially during
the day. Guys are always looking for an easy
yet stylish summer outfit that can match the
vibe of the season.
A semi-formal look to receive 2020 is a way
to stand out without wearing your fanciest
clothes. A pair of trousers with dress shoes or
a nice sandal with a polo will look sophisticated
and stylish. If you're more modern, you can't
go wrong in all black or white.
TSNEWS 14 Winter 2019

BOOKS & MOVIES RECOMMENDATIONS
Upcoming movies this season:
THE SONG OF NAMES
Release Date: December 25
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
Description: Tim Roth and Clive Owen star in an emotional detective story spread
over two continents and a half century. Beneath the film's stunning and pulsing
musical revelations burn the horror of a war and the lost souls extinguished from
history.
CLEMENCY
Release Date: December 27
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
Description: Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on
prison warden Bernadine Williams. As she prepares to execute another inmate,
Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job
creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill.
MY SPY
Release Date: January 10
Genre: Action, Family, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Description: A hardened CIA operative finds himself at the mercy of a precocious
9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
THE PHOTOGRAPH
Release Date: February 14
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating: NR
Description: When a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box is
found, Mae finds herself on a journey delving into her mother's early life
and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with a rising-star journalist,
Michael Block.
Winter 2019 15
TSNEWS

BOOKS & MOVIES RECOMMENDATIONS
Upcoming book releases:
JANUARY
THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY
OF COYOTE SUNRISE by Dan Gemeinhart
YOUNG ADULTS
Five years. That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old
school bus. It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash.
Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old
neighborhood is being demolished, she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive
3,600 miles back to Washington State in four days...without him realizing it.
RED AT THE BONE
by Jacqueline Woodson
SEPTEMBER
FICTION
It is the evening of sixteen-year-old Melody's coming of age ceremony in her
grandparents' Brooklyn brownstone. Watched lovingly by her relatives and friends,
making her entrance to the music of Prince, she wears a special custom-made dress.
But the event is not without poignancy. Sixteen years earlier, that very dress was
measured and sewn for a different wearer: Melody's mother, for her own ceremony--
a celebration that ultimately never took place.
THE SILENT PATIENT
by Alex Michaelides
FEBRUARY
THRILLER
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand
fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in
one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home
late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never
speaks another word.
THE GIRL WE USED TO KNOW
by Tracey Graves
APRIL
ROMANCE
Annika Rose likes being alone. She feels lost in social situations, saying the wrong thing
or acting the wrong way. She just can't read people. She prefers the quiet solitude of
books or playing chess to being around others. Apart from Jonathan. She liked being
around him, but she hasn't seen him for ten years. Until now that is. And she's not sure
he'll want to see her again after what happened all those years ago.
TSNEWS 16 Winter 2019

MEMBER'S CORNER
This is how we travel
#TravelSmartVIP
THE ANNUAL RAFFLE IS ON!
Remember you can still participate in the Annual 2020 Raffle.
The sooner you cover your Annual Fee 2020 the more tickets you get to win fabulous prizes.
Trip Advisor Comments:
ROYALTON SUITES CANCUN
“Great staff and extremely
accommodating! No one should
ever complain. The staff were very
friendly, comforting, safe, and kind.
I could go on! A couple people were
great, but I do not have names!
RENE from TravelSmart was
excellent! The hotel was beautiful
and breathtaking. Everything was
soooo perfect.” Heavin D.
ROYALTON RIVIERA CANCUN
“This was literally one of my favorite
vacations ever. Maybe even the
best I’ve ever had. The views were
great the staff was unbelievable and
Lazaro Morales for TravelSmart vip
conceirge went above and beyond
for us during our stay......highly
recommended.” Tom H.
ROYALTON PUNTA CANA
“Great hotel Yessi from the
entertainment is the man always
smiling and friendly he is a credit to
the hotel Gregory from TravelSmart
looked after us so well an absolute
gentleman Fantastic holiday had
by all the family would highly
recommend” Yessi.
ROYALTON BAVARO
“One of the best vacations ever at
Royalton Bavaro last September
2019. We were greeted with a
Royalton welcome, felt the VIP
treatment. Gregorio Encarnacion
and Edward Valentin of TravelSmart
went beyond our expectations in
handling our needs at the resort:
from making reservations to
dinners; tours and even shopping
and of course, the upgrade from
a junior suite to a swim up room.
The staff are very accommodating
and always with happy faces to
serve. EXCELLENT CUSTOMER
SERVICE is the key reason to come
back and not to forget the ambiance
too. Special thanks also to Adelfi and
Esther of TVS for helping us with
our luggages. Espero Verte De Nuevo
Royalton Bavaro!” Jhon.
Winter 2019 17
TSNEWS

Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua
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