American World Traveler Spring 2020 Issue

ToursByLocals is a genius concept
I just happened upon this fab Canadian
owned company ToursByLocals recently,
and I love what they do. They supply wellvetted
local tour guides to create personal
private tours for you in a gazillion destinations
around the world. And yes, they are
offered in just about every island in the
Caribbean chain, and all throughout Latin
America, too. Learning about the culture,
attractions, and history through local eyes
is the best way to get to know a new destination,
and you are welcome to advise
them on what you’re interested in most if
you don’t like their suggested tour. Maybe
you want to beach hop to the best snorkel
sites, do a local foodie trail, or go hiking in
secret spots… the choice is yours, and they
can also accommodate those with limited
mobility if you ask ahead. Ideal for cruise
visitors seeking to avoid those big crowded
junket excursions, too.
www.toursbylocals.com
Secrets St. Martin now open
After a $63,000,000 USD renovation of
the former RIU resort on lovely Anse Marcel
Beach on the French side of the island,
Secrets® St. Martin Resort & Spa opened its
doors in March of 2020. Now the upscale,
adult-only, all-inclusive offers 258 luxurious
suites including Preferred Club swim-out
options, and all guest receive their signature
Unlimited-Luxury® treatment with
gourmet fare and top-end spirits in several
dining and bar options or via 24/7 room
service. They also have a state-of-the-art
convention centre, a huge ballroom, and a
world-class spa. Also notable is their water
circuit boasting the largest infinity pool in
the Western Caribbean.
www.secretsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/stmartin/st-martin.html
Cuba gets overwater villas
Situated in the province of Ciego de Ávila
of Cuba just 35 minutes from Jardines del
Rey International Airport, Cayo Guillermo
Resort Kempinski opened in March of
2020, and is touted as one of the most luxurious
non-all-inclusive hotels on the
island. The new resort offers 245 deluxe
rooms and suites including the very exciting
contemporary overwater bungalows called
the Playa Pilar & Hemingway Water Villas.
A gym, spa, and yoga space plus a kid’s
club and tennis courts add to the allure,
and the on-site drink and dining options
are multiple and include a Hemingway
Cigar Bar & Lounge in tribute to his love of
this region.
kempinski.com/en/cayo-guillermo/cayoguillermo-resort
St. Augustine’s stylish
new beachfront resort
Florida’s oldest city now has a new way to
stay on its gorgeous Atlantic coast since
Embassy Suites by Hilton opened the St.
Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort just
over a year ago. Located close to Anastasia
State Park, a 1,600- acre nature preserve,
activities include swimming, birdwatching
and nature hiking there, and it’s close to
the historic old city for easy urban
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explorations of St. Augustine’s most
famous historic attractions. Signature
dining on site and by the pool/beach, and
free made-to-order breakfasts as well complimentary
evening receptions, flexible
event space, a fitness center and a 24/7
market round out the amenities of this
modern and ethereal oasis of 175 spacious
two-room suites and studio suites with
ocean views and balconies.
embassystaugustine.com
A different kind of bathing beauty?
Though there are islands in the Bahamas
famous for having wild pigs that you can
swim and snorkel with, the feral pigs of
Playa PortoMarie in Curacao aren’t that
energetic. In fact, the small tribe of porkers
that often wander onto the sand there are
quite content to simply hog some of your
shade, slowly forage around for food, or
simply bask in the shallow waters along the
beach. And though sometimes they might
summon up the energy to roll over and
request a belly rub from a human, that’s
about the extent of their workout. But
they’re fun to photograph, and just one
more reason to head to PortoMarie which is
a stunning stretch of sand on aqua sea with
a double coral reef ideal for snorkeling.
There’s also a dive shop and a great beach
bar on site, too. (Special thanks to Donna
LeClair for the great pig photo.)
www.playaportomari.com
Award-winning travel journalist
Sue Campbell is based in Montreal but makes it
her business to be on top of everything cool, hot,
and new under the sun throughout the
Caribbean and Latin America.
World Traveler welcomes her
as a regular columnist.
Follow her on
Instagram and Twitter @suectravel
American World Traveler Spring 2020