Blog Archive

BSLC Admin

February 13, 2020

Blue Sky in the NEWS!

This month, Blue Sky Luxury Travels’ Shanna Dickerson went on Lowcountry Live WCIV for an interview about her company and how it was born. She also discussed her favorite island for couples looking to celebrate a honeymoon or other special occasion. And the winner is…….ST. LUCIA! On the segment, Shanna spotlights 3 of her favorite resorts on the island. Take a look at the video for drool-worthy images of Jade Mountain St. Lucia, Ladera Resort and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.

Blue Sky Luxury Travels has also been selected as the luxury travel advisor for NUE Magazine which covers Charleston, SC and Denver, CO. We will also be featured in their international magazines. And what did we pick for our 1st editorial?!! A story on one of our FAVORITE rental villas on St. John USVI, of course! Check out the feature on La Vita:

We are so grateful for these opportunities to share insider information about our favorite luxury travel destinations. Feel free to reach out at any time if you need help coming up with a vision for an upcoming vacation, family reunion, wedding or corporate retreat.

BSLC Admin

August 29, 2019

Top 5 Things to Do on Sugar Beach in St. Lucia!

A vacation on the gorgeous white sands of Sugar Beach, St. Lucia is an experience unlike any other and we here at Blue Sky are committed to making sure that experience is a memorable one. So while you could spend your days lounging away on the beach—soaking up the incredible views and listening to the lullaby of the ocean (and we certainly wouldn’t blame you)—we thought we’d let you know about some fun activities you can do during your stay. Here are the Top 5 Things to Do in Sugar Beach!

1. Speed Boat Tour with Solomon Water Taxi & Tours

Hop aboard Solomon’s boat, Justice/Justice Again, and cruise the coastline to Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia’s very own black sand beach where you’ll go snorkeling. You’ll then head over to Soufriere to visit a bat cave before getting in a land taxi that will take you to a mud bath/volcano tour. Rub yourself or your partner in mud and then bathe in warm sulphuric pool water before rinsing off at the Toraille waterfall. Finally, you’ll grab lunch at Solomon’s mom’s delicious restaurant!

2. The Tree-to-Bar Experience at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat

Calling all chocoholics! This one’s for you. Unique to the Rabot Estate—and drawing on their expertise as a chocolatier and grower of chocolate—this is an exclusive opportunity for you to discover cocoa like never before and even have the opportunity to create your own chocolate! The experience starts with you walking through the estate’s cocoa groves and selecting ripe cocoa pods to harvest from the tree and ends with you making your own bar of chocolate. The tour also includes all the interesting steps in between—from the cocoa seedling nursery, fermenting room and sun-drying station to grinding, mixing and, of course, loads of tasting!

3. Real St. Lucia Tours’ Petit Piton Trail Hike

Seeking some adventure? You’ve come to the right place. Hiking Petit Piton isn’t for the faint of heart but truly provides one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever encounter. Real St. Lucia Tours provides you with an experienced guide, and while the climb itself is quite difficult, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush rain forests and met with a breathtaking view at the top of Soufriere, Gros Piton, and the majestic blue ocean beneath you.

4. Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park

This 18th-century estate is an all-in-one experience that offers lots of activities for every member of the family. Learn about their local history and culture from their working plantation where you’ll even get to taste crops like coca, coffee, coconut, orange, grapefruit, and lime and then strap in for an exciting zip line through the canopy with amazing views of the Pitons. You can even mount a horse and explore the estate cowboy style, riding into the Sulphur Springs volcano and onto the beach, or hike through the lush rainforest and experience a natural spa treatment at a mineral waterfall. You can then satisfy your appetite with a delectable local creole buffet lunch in their open-air restaurants.

5. Action Adventure Divers

Grab your flippers and wetsuit and get ready to experience the world below in a whole new way. Join Dive Master Chester for a single tank, double tank, or even a night dive in the reefs of the Soufriere Marine Management Area. Explore the fantastical Fairyland, the dazzling Devil’s Hole, the sublime Superman Flight (where Superman 2 was filmed), the remarkable Wreck of the Lesleen M (a 165-foot freighter that sunk in October 1986), and so many more magnificent sites. Everyone is welcome—from newbies to seasoned pros!

BSLC Admin

March 7, 2019

A Day In the Life: What Does a Luxury Concierge Service Actually DO?

Blue Sky Luxury Travels is based in the Caribbean and creating vacation experiences for clients in stunning destinations all over the world. We make a point of visiting each property that we represent, and we love to share our discoveries so we post photos every day of beautiful destinations and luxury experiences. We know it may all look like fun and games, island-hopping in Fiji, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, but we promise, we are actually hard at work! Since so many people have asked, we wanted to share what a day in the life is for Shanna Dickerson, the CEO of Blue Sky Luxury Travels. Shanna stays in different islands and towns all over the world, but wherever she is, she makes sure to keep to her schedule and make sure that all of her clients’ needs are cared for.

So here’s what a day in the life of Shanna really looks like:

6am

Shanna rises early and meditates for twenty minutes to get her head straight for the day. Next, she heads straight for the coffee machine for a nice hot cup of coffee. She checks her phone for any urgent client messages and looks over her schedule for the day, always making a point of picking a beautiful spot with a view to start the day off right.

6:30am

Workout time! It’s so important to keep energy high and muscles strong, so Shanna gets her exercise done, either with a hike in the hills, a trip to the local gym, or her 25-minute at-home workout routine.

8:00am

Client messages. Clients and vendors communicate with Shanna through many different means: text messages, Facebook and Instagram direct messages, emails and phone calls. When a new client comes in, Shanna sends them a Concierge document outlining the services that Blue Sky Luxury Travels has available, and clients usually email her with their specific needs. Shanna keeps track of client requests for upcoming trips on a gigantic spreadsheet, so she refers to that and fills in details as she gets new requests. She makes notes of what needs to be done for the day and answers questions for clients who are coming to the islands.

10:00am

Vendor phone calls. In the Virgin Islands, most car rental services, grocery delivery services, and BVI Yacht Charters operate primarily by phone. This is why it’s so essential to have a travel concierge service handle planning when you’re visiting St. John, St. Thomas, St. Lucia or the Bahamas- it’s hard to get in touch with someone who can set things up. It’s not like other trip planning where you can just go online and do it all yourself. Internet service can be spotty on the islands, so Shanna makes most of her arrangements with vendors over the phone. They’re all accustomed to hearing her cheerful voice and she makes sure they stay organized and keep to the arrangements she’s made for her clients coming to the islands. Shanna makes arrangements for Caribbean villa rentals, yacht rentals, catamarans, fishing trips, grocery delivery, snorkel gear rental, kayak and paddleboard tours, and dining reservations so her clients can relax and enjoy their Caribbean vacations.

12:00pm

Shanna takes a break for lunch, usually a big salad or veggie bowl, at a restaurant on the island. She makes sure to try all the different dining options on each Caribbean island where she stays, so she can offer the best recommendations.

1:00pm

Back to work on emails and phone calls, making arrangements with clients and vendors.

2:00pm

Client meetings. Shanna handles housing for hundreds of hurricane recovery workers through her Blue Sky Global Logistics division. She often meets with top-level officials to understand their needs and find the appropriate solutions. Some days, she’ll take a boat to another island to meet with visiting corporate clients to plan their upcoming corporate events on the islands. Other times, she’ll offer a quick island tour to visiting friends, to show off her favorite spots for paddleboarding and beach time. Face to face is always best, so Shanna makes the time to meet in person with her clients.

6:00pm

Dinner time. Sometimes it’s a dinner meeting with clients, or a meetup with friends staying in a Caribbean villa nearby, or even a quick sandwich at home when the work schedule is intense.

8:00pm

Shanna checks her messages one more time to make sure everything is handled, then the phone goes OFF for a little meditation and quiet time before bed.

9:00pm

Bedtime! Early to bed, and early to rise, keeps Shanna energized, cheerful and ready for anything!

We hope this window into Shanna’s world has helped you understand a little more of what Blue Sky Luxury Travels really does. We take care of every trip planning detail for you from start to finish. Our goal is to make your vacation relaxing, fun and incredibly memorable. If you’d like to put our concierge team to work for your next vacation, please email us at info@blueskyconcierge.com.

BSLC Admin

January 24, 2019

Three Romantic Caribbean Villas for Your Caribbean Getaway

When planning your romantic Caribbean getaway, you want to have best of all. As experts in Caribbean travel and accommodations, let us help you choose the most romantic place with an intimate atmosphere, where you can spend unforgettable moments with your loved one. Here are our top three Caribbean luxury villa picks:

The Suites at Paradise Ridge, St. Lucia

The Suites at Paradise Ridge is the place to go if you are planning a honeymoon or are celebrating any other romantic occasion. It is one of the most romantic places in the world, home to the ultimate getaway for honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary, or renewing their wedding vows. The location is spectacular – 1,100 feet above sea level overlooking the Pitons. Each villa is 1,400 square feet in size and has a private pool with drop-dead views of the dramatic Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The villa’s décor has a romantic appeal and features porch swings for two over the pools, tree branches fashioned into lamps, vivid mosaic tile work covering the shower walls, and elaborate carvings in the support columns. If you don’t feel like leaving your suite, you will have the option to be pampered with additional services, such as massage therapy, in-room dining, private butler and more.

The Peter Bay Gatehouse, St. John

The Gatehouse at Peter Bay in St. John is situated in one of the most romantic locations overlooking Peter Bay. The villa features two suites – the Honeymoon Suite and the Penthouse Suite, both ideal for romantic occasions. Each suite is 1,200 square feet in size and has a large balcony surrounded by the splendor of virgin Caribbean panoramas. They both have private entrances and come with upscale amenities and spacious living rooms, air-conditioned bedrooms with king size beds, spacious bathrooms and ceiling fans. The Penthouse Suite has a private spa area with a hot tub overlooking Peter Bay.

The Beach House, Turks & Caicos

This is a luxurious beachfront villa just steps from the award-winning Grace Bay Beach. What makes The Beach House ideal for romantic occasions is the magnificent views featured from its direct oceanfront location. The open floor layout of the living room boasts scenic views of the pool and the sea. The pool is just a few steps away from the sandy beach and has plenty of seating and lounging space, perfect for romantic gatherings and entertainment. When you book this home, you can do custom upgrades for an additional fee, such as villa pre-stocking, a private butler and chef, restaurant reservations, arrange tours and activities and more.

If you are interested in these properties or any other in the Caribbean, please let us know 🙂 info@blueskyconcierge.com

BSLC Admin

October 17, 2018

Romantic Activities to Do on St. Lucia

St. Lucia attracts thousands of couples from around the world. This Caribbean island has a romantic atmosphere, and you will never feel bored because there is so much to do and see – azure blue beaches, small fishing villages, waterfalls, rainforests, reefs, lush mountains – these are just some of St. Lucia’s many attractions. Below are our favorite must-do activities.

Dinner Cruises

Dinner cruises are a very popular activity in St Lucia. Depending on your cruise preferences, you can choose from standard to luxury dinner cruise options. There are also party cruises where you can dance to DJ music on an open-air deck under the stars. A standard dinner cruise typically involves sailing on a catamaran up the coast to Marigot Bay, enjoying stunning sunset views and dancing to island rhythms while sampling drinks and appetizers.

Snorkeling

St. Lucia provides the perfect snorkeling conditions for both novice and experienced snorkel adventurers. If you are a first-time visitor, come check out Anse de Pitons. This popular snorkel destination at the base of the Pitons has a very dramatic crescent shape that brings awe and wonder to everyone who comes here. Here the waters are pretty deep so you can see a variety of tropical fish and other marine life. Another very attractive snorkeling spot is Anse Chastanet Beach, where you can enjoy the shallowest waters on the island and still get to see the best of the Caribbean’s underwater world. Another popular way to explore St Lucia’s snorkeling options is taking a tour. There are several tour companies that can take you on a full day catamaran snorkel tour staffed by an expert captain and crew. If you want to take your snorkel adventure a step further you can also enjoy a private St. Lucia full day snorkeling charter where you will be provided all snorkel equipment and choose your own snorkeling spots.

Horseback Riding

Love horses? You and your party are welcome to join a horseback riding tour and explore St. Lucia’s shoreline. Horseback tours include an expert tour guide who will take you on a ride down winding trails in tropical forests. Some horseback tour packages also include a picnic on a beach where you can relax on the soft sand or swim in the warm Caribbean sea.

BSLC Admin

September 20, 2018

Popular St. Lucia Hikes

There is so much to see and experience during your St. Lucia vacation. If you like being active and enjoy the outdoors, you will love the natural wonders this island has to offer. One of the best ways to explore St. Lucia’s nature is by taking a hike. You can do it on your own or with a tour guide. Here are three of the most popular hiking trails:

Tet Paul Nature Trail

This easy to moderate hike takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is recommended to do this hike with a local tour guide who will point out native plants, trees and healing herbs long the way. You will also learn interesting facts about the culture, history and nearby villages. Take your camera because you will have plenty of photo opportunities. The trail features breathtaking 360-degree views of St. Lucia’s highest mountain, Morne Gimme, the plains of Vieux Fort and its lighthouse. You will be able to see the nearby villages of Chousiel, Laborie, Soufriere and even all the way to the neighbor islands of St. Vincent and Martinique. Other majestic views along the way include Jalousie Bay, located on the southern shore of the island, Fond Gens Libre, Choiseul, Maria Island and more. Along the hike you will also walk by a working organic farm. Bring your lunch because there is a small picnic area set up for families and groups to stop by and have a meal.

Gros Piton Nature Trail

The Gros Piton Nature Trail is another popular hike that is suitable for beginners (the first half of the trail) and experienced hikers (the second half of the trail, which includes a steep ascent to the summit of Gros Piton). Along the trail you will be surrounded by tropical vegetation, learn about the history and heritage of the island, go back in time and walk in the footsteps of St. Lucia’s first people, the Amerindians. When you reach the summit you will be able to enjoy the awe-inspiring views all around from St. Vincent to the south and Martinique to the north. This is a four hour roundtrip hike and we recommend hiking it with a local tour guide who will take you to a few extra attractions along the way.

En Bas Saut Trail

Located at the foot of the island’s highest peak, Mount Gimie, this hike is ideal for hikers who like venturing into rainforests and be surrounded by thick tropical flora. Since the location is rather remote you can find unique island flora and fauna and see rare species, such as Saint Lucian Parrot and the Saint Lucian Oriole. The hike is 2.5 miles long and is suitable for more experienced hikers. Another popular attraction along the trail are the Enbas Saut Falls, two small cascading waterfalls with pools. The top falls are about 15-20 feet tall with a relatively deep swimming pool, while the bottom falls are higher at 20-25 feet tall with a shallow pool.

BSLC Admin

September 6, 2018

St. Lucia – the Most Romantic Honeymoon Destination

Looking for an exotic honeymoon getaway where you can enjoy five star accommodations and personal service? If so, St. Lucia is the place to go. Here you will find luxury private retreats for couples with stunning panoramic ocean and sunset views. Since the atmosphere on the island is very intimate you will not find mega resorts here. Instead, all accommodation options are unique and personal focusing on adult only services. Because of its honeymoon nature you will find many island providers that will entice you with their custom all inclusive honeymoon packages. Typically such a package includes:

Warm welcome – guests will get picked up and dropped off at departure. Upon arrival to their romantic home, honeymooners will be greeted with a welcome gift that includes a bottle of champagne.

Luxury accommodations – it can come in the form of a special villa, intimate waterfront cottage or a private junior suite in a beachfront resort. What honeymoon packages have in common is they usually feature an open-floor living space with private outdoor pool revealing unobstructed Piton and sea views, which acts as an extra mood enhancer for the couple. Couples will also have access to very discrete butler service.

All inclusive meals and drinks – when a couple plans a honeymoon of such a fine magnitude they usually enjoy all inclusive meal and drink services, including unlimited reservation-free gourmet dining, unlimited wine and premium spirits, gourmet in-suite dining, treats served along the pool and more.

Water and land activities – Honeymooners are welcome to explore the island’s wonders and underwater world. Honeymoon packages include access to private outdoor activities, such as snorkeling for two, sailing on a private catamaran, kayaking, as well nature hiking, biking and island sightseeing.

Honeymoon bonus items – some resorts include special bonus items you can bring home or enjoy while on the island. For example, some packages include a box of chocolate, photo frame, fruit basket, turndown service with rose petals on the first night, or breakfast in bed with fresh flowers. Other resorts offer additional discounts or a resort credit for the couple.

BSLC Admin

Our Top Three Villa Picks on St. Lucia

Come to this fine island in the Caribbean to experience your ultimate romantic getaway. With its natural splendor, azure blue beaches and luxury accommodations the island of St. Lucia is the best choice for your romantic occasion. The island has two airports offering services for international flights from the U.S. and Europe and services for private jets as well. The island of St. Lucia offers a great selection of romantic and luxurious accommodations. Here are our top picks of the best what the island of Lucia has to offer.

The Suites at Paradise Ridge

Once a part of one of the largest and most famous Soufrière’s cocoa plantations, today The Suites at Paradise Ridge is part of the Ladera Resort set on 1,100 feet above sea level featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the famous landmark of the Pitons. Most of the guests at The Suites at Paradise Ridge come here on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or renewing their wedding vows. All villas are spacious with open-air design and unique Caribbean decor. Each villa is skillfully crafted in Ladera’s signature rainforest style featuring terracotta flooring, Soufrière stone and tile work crafted by St. Lucian masons and columns milled and polished from tropical greenheart wood. All suits also have private pools with custom features such as porch swings for two over the pools.

Beachfront Collection

This one-of-a-kind home situated on the white sands of Sugar Beach is designed by the world-famous British architecture firm Michaelis Boyd Associates and it is one of the most sophisticated beachfront homes in the world. The slick and modern design features floor-to-ceiling windows that open to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The property boasts a custom Italian kitchen with Gaggenau & Miele professional appliances, an outdoor dining area and tons of other amenities that will spoil you and your loved one.

You will also have full access to five star services and amenities. Enjoy a huge infinity edge pool, a rainforest spa, three gourmet restaurants, four bars, a night club and more. There is also a beach club & lounge, and if you come with your little ones they will have access to an amazing kids club. You will have 24 hour access to butlers providing discreet service. To make your experience even better you can also take advantage of the massage therapists and concierge service specialists.

Jade Mountain Resort

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia features an unsurpassed location with lush tropical acres adjoining sandy Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just offshore. This unspoiled serenity is home to five luxurious villas boasting spectacular views of the Piton and sea views from its open floor living area. Jade Mountain Resort provides ultimate privacy, world-class service and access to Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, art galleries, spas, boutiques, and bike and watersport facilities. So if you are looking for the ultimate getaway, look no more.

BSLC Admin

May 18, 2018

Best Activities on St. Lucia

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia is a beautiful island nation with volcanic beaches lining its shoreline and the Pitons on its west coast. Trails in the island’s interior lead to waterfalls. St. Lucia is a popular tourist destination, and there are several luxury resorts on the island. Castries, the capital, is a popular Caribbean cruise port.

One of St. Lucia’s top attractions is Sulphur Springs, also known as the “world’s only drive in volcano.” Located near Soufrière in the southwestern part of the island, the Soufrière Volcano last erupted in the 1700s. Today, it is considered to be a dormant volcano. The water at the center of the springs boils at about 340 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius), and it is possible to drive up right to the edge of the springs. A few hundred yards downstream from the springs, the water temperature is cool enough for people to enjoy a hot mud bath, about 110 Fahrenheit (45 Celsius). These mud baths are believed by some to have medicinal properties, and they attract people from all over the world who hope to heal a variety of conditions, such as eczema, arthritis, sore joints and sun burns.

Another popular St. Lucia attraction that is also located in Soufrière is St. Lucia Botanical Gardens, also known as the Diamond Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden on the island and home to the Diamond Waterfall, which has been described as one of St. Lucia’s natural wonders. Encompassing six acres, the botanical garden is a haven for birds and insects and features an abundance of tropical flora. What makes the Diamond Waterfall truly unique is the fact that it is probably the most colorful waterfall in the Caribbean. That’s because its waters have a high mineral content. Its stream is a mixture of rain water and volcanism fed by the Sulphur Springs. Minerals that are found in the water include sulphur, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium and copper sulphate, all contributing to the kaleidoscope of colors that make up the rock face behind the waterfall. A well-maintained path winds through the botanical garden, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts. Located just 10 minutes from Soufrière, the trail features spectacular views. From the majestic Pitons and Jalousie Bay on St. Lucia’s south shore, to the far away neighbor islands of Martinique and St. Vincent, you can enjoy many fantastic photo opportunities along the way. The hike itself is considered easy to moderate and is great for solo travelers and families alike. Another popular hiking destination are the Pitons, which are two volcanic mountains. Gros Piton rises 2,619 feet (798 m) above sea level, and together with Petit Piton (2,461 ft / 739 m), the two mountains are the hallmark of St. Lucia’s western coast. While it is possible to hike up both mountains, only Gros Piton is legally sanctioned by St. Lucia’s government. Petit Piton is very steep and more dangerous. Gros Piton, on the other hand, is still a challenging hike, but it is considered as not too difficult for most hikers. From the peak, you can see a vast portion of the island.