Blog Archive

BSLC Admin

June 9, 2020

Caribbean Locations for Trips with Friends

Once the world gets back to normal and it’s safe to stop considering trips from our bedroom to our kitchen “vacations”, there are two things I’m sure we’ll all want to do: hang out with our friends (in person) and travel (around the world). One of the best destinations to bond with your besties has to be the Caribbean. The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultures, with 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories in the mix. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, traverse the great outdoors, or anything in between, these five locations truly deliver in terms of making the most out of quality time.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island is a quick getaway for East Coasters ideal for many reasons—the biggest one being that it’s entirely surrounded by water. The island’s lifestyle revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating by it, drinking by it, and fishing in it. Plus, a large amount of vacationers from NYC that always make their way here give the island a pretty sizable social scene. Fine dining and nightlife can be found at the luxury resorts on the shoreline. When it comes to your vacation headquarters, I’m partial to Rosalita, a new beachfront villa. Rosalita sits on beautifully landscaped oceanfront grounds. The villa features six bedrooms and sleeps twelve guests. Five of the bedrooms are located in the villa’s main house. The sixth bedroom is located in the guest house and features a king bed. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and four have alfresco showers. Both the master and the guest house bedroom suites have private terraces with fantastic views, while the other bedrooms have private entrances from the veranda or garden.

Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia

Once you arrive in Sugar Beach, you won’t want to leave. Surrounded by St. Lucia’s twin volcanic Pitons, the Beachfront Collection villa blends seamlessly into Sugar Beach’s untouched beauty, with sweeping views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. This four-bedroom villa has an infinity pool and suites has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for an unobstructed view. You and your friends can relax, take in the epic views and enjoy the private walled garden. Make sure to connect with Blue Sky Luxury Travels to make plans ahead of time, we can arrange for private chef and spa services and luxury catamarans for a day on the water.

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John is an exclusive enclave that offers the convenience and flexibility of staying within the U.S., with the tropical splendor of the Caribbean. Located on the north shore of St. John, Estate Solenborg is a luxury Caribbean vacation rental villa overlooking the Sir Frances Drake Passage and Denis Bay. This secluded estate is a private paradise with seven bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and ocean views. Gather with friends and enjoy the luxe modern design, two heated pools, an expansive terrace, and outdoor living and dining areas.

Sailing Catamaran, British Virgin Islands

Island hopping in the BVIs is the ultimate way to enjoy the Caribbean with friends. Ten guests can explore the coves, go diving, fishing, and paddleboarding among the islands in the spectacular Bella Vita sailing catamaran. This super luxury catamaran offers an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter experience with a crew of six. It was formerly named Necker Belle, was owned by Richard Branson, and won a World Superyacht Award in 2010. In true Branson spirit, the Bella Vita was built to maximize fun, featuring a spacious trampoline, a diving board, and a unique crow’s nest that can lift you to the top of her mast.

West End, Anguilla

With easy access to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and Antigua, Anguilla attracts a high-end, sophisticated crowd. It also boasts more than 30 beaches (some of the best in the entire Caribbean), a wealth of fine dining and enough outdoor activities to satisfy any nature lover. For groups who want the ultimate private villa and spa experience, the Four Seasons Villas are the only choice. The oceanfront villas with private pools combine the privacy of a villa with the luxury of a world-class resort. Your group of up to 13 guests can relax at the indoor and outdoor bars while the Four Seasons’ legendary staff caters to your every desire. Whether you want to spend your days relaxing at the beach club, working on your cardio on private tennis courts or vacationing like celebrities in a private spa, the Four Seasons Villas certainly won’t disappoint. Savor tailored luxury, privacy and service on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

BSLC Admin

July 31, 2019

Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Announces Rebrand to Blue Sky Luxury Travels

Top Caribbean Luxury Travel Provider Expands Services and Scope for Worldwide Reach

Today, Blue Sky Luxury Concierge, Inc., the leading provider of luxury travel services in the Caribbean and Bahamas, announced the company’s rebrand to Blue Sky Luxury Travels. The comprehensive rebrand elevates the focus on bespoke travel planning services to individuals, families, groups, and corporations across the globe. With the rebranding effort, the company will continue to offer personal travel planning, while investing further in both global expansion and expert support for corporate clients.

The new corporate name for the longtime trusted travel provider signals a shift in the company’s vision and strategy in the travel market. “The Blue Sky Luxury Travels name represents the expansion of the company’s reach, increasing the service level at every touchpoint of the customer travel experience. “We are proud of the new vacation and corporate retreat offerings we are building for our clients as we work to become the foremost boutique luxury travel group worldwide,” said Shanna Dickerson, Blue Sky Luxury Travels CEO. “From our humble beginnings in 2010 as a grocery delivery service on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands to today’s global full-service travel experience design company, Blue Sky has grown with our customers’ needs. This new name reflects the company’s worldwide reach, and now we can bring the personalized service of our experienced team to each step of our clients’ travel planning process.”

In addition to the company’s core offerings of full-service luxury concierge travel and event planning, Blue Sky provides housing logistics for corporate clients. Blue Sky Global Logistics is the company’s newest division, providing corporate and workforce housing for disaster relief staff. They are currently at work in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico housing workers who are helping to rebuild and restore areas affected by natural disaster.

Blue Sky has also expanded their villa rental portfolio and now offers properties throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Fiji, and South Carolina. Every day, Blue Sky spotlights a different villa on the company’s popular Blue Sky Luxury Villas Facebook page. The company provides tailored and unique itineraries for personal travel and corporate retreats, including yacht charters, and private island rentals. The Blue Sky Luxury Travels blog publishes all types of information, travel tips, memories and suggestions to empower informed luxury travelers.

“Blue Sky helped us to plan our most successful company retreat from start to finish. Their planning advice was invaluable, their recommendations were spot on, and their service and support were smooth and professional throughout the entire outing. Blue Sky helped us with finding the ideal accommodations for our group, meal planning and reservations, transportation throughout our stay, arranging group activities (on land and on the sea!), and designing team-building events. I would highly recommend them for any corporate event and would love an excuse to use them again!” writes Scott Berman, President, HawkPartners.

Blue Sky Luxury Travels stands ready to assist individuals, families, weddings, and corporations with every aspect of travel and event planning. The Blue Sky business is connecting people to their travel destinations wherever that might be. The company has perfected this model to be an all-inclusive operation with an emphasis on client service, offering personal attention and availability around the clock. Blue Sky Luxury Travels provides outstanding service, enabling people to create memories and better enjoy their travel experiences.

BSLC Admin

February 23, 2019

Popular Belize Landmarks

The sunny sky, warm water, and beautiful white sand beaches are reason enough to visit Belize. This small Caribbean nation has so much more to offer though. Here we will outline some of the most popular land attractions you must visit while in Belize.

Caracol

Located 500 meters (1,650 ft) above sea level, Caracol is the largest Mayan site in Belize. The Caracol Mayan Ruins consist of 35,000 buildings that used to be a large Mayan city around 650 AD with an estimated population of almost 200,000, which is more than twice the size of the Belize City population today. Most of this ancient city is underground, but a small fraction of buildings left on the surface talks about the city’s majesty. The largest structure is the pyramid Canaa, meaning “Sky Place,” at 43 meters (143 ft), which is the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize. From the top one can see all the way to Guatemala. Caracol Mayan Ruins is also home of a variety of wildlife, such as ocellated turkey, keel-billed toucans, and the legendary mot-mot.

Lamanai

Once a major city of the Mayan civilization, Lamanai is a popular archaeological site, located in northern Belize. Getting here is a scenic adventure on its own and involves a 26-mile boat ride up the New River Lagoon departing from Orange Walk Town. Lamanai encompasses 950 acres and is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial sites, featuring more than 100 minor structures, a ball court and about 12 major buildings – the most popular among them are the Temple of the Mask, the Maya Sun God, the Temple of the Jaguar Masks and the High Temple. Contrary to the typical Mayan layout, which consists of plazas around a ceremonial structure, this site’s layout is quite different – most ceremonial buildings were built along the west bank of the New River and the New River Lagoon. The ancient ruins at Lamanai are not completely uncovered yet, and archaeological projects continue to work on the restoration of the larger structures of the High Temple.

San Pedro Town

San Pedro Town is located in Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. The town is the typical laid-back beach town with no high-rises or traffic, making it a very attractive destination for travelers. The town offers family-style accommodation options. Even if you don’t stay in town, most of the resorts are within a mile from town. San Pedro also has a great choice of restaurants and bars.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is known as the world’s first jaguar preserve. It is home to 60 out of 700 Belize jaguars and a must-visit for nature lovers. Here you can see beautiful waterfalls, unique flora and fauna and spend a day hiking off the beaten path, where seeing wildcats, tapir, deer, and other wildlife is not unusual. There is so much to do and see here that visitors usually stay longer. The park has basic accommodation options – cabins and campgrounds – so this is something to consider if you would like to spend more than a day here.

BSLC Admin

February 7, 2019

Introducing a new Caribbean Destination – Anguilla

This year we are fully dedicated to expanding our presence in the Caribbean and are proud to present a new destination we invite our guests to check out – the island of Anguilla. This little Caribbean island has everything you are dreaming of – azure blue waters, a laid-back atmosphere, white sand beaches, warm tropical breezes, and five-star resort services and accommodations. Come here to escape the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the numerous activities the island offers to its visitors.

The island of Anguilla has 33 beautiful beaches, and most of them are quite remote. Even popular beaches like Shoal Bay East are often empty, so don’t be surprised if you have the beach all to yourself. The best way to hop from beach to beach is by car, so if you plan to do beach exploring we recommend renting a car. Another popular water activity is to spend the day on a sailboat. A popular tour will take you to Little Bay, only accessible by boat. There you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. For just a $10 boat ride your island adventures will continue with a trip to Sandy Island, a very suitable name for this island because there is only sand and one restaurant serving seafood here.

In addition to the abundance of water activities and adventures we recommend you to take a day and explore the popular historic site of Fountain Cavern National Park, which is home to numerous petroglyphs created by the Arawaks around AD 300. The most impressive petroglyph is the head of Jocahu, the Arawak God of Creation, carved from a stalagmite. The Fountain Cavern National Park is believed to have been a major regional worship site and a place of pilgrimage for the Amerindians.

Sold on visiting the island? Ok, let’s talk about where to stay. Most of the accommodation options on Anguilla are private villas, so we recommend avoiding hotels because they can get quite busy. Staying at a private villa will give you resort-like services and amenities in a private setting. Our first choice of accommodation is the villas at Four Seasons, set along the island’s northwest shore, atop coralline bluffs overlooking two of Anguilla’s most pristine beaches. The resort has 3 to 5 bedroom villas that can accommodate up to 13 guests.

If you are interested in visiting Anguilla and need help arranging your vacation, please let us know 🙂 info@blueskyconcierge.com

BSLC Admin

January 11, 2019

How I Stay Fit on the Road

One of the things that people most often ask me is how I stay in shape while traveling so much. When I’m at my home base in Charleston, South Carolina, I play lots of tennis and lift weights at the gym. But for most of the year, I’m island hopping, staying in private villas in the Caribbean and meeting with clients. I love to kayak, hike the trails of St. John, and go stand-up paddle boarding, but none of those things really build muscle tone. That’s why I’ve developed a bodyweight fitness routine that I can do anywhere. The only equipment I need is a pair of athletic shoes and a towel. Oh, and a great energizing playlist!

Here’s how I do it. I turn on the music and set a timer for 25 minutes, then fold a towel into a rectangle and place it on the floor. I alternate a variety of exercises for different muscle groups, changing up the choices each time. I do each move for 25 reps then move on immediately to the next.

I just pick one from each group to keep challenging my muscles.

Legs: Squats, lunges, wall squats, jump squats
Upper body: push-ups, superman lifts, back v’s, handstand jumps
Abs: bicycle crunches, planks, v-sits, reverse crunches

The key is to keep moving for the whole 25 minutes. I’ve found that this workout keeps me toned and strong even when I can’t get to a gym for weeks on end. I’ve compiled a few of my exercises into this video so you can see how it works.

I always pack my favorite workout clothes to make my routine something to look forward to. Here are a few of my favorites that you’ll see in the video:

I love Athleta Tops, they’re cute, sporty, and supportive yet feminine. They come in lots of colors to keep it interesting. I like the Transcendence Bra top, the fabric is soft and breathable, and the strappy back is fun. The Powervita Hyper Focused Bra is another favorite, with a cool strap design and a wide range of colors.

Oiselle Tights are a staple for me- they are super-functional, with hip pockets and a lightweight fabric that stretches with every move. I like that they have a zippered pocket for my phone. That’s a workout essential for me since I like to bring it with me to the gym while keeping my hands free.

And I never leave home without my Nike training shoes. I like the Flex 7 Training shoe since it’s lightweight and packable, but super-supportive so I can use it not only for my daily strength training but also for hiking. Plus, they’re cute enough to wear for a walk around town, and they can handle the hilly paths of St. John. If you’re looking for more Caribbean fashion and lifestyle tips, please check out our new Instagram account: Blue Sky Luxury Living.

I’m always looking for new ideas to stay in shape while traveling. Do you have a favorite way to work out on the road? Let me know in the comments!

BSLC Admin

November 29, 2018

Best Caribbean Destinations for 2019

Planning a luxurious Caribbean vacation in 2019? We are the experts in luxury travel to the Caribbean and we can help you narrow down your choices. Visiting St. John is a must. The island has gone through an extensive renovation in 2018 and there are brand new luxurious villas and amenities waiting for you. After hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, many of the island’s beaches have now been cleaned up and are ready to accommodate visitors. Restaurants and businesses have reopened and the island is coming back to life. St John has always been a top destination choice for those looking for ultimate privacy in the comfort of a luxurious vacation villa. The island is suitable for a variety of occasions, such as a couples’ getaway, corporate gatherings and parties, celebrating anniversaries and weddings, etc.

If you are planning a wedding or have another romantic occasion, St. Lucia is your ideal romantic getaway. The island is known as a great place to visit if you want to combine five star romantic accommodations and personalized service. The island focuses on adults only services, and you will find secluded romantic cottages and villas offering all you need to make your vacation the most romantic trip of your life. So if you would like to take your romantic getaway to the next level, contact us and we will arrange all accommodations and perks you dream of.

Are you planning a visit the Caribbean with your family? If so, the Bahamas is a great vacation destination. Everybody loves the Bahamas. Its white sand beaches, stunning underwater world and exciting water parks make this archipelago the perfect family destination. When it comes to a family vacation, Nassau is the family hub. There are many excellent accommodations and a huge choice of activities and things to do, specifically focusing on families. The Bahamas are also very easy to reach both by cruise ship or air. If you fly from Florida it will take only an hour to get to the Bahamas. There is a huge choice of accommodations on the Bahamas, from resorts to private villas and cottages.

BSLC Admin

November 16, 2018

Celebrate Christmas Holidays in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for the Christmas holidays, and all the islands offer a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty to do and see. There are many carnivals and festivals around this time of year, so bring your slippers and swimming suit and get ready to celebrate Christmas Bahamian-style. Here are some Christmas events you may want to put on your must-see list while in the Bahamas this time of year.

Abaco Christmas Festival

This is a very popular family festival that takes place every year on the first Saturday in December. Shop until you drop at the Arts & Crafts Bazaar where you can get a head start with your Christmas gift shopping. There is a delicious food court area with booths selling delicious local foods, pastries and beverages. During daytime you can also hear performances from choirs, quartets, soloists, marching and calypso bands. If you stay until the evening you can enjoy a top performance of illustrious sounds of Junkanoo, featuring colorful costumes and the intoxicating beat of goat skin drums.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Exumas

Come visit Regatta Park in George Town on December 6 at 7:00 pm for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This event is perfect for the entire family, and you can sing carols and see performances by local talents. The highlight of the evening is when the park is transformed with thousands of Christmas lights and the Christmas tree is lit.

Boxing Day

Dedicated to the slaves, the name of this holiday is connected to the fact that slaves were given the boxes left over from their masters’ gifts. These were precious boxes usually sent from England and were well-crafted from fine wood. The highlight of the day is the Junkanoo parades that take place on some of the islands. If you are in Nassau, the Junkanoo Festival is one of the most exciting events of the year. The festival features groups of Bahamians dressed in handmade costumes and dancing the whole night through the streets of downtown Nassau. Dances are a mixture of European brass and traditional African instruments.

Creative Nassau Market

The Creative Nassau Market takes place throughout the year, but becomes a very popular destination around the Christmas holidays. Here you can buy a wide range of unique handmade Bahamian products, such as straw items, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, music, clothing, pet wares, local fruit popsicles and drinks, and so much more!

Authentic Bahamian Christmas Craft Show

This event is being held by The Ministry of Tourism in Governor’s Harbour and takes place on November 24 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. An array of handmade crafts and goods will be available for sale, and there will be a farmers’ market, a native designer fashion show and much more. For your enjoyment there will be live entertainment, foods and drinks as well.

BSLC Admin

October 25, 2018

Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas

Visitors to the Bahamas come here for different reasons – from escaping the hustle and bustle of the big cities to finding an idyllic spot to enjoy the archipelago’s electric-blue waters. There is so much to do and see here that no one will ever be bored. A unique and one-of-a-kind activity the Bahamas is known for is swimming with pigs, so this is a must do for everyone who comes here. If you’re staying in Nassau or the Exumas you can easily book this activity. You will be picked up from your hotel or villa, and your adventure will start with a boat tour through the Exuma Keys. This is a full-day adventure and there are several tour companies that will take you there. Tours usually depart around 8:00 a.m. and return between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

It is unknown how pigs came to the Bahamas since they are not native to the islands. It is believed that pigs were left on the uninhabited Big Major Cay by sailors who were planning to return to the cay later and cook the pigs. Others believe that pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby. A third theory is that locals relocated the pigs to Big Major Cay in anticipation of a slowdown in the economy during the Gulf War. Whatever the truth is Big Major Cay is now home to more than 20 pigs and piglets attracting thousands of tourists every year. The area the pigs live is called Pig Beach for obvious reasons. The pigs are very friendly and love making friends with visitors. This unusual activity even attracts celebrities, including Gabrielle Union and Amy Schumer, and the pigs even appeared in an episode of The Bachelor. In addition to swimming pigs you can see Bahamian Rock Iguanas who live on this secluded island.

Tour groups are small and lunch and drinks are usually included with your ticket. During your visit you will have the opportunity to enjoy swimming at Pig Beach, which is very remote and scenic. Here you can swim in the same waters the pigs swim and can even feed them. Pigs love all natural foods and your tour guide will provide carrots, watermelons, grapes, lettuce and other natural foods. Avoid processed foods such as bread and starchy foods since they are unhealthy for the pigs. Since pigs have poor eyesight, they may confuse your camera for food, so best is to keep a distance and take pictures from a distance instead of selfies.

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

October 11, 2018

Popular Hikes in Antigua

As you may know Antigua is the ultimate beach paradise, but outdoor adventures don’t end there. There is plenty more to do and see in Antigua. If you are into hiking you will discover there are a good number of coastal hikes, as well as hikes in the southern hills. Most of the trails are easy to moderate, but experienced hikers can test their skills with some challenging hikes too.

Desmond’s and Carpenter’s Trail Loop

This easy 1.5-hour loop will take you up to Shirley Height in the English Harbour area. The walk begins at Galleon Beach, and the Desmond’s Trail starts at the main road approximately 100 meters before the resort gates at Calabash Beach. It takes about half an hour to climb up along one of the ridges from where the views of English Harbour are simply stunning. There you will find a small trail down to the sea featuring scenic views of the cliffs between Shirley Heights and Indian Creek. As you reach the bottom of the slope the trail turns back to Galleon Beach. As you keep walking you will see beautiful rock pools and magnificent coastal scenery. Bring your camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities on this trail!

Middle Ground Trail

This relatively easy hike is one of the favorite trails of adventurous hikers. The trail leads along the ridge of the Windward Bay Peninsula. The walk is easy, but there is some steep climbing at the beginning. You will also walk through bushes along the ridge from where you will have picture-perfect views to Falmouth Harbour, Windward Bay and Nelson Dockyard. This trail is popular among residents and visitors alike and is frequently used as a popular morning or evening jog or walk destination.

Jones’ Valley Trails

Jones’ Valley Trails are two popular and easy trail paths that takes less than two hours to complete roundtrip. Both start at the Galleon Beach and they split at about a quarter of the way on and rejoin at about the ¾ mark. One of the trails continues north, while the other continues south. Even though you will not get the typical awe-inspiring views here, both paths are very popular among tourists because they let you walk off the beaten path and enjoy the nature outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shirley Main Road

This is a moderate trail to walk or bike on a good asphalted road. Morning and evening are popular times here, so you may see other folks enjoying this trail too. The last part of the portion is steep and fun to cycle, but when you go back you will have to bike the steep portion back up.