The Dominican Republic - an island of Beauty!

Oh the island of Hispaniola lies the beautiful country of Dominican Republic.   The island is shared with the recently ravished country of Haiti.  But back on topic - The DR.  This island nation is known for it's ballplayers, cigars, music and beautiful people.  Soaring mountains and amazing beaches draw in hundreds of thousands of tourists per year as well.

Beaches

Aura Beach House at Juan Dolio is, by far, the sexiest lounging spot for sophisticated beach-goers who want to simply pass the day at the beach but definitely don’t want to rough it. Let’s face it. All you want to do is get wet and then get hot in the sun, right? That makes Aura an ultra-sexy spot. Beds canopied with white fabric give optional shady spots (or privacy).  Photos of Aura Beach House


(amazing beaches)

Resorts

If you're in the mood for nude you should check out Caliente Caribe Resort and Spa.  This all inclusive resort is classy and very well reviewed by those who go.   Drinks, food, entertainment and the sunny beach are all included in one price.  Most rates run about $200 and up per person per day to stay here but deals can be found.  Check them out at:  Caliente Resorts.

(Caliente Resort)

Island Beauty

The island has abundant beautiful in the way of beaches, waterfalls and mountains.  Pico Duarte is the highest peak in all the Caribbean islands standing at a high 10,164 feet!    Also the nation has some of the best golf courses to be found anywhere in the world!  And with it's favorable climate they're open all year round.

(another island beauty)

   
For more good information on the Dominican Republic check out this site:  DominicanRepublic.com.

Will Jamaica's recent troubles spell travel deals to come?

Jamaican tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, has estimated that Kingston’s troubles have cost his country’s tourism sector $350 million U.S. Bartlett has announced a $10-million “promotional and advertising campaign,” which was set to start this week, to try to combat the negative images of blood in the streets.

“It is not going to be a quick fix,” Bartlett warned. “We think that we need at least nine hard months out there to bring it back because the nature of the damage that has been done out there to the brand is very extensive.”

That could mean some terrific bargains for savvy shoppers.

(places like Rick's Cafe in Negril are doing fine despite the troubles in Kingston)

 Canadian officials have warned citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Kingston and exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica in general. But there’s been little suggestion of trouble in resort areas away from the capital.

Time will tell what the recent events in Jamaica will do to the islands tourist industry.  I would have NO problem heading back myself and we do plan on returning this fall. 

Giovanna at Hedo III in 2008

Here's a model from Panama that found herself in Jamaica's Hedo III in 2008.  With our days of Hedonism III winding down I guess I'm feeling sad.  Long live Hedo III and the photos shoots that were taken there.

*click on any photo to blow it up*

________

Smooth Girl Magazine #14: Jessica (4th Annual Live from Jamaica Issue)

A funky CD called "Negril Chill"

Are you a smooth jazz lover like we are?  Are you a lover of Negril?  

Here's your fix!

Negril Chill MP3 Album for $9

This CD has 9 songs on it and it was released in 2005 despite the older looking album artwork.  :-D   Tracks include remakes of:  Jamming, Baby I Love You Way, Red Red Wine, Is This Love and more.   It's in my Amazon shopping cart!

3.31.11 Update - I did purchase this album and it's all MP3's.  I got it playing now and I really love it.   I'm going to legally burn all 9 songs onto a CD then play it at home on our Bose sound system while enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Expedia Opens Gay Travel Online Store

As of May 20th, 2010 travel for the gay and lesbian community has gotten a little easier thanks to Expedia.com.  They've opened up an online store aimed at helping the community find easy travels. 

Together with IGLTA, Expedia is helping customers find hotels associated with IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association).  For example:  In Miami, the Standard makes the list but the new W doesn’t.  In the United Arab Emirates, there’s only one gay-friendly hotel listed.  There are no gay-friendly hotels, according to the site, in Africa.

Check them out for yourselves at:   Expedia.com Gay Travel

Vacation Barefoot's picture tour of Hedo II

 Here's our Youtube video clip about Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica. 

It's the one place on earth where I feel most at peace.

Watch what you ask for! Seattle mayor get's the town's wish list.

New Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn asked residents for their ideas about what the city needs, and a lot of them apparently want legalized marijuana and a nude beach!   The residents voted and this is what they want...

1. An expansion of light rail.
2. Legalized pot.
3. A clothing-optional beach for sunbathing

 Seattleites aren’t letting a little rain stop them from wanting to let it all hang out when they head to the beach.  Will the new mayor give into the demands of the city?  Time will tell.  To check out the official web site click here:   Ideas for Seattle