Penny Sheldon

Penny Sheldon Travel

Boise, Idaho

-Each and every resort employee must undergo 120 hours of training each and every year

-We do not have bartenders, we have “showtenders”

-When we open a “specialty” restaurant such as a Thai restaurant we actually bring in a chef from Thailand to stay and work on our property, did you know we have over 155 restaurants in our chain

-Our butlers have a maximum of 4-6 suites that they tend to – other hotels that offer butler service have their butlers tending to over 20 suites at a time

-Beaches Turks and Caicos has been given a 6 star rating

-We host over 13,000 destination weddings a year

-All of our resorts are Green Globe Certified

PEOPLE OF the Caribbean have long preserved an age-old system of herbal and natural healing that dates all the way back to the African heritage of the slaves who were brought to these islands centuries ago. Throughout the years, on isles that were often remote from civilization and devoid of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, it was the homeopathic knowledge and expertise passed down from generation to generation, that would end up promoting health, curing disease and saving lives.

While recent times have shortened distances and brought an influx of modern medicinal practices and practitioners to these countries, still to this day, many Caribbean people rely heavily on the herbal wisdom and natural remedies that they’ve been taught by those nearest and dearest to them. For that reason, naturopathic healing based on indigenous herbs and remedies, continues to thrive across the length and breadth of the region. In the Bahamas alone, over 100 plants are currently being utilized for their curative properties. Jamaicans swear by their home concoctions. Turks and Caicos is renowned for its brand of bush medicine. And the residents of Antigua, St. Lucia and all the other lands across the West Indies all have their own special recipes and knowledge to share.

Although some might be tempted to scoff at these ancient, natural medicines, it might come as a surprise to learn that over 25% of the world’s commercial drugs derive from plant-based chemicals found in the tropics. Also, in the laboratories and research departments of several pharmaceutical giants and cutting edge universities, a vast amount of time and resources are currently being poured into studying many of the same herbs and combinations that have long been preached about and administered by the indigenous Caribbean population. Possible cures for cancer, HIV and a whole host of diseases and disorders may one day emerge from the studies of these humble and homely island remedies.

From elixirs that relieve headaches to poultices that soothe sunburn or skin rashes; powerful aphrodisiac potions that stimulate the libido to teas that calm upset stomachs and banish stomach upset, it seems like virtually every plant in the Caribbean has a hidden purpose and that just about every West Indian has a suggestion to cure what ails you. Here are five of the Caribbean’s most popular and widespread herbal curatives:

Cerasee (Momordica Charantia)

Also known as Karela and Corilla in Antigua and Art Pumkin in the Bahamas, this plant is celebrated throughout the entire region for its purported ability to heal a whole slew of conditions. Whether one eats the scarlet, pulpy coating of this vine’s seed pod; swallows the seeds; or brews this plant into a tea, apparently, according to native herbalists, every single element of Cerasee can be transformed into an ingredient to help one deal with everything from colds and fevers to hypertension and even diabetes.

Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum Officinale)

A stunningly beautiful tree, which blooms in vibrant shades ranging from a rich purple to a vivid blue, Lignum Vitae (aka the “tree of life”) has a very long history as a source of healing. All the way back in the 1700s, this species of flora was considered to be the penicillin of the day. In our modern era, every part of the tree—from its bark and flowers to a resin it produces—is put to use in making teas, baths and ointments that will be implemented to treat everything from body pains to weakness of the back.

Periwinkle (Vinca Varieties Rosea Alba)

Proving that sometimes the most powerful things can come from small and unassuming packages, the reputed properties that this little shrub offers, with its lovely five-petal flower, includes possible cures for leukemia, eye infections and lung congestion. Famed throughout the Caribbean, from Jamaica and the Bahamas to Turks & Caicos and St. Lucia, this diminutive and pretty plant packs a spectacular punch.

Soursop (Annona Muricata)

An unusual-looking fruit, whose leathery green skin is covered with knobby spikes, the Soursop not only offers amazing healing qualities, it also tastes delicious. A truly versatile member of the plant family, the Soursop is reputed to have had success curing the following: insomnia, inflammation, sores, wounds and even drunkenness. Yet what has many scientists sitting up and paying attention to this seemingly innocuous fruit is its possible efficacy in destroying certain cancer cells.

Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria Alliacea)

Well-known throughout the West Indies for its curative aspects, this herb is particularly renowned in Jamaica, where it is also known as Guinea Hen Leaf, Garlic Weed or Gully Root. Used throughout the centuries for its ability to relieve a wide scope of ailments, from diabetes and pain to infections and digestive disorders, Guinea Hen Weed has more recently been gaining repute and stirring up excitement due to the positive results it has had in treating various types of cancer. Currently the focus of numerous studies and trials, this is one herbal remedy that bears watching.

More than likely, you’ve just lined their pockets with more cash than the locals would earn in a month. Take photographs of the bike before you start riding, preferably with the renter in them, so they can’t blame you for imaginary damage costs to the vehicle. And don’t rent from companies that are attached to hotels or guest houses.

7. Motorbike scam No. 2
The motorbike you have hired comes with a lock and two keys: you have one, and your rental company has the other. When you park the scooter and wander off, an enterprising person from the rental company arrives and “steals” your scooter, thus later requesting you pay a large sum of money to replace the “stolen” scooter. As you handed them your passport and you signed a contract, you’re obligated to pay for it. Carry your own lock and key and an old passport to avoid getting sucked into this scam.

8. Bird poop
The surprising splat of bird poop landing on you from a great height is followed by the swift appearance of a stranger who towels you down. In the confusion, valuables are removed from your person, never to be seen again. Another variation on the same scam has someone “accidentally” spilling mustard or other condiments on you.

9. Bar/tea shop scam
Notoriously aimed at male travelers, young local girls approach a tourist and, after gaining trust with some idle chit-chat, you agree to accompany them to a local bar/tea shop. Thrilled at the opportunity to converse with a couple of local lasses, you offer to buy them a drink. On receipt of the bill, the girls are gone, and all you are left with is a massive shock when you glimpse the sum total, which can amount to hundreds of dollars.

10. Hotel scams
As you hop off the train or bus into a strange town and into a waiting taxi, you ask them to take you to a specific hotel. You’re dropped off, hand over the money for several night’s worth of accommodation, you’re persuaded to sign up for a number of day tours then escorted to your hotel room. The hotel’s unusually quiet and it doesn’t seem like the advertised atmosphere. Alarm bells ring: you’ve been duped by the friendly local who talked to you on the bus, and the quick phone call he had to make was to the awaiting taxi, whose driver was very quick to escort you to the hotel of their choice.

Like a well-oiled machine, they worked together to ensure you handed over all your cash immediately, and fleeced you for a couple of tours while they were at it. Many hotels trade on the names of popular hotels and are rarely of the same standard, so make sure you check the name and address of the place before you’re shuffled in to sign your life away.

SAINT LUCIA – HEWANORRA AIRPORT  

Sandals Resorts now boast an Arrivals Lounge at the Hewanorra Airport in St. Lucia.  The lounge has interior seating for 50 guests and exterior seating for approximately 16 guests. Guests are welcomed into our spacious (1,800 sq. ft.), comfortable, air-conditioned Lounge after clearing Immigration and Customs, where they are offered a choice of rum punch, water, coffee tea and fruit punch.  There are also bathroom facilities and guests can relax in the Lounge by watching one of our two 50” flat screen televisions while waiting for their bus transfer.   

Spain-based Iberostar Hotels & Resorts acquired the Hilton Cancun Hotel, which will be renamed Iberostar Cancun. The cost of the initiative, including purchase and renovation, is over $100 million. Effective immediately, the five-star hotel complex located in Cancun is officially owned by Iberostar and marks the brand’s ninth property in Mexico.

The 426-key beachfront hotel offers 16 junior suites, four master suites, two villa beach suites and a presidential suite as well as seven infinity pools, a professional soccer field, two tennis courts as well as a spa with fitness center and beauty salon. It is the only hotel in Cancun with an 18-hole golf course. Over 60,000 square feet of outdoor areas for events and social activities is also available.

Hilton will continue operating the hotel until it officially closes for renovations in August. The hotel, under the name Iberostar Cancun, is set to reopen on Dec. 1 as an all-inclusive property. Renovations include refurbishing the main lobbies, the hotel lobby bar and building new terraces around the pools. In line with Iberostar’s exquisite culinary offerings, property updates will also include a new Gran Buffet and four specialty restaurants — gourmet, Japanese, steak house and Mexican. To further enhance activities and entertainment for its guests, future updates may also include the construction of a new stage/amphitheatre for shows, in addition to a kid’s “Miniclub” water park and a “Teenieclub” for youths. The renovations align with Iberostar’s fundamental pillars of superior service, cuisine and entertainment.

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas marks its 1st Anniversary this month with the completion of a million-dollar renovation project to its Greg Norman-designed golf course; upgrades to the resort’s gourmet dining options; and the addition of 66 luxurious rooms set to debut on April 15.

On April 15, Sandals Emerald Bay will debut the first round of four new suite categories, which, along with additional rooms in multiple other categories, will make for a total of 249 rooms throughout the property by the end of May.
Located in the Seaside Village, the new suites will include: Colossal Penthouse Constellation Suite, a spacious suite with sweeping views overlooking the beach; Colossal Beachfront Walkout Constellation Suite, featuring a separate living area and direct access to the beach via the private outdoor patio; Coco Plum Penthouse Grande Luxe Beachfront Suite, another spacious suite with a four-poster bed, modern décor with silver and blue accents and impressive views and Coco Plum Grande Luxe Beachfront Walkout Suite, a grand room with mahogany furnishings and large patio complete with beach access. All 18 new suites are available for bookings immediately and will also feature butler service.

Timed with the 500-acre property’s first anniversary, Sandals Emerald Bay is also unveiling a large-scale renovation project to Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club. The Greg Norman-designed Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club is an 18-hole, 7,000-yard, par-72 championship course replete with ocean side holes and environmentally-friendly facets. Renovations include new maintenance equipment and irrigation system; as well as a golf lounge, coined the Shark Shack in honor of Norman, with new soft furnishings, interior seating area complete with a poker table, a sandwich and coffee station and an outdoor deck featuring a barbeque pit.