Off Hours: Honduras a Hot Spot for Traveling Single Women

Take time to check out the serene and spectacular Pico Bonito National Park where there are some beautiful natural swimming pools

Living a Balanced Life: Make The Most of Your Business Trip to Honduras

Central American countries continue to gain visibility in the minds of North American travelers – and for good reason – great cultures, great history and a sense of hospitality and friendliness throughout the region. If you’re headed to Honduras to check out newly emerging global services industries there – start by landing in San Pedro Sula – and we recommend you follow the advice of this seasoned traveler, who tailors her message specifically to single women travelers.

Off Hours: Sizzling Lineup for St. Kitts Music Festival

Performers for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival -running from June 25-June 29 – have been announced. Stars include include singer Regina Belle,  dancehall performer Mavado; singer-actor Keith David;  soca stars Edwin Yearwood and Claudette Peters ; reggae great Burning Spear; legendary disco group KC and the Sunshine Band and hip-hop’s T-Pain. Detailed information can be found by checking out the St. Kitts Music Festival link.

The St Kitts Music Festival has risen to become known as one of the best Caribbean music festivals.  Past entertainers include Brian McKnight, Shaggy, Xtatik, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Dennis Edwards & The Temptations Review, Chaka Khan, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Masud Sadiki, Eve, Ashanti, The Grand Masters, NuVybes, Busta Rhymes, Culture, Freddie McGregor, Carlene Davis, Dru Hill, Yolanda Adams, KC & Jo Jo, Crucial Bankie, Dennis Browne, Bobby Caldwell, Kool & The Gang, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, Joe, Percy Sledge, The Manhattans, Morgan Herritage, Arrow, Sparrow, Destra, Ginuwine, Buju Banton, Nas, Kenny Rogers, Machel Montano & Xtatik, Rupee, Stalin, David Rudder, Doug E. Fresh, Ludacris, T.O.K., John Holt, T.I., Boys ll Men, Wyclef Jean, Atlantic Starr, Pieces of a Dream, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Barrington Levy, Lady Saw, Sean Paul, Ne-Yo, Michael Bolton and Big Boi of Outkast to name a few.

Off Hours: Soup Bowl in Barbados Gets High Marks from Surf Legend

Soup Bowl on the East Coast of Barbados is 23 kilometers from Bridgetown

Much like parts of the North Shore on the main island of Hawaii, the East Coast of Barbados still has an atmosphere of remoteness. Single track roads with drive-up beer stalls, family run stores and spartan acommodations make these destinations appealing to anyone who wants refuge from the hyperkinetic first world societies. (BTW, Another quality getaway in this category would be the southeast section of Japan’s Kyushu island, home to the mini-surfing capital of Miyazaki.)

The overlooked east coast of Barbados is starting to get front page attention – like this piece in the Travel Section of the New York Times – and for good reason. Kelly Slater, one of the world’s greatest surfers, places Soup Bowl in Barbados as one of the “top three waves in the world.”

Off Hours Pick of the Week: Otherworldy Accomodations in St. Lucia

Jade Mountain Resort is not your typical five-star Caribbean paradise. Situated among mountain peaks in tranquil Soufriere, St. Lucia, arriving at JMR is like parking your sandals on another planet. If you’re into infinity pools and otherworldly getaways, this is your place. Consulting Chef Allen Susser orchestrates the Mango Madness Festival from June 5-7, where the focus will be on the 1001 Things You Could Do To a Mango Before You Die. If you decide you need to get some real work done on St. Lucia, then you’re in luck. There are a couple of contact center operations based in St. Lucia – just call ahead if you plan to visit. At over US$1,000 a night, staying at JMR on a business trip will require of course some crafty handiwork on your  expense account. For the full effect, check out the video link.

Off Hours Pick of the Week: Sir Viv Richards as Temperance Ambassador

The legendary Cricket master Sir Vivian Richards has teamed with Johnnie Walker, the world’s best-selling brand of Scotch whisky, to stress the importance of knowing your limits. The campaign is an enlightened step and we applaud both Sir Richards and the Johnnie Walker marketing brand leaders for taking a visible role to help reduce drinking and driving hazards.

Now that we’ve addressed the serious issues, ease back and enjoy the skillful play of Sir Richards on the pitch.

Off Hours Pick of the Week: Caribbean sway from Brisbane to the Big Apple

Friends check out the islands surf sounds of the Aussie band Tamarama, who played this week at Webster Hall in New York City. Weather watchers claim the band’s arrival spontaneously caused the mercury to rise in the previously frozen Big Apple.  The lead singer has an amazing likeness to David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. What’s your temperature rating?

The tunes: 

A “Spray of Surf Rock” Says the New York Times