Winter is taking a backseat to spring, and summer is right around the corner, which means moms are starting to gather ideas for summer vacations. How about a volunteerism vacation? It’s such a great way to give back, it’s culturally enhancing, and (don’t tell your children!) oftentimes its also very educational.
The Reef Resort, a popular family destination, has developed a wonderful volunteerism package. Families will have an opportunity to help the critically endangered Blue Iguanas, known by locals as “Blue Dragons.” These magical creatures need help to survive, as only 20 are left in the wild. The Reef is happily involved with the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, so much so that they have adopted a “blue dragon” named Tootsie. As the name implies, he is quite a character. Read more here and become a Facebook fan to post your experiences with Tootsie when visiting him on your next Grand Cayman vacation.
Read below for package details on The Reef’s new volunteerism opportunity:
The Reef Launches a Cayman Island Submersion Experience
Travelers looking to submerge themselves and experience an authentic Cayman vacation can do so with the Reef’s new Cayman Island Submersion Experience vacation package. Guests will have an opportunity to visit some of the island’s most historic sites both on land and under the sea with excursions to Pedro St. James, Mission House and Wreck of the Ten Sails. Lovers of animals will relish a snorkel trip complete with a fish recognition card and a behind-the-scenes tour to see the critically endangered Blue Iguana in its natural habitat at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. A special volunteer morning is also on the menu, allowing guests to get involved in the local community through different weekly activities such as beach clean-ups and the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme (clean-ups, building cages, feeding etc.) The Cayman Island Submersion Experience includes:
5 nights stay in a beachfront Studio Suite for two
5 day car rental
Guided ocean tour to the Wreck of the Ten Sails with White Sands Watersports
Behind the scenes Blue Iguana tour at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park with Blue Iguana Trail island map
Guided tour of East End/Bodden Town/Savannah including Pedro St James, Mission House and East End attractions
Volunteer morning – get involved in the local community participating in The Reef’s weekly ‘volunteerism’ morning
Daily snorkel rental with fish recognition card
Dinner for two with the Barefoot Man
The Reef will donate $25 to the Cayman National Trust for every package booked
Rates: winter 2010 — US $1,995/summer 2010 – $1,695 for two including taxes (Sunday/Monday arrivals only)
Bicycle Diaries is the musings of a cyclist, and a famed cyclist at that, David Byrne of the Talking Heads. The book is an off-beat, interesting read of an urban bicyclist who for more than 30 years rode a fold-up bike while at home and on tour. Byrne reflects on each destination from Istanbul to Buenos Aires and of course, American cities. He considers American cities car friendly not biking or walking friendly and for the most part he’s right.
A new survey released today is touting “simple” as the new buzzword for 2010. The survey, reported by Bruce Horovitz, 
Can’t wait to see this movie and watching the trailer makes me we want to go now (
We are excited to announce that Peter Stetina has confirmed his entry to the November 22nd Reefathlon event, where he will be gunning for the $1000 prize for breaking the open course record.
Forget knocking on doors and begging for candy. Pack your bags for a Caribbean-styled Spook’in Halloween at 
Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Faveau and the rest of the cast maybe onto something in Couples Retreat. Yes, it’s about a group of friends/couples who escape to an island, one couple for some much needed therapy and the others as a support system. The idea of the movie is sound, as travel is about escapism, reconnecting and frivolity. Where the movie goes astray is the “mandatory” classes as I am not sure of any resort that forces guests to participate in classes or any special events for that matter.
Calling all Lance Armstrong wannabe’s to The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman for the first ever 
Summer is disappearing and the dream of a summer vacation adventure is about to dissapear as well, or is it. Today is the day to book a tropical vacation as many beach resorts are offering huge discounts. If you are looking for a quick escape look to book a destination that has direct flights or is a short flight away to maximize vacation time. One of the most popular and accessible Caribbean getaways on the East Coast is Grand Cayman Island, a unique island offering guests a cosmopolitan stay on 7-mile beach, or an undiscovered adventure on the East End.
Forbes Traveler Picks the 10 Great Family Vacations for 2009 and The Reef Resort makes the grade. Visit to read the full article:
It’s like clockwork, Mother Nature just announced the 2009 hurricane season, and Tropical Storm Andres was the first tropical storm of the season brushing across Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The guys at White Sand make the experience simple and fun. Guests are taken to a secluded beach via bus about ¾ of a mile up the road. Everyone gets powered-up and then heads back down the coast stopping at the best snorkeling spots and fishing holes in the area. Remember, the East End is less disturbed so the clear turquoise waters and plentiful wildlife make it easy to spot nurse sharks, rays, turtles and other cool sea creatures. An hour later everyone is back at The Reef Resort, for a yummy Caribbean cocktail and an exhilarating exchange ensues about the many sea creatures spotted on the journey. The Power Snorkel excursions include transportation, all snorkel equipment, safety vest and a DPV unit. For a mere $40 it is a steal of a deal for this memorable experience.
Seeking deep tan lines, large uncrowded beaches and a tranquil getaway this summer? Oh, and are you also looking to save big? 
Everyone is frazzled, way too much going on in today’s upside down world. Maybe we all need a break, or better yet, an escape.
Booking a trip to Grand Cayman for a family vacation? Pass on the hustle and bustle of 7-mile beach and head over to the undiscovered East End and vacation with the locals.
It takes a village, well in this case, a few million women and their girlfriends to jump-start the travel economy. It seems the folks at Fine Living Network, Gutsy Women Travel and The Women’s Travel Club can all agree on one thing, women are traveling and they are traveling smart, read more here; 
A tip to brides. Did you know Grand Cayman offers some of the world’s best vendors due to the island’s financial prowess? The financial community that has been a mainstay of the island for decades attracting some of the world’s best photographers, caters, florists and more. Brides who are lucky enough to book a wedding (as the resort offers a one wedding a day guarantee) will work with on site wedding coordinator; 