Green Earth Travel February 26 2004 Get warm! Head on down to the Caribbean!
February 2004


Dear
So it is so cold that you have to start your car an hour before you leave. You have 3 blankets on to cover you at night to keep you warm. You can't feel your fingers because of the frost-bite?

Get away! Head to the Caribbean! This newsletter we are going to focus in all the trips and properties that will help you meet your needs.

in this issue



St Lucia
Grenada a vegan paradise!
Saba a divers delight
Anguilla
British Virgin Islands-Vegetarian Sailing



Grenada a vegan paradise!

When Christopher Columbus sailed by Grenada in 1498, the island was already inhabited by the Carib Indians. The admiral dubbed the island Concepcion, but passing Spanish sailors found its lush green hills so evocative of Andalusia that they rejected this name in favor of Granada. The French then adapted Granada to Grenade, and the British followed suit, changing Grenade to Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da).
The Lodge in Grenada-The only all vegetarian vacation in the Caribbean! Surrounded by sea, mountains and rainforest The Lodge, an old Plantation or 'Great' house, was built in the late 1800s and is set in 2½ acres of grounds. High above sea level, The Lodge is built on the four compass points, in classic Caribbean style, to benefit from the cooling breezes of the Trade Winds.

The Lodge was remodelled in the 1920s to include a veranda, from where a panoramic view of the South West coast of Grenada and the historic harbour town of St George's (said to be the prettiest town in the Caribbean) is set off by the most fantastic sunsets.

At The Lodge we offer two double rooms with full board and accommodation. After a leisurely buffet breakfast and lunch, in the evenings Mark and Mary, both Vegetarians/Vegans for over 30 years, invite you to join them for 'Sundowners' on the Veranda. Then follows a three course dinner in the formal setting of their 'six sided' dining room, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, underneath its canopy of stars, and across to the twinkling lights of St. George's.



Saba a divers delight

On November 13, 1493 Christopher Columbus was the first European who sighted Saba. After that the island was in hands of the French, English, Spanish, and Dutch. Finally in 1816 Holland took possession of Saba. Before the discovery of Columbus in 1493, Arawak Indians used to live on the island, some objects were found to prove this settlement. Settlements were located at Spring Bay in the Northeast and in the places, where the present villages are. The pottery found in The Bottom can be dated 800-1000 AD. Artifacts of this period and other objects can be found in the State Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, The Netherlands.
Julianas Hotel Like Saba, Juliana's Hotel is small and intimate, a place to escape for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Our warm friendly staff will quickly get to know you and your preferences giving you a level of personal service and individual attention unsurpassed anywhere on the island. You should not have any difficulty conveying your requests since our staff is well versed in French, Dutch, and English.

Surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens, Juliana's Hotel offers a variety of rooms suited to each individual's preference, from the budget minded traveler to more luxurious accommodations such as having your own fully equipped cottage to yourself. Each of our rooms are unique in its architectural design, comfort level, and the magnificent views one can only experience by staying at Juliana's. All rooms are only steps away from Tropics- The Natural Café, which serves a range of nutritious wholesome foods and delicious lunch specials. Guests can end their day of adventure by relaxing poolside and enjoying the best mango daiquiris on island.

Tropic's - The Natural Café has reopened with a completely fresh look and a new focus on all things natural and healthy. The menu will reflect the fact that "you are what you eat" and will be based around a range of fresh and nutritious wholefoods as well as mouth-watering fresh fruit & vegetable juices and smoothies. Also on offer will be tempting breads, homemade desserts & muffins, specialty coffees & herbal teas and delicious daily lunch specials. An of course the bar will still be serving the best mango daiquiris that money can buy!!



Anguilla

Before the Europeans came to this island, the Arawak Indians had called it arrow shaped…..Malliouhana. They had dwelled on Anguilla since AD 600 ,as was deduced by an archaeologist who found a vase that dated back to the said date. The Indians had constructed a ceremonial worshipping site to be used by Arawaks from the north eastern Caribbean inside of an underground cave, located at Shoal Bay. The cave is 70 feet deep and an excellent source of fresh water, in it was found a 16 foot,carved, petroglyph ( a figure carved from stone). The figure depicts the Supreme God of the Arawaks; Jocahu , "Giver of Cassava", the main crop grown by the Arawaks.Twelve other petroglyphs can be found in this cave called The Fountain.
CuisinArt Resort & Spa is a touch of the Mediterranean in the Caribbean. The architecture features a distinct Greek aesthetic…whitewashed masonry, graceful arches and vibrant blue domes…all laid out along a perfect white sand beach. Here there is a distinct emphasis on quality…from the vegetables and herbs grown in the resort's hydroponic garden (and used in the kitchens), to the full service Spa with its wide array of treatments and pampering services. As well as surrounding you in beauty, the resort surrounds you with fitness and relaxation options such as three lighted tennis courts, an 'infinity edge' swimmming pool, Bocci court, Jacuzzi, snorkeling, championship croquet field, windsurfing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing and sailing. Their fitness center has free-weights and state-of-the-art weight and cardiovascular equipment plus personal training sessions and yoga. A botanical oasis of gardens and landscaping lines the walkways plus there is a herb garden, orchid flower solarium and rare-plant house. Available for the novice gourmet, the resort offers cooking classes taught by the executive chef as well as other featured chefs.

Rooms are luxuriously appointed with Italian fabrics and fuirniture from around the world and feature large bathrooms with Italian marble and deep bathtubs. Outstanding menus from a world class chef are yet another delight. Everything at CuisinArt is designed with your well-being and comfort in find.



British Virgin Islands-Vegetarian Sailing

Columbus came across the Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. He named this bountiful archipelago, Islas Virgines, likening their untouched beauty to the legend of St. Ursula and the 11,000 virgins who followed her to martyrdom. Columbus' sights though, were on the larger islands of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola where he hoped to find gold.
Vegesailing is a healthy alternative to the typical vacation. We take one to six people at a time on a fully equipped yacht in the beautiful blue Caribbean waters, for an all-inclusive vegetarian sailing trip. For your next vacation, if you want to try something unique, enriching, unforgettable and most of all, healthy, then this is the ideal solution.

You may be a veteran sailor or know nothing about sailing. Regardless of your past sailing experience, you will discover the joys of sailing in one of the most beautiful group of islands in the world. You will be part of the crew and the skipper may need your help with docking, picking up moorings or hoisting and trimming the sails. You will decide where you want us to go or you can let us make up the itinerary. When we aren't actually sailing, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the dozens of activities the islands have to offer.

Whether you are a seasoned vegetarian, a strict vegan, just looking for a break from your normal eating habits, or if you want to become a vegetarian for health or ethical reasons, this is the perfect vacation for you. We have profound knowledge of vegan and vegetarian concerns, so if you are already vegetarian, you can be sure that your food requirements will be respected. If you aren't vegetarian, you will be amazed by the wonderful and wholesome foods that the cook will always have on the menu



St Lucia

St Lucia, known as "The Helen of the West", is located approximately 1,300 miles southeast of Florida, in the Windward Islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles. The mountainous, mango shaped island covers over 238 square miles and is about 27 miles long and 14 miles at its widest. It lies 21 miles south of its nearest neighbor Martinique and 24 miles north of St. Vincent.
Soufriere is a picturesque town, located on the southwest coast of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Many natural attractions, like the sulphur springs, rainforest, waterfalls, botanical gardens, pristine coral reefs and the world famous Piton mountains are found in the area. Since Soufriere is still relatively isolated, the town has kept its typical Creole flair. It is a perfect base for the adventurous traveler. There are 2 properties in St Lucia that specialize in vegetarian cuisine. Mago Estate and Stonefield Villas.

Mago Estate Hotel Caribbean Shangri-La One of the most beautiful places you will ever see. A dominating property on the Soufrière hill side, facing south, overlooking one of the Pitons, the famous Caribbean landmark, Soufriere, the old capital under the French, and the bay of Soufriere with yachts and cruise ships from all over the world lying at anchor. From a castle-like position you see and will listen to real tropical life. Far away from the crowds, you are the star in your own unique tropical dream, amidst the flourishing rain forest of Saint Lucia. Mango trees, mahogany, papaya, maracuya, banana, bougainvilla, hibiscus. Hummingbirds breeding one day in your bedroom, the next day in the restaurant.

Nestled at the base of Petit Piton, the taller of St. Lucia's dramatic twin mountain landmarks, is historic Stonefield Estate Villas. This former cocoa plantation has been tastefully transformed into a comfortable hideaway for families, friends and couples seeking to get in touch with nature and themselves. The estate's plantation house and cottages are surrounded by lush, tropical greenery, yet sufficiently separated to ensure complete privacy. Each of the cottages has its own distinct character.