Elite Caribbean Vacations Podcast
The ELITE System: Inspired
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:48 — 56.8MB)
You may be inspired by immersing yourself in
the people, the history, or the food and culture
Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another Elite Caribbean Vacations podcast. I’m your host Nelson Hollins, with Ultra World Travels. Thank you for joining me. I am looking forward to sharing information with you that I believe will be extremely valuable and beneficial in many ways. So prepare yourself for a unique and entertaining experience. And thank you again for coming along on this journey.
Continuing the explanation of the elite system from the last podcast. I will say that this system I created is to help the reader understand what I do, why I do it and how I do it? I created what I call the Elite System, spelled ELITE. Now Elite is an acronym which stands for E for extraordinary, L for luxury, I for inspired, T for trust and E for extravagance.
So in this podcast, I’m going to concentrate on the third letter of the acronym ELITE which is I for Inspired.
Now in chapter 3 the first thing that is mentioned is culture immersion. And I realize a lot of people are interested in cultural activities, connecting with the people of a destination or country. They’re interested in learning more about them about their ways, about what they do on a daily basis, like how they prepare their food, how they interact with other Islanders. It’s an excellent way to go deeper, to get a deeper understanding or a deeper involvement in how other people live.
You look at the Caribbean life style it’s different from, as I would say, of course to a certain extent, in the United States and that’s probably what makes it appealing to individuals that love history, that love exploring, and yes, like I said before, have a great or deep desire to know more about other people and their culture.
And like I mentioned before, people who have a love for history, I believe would really be inspired and enjoy the different flavors of the various inhabitants who’ve lived there. For example, Spanish, French, British, African as well as East Indian influences, along with landscapes, architecture and cuisine that clearly reflect these various histories. If you’re a history buff you would probably be aware of how often many Caribbean countries changed hands in regards to government control. Which is why there are so many different languages spoken in that region. I’m reminded of a trip when I visited the Dominican Republic or the DR and after departing the resort and returning to the airport, while in the transfer vehicle, I was talking a hundred miles an hour, so to speak, and the driver turned around and said no-Englis. And I tell you, that was the most boring, quietest ride to the airport I had ever encountered. I mean you talk about “total silence,” you could hear crickets, and that was all the way to the airport. I was so glad when we got there. And of all times, the internet on my phone wasn’t functioning properly in that vehicle. Because I had a foreign language speaking app on my phone that I was definitely getting ready to use. I was going to show him, hmp, hush me up! Don’t get me started. I wasn’t going to have it. But he sure understood when that tip came out after arriving at the airport. Go figure! I guess money has a universal language, no translation required. You think!
But anyway, like I said in the book, the Caribbean is one big melting pot that enables it to accommodate such a wide variety of interests and tastes! A customized package is the perfect experience to allow you to dive into the culture and truly immerse yourself. To see close up what is done in the field, to what is done in the gardens, as well as in conservation and appreciation for the wildlife. From learning how to cook and prepare special meals, having the fish you caught prepared for your evening dinner. Or you may be inspired by the natural history of the islands, desiring to experience the physical surroundings that may tap your adrenaline from the mountains, the valleys, the beaches and the surrounding crystal waters. Each island is different in its own way and the people are too. Even though they’re right next to each other, there’s still a difference. So it will depend on your level for adventure or discovery.
And do you like rum or chocolate? I love chocolate! And that reminds me of a suppliers webinar I attended where there was a discussion of chocolate being used in so many different ways including massages. So I was curious and asked the question is chocolate infused into food products other than sweets and served in restaurants and I believe I was told, Yes! For unique flavorings in food, chocolate was added to enhance flavors, as I’m sure along with several other spices. After hearing that and even after being reminded of it now, I can’t wait to go back to the Caribbean. I have a lot to make up for. And there is a hotel in St. Lucia named Rabot Eco Estate from Hotel Chocolat which is referred to as the chocolate hotel and they now provide an eco-friendly escape experience.
And I say all that to say, that some people may like chocolate and some may not, but that’s just what it means to be different, being unique. No one is the same, everyone is different and that applies also to the experiences that you’re wanting. I have people that want to have the same experience that somebody else had, and that that can be challenging because there are too many variables. Like when did they go, what was going on at the time, was it for a special event, what time of the year did they travel? So you have to look at what You want to do and having someone like myself to assist you is a plus for you, the customer because I’m interested in uncovering what you want to do, catch that… and what you want to experience and I’m able to assist you in accomplishing that goal. You will have access to me as well as my team of needed. I’m not going to up and disappear after you’ve paid for your travel experience, NO! That’s not how I roll. In the majority of the destinations I service, I have actual connections on the ground, in the destination. And if not, I’m only a phone call away. That’s what sets me apart. So you’re not out on a limb all by yourself. That should never be. But that’s the difference or the confidence or should I say the reassurance that you’re covered. And sometimes the accommodation is the destination. A villa rental, an island rental or a specific resort are all different in what they offer, which is why you need someone knowledgeable about the variety and availability as well as the amenities at each to be able to assist you in selecting the perfect accommodation that will be the foundation of your elite Caribbean vacation; according to your taste, your likes, your dislikes. Your own personal chef to prepare the food and beverages per your requests and that of your guests.
Now I always make this statement and you should know by now, I love to eat. And the chefs in the Caribbean are extremely accommodating. And I say that because I have now personally developed a taste and desire for vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based food options which I am told is definitely not a problem with the various chefs at the resorts throughout the Caribbean. To attest to this, I had the distinct pleasure to speak with Chef Allen Susser of Jade Mountain St. Lucia in the Caribbean, an outstanding chef awarded the James Beard Award, one of America’s most coveted and comprehensive honors for chefs, restaurants, journalist, authors, and other leaders in the food and beverage industry. To help paint a picture of the gastronomic possibilities available, Chef Allen was gracious and kind enough to provide a sample menu of potential dining experiences while enjoying Jade Mountain St. Lucia. Now you’ll have to get the book to complete the picture I am trying to paint, but imagine this just to name a few…for breakfast, served in your sanctuary by your own personal butler, Emerald avocado toast, with heirloom Cherry tomatoes, tarragon, vanilla vinaigrette; caramelized mango pancake, Island banana pancake with coconut Crème Fraiche and Passionfruit Ginger syrup. For lunch, served on the beach, Caribbean Spiced Prawns, Malabar Spinach, Souscaille Red Onion, Roast Cauliflower Tacos, Wild Mushroom Potsickers, Jerk Grilled Range Chicken. Dinner in Jade Mountain Club, served with a carefully selected wine pairing, Emerald Organic Golden Beet Carpaccio, Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon Radish,Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Butter poached st. Lucia lobster, tamarind braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, Emerald estate chocolate rum cake, Star Anise Spiced Cocoa Tea and Toasted coconut ice cream, and that’s just to give you a sampling of what is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Jade Mountain St Lucia. What can I say, decisions, decisions, decisions.
After viewing the sample menu, my interest was peaked by the statement served in your sanctuary buy your own personal butler, which cost me to reach out to another contact of mine in the Caribbean, Richard Moss, senior sales manager, USA with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Richard has become an outstanding contact for me in the Caribbean and I appreciate him greatly for putting me in touch with so many excellent contacts which helped out tremendously with the book project. After having a conversation with Richard, he enabled me to connect and reach out to Karolin Troubetzkoy, executive director, marketing and operations, Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain Resort and the wife of Nick Troubetzkoy, who is the conceptualist, architect and designer of Jade Mountain who together with his team of engineers personally oversaw the entire construction process. His wife presented me an outstanding collection of information concerning the process and the project of constructing the Jade Mountain Resort. You’ll have to get the book for the specifics. Very informative and enlightening. And another exceptional contact for some time now is Ira Bloom, CEO of ÀNI Private Resorts in Anguilla, the Dominican Republic as well as Sri Lanka and Thailand. So stay tuned because I have plans of having him on soon as a podcast guest. The ÀNI Collection of Private Resorts is a 5-Star resort experience which is perfect for destination weddings, wellness retreats, corporate retreats and events. Truly authentic experiences are available when you know where to look and who to ask.
And let’s not leave out having conspicuous consumption. Shop till you drop or to your hearts content, where money of course is no object. Expensive jewelry and wealth on display. The most upscale shops and stores at which to browse and buy. And I made mention of this statement in the book, that some destinations in the Caribbean are where people go to see and to be seen, perhaps like a who’s who list. And that may be something that appeals to you. So there’s something for everyone who are among the one-percenters in the Caribbean. It all depends on your taste and the experience or experiences you wish to create for you and yourself, your family, your friends or even your business associates. So you deserve Elite Caribbean Vacations! And inspiration it’s easy in the Caribbean each island as his home flavor of history and inhabitants. Plus you might be inspired by the culture, natural history, ecology, ocean or any combination. And don’t forget the sweetness in the form of rum and chocolate. would you like to be locations you can experience those things and so much more in an entirely new way. Out of the ordinary and truly authentic experiences! It’s everything you want, exactly when you want it!
Now tell me that wasn’t an ear full. But that was too inspire you, to open up your awareness of what is possible. All things are possible to him who believes. So start believing, start dreaming, start imagining and preparing for what is to come. Be inspired! It’s all about the right choices!
Remember to get a copy of my book, Elite Caribbean Vacations: The Secret to Creating the Vacation of Your Dreams, available now on Amazon. And if you’re interested in exploring an elite Caribbean vacation experience, we’re by appointment only. So go to our website at www.ultraworldtravels.com and that’s Travels with an S, scroll down and click on the link below Let’s Get Acquainted and schedule a complimentary session. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
So until next time, this is Nelson Hollins with Ultra World Travels. Stay tuned for the next Elite Caribbean Vacations podcast. And thanks for listening.
Thx