St. John is an island unlike any other. With its acres of protected parkland and unique flora and fauna, there’s a reason people keep coming back to this slice of Caribbean paradise year in, year out. And a destination this unique demands equally unique accommodation, which is why so many amazing St John vacation rentals can be found. Among the many top-tier rentals that grace the island’s landscape, though, the Castle St John stands out among them as one of the best.

What is it about the Castle St John that makes it so unique? How about the location, which borders two national parks and offers incredible views and privacy atop a lush green hill? Or how about the Japanese Zen Garden, perfect for a relaxing, romantic stroll? Or perhaps you’ll be wowed by the life-size chess board on the roof, letting you experience your own Alice in Wonderland moment in the warm USVI sun. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that the Castle St John is full of surprises. Plus, these surprises are contained in an amazing, castle-themed package, with local paintings, mosaics, sculptures, masks, and relics accentuating what is already a very unique rental.

So check out the Castle St John if you’re into unique vacation rentals that are a little off the beaten track. You may never want to leave one of its cozy hammocks again!

Filed under: St. John, USVI
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Though there’s no shortage of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta, the price and the value offered by these rentals can vary greatly. That’s why travelers love units in the Residencial Molino de Agua, one of Vallarta’s hottest developments, since it offers amazing luxury at an unbeatable price, as exemplified by La Iguana del Molino.

La Iguana del Molino is a three bedroom luxury condo that offers travelers the very best of Puerto Vallarta. The most striking feature about the unit is its massive marble balcony – its big enough to feature a large, cozy L-couch, two plants and a coffee table on one side, while the other side features a dining table and 30’ Kitchen-Aid barbeque, with plenty of leftover space to stretch one’s legs. The balcony overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with the waves so close you can practically taste the salt, as well as an Olympic-sized, salt-cleaned infinity pool (which you’ll have full access to). The unit itself, meanwhile, features the same gorgeous marble floors throughout, including all over the massive his and hers bathroom. The main sitting area, meanwhile, includes a massive U-shaped couch that is perfect for entertaining guests, while unique and hand-crafted artwork and furniture graces the unit all throughout.  Two of the bedrooms also have private balconies with mountain and jungle views. The unit also features a beautiful hide-away 60’ flat-screen, iPod docks, Blu-Ray Player, a Vonage payer for unlimited long distance to the US/Canada, and an ever-important security deposit.

It’s no wonder then, that La Iguana del Molino receives such great feedback, especially considering that it’s centrally located in the Romantic Zone, which is home to Puerto Vallarta’s best shops, restaurants and nightlife. So check out the unit if you’re interested in booking a luxury condo that delivers a unique experience at a price that’s not as high as you’d expect, especially if you divide the sticker price by the number of guests it can accommodate.

Filed under: Mexico, Puerto Vallarta
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It’s no secret – Mexico has been getting bad press as of late. While it’s true that there has been increases in drug-related violence, though, it’s a shame that a few incidents along the country’s border have somehow led to the misconception that Mexico is unsafe for travelers. The reality is Mexico is a huge country, and the violence has been isolated and exclusively gang-related, meaning tourists are never targeted and can, in fact, take advantage of this bad press in order to net amazing deals on flights, restaurants, and Mexico vacation rentals in what is still a very safe and welcoming destination.

That’s because tourist hubs like Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Ixtapa, San Miguel de Allende have not only remained completely free of any violence, but because of the bad press, have also cut prices drastically in order to attract more business. These cities have went from being some of the most desirable destinations on earth to losing business to Caribbean resorts, so the time is ripe to take advantage of these deals. For example, you could get a 2 story penthouse in Playa del Carmen for $2,000, which is about the price you’d pay for a 2-bedroom in the Caribbean. The discounts get even deeper if you head to Acapulco, which unfortunately has been even more impacted by the bad press as of late – which is a real shame, considering it’s home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You could get a 4 or 5 bedroom villa in the hills over there for that very same price, and rest assured it’ll be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life. If you head to more authentic Mexican towns like San Miguel de Allende, also, you’ll be shocked at how warm and friendly the Mexican people are, especially now that they know that they’re combating these awful preconceptions. All that combines to make Mexico a better destination than ever.

Of course, if you don’t believe me, speak to some of owners who have properties in Mexico, and they’ll tell you not only how overblown the bad press has been, but also how safe their area is for tourists. The fact is, very few travelers have been caught in any crossfire, and if you compare the safety of Mexican tourist destinations to places where street crime is much more of a problem, such as certain areas of South and Central America, Mexico is an extremely safe option. With all that said, Mexico represents not only a safe destination, but also a great opportunity for travelers looking to take advantage of the misguided perceptions that have resulted from the bad press.

Filed under: Mexico, Tips for Travelers
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