WHAT IS THE CARIBBEAN ESCAPE? The Caribbean Escape - Summit at The Westin St. John, takes place on the island of St. John - United States Virgin Islands, and includes excursions on 3 surrounding islands (St. Thomas USVI; plus Jost van Dyke and Norman Island, both British Virgin Islands) for the Curious George types. Whether you're seeking adventure and exploration, fun in the sun and surf, or rest and relaxation, you'll easily find something that matches your mood in our well rounded itinerary. Caribbean Escape is the new land based sister venue to the 8th Annual Black Boaters Summit (BBS).  It was developed after feedback from the BBS indicated that time spent at The Westin was worth planning an entire trip around.

WHERE IS ST. JOHN AND THE USVI, AND HOW DO I GET THERE?  St. John is one of three islands comprising the US Virgin Islands, the other two being St. Thomas and St. Croix. It lies in the Caribbean Sea, and is fairly close to Puerto Rico (see map). Participants will fly to St. Thomas from their home airports.  There they will be greeted by a Westin concierge and transported by private water shuttle (no fee) to the Westin St. John Resort & Villas.

WHO PUT THIS TRIP PACKAGE TOGETHER?  Tour operator Paul Mixon of Honey Let's Travel first teamed up with VIPLineup (San Francisco/Oakland).  Paul is the engine behind the very successful Black Boater's Summit, which is now in its 8th year, attracting over 500 participants.  VIPLineup thought it would be interesting to invite other African American professional lifestyle and entertainment organizations around the country, and contacted: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

WHAT'S THE SECRET SAUCE? WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SO SPECIAL? Since 6 professional organizations (2 national - Izania and Honey Let's Travel, and 4 cities - Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland and Washington DC) are sponsoring The Caribbean Escape, you'll be in the company of your peers and friends, both local and national. Collectively we're extending our reach, and inviting the same level of professionals that you've grown accustomed to at your local events. We encourage you to extend an invitation to your friends around the country, even across the pond. In addition, we chose a destination and resort that's suitable for singles, couples, and families, so you can bring your party with you, or not.  The Caribbean Escape is designed for singles and couples, but if you're daring enough to bring your kids, you won't feel like you've taken them to a singles club. But if you're single, you definitely won't feel like you're in Disneyland. If you're a couple, c'mon down. You probably need to feel like you're single again. That's why we call it the Caribbean Escape. St. John and nearby St. Thomas have something for everyone. The opportunity to enjoy sports, socialize, relax, and party with other like minded souls, both familiar and new acquaintances, is an added bonus, perhaps a primary motivator! You can participate in the group activities, or go off on your own. And to top it off, we secured a great price on our trip package, realizing up to a 42% discount.

I'M INTERESTED. HOW DO I STAY IN THE LOOP? Add yourself to a special Caribbean Escape email list.

Atlanta RAAPNetwork Email Address:	National Izania Email Address:
Los Angeles BlackNLA - click here>	San Francisco/Oakland - VIPLineup Email Address:
National Honey Let's Travel Email Address:	Washington D.C. FLOW Insiders Email Address:

WHAT ABOUT HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS?  TELL ME ABOUT THE RESORT. WHAT TYPES OF ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE? CAN I UPGRADE MY ROOM? WHERE WILL MY ROOM BE LOCATED?

• The resort - The Westin St. John Resort & Villas>>   View resort map>
• Room Type - All rooms are double occupancy with either a king or two queen beds. Our Caribbean Escape package includes the standard guest rooms. See Resort Map>>
• Room Availability - Based on best available at time of check-in.
• Room Upgrades - Email caribbeanescape@viplineup.com
• Room Locations - Beachfront, poolside, oceanview and garden views. Although we all want the beachfront rooms, our experience is that on this type of vacation, the amount of time spent in the room is pretty minimal. But for those of us that must have that villa experience, email us and we'll see what we can arrange.
• Roommates - Need a roommate? Try our bulletin board. Click here>

WHO IS GOING? I’M NOT NECESSARILY LOOKING TO HOOK UP, BUT HOW MANY SINGLE MEN/WOMEN WILL BE THERE, AND HOW OLD ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?  Funny you should ask, Mr/Ms "Not Looking." No worries though, everyone asks. Typically the women are the first to sign up for these types of trips, and the men need a push (take a hint fellas). We'll work hard to keep the numbers balanced. Collectively (Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland and Washington DC) we're extending our reach, and inviting the same level of professionals that you've grown accustomed to at your local events. We encourage you to extend an invitation to your friends around the country, even across the pond. In addition, we chose a destination and resort that's suitable for singles, couples, and families, so you can bring your party with you, or not.  As for age, well that's hard to say, but if you invite your friends from around the country, and they tell a friend, and so on, and so on...

 

WHAT DO YOU OFFER FAMILIES?  We designed The Caribbean Escape with singles and couples in mind, however The Westin St. John is kid friendly. It has a pretty good kids program (3yrs - 12yrs).  See the Westin Kid’s Club>.  Our Family rate of $765 per person double occupancy includes one child per adult (shared bed, up to 12 yrs old) but does not include the Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island visits which can be purchased separately on site.  The resort property is pretty well balanced.  If you bring your kids, you won't feel like you've taken them to a singles club. If you're single, you definitely won't feel like you're in Disneyland. If you're a couple, c'mon down. You probably need to feel like you're single again. That's why we call it the Caribbean Escape. If you're interested in the Family rate, email us at caribbeanescape@viplineup.com.

WHAT ARE MY ACTIVITY OPTIONS? THE ITINERARY IS NICE, BUT I'M NOT A "FOLLOW THE LEADER" TYPE OF PERSON.  The Westin is a full service resort and offers a variety of amenities and activities>.  Golf can be found nearby in St. Thomas, and the spa is on site. For those of you that want to relax the day away, The Westin offers a selection of bars, beach cafes and restaurants>  The resort's beach is the obvious choice, and the island has over 31 more beaches if you want some "me" time. St. John has a few nightspots, but for a big dose of the singles scene or more "action," St. Thomas is only a short ferry ride away, and offers great shopping during the day, beaches, and a busy nightlife with a number of restaurants, bars and clubs. The ferry runs back and forth regularly, and if you miss it, there's always the private water taxis.

IF I'M FLYING SOLO, AM I GOING TO FEEL LIKE THE THIRD WHEEL? Hardly. We're expecting lots of third wheels rolling around, and it's safe to say that the resort and surrounding area offers enough activities and people to suit all "agendas." We purposely chose a destination and resort that's suitable for singles, couples, and families, so you can bring your party with you, or not.   St. John and nearby St. Thomas are very appealing destinations even if you are traveling on your own. The opportunity to enjoy sports, socialize, relax, and party with other like minded souls, both familiar and new acquaintances, is a great added bonus. You can take advantage of the Activity Options (see above), and or join us for the group activities, and come away with a few new buddies. Suffice to say you won't be alone unless you choose to be. Need a roommate? Try our bulletin board. Click here>

WHAT DOES THE CARIBBEAN ESCAPE COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Normally priced up to $1900, The Caribbean Escape is only $1099 per person (double occupancy). Be sure to read about our Early Bird Special. Four people can also upgrade to a 2 bedroom suite at the same price. Single occupancy rate - $1499. Need a roommate? Try our bulletin board. Click here>

• Socializing and networking with African American professionals from around the country
• Five nights at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas
• Half-day excursions to 3 islands (included, but optional participation)
• Two hosted dinners and three hosted parties
• Beach party with live reggae
• Yacht Happy Hour
• Daily outdoor Cigar Lounge/Exotic Island Cocktail Party
• Round trip transfers between St. Thomas and St. John
• Event T-shirt and hat
• THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. Airfare booked separately.

EXTENDED STAY - CAN I COME EARLY AND STAY LATE?  Yes. We will have a place on our upcoming bulletin board to post a notice if you need a roommate for that early arrival or late stay.

IS THERE A SPECIAL PRICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS?  We haven't determined what the member privilege/benefits will be, but as soon as we figure it out, we'll let you know.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND DRINK? The Caribbean Escape includes two hosted dinners and four parties. The resort offers a selection of restaurants and bars, or for a $3 taxi ride you can sample the tasty but inexpensive food at a number of establishments in the village of Cruz Bay on St. John.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO ENTER THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS? You will not need a passport to enter St. Thomas or St. John.  However, you will need a passport or original birth certificate and photo ID when we visit Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island.

 

WHAT ABOUT GROUND TRANSPORTATION?  HOW WILL I GET AROUND? For the hosted activities, transportation is provided.  Taxis are readily available in St. John and St. Thomas. A ferry runs regularly between the 2 islands.  The adventurous can rent a car on either island, although you'll have to quickly adjust to the opposite road and steering wheel orientation. We recommend that you spare yourself the drama and leave the driving to the locals.

HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY WILL I NEED? DO THEY ACCEPT U.S. CURRENCY? Bring some money along for food, shopping, "lounging," and did I say shopping? Your dollars are good here. After all, it is the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?  We're lucky to be landing in St. John during its hottest month of the year, with an average high of 88° and an average low of 76°.  When it does rain, which is not often, it is usually over before you can grab your umbrella.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS? AND HOW MUCH LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING? You can bring as much clothing as you like, but you'll spend 95% of your time in shorts, swimsuits, T-shirts, tennis shoes and sandals.  For the evenings, a summer dress or two here or there, linen slacks, short sleeve shirts, and you're good to go.

WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK?   Yes.  Check with your cell phone provider for rates and roaming charges. But, the last thing you'll want to do is phone home.