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Ask the Editors
Have an island question? The ISLANDS editors will find an answer
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ISLANDS recently launched the new "Ask the Editors" feature. This is your opportunity to pose an island question -- whether it's about the best room with a view in the Caribbean or where to find an undiscovered beach in Hawaii. Here on islands.com and in the magazine, we'll highlight questions and answers that will help the most island travelers. Send your question directly to the ISLANDS editors at asktheeditor@islands.com.


For the ultimate in luxury, where can you rent a private home in the Caribbean?
"I just stayed at the grandiose six-bedroom La Casa estate home at Jumby Bay resort on Long Island, right off Antigua's north coast. I felt like I was in a tropical fantasy, complete with a private chef, massage therapist and Pilates instructor. The house overlooks your own private beach and Pasture Bay, just minutes from water adventures at Hell's Gate and Great Bird Island. At night, after mixology lessons and pan-seared fresh wahoo, you can watch the turtle team collect data for the island's hawskbill turtle research project. That's the beauty of an island rental house -- care-free amenities and lots of activities alongside the privacy of home." -- Ashley Fraxedas, Research Editor


What's the best quick getaway for great value and adventurous fun?
"Try Ambergris Caye, Belize, but opt for a day on the mainland on your way through Belize City. Maya ruins abound, and cavetubing with the folks at Caves Branch Adventure Company & Jungle Lodge is a must. So is a stay in their treehouse suites. Then hop on a plane to san Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. Just offshore, snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley, or dive the Great Blue Hole, a 400-plus-foot-deep limestone sinkhole. To recover, catch a ferry to sleepy Caye Caulker. The region is English-speaking and just a half-day trip from most major hubs; the exchange rates are great as well. Check out travelbelize.org." -- Eddy Patricelli, Editor-In-Chief


I'm going to the Canary Islands. What's the one thing I have to do there?
"Drive up Teide Peak. The biggest island in the Canaries, Tenerife, is known for its luxury resorts and raucous nightlife. But the real star of the isle is this 12,198-foot mountain. It's the highest point in Spain and the country's most visited national park. Trade your swimsuit for a fleece jacket before you make the trek up the volcanic peak -- and don't for- get your camera. As you drive the winding roads leading to and through the park, landscapes will change dramatically, from a misty laurel forest to an icy black-rock desert. Stay at the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora for easy access to Teide -- as well as all the luxury that Tenerife is known for." -- Adrienne Egolf, Associate Editor


I want to hike Puerto Rico's El Yunque rainforest. What's the best way?
"Book a tour through the Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, a great launching point from which to explore El Yunque National Forest. The resort's on-site tour company has friendly locals ready to share their knowledge with you. On the five-hour tour, learn about yagrumo and Taino weather trees, listen to the endemic coqui frogs and try to spot the rare Puerto Rican Parrot. But the highlight for me was the breathtakingly green hike to La Mina waterfall, where you can cool off with a quick swim (bring your waterproof camera). To refuel after your tour, try the beef mofongo at Don Pepe Restaurant back at the resort. For more, visit wyndhamriomar.com." -- Ashley Fraxedas, Research Editor


If you had to pick a favorite Hawaiian island, which would it be?
"My favorite Hawaiian island depends on what I remember when you ask me. Oahu has Honolulu culture and amazing vistas. I got to know people best on Maui and still keep in touch with some. And I had my best single adventure climbing Mauna Loa on the Big Island. But for sheer awe before natural beauty, Kauai always comes to mind. It's hard to pick a trail there and go wrong, whether the destination is a waterfall, a secluded beach or a passion-fruit tree deep in the forest. The middle of nowhere never looked this good. The Grand Hyatt Kauai makes a grand base of operations. Or for the feel of old Hawaii, rent a cottage at Waimea Plantation Cottages. Just like Kauai, neither will disappoint." -- Matthew Miller, Features Editor


What's your best all-inclusive Caribbean resort for value and fun?
"LaSource resort, Grenada, where your only daily obligation is a spa treatment. Snorkeling, diving, golf, sailing, wind- surfing, tai chi, yoga, tennis and fencing are optional, provided on-site each and every day, and include an instructor. To be sure, none of these activities entail additional costs. You can also forget all-inclusive bracelets, bland buffets and your wallet. The resort is naturally secluded on Pink Gin Beach, and the food is fresh, locally grown and delicious. Tipping is a no-no. So is a rental car. A limo ride to and from the airport, five minutes away, is provided. Rooms are just as accommodating and decadent. Rates for all this start at $275 a night. Find more at theamazingholiday.com."
-- Eddy Patricelli, Editor-In-Chief


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