Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Jouvert in St. Maarten: No Time to Sleep
The word comes from the French saying "jour ouvert" or morning open and in the Caribbean it is considered the largest street party for any carnival celebration. But in St. Maarten it has the unique twist as it centres on "the Great Salt Pond." Traditionally the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation hosts specific soca and calypso related events on stage at Carnival Village with the intention of "warming up" revellers for the round the pond jam. What is also true for this time of year is that revellers generally start lining the streets by the hundreds around 3:00am, some of whom would have just awoken from their sleep in preparation for the event.
Then with the start of the music from bands hoisted on trailers, the crowd of literally thousands, set off down the Walter Nisbeth Road from the Carnival Village. By day break you would see the creative dress of many who make personal costumes to add flavour to the celebration. And as is customary, everyone are in an exceptional jolly mood, drinking and having fun, till the sun comes up and its back to the Carnival Village where the celebration ends. J'ouvert (pronounced 'joovay' locally) involves calypso and soca bands and their followers dancing to different rhythms.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The trip looks great and I want to go, but I have no to one room with. Solution...Get a Gettaway Buddy!!!
There are a lot of people like yourself who want to attend and partake in this year's trip who also don't have a roommate. Meet a new travel buddy who is interested in being as adventurous as your are. Contact us at 212.591.2570 for more information. Not only you will find a new travel partner...
Good Life Festival In the Daytime. Pictures are worth ....
We partied hard in the night time, but we partied harder in the day time...or is it the other way around? Depends on which attendee you ask. That is if he or she can remember...LOL. Good Times and Good Friends last forever. Join Us. Book you trip HERE.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
$469 Special Non-Stop Round Trip From New York to Sint Maarten
Flight Information
American AirlinesFlight 667
New York City, NY ( JFK) → St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles ( SXM) Non-Stop
Departing ···Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008 at 11:20am
Arriving ···Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008 at 3:20pm
Trip Duration ···4h 0m
Full Flight Details
Distance ··· 1684 mi (2710km)
Aircraft Type ··· Boeing 757 (Jet)
Cabin Class ··· Economy/Coach
Total Trip Distance ··· 1684 miles (2710 km)
To book you flight today CLICK HERE
Read more on "$469 Special Non-Stop Round Trip From New York to Sint Maarten"!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Announcing Pre-Jouvert Party Hosted by Tarik-The International Man of Leisure
It will be Good Times at this year's festival in St. Maarten. No Sleep will be allowed. Book you trip today at: http://www.jigroupfestival.com/ or call 212.591.2570. The deadline to go is coming up. Don't miss out!
Facebook users see official invitation to Pre-Jouvert Party at the Good Life Festival at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=14087021354
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Darrin Henson Hosts the Good Life Festival
Bronx born dancer, actor, award-winning choreographer and producer, Darrin Henson, hosts the Good Life Festival! As a choreographer, Henson has worked with all of the major players in the music industry including, LL Cool J, Prince, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Usher, The Spice Girls, ‘N SYNC and J-Lo. Henson snagged an MTV Music Award for Best Choreography for “Bye, Bye, Bye” ('N SYNC) in 2000.
In 2001, Henson released his first DVD, Darrin’s Dance Grooves – it was a massive success! The DVD sold over 5,000,000 copies worldwide and won a Billboard Award for the biggest selling Health and Fitness video. In 2007, Henson produced his follow-up DVD: Darrin’s Dance Grooves 2. Following the huge success of his DVDs, Henson founded an international dance school aimed at helping each student develop their own star style.
You may remember Henson as "Lem" in the hit television series Soul Food for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. He went on to star as “Grant” in the popular 2007 dance film “Stomp the Yard”. In 2007, Henson also starred in Life Support with Queen Latifah, Tony Rock and Tracee Ellis Ross, The Salon with Vivica Fox, The Last Stand and April Fools -- a thriller released in July. Henson recently finished filming a lead role in Fox’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find. He stars as “Clarence” alongside Hill Harper, Darius McCrary, Golden Brooks and Deborah Cox. In The Express – based on the incredible true story of college football hero Ernie Davis – Henson will star as Jim Brown alongside Dennis Quaid, Charles Dutton, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller (expected release date October 2008). Henson produced, directed and choreographed an off-Broadway musical entitled Dreams Do Travel in 2005 and starred in the hit play The Fabric Of A Man.
In another star performance, Henson will be hosting the Good Life Festival in St. Maarten from April 23rd to the 28th. Whew, this guy is busy! Don’t miss the opportunity to kick it in St. Maarten with Henson this April… book your trip today!
Read more on "Darrin Henson Hosts the Good Life Festival"!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Deal of the Day
Non-stop, round-trip flights from JFK to St. Maarten only $499! Check out http://www.aa.com/ for details. The Good Life is just a click away...
Read more on "Deal of the Day"!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
But what about St. Barths?
Now that you have made a deposit for your 6-day, 5-night hotel stay at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, it's time to purchase an events package. In particular, the Premium Events Package includes the Sweet Escape All-Day Getaway to St. Barth's.
A petite island located 15 miles southeast of St. Maarten, St. Barthélemy (affectionately called St. Barts or St. Barths) is only 8 miles long and home to 8,500 residents. While it may be one of the smallest islands in the West Indies, stories of its natural beauty and distinct character have traveled throughout the world. Known as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, St. Barths has a unique charm that combines the sophistication of French culture with the serenity of the Caribbean. Its exclusive hotel accommodations, 22 white sand beaches and coves, gourmet dining and high-end shopping attract many, particularly those international jetsetters looking for a trendy getaway.
If you are still interested in joining the Good Life Festival, it's not too late to register for the entire GLF experience. The second deposit is due on April 1st. Just pick the hotel and events package that best suit your needs and join us as we explore the beauty of Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin and St. Barths.
To read more about the Good Life in St. Barths, click the link below.
What can you expect from your St. Barths' experience?
Your day will begin with an early breakfast at Chesterfield's in Phillipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten. One of the best restaurants on the island, its scenery is breathtaking. While eating in the company of your fellow vacationers, you will look out onto the water and see the beautiful ships, yachts and boats that are docked at the marina. After you have filled your stomach with Caribbean delicacies, you will board the catamaran speed boat that will whisk you to St. Barths. Think Miami Vice! This speed boat goes up in the air and travels at 100 miles/hr. The daring will lay on the deck while rum punch will comfort those with butterflies in their stomachs. The captain, a well tanned Frenchman with dark hair and a nonchalant attitude, will lighten the mood for all during the 45 minute ride to St. Barths.
From afar St. Barths will look completely mountainous, and you will wonder why we left St. Maarten at all. As the boat slows down and approaches the island, the gorgeous villas with bright orange rooftops will come into view as well as the sillouettes of other tourists captivated by this hint of paradise. You will submit your passport to a French policeman and begin your journey via taxi to Nikki Beach, a luxurious restaurant nestled on the beach of St. Jean and the most popular place on the island. The driver will stop at a steep cliff and give you a moment to look out onto the harbor, enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings and take pictures. You'll also pass the airport, which welcomes only private jets and small planes that hold 15 to 20 people max. No large commercial planes allowed.
Once we arrive at our destination, you will have time to go shopping at one of the nearby boutiques (Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Hermes and Cartier to name a few) or purchase souvenirs. Be sure to bring enough money because St. Barths deals in euros. Next, you will change into your swimwear and join the group for lunch, cocktails and conversation at a private table at Nikki Beach. The rest of the day is left to lounging, relaxing, sunbathing and outdoor activities. You can participate in a guys vs. girls football game with the crew, enjoy a fashion show featuring models in beachwear or dance to the sounds of world music played by the resident DJ. If you're a strong swimmer, you can even venture out to a floating barge for a diving contest. The day is yours, do with it what you will. Early evening we will head back to St. Maarten, where the return trip is easier because this time we're riding with the waves.
It's not too late... book your trip today!
Read more on "But what about St. Barths?"!Tuesday, February 12, 2008
TURN IT UP
Fresh from my jaunt to Trinidad Carnival '08, I have a mild tan, an extra 5 lbs and a backlog of emails and paperwork to tackle. Last week was sun-soaked and filled with family, food and fun! Of course I missed Super Bowl mayhem, 60 degree NY weather in February! and the Grammy's but who cares, I spent my week either paint splashed or at the beach. Family matters kept me from "playing mas" this year but I managed to snap some pics of the action from the sidelines:
Although my stay was much too short, I had such a good time that I can't wait for my 2nd Carnival experience in St. Maarten this April. What is it about sweet, sweet St. Maarten? Besides the soft, white sands and the undeniable character of the island, it hosts one (I said one!) of the liveliest and coordinated Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. This year, Carnival begins on April 17th and the party doesn’t stop until May 3rd. That’s 18 days of perpetual partying, imbibing and celebrations!
As an avid Carnival enthusiast, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to mingle with New York’s finest at the Good Life Festival, feed my mind and spirit all while I’m JAMMIN UP, JAMMIN UP, JAMMIN UP! For my fellow Carnival chasers, St. Maarten's Jouvert Jam draws thousands of revelers "jumpin-up" well into the morning around the Salt Pond. And if Carnival isn't your thing, you can enjoy everything from workshops to beach parties with the distinct flair that only the JI Group can deliver.The only thing that gets me through 19 degree New York weather is dreaming about heavy knits and tropical bliss. So, what will you need? Well first, book your trip, then check back here to find beauty must-haves, fitness tips, fashion ideas, contests, give-aways, guest bloggers and so much more.
Read more on "TURN IT UP"!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
What a weekend!
It was a great weekend - so much so that I'm still talking about it. Firstly, last Friday kicked off Black History Month. Sure we deserve more than a month, but at least 2008 is a leap year. Let's be thankful for the extra day. If you missed out on the premiere of Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s documentary, African American Lives 2, not to worry - the second half airs next Wednesday, February 13th on PBS at 9pm. If you were able to tune in, you caught some moving segments on Tom Joyner, Don Cheadle, Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock's ancestry. Deep. On a lighter note, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ambi, the skincare line for women of color that I just started using, is a major sponsor of the series. Glad they've got my business!
Naturally another weekend highlight was the amazing win of the New York Giants over the New England Patriots. The Game had me on the edge and out of my seat, and I'm more into 3-pointers than 3rd downs. Huge shout out to Giants' rookie Jay Alford for taking Brady down in the 4th quarter! If you missed the first sack of Alford's NFL career, take a look here.
The precursor to the Superbowl was the very grown and sexy birthday extravaganza held for JI Group Co-Founder Chris Whyte at the Trump World Towers on Saturday night. The sophisticated venue, always-on-point DJ Snatch One, dapper gentlemen and stunning ladies [in their hotttt dresses] made for quite an evening. JI definitely raised the bar and set the standard with this event. We even got a few shots of partygoers holding our newly minted Good Life Festival Blog cards:
And a few without the GLF cards:
(For more photos from the event, see the online album.)
As a visitor to the GLF Blog, you are cordially invited to attend the JI Group's 3rd Annual Black History Month After-Work Networking Mixer next Tuesday evening (2/12). The event will feature Carla Harris, Managing Director of Global Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley, as guest speaker. Her topic: "Beyond the Glass Ceiling: How to Trail Blaze Your Path to Success in Corporate America."
Here are the details:
- Date: Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
- Time: 6:00PM to 11:00PM
- Venue: LQ (http://www.lqny.com/)
- Address: 5ll Lexington Ave. (Btw 48th and 49th St.)
- Attire: Business Professional
- Notes: Complimentary Admission Granted with Required RSVP. Bring Business Cards.
Now back to business.
Important Reminders:
- Take vacation days (or flee grad school) from Wednesday, April 23rd to Monday, April 28th to attend The Good Life Festival.
- Book your flight to St. Maarten ASAP.
- Email your GLF contest submission to goodlifefest@gmail.com by this Sunday, February 10th for a chance to win a FREE hotel stay and events package valued at $1,500 (see the previous post for more details).
- Submit your hotel deposit by Wednesday, February 20th.
- Tune in to the GLF blog regularly for festival info, vacation tips, giveaways and more!
See you on Tuesday,
k. michelle
Read more on "What a weekend!"!Thursday, January 24, 2008
What's Your Recipe for The Good Life?
What better way to kick off the Good Life Festival blog then to award one lucky GLF'er an ALL-inclusive hotel stay and events package (valued at $1,500) to the JI Group's Good Life Festival in St. Maarten!
The events package alone includes the "White, Sandals & Stilettos" Mansion Party, the "Sweet Escapes All-Day Getaway" to St. Barts and the "Battle of the Sexes" Beach Party. The ALL-inclusive hotel package at the Sonesta Maho includes unlimited meals and drinks. The resort also boasts a spa, two freshwater swimming pools, a disco, casino and so much more! Give us your Recipe for The Good Life and we'll give YOU all this for FREE!
Here's how the contest works: Submit your ingredients for The Good Life (don't forget to tell us how to mix them), a photo and voila! you've been entered to win 6 days and 5 nights of sun, style and sophistication. Be creative! Be descriptive! But most importantly, be on time! Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, February 10, 2008.
E-mail your recipe, a color photo of yourself, your full name, contact information and a blurb about you to goodlifefest@gmail.com. We will also accept video submissions.
Don't wait to book your trip! Book now, get reimbursed later.
The Good Life is just a click away...
-v. kathryn
Contest Rules
Late entries will not be accepted.
Your work must be original.
One submission per person. We will not accept duplicate submissions.
We reserve the right to not publish materials we deem inappropriate.
Read more on "What's Your Recipe for The Good Life?"!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Think St. Maarten 2008
I missed out last year. A booked trip to the Bahamas led to a regretful decline of the attractive offers to attend the Joint Interest Group’s inaugural spring festival. Although Atlantis (and the hotel we actually stayed in) was fun, I know the girls’ annual trip to the Caribbean would have been crazy if we were traveling with young professionals instead of with retirees and small children. We also wouldn’t have been the only tourists at a jam-packed Bahamian nightspot called Charlie’s, but that’s a story for another day.
Point is, I can’t tell you about the wonderful time I had at Spring Festival 2007 or how beautiful St. Maarten was, nor can I upload tons of pics from my digital cam to show you what (or who) you missed out on. Nope, I can't even hint at things that happened in St. Maarten, but need to stay in St. Maarten.
What I can do is share with you the words and images of last year’s vacationers, the Good Life Festival pioneers if you will. These trendsetters were the first to experience an overseas JI Group production. They had a blast and partied like rockstars. Best of all, they’re going again this year and this time they’re bringing friends and friends of friends.
Below you will find their first-hand accounts and pictures (what a good looking bunch!), prompting you to email HR tomorrow to announce that you will be out of the office and the country from Wednesday, April 23rd to Monday, April 28th. Yes, even you i-bankers.
Welcome to the Good Life Festival Blog.
-k. michelle
From partying like rock stars in open air nightclubs on the Caribbean Sea to yachting to St. Barts with new friends and playing football in the soft white sand, the JI GROUP was able to deliver that "wow" factor everyday. -Kecia, DDS
Amazing!.....trip was absolutely fantastic!!!!....far beyond my expectations!!...I've never had such a well-executed trip anywhere. The JI Group did their thing. I had a wonderful time with some down-to-earth folks...truly unforgettable. -Dwight, Electrical Engineer
St. Maarten '07 was one of the best vacations I've been on. Great people and a gorgeous location. We departed from various parts of the U.S. and when we arrived in St. Maarten it seems like we instantly became friends. From rounds of beach football to evenings of dancing at the open air venue on the water, Bliss, the fun did not stop (even when it started raining). -MM, TV News Reporter
The crew was great, the sights and sounds of St. Maarten were stunning and the daily events were fascinating. I won't miss the St. Maarten Spring 2008 trip. -William, Corporate Lawyer
BEST VACATION YET! St. Maarten '07 was the best group vacation I have ever been on! The whole trip was perfect. It was the perfect balance of people with personalities that totally complimented each other! We had a group of people who didn't know each other when we got off the plane, and by the end of day 1, we were all fam! When they say ALL-INCLUSIVE, they mean it!!! We took "PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR" to a whole 'nother level. This trip was the definition of living the "FABULOUS LIFE!" -Phillipa, Web Developer/Event Planner
I would like to say it was the best of the best on this trip. What you had was good looking women and good looking men, all professionals from around the country coming together to party. There were no men with egos and no women with attitudes. When you check your bag you check that too at the airport or on the bus to the hotel. To all of you hardworking professionals thinking about doing this trip, join us. Pump your brakes on everyday life. Let's get together and create memories and have A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE! -Derek, Hospital Administrator
To encapsulate the experience into words: daily island hopping, the fusion of music, sumptous food, endless activities, top rate, non-stop nightlife and most importantly new found friends. Your best bet is to take the journey yourself and create your own story. And remember to check all your reservations at the door because "What happens in St. Maarten stays in St. Maarten." -Marsha, AVP, PMO, Derivatives IT
St. Maarten 2007...what a fabulous vacation getaway! The fun started the moment we landed and didn't stop until we were back on the plane headed back home. But really what made this a Rockstar vacation was the group of great people on the trip. Young professionals that know how to have fun! Hands down one of my best vacations and definitely one of my most memorable. -RM, TV Anchor
Saturday, January 19, 2008
"The Good Life" by EL (1.1.08)
This morning I rise
at the scheduled time
only to realize that my
sole obligation for the day
is to throw my cares away
all meetings would convene
on beaches of soft white sand
anyway.
I look at my blackberry pearl
void of a signal
and decide my iphone
will only be useful
to capture stills
or moving visuals.
My wardrobe will
consist of a bathing suit,
towel and sandals.
But my laptop and grip
bereaved
as I am no longer in need
of their mobile, digital
companionship.
I am finally free
from all that constrains me
all that detains me
and keeps me too busy
to find my personal sanctity
I was nearly forgetting
how to appreciate
my surroundings
when everything
around me
in surround sound
was like a cacophony
that overpowered
and nearly drowned me
Now I am floating
on a glass bottom boat in
the middle of the Caribbean Sea
jumping head first into oceans
pregnant with tropical life
swimming among brilliant colors
darting and weaving before me
All the while
the sun like a playful child
beats on my back
bronzing my skin with its
natural replenishments
as its cousin the wind
wisps past my smile
reminding me that
the air is alive
Carrying on its heels
the rhythmic pentameter
of the steel pan
with its feverish drummer
creating as many sounds
with the sweat that
dripped from his brow
as his sticks that
he beat out loud
I can now be found
swaying to the infectious music
while sweet juices drip
from the mango
to my finger tips
leaving a shine on my lips
all amidst
an outer-body experience
that has overtaken
my waist and hips
I am in the moment
trying to burn this feeling
of solitude in my mind
taking time to notice
each bird of paradise
before this utopia
is left behind.
Realizing that all the hard work
the struggle, the grit, and grind
affords me a luxury suite
with a balcony
overlooking the sea
wrapped from due east to due west
that's all mine,
Lined with beautiful people,
reclined seats,
bountiful food,
and glasses of wine
allowing us to
be enveloped by
the warm breeze
as we watch the
sun shimmer
as day turns to night
Ahhhh...
So this is what it really
means to live
when you are truly living
- The Good Life.
© 2008 EL
Read more on ""The Good Life" by EL (1.1.08)"!
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