Quit Your Day Job For a Week

Sitting at the office daydreaming about buying a luxury inn on an idyllic island? Give it a try for a week. Arawak Beach Inn on Anguilla is offering a one-week crash course on innkeeping with its Its "Run Your Own Inn" package.

If the rate seems to good to be true -- $599 for seven days, most meals included -- keep in mind you'll be working on this vacation. "Assistant innkeepers" will sweep the beach, shop for supplies, mix drinks and check in guests. Even your kids can pitch in. It's not all work and no play though. After class, students can kick back and relax on the beach or poolside.

Champagne Wishes & B&B Dreams Can Come True As Arawak Beach Inn Launches Its "Run Your Own Inn" Package

Daydreams Of Running A Caribbean Inn Are Realized & Reality Of Cooking Cleaning & Juggling Guests' Needs Sets In, Giving New Meaning To "Working Vacation"

Island Harbour, Anguilla 08.13.04 -- In the midst of scheduling meetings and multi-tasking at the office many daydream of leaving it all behind, trading a business suit for a swimsuit, stilettos for sandals, and heading to paradise to open an inn. Is it that easy? Well, now there's a way to find out. Anguilla's Arawak Beach Inn is turning dreams into reality as it unveils its "Run Your Own Inn" escape, giving daydreamers a taste of what running an inn really entails without giving up their day job just yet. Lending a new meaning to the idea of a "working vacation," the package starts at $599 for seven-nights and includes meals, when on duty, since assistant innkeepers will truly be earning their keep at the 17-room beachfront hideaway.*

The "Run Your Own Inn" experience is the ultimate tutorial for prospective innkeepers. Learning from the master innkeeper, Maria, innkeepers-in-training will earn their ocean view accommodations by helping with the daily "to-do's" of running an inn. Chores will include tidying the guestrooms, doing laundry, cleaning the pool, sweeping the beach, shopping for supplies in The Valley, checking travelers in and out, organizing excursions for guests and, of course, perfecting the art of the fruity frozen drink.

Junior innkeepers will also help out in the Beach Café by serving meals or even just observing as Maude, the Arawak's chef, flips the perfect omelet or adds the finishing touches to the café's decadent Bannoffee Pie. If trainees pay close enough attention, they might find out the secret behind what many refer to as the Caribbean's best pizza. There is time off for good behavior. Once the day's work is complete, understudies can lounge by the Arawak's pool, head to Scilly Cay or explore the island.

Hint: Befriend the inn's resident kids, Maria's three children, for shortcuts on getting chores done and maybe even a helping hand.

For reservations contact 1-877-4-ARAWAK or e-mail relax@arawakbeach.com. For information visit www.arawakbeach.com.

"This intimate gem sings with island warmth and color," says Fodor's. Arawak Beach Inn features a pool, the Arawak Beach Inn Café, home of the Caribbean's best pizza, a bar, and oceanfront accommodations boasting a balcony or deck with spectacular views, a king- or queen-size bed, a refrigerator, and a private bath. Most Oceanfront Deluxe rooms also include cable TV and four-poster beds. But the best part may be Maria Hawkins, Arawak's exuberant innkeeper extraordinaire who offers chauffeured rides around the island in the inn's pick-up truck and invites guest into the kitchen to whip up their favorite meal. Maria makes guests feel at home while in paradise.

The pace at Arawak is entirely up to guests. Lazing around the pool and enjoying the Arawak Beach Inn Café's delicious Caribbean fare and International cuisine is a popular "activity." For more adventurous guests, inn staff members will arrange boat excursions, sailing trips, tennis, and diving for an extra fee. Deserted beaches are a short stroll away for snorkeling and letting sand seep through toes.

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*Rates are based on availability and do not include tax and service. Alcoholic beverages not included.