Tag Archives: Anguilla

Anguilla
Anguilla, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Why You Should Visit Anguilla in 2023

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This long skinny coral island surrounded by white sands and electric blue water is a top choice for many. Receiving constant awards and top ratings from travelers and the press it’s hard to pass up a trip here. Immersed in beachside elegance with posh resorts, small boutique properties, and one-of-a-kind luxurious villas the island is packed with hospitality. With a selection of superb eateries, friendly beachside bars, and arguably the best sand beaches in the region, Anguilla is ready to explore.

Culinary Journey

Roadside barbeque chicken and ribs with johnnycakes to five- star culinary dining experiences are what you’ll find on Anguilla. A long-time favorite, Blanchards may have set the bar high when the stateside couple moved to the island opened their restaurant, and published their book, A Trip to the Beach which put the island on the map with foodies. Five-star resorts brought in five-star chefs and today the island is bursting with multilayered flavors and menus you might find in faraway lands. Tasting menus whet the appetites of gastronauts and neophytes will find they can pick up a recipe or two at a cooking class. At Aurora Resort & Spa, formerly Cuisinart you’ll take part in crafting an authentic Anguillian lunch with johnnycakes, bush tea marinated fish, coconut lime rice, and jerk butternut squash. A visit to the hydroponic farm which supplies 90% of the produce used in the menus followed by a farm-to-table garden dinner is tops on the list. The changing menu incorporates the freshest ingredients from the garden and the distinctive dinner takes place twice a month. The ultimate dining and cooking experience is now an annual event that takes place in early May. The Anguilla Culinary Experience brings in chefs from the States and Europe who cook alongside local talent. Dinners, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on classes are all part of the event.

Plated Fish Anguilla

Plated fish from the first year’s Anguilla Culinary Experience. Photo: Zuri Wilkes/Anguilla Culinary Experience

Celebrating Summer

One of the biggest festivals and most popular on the island takes place over ten days during the late summer. This idyllic and quiet island cranks up the energy where everyone is engaged in some aspect of the Anguilla Summer Festival. Lazy days along the seashore change up and turn into energetic beach parties bustling with music, food, and boat racing. The Anguilla Summer Festival is part Carnival with parades, street dancing, calypso competitions, and beauty pageants and part emancipation celebration with maypole and Moka Jumbie dancers. The celebratory first Monday in August originated to observe the abolition of slavery in the British Colonies. Today the date is the driving force for a series of parties that combine historic aspects, customs, and activities influenced by African descendants with contemporary celebrations and music. Boat racing begins at Sandy Ground and Meads Bay with an around- the-island race where spectators follow their boat of choice with binoculars in hand. The Valley, the capital, sits mid-island and is where parades begin, some make the six-hour march to Sandy Ground. Plan on eating plenty of barbeques and local seafood, johnnycakes, and tamarind balls. The annual Anguilla Summer Festival runs from July 30 to August 7, 2023.

Anguilla Summer Festival

Women wear elaborate and intricate sequin and feather costumes during the Anguilla Summer Festival. Photo: Anguilla Tourism

Penthouse Views

Lovers of luxury flock to Anguilla, after all, there are several five- star properties to choose from. When it’s time to find that private space where the view is all yours a penthouse vista is the answer. Treat yourself to the ultimate privacy and exclusivity offered on the top floor. These three properties are small enough to give that home away from home feel but with all of the amenities of a grand hotel. At Quintessence Hotel, you’ll stay in a mansion fashioned after the original Mallihouana Hotel. The hotel lobby doubles as a museum and art gallery showing the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti, owned and curated by the hotel owners. The top floor of the nine-room hotel is the exquisite Joseph penthouse suite overlooking the white sands of Long Bay. From your private terrace and the expansive windows, you’ll have the turquoise sea as your view. Turkish marble baths, Roman soaking tubs, a fully equipped kitchen, 24/7 butler service, and a grand living area are part of the setup. Over on Meads Bay, the 15-room boutique property of Tranquility Beach offers three penthouses. These three- bedroom villas each have terraces with private hot or cold tubs, full kitchens, and plenty of space to take in the ocean and beachfront views. Frangipani Beach Resort also sits along Meads Bay and offers a grand penthouse with 3,000 square feet for friends and family members to have their own space. Comforts include an indoor and outdoor shower and tub, a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, a spacious living area, and an expansive balcony overlooking the turquoise waters of Mead Bay.

Joseph Anguilla

View of Long Beach from the balcony of Penthouse Joseph at the Quintessence Hotel on Anguilla. Photo: Quintessence Hotel

On the Sand

Once the site for boats loading up salt from the flats behind the strip of beach, Sandy Ground today is the island’s hotspot for nightlife and beachside dining. Boats continue to drop anchor offshore but today they load and unload visitors from nearby islands and day-trippers heading out for snorkeling and fishing trips. It’s the spot to socialize, mingle and wander from bar to restaurant and now there are some new spots to explore. During the day most people head for the sugary soft sand and the views but in the evening the place with the best nightlife wins out. The latest newcomer on the strip is Sandbar, a toes- in-the-sand place offering tapas and craft cocktails. Owners Carrie and Jerry Bogar already know the ins and outs of running a restaurant; their first spot is Veya restaurant. Sandbar is the place to share plates, listen to live music, and snag front-row seats for the festivities that take place on Sandy Ground. Island local and favored chef Dale Carty has expanded his spot up on the bluff to include an outside bar and dining spot that takes in the view of Sandy Ground below. Tasty’s POV allows patrons to have that Point of View of the crescent below while enjoying grilled lobster or chicken. Another local chef, Vincia Hughes is heading up the kitchen at Vincy on the Beach which opened its doors in the summer of 2022. The menu includes barbeque chicken and ribs, a staple on the island.

Anguilla Sandbar

Dining at Sandbar along the sands of Sandy Ground involves sharing tapas. Photo: Sandbar

Islands and Cays

Island hopping is the thing to do while on Anguilla. Scrub Island, Scilly Cay, and Sandy Island are three of the more popular isles in the collection of ten coral isles under the Anguilla umbrella. Scrub remains privately owned and is reachable by boat for days of picnics and bird watching. Birders know the isle as an important area for nesting seabirds; laughing gulls and royal terns are common sightings. Once a drop-off point for drugs back in the day, today is just the goats and lizards that patrol the innocuous sands. You can’t visit Anguilla without taking a trip to Scilly Cay, the most enjoyed and tastiest trip yet. Board the boat in Island Harbour and set off for a fabulous lunch of grilled crayfish, lobster, ribs, fish or chicken and their wickedly strong rum punch. Bring your snorkeling gear and sun protection for a beach day. You could almost swim to Sandy Island from Sandy Ground as it’s just two miles off the coast. This private isle is the most photographed with its white sandy beach surrounding a tuff of greenery with today’s restaurant in the center. The low- lying spit of sand has come and gone over the years with one hurricane washing it away and another building it back up. Order the lobster, chicken, fish, or ribs and you’ll be fully satisfied as the cuisine is as tasty as any main island high-end restaurant. The restaurant is open until hurricane season when they board up with fingers crossed that they can return in the fall. This island escape is popular with locals as well as the rich and famous who come to dine, snorkel and sunbathe.

Anguilla

Aerial view of Sandy Island, one of the most photographed islands off Anguilla. Photo: cdwheatley/iStock

 

Croatia
Anguilla, Caribbean, Europe, Greece, Grenada, Hawaii, Islands, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Where To Go In May 2023

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Springtime brings longer days, milder weather, and far fewer tourists than the summer months. While the kids are still busy with school and the flowers are in bloom make May the month you sneak away for that much-deserved trip. Here are seven spots around the globe to celebrate the colors of spring.

Croatia

Once you’ve seen Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visited some of the historic cities along the gorgeous Dalmatian Coast you’ll want more. Take the next chapter of touring from the sea on a cruise of the Croatian Islands. You’ll hop from port to port visiting charming villages, fishing ports, and hilltop strongholds. Wine tastings on the island of Hvar, the Blue Cave off Korcula, and the medieval town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Trogir are on most itineraries. There are a least fifty ways to see these islands from sailing yachts to small ships with a dozen cabins that depart from Split or Dubrovnik.

Croatia

Off the beaten path this secret turquoise beach is on the island of Brac, in the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia. Photo: xbrchx/Shutterstock

Crete

This mountainous isle, the largest Greek island is a botanist’s heaven with over 2,000 species of plants on the island, some endemic and are only found on the island, while others including olive trees and grape vines grow throughout the region. Cooking tours are busy with visitors hosting them on excursions and outdoor classrooms to check out olive groves, olive mills, and pressings. Wild herbs like chamomile, marjoram, thyme, oregano, and fennel grow on the rugged mountainous landscapes and are collected by cooks and chefs used in flavoring soups and stews. When spring is in full force the hillsides, slopes, and roadsides are carpeted in yellow, red, and purple blooms. Tiny wild tulips are early bloomers and are best seen on the hillside that spills over the village of Slili. Miniature purple orchids pop out among the yellow-colored flowers of chamomile. Small red poppies, full-petaled peonies, and delicate anemones make a multi-colored tapestry that rests over the landscape.

Crete

Spring on Crete is covered in wild poppies surrounding olive trees that grow throughout the hillsides. Photo: olgalngs/iStock

Anguilla

An island known for its 33 white sand beaches is also a culinary leader in the region. There are 70 restaurants many with a French flare combining Continental seasonings and techniques with local seafood; you’ll have grilled lobster with Herbs de Provence. Local barbeque is big and Caribbean cuisine including pigeon peas and rice, shredded salt cod and jerk chicken is prevalent but when visiting chefs come to the island, there is no limit. The Anguilla Culinary Experience runs for four days in early May and brings together local talented chefs with award- winning pros from the states and Europe. The event kicks off with a party and tasting at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Spa; guests will try dishes from each of the six restaurants. Resident and guest chefs will host dinners at set restaurants and days and evenings will include cooking demonstrations and rum tastings. Private dinners, beach barbeques, and gourmet island tours are all part of the festivities. The event runs from May 3 to 6, 2023. Order your tickets at: https://anguillaculinaryexperience.com/

Anguilla

Plated crayfish will most certainly be on the menu during the Anguilla Culinary Experience in May. Photo: Natalie Volchek- Alvarez/ACE

Santorini

Without a doubt, Santorini is the most famous of the Cyclades Islands, and visiting in the off-season is preferred. When July and August roll around the tourists flock in. In May, the weather is warm, sunny, and dry and you’ll be able to see one of those fabulous sunsets without rubbing shoulders. Explore as many villages as time allows. Fira, the largest town is good for shopping and nightlife and has a bus connection to get to other villages. Oia is the town most visitors head to when they get off the ships, its stone pedestrian paths wind up and around the hills connecting restaurants, inns, and shops and offering breathtaking views below of the cobalt-blue Mediterranean Sea.

Santorini

One of the main streets in Oia, Santorini is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Photo: Mo Wu/Shutterstock

Grenada

Chocolate lovers will want to mark their calendars for this culinary event. The island is once known for its nutmeg, the pod that’s pictured on the National flag, and is now becoming the chocolate capital of the Caribbean. An island where agriculture was king, the volcanic soil is spectacularly fertile and today the central agricultural regions of the island are not only growing the iconic nutmeg and cinnamon but among mangoes, vanilla, and bananas grows the prized cacao. In the past, cacao was mostly exported but farmers today are holding onto the precious pods. Today there are five tree-to-bar companies, and they all play a role in the Grenada Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things chocolate. You’ll find tastings, pairings, dinners, hands-on experiences, and plantation excursions. Meet the growers, participate in the raking and walking of the cacao, and learn the art of making bars. The event takes place May 16-21, 2023. Sign up at: https://www.grenadachocolatefest.com/

Grenada

Special dinners from the 2022 Grenada Chocolate Festival included several chocolate desserts and rum tastings. Photo: Grenada Chocolate Festival

Kauai

The rainy season is over, and the weather is considered ideal in May, although humidity plays a role in a lush environment during the day evenings cool down and best of all, the summer visitors haven’t arrived yet. For hikers, the island is a nonstop adventure as 90 percent of the island is unpaved and accessible via hikes and bikes. A hike will take you just about anywhere there is a semblance of a trail and there are easy strolls along the coast to tougher hikes up 3,000-foot-high ridges offering breathtaking views. The Waimea Canyon on the west side takes in several hikes of various levels through the state park. Trails to Koke’e State Park carpeted in green forests meander through 4,345 acres reaching a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level. The views are amazing and the forest is home to some of Hawaii’s endemic birds. Most will want to hike the hanging valley of the Napali Coast, it’s not for the beginner but the views are worth it for those conditioned for a challenging and strenuous hike. This hike along the Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one way and follows the path of the ancient Hawaiians.

Kauai

Hawaii’s most popular and scenic hike is on Kauai; the 11-mile Kalalau trail overlooks the Napali Coast. Photo: Sam Camp/iStock

Malta

Spring months are best for a visit to the island of Malta when the nights are still cool, and the majority of tourists haven’t arrived yet. Summer months can get intense with heat and overrun with visitors, many of who fancy the Instagrammable beach clubs. May is considered the sweet spot. History buffs will marvel at the architecture and since the island has been occupied first by the Phoenicians, then the Romans and so on there’s influence from Spain, Sicily, France, and England. The island became independent in 1964. However, the collision of cultures and unique buildings remains. Visit Malta’s Silent city of Mdina, once the capital, which dates to the Phoenicians 4,000 years ago. It’s a walking city with no cars except for residents who number under 300. Walk the narrow streets where churches have become museums and galleries and many of the palaces are now private homes.

Malta

Popular with tourists for the views and the fishing boats, Marsaxlokk fishing village showcases the colors of Malta. Photo: eli asenova/iStock

 

Anguilla The Reef
Anguilla, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Anguilla’s Five Star Resorts Reopen

 

In the wake of 2017’s hurricanes, Anguilla’s inventory of available hotel rooms Anguilla’s continues to grow as more resorts reopen their doors. Three of the island’s five-star resorts are now back in service, led by the reopening of Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa on February 15th. On March 23, the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla followed, and The Reef by CuisinArt started welcoming guests on April 1st. Malliouhana will reopen on November 1, and Belmond Cap Juluca will follow on November 17, 2018.

Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa

Nestled on the shores of Shoal Bay Beach, this boutique resort has been returned to its former state as an award winning five-star hotel. Restorations include the repair of the Thai House Spa, which is housed within an authentic 300-year old Thai rice barn, now transformed into a luxury spa. The 65 guest rooms feature spa-style bathrooms and private furnished balconies. The restoration included updates to soft goods, and the landscaping has been renewed back to lush tropical gardens. The resort offers two and three-bedrooms villa suites with fully equipped kitchens. On-property dining options include Stone for sea-to-table cuisine, 20 Knots for beachside casual dining and the Rhum Room for small-batch single estate rums.

Zemi Anguilla

A villa at Zemi Beach House sets the standard for personal luxury and beachfront living. The private pool and deck deliver unobstructed views of Anguilla’s Merrywing Bay. Photo: Zemi Beach House

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

The island’s largest resort property, with 181 rooms, suites, villas and residences is situated on the west end of the island at Barnes and Meads Bays. The grounds of the Four Seasons take in five- acres of beachfront and 35-acres of tropical gardens. Designer Kelly Wearstler introduced a design palette that includes shades of cream, slate, brown and white that set a tone of understated elegance that is enhanced by driftwood pieces, petrified wood tables and travertine marble floors. Cobà is the island’s only ceviche bar, and also serves seafood items from lobster to paella with snapper, conch and chorizo. Mediterranean plates are served at Bamboo Bar & Grill with a setting on Meads Bay. Three pools offer something for adults only as well as families, and the infinity pool is a favorite gathering place at sunset. Amenities include tennis courts, a rock climbing wall and an 8,100 square- foot spa with 13 indoor treatment rooms.

Four Seasons Anguilla

With unimpeded views of the ocean and the western horizon, the infinity pool at Anguilla’s Four Seasons Resort is a favorite place to relax and watch the sun set. Photo: Four Seasons

The Reef by CuisinArt

The sleek and modern resort, The Reef made its come back on the first day of April. CuisinArt’s second property on island is a beachfront resort that offers 80 guest accommodations, including beachfront suites with private pools set directly on Merrywing Bay. The entire property was fully restored, and includes new embellishments and a revamped lobby bar. The Reef’s two restaurants take advantage of the sister property’s hydroponic farm, and fresh produce is a focal point of menus, along with locally-sourced seafood including snapper, grouper and lobster. Drinks at the lobby bar, On the Rock, evoke a maritime space facing the Caribbean Sea. The Yacht Club restaurant offers a raw bar in a nautical-themed space, with pothole inspired doors and sails draped on the celling accented with maritime photos. Breeze is the open-air dining spot, featuring Caribbean flare and serving roasted fish and vegetables.

Anguilla The Reef

The pool deck at The Reef by CuisinArt stretches from the resort’s main building to the beach. Poolside dining is available at Café Mediterraneo. Photo: The Reef

 

Antigua Jolly Beach
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Dominica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean Makes a Comeback

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In the fall of 2017, portions of the Caribbean received back-to-back blows from hurricanes Irma and Maria. These Category 5 storms did significant damage to some islands, while virtually sparing others. In the months following the storms, rebuilding efforts were underway on all islands affected.

News of these efforts was shared during the recent Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual show. According to reports and updates, the region is not only repairing damage and restoring existing properties, but also undertaking a number of expansion projects and new builds.

In all, there are an expected 74 new builds planned. Airports are being expanded as they rebuild, and many of the islands are now receiving more incoming flights. Ferry services have returned, with some increases from both private and public ferry companies. The beaches are returning as sand comes in with the tides and on many islands life is returning to normal. Some areas and islands are still without full electrical power but expectations are to get back to 100 percent by early to mid 2018. Essentially the Caribbean is back and is still the paradise we all know and love.

Puerto Rico

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico was very much in the news. The storm left widespread devastation, but though the Enchanted Island was down, it was far from out. Cruise ships made their first return to the Port of San Juan less than three weeks after the storm’s passing, and even without electricity, resilient shop owners were selling their wares to cruise passengers on a cash basis. The San Juan and Old San Juan tourism district spent two months recovering, with electricity and services returning week by week. By the December holiday season, a majority of the city was in business, with some 1,500 restaurants and most hotels. On the entire island 80 percent of the resorts are now open.

Puerto Rico is emerging renewed and revamped as many hotels are taking the time to renovate and add new rooms. There are still the isolated communities in the country without power, but expectations are that 95 percent of the island’s power will be restored by the end of February. Hardest hit are the eastern coast areas of Palmas del Mar and Humacao, which may take longer to recover. El Yunque rainforest was hit hard, but replanting is underway and some hiking trails have reopened. Visitors are also returning to the islands of Vieques and Culebra, which received minimal damage.

Puerto Rico San Juan Port

Cruise ships are once again docking in the Port of San Juan, and the shops and restaurants in the adjacent historic district of Old San Juan are open for business. Photo: Puerto Rico Tourism

USVI

The campaign slogan of the US Virgin Islands is “still nice”, and almost 100 percent electrical power has been restored to all three islands, the days of candles and bucket baths are over. St. Croix was spared major damage and most everything is up and running, with exception of a couple of the larger resorts. Most beaches recovered beautifully on all three islands and after a massive cleanup and rebuilding project, Magens Bay on St. Thomas is once again welcoming swimmers. Some of the larger hotels and resorts on St. Thomas and St. John were hit hard and will take time to recover. Most will be back in full operation by the end of 2018 or early 2019, renewed, renovated and in some cases with additional space. Island visitors now have the opportunity to get to know the locals by staying in small guesthouses, B & B and villas, and there is no shortage of these accommodations. On St. John the National Park trails and beaches are open. The shores are not yet as green as before the storm, but foliage is slowly coming back.

St. Croix Buccaneer

St. Croix’s landmark Buccaneer resort was spared from major storm damage from Irma and Maria, and was soon fully operational and welcoming guests. Photo: Steve Simonsen/The Buccaneer

Antigua & Barbuda

The big island of Antigua dodged the full force of Hurricane Irma, and returned to normal within 48 hours of the storm. Hotels, restaurants and bars are all open, and visitors who were already booked were able to come and enjoy vacations as planned. Unfortunately, the sister island of Barbuda was literally flattened by wind and waves, and for an already flat island of scrub and mangrove forests, the effects were devastating. The island’s 2,000 residents had to be evacuated and now live with friends and family on Antigua while their homes are being rebuilt. The potential silver lining is that new structures will be totally green and supplied by solar polar, which is a first in the islands. The storms didn’t scare away Robert DeNiro and plans are still on the books for his resort to be built on Barbuda. The islands continue to attract sailors from around the world with several sailing events throughout the year.

Antigua English Harbour

Sailboats ride at anchor in Antigua’s English Harbour. The island was not in the direct path of the storms, and suffered minimal damage from wind or waves. Photo: Stephen Robertson/iStock

Anguilla

An island that made a fast post-storm recovery is Anguilla. The airport was back open one week after Irma, and thanks to British and Canadian support, rebuilding and clean up moved quickly. Electricity was fully restored by mid December, so the island celebrated with Christmas lights and festivities. Many of the island’s five-star properties are now undergoing renovations and will open throughout the coming year. In the interim, the island has a number of small hotels and villas that are welcoming guests. The well-known Dune Preserve will need some time to rebuild, but all festivals are on, most favorite dining venues and beach bars are back in operation.

Anguilla Beach

The powder-fine sand shores of Anguilla were not severely affected by the hurricanes of 2017, and all of the island’s 33 public beaches are once again welcoming visitors. Photo: Anguilla Tourist Board

BVI

The British Virgin Islands was hit hard with back-to-back hurricanes and two floods. Maria held back some of its full force, but Irma made a direct hit on the islands. After the first hurricane, Puerto Rica sent ships with supplies to help the British Virgin Islands, but soon those ships and supplies were back on their way to Puerto Rico after Maria devastated that island. While some of the BVI’s lux resorts will take time to make their recoveries, there are several that are already up and running, including Scrub Island, Oil Nut Bay and Cooper Island. A number of smaller guesthouses and hotels are welcoming guests and crews from sailing yachts. Sailing, diving, fishing and other water sports operations are all back in business, and several charter yacht companies have expanded their fleets. The islands are rebuilding and also replanting palms, as some 6,000 coconut trees were gifted from the island of St. Vincent.

BVI The Baths

While a number of resorts in the British Virgin Islands suffered significant storm damage, iconic natural features such as the Baths of Virgin Gorda were spared. Photo: Robert Ingelhart/iStock

St. Martin/St. Maarten

The half Dutch, half French island is still rebuilding but open to visitors. The Princess Juliana airport is open and operative, using tents to receive passengers. A rebuilt terminal is scheduled to open by the end of 2018. All 37 beaches on the island are open. On the French side, Grand Case restaurants and shops are opening up on a daily basis; while the bars on the Dutch side are also back in business. Cell phone service is still spotty, but transportation services are fully operative. Both nations have a range of small hotels and guesthouses available as the larger properties rebuild. Large resorts like Oyster Bay and Sonesta on the Dutch side will be back in business by the end of 2018 or early 2019. On the French side, Grand Case and Belmond La Samanna plan on reopening by the forth quarter of 2018.

St. Maarten Great Bay

Cruise ships are once again docking at the port facilities in St. Martin’s Great Bay. Hotels around the bay are now in the process of rebuilding and reopening. Photo: Gerry Slabaugh/Flickr

Dominica

Maria did significant damage to most of the island’s buildings, including resorts. The island’s forests suffered significant wind damage, but by late fall, the Forestry & Wildlife Parks Division had reopened a number of natural attractions for tourism, including the Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge and Indian River. The 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail is still being cleared and volunteers are working on restoring the path in the segments badly hit. Meanwhile, divers are working on restoring the coral reefs. The first cruise ship, the Sea Cloud II arrived December 28 and more are returning every month. Several small hotels and guesthouses are now receiving visitors and more are partially open. The Fort Young Hotel in Roseau renovated and opened a portion of its rooms. And as other hotels renovate and rebuild, there was news of a new resort near Portsmouth breaking ground. Power is still being restored on much of the island and many of the larger properties are being rebuilt and will open in mid 2018 or 2019.

Dominica Scotts Head

Dominica’s Scotts Head Marine Reserve is one of the best and calmest snorkeling spots on the west coast of the island. Efforts are still underway to restore and clean all of the island’s dive sites. Photo: Discover Dominica

St. Barts

This was one of the first islands to announce that it was back in business after hurricane Irma slammed the Caribbean. The entire island now has electricity and water service. Clean up efforts went smoothly and the beaches are more pristine and beautiful than ever. Guests will find plenty of villas and a handful of hotels available as the larger properties rebuild. Many of the lux properties will reopen in late 2018. Resorts like Eden Rock, which sits on a promontory over the ocean, and Le Toiny, which sits at the top of a hillside, were badly damaged but will also reopen near the end of 2018.

St. Barts

The beaches of St. Barts have recovered from passing storms, and a number of the island’s favorite resorts are now in the process of rebuilding and reopening. Photo: Saint Barth Tourisme

Anguilla Quintessence Hotel Lobby
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Stay, Trip Ideas

The Best New Caribbean Hotels of 2018

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A Caribbean getaway looks better than ever, thanks to a new crop of premium properties that will open their doors to guests in 2018. From intimate, upscale retreats to hip and sophisticated boutique hotels in the heart of the action, these beachfront resorts will set new standards, and provide exciting and enticing vacation options.

Quintessence Hotel, Long Bay, Anguilla

The New Year kicked off with the long-anticipated opening of the mansion-like Quintessence Hotel on Anguilla’s Long Bay. The project has been 10 years in the making and is the vision of Geoffrey and Keenie Fieger, who are 30-year residents. This lavish boutique getaway was created for the discerning guests who desire unrivaled luxury, privacy and personalized pampering. The property includes just nine suites and villas overlooking the white sand beaches of the bay. The vision of “The Q” was to create a guest experience that leaves them feeling as if they are being hosted in a grand tropical home.

Anguilla Quintessence

A bedroom at the Quintessence Hotel rewards guests with generous living spaces, and incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo: Quintessence Hotel

Rooms and public areas feature handcrafted fixtures and custom artwork throughout, including a priceless collection of Haitian paintings and sculpture collected over decades by the owners. The grounds include a tennis court, life-size chessboard, yoga pavilion and outdoor massage pagoda set into the lush foliage. The Aidan Spa offers a full menu of treatments with a focus on health and wellness. In keeping with this ethos, a strict non-smoking policy is adhered to throughout the property. Five-star dining is offered at Julians, a tropical French bistro, where Executive Chef Dominique Thevenet offers a menu that blends locally sourced tropical dishes with traditional French cuisine. Meals are complemented by a fine wine cellar and hand-selected liquors and cocktails. Around-the-clock butler and concierge service caters to the needs of every guest. For more info see www.qhotelanguilla.com

Silversands, Grenada

Set to open in March of 2018, Silversands Grenada is the first major project added to the shores of Grand Anse Beach in 25 years. The resort stretches across two main buildings and offers 43 suites, including three one-bedroom suites and a 1,647 square-foot penthouse with two private terraces and grand views of the sea. In addition, nine residential villas will be scattered on the surrounding landscape. Sleek and modern in design, the resort will feature a 100-meter infinity pool, which stretches from the center of the resort to the shores of Grand Anse Bay, and will claim the title of longest pool in the Caribbean.

Grenada Silversands

At the Silversands, whites and muted earth tones work with a sleek, minimalist design to create a sense of casual elegance. Rooms overlook Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Silversands

Within the resort itself, a rotating art exhibit will showcase Grenadian art alongside pieces from the resort owner’s personal collection. Guests will also be able to enjoy a relaxing sanctuary at the Silversands Spa, which incorporates a sauna, hammam, temperature-controlled pool and a fitness center. Two restaurants will showcase the island’s fresh produce and line-caught fish. The Beach Club offers globally inspired bites, freshly caught seafood and craft beers, rums and wines from around the world. The Thai restaurant brings in the vibrant flavors of the east, while also incorporating the spices the island is known for. More about the resort at www.silversandsgrenada.com

Serafina Beach Hotel, Condado, Puerto Rico

Another premier resort set to open in March of 2018 is the Serafina Beach Resort, which is located in San Juan’s popular and happening Condado district. This is the first lifestyle hotel concept created by the owner of the global restaurant brand, Serafina Restaurant Group. The atrium-style lobby is designed to serve as a communal gathering space, with dramatic ceilings, hanging chairs, full-size art murals by local artists, striking effervescent light fixtures and a cascading sleek staircase.

San Juan Condado

The white sands and turquoise waters of San Juan’s Condado Beach are reflected in the room décor of the Serafina Beach Hotel, which is Puerto Rico’s newest contemporary resort. Photo: Serafina Beach Hotel

The resort has a minimalist décor enhanced with a bohemian and youthful attitude. A palette of sea foam green, turquoise blue, grey and white evoke a sense of causal tropical appeal, and complement the seaside setting. This mid-sized resort offers 96 contemporary guestrooms with oversized floor to ceiling windows that allow for grand views of the Atlantic Ocean or the adjacent Laguna del Condado. Three food and beverage venues include the signature eMare, serving Italian cuisine with a touch of Puerto Rico, the energetic PiñaCo Bar and the By the Pool, where poolside cabanas frame the seductive infinity pool. For additional information visit www.serafinabeachhotel.com

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua

One of the most impressive new developments in the Caribbean is the $100 million Hodges Bay project, which is set to open in mid 2018 along the secluded north shore of Antigua. The ultra-luxe property consists of 79 guest accommodations, which include four-bedroom villas and oceanfront junior suites, some of which will have outdoor Jacuzzis and fully equipped designer kitchens. All villa guests will enjoy a dedicated concierge service, with options that include a pre- stocked pantry, daily grocery shopping and washed and folded laundry. Beach and pool ambassadors are on hand to provide services such as another application of sunscreen to preparing a private gourmet meal in your villa.

Antigua Hodges Bay Resort

An ocean view junior suite at Antigua’s Hodges Bay Resort & Spa provides views of the Caribbean from a private terrace. Guests enjoy on-call ambassador services. Photo: Hodges Bay

Hodges Bay will offer three restaurants and six bars, including a swim-up bar at the infinity pool and a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the lush island surroundings. Active guests can enjoy unlimited water sports, fitness classes and local tours. After a day of outings and activities, guests can relax and refresh with some downtime at the resort’s new spa. This oasis of calm and rejuvenation includes five treatment rooms, a hydro-pool and a relaxation area for settling in before treatments. Pilates and yoga classes are offered daily, and families can find age-appropriate amenities for youngsters at the Flying Fish Club and the Connect Teen Lounge. Adults may prefer to secure a spot under a poolside cabana. For additional information visit www.eleganthotels.com/hodges-bay

Rosewood Baha Mar, Cable Beach, Nassau

Rosewood will be the third resort to open in the long awaited multi-property oasis of Baha Mar. Look for it in the early summer of 2018. Set on the white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach, this property will provide a sanctuary of exclusivity with restaurants, spa, private pools and villas. Rosewood Baha Mar will offer 190 beach-view accommodations, including deluxe guestrooms and one, two and three-bedroom suites along with five luxurious four-bedroom beachfront villas. Bahamian refinement and sophistication are evoked with elegant British colonial architecture and design, and each room will be appointed with Bahamian art and decor.

Baha Mar Nassau

The décor at the Rosewood Baha Mar draws design inspirations from Bahamian Colonial traditions and a color pallet that reflects the sands and waters of island landscapes. Photo: Rosewood

All guestrooms will have private balconies and outdoor living spaces. Four on-site signature dining venues include Commonwealth, a farm-to-table restaurant with a Rum Room for ceremonial Bahamian dinners; an al fresco Pool Grille serving cocktails and fresh seafood; the nautical-themed Bar Riva featuring craft cocktails and small plates; and the Library offering Bahamian-style tea and unique gin and tonic varieties. Guests can also visit the Tea & Gardenia Boutique, which offers a curated selection of global teas, hand-cut flowers and specialty resort wear from Island Company Clothing. The Sense® Spa embraces the Rosewood philosophy by providing a menu of specialized treatments that reflect on the local culture and environment, combining unparalleled personalized treatments with Bahamian wellness traditions and indigenous island ingredients. For more information visit www.rosewoodhotels.com

St. Kitts Park Hyatt
Anguilla, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, St. Kitts, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Caribbean Resorts: A Look at the Newcomers

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Vacationers are flocking to the Caribbean like never before, and today’s savvy travelers are looking for more in their resort choices. To meet this demand, a number of new, premium properties opened their doors in 2017, and are now welcoming guests and providing a stellar collection of vacation experiences.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

On the southeast peninsular of the island of St. Kitts is the recently developed community of Christophe Harbour, which includes a marina, shops, restaurants and now, its premier hotel. November 2017 saw the opening of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts resort. It is the brand’s first property to come to the Caribbean, offering 78 rooms and 48 suites all overlooking the golden sands and cerulean sea. The hotel is built from local materials, and uses water features and traditional island architecture to create an experience that pairs Old Caribbean style with modern day conveniences. With a setting along Banana Bay beach and the green hillside of St. Kitts as a backdrop the spot is brilliant for a subdued and elegant getaway. Amenities include a spa, wellness sanctuary, two pools—one for adults and one for families—and three restaurants offering local and international fare. Indoor and outdoor spaces and entryways are designed to evoke an oasis of calmness, and a blending with the natural environments. Unique to the Caribbean is a destination spa, the first Miraval Life in Balance Spa, with roots from Tucson’ s Miraval Spa.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Floor to ceiling views of the beach and the waters of Banana Bay come standard with a suite at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Photo: Michael Stavaridis/Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Manoah Boutique Hotel, Anguilla

Anguilla’s Shoal Bay is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And with the opening of the Manoah Boutique Hotel just over a year ago, this scenic swath of sand is now also home to one of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous new hotels. The property includes just 25 lavishly appointed ocean- view rooms and two-bedroom suites, along with a stunning three- bedroom penthouse. Interior decors feature classic Caribbean furnishings and pastel tropical colors inspired by the island’s natural surroundings. Oversized paintings and Venetian Murano mirrors hang on the walls, baths include freestanding soaking tubs, and private terraces take in the never-ending views of turquoise sea. On site is an Olympic-sized pool, and the Ocean Beach Club sits between pool and ocean. The Club offers fine dining on a terrace or directly on the sand, along with two beach bars, which are a favorite spot to take in sunsets with a tropical cocktail in hand.

Anguilla Manoah

The facade of the Manoah Boutique Hotel is a study in white, with turquoise accents. These colors mirror the sands of Shoal Bay Beach and the waters of the bay. Photo: Manoah Boutique Hotel

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas

In the summer of 2017, this luxury resort became the first of three new hotels to open in the long awaited Baha Mar project. Located on New Providence Island’s Cable Beach, some two miles west of the capital city of Nassau, the Grand Hyatt incorporates 1,800 rooms and suites set in two distinct 20-story towers. Rooms are in a violet, blue and white color scheme, and guests can indulge in marble baths, some open to ocean views from the oversized tub. With a full range of amenities on site and a stretch of beach right out front, guests never need roam far. There are five separate pool areas with falls and water features, private cabanas, a beach sanctuary, children’s nature preserve and a water sports center. Also, as part of the Baha Mar complex, the Hyatt provides guest access to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a 100,000-square-foot casino and a 24-treatment room Espa spa.

Grand Hyatt Nassau Baha Mar

Features such as sculpted rock grottos and waterfalls add an extra element of style to a pool at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Photo: Tadeu Brunelli/Grand Hyatt

SLS Baha Mar, Bahamas

The newest addition to New Providence’s Baha Mar scene is the SLS, which brings the trendy chic look that the brand is known for in its South Beach and Beverly Hills properties. At SLS Baha Mar, the Philippe Starck style is blended with Bahamian themes to reflect the island lifestyle. These touches include custom painted tapestries of Bahamian scenes, which add to the brand’s signature whites, grays and light blues, resulting in an atmosphere of sophisticated tropical relaxation. SLS is a mid-sized resort, with 299 rooms and suites, and a complement of bars, restaurants and entertainment outlets continue to be added. The signature lobby bar of the SLS hotels, the Monkey Bar, is now open as well as the Bungalow Pool Bar & Grill. Nassau’s only roof top bar will open in early 2018. There are three chef-driven restaurants offering Japanese to Italian cuisine. Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi showcases unique rolls and platters of sushi and sashimi. Cleo, features Mediterranean fare by chef Danny Elmaleh and soon to open is an outlet by Miami’s Michael Schwartz, Fi’lia, an Italian, which will provide a journey of cuisines with handmade artisanal breads and pasta.

SLS Bahamas Baha Mar

The pool deck at the SLS Baha Mar follows the style of the brand’s South Beach property, and adds subtle but distinctive elements of Bahamian style. Photo: SLS Baha Mar

Sailrock Resort, South Caicos

The islands of Turks & Caicos are blessed with powder soft sands and the third largest coral reef in the world. The Sailrock Resort came onto this scene in early 2017, with a prime location on one of the unspoiled gems of this island chain. On the small and relatively undeveloped island of South Caicos, Sailrock sits on 770 beachfront acres, overlooking crystal clear waters teeming with turtles, dolphins and rays. Guests come to conch dive, fish, whale watch, kite board or stroll the nature trail and bird watch. Some come specifically to spend time beneath the water and explore the extensive coral gardens. The hotel blends into the beach environment with Caribbean influenced architecture and glass walls offering sweeping views of the sea. The indoor and outdoor living spaces of the suites and villas have many offerings, some including kitchens, spa style bathrooms, private pools and pergola covered patios.

South Caicos Sailrock Resort

Pool villas at the Sailrock Resort sit on a low bluff overlooking the beach and the coral reefs that lie just off the shores of South Caicos Island. Photo: Gary James/Sailrock Resort

Zemi Beach Anguilla
Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Eat, Nevis, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Best Rum Bars

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Move over fruity rum drinks. The Caribbean’s favorite spirit has caught the attention of connoisseurs. These enlightened imbibers shun blenders and fruit garnishes in favor of snifters, and sample small-batch rums and artisanal blends that need no enhancements beyond a comfortable atmosphere. Hoteliers have taken note, and a new breed of rum bars is cropping up across the Caribbean. Here are five of the best places to savor the spirits with island style.

The Cane Bar at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Much more than a beach bar, The Cane Bar offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere where there are no distractions to take away from the pleasures of sampling premium rums. Located inside the resort’s Great House, the room features a subdued white and pale charcoal design palette. Oversized chairs sit around tables and living room style arrangements provide group settings and the sleek white bar offers alternative seating. Prized artworks hangs on the walls, and the shelves behind the bar are lined with an extensive selection of expertly chosen local and international rums. With many choices on hand there is a professional rummelier to help with your selection. When hunger strikes, a Japanese-inspired menu includes a selection of fresh- catch sashimi and a variety of rolls. Signature dishes include the Caribe Roll, which is wrapped in mango, and the Cane Bar Roll with spicy stone crab and avocado. The bar is open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and you’ll want to leave your beach togs back in the room and dress “smart casual” for the evening.

St Lucia Rum Bar

Subdued colors lend a sophisticated ambiance to The Cane Bar at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort, where vintage and small-batch rums are featured. Photo: Sugar Beach

Rhum Room at Zemi Beach House, Anguilla

One of the newest and now most popular boutique resorts in the Caribbean boasts Anguilla’s first rum bar. The design of the Rhum Room at Zemi blends modern accents with classic Caribbean architectural details to create a sophisticated yet beach-ready vibe. This setting is enhanced by the natural backdrop of Shoal Bay East, which has been called one of the world’s best beaches. The bar features over 100 small-batch, single-estate rums selected to showcase the breadth and diversity of the Caribbean’s distilling traditions. Guests can delve into the world of rum by sampling the curated Rhum Flight, which includes a selection of rums assembled by the house rummelier. The inventory includes bottles of Appleton Estate 50 Year Old, of which only 800 bottles are available to the public worldwide. Also in the collection is Clément Cuvée Homère, the highest rated vintage rum in the past 15 years, and the recently released premium Brugal Papá Andrés, which is a handcrafted blend created by master blender Maestros Roneros.

Anguilla Rum

The Rhum Room at Anguilla’s Zemi Beach House puts a sophisticated spin on the classic Caribbean club motif. The bar is stocked with a collection of super-premium rums. Photo: Dylan Cross/Zemi Beach

Rum Bar at Cooper Island Beach Club, BVI

You wouldn’t expect to find a well stocked rum bar to be on a tiny island in the British Virgin Islands. With just nine rooms set around a remote bay, the Cooper Island Beach Club caters to those wanting to get away from it all. Day sailors will sometimes stop in for lunch or dinner at the club’s restaurant as part of an island- hopping itinerary. In 2015, mariners found another reason to stop when Cooper Island added the Rum Bar and then a microbrewery. Patrons can sit beachside on wooden benches made from recycled teak and the reclaimed wood of boats, or hang at the bar for some serious tastings. The bar boasts the largest collection of rums in the Virgin Islands, with more than 150 labels from distilleries around the world. A sampler board introduces patrons to the world of premium rums, and the bar staff is on hand to offer suggestions and share tidbits on the origins and history of the labels, and on the general craft of rum making. Signature rum cocktails are accented with fruits and herbs grown at the onsite organic garden, and the bar creates proprietary rum infusions with flavors such as such as honey and lemon, hazelnut praline and jalapeño.

Rum Bar BVI

Cooper Island Beach Club is a family-run boutique resort that features the Rum Bar offering over 100 different rums from all around the Caribbean. Photo: Cooper Island Beach Club

101 Rums Bar, Four Seasons Nevis

Take a seat at the pastel painted bar, where large open windows frame views of the colorful fishing boats lined up on Pinney’s Beach, with the green slopes of St. Kitts as the backdrop. The 101 Rums Bar is housed inside Mango, the Four Seasons open-air beach restaurant. Set on water’s edge, the restaurant and bar offer the best sunsets on the island. Guests can sample signature cocktails like Nevisian Spirit or the 100 Mile Cocktail, which is made exclusively from ingredients harvested within 100 miles of the resort. Serious rum drinkers can bypass the mixed fare and focus on tastings and sippings of some of the world’s premier rums such as Appleton Estate 50 Year Old, El Dorado 25 Year Old and Pyrat Cask. With over 101 aged rums and a selection of artisanal rhum agricoles to choose from, there’s a flavor to please every palate. Weekly rum tastings are on the itinerary, and guests should plan on arriving for sunset, as the bar is open only from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Four Seasons Nevis

Sand and sea breezes set the scene at the 101 Rums Bar. The bar is located on Pinney’s Beach at the Four Seasons Nevis resort. Photo: Four Seasons Nevis

The Reef’s Rum Bar at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, St. Thomas

One of the first rum bars to grace the Caribbean combined premium labels with a memorable setting. Located just off the main lobby, the Reef’s Rum Bar offers a sophisticated indoor seating area that opens to an expansive outdoor terrace that delivers harbor views and a panoramic sweep of the mountains of St. Thomas. The indoor bar features small, intimate tables that become gathering points for smaller groups, as well as high-tops and flat screen TVs where guests can mingle and catch their favorite sports game as they sip and relax. There are a number of premium rums available for tasting, as well as a creative roster of handcrafted cocktails. Many of the drinks are made with Cruzan rum, locally distilled and bottled on sister island St. Croix. Try the signature cocktails like the Reef Rum Punch or Mango Tango.

St Thomas Frenchmans Reef

One of the Caribbean’s first rum bars opened at the Frenchman’s Reef resort in St. Thomas. The Reef’s Rum Bar provides an informal setting to enjoy premium spirits. Photo: Frenchman’s Reef

Jamaica Strawberry Hill
Anguilla, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Stay, Trip Ideas

10 Unexpected Caribbean Activities

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Once you’ve had your fill of sun, beach and water, it’s time to try something different. And at resorts all across the Caribbean, you can do just that. Young and old alike will find activities that entertain, educate or encourage engagement. Here are ten experiences that go beyond the ordinary resort experience.

1  Visit a Mountain Village:  Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

Lace up your walking shoes and ask the concierge for directions and a map. From the Strawberry Hill resort, the path to Redlight village winds through the wooded hillsides of the Blue Mountains, passing streams and a waterfall along the way. It’s an easy 20-minute walk, and once there, you can tour the historic St. Mark’s Chapel, which was built by the British in the early 1800s. To make a day of it, have the resort’s kitchen staff prepare a picnic lunch to bring along.

2  Swim with a Mermaid: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, St. Bart

She might join you in the pool, or make a surprise visit during a snorkel trip. Amarylis is St. Bart’s resident mermaid, delighting imaginations of all ages at the Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France resort. This upscale boutique property overlooks the stunning beach at Baie des Flamands, where crystal- clear waters are ideal for young snorkelers. In keeping with its family- friendly atmosphere, the Isle de France often hosts Amaryllis, who poses for photos, and shares stories of her home in the sea.

St Barth Mermaid

Amarylis the mermaid photographed while diving beneath a breaking wave. She makes regular beach and pool appearances at Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. Photo: Amarylis

3  Spot a Monkey: Four Seasons Nevis

End your day with a private sunset tour of the Four Seasons’ Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course. As you wander the hillside fairways, you’ll learn about the native flora and enjoy sweeping views of the resort, the Caribbean Sea and the nearby island of St. Kitts. And be sure to scan the trees and hillsides for a glimpse of the island’s famous green vervet monkeys. First brought to Nevis in the 1800s as pets, they now roam free across the island.

Nevis Monkey

The green vervet monkeys of Nevis are often sighted on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort. These monkeys communicate using an elaborate series of calls. Photo: David Danzig/Flickr

4  Blend Your Own: Nayara Springs, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its fine coffees, and you can sample some of the best blends at Mi Cafecito, which is Nayara Springs’ in-house expresso bar. The flavors are created by resident coffee connoisseur Ken Palmer, who learned his craft training with Alfred Peet of Peet’s Coffee. Palmer will also guide guests through the steps of creating their own personal blends. The results are delicious, as novice blenders work with high-quality beans from the country’s premier Tarrazu region.

5  Mix a Dirty Banana: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Rum is the Caribbean’s signature spirit. Guests of the Jamaica Inn can get into this spirit of the islands during a Rumology class held each Thursday morning at Teddy’s Beach Bar. In addition to mingling with other rum enthusiasts, participants learn to create a number of signature drinks such as Teddy’s signature planter’s punch, the dark and stormy, dirty banana and the piña colada. The session is hosted by the knowledgeable bar team, who also recounts the history of popular rum mixes, share stories of the rich Jamaican heritage of rum, and describe mixing techniques.

Jamaica Inn Drinks

Sun and Rum. All the elements come together at Teddy’s Beach Bar, where guests of the Jamaica Inn can learn to mix some of the Caribbean’s most iconic rum drinks. Photo: David Massey/Jamaica Inn

6  Art Walk:  Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

The recent hundred-million-dollar upgrading of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club included the addition of an extensive collection of contemporary art. Today as your walk through the lobby and public spaces these art works are juxtaposed against the hotel’s historic architectural details such as crown molding and oriental rugs. The collection includes works from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Nelson Mandela, Banksy, and Philippe Decrauzat among others. You can walk through the collection on your own or join a guided tour, which is offered every Saturday morning.

7  Pick Tomatoes Off the Vine: CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla

To provide the kitchen with the freshest and finest possible ingredients, this upscale beach resort maintains an 18,000-square foot greenhouse, which supplies much of the produce used in the restaurants. Crops include vine- ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces and micro-greens and herbs. The chefs delight in being able to pick fresh dill, basil and parsley on a daily basis, and in creating dishes featuring guava and pumpkin grown on the property. Guests can tour the greenhouse, help with the harvest and even take a seat at a hands-on cooking class.

Anguilla Greenhouse

Food doesn’t get more local that this. The on-site greenhouse at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa supplies the kitchen with an abundance of fresh produce. Photo: Joe Rahim/CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa

8  Immerse in the Culture of Curacao: Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, Curacao

Spread over an eight-block compound in the center of Willemstad, Kura Hulanda village is a collection of meticulously restored historic buildings that now house boutique lodgings and the anthropological museum of Kura Hulanda. The museum focuses on the predominant cultures of Curacao, taking visitors on a journey that ranges from the origin of man to West African empires, a chronicle of the African slave trade, pre-Columbian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. Visitors can conduct self-guided visits or join an interpretive tour.

9  Explore an Ecological Park: Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, DR

Guests of Tortuga Bay are invited to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve. This 1,500-acre nature reserve provides a habitat for indigenous birds, reptiles, insects and native plants. A series of interpretive trails cover the natural and cultural history of the island, and include a sugar cane exhibit, a fruit tree garden and an iguana habitat. Pack a swimsuit, because trails also lead to 12 freshwater lagoons where you can take a dip.

Punta Cana Lagoon

Visitors can cool off in one of the numerous freshwater lagoons that are scattered through the grounds of the Dominican Republic’s Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve. Photo: Ecological Park

10  Salute the Sun: W Retreat & Spa, Vieques, Puerto Rico

It’s a great way to begin or end your day. Join other guests in the W Retreat’s Living Room, an eclectic, neo-Bohemian relaxation space, where you can hang out and mingle before heading out to the deck for a mind, body and breath workout. Sunrise and sunset yoga sessions meet daily. Private yoga sessions available through the AWAY Spa, featuring Detox Yoga, Art of Meditation, and Introduction to Breath. If you are feeling more energetic and awake a bit earlier, join the kayak tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Antigua Carnival
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Curacao, Eat, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas

The Best Caribbean Summer Parties

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Summer is a great time to be in the Caribbean. The winter season crowds are long gone, and the locals come out to play. Parties and festivals pop up on islands across the region, offering everything from intriguing cultural experiences to unabashed beach parties. Here are a dozen must-do island parties for the summer.

Riviera Maya Film Festival

In the first week of June, the international film community converges on the beach town of Playa del Carmen. Now in its seventh year, the Riviera Maya Film Festival has garnered the attention of film buffs, who come together for showings of award-winning Mexican and international films. The 2017 festival is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators for both indoor and outdoor free showings, which take place in restored historic cinemas, and in open-air beachfront settings.

Riviera Maya Film Festival

In addition to showcasing new releases, the Riviera Maya Film Festival supports RivieraLAB, which nurtures projects by Mexican filmmakers in the development stage. Photo: Jerry Aguirre/RMFF

St. Kitts Music Fest

This small island is home to one of the Caribbean’s biggest musical happenings. Now in its 21st year, the three-day event draws some of the biggest names in soca, jazz, R&B, gospel and reggae. Performances are in the evening, but many festival goers gather at Warner Park Stadium early to spread a blanket on the lawn and make a picnic from the offerings of the numerous local food vendors. This year’s festival runs from June 26 to 28.

St Kitts Music Fest

Reggae artist Zemenfest Kidus performs for a home-town crowd at St. Kitts Music Fest. He returned to the island following a successful recording career in Jamaica. Photo: Modern Elegance/ St. Kitts Tourism Authority

Fiesta de Santiago Apostol, Puerto Rico

Each year, Puerto Rico celebrates its Spanish heritage in the town of Loiza, with a two-day festival that is equal parts religious observance and street party. Processions honoring St. James bring thousands into the streets to follow large, colorful statues carried on the shoulders of costumed and masked marchers. These observances are followed up with dance shows, music and gatherings of street vendors offering crafts and traditional food. Processions take place on July 22 and 23.

Puerto Rico Loiza Mask

Puerto Rico’s Fiesta de Santiago Apostol has its roots in Spanish traditions dating back 400 years. This annual procession through the streets features masked knights and demons. Photo: Carlos A. Aviles/Flickr

LIV Bermuda

On the first weekend in July, islanders and overseas guests from around the world come together for Bermuda’s most anticipated party. Billed as a chance to “experience Bermuda like a local,” the gatherings include beach parties, boat cruises and floating “raft ups.” Staged as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda, admission to these parties provides an all- inclusive experience with dancing, libations and live music.

LIV Bermuda

The 2017 edition of LIV Bermuda will take place from July 7 to 10. All- inclusive ticket packages for the four-day event give total access to a range of beach activities, concerts and parties. Photo: LIV Bermuda

Junkanoo Summer Festival

No need to wait for Christmas to experience the sights and sounds of the Bahamian Junkanoo. Each Saturday in the month of July, the waterfront at Nassau’s Arawak Cay comes alive with drumming, dancing and music as costumed troops strut their stuff and compete for top honors. The revelry starts at noon and lasts till midnight, and when it’s time for refreshments or a nosh, onlookers can duck into one of the many pubs or seafood restaurants that line the cay.

Junkanoo Nassau

During Nassau’s colorful mid-summer Junkanoo parades, rival dance and drum troops compete for top honors and prizes. The costumed processions have roots dating to African traditions. Photo: Brian & Leigh/Flickr

Christmas in July

Each summer, flotillas of pleasure boats depart Puerto Rico for the Virgin Islands for a week of gatherings and beach parties that have been given the name “Christmas in July.” But you don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the fun, as beach bars through the U.S. and British Virgins welcome one and all with day-long celebrations that start with volleyball tournaments and barbecues and end with evening fireworks and live bands that keep revelers dancing on the sand till the wee hours.

BVI Jost Van Dyke

Christmas in July is the whimsical name for the mid-summer invasion of the Virgin Islands by fleets of vacationing Puerto Rican boaters. Destinations such as White Sound are favorite stops. Photo: Michael Rubenstein/Flickr

Anguilla Summer Festival

One of the longest-running festivals in the Caribbean takes place on the otherwise quiet island of Anguilla. The 40th anniversary of this island-wide celebration will include beach parties, sailing races, pageants, parades, calypso concerts and more, each staged at different villages and resorts around the island. A highlight of the festival is J’ouvert morning, when a street jam begins at 4:30 a.m. when floats, drummers and festival-goers parade from the island’s capital to the beach at Sandy Ground for a day of music, food and water sports. The festival runs from July 2 to August 10.

Anguilla Summer Fest

Anguilla’s twelve-day-long Summer Festival delivers a non-stop schedule of events ranging from pageants and parades to soca raves, calypso competitions, and a massive all-day beach party. Photo: Anguilla Summer Festival

Reggae Sumfest

Jamaica’s largest music festival is also the island’s biggest party. The weeklong celebration is staged at Montego Bay, and features local reggae and dancehall artists. Before the music starts, the fun kicks off with a beach party, a musical day cruise and the famous “All White Party.” When the concerts get underway, audiences arrive with their own “reggae beds” — flattened cardboard boxes for sitting and chilling between dance sessions. The 2017 Sumfest runs from July 16 to 22.

Jamaica Montego Bay

Crowds gather at the main stage of Reggae Sumfest, which is Jamaica’s largest and most acclaimed music festival, with an international lineup that includes the biggest names in reggae and dancehall music. Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

Crop Over

On Barbados, one party isn’t enough. The annual Crop Over is a three- month string of celebrations that dates back to the island’s colonial-era agricultural roots, when the end of the harvest season became a time for relaxation and revelry. The tradition continues with a three-month series of festivals, concerts, cultural events, and street parties. A highlight of the season is the “road march”, when troops of costumed revelers take over the streets of Bridgetown on Kadooment Day. This annual parade turned street party takes place on August 7.

Barbados Cropover

The culmination of Bardados‘ three-month Crop Over celebration is the Grand Kadooment, a carnival-like parade that features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes. Photo: Barbados Tourism

Antigua Carnival

On the last week in July, the island of Antigua explodes in a riot of feather– clad costumes, bright body paint and floats booming heavy calypso beats. The party kicks off in the capital St. John’s with J’ouvert, where steel drum musicians, calypso and soca singers entertain crowds of revelers. Over the next ten days, towns across the island will stage music competitions, local food fairs, cultural shows and cultural workshops that create chances for visitors to immerse in the local culture and join the fun. Carnival time starts July 26 and runs till August 5.

Antigua Carnival

In addition to street parades and open-air concerts, Antigua’s annual Carnival includes a series of island-wide talent shows, singing competitions and stage performances. Photo: Wayne Mariette/ Antigua Carnival Celebration

Tobago Heritage Festival

The sister island of Trinidad may be home to the Caribbean’s best-known carnival, but Tobago also knows how to throw a party, and it spreads the fun out over two weeks from July 17 to August 1. Heritage Festival is an island- wide happening, with each village and community staging events such as concerts, street parades, storytelling sessions, folk dances and African drumming sessions. The island’s heritage is celebrated with unique events such as goat races and historical re-enactments.

Tobago Heritage Festival

Modern dance melds with traditional cultural roots during a live performance staged for Tobago’s annual Heritage Festival. Staged by local communities, the performances are open to all. Photo: Terrell George/Flickr

North Sea Jazz Fest

In keeping with its reputation as a regional center of art, culture and sophistication, the island of Curacao welcomes some of the biggest names in soul, jazz, hip-hop and R&B to its iconic jazz festival. Headliners for 2017 induce Bruno Mars, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reeves, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Juan Luis Guerra, with performances taking place on three stages. In addition to the all-star acts, the festival is known for it’s lively after parties, which often keep going all night. The two-day happening takes place on August 29 and 30.

Curucao North Sea Jazz

Curacao’s North Sea Jazz Festival is the Caribbean’s version of the original performance event of the same name that is held each summer in the Netherlands. Photo: Wassef Sokkari/ Curacao Tourist Board

British Virgin Islands Peter Island
Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Best Beachfront Resorts

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There’s nothing more enticing that a pristine Caribbean beach, with towering palms waving in the trade winds. And for the ultimate in beachfront bliss, this scene should be paired with adjacent accommodations that provide unlimited access to the sands, along with ultimate comfort and stellar service. These select resorts deliver all this, and more.

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

This Moroccan-themed enclave overlooks the white sands and turquoise waters of Maundays Bay Beach. Bone-white Moorish villas adorned with parapets, domes and turrets nestle into gardens of bougainvillea and hibiscus that add splashes of bright color to the ever-present views of cerulean seas and creamy sand. The resort exudes a Zen feel, and delivers a high level service to match the scenery. Begin each day with a walk on a long crescent of powder-fine sand, spend the day relaxing on your private terrace to the sound of lapping surf, or relax seaside under an umbrella, with attendants to deliver chilled towels and refreshing fruit. For a change of scenery, stroll to the end of the beach for a swim or snorkel where the water is the clearest and calmest on the island.

Cap Juluca

The iconic white-walled villas of Anguilla’s Belmond Cap Juluca overlook the sands of Maundays Bay, which has been named as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Photo: Belmond Cap Juluca

Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Grace Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, and the Grace Bay Club occupies a prime location on this 12-mile stretch of powder-fine sand. The resort offers expansive villas ideal for a family, while all rooms and suites in the hotel building are reserved for adults. A signature pool overlooking the beach is also reserved for mature guests. When it comes time to leave your private space there is plenty room to spread out on the property’s 1,000 feet of beach frontage. Find your spot with canopied daybed just steps from the turquoise water and let the beach attendant cater to your every whim.

Grace Bay Club

Villas and suites at the Grace Bay Club include private patios and balconies that deliver water views and easy accesses to a 12-mile- long beach. Photo: Grace Bay Club

Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

This private island resort offers not one but five world-class beaches, each with its own atmosphere and charm. The iconic coconut palm-lined sands of White Bay Beach are said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Guests can reserve a private tiki hut and arrange for a picnic to be delivered. Deadman’s Beach is the island’s longest and liveliest stretch of sand, home to the Deadman’s Bar & Grill, and lined with water toys such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats, all available for guests to enjoy. Those seeking a bit more privacy can move to nearby Little Deadman’s Beach, or follow the path to intimate Honeymoon Beach, which features a single thatch- roofed shelter for one couple to enjoy. On the island’s windward side, surf-washed Big Reef Beach is a favorite for walks and solitude.

Peter Island Beachfront Rooms

Beachfront rooms at the Peter Island Resort & Spa are just steps away from Deadman’s Beach, which is the island’s hub for water sports fun. Photo: Peter Island Resort

The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

The distinctive pink great house of this iconic resort perches on a hillside overlooking 340 landscaped acres and three beaches, each with a distinct personality. The palm-shaded sands and calm waters of Mermaid Beach create the perfect setting for waterfront recreation. This strand is home to the Mermaid Restaurant and the resort’s water sports center, where guests can swim, kayak, take scuba lessons or join in a game of beach volleyball. Nearby Grotto Beach offers a quieter take on beach time, whether relaxing at the waterfront pool and grill, or enjoying a book in the shade. For the ultimate in seclusion, guests can follow a walking path to intimate Whistle Beach, which remains in a natural state.

St. Corix Buccaneer

The Buccaneer resort takes in three beaches. Shown here is Mermaid Beach, which is a favorite for water sports and beach games. Photo: Buccaneer

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Grande Anse is the grande dame of beaches on this green and scenic island. Spice Island sits near the far end of this strand, securing a bit more privacy for the guests. Suites and bungalows are just steps from the water. Opt for one of the beachfront bungalows where you can watch the water ebb and flow along the golden sands from your double hammock or your ensuite tub, or sit under your private umbrella, with toes in the sand as you relax, read and renew to the sound of the sea. Early mornings and late afternoons bring out the beachcombers, and impromptu social gatherings along the two miles of creamy white sand that surround the calm bay.

Spice Island Grenada

Enjoy Grande Anse beach, just steps from your beachfront suite.  Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

This eco-lux complex sprawls across 483 acres of a former coconut plantation, and encompasses stands of pristine maritime forests. Beach lovers delight in the uninterrupted two-mile stretch of café au lait colored sands, which are backed by coconut palms and dotted with chaises and umbrellas. The setting is natural, but beach attendants are on call to deliver any desired indulgence or refreshment. The grounds adjacent to the beach are laced with hiking trails, and framed by the Espritu Santo River State Preserve, where manatees often gather. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability, and employs a special “green team” that is dedicated to protecting indigenous plants and trees.

Puerto Rico St Regis

Guests at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort have exclusive access to a two-mile stretch of beach adjacent to a nature preserve. Photo: St. Regis

Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI

With accommodations spread out over 170 acres, there’s plenty of natural serenity to go around, which is exactly what founder Laurance Rockefeller intended when he established Caneel Bay, and donated more than 5,000 adjacent acres to the Virgin Islands National Park Service. With seven secluded beaches, there’s one for every day of the week, and every mood. Families gravitate to Caneel and Little Caneel, where youngsters can enjoy water sports, with snacks not far off. The small sandy cove at Turtle Bay promises sea turtle sightings, while Hawksnest is a favorite snorkeling beach, with gentle waves and sea grape shading. Both Scott Beach and Paradise Beach are popular for taking in the sunset in a tranquil setting, while remote Honeymoon Beach delivers intimate solitude.

St John Caneel Bay

On the island of St. John, Caneel Bay Resort offers guests seven different beaches —one for every day of the week. Shown here is Scott Beach. Photo: Caneel Bay