Whether it’s a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, a bathtub can become more than just a way to get clean. Here’s a sampling of amazing bathing experiences from around the world. So sink in and relax. A marble tub is the perfect place to refresh with a flower and herb scented bath after a massage at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort.
Photo: Debbie Snow
Jumby Bay, Jumby Island, Antigua
Sink into the deep pedestal tub within the walled courtyard of Jumby Bay’s estate suite, and you can enjoy nature in a state of au naturel. The tub and its adjacent rain shower complement the suite’s lavish indoor facilities, and guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean from a private infinity pool. This ultra-luxe property sits on a 300-acre private island just off the northeastern coast of Antigua, ringed by powder fine beaches, and laced with walking and bike paths. Photo: Jumby Bay
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Maldives
When you sink into the spa tub in your beach villa at Anantara Kihavah, you aren’t just in the water; you are also surrounded by water. Each private courtyard includes numerous water features, and opens to views of sun and stars. Just beyond the door of your personal oasis, the beach awaits, and the shallows lead to colorful snorkeling reefs. As one of the most luxurious private-island retreats in the Maldives, the resort is known for its underwater restaurant. Photo: Kiattipong Panchee/Anantara Kihavah
Sanara, Tulum, Mexico
This holistic hideaway of just 19 rooms and suites is set along the pristine white sands of the beaches of Tulum. Nestled between the natural foliage and the sea, the award winning design blends and harmonizes with the surroundings. The back gardens of the Tamarind suites epitomize the property’s signature approach to simple yet sleek design. These suites sit on the edge of the beach, set among coconut palms and Mayan chit trees. While relaxing in the tub, bathers can hear the sounds of the surf carried by sea breezes. Photo: Sanara
Paradise Taveuni, Taveuni Island, Fiji
Lava rock walls enclose a soak tub at a beachfront villa at Paradise Taveuni resort. This boutique property sits within an oceanfront coconut grove on the southwestern corner of Fiji’s garden-like Taveuni Island. Guests are just a short boat ride away from the world-famous diving and snorkeling sites of Rainbow Reef. In addition to private soaks, a highlight of each day is the sunset candlelight dinners served in a thatch-roof pavilion overlooking the sea. Photo: Paradise Tavenuni
GoldenEye, Jamaica
Barefoot luxury is the theme at Jamaica’s GoldenEye Resort. Once the private estate of Ian Fleming- author of the James Bond series- this boutique resort features a collection of unique cottages and villas set along the beach, or tucked against the shores of a private lagoon. This claw foot tub in a Fleming villa epitomizes the indoor/outdoor living philosophy the property promotes, and showcases the rustic and chic decor that reminds guests that they are living island style. Photo: Adrian Boot/Island Outpost
COMO Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Follow up an afternoon of splashing in the clear waters of the lagoon, and sunning on the sands at COMO Maalifushi, and it’s just a few short steps to your beach villa. There, a private bathing suite awaits, with a tub for two, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a private courtyard. As the first resort to open in the Maldive’s pristine Thaa Atoll, Maalifushi is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It is also the setting for the signature Shambhala Retreat, which provides life-enhancing programs and Asian-based therapies. Photo: Martin Morrell/COMO
Sailrock, South Caicos, Turks & Caicos
Bathrooms at Sailrock resort’s beach villas open to small courtyards where guests can soak away their tensions to the sounds of the nearby ocean. Each of these one- to four-bedroom luxury residences perches on the edge of a mile-long beach on the shores of South Caicos island. Though located on one of the most remote and pristine islands in the Turks and Caicos chain, Sailrock rewards visitors with upscale amenities and fine dining. Water sports and the near-deserted beach are the main attraction, and the villas are ideal for families and groups. Photo: Sailrock
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Courtyard walls provide ultimate privacy in a villa at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where an evening soak in an outdoor tub is accented by candles with flames that dance in the night breeze, to the accompaniment of the sounds of wildlife from the surrounding lagoons and forests. Set on a prime beach in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the Mayakoba immerses guests in a five-star resort setting that blends elegantly into the natural surroundings of the Yucatan. Luxury villas are scattered around mangrove- lined lagoons that provide native habitat for a wealth of indigenous fish and bird species. Photo: Banyan Tree
Belle Mont Farm, Kittitian Hill, St. Kitts
Bathe on the verandah of your traditional guesthouse at Belle Monte Farms and you can also soak in views that extend from field to ocean. Cottages at this unique resort are set within a 400-acre organic farm on the north coast of St. Kitts, and are part of the larger Kittitian Hill development, which combines sustainable living principles with a commitment to cultural authenticity. Farm-to-table meals are elevated to culinary heights by award- winning chefs, and even the golf course is planted with a range of edible crops and fruit trees. Photo: Belle Mont Farms
Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo, Maldives
There’s room for two in the courtyard soak tub of a beach villa at Lily Beach resort. These private enclaves are set among lush tropical vegetation on the edge of the beach, with landscaped paths leading to resort facilities offering world-class dining and five-star spa services. In addition to a wealth of on- property amenities, Lilly Beach becomes a starting point for adventures on land and sea. These include visits to traditional Maldivian villages, swims with wild dolphins and sight seeing tours of the coral reefs in the resort’s submarine. Photo: Muha/Lily Beach
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Water views are framed by the courtyard walls of a beachside villa at Parrot Cay. The cay is a 1,000-acre private island that is home to a collection of premium guest rooms, private villas and grand residences, all of which enjoy exclusive access to a private, mile-long beach. The resort prides itself in providing “foot-in-the-sand” luxury, while also embodying the COMO brand’s dedication to wellness and world-class cuisines. The entire property has recently undergone a complete refreshment, including a new Shambhala gym, children’s play space and upgraded beach club. Photo: COMO
Banyan Tree Phuket, Phuket, Thailand
Water elements abound at the Double Pool Villas by Banyan Tree. In addition to luxurious soaking tubs and rainfall showers set in a private garden courtyard, each of this five-star resort’s expansive villas feature a private wading pond, a 15-meter pool with Jacuzzi, reflecting pools that surround the open-view bedroom pavilion, and panoramic views of the lagoon across a tropical garden. Guests have access to a premier on-site spa, along with full privileges at the adjacent Banyan Tree Phuket resort. Photo: Banyan Tree
Whether it’s a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, a bathtub can become more than just a way to get clean. Here’s a sampling of amazing bathing experiences from around the world. So sink in and relax. A marble tub is the perfect place to refresh with a flower and herb scented bath after a massage at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
There’s nothing like lingering over lunch when on vacation, letting the food come out slowly while the corks keep popping. And these relaxed meals are even better when enjoyed in a unique and memorable setting. We know of several such places in the Caribbean, and here are three of our favorites.
On the island of Antigua the place for beachfront dining is Catherine’s Café Plage, French Restaurant & Beach Bar. On Sunday’s you’ll be keeping company with members of the British expat community, who come for brunch and fill tables inside, out on the deck and onto the sand. After a nosh, many patrons linger and move to chaise lounges or spread a beach towel under the grape trees to make a day of it.
Catherine’s Café Plage puts a Caribbean spin on the traditional Salad Nicoise. The menu at this favorite beachfront dining spot includes a number of innovative takes on French favorites. Photo: Debbie Snow
Located on Pigeon Beach, Catherine’s is an easy jaunt from Falmouth Harbour by land or sea. The husband and wife team of Claudine and Guillaume add a personal touch greet arriving guests. Their passion for good food shines as they read off the day’s menu from a movable blackboard. While some items are menu standards, there are constant changes that include fresh catches and new renditions of French cuisine. There’s typically a hot or cold soup to start, lobster or gazpacho. Salads are meals in themselves and while the menu changes you’ll always find a fish ceviche, and the lobster risotto and fish en papillote are always hot items. The café offers a lineup of fine wines, and are famous for sumptuous deserts. Catherine’s is open for lunch Wednesday through Monday, along with jazz on Wednesday nights, and special gourmet dinners each Friday.
With a farm right outside your door, you’ll expect to find plenty fresh produce on your plate. And that is just what you’ll find at The Kitchen, set inside the Great House overlooking the Belle Mont Farm resort at Kittitian Hill. Ask for a table by the glass doors and you’ll have an expansive view of the hillside down to the sea. If you are lucky enough to be staying here, then lunch is just a stroll from your villa. But most happen upon Kittitian Hill by recommendation, and it’s become the go-to lunch stop on an island tour.
On the Island of St. Kitts, the culinary team at The Kitchen on Belle Mont Farm makes exclusive use of local ingredients, much of which is grown on the property’s organic farm. Photo: Debbie Snow
The Kitchen sources local ingredients from Belle Mont Farm to create a clean, authentic cuisine. This farm-to-table philosophy taps into the riches of the adjacent 400-acre organic farm, giving Executive Chef Christophe Letard and his team plenty of offerings to choose from when crafting the ever-changing menu. Meals can start with a cocktail made with fresh passion fruit juice, an arugula salad topped with a just-laid poached egg and sorrel salad dressing, then continue with freshly-caught snapper surrounded by savory organic vegetables. The view is majestic and the service is warm and friendly, so plan on a staying for desert of a freshly backed fruit tart.
Puerto Rico is a hotbed for culinary talent, and the city of San Juan is the arena that showcases their skills. Cocina Abierta is tucked off the main drag of Ashford Avenue in the trendy Condado disrict. Here, Chef Martín Louzao displays his creative genius in variations of contemporary cuisine with a touch of the Old World. His background and extensive travels have inspired unique variations and combinations of ingredients and seasonings that result in distinctive flavors and textures. Louzao is frequently visited by food lovers and chefs from other parts of the world. Hailing from Argentina, he spent time working with Albert Adrià and Argentinian Chef Gato Dumas, both innovators and pioneers of contemporary and modern cuisines. Louzao also worked with Spain’s Koldo Royo, who held a Michelin star rating from 1989 to 2007.
At San Juan’s Cocina Abierta, Chef Martín Louzao creates offerings designed to please both the eye and the palate. He has been named as one of America’s best chefs. Photo: Debbie Snow
Today Louzao displays his talents at his three outlets in San Juan, Cocina Abierta, Nonna and Touro. For a long lunch, Cocina Abierta is the spot. Here the menu is set up like a play, in acts, and while you might want the entire performance at once, it’s more enjoyable to order acts One through Five at a more leisurely pace. Begin with one of the handmade cocktails; the signature list includes the Orange Blossom Ten, which is light and refreshing with orange blossom water, mandarin tonic and Tanqueray. Others include homemade reductions and fruit infused soda. You might start the First Act with a cold almond soup or the Purple Potato & Octopus Peruvian Causa, which features layers of potatoes and octopus, accented with black olive sauce and creamy garlic. The Second Act always includes seafood such as a Caribbean bouillabaisse or a squid ink pasta layered in prawns, with notes of Sambuca and cilantro. The Third and Fourth Acts include poultry and beef and there’s even a full act for the vegetarian. Plates come out looking like works of modern art, suitable for framing. But your taste buds will win out.
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean at the end of a good ride. And it’s not just humans who enjoy the cooling waters. Horses are natural swimmers, and when the conditions are right, they will gladly wade right in and splash about in the shallows, or even take a rider for a swim. Here are some of the best places in the Caribbean to make this happen.
This green and scenic island offers two different chances to swim with the ponies. In the heart of the Roseau Valley, the Hoof Print Horse Riding Ranch schedules a variety of tours suitable for both novices and seasoned riders. The signature route leads through forests and banana plantations on the way to the remote sands of Roseau Bay, where horses and riders can wade in for a refreshing dip, then stay for a beach barbecue. To the north, the town of Gros Islet is the home of the International Pony Club. The club’s signature rides lead to the Atlantic coast beach of Cas en Bas. Sign up for the two-hour tour and you’ll have time to change into swimwear and ride into the surf. Go for the four-hour option and the club will organize lunch on the beach as well. www.hoofprintranch.com, www.internationalponyclub.com
Riders gallop at waters edge along the sands of St. Lucia’s Roseau Bay. Before ocean swims, horses are often stripped of saddles while riders change into swimsuits. Photo: Stuart Godfrey/Flickr
The best place on the island of Antigua to find rolling hills and elevated ocean views is along the island’s southwestern coast, near English Harbor. And that’s where the Antigua Equestrian Center is located. When you arrive, you may find some locals working their mounts through dressage and jumping routines, but the stables also provide daily trail rides through the hills with scenic views. These rides, which are limited to groups of four or less, can include a stop at Falmouth Bay for a canter in the shallows or a full soaking. The stables also offer longer riders to the pristine beach at remote Rendezvous Bay. www.antiguaequestrian.com
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands is another destination offering two unique horseback rides that include beach swims. On the island’s north shore, where rainforest-clad hillsides overlook Caribbean beaches, riders begin a journey through the historic sugar plantation of Rust Op Twist and the village of Lavalle. The ride continues onto the beach and arrives at Cane Bay, and after a ride along the surf line, humans and animals end the adventure with a refreshing plunge and a photo op. Similar adventures await on the island’s west cost near the port of Frederiksted, where family– owned Cruzan Cowgirls leads tours through forests to historic landmarks, and along sandy beaches, where riders have the option of taking the horses into the water. A specialty of the stables is sunset rides, and the operation supports a horse rescue and community education program. www.horsebackridingstcroix.com, www.cruzancowgirls.com
When horseback rides through the countryside of Bonaire lead to the sand- bottom lagoon at Lac Bay, riders have a chance to do more than wade with their mounts. While humans change into swim trunks, the guides remove saddles for a true bareback swim. As depths increase gradually, and the adventure transitions from a wade to a swim, riders are instructed to maintain a body position that will allow the horse to use all four legs and keep its head above water. These swimming exercises are supervised to ensure the safety of horse and rider, creating a unique and memorable adventure. www.horseranchbonaire.com
A horse pauses for a snack during a ride at Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The island’s favorite breed is the Paso Fino, which is known for its smooth gait and “no- bounce” ride. Photo: Ellison Acosta/Flickr
Dominica is one of the greenest and most pristine destinations in the Caribbean, with much of the island covered in rainforests and wooded mountain slopes. One of the most memorable ways to experience the island’s natural beauty is by horseback, on an excursion organized by Rainforest Riding. Rides of various durations follow the Waitukubuli Trail, a 115-mile wilderness path that winds its way across the island. A favorite route leads to Purple Turtle Beach, where riders can experience a bareback swim with their horse. Another popular choice is a ride on a section of the Waitukubuli Trail that leads through wetland and swamps that are prime habitat for native and migratory birds. This ride leads to the black sand beaches of Douglas Bay. www.rainforestriding.com
The island of Providenciales is known for its long and spectacular beaches, which open onto the turquoise tinged shallows of the Caicos Banks. At Long Bay Beach, the shallow water continues far offshore, giving horseback riders a perfect chance to lead their mounts into the water for some splashing fun. Rides begin at the stables of Provo Ponies, and lead to the beach. Unlike some tours, which include a short swim as part of a longer trail ride, these tours spend most of their time at the beach and in the water. More experienced riders are allowed to canter in the shallows when the tides are out, and the horses don’t play follow the leader on any ride. Instead, everyone is encouraged to spread out and enjoy their time on the sand or in the shallows. There are plenty of chances for photo ops with the wading ponies. www.provoponies.com
The mango is one of the world’s most popular fruits, and more than 100 varieties grow in the Caribbean. Each island lays claim to producing the juiciest and most flavorful fruits. But some take it beyond bragging rights by staging festivals and parties dedicated to all things mango. Here are the best places to celebrate the summer harvest and take in all the rich flavors of this king of fruits.
June is known as “Month of the Mango” on St. Lucia, and the resorts of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet go all out to honor the fruit. Throughout the month, resort guests can enjoy a variety of fruit-focused events. There are cooking demonstrations and chutney making classes, special five-course mango-themed dinners and plenty of mango-based treatments at Jade Mountain’s Kai en Ciel spa and Anse Chastenet’s Kai Belte spa. Guests can even learn how to craft mango cocktails and visit the organic farm where much of the produce used in the resorts is grown. The month ends with a six-day Mango Madness Festival that runs from June 27 to July 2 and includes numerous culinary events. http://www.jademountain.com/cuisine/culinary_events.html
Mango Madness at St. Lucia’s Anse Chastanet resort will be hosted by chef Allen Susser, who is the author of The Great Mango Book, an authoritative mango cookbook. Photo: Bernd Rac/Jade Mountain
At the peak of mango season, the George Village Botanical Gardens stages a day of educational workshops, children’s activities and a food competition. Known as “Mango Dis, Mango Dat,” this fruit-themed cook-off brings in chefs from around the Virgin Islands to showcase their inventive talents. There are four categories in which mangoes are used: Sips, Sweets, Salsas and Stuff. The day’s demonstrations and tastings include a tropical fruit identifying seminar and mango eating contests. Local food and drink vendors will be on site with an array of mango products for sale. This year’s 21st Annual Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival takes place on Sunday July 9, 2017. www.sgvbg.org
Mangos have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years, and were first brought from the Far East to the Caribbean by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Photo: Flickr
The small island of Nevis goes all out for a four-day celebration of the mango that includes dining experiences, cooking demonstrations and cook-along classes. Celebrity chefs come to the island for demonstrations, and to prepare some of the culinary dinners. This year’s event welcomes Iron Chef Judy Joo and Celebrity Chef Seamus Mullen. Local chefs from the island’s top restaurants and hotels are also invited to showcase their creative culinary skills by incorporating mangos in recipes presented at the festival finale: the Nevisian Chefs Mango Feast. Attendees will gather to celebrate on Oualie Beach with mango tastings, sample dishes and rum tastings. A highlight of the weekend is the Friday night Mango Beach Lime Festival Party, staged at the various beach bars lining Pinney’s Beach. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, July 6-9, 2017. www.nevisisland.com/nevismangofest
A highlight of the 2017 Nevis Mango & Food Festival will be a special dinner staged at the Four Seasons Mango restaurant with Judy Joo of Iron Chef fame.
This event engages both guests and professional chefs in a range of special activities and workshops. The festival takes place at the Christian Valley Agricultural Station, where some 25 elite mango varieties are grown. These include Trinidad’s “Julie”, Haiti’s “Madame Francisque”, Cuba’s “Piniero”, Asian “Num Mai Doc” and a number of varieties from Florida. During the two-day event, participants can learn budding and grafting techniques, tour groves, visit food booths and enjoy live entertainment. There will be plenty of mango products to taste and buy, a story telling session, and a screening of the film “Sweetest Mango.” The main event is the Magic Mango Menu Culinary competition for profession hotel chefs and bartenders. The festival takes place July 30 and 31, 2017. www.antiguanice.com
Color is not always a good indicator of a ripe mango. As they reach peak ripeness, mangos become slightly soft to the touch, and will give off a fruity aroma at their stem ends. Photo: Ard Hesselink/Flickr
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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’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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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’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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Antigua has welcomed sailors since the days of tall ships, and was long the British Navy’s primary port in the Caribbean. These days, cannon-laden ships no longer tie to the wharfs at Nelson’s Dockyard, but a different type of nautical combat takes place each spring when sailing yachts of every type converge for bouts of trade wind powered racing action. Anyone who enjoys a spirited sail followed by a round or two back at the docks should plan on visiting the island during these signature events.
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean’s premier sailing event. From humble beginnings as a local event, this regatta has grown to attract an international following, bringing more than 100 yachts and thousands of sailors and spectators to the island for a week of racing action and lively shore side celebrations.
Racing along the southern coast of Antigua, highly trained crews trim sails and tighten lines to harness trade winds and coax every available bit of speed from their yachts. Photo: Antigua Sailing Week
Racers are divided into categories and provided with time handicaps that allow for spirited competition on an even playing field. As a result, the fleet includes everything from vintage sloops to futuristic multihulls and high-dollar luxury yachts. Racing takes place off the island’s south coast, giving spectators prime views of the fleet from beaches and bluffs. Shirley Heights Lookout hosts a pre-race breakfast, and this restored hilltop fortress is an ideal vantage point for racing action. Short hikes from Galleon Beach and Nelson’s Dockyard lead to more viewing points. Each day of racing is followed by a rigorous party schedule that includes balls, banquets and awards ceremonies.
Two weeks before Antigua’s Sailing Week events kick off, sailors gather for a blast from the past that brings together a fleet of tall ships, vintage ocean racers and island sloops. The Classic Yacht Regatta will celebrate it’s 31st running in April of 2017, with daily races staged in the waters offshore of Falmouth Harbour. Spectators can follow the action from shore, or book a place on a modern sailing yacht that shadows the fleet.
The historic grounds of Nelson’s Dockyard, once the center of England’s Caribbean naval activity, now draw sleek yachts for events such as Antigua Sailing Week. Photo: iStock
The day before racing begins, Concours d’Elegance provides a chance to wander the docks and admire the craftsmanship and gleaming brightwork of some 50 classic ketches, sloops and schooners, with prizes awarded to the best. Another highlight of the fleet are the Carriacou sloops. These historic vessels, once used for fishing and inter-island travel, showcase the skill of artisanal Caribbean boat builders while proving themselves to be capable competitors. In addition to nightly parties, the regatta winds up with a cream tea party in English Harbour and the Parade of Classics, with crews dressing up in period costumes for one final sail.
In 2009, England’s Royal Ocean Racing Club decided to add a winter event to their usual race schedule, and to set it not in the British Isles, but in the warmer waters of the Caribbean in partnership with the Antigua Yacht Club. But this international completion is no pleasure sail, as it attracts some of the world’s fastest and most sophisticated ocean racing yachts for four days of round-the-clock sailing over a 600 mile-course that takes in 11 islands.
An international fleet of ocean racing yachts gather for the start of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600. This demanding event draws some of the world’s best sailors to the island of Antigua each February. Photo: Debbie Snow
The 2017 event attracted more than 900 competitors from 30 nations. The start brings out spectators to watch boats jockey for a position before heading off around the island and out to sea. The course runs north past Barbuda, then west to Nevis, around Saba, St. Barts and St. Martin before heading south to Guadeloupe, with marks at Les Saintes and Les Désirade. A final run to Barbuda and Redonda lead to a dash back to Antigua’s Fort Charlotte. Many spectators track the course and boats on their smartphones, and there are opening and closing parties at the Antigua Yacht Club.
Going on a Caribbean vacation shouldn’t be a guilty pleasure. And when you stay at a resort that displays the Green Globe seal, you are not only indulging yourself, but also casting a vote for eco- friendly and sustainable business practices. This international organization grants its blessings only to companies and organizations that are committed to making positive contributions to people and the planet, demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainable practices, and pass a detailed audit. Here are seven prime resorts that pass muster.
The owners of Blue Horizons went green to earn gold. The six-acre resort is tucked away on a hillside above Grand Anse Beach, with grounds and gardens planted with 9,500 indigenous plants and trees to create more than 250 new green spaces. This tree- planting initiative created a refuge for 27 species of tropical birds. The property operates on rainwater collection, solar water heating and gravity-fed water storage tanks. While recycling is high on the list, the staff also works to reduce initial consumption through the reusing of existing packaging when purchasing consumables, and an emphasis on sustainable seafood and local produce. This commitment to conservation has earned the resort Green Globe Certification for five years running, resulting in a coveted Gold membership status.
The owners of Grenada’s Blue Horizons resort planted thousands of native trees and bushes to create an attractive and eco- conscious habitat on a hillside above Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Blue Horizons
Water is a precious commodity on the island of Bermuda. To keep the fluid flowing in a responsible and sustainable manner, the management of Tucker’s Point invested in a million dollar green initiative that includes a rainwater collection system, solar water heating and a seawater reverse osmosis plant. All water discharges run through a proprietary water treatment plant and then held in a two million gallon pond that is used to irrigate the golf course. The grounds provide a natural habitat for nesting Bermuda bluebirds; the kitchen harvests herbs from onsite gardens; and all kitchen oil is collected and refined for use as alternative fuel around the property. This dedication to sustainable operation earned the resort the Green Globe Certification in 2012, and it remains the only property in Bermuda to hold these credentials.
Rather than tap Bermuda’s limited municipal water supply, the Tucker’s Point resort operates a reverse osmosis plant that produces up to 50,000 gallons of fresh water a day. Photo: Tucker’s Point
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s 14-acre stretch of white sand is among the Caribbean’s top beaches, and the property has been named as one of the most sustainable hotels in the world. Bucuti has earned Green Globe Platinum status, and is on track to become the first carbon neutral resort in the Caribbean. By coupling an on-site photovoltaic solar panel system to the power grid, the resort operates on 47 percent clean energy, and maintains the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba. Local sourcing further reduces the property’s carbon footprint, and the use of biodegradable materials practically eliminates the use of plastic. Guests are gifted with reusable water bottles and are invited to participate in the monthly beach cleanup hosted by the resort. Since it began 20 years ago, this program removes on average 500 pounds of waste from Aruba’s beaches each year.
The luxurious pool deck at Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is proof that going green doesn’t have to mean giving up resort amenities. Photo: Bucuti Beach Resort
Long revered for its spectacular natural setting, in 2017 Le Guanihani became the first resort on St. Barts to earn Green Globe Certification. This honor was the result of a five-year program that encompassed a sweeping range of initiatives designed to both limit the property’s environmental impact, and to effect positive changes to the surrounding ecosystems. Among these programs were the switch to low energy lighting, low- carbon products and selective waste sorting. Water produced from reverse osmosis is recycled for irrigation use through a grey water system, and the resort actively offsets carbon emissions. The 18-acre grounds are maintained in a natural condition, and efforts are made to protect indigenous plants and animals. The resort has also pledged to support the 2,500-acre marine park that surrounds the peninsula, and supports local artisanal fishermen.
Set between Marigot Bay and Grand Cul de Sac, the eco-friendly grounds of Le Guanihani spread over 18 tropical acres straddling a peninsula with two beaches. Photo: Le Guanihani
From the onset, the grounds of Hermitage Bay were designed to blend into Antigua’s natural surroundings. This began with a non- invasive approach to site clearing that retained the original coastal mangrove ecosystem, and the use of sustainable building materials for each of the resort’s 27 cottage suites. The on-site organic gardens provide much of the herbs, fruits and vegetables used in the kitchen, which also supports local farmers and fishermen to provide guests with an authentic farm-to-plate experience. To reduce electrical demands, each cottage was designed and positioned to take advantage of trade winds, reducing or eliminating the need for air conditioning. Water is distributed by solar energy, and a grey water system sustains the gardens.
Rooms at Antigua’s Hermitage Bay resort were designed to take advantage of the sites natural airflow, and guests are often able to forgo air conditioning in favor of sea breezes. Photo: Hermitage Bay
Situated at the entrance to Old San Juan, with the 17th century San Geronimo Fort just steps away, the Caribe Hilton takes its green initiatives seriously, and incorporates sustainable practices into the everyday operation of the hotel. The extensive recycling program includes plastic, aluminum, paper from the offices, metal hangers, alkaline batteries, frying oil, cell phones, cartons and more. Earth-friendly products are used in cleaning; leftover food goes to a homeless shelter and food waste to a local pig farm. As a member of the Hilton Family Hotels, the group is committed to reducing energy consumption and lowering CO2 emissions. Local initiatives supported by the hotel include beach cleaning, mangrove restoration and tree planting.
The Caribe Hilton has a comprehensive recycling and employs a range of energy saving technologies that don’t compromise the guest experience. Photo: Caribe Hilton
The Green Globe team awarded the Jamaica Inn high marks for their commitment to creating eco-friendly and eco-aware programs that engage both staff and guests. Each year, the resort’s pristine crescent of beach and nearby Oracabessa Beach are the site of the Sea Turtle Recovery Program, which protects hundreds of nesting sites and releases thousands of hatchling hawksbill turtles into the sea. Earth Day brings tree planting throughout the property, with the goal of creating new wildlife habitat. On the conservation front, Jamaica Inn recently added solar panels, a recycling initiative, and an onsite composting system that repurposes food scraps to the garden. Flowers used throughout the hotel are grown at the on-site greenhouse.
Guests at the Jamaica Inn share a pristine beach with seasonal arrivals of nesting sea turtles. A resort sponsored program helps release thousands of hatchlings into the sea. Photo: Jamaica Inn
Blue waters, white sands, secluded coves and balmy trade winds. These key ingredients of a tropical paradise are served up in abundance on the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Add in a culture of welcoming West Indian graciousness blended with British customs, foods, and sports, and you have a complete recipe for a vacation.
Antigua’s slogan is a beach for every day of the year. With 365 beaches, coves and nooks ringing the coastline of this amoeba-shaped island, there is good reason to pack your beach togs. In addition, there are more than a dozen small islands and 25 named bays and harbors that circle the island. For an active beach and a mile long walk, west coast Dickenson’s Bay is the spot. To the south Jolly Beach offers a shoreside assortment of bars, restaurants and shops. East coast beaches such as Half Moon Bay and Long Bay are known for their stretches of white sand, while kite boarders and windsurfers head to Jabberwock Beach on the north coast. For a beach that’s all to yourself, catch a boat from Harmony Hall to Green Island.
The island of Antigua is surrounded by 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Some are lined with lively beach bars, while others offer long stretches of solitude. Photo: Michael Utech/iStock
A short hop from Antigua by plane or sailing catamaran, the laid- back and off-the-radar island of Barbuda offers 17 miles of near- deserted pink and white sand beaches where nature takes center stage and donkeys outnumber tourists. In addition to beach time, visitors can hike to historic sites and explore mysterious caves decorated in Arawak petroglyphs. Birders will find delight at the lagoon, where the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to 170 species of birds, including more than 5000 of the namesake frigate birds.
The steady trade winds that once brought tall ships to the most important port in the British Caribbean are now prized by yachtsmen who consider Antigua to be the Caribbean’s sailing mecca. Each spring the island is invaded by a flotilla of partying yachtsmen for Sailing Week, which is widely known as one of the premier sailing events in the world. Days filled with heated racing are followed by nightly parties at English Harbour. More regattas follow throughout the year, ranging from informal match races to major events such as the Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
Antigua is home to a number of annual regattas that attract high- end sailing yachts and crews from around the world. Photo: Michael Utech/iStock
From January to July the island is abuzz with cricket reports from matches across the island and around the Caribbean. The sport of cricket took hold back in 1820s, and while it took a long time to bridge the class and race boundaries it didn’t hurt that Antigua’s Sir Viv Richards dominated the cricket scene worldwide from 1974 until his retirement 1991. Today you can’t walk in a pub without a match being beamed on the telly.
The stone buildings that line deepwater port at English Harbour were once the center of British Naval power in the Caribbean, and home to the fleet under the command of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson. The dockyard is now a favorite place to take in history, shop, dine and overnight at a pair of small inns. The fortifications at Shirley Heights that once served as a lookout and gun battery now see Sunday gatherings devoted to eating, drinking and socializing to the music of steel drums. This island high point is also the best place to view sunsets over the harbor below.
At one time there were 170 sugar mills operating on Antigua. Today, the remnants of nearly 100 are still standing and scattered about the island. Many remain in ruins, but some have been preserved and restored. The intact mill at Betty’s Hope Estate is part of the island’s first and largest plantations. Similar stone towers can be seen at Hawksbill Resort, where the mill doubles as a boutique, at Harmony Hall, where the mill now serves as a lookout over Nonsuch Bay, and at Galley Bay, where the original structure is now incorporated into the resort’s lobby.
Stone windmill towers that once held working cane mills are scattered across the landscape of Antigua. A few have been restored and are open for visits. Photo: iStock
Land and sea activities are plentiful on the island. Coastal mangrove forests offer kayaking and bird watching. Diving and snorkel adventures include sea caves and coral canyons, while the reefs off Barbuda are home to 200 wrecks. Landlubbers will find plenty of trails to hike, and a local favorite are the hash runs, which are equal parts human foxhunt and party.
The capital town of St. John’s is rich in history, inviting visitors to stroll a network of streets lined with buildings that date back to the 1800s, now updated and painted in bright colors. Once the administration and legal center of the British West Indies the town is home to many historic sites, along with the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Not to be missed is the lively fruit and vegetable market that spills onto the streets on Friday and Saturday mornings.
The colorful waterfront of St. John’s was once the seat of British governance for the Caribbean. Today its historic downtown hosts eclectic shops and eateries. Photo: iStock
Sweeter than the varieties from Hawaii, this thin, small fruit bursts with natural sugars and rich flavors. Individual pineapple plots can be seen on an island tour, and the larger 20-acre government owned Cades Bay Agricultural Station offers farm tours. For jars of pineapple jams and mango chutney stop at Elaine’s Culture Shop on Fig Tree Drive.
Some of the best galleries in the Caribbean are found on Antigua. Many artists are in residence on island and you can meet and watch them work when they have open houses at their studios. During high season, monthly art shows are sponsored by Abracadabra and feature emerging artists from the Caribbean.
After a full day of sand and sun, there’s nothing like cooling off and chilling out with cocktail in hand while watching a colorful Caribbean sunset. As the light fades and evening breezes arrive, you can stroll the beaches, where gentle waves lap the sand. Then, after stretching your legs and refreshing that drink, you can settle in to the perfect spot around the pool or up on your private terrace to watch nature’s light show unfold in the western sky. Here are four of our absolute favorite spots to enjoy the Caribbean at sundown.
The Trident Hotel sits on the northeast corner of Jamaica, just 7 miles from the sleepy and balmy town of Port Antonio. The area is still off the beaten path, even for Jamaica. Here, nature takes center stage with jungle-like foliage edging the beaches and immersing Trident in a green canopy of privacy.
Each seaside villa at Jamaica’s Trident Hotel includes a private pool and an open-air terrace that provides big views of sea and sky. Photo: Trident Hotel
Port Antonia was once the stomping ground of society figures and movie stars like Errol Flynn. The resort acknowledges this history at Mike’s Super Club, which is a cabaret lounge giving a nod to the calypso bop era of the 1950’s Caribbean. Today, the exclusive yet laid-back vibe of the hotel shines through in the chic decor, which includes serendipitous accents like the ceramic sheep by the pool. The property is small, with just 13 villas ranging from studio to two-bedroom, all with private pools, outdoor baths and private terraces ideal for sharing a crimson sunset with your companion.
Afternoon tea signals the beginning of day’s end at Carlisle Bay. While many guests are still relaxing in chaises lining the beach, others take tea on their private balcony or by the pool. Quiet settles in as children take naps, boats are anchored and kayaks pulled shore. This is a favorite time for an early evening stroll on the crescent of beach, and for choosing a venue to enjoy the sunset to come.
The pier at Antigua’s Carlisle Bay resort is often the site of sunset yoga sessions, and later in the evening provides a romantic setting for candlelight dinners. Photo: Debbie Snow
As refreshing evening breezes come off the bay, the resort’s pier transforms into a yoga platform for a sunset session. Later, it will be framed in candlelight for romantic dinners. Ashore, the bar at waterfront Indigo Restaurant is a favorite, as is the beachside Coconut Palms, where you can keep your toes in the sand. Or, should you be seeking a more private viewing, each of the resort’s 82 suites provides private ocean-facing terraces or patios, where the warm wood tones of walls and shutters are lit by the last rays of the setting sun.
Nature lovers consider the Boucan to be a little slice of heaven on earth. The boutique resort sits in the midst of the St. Lucia rainforest, on the island’s oldest cocoa plantation, the 140-acre Rabot Estate. The property’s 14 rooms are decorated in a blend of West Indian charm and contemporary chic.
Nature takes center stage at St. Lucia’s Boucan resort, where the setting sun signals the start of nature’s nightly symphony of bird calls, chirping crickets and singing frogs. Photo: Boucan
After a day of hiking or taking in a chocolate-making tour, you’ll want to head down to the 50-foot long infinity pool for sunset. Lined with black quartz, the pool mirrors the rainforest ambience, and images of the Pitons engulf as you float in the cool waters, with cocktail by your side. As the sun sets behind the craggy edges of the majestic Pitons, the evening rings in a cacophony of sounds. Birds, frogs and crickets transport you into the cool mountain air of night.
The perfect half-moon crescent of aptly named Sunset Beach serves up some of the most spectacular sunsets in Jamaica, and guests at the Half Moon resort have a front row seat for the nightly show. The Half Moon traces its roots to 1954, when several families built winter cottages for family and friends to enjoy. Today, the founding families still visit and the resort has become a home away for the Royal family as well as luminaries like Paul Newman and Jackie Kennedy.
A solitary oceanside palapa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort provides a tranquil and private setting to enjoy sunset views to the accompaniment of gently lapping waves. Photo: Debbie Snow
Over the years, the enclave grew into a 400-acre, self-contained village that includes a collection of cottages, villas and hotel suites, along with an 18-hole golf course, equestrian center, tennis courts, two miles of private beach, a nature preserve and several restaurants that serve up sunset views. The Seagrape Terrace is a favorite, but guests can also opt to stroll the shores and settle into a beachside chaise or palapa to watch the sky transition from pink to orange, red and ultimately a rich violet that signals the arrival of the night.
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