Tag Archives: Aruba

Why You Should Visit Aruba in 2023

May 5, 2023

Aruba hasn’t missed a beat in the past few years. During and after the pandemic visitors have continued to arrive on the One Happy Island with no signs of interruptions. Friendly people, ideal climate, global diverse cuisine, and beachfront resorts keep visitors coming back.

High Wind

This year’s Aruba Hi-Winds competition comes early in May and draws water sports enthusiasts from around the world and the Caribbean to compete and watch the action. What began as a windsurfing event has evolved and grown to include the latest version of wind-powered sailing craft–the foil. Both kiteboarders and windsurfers have added this version for speed and distance sailing. The event includes several categories like big air kiteboarding, kite foiling long-distance, and long- distance windsurfing: there are youth categories and even a sunfish sailing race. This popular event began in 1986 when two local windsurfers, Anthony Blok and Ruben Croes decided to share the secret winds of Aruba with the world. At that time, windsurfing was one of the hottest sports worldwide with top athletes like Robby Naish, Stephan van den Berg, and Natalie Lelièvre competing on a professional basis at the Aruba Hi-Winds. Today’s event is minus the big purse but a total of $20,000.00 will be handed out to winners along with trophies and other prizes. The action will take over Fisherman’s Huts where the sand converts into a collage of colorful sails and boards and on the southern end of the island at Boca Grandi where competitors catch big air. The five-day competition runs from May 17 to May 22, 2023. To register: https://www.arubahiwinds.com/

Hi-Winds is the largest amateur windsurfing and kiteboarding competition in the world and takes place every year in Aruba. Photo: ARTN Photography/Aruba Tourism Authority

Global Cuisine

Peruvian food is in the spotlight and while Lima is one of the hottest culinary destinations in the world Aruba is chiming in with several hot spots featuring seafood in a range of Peruvian cooking styles. Peru’s cuisine incorporates some of the most biodiverse crops and hundreds of varieties of corn, potatoes, and quinoa endemic to the country appear in menus in Peru and around the world. Order up a selection of ceviche accented in roasted corn and sweet potatoes along with a Pisco cocktail fashioned with brandy, lime, and simple syrup with egg white foam afloat and you’ll be transported to Peru. Family- owned and run, Delimar is located in Oranjestad and serves tasty and unpretentious meals. Lunch and dinner offerings include a collection of ceviche dishes, which are the cornerstone of Peruvian cuisine. Order the dish with just fish or explore more layered textures and tastes with a combo including shrimp, squid, and octopus. For more details: https://www.delimararuba.com/

Así Es Mi Peru also in downtown Oranjestad came on the scene in 2016 and gets plenty of kudos for its authentic cuisine. Dining is a tad upmarket with white linens accented with colorful table runners and meticulously designed plates. The team of Peruvian chefs prepares dishes like, pescado a lo macho (fish filet with creamy seafood sauce and Peruvian spices) and lomo saltado (pan-seared steak al la Peru ) and a long list of appetizers with various renditions of ceviche. Don’t pass on the Peruvian Cuzqueña beer. Deserts include arroz con leche and picarones– sticky doughnuts dripping in honey and cinnamon. See more at: https://asiesmiperuenaruba.com/

The latest on the scene is Lima Bistro which opened in June of 2021. The spot is on the marina at the Harbour House Condominiums in Oranjestad. Inside, a hanging star guides the way for patrons to tables or the bar, a tribute, and designation to the North Star. The open kitchen invites insights to preparation and ingredients and a sneak look at the components in the daily spontaneous creations the chef dreams up. Take a table outdoors and dine as they would in Peru overlooking the Pacific. Chef Teddy gets plenty of accolades for his combinations and creative flavors inspired from his home in Lima. After culinary school and a journey around the world to glean his culinary techniques and tastes and a final stop in San Sebastian, Spain he returned to the New World. His menu is well-rounded with seafood, duck, pork, beef, lamb, and even a veggie dish. As with most Peruvian establishments, the list of ceviche is extensive, after all, it’s the national dish of Peru and becomes a point of pride in the kitchen. Sweets combine Peruvian and Aruban comfort foods. Visit them at: https://www.limabistro.com/

Cozy and colorful interiors of the Lima Bistro in Aruba. Photo: Call Me Petit/Lima Bistro

Room Updates

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has completed its new look, not that the old one was so bad. Keeping in tune with the local ambiance, the rooms are now using locally inspired designs and motifs. Colors and textures reflect an ocean motif with flowing waves. A color palette of beige, blue and green replicates the Aruba landscape and coastal area, and new artwork showcases aloe plants and succulents found in the natural environment. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/

A brand new all-suite property opened its doors across the street from Eagle Beach, the best, most photographed and widest beach on the island. Embassy Suites by Hilton debuted its 330 rooms evoking a homier experience. The idea is to offer a place you might live, which is right in the middle of all Aruba has to offer. Oranjestad is nearby along with a slew of restaurants, bars, and shops. Eagle Beach is just a walk across the street and Palm Beach is a short ride. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auajmes-embassy- suites-aruba-resort/

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, also in Eagle Beach has undergone major renovations to all studios and suites that include using bright Dutch Caribbean colors which the hotel’s architecture has embraced over time. You can’t miss the brightly painted golden yellow buildings showcasing Dutch colonial architecture. Passions on the Beach and Horizons Bar both got a jolt of energy and some sprucing up. Certified by EarthCheck, the resort is working on water, energy and land usage. Monthly beach cleanups, a reduction in single-use plastics and a program to protect Aruba’s flora and fauna are part of their green imitative. https://www.amsterdammanor.com/

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba is located in the heart of Eagle Beach. Photo: Amsterdam Manor

Art Movement

Aruba has its share of local artists and with a diverse ethnic community, the art scene is fueled and influenced by techniques and media used around the world, and in Aruba, that world is constantly evolving. There are three art schools on the island and numerous galleries and museums. You can find primitive art, multi-media productions, textiles, traditional oil on canvas, and murals that continue to materialize overnight. Art shows and pop-up galleries appear at a minute’s notice. There is an organized art show that takes place in San Nicholas in November. San Nicholas, the island’s second largest town has transformed from the oil refinery community of the mid-1900s along with its red-light district (which is still active) into a thriving art community where murals welcome arrivals and spontaneously appear on dilapidated buildings brightening up the Sunshine City.

Legendary Charlie’s Bar is considered a piece of art on its own merit with a multi-layered décor of license plates, flags, plaques, and novelty items dangling from the ceiling. It’s become a subject for local artists to interpret. The family-run bar is still going strong with the third generation now manning the storefront. Today people come to San Nicholas from around the world not just to have a beer at Charlie’s but for the art. It’s the place to be if you are an artist or art lover. The fifth edition of the Aruba Art Fair takes place November 4 to 6, 2023, and promises to be a celebration and an inspiration with various art disciplines including fashion, mosaics, murals, and more. There were 150 exhibitors at the last show in 2019 so expect a big turnout. For more information: https://arubaartfair.com/

Taking shots of the murals from the streets of San Nicholas, Aruba. Photo: Aruba Art Fair

Music & Comedy

Long time music festival celebrating 21 years running brings in internationally known musicians and celebrities for a long weekend of concerts. Talent at the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba this Memorial Day weekend will include Jill Scott, Lucky Daye, The Roots, Deon Cole, Tiffany Haddish, and more. The kick-off party happens Wednesday eve May 24 and features guest DJs. Moomba Beach is the venue during the day on Thursday and the evening concerts run from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. A comedy concert is set, and more main stage concerts run for the consecutive nights until the finale which is Memorial Day Cool Down when it’s back to the beach for the day with DJs hosting the party and barbeque. Dates are May 24 thru May 29, 2023. For tickets: https://soulbeach.net/2023/

The lineup of past talent at the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba included Mary J. Blige. Photo: Soul Beach Music Festival

Aruba, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, Grenada, Jamaica

The Caribbean’s Most Colorful Hotels

October 17, 2022

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The Caribbean is full of color: the teals, aquamarines, and cobalt blues of the ocean; sands that vary from white, pink, and silver to volcanic black; hillsides swathed in deep greens and structures painted in a range of brilliant colors more often seen in Easter baskets. And then there are the people, who are warm by nature and love any excuse to dress in vivid costumes for celebrations such as Carnival, Jump Up, and Junkanoo. So, the next time you plan a Caribbean vacation, make sure your walls are pink, the staircase is turquoise, the pillows are orange and your hammock is lime green. You’ll be sure to go home with a new attitude.

A Private Paradise: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba

When you enter the turquoise-walled lobby, you’ll most likely be welcomed by one of the Rooijakkers sisters, the Aruban-born, Belgium-educated owners of this smart little hotel. Hidden behind a slew of coconut palms, palmetto and tropicals are a private garden and a collection of 46 cottages and casita suites, displaying a kaleidoscope of tropical tones. Each of these well-equipped casitas (kitchen, barbecue, hammock, and private deck) is unique and filled with color. Set against a background canvas of angular white are hot pink accent walls, turquoise shutters, and green, orange, and yellow pillows, all designed to stimulate the senses without overwhelming. Local artwork provides an additional element of visual interest and connects the property to its past life as a coconut plantation. Secluded from the outside world, the ambiance is peaceful, isolated, and where you want to be, whether that’s chilling by the pool, reading a book under the communal palapa, or swinging in a hammock that just happens to be turquoise.

The private landscaped grounds of the Boardwalk insulate guests from the outside world, but island attractions and beaches are just a short distance away. Photo: Corey Weiner/Boardwalk

The enclave is sheltered from the larger resorts that line Palm Beach and the traffic of the main drag, L.G. Smith Blvd., but remains close enough to the action for convenience when you need some beach time or a serving of nightlife. Your hosts can send you off to the ocean with towels, beach chairs, coolers, and snorkeling gear, and they are a font of advice on island explorations and activities they know personally. The most happening stretch of sand on Aruba, Palm Beach, is just a three- minute walk, and Fisherman’s Huts, the center for kiteboarding and windsurfing, is a slight bit longer. Should you get the urge to ride the winds, the sisters can hook you up with instructors and gear, as they are avid boarders themselves. The less ambitious can have breakfast delivered to their patio and start their day with a relaxing dose of color therapy.

Some guests at the Boardwalk prefer to hang by one of the two pools for the day, napping, swimming, and sipping Caribbean cocktails. Photo: Corey Weiner/Boardwalk

Bohemian Hideaway: Jakes, Treasure Beach, Jamaica

The funky décor starts with stained glass windows paired with driftwood doors, colored bottles worked into walls, and conch shells that frame an outdoor shower. Toss in an eclectic assortment of design elements from Mexico, Morocco, and India and you begin to get the picture of why Jakes is known as one of the most original and whimsical properties in the Caribbean. Every one of the 30 cottages, villas, and single-bedroom units scattered across the six-acre grounds is cleverly designed, and each shows the influence of Sally Henzell. The mother of owner Jake Henzell, drew on her talents as an artist, seamstress, photographer, and collector of the unusual to develop a theme that celebrates the Jamaican homeland and its many divergent influences. Rasta colors and photos of Bob Marley grace the walls, and notions of artists like Antoni Gaudí and Cuba’s José Fuster are evident.

Oceanfront bungalows and cottages at Jakes have outdoor space to take in the mesmerizing sea views. Many have outdoor showers framed in colorful glass and tile. Photo: Jakes

You’ll find plenty of mosaic tiles on the walls as well as around the pool, which becomes the center for much of the activity in this village-like atmosphere. All of these elements work together to create a low-key and playful environment that encourages you to lull in the sun, stretch out for a snooze in the shade or pull up a seat in the Adirondack chairs facing the sea. The truly endearing qualities of Jakes resonate not only from the trinkets and kitschy design elements but also from the people. Here, you’ll find true Jamaican hospitality. The Henzells and staff seem like extended family and an integral part of the Treasure Beach community. Indeed, it’s quite common for local fishermen and farmers to stop by with offerings for the kitchen, plucked fresh from land or sea.

Hints of Morocco and the East Indies are blended into the singular architecture and décor of Jakes, where no two rooms are the same, and each is charming in its own right. Photo: Jakes

Seduced by fragrance: Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club, Grenada

Nestled on a hillside overlooking Grand Anse Beach, the stark white buildings and red roofs of the Mount Cinnamon Resort complete a primary color palette that begins with the blues of sea and sky and works through earthy ochers and the greens of Grenada’s natural vegetation. In summer months the flamboyant trees fill with yellow and red blooms, and fragrant breezes remind you that you are on the Spice Island. Each spacious suite offers a sitting room, bar, full kitchen and a private balcony. In the evening pour a glass of wine and watch the mesmerizing twinkling of the distant harbor lights of St. George’s framed through arched pillars. Some interiors are dressed in citrus tones, others take on hues of the 1960s: pink, purple, and blue. Furnishings also push the envelope towards the eclectic; your space might have a vintage painted wooden table in lime green paired with sleek Italian- styled chairs, a pink shag rug in one bedroom, and a purple and yellow theme in another. You may bathe in a pink swirl of a plaster shower, and your morning muffin will pop out of an orange toaster.

The creation of visionary hotelier Peter de Savary, Mount Cinnamon Resort is perched hillside above Grand Anse Beach; its white walls provide a backdrop for splashes of color. Photo: Mount Cinnamon

Dining at the elevated terrace at Savvy’s Restaurant is equally colorful, as the setting mates the panoramic vistas of Grand Anse Beach with island flavors. Breakfast may be a platter of fresh fruit and dinner a fish dish with West Indian influences, but count on freshness as fruits and vegetables come from the farm of sister property Mount Edgecombe and the fresh catch of the day is always on the menu. The Mount Cinnamon Beach Club is just across the street and has a quiet stretch of sand on Grand Anse. Settle in for the day with a chaise under a yellow umbrella, and when it’s time for lunch retreat to the red-roofed restaurant. Late afternoon calls for a massage beachside, relaxing with warm breezes and the sounds of nature.

Poolside at Mount Cinnamon is ideal for sunbathing and when hunger strikes, Savvy, the open-air restaurant is right through the arches. Photo: Mount Cinnamon

Musical Colors: Compass Point, Nassau

From the air, the resort looks like a village built of Legos: red, blue, and yellow blocks joined together in a riotous celebration of colors, textures, and levels. The property is the creation of recording mogul Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records. His goal was to re-create the village atmosphere he knew growing up in his native Jamaica. He also wanted to pay homage to the colors and patterns of the Bahamian celebrations of Junkanoo, the annual street parties turned parades that take place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day each year and are an integral part of Bahamian culture. At the time of its opening in 1995, Compass Point quickly became a haven for musical artists. Today, the property is still steeped in that culture, and you can peruse the list of performers that have stayed there over the years and listen to their music, as each cottage is equipped with a selection of CDs.

The cottages at Compass Point Resort orient to the water to capture the sounds of lapping waves and allow sea breezes to flow through louvered windows. Photo: Debbie Snow

Hidden behind palms and green foliage, the resort’s wildly painted collection of 18 cottages, studios, and two-bedroom units are set right at the water’s edge. Every room has a balcony with sea views, where the soundtrack comes from nature. And although air conditioning is available, you’ve got the opportunity to open the windows and sleep to the sound of the sea crashing on the rocks and shoreline below. The two-bedroom units are set up on stilts, giving the upper levels panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. When it’s time for that picturesque sunset, head to the pier that extends 120 feet into the Atlantic Ocean to capture every shade from orange to indigo as the sun sinks below the waves.

Guests at Compass Point can don a mask and snorkel and explore the reefs off Love’s Beach or just unwind on the white sands. Photo: Compass Point Resort

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Grenada, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia

Best Caribbean Beach Resorts to Restore Your Mind, Body and Soul

January 27, 2022

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Who isn’t ready for a beach vacation? After more than a year of lockdowns, new safety protocols and travel restrictions it’s time for a change of pace and scenery. An escape to the Caribbean is a safe bet when you maneuver your way back into the world and a view of the sea is just what you’ll need to rejuvenate mind and body.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

You’ll find every luxury imaginable at this seaside splendor. The setting is pristine, sexy and classy, retaining Old World Caribbean charm while delivering New World amenities. Immersed in nature and surrounded by forest and ocean, the hillside venue provides views of the twin mountain peaks of the Pitons. One-of-a-kind villas are scattered throughout the grounds, most with private pools overlooking the sea. Villas come dressed in white furnishings and beds are draped in white mosquito netting. The Rainforest Spa is a collection of wooden suites suspended over the tropical forest floor offering healing treatments with coconut and detox powers of red clay. Down at the bottom of the hill lies an arc of sand and the turquoise waters home to the Marine Reserve where a snorkeling trip will promise sightings of angelfish, butterflyfish, moral eels and more. https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar- beach

Set on the grounds of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the Sugar Beach Resort lies between the twin mountains of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Photo: Sugar Beach

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

When you stay here you’ll feel like you’re in a world away from everything, the resort is immersed in quiet and calmness nestled along a pristine crescent beach and backed by rainforest. The sounds and sights of nature abound at this private enclave with koi ponds that greet arrivals and gardens with vibrant tropical blooms alluring hummingbirds. Guests come to chill, relax and unwind. While the resort caters to families as well as couples, each has designated beach areas and accommodations. Families stay in the beachside suites while couples will lavish in their garden villas with balcony or terrace facing the sea. Yoga on the pier, Pilates in the pavilion and a spa with immune-boosting treatments will revive any tired soul. https://www.carlisle-bay.com/

Carlisle Bay Resort is the only resort on the calm bay where guest villas have water and garden views from private outdoor spaces furnished with day beds and café seating. Photo: Carlisle Bay

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts

Your heart rate and blood pressure automatically drop upon entering the open-air lobby of this resort. Fragrances of lemongrass, mint and basil infuse the sea air beckoning you to visit the spa where you’ll effortlessly let go of the built-up stress in yoga and meditation classes. Nature is foremost showcased in the palm-lined courtyard with mesmerizing koi pond and a living wall of greenery and tropical blooms. Combining a beach and spa vacation is the perfect solution to escaping a stressed-out world and restoring body and spirit. Stretch out along the golden sands that fringe Banana Bay where the soft outline of Nevis provides the backdrop and your world will be transformed. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/saint-kitts-and- nevis/park-hyatt-st-kitts/skbph

Park Hyatt’s 125 rooms face the sea and have spa- inspired baths with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Premier suites offer private pools and decks facing out to the ocean. Photo: Park Hyatt

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI

If you enjoy the journey then Scrub Island is for you. Getting to Scrub, a private island in the BVI takes a bit of time with the final leg of travel via boat. The seclusion of staying on a private island brings extraordinary bonuses and an elevated level of privacy. There are no cars allowed, just resort vehicles that shuttle guests around the 230 acres of volcanic land cloaked in nature trails with stunning scenery. Panoramic views of the blue and green mosaic of the Caribbean are seen from the highest peak of 438 feet. The island is ideal for hiking and exploring. Guests stay at hotel suites overlooking the marina or in private villas draped over the coastline with views of neighboring islands. Two beaches offer up alternatives; the marina beach is equipped with water sports and for those wanting to get away from it all the 1,000 feet of sand on the north shore is the absolute escape. https://www.scrubisland.com/

Scrub Island Resort’s north beach provides the ultimate venue for a day at the beach. Spend time walking the beach, snorkeling the reef and floating in the pool. Photo: Scrub Island

Four Seasons, Nevis

Island hospitality and warmth radiate at this often busy and exceptionally popular resort. Although, Four Seasons Nevis is the largest on this tiny island it often feels like a small inn where everyone knows your name. Nestled between the foothills of Nevis Peak and Pinney’s Beach, there is always a view of nature among the 350 acres. Rolling hills etched in winding roads throughout the grounds of the one- time sugar plantation are dotted with huge mango trees and flowering gardens. Activities include an 18- hole golf course, tennis courts, sailing and other water sports. Botanical tours, sunset monkey tours, kite making and the summer turtle program keep families engaged. Long walks on the three miles of golden sands of Pinney’s Beach where stops might include some of the island’s best beach bars are part of the program. Head back to the resort and the staff will set you up with chaises right at the water’s edge and the resort’s own, Kastawey Beach Bar serves up tropical fare. https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/

The Four Seasons experience begins in St. Kitts where guests board a private launch headed for the Nevis arrival at the private pier in front of the resort. Photo: Four Seasons

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

If your body is craving a long-awaited healthy retreat then Manchebo in Aruba will satisfy the yearning. Complimentary daily Pilates and yoga classes are offered beachside. Spa del Sol, the Balinese-focused spa, offers bamboo treatments, shiatsu and stone therapies as well as sea salt scrubs in thatched- roofed casitas overlooking the sea. The soft white sand of Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch, attracts the beach comer as well as turtles during nesting season, and the turquoise water is idyllic for floating and swimming. Culinary diversions range from Mediterranean and Caribbean inspired by fresh local seafood and vegans have a full menu of choices. Start the day with fresh fruit smoothies and a vegetable omelet. The daily catch and homegrown produce from the greenhouse change up the menu day-to-day. https://www.manchebo.com/

Primed for relaxation, the grounds of Manchebo Resort & Spa offer an assortment of places to chill, soak up the sun or relax in the shade of a thatched palapa. Photo: Manchebo

Silversands, Grenada

While the Spice Isle isn’t known, as much for its beaches, its green hillsides, tropical forests and waterfalls lure most to its interior. The island is fringed in white, black and golden sands with 45 beaches to explore. By far the best stretch is the white sand of Grande Anse with views of St. George’s. Two miles of creamy sand attract locals and visitors for walks, swims, a bit of socializing and even a stop at a local bar or the craft market. Silversands is the newest property along Grande Anse Beach with sprawling suites and nine private villas cascading the hillside with sea views. The sleek minimalistic design is fresh for the island; sand colored walls and warm beige furnishings complement the natural colors found beachside. Center stage is the double sized Olympic pool with catwalk waiting for the next photo opportunity. Guests stay active on and off the water with watersports and a fitness center and unwind with an expansive menu of local treatments at the spa. https://www.silversandsgrenada.com/

A contemporary version of a tropical resort Silversands brings a fresh look to Grand Anse Beach. On-site spa facilities include a sauna, Hamman steam and an ice cave. Photo: Silversands Grenada

Kingston Jamaica Food And Drink Festival Vintage

Aruba, Caribbean, Eat, Jamaica, St. Barts, Trip Ideas

Culinary Getaways in the Caribbean

October 16, 2019

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Combine your love of good food and travel at a delicious gastronomic event in one of these three Caribbean islands. Join award-winning chefs in Aruba, top locals chefs in Jamaica and Michelin-starred French chefs in St. Barth for specially prepared menus, wine pairings and a twist of island flair.

Aruba

Boston’s award-winning chefs Christopher Coombs and Adrienne Wright will be at Divi Aruba to offer guests a first-class dining experience for two nights October 25 and 26, 2019. Rates start at $199 per person and include the cooking demonstration and room for one night. Chef Coombs has become one of Boston’s top chefs and restaurateurs overseeing culinary teams at his Boston Urban Hospitality restaurants: Deuxave, Boston Chops and dbar. Executive chef Adrienne Wright works closely with Coombs at each location. The chefs will create an Aruban inspired 4-course dinner with 2 amuses and wine pairing. Guests will dine on items such as yellowtail and hamachi crudo, spiced Long Island duck breast and black quinoa with native beans and green papaya.

The all-inclusive Divi Aruba sits on beautiful Druif Beach, with a shopping arcade and the Alhambra Casino nearby. Photo: Divi Aruba

Jamaica

Now in its fifth year the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival takes place in Kingston from October 26 to November 3, 2019. During the 10-day event, Jamaica’s cultural capital invites over 50 of the island’s best chefs along with wine and spirit experts to tantalize guests with Jamaican culinary legacies. Seven events featuring a variety of outlets and restaurants will offer delectable local cuisines. For a stay at a peaceful mountain hideaway, those attending the event can book rooms at Strawberry Hill. This 26-acre hillside retreat overlooks Kingston and the Blue Mountains is offering 20% off the best rate during the festival. Visit: https://www.strawberryhillhotel.com/

From the veranda, the cool crisp air at 3,100 feet above sea level makes Strawberry Hill a refreshing getaway. Photo: Strawberry Hill

St. Barth

The Christopher, sits on Pointe Milou with a view of St. Jean, providing one of the best places to watch the sunset on St. Barth. The new Christo restaurant focuses on organic meat and farm- fresh vegetables where Chef Nicolas Tissier positions ingredients at the heart of his nouvelle cuisine. The hotel will host visiting chefs during the Sixth Annual St. Barth Gourmet Festival. The festival’s patron chef, Arnaud Faye, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) and two-star chef at Château de la Chèvre d’Or in Eze will be on island for the event November 6 to 10, 2019. Seven top French chefs, each working at a restaurant and creating special multi-course meals during the festival will join him.

Mango Beach Club offers casual poolside fare overlooking the bay. Villas at the 5-star Christopher offer views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby islands. Photo: The Christopher

Aruba, Bonaire, Caribbean, Curacao, Plan, Trip Ideas

Best Places to go in the Caribbean in October

October 3, 2019

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The Dutch trio, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, lies below the hurricane belt where storms are few and far between. In October, the rates are low, the summer trippers have disappeared and the snowbirds haven’t yet arrived making the ABC islands a sure bet for savvy travelers. The threesome offers a multinational population with a colorful culture, a diverse culinary palate, loads of history and lore and as many sports as you can imagine.

Aruba

When it comes to the ultimate Caribbean vacation, Aruba, the smallest of the ABC islands, delivers something for every type of traveler from active pursuits to casinos and shopping. Beach lovers find the swaths of creamy white sand that cover the northwest shore irresistible. There’s a wild east side with the pristine 32-square-mile Arikok National Park where donkeys roam. And, research shows that Aruba’s population is right up there with Denmark when it comes to happiness. The brand “One Happy Island” continues to reign after 40 years.

Casibari Rock is a cluster of monolithic boulders in the center of the island. Walkways and trails allow hikers to reach the top for panoramic views. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

October brings out the culinary heritage of the island with the annual event, Eat Local, where native foods and ingredients are showcased at participating restaurants. Food aficionados reap the benefits of a fixed price meal for lunch ($15) and dinner ($30 or $40) from October 1 to 14, 2019. If you haven’t tried keshi yena, now is the time to order this popular dish, which consists of seasoned shredded chicken, mixed with cashews and raisins smothered in Gouda cheese. Why not start with pumpkin soup, funchi or balchi pisca? You can feast on Criollo barbeque, kerkeri tacos or the catch of the day. On the island, fish and seafood dishes are staples and served at most locations. Aruba’s 90 nationalities contribute to the diverse culinary melting pot taking influences from Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

The Eat Local event showcases a variety of flavorful dishes created by Aruba’s top chefs available at participating restaurants on the island. Photo: Ayrton Tromp/Aruba Tourism Authority

One of the liveliest times of the year in the Caribbean is Carnival but there’s always room for more festivals and Island Take Over headed for its second year takes up residence from October 30 to November 3, 2019, as the island turns up the music and the party begins. There are nonstop beach parties, pool parties and concerts with international artists like English reggae and pop band, UB40, Puerto Rican singer, Luna and Colombian musical artist, Alex Sensation. Venues are downtown, seaside and along Palm Beach.

Bonaire

Every diver knows that some of the best of Bonaire lies below the sea’s surface. But Bonaire isn’t just for divers; the island is teeming with natural treasures above the water. Topside the coral covered island is a hiking and mountain biking wonderland. Most visitors are drawn to Washington Slagbaai National Park with rolling hills and vacant beaches. Nature lovers are thrilled to spot a green parrot and spend hours watching flamingoes on Goto Lake.

Flamingo sightings are common near the mounds of salt crystals at Cargill Corporation’s Solar Salt Works where seawater becomes salt. Photo: Tourism Corporation Bonaire

There’s an active sailing crowd on the island with an annual event, now in its 52nd year, attracting sailors from all over the Caribbean. This month from October 9 to 12, 2019, the Bonaire Regatta will stage a sailing competition during the day and a festival at night. Courses will be set between the main island and Klein Bonaire. Nightly activities take place in the streets of Kralendijk with live music and more than 25 food stands.

Boka Slagbaai is a welcome stop after a day of hiking in Washington Slagbaai National Park. The restaurant serves lunch and is open most days. Photo: Konstanze Staud/Pixabay

For a historical perspective and a look at traditional customs, Nos Zjilea cultural event showcases local arts and crafts, plants and vegetables along with educational presentations. Visitors sample local food while listening to some of the best musicians on the island. It’s a vibrant history presentation that takes place at Mangazine de Rei, a cultural park and learning center in Rincon. The next monthly cultural market takes place on October 26, 2019, from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. If you miss this event, daily presentations are offered Monday to Friday.

Curacao

Once the center for trade in the West Indies, today’s Curacao remains the commercial heart for the Dutch West Indies but more importantly it’s a cultural epicenter for the non-Hispanic Caribbean. Over 500 years of flavors, customs, peoples and cultures have collided to make one of the most vibrant and interesting places in the world. While visitors will find beaches, diving and hiking, it’s the urban life that brings in textures and depth. Museums, galleries, walking city tours, heritage sites and elders that recall history all make Curacao a rich and memorable experience.

Willemstad’s colorful buildings date back to 1817 when the previous white buildings were prohibited and replaced with primary colors of red, yellow, blue and green. Photo: Patrice Audet/Pixabay

A big draw is the culinary diversity. The island has had influence from foreign lands for centuries so much so that Indonesian rifstaffel is a staple at many locales. Restaurant Week Curacao now in its tenth year is Curacao’s first and oldest food event. The concept is high-end dining for an affordable price allowing patrons to taste a variety of dishes from the island’s talented chefs. Menus include lionfish, Indonesian rice table and pumpkin cheesecake. The three-course dinner is priced at 55 guilders (around $30) and dates are October 11 to 18, 2019.

Curacao’s small and scenic Knip Bay Beach lies on the western side of the island. It’s located near the towns of Westpunt and Lagun. Photo: Hans Theunissen/Pixabay

Move over Jamaica and head further south at the end of October for Curacao’s biggest reggae festival with a lineup including Alpha Blondy, Rasta Farley, Semi Marten, Ky- Mani Marley, Kevin Isaacs and more. Curacao Reggae Fest 2019 is two full days of music, November 1 and 2, and is held in Willemstad at the Curacao Festival Center.

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Caribbean, Eat, Jamaica, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Dining on the Sand in the Caribbean

October 3, 2019

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We’ve rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun setting over the horizon and dine like a gourmand.

Aruba, Bahamas-Out Islands, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Top Kiteboarding Beaches

April 25, 2018

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Over the past decade, kitesurfing has grown from a niche activity to one of the world’s most popular wind sports. Innovations in equipment and teaching methods allow people off all ages to embrace the sport. The islands of the Caribbean are ideal destinations for kiteboarders, as they offer warm waters and stead trade winds. The best locations have winds that blow from on shore or side shore to the beach, and waters that are sheltered from ocean waves. Here are six of the region’s kiting hot spots.

Palm Beach, Aruba

Windsurfers discovered Aruba in the 1980s, and the island’s west coast remains a hotbed for sailing activity. These days, the area known as the Fisherman’s Huts sees more kites than sails, as it offers all the right ingredients. Trade winds sweep in from the east, which allows kites to be deployed over the water, and rides to start right from the beach in shallow water. Beginners are able to hone their skills in flat water and forgiving near shore conditions, while advancing riders can ramp up the action by moving a few yards offshore to make long, fast runs along the beach. More experienced riders can also venture to Boca Grandi, a small bay on the island’s south side where winds and waters are more intense.

Aruba’s Boca Grandi is the place where advanced kiteboarders gather to play in the chop, or venture beyond the mouth of the bay to launch off larger waves. Photo: Robinszeggs/Flickr

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Running north to south through the central Bahamas, the Exumas are a chain of small, green islands surrounded by white sand shoals and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. In summer, lighter winds create relaxing conditions for kiteboard runs in calm bays and passages between islands. Stronger winter fronts amp up the action with chances to play in the waves and power up for high-flying aerial chop hops. The largest island in the group, Grand Exuma, is the starting point for most kiting excursions, and Exuma Kitesurfing is the outfitter of choice. This full-service shop offers rentals, lessons with certified instructors, and taxi boat services to begin long downwind runs, or excursions to remote, wind-swept sandbars.

The Exuma Islands are known for white sands and emerald waters. In recent years, these islands have gained a reputation as the premier kiteboarding destination in the Bahamas. Photo: Billy Bosch/Flickr

Atlantis Beach, Bonaire

Bonaire is best known for it’s world-class shore diving, but the sheltered waters of the island’s west coast are also prime kiteboarding territory. Three miles south of the town of Kralendijk, Atlantis Beach is the local mecca for kiting. Two companies, Kiteboarding Bonaire and the Bonaire Kite School, offer gear, lessons and chase boat support. It’s an ideal place to learn the basics, as the trade winds that sweep across the island’s southern salt flats are steady and predictable, and instruction can take place in knee-deep water over a forgiving sand bottom. The kiteboarding area is located on the southwest tip of Bonaire and can be found by following the brightly colored kites soaring through the air.

A kiteboarder makes a sunset run in the waters off Bonaire’s Atlantis Beach. With winds blowing from across the island, sailors can make easy launches from this west-facing beach. Photo: Tourism Bonaire

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Like other breezy spots in the Caribbean, the north shore of the Dominican Republic was first discovered by windsurfers. They came not only for the consistent winds, but also the varied sailing conditions, which included not only flat water bays for instruction and speed runs, but also ocean swells and beach breaks that became the playground of the world’s best riders. The same conditions now stoke kiters, and a number of the world’s top pros have made Cabarete a seasonal home. There are several IKO (International Kiting Organization) certified schools in the area, and new riders can master the basics in the flat water lagoon at Kite Beach, where consistent side- shore winds make for easy launches. Cabarete Bay is where the experts play, both inside the reef, on the breakers and in open ocean swells.

Dominican Republic Cabarete Kite Surfing

On the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete Bay has become one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations, both for novices and pros. Photo: Remon Rijper/Flickr

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Mention the Caymans, and most people think of either scuba diving or offshore banking. Although not as well known as a kiting destination, the island of Grand Cayman has several sites that are well suited to the sport. The prime season for kiting is between November and June, when the easterly trades blow steady. The most popular kiting area is Barkers Beach on the island’s northwest corner. Here, a large sand flat provides waist to chest deep water inside a protective barrier reef, and a large expanse of beach to launch kites without fear of tangling lines with other sailors. On the other side of North Sound, near the Rum Point area, a lagoon known as Kaibo is also popular, and savvy kiters know of a spot on the island’s east end called the Sweet Spot. Here, there is both a reef protected flat-water lagoon, and a chance to move out into open water to play in the waves.

Grand Cayman’s North Sound offers large expanses of sheltered water where kiteboarders can spread out and sail without concerns of crossing lines or tangling kites. Photo: Don McDougall/ Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Long Bay, Providenciales

Kiteboarding came relatively late to the islands of the Turks & Caicos, but once sailors discovered what awaited on the southwest shores of the island of Providenciales, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. This three-mile- long beach combines soft, powder white sand with clear waters and expansive shallows. Today, there are four kiteboarding schools on Long Bay Beach, and during the prime sailing season, which typical runs from November to May, aspiring riders fill the expansive lagoon. This entire area has water depths of two to three feet, which creates very friendly learning conditions. Aspiring kiters don’t have to tread water as they recover and relaunch after a spill, and there’s no danger of being blown onto the breaking waves of a reef. The flat waters are also prized by more advanced sailors, who can enjoy three-mile-long speed runs along the shore.

Turks and Caicos Providenciales Kite Boarding

On the Island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, the waters of Long Bay lures kiters with the promise of steady winds and the chance for long, fast runs. Photo: S.Neller/Flickr

Aruba, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Volunteer Vacations

March 5, 2018

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If checking in to a Caribbean beach resort seems a bit self-indulgent, you might want to check out some of the ways you can give back while traveling to the islands. There are a number of organizations that promote and coordinate volunteer programs that let you add a philanthropic mission to your time in the sun.

Tidy Up

Aruba is known as one happy island. And one thing that makes the locals happy is having a clean island. Visitors can help by participating in the Aruba Reef Care Project, which is the island’s largest single volunteer environmental initiative. Locals are joined by divers and snorkelers from around the globe, who sweep the shores to remove glass, plastics and other debris from a number of popular reefs and beaches. The annual event draws more than 800 participants. As an alternative, visitors who prefer to stay dry while doing good can volunteer at the Donkey Sanctuary, to help with the daily chores of feeding and caring for the animals. http://www.aruba.com/aruba-vacations/volunteer-vacations

During the annual beach and coastal cleanup, volunteers scour the sands of Aruba’s beaches, some also don mask and snorkel or dive gear to hunt for submerged litter. Photo: iStock

Pooches in Paradise

Go beyond the beach resorts to discover the real Jamaica, and make some new canine friends in the process. Volunteers with the Animal Care Project spend time at an island shelter for abandoned dogs, assisting with everything from feeding, bathing and brushing the animals to walking them and providing love and play time. Participants typically spend mornings working with the rescued dogs, and have afternoons and weekends free to explore beaches, waterfalls and area villages. The shelter is located in St. Mary Parish, near the resort town of Ocho Rios. Volunteers stay in simple, comfortable dormitory-style accommodations, or have the option of staying with a local family. In addition to animal care, the program organizers also coordinate teaching, sports, and community development programs. www.volunteerhq.org

Headquartered near Ocho Rios, Jamaica’s Animal Care Project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to combine an island vacation with a chance to work with rescued dogs. Photo: Lori Newman/Flickr

Restore the Shore

Even if cruise ships aren’t normally your thing, you might want to consider signing up for a sailing with the Fathom organization, which organizes cruises with cultural and philanthropic elements to destinations across the Caribbean. Most recently, Fathom has partnered with Princess Cruises to visit islands hard-hit by the 2017 hurricanes. Participants on these seven-day trips will come ashore to work with locals to rebuild in the storm-ravaged communities. In addition to special disaster relief trips, Fathom offers a broad range of cultural programs in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and is currently working to expand to more islands. www.fathom.org

After the 2017 hurricanes, the Fathom volunteer organization created a number of special itineraries with Princess cruise lines, giving passengers a chance to participate in island rebuilding. Photo: Steve Hughes/Flickr

Be a Sport

If you love team sports, the Amigos de las Americanas program is a great way to give back while also engaging in your favorite pastimes. Participants sign up for immersive programs in the Dominican Republic, working with local community members to develop a youth sports league. Prior coaching experiences is a good thing, but not mandatory, as there are many skill sets needed to organize and run a league, both on and off the field. This four- week program was developed with the partner agency, Plan Dominican Republic, which helps place participants with a local host family. In addition to working with young athletes, the rewards include a chance to experience the country like a local, and opportunities to improve your Spanish through authentic cultural immersion. www.gooverseas.com

Volunteers can participate in a number of educational and civic programs in the Dominican Republic, and immerse themselves in the nation’s rich culture and history. Photo: Getty Images

Monitor a Manatee

The coastal wetlands of Belize are one of the last unspoiled habitats for the West Indian Manatee. You can help ensure the survival of these large, gentle sea cows by joining a Wildlife Volunteer Adventure with Discover Corps. You’ll join marine biologists working to save the country’s endangered manatees, monitoring the health of the animals, taking environmental measurements and census counts. The program exposes participants to three different marine environments, including coastal mangrove lagoons, the Caribbean Sea and jungle rivers. Monitoring and counting activities take place in the mornings, leaving free time each afternoon to relax on white sand beaches, snorkel on coral reefs or explore the natural wonders of Belize. A highlight of each weeklong trip is a chance to visit the pristine ecosystems of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. www.discovercorps.com

A group of manatees glide through shallow sea grass beds in the coastal waters of Belize. Though threatened elsewhere, these gentle mammals thrive in Belize’s marine preserves. Photo: David Harvey/Hamanasi Resort

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bermuda, Caribbean, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Barts

Top Eco-friendly Caribbean Resorts

March 21, 2017

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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.

Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada

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

Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda

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, Aruba

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

Le Guanihani, St. Barts

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

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

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

Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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

Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Christmas Traditions

November 14, 2016

They may not hang stockings with care, or watch for a jolly fat guy breach the chimney, but celebrants throughout the Caribbean have their own holiday traditions. Each island celebrates the season in slightly different ways, but food, fellowship and song are sure to play a central role. Here are some of the ways to ring in the holidays, island style.

Grenada

On the Spice Island, the holiday season is the time for parang music, where groups of singers and musicians go house to house to serenade friends and family with folk songs that often include ad-lib lyrics with a personal note. The week before Christmas, Grenada’s sister island, Carriacou, hosts the annual Parang Festival, where tunes may take on social and satirical overtones. The sounds of steel pan music also fill the air, as musicians put a tropical riff on holiday classics. Holiday bunting takes a tropical turn in Grenada, as the halls may be decked with bamboo, palm, or coconut, and Christmas trees adorned with nutmeg, cinnamon, or sea shell ornaments. A favorite treat is black cake, which is flavored with dried fruits and infused with spices and the rich flavors of rum. Christmas ham is a must for each household, and seasonal refreshments include sorrel tea, ponch-de-crème and ginger beer.

On islands such as Grenada, the uniquely Caribbean sound of a steel pan orchestra transforms traditional Christmas tunes into lilting island melodies. Joshua Yetman/Grenada Tourism Authority

Barbados

In December, holiday lights brighten the historic buildings of Bridgetown; music fills the air as speaker-equipped trucks take to the streets to spread Christmas music. Two of the season’s most anticipated concerts are the Christmas Jazz Festival and the Carols by Candlelight celebration, which takes place at the gardens of Ilaro Court, the residence of the Barbadian Prime Minister. After the observance of a midnight mass or Christmas morning service, many Bajans flock to a concert in Queens Park for musical performances from the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, Tuk bands and gospel performers. Food is an important part of the season, and visitors can sample an array of Barbadian favorites. Must try dishes include great cake, jug jug and baked ham. Great cakes blend dried fruit and spices with a liberal infusion of Barbados’ famous rum. Harking back to Barbados’ Scottish heritage, jug jug is a porridge-like dish made from green peas, guinea corn flour, herbs and salt meat. The most important part of a Bajan Christmas meal is the baked ham, basted in a pineapple and sorrel glaze.

Holiday lights along Wharf Road are reflected in the still waters of Barbados’ Constitution River. Through December, the island’s capital is resplendent in seasonal décor. Photo: Andrew Browne/Barbados Tourism

St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s holiday season kicks off with the Festival Lights, an annual celebration honoring the island’s namesake Saint Lucia, the Patron Saint of Light. Residents and visitors are encouraged to make colorful and creative lanterns, which then decorate towns and streets. Another favorite Saint Lucian Christmas tradition is bamboo bursting, which involves the making of homemade fireworks from hollow bamboo canes. In the nights leading up to Christmas, the booms of exploding bamboo stalks can be heard on village streets. Holiday feasts center around roasted lamb or turkey, complemented with local yams and plantains. The traditional desert is the St. Lucian version of fruitcake, made with dried currants, raisins and fruits soaked in red wine for several months before being mixed into the pudding to create spicy, fruity taste. The signature drink is the Caribbean favorite known as sorrel, a refreshing spiced drink that is often mixed with rum and enjoyed during a stroll along the beach.

Aruba

Seasonal music and special foods are a big part of any holiday celebration, and in Aruba this means Gaita and ayacas. Several weeks before Christmas, Aruban families gather to make a traditional holiday food called ayacas. Though no two family recipes are the same, ayacas are made by smearing plantain or banana leaves with a cornmeal dough; adding a mixture of chicken, pork, or ham, along with a potpourri of spices, prunes, raisins, olives, pickles, cashews, piccalilli, and pearl onions; and folding the assemblages into neat little packets to be boiled in salted water for an hour. These hearty treats can then be kept ready for last-minute holiday parties or served to impromptu visitors.

Ayacas came from Venezuela, and so did Gaita music. Arubans have adopted this Venezuelan Christmas music and made it their own. Gaita bands are typically made up of a line of female singers accompanied by musicians playing the furuku, cuarta, base, piano, tambu. These groups perform at public venues across the island from October through December, with festive rhythms that put passers-by and partygoers into the holiday spirit. Another musical tradition unique to Aruba is Dande, which occurs after Christmas. Dande means “to revel” or “to carouse” in the local language, Papiamento. These small groups of singers and musicians travel to the homes of friends and families, serenading with wishes of success and happiness in the coming year.

In Aruba, Gaita bands perform during the holiday season at homes and in public areas, passing a hat that the audience fills with coins to ensure prosperity in the coming year. Photo; Julien de Bats/Aruba Tourism Authority

Cayman Islands

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Camana Bay marks the beginning of the Cayman Islands’ holiday. The Island is transformed into a tropical version of a winter wonderland with the hallmark 40-foot tree, musical performances by the Cayman National Choir, a Christmas craft market, and a special visit from Santa. The Parade of Lights brings a fleet of colorfully lit boats into the harbor, as thousands watch from shore, and the evening ends with an over-water fireworks show. Throughout December, the island’s National Trust hosts a Christmas Lights Bus Tour, where guests can sample Christmas beef and cassava cake during a guided tour of local houses and gardens beautifully decked out for the season. Musical highlights of the season include the Christmas Carol Concert at Elmsie Church and the Singing Christmas Tree, a pageant which highlights the story of Jesus’ birth depicted through a 25-foot Christmas tree encased with over 5,000 lights, and featuring more than 60 local and international performers. Also popular with locals and visitors are the Christmas Moonlight Movies, which are family friendly flicks shown on a big screen under the stars in Camana Bay.

Santa makes a much-anticipated appearance on the island of Grand Cayman. The downtown waterfront at Camana Bay is a focal point for many holiday events, from concerts to boat parades. Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Bermuda

Christmas traditions brought from Olde England take on a tropical flavor in Bermuda. In the historic district of St. George’s, historical re-enactors roam candlelit streets, and the sound of classic carols fills the air. Private homes, some dating from the Colonial era, are resplendent in lavish displays of holiday lights, and historic churches are filled with singing and lights on Christmas eve, The mood lightens at the Hamilton Christmas Parade, and goes full tropical on Christmas Day, when hundreds of ex-pats and visitors gather at Elbow Beach for a festive day of food, drink and music. December 26—Boxing Day—puts yet another unique spin on the season with the arrival of the Gombies, traditional troupes of colorfully-attired dancers who move to the sounds of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles.

Holiday lights fill the historic district of Bermuda’s capital, St. George’s. Each December, a tradition known as the walkabout brings islanders into the streets for singing and mingling. Photo: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Christmas celebrations start early and keep going into the middle of January. Starting the first days of December, groups stage impromptu parrandas, which are a local version of caroling. In late evening, the parranderos gather quietly at a chosen home of a friend or relative, then burst into song to surprise and wake the occupants. The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance follow. Christmas Day is the time to gather for lechón asado, the roasting of a whole pig over a fire pit. The cooking begins well before dawn, and continues through the day as friends and relatives gather to gossip and sing. Santa is a recent addition to Puerto Rican culture, and long before the man in the red suit was imported to the tropics, island children looked forward to El Día de Reyes on January 6th, which honors the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem. On the evening of January 5th Puerto Rican children fill boxes with grass for the king’s camels, and go to sleep with the anticipation of having the grass eaten, and exchanged for candies and presents. Traditional holiday celebrations continue with a pair of weeklong festivals known as the Octavas and the Octavia, which stretch the season through late January.

Arroz con Dulce—sweet rice pudding—is a favorite end to a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dinner that typically centers around lechón asao, a fire-roasted whole pig. Photo: Olaf Speier/iStock

Anguilla

One of the most anticipated holiday observances on the quiet island of Anguilla is the Festival de Noel, which takes place December 18 – 19. This gathering on the grounds of the Old East End School kicks off with competitions and pageantry, caroling, a visit from Santa, and the distribution of food baskets to the elderly. Another island-wide holiday tradition is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which kicks off the Festival of Lights display along Coronation Avenue, the main street of the island’s capital. A relatively new tradition on Anguilla is the South Hill Christmas Experience, which is a celebration of holiday traditions and culinary treats hosted by a local village. Like a number of other Caribbean islands with a British heritage, December 26, Boxing Day, is a public holiday.

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A Private Paradise: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba

Bohemian Hideaway: Jakes, Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Seduced by fragrance: Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club, Grenada

Musical Colors: Compass Point, Nassau

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI

Four Seasons, Nevis

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

Silversands, Grenada

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St. Barth

Aruba

Bonaire

Curacao

Palm Beach, Aruba

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Atlantis Beach, Bonaire

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Long Bay, Providenciales

Tidy Up

Pooches in Paradise

Restore the Shore

Be a Sport

Monitor a Manatee

Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada

Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Le Guanihani, St. Barts

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Grenada

Barbados

St. Lucia

Aruba

Cayman Islands

Bermuda

Puerto Rico

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