Tag Archives: Bermuda

Zakynthos Greece
Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Florida, Florida Keys, Greece, Islands, Mexico, Plan

Where to Go this Fall

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When the summer travel rush subsides, you’ll find fewer crowds and lower temperatures, all conducive to exploring some of these stunning destinations around the world. Uncover gorgeous beaches, challenging hiking trails, and meaningful connections to nature at these six spots. Whether you sneak in a long weekend or plan a full-on month away, these places are certain to captivate.

Zakynthos

One of the four larger Greek islands of the Ionian Sea, this isle gets its points for natural beauty. The rocky headlands and white sand beach contrasting with the cobalt sea paint the scene. Inland the scenery is lush, green, and packed with flora and fauna. The eastern side is where you’ll find sandy beaches and on the west coast caves and cliffs. However, the most photographed stretch of sand is Shipwreck Beach, only accessible by boat, showcasing both sandy shores and rocky headlands.

Blue Caves Zakynthos

A highlight for visitors to Zakynthos, Greece is the scenic Blue Caves. Access is via the road which includes a walk down 100 steps or by boat. Photo: sietevidas/iStock

The second most famous attraction is the loggerhead turtles, and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a spot to see and learn about these amazing docile creatures and other marine life. Summer is the start of nesting season and from May to August hundreds of eggs are laid in the soft sands of the eastern and southern beaches. Hatchlings appear from late July until October and chances to see turtles swimming is best during that time. While it may be tempting to join a boat tour to see the turtles be aware that some may not have the turtle’s best interest in mind. Look for an eco-friendly tour that does not chase, remove, or allow human contact or interference with the animal. Better yet visit the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Centre https://zanteturtlecenter.com/en/ and if time permits devote two weeks to help with the conservation efforts. To learn more about protection and conservation visit ARCHELONE The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. https://archelon.gr/en

Isla Mujeres

You might hear that the best time to visit Isla Mujeres is in the winter when the weather is more agreeable. But summer and fall offer options like turtle laying season and turtle release programs which take place from late August into October. This is also the time when the whale sharks gather north of the island, typically from June to September. Here, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea the abundance of marine fish spawning gets the attention of these giant filter-feeders. Swimming with these gentle creatures is a lifetime experience. And thanks to the protocol that keeps masses of swimmers from invading them they will remain docile and majestic frolicking in their feeding grounds in the middle of the ocean where they find plenty of algae, krill, and fish eggs.

Whale Sharks

Whale shark swimming off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. These slow-moving gentle giants are the largest fish in the sea. Photo: Martin Voeller/iStock

While there are plenty of options for a swimming excursion, the reputable boats will only take 10 passengers out and only two at a time are allowed to enter the water so plan on a full day; it’s a good hour boat ride to get out to where the whale sharks hang out. Of course, you need a mask, snorkel, fins, and a shorty suit, a 3 mm should be fine. Most charter boats will provide snorkel gear and lifejackets which are mandatory. And, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe which means no oxybenzone and octinoxate. Aqua Adventures Eco Divers, is a 5 Star Padi Dive Center and offers swims with the whale sharks and manta rays. They run the boats with 6-10 people from mid-May until mid- September. To book with them: https://diveislamujeres.com/

Azores

Spring to Fall in the Azores is punctuated with flowers growing on hillsides, in fields, along paths, and in home gardens. The volcanic soil gets the credit for the rich and stunning shades of blue and purple hydrangea that mark pathways and are seen in landscapes overlooking lakes. The height of hydrangea flowering is May, but once those blooms have faded the islands are graced with flowering ginger in August and September.

Azores

Beautiful rows of hydrangea flowers on the northern coast of Flores, Portugal. Blooms begin in late April and can last until mid-September. Photo: Danaan Andrew- Pacleb/iStock

But visitors come for more than just the flower show; the natural scenery and views on these islands are most impressive. And during the fall, the tourists have dissipated making the islands truly a land to discover on your own. Hiking, walking, and trekking leads to waterfalls, craters, and lakes. By one account there are 83 marked trails to explore. For trails to explore on your own: https://trails.visitazores.com/en If you want to go with an organized group several tour companies take you to volcanic peaks and charming villages. Check out: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/ https://www.backroads.com/ https://www.gadventures.com/

Bermuda

After a warm summer, the water temperature is ideal for long swims and snorkeling explorations along the pink shores of the south coast beaches. Easy beach access makes Horseshoe Bay and Church Bay ideal after the crowds thin out following the June through August high season, and the air temperature will still be warm and balmy. During this endless summertime, you’ll want to explore underwater seas surrounding the islands whether you are a driver or just like to don a mask and snorkel. Snorkel excursions are available around the island from watersports operators like K.S. Watersports https://kswatersports.com/ and Snorkel Adventures Bermuda https://www.bermudasnorkeling.com/. Known as The Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic, there are over 300 wrecks around the islands plus underwater reefs, rocks, coves, caves, and grottos to explore. For dive and snorkel trips Dive Bermuda https://www.bermudascuba.com/ has two new locations at Somerset and Grotto Bay.

Bermuda

The pink sands and cerulean waters of Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most photographed beach along the south shore are always popular during high season. Photo: Dani Dragoescu/Shutterstock

On land, you’ll want to take in local cuisine which focuses on fresh seafood including tuna, wahoo, amberjack, red hind, rockfish as well and Bermuda spiny lobster during the season which runs from September through the end of March. For a day of tasting visit St. George’s Seafood Festival during the event on September 17 when the island’s talented chefs showcase all versions of local catch. Art lovers will want to check out the first annual Art Month in October. This month-long event will bring together the island’s art community and visiting artists with workshops, beach sip and paint sessions, art tours, and discussions. https://www.gotobermuda.com/event/art-month

Key Largo

Fall is a good time for a snorkeling trip to Key Largo, the northernmost and longest of the Florida Keys just an hour south of Miami. The summer travelers have vacated so crowds are lessened, and the water remains warm so you can leave the wetsuit behind. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/ is the only coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. and covers 3,800 miles of pristine waters stretching from Miami to the Dry Tortugas. There are a plethora of spots to snorkel and dive among wrecks and coral reefs. Popular sites include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park https://pennekamppark.com/, the first underwater park which opened in 1963. Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area may be the world’s most visited reef as snorkelers find shallow waters making it easy to view star and brain coral, sea fans and sponges and colorful parrotfish as well as the occasional sea turtle or stingray. You’ll want to book a snorkel trip with a Blue Star operator, https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/bluestar/ who practice responsible diving and snorkeling trips. Sea Dwellers Dive Center https://www.seadwellers.com/ offers snorkeling trips to both Molasses Reef and John Pennekamp and follows the Blue Star protocol.

Key Largo

A school of goatfish and blue-striped grunts swim on the seascape of Molasses Reef and the shipwreck of the City of Washington in Key Largo. Photo: Swimwitdafishes/iStock

We all know the world’s coral reefs are in danger of disappearing. But there are chances to see the underwater wonders and opportunities to join in coral renewal and restoration programs in the Florida Keys. You can help the team as a volunteer with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo as a diver or at the center by building coral trees. There’s also the opportunity to participate in a community dive and snorkel program. https://www.coralrestoration.org/

Corsica

Known as The Isle of Beauty the French island of Corsica is blessed with spectacular scenery including 200 beaches. Some strands are hidden with secret coves and others are backed by mountainous scenery and only accessible on foot. The beaches in the north, the Haute- Corse region are untamed, and you won’t find any amenities, however, the beaches in the southern region of Corse-du-Sud have plenty of watersports available and the necessary comforts.

Corsica

The path down from Genoese Tower along the Parata peninsula unveils a panorama vista of the west coast of the French island of Corsica. Photo: Sasha64f/Getty Images

During the summer when it’s sunny and hot, the beaches are where you’ll want to be. A visit in the fall after the tourists have vanished and it’s prime time for a hike. This rugged and mountainous Mediterranean isle is a hiker’s paradise. More than half the island is made up of parks with marked and unmarked trails unveiling breathtaking coastlines. Trails can be an easy walk or the hard core GR20 which is considered the most difficult hike in Europe and takes about two weeks. If you want to go it a bit easier then join in a walking tour with Backroads. They have a six-day walking & hiking tour that includes coastal towns and mountain hamlets. For more info: www.backroads.com/trips/WSCI-9/corsica-walking- hiking-tour

St. Kitts
Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Plan, St. Barts, St. Kitts, U.S. Virgin Islands

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Caribbean

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Fireworks on the beach, parades in the streets, and plenty of music and dancing are what you’ll find on these islands during the holiday season. When the clock strikes midnight in St. Kitts, St. Barts, Bermuda, St. Croix, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, and the Bahamas you’ll want to be there to ring in the New Year.

St. Kitts

The Kittitian culture takes on Sugar Mas as the Federation’s national event combining what many call Carnival with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. It’s essentially one big party that lasts from the end of November until the first week of January. There’s a calypso show to kick off the season and the event culminates with Parade Day on New Year’s Day where revelers wear colorful feathered costumes and march through the nation’s capital of Basseterre.

St. Kitts Carnival

St. Kitts and Nevis celebrate Carnival, locally known as Sugar Mas, with street parties, musical competitions, and cultural performances. Photo: St. Kitts Tourism

St. Barts

This annual rendezvous attracts sailors and boaters from around the world. The island alone draws jet setters and stars, but locals love the festive holidays here as well as returning visitors. It’s hard to find a more picturesque place than the harbor of Gustavia to celebrate the New Year. Boats don lights and holiday decorations, villas and hotels are brimming with ornaments and the harbor is trimmed with lights. At midnight, the sky lights up with magical fireworks, and yachts moored off the island and, in the harbor, sound their foghorns in unison.

St Barts New Years

At midnight Fort Oscar is illuminated from above by a sky bursting with fireworks. Hotels and restaurants on St. Barts host costume parties, special dinners, and festivities. Photo: St. Barth Tourism

Bermuda

The island of Bermuda takes on the holidays with warm and inviting passion as seasonal celebrations begin early with walks, parades, and parties throughout the towns. One of the most popular traditions is the New Year’s Eve Onion Drop where visitors and locals come to gather and walk the cobblestone streets of St. George’s on December 31. After a few stops at local pubs, the crowd heads to King’s Square to await the big drop. Music, fireworks, and the community gathering run from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Bermuda New Years

The town square in St. George’s is the most popular place in Bermuda to ring in the New Year. The onion, the pride, and the joy of Bermuda is celebrated on New Year’s Eve with the drop at midnight. Photo: Anna Bryukhanova/iStock

St. Croix

The Crucian Christmas Festival takes place from late December until early January culminating around Three Kings Day in the seaside town of Frederiksted. While most Caribbean islands begin Carnival in the spring here the action starts at the end of the year. Elaborate and colorful costumes made the year before are donned in parades that wander through the streets and across the island including one big street party in Christiansted where roads are blocked off so revelers can celebrate. On December 31 a free reggae concert takes place at the Festival Village in Frederiksted with performances by Maxi Priest and a grand finale and salute to the New Year with fireworks.

St Croix New Years Eve

Beautiful women in spectacular costumes with feathered headdresses get the crowd’s attention and votes during the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix. Photo: USVI Tourism

British Virgin Islands

These islands are popular with yachties all year long but during the holiday season, many gravitate to its countless island harbors and coves. As New Year’s Eve approaches there’s plenty of boat-to-boat hopping as well as bar hopping throughout the islands. At midnight, the foghorns sound on the water, and fireworks light up the skies. Back on land, Foxy’s Bar hosts the popular Old Year’s Night party that people talk about for years as a must-do in the British Virgin Islands. Every year, this huge celebration held on the white sand beaches of Jost Van Dyke explodes with live music, food, and drinks.

Jost Van Dyke BVI Foxys New Years

The best New Year’s Eve party spot in the BVI is Foxy’s Bar & Restaurant where people dance and drink through the night and on until the next day. Photo: Foxy’s

Barbados

There are more than enough options to celebrate the New Year in Barbados. For a low-key night, find a spot on the beach along the west coast and wait for the fireworks to start. West coast hotels compete for space in the sky to set off their fireworks at midnight. Many hotels host New Year’s Eve parties and themed dinners. Splurge for a stay at the famous Sandy Lane or have dinner overlooking the water at The Cliff, dine on a tasting menu, and enjoy live music until 2 a.m. Both Holetown and St. Lawrence Gap close out the year with parties and fireworks.

Barbados New Years Eve Fireworks

West coast hotels like the Hilton in Barbados welcome the New Year with fireworks and beach parties. Crowds gather early along the sand for a prime viewing spot. Photo: Anton/Flickr

The Bahamas

Nassau is the place to be for Junkanoo, the street party that takes place on Bay Street for Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. What began as a simple parade has evolved into a grand festival. There’s music, dancing, and brightly colored intricate costumes to attract the crowds. The rhymical music resonates throughout the town as cowbells, goat skin drums and an assortment of brass horns play a march for everyone to join in.

Nassau Bahamas New Years Eve

Horns and cowbells ring in the holidays and the New Year at the multi-day Junkanoo festivities throughout the Bahamas, with the most spectacular events taking place in Nassau. Photo: Stringfixer

Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Florida, Hawaii, Key West, Maui, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Trip Ideas

7 Islands to Visit Before the Holidays

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One of the best times of the year to squeeze in a trip is during the fall. November and early December are ideal as the crowds are gone, the rates are lower and the weather is void of storms. Here are some options for that last-minute getaway before the holiday season kicks in.

Puerto Rico

While the Island of Enchantment is a year-round destination the pre- winter season is ideal for a long weekend getaway. November is the official start of the holiday season as Christmas trees and lights are up early and the parties begin. Each town hosts the lighting of the Christmas tree adding decorations throughout the month accompanied by fireworks, traditional Christmas music and food. From November 2 through 30, 2019 town plazas turn into street festivals where artisans and food vendors set up stands for the continual celebrations. The island celebrates its discovery by Columbus on November 19. An official holiday, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day consists of parades, fairs and cultural activities and is celebrated in most towns.

Puerto Rico San Juan

While Old San Juan is magical on its own, it’s even more so during the holidays. The scenery changes as Christmas lights are added to churches, arches and plazas. Photo: Anita S/ Pixabay

Bermuda

The high season in this island nation is during the summer when the beaches, towns and restaurants are hopping. Off-season begins in November and runs through March when rates are lower and crowds have dispersed. And, Bermuda, warmed by the Gulf Stream holds onto its warm waters into November making a dip in the sea possible. During the fall the humidity is lower with cooler temperatures making outdoor activities more pleasant. Hike or bike along the Bermuda Railroad Trail that covers 18 miles. The abandoned tracks wind through lush vegetation and along rugged cliffs and bypass classic old bridges. Although September first isn’t a national holiday, it’s widely celebrated as the beginning of spiny lobster season, which lasts until March. The island’s favorite fare is offered at restaurants around Bermuda. You can even catch your dinner with a local licensed lobster diver and cook it that evening.

Bermuda South Shore Horseshoe Bay

Bermuda’s south coast is lined with pink sand beaches. One of the most famous crescents is the scenic Horseshoe Bay at the heart of South Shore Park. Photo: Bruce/Flickr

Maui

November is the transition month on Maui, right between the island’s dry and wet seasons. It’s the time when humpback whales return to frolic in the waters during their annual winter migration. The season runs through May and sightings are possible from shore as well as a variety of guided boat excursions. Visit Lahaina Arts Society at Lahaina Cannery Mall on Saturdays from November 9 to December 29, 2019. Local artists will be on hand to present and talk about their work. The outdoor festival features photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. The Hawaii International Film Festival runs from November 21 to 23, 2019. Included in showings are documentaries, film shorts, experimental films, animations and digital works. The event reflects the diverse multicultural face of Hawaii supporting Asian and Pacific films.

Maui Lahaina

Dusk along the Front Street shops of Lahaina on Maui. For Christmas, the town’s 60-foot famous banyan tree is wrapped in thousands of Christmas lights. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

Eleuthera

While sister, Harbour Island is known for its pink sands; Eleuthera boasts it’s own stretches of rosy hues. There are over 100 beaches to choose from ranging from blushing pinks to alabaster whites. Every Friday night brings a traditional Bahamian fish fry where you can sample a plate of peas n’ rice along with the fresh catch. Held at Anchor Bay in Governor’s Harbour, there are Bahamian dishes and specialties, music and dancing starting at 6:00 p.m. On November 30, the Ministry of Tourism Thanksgiving Crafter’s & Cultural Festival also takes place in Governor’s Harbour. It’s a chance to buy local hand made items and take in a fashion show, live band performances and see junkanoo dancers. To kick off the holiday season head to the annual tree lighting in the garden of the wellness center of the Cancer Society in Central Eleuthera on Saturday, December 7. The event includes live music, dancing and native foods.

Eleuthera

A quiet and tranquil beach scene at Current on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The small quaint town is located in North Eleuthera. Photo: Trish Hartmann/Flickr

Key West

November brings cooler weather and lower humidity just right for exploring the streets, shops and galleries of this quaint town. Discover the literary history of Key West at Custom House Museum in an exhibit (November 1, 2019 through February 9, 2020) of writers who have found the laid-back character of Key West an ideal venue to pen their novels and plays. The holiday season kicks off with Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport on November 22. Along the walk, you’ll see the Key West traditional tree made of foam trap floats, a pine decorated in a nautical theme and a lobster trap tree. Check out the Key West Film Festival that runs from November 20 to 24, 2019 showcasing multiple genres and categories. Films and events are hosted at landmark venues throughout the town.

Key West

Sunset cruises are are a common scene at Mallory Square in Key West. Guests enjoy champagne, wine and cheese and await the green flash. Photo: J. Philipp Krone/Flickr

St. Barth

It’s the seaside sophistication of St. Tropez blended with the laid- back Caribbean lifestyle that fascinates visitors coming to this French isle. High season begins mid-December so getting a room or villa from November through early December is doable. The beaches won’t be vacant but it will be easier to find a spot on the sand at one of the sixteen white strands. November 20 to 24, 2019 draws sailors from around the world to the annual St. Barth Cata Cup, a regatta of small catamarans. The Formula 18 catamaran race starts and ends at St. Jean Beach. Christmas is big on the island and every year the port of Gustavia is decked out with lights and holiday décor transforming the harbor into the Christmas Village (December 6 to 22, 2019) where shops, galleries and food outlets become one meandering holiday market. Visiting yachts come in for the season transforming the harbor into a canvas of glistening watercraft.

St. Barth Gustavia

Gustavia Harbor in St. Barth lights up around the holidays with trees, Christmas decorations and visiting yachts strung up with lights. Photo: Martin Varsavsky/Flickr

Belize

Belize offers a slew of activities for the adventure seeker. While many come to dive and snorkel the 180 miles of coral reefs others come for land-based activities like hiking, and exploring caves and Maya ruins. One of the most celebrated holidays is Garifuna Settlement Day, which takes place each year on November 19th. While the Garifuna only make up 4 % of the population of Belize, their cultural contributions play a big part in today’s society. The traditional event includes drumming, street dancing and parades and traditional Garifuna foods. Each year the coastal town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye lights up along the water during the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade where spectators gather along the shoreline, docks and seaside bars as the boats pass by on Saturday December 7, 2019.

Belize Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is just one of the small Caribbean islands of Belize with balmy breezes and turquoise waters. Visitors come to bird watch, kayak and dive the Barrier Reef. Photo: amon1500/Pixabay

 

 

The Sands At Grace Bay Turks And Caicos
Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

2019 Fall Specials at Caribbean Resorts

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Somewhere between a summer vacation and a winter escape, there’s a travel season that, at times, goes unnoticed. Fall getaways are a good excuse to put off house chores and seasonal cleaning to enjoy a last-minute Caribbean trip before the crowds and higher rates roll in. Here are five properties with savings for the seasoned traveler.

The Reefs Resort & Club, Bermuda

This South Shore gem is bursting with old-world charm dating back to 1947. Sitting cliffside overlooking the pink sands and turquoise sea, all rooms face west allowing for mesmerizing sunsets. Guests are met with a rum swizzle and the resort’s warm staff. There are three restaurants to choose from that offer island favorites like Bermuda fish chowder with black rum and plenty of Dark ‘n Stormy cocktails. The Hot Fall rates deliver rooms as low as $295.00 per night and there are a limited number available. Book and travel by November 30, 2019. For more information: https://www.thereefs.com/specials- packages https://www.thereefs.com/

Bermuda The Reefs

After some pool time, guests at The Reefs Resort & Club find more active pursuits beachside where complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment await. Photo: The Reefs Resort & Club

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

This ultra-elegant 7,000-acre resort community on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic offers white sand beaches, fine culinary experiences and many options for active lifestyles. Guests can enjoy water sports, play three of the Caribbean’s most storied golf courses, or simply relax in the world-class spa. The Biggest Winter Sale offers rates starting at $299.00 per room and $1,199.00 per villa per night for a 3 to a 5-bedroom villa. The offer includes a complimentary four-passenger golf cart for use through the stay, unlimited use of fitness center and more. Reservations must be made by October 21, 2019, for travel between January 5 and April 30, 2020. For details visit: https://www.casadecampo.com.do/vacation-packages- offers/winter-sale/

Dominican Republic Casa De Campo

Casa de Campo’s lobby entrance provides an elegant entryway to the Dominican Republic’s 50-year-old vacation complex where guests stay in resort rooms and sprawling villas. Photo: Casa de Campo

Bay Gardens Resorts, St. Lucia

Bay Gardens Resorts is a group of locally owned hotels in and around the popular Rodney Bay Village. Visitors are drawn to the area’s shops, galleries, bars and restaurants that line both sides of the street. Pigeon Island, Gros Islet and the calm waters at Reduit Beach round out the offerings. The Bay Gardens Resorts collection of four properties caters to families as well as honeymooners. The flagship property, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa sits beachfront on Reduit Beach. The three additional properties include Bay Gardens Inn, a small boutique hotel, Bay Gardens Hotel located in the center of the village and the Bay Gardens Marina Haven Hotel adjacent to Rodney Bay Marina. The fall season offerings include the Creole Heritage package at all four properties with 55% off rooms. Book by October 25, 2019, and travel the month of October. For details: https://www.baygardensresorts.com/specials

St. Lucia Bay Gardens

Bay Gardens Hotel, one of four properties in the group offers island-inspired rooms and suites with private balconies and views of lush gardens. Photo: Bay Gardens Resorts

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

This tried and true Caribbean favorite has been around since the Sixties, remodeled and updated over the years but always retaining the laid-back glamour of the times. Caribbean culture abounds in atmosphere and cuisine. Rooms all have beach views and hammocks and the all- inclusive model is elevated with snorkeling trips, scuba diving, windsurfing and waterskiing. Curtain Bluff’s Fall Escape boasts a carefree vacation where everything is included. Save 20% on the total booking. Reserve a minimum of five nights for travel from October 26 through December 17, 2019, to be booked by November 1, 2019. Visit: http://curtainbluff.com/rates/curtain-bluff-hotel- special-travel-packages/

Curtain Bluff Beach Antigua

Curtain Bluff sits on 20 acres on the southern tip of Antigua with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. In addition to watersports, there is tennis, squash, bocce and shuffleboard for guests to enjoy. Photo: Curtain Bluff

The Sands at Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

This condo-style resort offers one to three-bedroom spaces perfect for groups and families. Set on 12 miles of white sand ideal for long walks and turquoise blue waters perfect for exploring with the resort’s complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear. Three pools, a spa, hammocks strung among a coconut grove and an open-air restaurant round out the offerings. Save 15% on one-bedroom and larger for travel from August 1 to December 18, 2019. Booking window lasts until December 18, 2019; use Promo Code 15OFF2019. Visit: https://www.thesandstc.com/rates-and- reservations/current-specials/

Turks And Caicos Sands Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is a cluster of six three-story buildings with lush gardens surrounding the courtyards and three free-form pools connected via canals featuring small grottoes and a cascading waterfall. Photo: The Sands

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

10 Unexpected Caribbean Activities

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

1  Visit a Mountain Village:  Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

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

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

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

St Barth Mermaid

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

3  Spot a Monkey: Four Seasons Nevis

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

Nevis Monkey

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

4  Blend Your Own: Nayara Springs, Costa Rica

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

5  Mix a Dirty Banana: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

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

Jamaica Inn Drinks

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

6  Art Walk:  Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

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

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

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

Anguilla Greenhouse

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

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

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

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

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

Punta Cana Lagoon

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

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

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

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

The Best Caribbean Summer Parties

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

Riviera Maya Film Festival

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

Riviera Maya Film Festival

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

St. Kitts Music Fest

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

St Kitts Music Fest

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

Fiesta de Santiago Apostol, Puerto Rico

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

Puerto Rico Loiza Mask

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

LIV Bermuda

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

LIV Bermuda

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

Junkanoo Summer Festival

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

Junkanoo Nassau

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

Christmas in July

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

BVI Jost Van Dyke

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

Anguilla Summer Festival

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

Anguilla Summer Fest

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

Reggae Sumfest

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

Jamaica Montego Bay

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

Crop Over

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

Barbados Cropover

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

Antigua Carnival

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

Antigua Carnival

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

Tobago Heritage Festival

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

Tobago Heritage Festival

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

North Sea Jazz Fest

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

Curucao North Sea Jazz

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

Puerto Rico St Regis Girls Trip
Bermuda, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Top Caribbean Girlfriend Getaways

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When it’s time for you and your best friends to treat yourselves to a girl’s trip, there are some special requirements. You’ll need a beach, a spa, some memorable culinary experiences and some choice recreational and retail activities to fill the days. These three resorts deliver all of that and a lot more. So, ladies pack your bags and get ready to make some shared memories.

St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico

Natural spaces and personal attention are the themes at this five- diamond resort. The 500-acre grounds take in forests, marshes, lakes, a coconut plantation, mangrove lagoons and two miles of beach. You’ll feel like you are on a private island as you follow tree-canopied roads that wind through the property, and wander footpaths flanked by heliconias, ferns and philodendron. You and the girls can enjoy yoga, kayaking, nature walks, bicycling, paddle boarding and maybe even a round of golf at the Robert Trent Jones Jr. course.

St Regis Bahia Beach Puerto Rico

Rooms at the St. Regis Bahia Beach are surrounded by freshwater ponds, coastal lagoons, and towering palm trees that were once part of a coconut plantation. Photo: Debbie Snow

When it’s time to unwind and relax, the on-site Remède Spa will transport you to another world. Set apart from the rest of the resort, it’s a serene retreat where patrons are immersed in a setting of gardens and reflection pools. Once you enter this den of pampering and tranquilly, you’ll want to spend a full day and order lunch off the spa menu. A floating pathway delivers guests to individually massage villas, which feature picture windows that welcome views of the garden. Signature treatments focus on indigenous influences and organic local products like coconut and sugarcane.

St Regis Bahia Beach Spa Puerto Rico

At the St. Regis Bahia Beach, the secluded water garden at the Remède Spa provides patrons with a quiet and private place for relaxation and meditation. Photo: Debbie Snow

Body Holiday, St. Lucia

A visit to this enclave of holistic wellness will leave you and your BFF relaxed, rejuvenated and, just maybe, down a couple of pounds. The resort’s all-inclusive plan goes beyond food, drink and entertainment to include a wealth of activities aimed at enhancing health and well-being. Body Holiday’s pitch is: “ Give us your body for a week, we’ll give you back your mind.” Healthy cuisine is a big part of it, and though meals are included, you won’t find hedonistic, belt-stretching buffets. Instead, you will be provided with fresh and savory dishes individually tailored to your body type and wellness goals.

Body Holiday St Lucia Garden

On the grounds of Body Holiday, walking paths lead guests through the Zen water garden to reach the meditation temple. An adjacent pavilion is the site of daily Tai Chi practice. Photo: Debbie Snow

Also included with each stay are daily spa treatments that range from massage to aromatherapy, reflexology or hydrotherapy. Guests are encouraged to sample a range of complimentary land and water sports. The challenge is to see how many activities you pack in to a week. If you like tennis, you can play everyday. If archery is your newfound sport, classes are offered. Daily schedules include more than a dozen classes and sports activities to sign up from golf, fencing, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing. Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates are offered to round out the day. It’s sort of like summer health camp, but for adults.

St Lucia Body Holiday Spa

The spa complex at St. Lucia’s Body Holiday resort includes 33 treatment rooms, providing therapies that include massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and energy work. Photo: Debbie Snow

Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have it all, and that’s exactly what the two of you will get at this grand dame of Bermuda resorts. No other property on the island offers a similar combination of amenities, beach access and sprawling landscaped grounds. There’s an on-site championship golf course, 10 dining venues to choose from and a private pink beach that’s just a quick shuttle ride from the room. Once there you can spend time snorkeling, swimming, paddling or just settling into a chaise lounge at the beach club, where attendants stand ready to fulfill any request.

Bermuda Fairmont Southampton Pool

The pool deck at the Fairmont Southampton surrounded by lush landscaping and furnished with plenty of umbrella shaded chaise lounges. Photo: Debbie Snow

No girlfriend getaway would be memorable without some spa time. The Fairmont Willow Stream Spa offers enough to fill a day with both pampering and fitness activities to help justify that desert indulgence at dinner. Start the day with a yoga class, followed by a work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center. Move on to the sauna or steam room, then take a few laps in the 18-meter indoor pool, which is keep at a comfy 82 degrees. Now, it’s time for energy restoration. The Willow Stream specializes in treatments that focus on finding and recharging your natural energy while pulling in local traditions. Afterward, you can wind down with an aloe wrap to nourish your skin from the previous day of sun. Tomorrow, you can hop the ferry over to Hamilton for shopping and afternoon tea at the sister property, Hamilton Princess.

Bermuda Fairmont Southampton Spa

Comfy robes, a refreshing cup of herbal tea and a relaxing private space help friends enjoy a relaxing post spa moment at Bermuda’s Fairmont Southampton resort. Photo: Debbie Snow

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

Top Eco-friendly Caribbean Resorts

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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.

Grenada Blue Horizons

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.

Bermuda Tuckers Point

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.

Aruba Bucuti Pool

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.

St Barths Le Guanahani

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.

Hermitage Bay Antigua

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.

San Juan Caribe

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.

Jamaica Inn

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

Bermuda Southhampton
Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, Oahu, Palm Beach, St. Pete Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

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The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th century. When pink crossed over to the New World it was embraced by builders of the 1920s and beyond.

Bermuda is a destination that is all about pink; there are pink sand beaches, pink mopeds, pink Bermuda shorts and pink buildings. Here, the pink Fairmont Southampton stands out among the green landscape of Southampton Parish.

 

Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Plan, Trip Ideas

The Caribbean’s Top 5 Historical Districts

 

There’s more to the Caribbean than beach chairs and boat drinks. The region is rich in history, with cities dating back 500 years to the first days of European influence and settlement. Several of the most significant and best preserved of these old towns have earned World Heritage status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These five in particular are worth a walking tour, so leave the flip-flops at the resort, and put on your walking shoes to discover the Caribbean’s deeper roots.

Historic Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados was one of England’s first settlements in the Caribbean. Blessed with a protected natural harbor, the port of Bridgetown grew to become the British Empire’s most important military and commercial center in the region. Unlike Dutch and Spanish cities of the time, the streets of Bridgetown were not laid out on an organized geometric grid, and instead copied the serpentine meanderings of medieval-era cities such as London. Today, the city’s well preserved historic district contains a wealth of architectural styles from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, including a number of the finest examples of British Colonial buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Other highlights include homes built in the Creole-inspired Caribbean Georgian style, and Neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings from the Victorian Era. History buffs may want to visit the George Washington House, where the United State’s first president spent time in the 1750s. A highpoint of any historic tour is the St. Anne’s Garrison. This expansive and well- preserved fortification was home to the British West Indies Regiment throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and is the surviving southern terminus of a series of fortifications that once ringed the city’s coast along the Bay Street corridor.

Bridgetown Barbados

Once a lively commercial waterfront lined with warehouses, Bridgetown’s Careenage is now fronted by shops and restaurants, and its pathways are a favorite for afternoon strolls. Photo: iStock

Old Havana, Cuba

Modern Havana is a sprawling city of two million, but tucked into this metropolis is a district of narrow streets and urban plazas, overlooked by buildings exhibiting an eclectic mix of Cuban Baroque, Neoclassical and Moorish influences, and private homes featuring arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards. UNESCO considers this area to be “the most impressive historical city centre in the Caribbean and one of the most notable in the American continent as a whole.” As the most important port in the Caribbean, Havana was well guarded by an extensive network of forts, including the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, which is one of the largest colonial fortresses ever constructed in the Americas, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which is one of the continent’s oldest. The city’s surviving ring of protection includes more than a half-dozen additional fortifications, including the iconic Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, which remains one of Cuba’s most recognized landmarks. Mixed in with 16th and 17th century edifices are grand buildings from the days of Cuba’s sugar boom. Most notable among these is the Capitolio Nacional, which was built from white Capellanía limestone and granite to mimic the U.S. Capitol Building.

Cuba Havana

El Capitolio remained the seat of government in Cuba until the revolution of 1959. Now restored, this historic structure is the home of Cuba’s National Assembly. Photo Michal Krakowiak/iStock

Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Founded just six year’s after Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of Hispaniola, Santo Domingo soon became Spain’s most important settlement in the Caribbean. The expeditions of conquistadors such as Ponce de Leon, Cortes and Balboa were launched from this walled city, and by the early 1500s; city founders had established the first cathedral, monastery, hospital, customs house and university in the Americas. From its inception the town was laid out on an orderly grid pattern that would become a model for city planning across the New World. Branching out from the Plaza Mayor, and surrounded by stone and earthen walls, 32 streets and 116 blocks of the original colonial city remain almost totally intact. Any tour of this area should include a viewing of the medieval and Renaissance artworks at the Alcázar de Colón, a tour of Las Casas Reales and a stroll down the Calle de la Damas, which is said to be the oldest street in the Americas.

Santo Domingo Church Dominican Republic

The Catedral Primada de America is the oldest Catholic Church in the Western Hemisphere. Its first stone was set in 1514 by Diego Columbus, son of the famous explorer. Photo: Adam Berent/Curacao Tourist Board

Willemstad Inner City and Harbor, Curacao

Home to one of the finest natural harbors in the southern Caribbean, the island of Curacao was a natural choice for Dutch traders looking to establish a foothold in the region. Fort Amsterdam was constructed in 1634 to protect the entrance to Sint Anna Bay, and the walled town of Willemstad was added several decades later. Within the ramparts of this fortified outpost, settlers built two- to three-story homes and shops along narrow lots facing even narrower streets. This development mirrored the architectural styles of Dutch cities where urban space was at a premium. This pattern changed in the early 1800s when the encircling fortifications were removed, and the city spread outward to the western side of the bay. Free of walled confines and small lot sizes, builders created more expansive plantation-style houses surrounded by galleries. Today, Willemstad includes four historic districts. The original walled city is known as the Punda district. To the west are the 19th century neighborhoods of Otrobanda, Pietermaai. Scharloo, which showcase a diverse range of architectural styles with Spanish, Iberian and Afro-American influences. One of the historic city’s most distinctive features is the bright red, blue, yellow and green shades of the buildings. This colorful display wasn’t created for aesthetic enhancement, but at the decree of 19th century Governor General Albert Kikkert, who apparently suffered headaches from the glare of whitewashed facades.

Juliana Bridge Anna Bay Curacao

Floating on moveable pontoons, the Queen Emma Bridge spans the entrance to Curacao’s St. Anna Bay, connecting Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda quarters. Photo: iStock

St. George’s, Bermuda

For nearly 400 years, the islands of Bermuda remained the principal base of the British Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic. Evidence of this military presence can be seen all around the harbor town of St. George’s. Numerous historic stone fortresses and batteries line the entrance to the harbor and perch on small nearby islands. The town itself dates back to 1612, and is recognized as the oldest continuously occupied English settlement in the Americas. Buildings originally built of local cedar wood and palm-thatch roofing did not fare well in passing hurricanes. The enduring legacy of this period is the narrow alleys and lanes of the old town. By the 17th century islanders solidified the distinctive style of architecture that remains a signature of Bermuda to this day, utilizing limestone blocks for walls, and ceramic tile roofs to capture rainwater. The numerous military constructs surrounding the town are of particular interest to military historians, as they include some of the only surviving examples of 17th century defensive works built by early European colonists. Other fortifications of varying ages follow an evolved pattern of design based on the ongoing advances in artillery.

St George Church Bermuda

Located in downtown St. George’s, St. Peter’s is the oldest Anglican Church outside the British Isles, and the oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the New World. Photo: iStock