Tag Archives: British Virgin Islands

Caerula Mar Club Bahamas
Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-Out Islands, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Dominica, St. Eustatius, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Latest Hot Spot Hotels

Leave a comment

 

While the travel landscape might have been turned upside down in the past couple of years, the hotel industry in the Caribbean has been resilient, to say the least. The tourism sector of these nations has been maintaining a pace as if the world had not been interrupted. These recent additions to the Caribbean inventory showcase sustainable practices while offering plenty of style and luxuries.

Caerula Mar Club, South Andros Island, Bahamas

On an island where very little has changed the opening of Caerula Mar was a big deal on the island and in the HGTV world. The largest island of the Bahamas, Andros has always been a low-key off-the-radar place – a quiet retreat for visitors who come to fish, bird watch, and dive blue holes. The island is pretty much left in its natural state and that was a consideration when Brian and Sarah Baeumler purchased the abandoned property in 2017 to renovate into an ultra-luxe boutique property, the star of the HGTV show, Renovation Island. Incorporating ethical and sustainable practices this low-density resort sits on 10 acres with a gorgeous beachfront where all of the cottages are just steps from the sea. With just five private villas and 18 suites, guests find themselves immersed in nature, and the sea, and pretty much secluded from the outside world. It’s barefoot luxury at its best. When it comes to amenities, there are three restaurants to choose from, a spa, a fitness center, and a selection of on-the-water activities and bikes for exploring the backroads of this pristine island. To find out more: https://www.caerulamar.com/

South Andros Bahamas Caerula Mar Club Resort

Caerula Mar in The Bahamas features sustainable and natural materials in the suites mirroring the outdoor living spaces. Photo: Caerula Mar

Hammock Cove Resort & Spa, Antigua

Set near the dramatic limestone formations of Devil’s Bridge, Hammock Cove overlooks a tranquil and protected area of the bay on the northeastern edge of Antigua. Each of the 42 villas is single-story, king-bedded and comes with large outdoor living spaces that include plunge pools, sun loungers, and a cocktail area with a fully stocked wine cooler and of course, a view. This new luxurious boutique ticks all the boxes and more. In addition to indoor and outdoor spaces, this adults-only 5-star resort comes with an all-inclusive plan better known as uninterrupted luxury. Taking the concept to a level above with Micheline-star dining from breakfast to dinner including traditional English afternoon tea with an Antiguan twist, personalized service as each villa has its guest ambassador, yoga and fitness classes, paddle boarding, or snorkeling. If downtime is on the agenda drift off on the floating relaxation mats. A big hit with couples, this star opened at the end of 2019 and is a member of the Elite Islands Resorts group which includes four other resorts in Antigua. For more info: https://www.hammockcoveantigua.com/

Antigua Hammock Cove

Each villa at Hammock Cove has uninterrupted views of the turquoise water. Here guests enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding in the calm bay. Photo: Hammock Cove

Rock House, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Capturing inspiration from Capri and Nice where villas are set within seaside cliffs, Rock House takes guests on a journey to the Mediterranean. With conscious efforts to preserve the existing natural landscape along the rugged limestone coast north of Grace Bay, the 46 oceanfront villas with an aura of the Amalfi Coast have come to the Caribbean. Constructed by local artisans, limestone feature walls wrap around the one and two-bedroom standalone villas that feature outdoor terraces, shower garden bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows to seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors, where the turquoise sea is a constant vista. A handful of villas overlook the 100-foot infinity pool which is surrounded by day beds and umbrellas, beyond is a white sand beach and a jetty that reaches out 130 feet into the Atlantic. Oceanfront dining showcasing Adriatic cuisine and two bar options fuel guests for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. For more information: https://rockhouse.gracebayresorts.com/

Rock House Turks & Caicos

Rock House, a member of Grace Bay Resorts is the first cliffside residential resort to open along the north shore of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. Photo: Rock House

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Dominica

Surrounded by Cabrits National Park, a 1,313-acre region set up to protect tropical forests, reefs, and wetlands on the north end of a peninsula near Portsmouth, this property made its debut in the Fall of 2019. It’s the first new build from the iconic European hotelier to come to the Americas. And it’s the first grand property, with 151 guestrooms, in Dominica, an island that has remained sheltered from mass tourism. The five-star hotel brings all the amenities one might expect. Luxuriously appointed rooms with mountain and ocean views done in coastal colors with wood accents merge indoor and outdoor ambiance. The juxtaposition of nature and luxury is the intended experience. Guests might hike in the forest all day and return to a freestanding soaking tub filled with aromatic bubbles. An 18,000 -square-foot spa continues the connection to nature with treatments inspired by local culture and the surroundings offered in treehouse cabanas. Dining concepts bring in local fare with Creole dishes as well as farm-to- table and sea-to-table offerings. A small black sand beach dotted with six cabanas, four pools, a fitness center, and water sports keep families entertained. For more details: https://www.kempinski.com/en/cabrits-resort-kempinski- dominica

Dominica Kempinski

Luxury meets nature in Dominica, where Cabrits Resort & Spa was constructed to harmonize with the natural setting of mountains and ocean at Douglas Bay. Photo: Cabrits Resort

Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands

The rebirth of this tiny island resort in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands took place in October 2021. Hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, it took five years to rebuild, but this rendition is tougher and stronger and built to withstand any future storm. The island has been a haunt for sailors and divers since its heyday in the 1960s when diving pioneer Bert Kilbride set up his diving base on the island. Today, a miniature museum takes visitors on a journey to the past showcasing maritime treasures found through the islands. You’ll find sailors and water sports enthusiasts with beer or cocktails in hand at the rooftop sunset bar and dining in the open-air restaurant. Stayover guests might feel like they are sleeping on a boat in the middle of the sea and the experience is not far from that, guest rooms are on the second level outfitted with large picture windows with direct views of the blue water. The decor is one-of-a-kind vintage and contemporary nautical with wooden oars and kiteboards lining the walls. The resort offers just nine rooms in total, seven guest rooms, and two suites, so the place never carries much of a crowd after happy hour and diners head back to their yachts. This is where you can escape the day-to-day stresses and watch the sailboats go by from the deck. Book your room at: https://sabarock.com/

Saba Rock BVI

The newly renovated private island resort of Saba Rock is a must-stop for yachties plying the waters of the BVI’s. Photo: Saba Rock

Coulibri Ridge, Dominica

The newest and latest in eco-luxury resorts to come to the nature isle. Years in the making, and every detail was researched to minimize the impact on the environment from the power technologies down to the linens you will sleep on. Here, the mantra of sustainable luxury includes conscious choices that preserve the environment. The concept is to enjoy life’s luxuries without depleting resources. Set within 200 acres of secluded wilderness with views of mountains and the sea where Martinique lingers on the horizon, the small enclave offers just 14 suites. Imagined and realized to be off-grid with solar panels, wind turbines, and the collection of rainwater to fuel the small resort that opened in October 2022. Even the interiors bow to sustainability drawing on recycled teakwood and aluminum while the exterior incorporates hand-chiseled stone sourced from the property and constructed by local community members who remain in various capacities at the resort. Guests enjoy two dining options, two pools, a spa, a yoga pavilion, and, a gym along with an island packed full of natural scenery waiting for discovery. To book a room contact: https://www.coulibriridge.com/

Dominica Coulibri Ridge

Structures that harmonize with the national beauty of the landscape were a consideration in the creation of Coulibri Ridge, a fully sustainable resort on Dominica. Photo: Coulibri Ridge

Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius

This quaint off-the-beaten-path island hasn’t seen a new resort in years. Statia is one of a few hidden gems in the Caribbean that maintains an authentic Caribbean lifestyle and a pristine natural landscape. However, it’s been no secret to divers who have been coming for years to explore the diverse underwater habitat. Today, comfort and luxury have landed topside with the opening of Golden Rock, Statia’s ecologically sustainable resort which is powered by solar panels and receives drinking water from the sea via reverse osmosis. Sitting between the Quill, the island’s dormant volcano, and the sea, the eco-resort includes 32 deluxe rooms and suites that are carefully melded into 40 acres of natural terrain dotted with flowering gardens and an organic vegetable patch. Guests have tennis courts, a small spa, a large saltwater pool, a fitness center, and Breeze, the restaurant offering local delicacies with an ocean view. Look for the opening of the pool bar and pool cabanas next year. To book a room: https://www.goldenrockresort.com/

St Eustatius Golden Rock Dive Nature Resort

Villas at Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort have views of The Quill and the sea on this hidden Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius. Photo: Golden Rock

The Morgan Resort & Spa, St. Maarten

New on the scene in Dutch St. Maarten, The Morgan opened its doors in June of 2021. This new luxury boutique has brought a jolt of fresh energy to the island’s hospitality scene. The feel is a bit elegant, trendy and chic. Rooms are dressed in sleek and contemporary furnishings with walls of windows and private balconies or terraces. Guests gravitate to the beach-style infinity pool featuring an underwater music system and a swim-up bar with a blackjack table. Chaises and umbrellas line the walk-in pool edge and for added privacy cabanas with billowing drapes are set in the background, all within sight of the sea. The highlight is the rooftop observation deck where observers will have a 360-degree view of jets landing at Princess Juliana Airport, a favorite pastime for visitors of Maho Beach, which is just steps from the resort. For more information and to make reservations, visit: https://www.themorganresort.com/ or call 1-833-9-MORGAN.

The Morgan St Maarten

Dutch St. Maarten’s modern and stylish newcomer, The Morgan Resort & Spa, features 124 rooms and suites and overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Photo: The Morgan

O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

The south coast of Barbados received a breath of fresh air with the opening of O2 Beach Club in November of 2021. The new five-star all-inclusive luxury boutique is the transformation of the former Ocean Two Resort with an additional 42 ocean view and oceanfront rooms. Contemporary, colorful, and cheerful in design bringing in elements that encompass island living with palm fronds and coral motifs in artwork, fabrics, and floor coverings. The ambiance is upbeat while remaining chill just like you’d expect from a beach club. Amenities include non- motorized sports and a full activity plan from aqua aerobics to beach volleyball is on the slate. Experience ambassadors set up how-to classes allowing you to go home with a new skill; you might learn how to make fish cakes, play the steel pans or blow a conch shell. Dining includes several options from toes-in-the-sand to fine dining with 360-degree views of the south coast. Sunset champagne and canapes are part of the elegant mix on the sky terrace. Three collections of suites allow guests to select the level of accommodations from adults–only to spacious one or two-bedroom suites. For more information: https://www.o2beachclubbarbados.com/

O2 Beach Club Barbados

Fresh and vibrant guest rooms bring in tropical colors and views of the pool and beach at O2 beach Club in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados. Photo: O2 Beach Club

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

Leave a comment

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

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

The Caribbean Makes a Comeback

Leave a comment

 

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

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

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

Puerto Rico

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

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

Puerto Rico San Juan Port

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

USVI

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

St. Croix Buccaneer

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

Antigua & Barbuda

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

Antigua English Harbour

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

Anguilla

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

Anguilla Beach

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

BVI

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

BVI The Baths

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

St. Martin/St. Maarten

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

St. Maarten Great Bay

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

Dominica

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

Dominica Scotts Head

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

St. Barts

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

St. Barts

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

BVI Snorkel
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Play, Playa del Carmen, Trip Ideas

Unique Caribbean Snorkel Adventures

Leave a comment

 

Sure, you’ve explored the shore in front of the hotel, and maybe even signed up for a boat trip to a nearby coral reef. But are you ready for a snorkeling adventure with a wow factor and maybe some bragging rights? These adventures exist in places across the Caribbean. But though they can be thrilling, they aren’t dangerous. Here are five of my favorite Caribbean snorkel adventures that go beyond the usual reef tour.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Caverns, Norman Island, BVI

Legend has it that the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard once stashed chests of gold and plunder in the sea caves of Norman Island. But even those who doubt that tale would agree that the real treasure is the chance to snorkel into this trio of semi-submerged caverns, which are cut into a cliff face just south of the popular harbor known as The Bight. It’s suitable for all ages, because there’s always a hint of sunlight in the caves, and no branching passages. I’ve brought dozens of snorkelers to this site during charter trips, and usually give them a waterproof light so they can hunt for marine live in the nooks and crannies, and admire the purple and red patterns on the rock faces inside.

BVI Snorkel

The caves at Norman Island are said to have once held treasures hidden by the pirate Blackbeard. Snorkelers can safely explore these mysterious caverns. Dale Harrison/Flickr

Bimini Road, Bahamas

Legends of the Bermuda Triangle meet tales of the lost city of Atlantis just off the shores of the tiny Bahamian island of Bimini. On the island’s western shore, a half-mile-long line of rectangular limestone blocks runs parallel to the shore. This unusual formation was first discovered by free diving legend Jacque Mayol, and in the years since, all manner of experts have speculated about the origins and purpose of the structure. Some say it’s the remains of a wall or a pier, while others have pegged it as a highway that was once part of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. I’ve explored this site on scuba dives several times, but actually enjoy it more when seen from above. When floating on the surface with mask and snorkel, you can make out the full extent of the formation in the clear waters below, and then form your own opinion on its origins.

Bimini Snorkel

A snorkeler descends in clear Bahamian water to examine the unique formation known as the Bimini Road. Some believe it to be part of the ruins of the ancient city of Atlantis. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr

Great Blue Hole, Belize

The aerial view of Captain Jacque Cousteau’s Calypso floating in the center of a gigantic submerged crater in the center of a Caribbean coral reef became a world-famous image. This perfectly round geological anomaly measures more than 1,000 feet across, and plunges down to more than 400 feet. I’ve done deep dives into the Belize Blue Hole, but honestly, the most interesting sights are right at the top, where the shallow rim of the hole is ringed in growths of coral. It takes a two-hour boat ride from Belize City or one of the resorts on Ambergris Caye to get to Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, but the reward is a chance to glide over the cliff-like edge of the hole into deep water, then spend time watching tropical fish among the corals. Keep an eye open, because there’s always a chance to catch a glimpse of large tarpon or reef sharks emerging from the shadows below.

Belize Great Blue Hole

The Belize Blue hole is a massive 400-foot-deep pit set in the center of Lighthouse Reef. The rim of the hole is covered in coral gardens that are ideal for snorkelers to explore. Photo: Kasia Kaczy?ska/Flickr

Dos Ojos Cenote, Riviera Maya

Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is riddled with cenotes, which are natural sinkholes in the limestone bedrock that fill with clear fresh water. Many of these cenotes are connected to underground rivers that form the longest underwater caves in the world. But you don’t have to be a bold explorer to enjoy these amazing places. With just a mask and snorkel, I’ve swum in dozens of these natural pools. Often, the walls overhang the water, creating a chance to swim into the twilight zone and discover marble-white stalactites hanging from the ceiling. A personal favorite is Dos Ojos Cenote, where swimmers can follow a set of guidelines through a maze of caverns that connect a pair of sunlit pools. You can explore for yourself, or hire a guide to lead the way.

Riviera Maya Cenotes

The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are filled with clear fresh water. At Dos Ojos, snorkelers can swim through overhanging ledges that lead to stalactite-decorated chambers. Photo: Guillén Pérez/Flickr

Lac Bay Mangrove, Bonaire

This snorkel adventure is more about relaxation than excitement, but that doesn’t make it any less memorable. It begins with a trip to the undeveloped east coast of Bonaire, and a stop at the Mangrove Information Center within Lac Bay National Park. Here, you’ll sign up for a guided kayak tour that leads through the twisting channels that lace the mangrove forest. Once you reach a hidden bay deep in the reserve, you’ll have a chance to get out of the boat and wade in waist deep water. There’s not much to see out in the middle of the sand bottom bay, because the real show begins when you swim closer to the tangled underwater roots of the mangroves themselves. These roots provide shelter for numerous species of small and juvenile marine life, making Lac Bay the island’s primary fish nursery. If you are lucky, you might also be treated to a swim by from one of the bay’s resident snook or tarpon.

Bonaire Snorkel

A snorkeler glides through a sand channel in the mangrove forest of Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The tangled roots of these trees create habitat for small fish and other marine life. Photo: Mangrove Information Center

BVI Bitter End Yacht Club
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Play, Stay, Trip Ideas

Five Best Snorkel Resorts in the British Virgin Islands

Leave a comment

 

The British Virgin Islands are ringed in colorful coral reefs. But getting to many of these snorkel-worthy sites will require a boat ride, which means showing up on time, and getting in and out of the water on a time table. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just wade in from shore, make a short swim to the reef, then stay as long as you like? At these select beachfront resorts, that’s exactly what can happen.

Bitter End Yacht Club

This landmark property is a favorite with both visiting yachtsmen and shore side guests, who enjoy sweeping views of Virgin Gorda’s North Sound from hillside cottages. The resort bustles with activities that include sailing regattas, dive excursions and fishing charters. The resort offers 15 weekly snorkel trips to area reefs and more distant sites such as the Baths and Anegada. Guests can use one of the resort’s Boston Whalers to create their own snorkel cruise, or simply walk down the beach to Wedding Point to discover a reef line where colorful tropical fish hide among the corals and rocks close to the shore. A swim into slightly deeper water provides a chance to see stingrays, turtles, and silver-sided tarpon. Keen-eyed snorkelers may even catch a glimpse of relics from the days of sail such as anchors and cannon balls, now encrusted within the corals of the reef.

Bitter End Yacht Club

Bitter End Yacht Club operates a snorkel boat that makes regular trips to the reefs around Virgin Gorda. This stable and spacious vessel has ample room for families and groups. Photo: Bitter End Yacht Club

Mango Bay Resort

On a quiet beach on the west coast of Virgin Gorda, the private villas of Mango Bay Resort overlook a large coral reef that begins less than 50 feet from shore, and stretches the entire length of Mahoe Bay. The waters are rich in fish life, but not accessible by boat, so resort guests have the reefs all to themselves. The property includes six villas, two located directly on the beach, and four more tucked into a tropical garden just inland. Interiors feature upscale Italian contemporary furnishings, with studio to five- bedroom floor plans that allow for flexible groups. Each unit includes kitchens, living and dining areas and expansive outdoor terraces with BBQ grills and outdoor showers.

Mango Bay

The Mango Bay Resort is located right on the beach at Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay, giving guests exclusive access to one of the island’s best coral reefs. Photo: Kent Smith/Flickr

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Each of the five beaches on this private 1800-acre island resort has its own personality, from the lively water sports scene at Deadman’s Beach to the intimate seclusion of Honeymoon Beach. To find the best snorkeling reefs, guests can check out complimentary equipment from the water sports center, follow a footpath over a low hill to White Bay and settle in to a beachfront tiki hut. The reef is just a short swim away, and the fish life is abundant. With more than 70 percent of the island left in its natural state, guests have miles of trails to bike and stroll, plus a variety of active pursuits that include beach volleyball, tennis and morning yoga. Accommodation choices include ocean view rooms, beachfront suites and private hillside villas. The spa offers 10 indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor pavilions and a couple’s suite, all with spectacular views of Big Reef Bay.

Peter Island

A split level view of the shoreline at Peter Island’s White Bay reveals corals growing on the rock formations that begin right at water’s edge, and provide habitat for tropical fish. Photo: Armando Jenik/Peter Island Resort

Marina Cay Hotel

Just off the eastern shore of Tortola, the green speck of land known as Marina Cay sits within a coral-rimmed lagoon. Snorkelers can wade in from most any point on the white sand beach that rings this eight-acre private island, and a few fin strokes will bring them to reefs swarming with a wealth of colorful fish life. The boutique resort offers just eight hillside rooms, decorated in a casual island style with wicker furniture, louvered windows and verandas that provide expansive views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The resort is owned by the Pusser’s Rum company, and is a favorite stopover for sailors, who come to shop in the Pusser’s Company Store and dine at the on-the-beach restaurant, which specializes in traditional West Indian-style and Caribbean dishes like conch chowder, spicy jerk chicken, and cod-and-potato fish cakes.

Marina Cay Snorkeling

An aerial view of Marina Cay shows the large area of coral reef that begins just offshore of the island. Snorkelers can spend hours exploring this formation. Photo: Martin Ronchetti/Flickr

Cooper Island Beach Club

Sitting on the northwest shore of its namesake island, the Cooper Island Beach Club is a family owned eco resort that delivers a lifestyle of tropical barefoot luxury. Ten beachfront guest rooms sit nestled among palm trees and tropical flowers, with expansive views of Sir Francis Drake Channel and the islands beyond. Interiors blend whitewash timbers with the warm tones of recycled teak furniture and the elegance of gauze-shrouded canopy beds. With mask and snorkel in hand, guests can enter the water at the resort’s dingy dock and swim along the shoreline to a u-shaped reef that holds schools of blue tang, butterfly fish and snapper, along with passing eagle rays. Sea turtles are also a common sight, and the resort sponsors a turtle tagging and conservation program. After returning to shore, guests can freshen up and take in the sunset at the resort’s rum tasting room and on- site microbrewery. Order the signature Turtle IPA and a portion of the sale will go towards turtle conservation.

Cooper Island Snorkeling

A large tarpon cuts through a massive school of silverside minnows swarming on a reef that is located just offshore of the Cooper Island Beach Club. Photo: Alex Fox/Cooper Island Beach Club

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

The Caribbean’s Best Beachfront Resorts

Leave a comment

 

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

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

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

Cap Juluca

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

Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

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

Grace Bay Club

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

Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

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

Peter Island Beachfront Rooms

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

The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

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

St. Corix Buccaneer

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

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

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

Spice Island Grenada

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

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

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

Puerto Rico St Regis

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

Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI

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

St John Caneel Bay

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

 

 

Bermuda St George New Years Eve Onion Drop
Bahamas-New Providence, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Plan, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Favorite Caribbean New Year’s Eve Parties

Leave a comment

 

Forget Times Square. The best place to celebrate, say goodbye to the old and ring in the new is in the Caribbean, where balmy trade winds and sandy beaches set the tone for a night of celebration like nowhere else. Each island has something going on, but some go bigger than others, and that’s where you want to be. Here are seven of our favorites.

Dropping the Onion in Bermuda

Bermuda is no longer a major exporter of onions, but the island still pays homage to its namesake vegetable on December 31. The celebration starts before dark as thousands gather at King’s Square in the city of St. George’s to enjoy street food and live music. The party builds towards midnight as everyone waits for a lighted papier-mâché replica of an onion to descend, then the fireworks light up the waters of the harbor.

The Ultimate Beach Party on Jost Van Dyke

In the British Virgin Islands, revelers converge on the small island of Jost Van Dyke to join local icon Foxy Calwood at his legendary Old Year’s Eve party. Staged on the shores of Great Bay at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, the party draws boaters and celebrities alike for a night of dancing on the sand, lobster barbecues, Firewater Rum punches and, for the less inhibited, a plunge into the foam pit. Additional ferries are pressed into service from the islands of St. Thomas and Tortola to handle the arriving crowds.

Grand Cayman with No Resolutions

No need to keep the little ones up late to see the show at Grand Cayman’s Camana Bay complex. The center’s No Resolutions Party kicks off at 6 p.m. on The Crescent, with food, drink; music and early fireworks show at 7 p.m. Once the youngsters are tucked away the dancing and celebrations keep going past 1 a.m., with a second fireworks lighting up the harbor at midnight. Those who would rather get some sand between their toes wander over to Seven Mile Beach, where the Westin Grand Cayman hosts a beach party with bubbly, sand sculptures and island tunes.

Fire on the Water on St. Martin/Sint Maarten

If you love fireworks, the island of St. Martin is the place to be on December 31st. Several clubs along Orient Beach stage parties that spill onto the sand as revelers await a spectacular display of midnight pyrotechnics. Even more popular is the show that takes place above the waters of Great Bay in the Dutch capital of Philipsburg. As dusk falls, the Great Bay Beach Promenade takes on a festival atmosphere with music and food. The fireworks show that is unleashed to herald the New Year is said to be the largest in the Caribbean, and it is certainly the most spectacular.

Night of the Junkanoo in the Bahamas

Counting down and toasting in the New Year are just the beginning of the celebration on the Bahamian island of New Providence. At 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the capital of Nassau comes alive with the sounds of drums, bells and whistles as thousands of costumed revelers make their way down Bay Street. The Junkanoo parade continues through the night, ending in mid morning as everyone heads home to sleep it off.

Greeting the Dawn on St. Croix

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, residents of St. Croix turn the entire month of December and the first days of January into one big celebration. In the spirit of keeping the party going, many follow up a harbor side fireworks display in Christiansted on December 31 with a trip to the eastern end of the island, where Point Udall is recognized as the easternmost point of the United States. Here, a crowd of revelers greets the New Year with toasts and dancing that continues until first light.

Jump Up on Montserrat

On the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle, the end-of-the-year party starts on December 23 with the annual Festival, an island-wide celebration of the season that includes pageants, a Calypso King Competition, musical extravaganzas and costumed masqueraders parading in the streets. The Festival continues through New Year’s Eve and on to January 1st, which is known as Jump Up Day. This holiday commemorates island emancipation with parades, steel bands and street dancers.

Virgin Gorda BVI
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

British Virgin Islands: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

The British Virgins embody all that is best about the Caribbean. Trade winds carry sailors across blue waters to secluded coves and colorful anchorages ringed by lively beach bars. Resorts perched on private islands provide comforts without crowds, snorkelers dive in waters to discover Technicolor reefs, and those seeking to shed all semblance of ambition can recline in a beachside hammock as they are lulled by the sound of lapping water.

1  Sail Away

Now more than ever, chartering a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands is an achievable reality. Options range from casual bareboat charters where you do all the sailing and cook the meals to full-crewed voyages where you sit back and relax while the crew takes care of everything. Tortola is headquarters for the fleet, and your only challenge will be choosing from the dozens of quiet coves and lively harbors scattered through the island chain.

Sailboats BVI Tortola

A fleet of boats for hire sits ready at a Tortola marina. The British Virgins are the charter boat capital of the Caribbean, offering everything from self-service sailboats to luxury yachts. Photo: iStock

2  Private Island Resorts

For the ultimate getaway, the British Virgins offer a range of resorts set on private islands. Quiet Cooper Island has just a handful of rooms tucked into a beachside coconut grove. At the other end of the scale, there’s 1,300-acre Peter Island, with rolling hills crisscrossed by nature trails, five beaches, four restaurants, a marina, recreation center and all the amenities of a world-class resort. At Necker Island, flamingos outnumber humans, and there are two staff members for each guest, Guana Island offers luxurious living in secluded natural surroundings.

3  Underwater World

Divers and snorkelers can explore an underwater landscape that includes colorful coral reefs, historic shipwrecks and underwater rock spires swarming with fish. Among the favorites are the coral gardens near Ginger Island, the treasure caves at Norman’s Island and the wreck of the RMS Rhone, made famous by the movie The Deep. A fleet of comfortable charter boats gives access to more than 80 sites, with something for everyone from first-time snorkelers to seasoned divers.

Underwater BVI

A flight of delicate blue chromis fish glides over a coral formation at a site known as the Indians. The waters of the British Virgins lie within a protected marine park. Photo: iStock

4  Gilligan’s Island

The more than 60 islands that make up the British Virgins include a number of small, uninhabited specks of land that are perfect for playing castaway for a day. Some are covered in palm groves fringing white sand beaches; others wrap lagoons in sheltering walls of rock. A number of excursion companies can arrange for day trips aboard speedboats or sailboats.

5  Gorgeous Beaches

Tucked between the rocky headlands of these volcanic islands are a number of excellent white sand beaches. Tortola favorites include Smugglers Cove Beach, Apple Bay Beach and Cane Garden Bay Beach. On Virgin Gorda, house-sized boulders are piled atop the sands, and low-lying Anegada offers miles of deserted beaches and the longest barrier reef in the eastern Caribbean.

BVI Snorkeling Boulders

A snorkeler in the clear shallow waters of The Baths on Virgin Gorda. The giant boulders that cover this beach are remnants of an ancient volcano. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

6  Away From the Crowds

The British Virgins are not a land of mega resorts and big crowds. Resorts are smaller and separated by distance to create a more intimate and private atmosphere. Tortola’s Road Town does see its share of cruise ships and shore leave visitors, but nothing like the crowds that swarm nearby St. Thomas on a daily basis. Hop to one of the smaller islands and you might find a beach that is yours alone.

7  Bar Hop by Boat

The British Virgins are home to some of the most iconic waterfront bars in the Caribbean. Music and good times roll at dockside taverns from Bitter End to Soper’s Hole. At Norman’s Bight, the Willie T is a ship turned bar that sits at permanent anchor. Boaters can wade ashore on Jost van Dyke to savor a painkiller punch at the Soggy Dollar Bar or create their own libations at Ivan’s.

Jost Van Dyke Beach Bars BVI

Beach goers cavort on the sand at Jost van Dyke’s White Sound, home of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and the inhibition-robbing Painkiller cocktail. Photo: Sherry Talbot/iStock

8  Spa Lovers

It’s easy to relax and get pampered, because several of the Caribbean’s top spas are located in the British Virgins. The spa at Peter Island nurtures both body and soul with Ayurveda treatments administered against the backdrop of a pristine beach. Scrub Island’s Ixora Spa offers an aloe and milk bath wrap and after-sun treatments. Amara’s harbormaster setting at the Moorings caters to sailors and landlubbers alike. When it reopens in 2017, the Sense Spa at Rosewood Little Dix will once more provide signature treatments based on nature’s healing power.

9  Move Right In

The British Virgins are home to an amazing collection of beachside cottages and hilltop villas, any of which could be yours for the week or the season. Choices range from modest one-bedroom town homes on Tortola to a sprawling 15-bedroom beachfront on Virgin Gorda. If budget permits, you could even invite 33 of your friends and rent the entire Necker Island resort, and have the whole island to yourselves.

Tortola Hills BVI

Villas with sweeping seaside views line the green hills of Tortola. The largest of the British Virgins, this island is home to the port of Road Town. Photo: Lidian Neeleman/iStock

10  Catch of the Day

While winter is the favorite sailing season, spring and summer are prime times to hook up. Fishing is big around the islands. Inshore catches include snapper and grouper while out in the ocean, an area known as the North Drop is the best place in the eastern Caribbean to do battle with big game species such as marlin, tuna and swordfish.

BVI Scrub Island
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Best Private Island Resorts

Leave a comment

 

Imagine an escape from stress and distractions, a place accessible by boat, where you can relax or recreate far from the crowds, enjoying unrivaled personal attention or a blissful solitude. This is the private island experience, and we have found four Caribbean islands that provide the ideal combination of luxury, seclusion and personal relaxation.

Scrub Island Resort, BVI

The location is ideal for anyone who loves the water. Scrub Island sits one mile from the east end of Tortola, and is ideally situated for a wide range of waters sports and nautical adventures. Fisherman are close to the rich waters of the North Drop, known as some of the best waters in the world for tuna and blue marlin fishing. The British Virgins are also known as the hub of sailing in the Caribbean, and bareboat and captained charters typically begin in nearby Tortola. The resort’s marina provides provisioning for boats as well as 55 slips for overnight dockage. And, the surrounding shallows and reefs are a must for snorkelers and divers. Guests can experience new adventures at on-site sailing and diving schools, sign up for island hopping boat tours or take a relaxing cruise to the spectacular rock formations at the Baths.

Scrub Island Marina BVI

The Marina at Scrub Island provides a starting point for aquatic adventures including sailing excursions, fishing trips, scuba diving and snorkeling charters. Photo: Scrub Island Resort

A stay on the island at one of the 52 water view rooms at Marina Village make for easy access to shops, bars, restaurants and pools. Larger parties will want to book one of the villas. Offering two or three bedrooms these private homes are equipped with full chef’s kitchens, private pools and views of Great Camanoe Island. Soothing views of blue waters complements a trio of upscale restaurants, private candlelit beachside dining and a top rated spa. The island’s natural ecosystem remains intact, with hiking trails leading to private coves and hilltop views. Three sandy beaches can be reached by walking or a ride in the resort’s shuttle—the only vehicles on the island.

Scrub Island Village Marina BVI

The Marina Village at Scrub Island includes a number of restaurants, shops and bars, allowing guests to enjoy a range of indulgences without having to leave the relaxation of their private island retreat. Photo: Scrub Island Resort

Kamalame Cay

Perched on a three-mile stretch of white sand beach overlooking the world’s third longest barrier reef, this five-star boutique resort includes just 27 suites, cottages and villas on a 96-acre private island. Residences are positioned for privacy; yet within easy strolling distance of neighbors and central amenities for recreation, fine dining and social activities. Villa interiors feature soaring beamed ceilings, Indonesian furniture and sun decks overlooking the sea. Kamalame Cay operates on eco-friendly principles, and is moving toward 100 percent solar power. An onsite garden supplies many of the greens and herbs used in locavore-themed meals, and free-range chickens supply fresh eggs for morning omelets.

Kamalame Cay Deck Andros Island Bahamas

A waterfront deck at Kamalame Cay overlooks a three-mile stretch of white sand beach and blue waters, which are home to the world’s third longest barrier reef. Photo: David Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

In addition to beach time, guests can enjoy a full range of water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, diving and fishing on the reefs that plunge into the vivid blue waters of the Tongue of the Ocean. Ashore, beach bikes are a favorite for cruising the shaded sand road that runs the length of the island, while an the overwater spa with ceiling to floor windows face the turquoise lagoon. Cottages and villas include full-equipped kitchens, with private chef services available, while the Great House is home to one of the top-rated restaurants in the Bahamas. In addition to monthly wine pairings the newest social mixer on the island is a progressive dinner where guests dine at a different villa for every course, ending up on the beach for desert.

Kamalame Cay Exterior Bahamas Andros

Villas at Kamalame Cay are set beachside amidst a lush tropical landscape on a private island just off the coast of Andros, the largest and least settled island in the Bahamas. Photo: David Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

Peter Island Resort, BVI

The largest private island in the British Virgins, Peter Island is separated from the bustle of Tortola by the blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake channel. A private yacht ferries guests to this 1,300 acre oasis of tropical solitude, where guests can settle into seaside suites and villas and enjoy all the perks of a world-class resort. As one might expect, water sports such as sailing, diving and snorkeling feature prominently, but many guests come for relaxation, and find it at the world-class spa, and on nature walks along paths that lead to quiet coves and hidden beaches.

BVI Peter Island Deadmans Bay Beach Watersports

Peter Island offers a wide range of water sports for the active, and private beaches for those who prefer to relax in the shade and enjoy a book or a favorite libation. Photo: Preston Schlebusch/Peter Island Resort

Peter Island offers a beach for every mood and every day. For an active day, Deadman’s Beach has all of the water toys including windsurfers, snorkel gear and paddle boards. Instruction is available and after an energetic day on the water, Deadman’s Bar & Grill is right there to replenish and nourish. Away from the activity yet great for a swim is nearby Little Deadman’s Beach. For the quintessential palm tree-studded sandy beach where waves gently roll onshore, there is Big Reef Bay. The spa overlooks this area, which is a perfect tropical escape in the early mornings and evenings. Aptly named Honeymoon Beach provides the romance of a grass-roofed shelter where private catered picnics are served, and on the opposite side of the island sits the pristine shores of White Bay where you can spend the day snorkeling with sea turtles.

Peter Island Little Deadmans Beach

Deadman’s Beach is the center of water sports activity on Peter Island. This beach and cove takes its name from the uninhabited island in the background, which is the storied Dead Man’s Chest of pirate lore. Photo: Peter Island Resort

Parrot Cay

When guests depart from Providenciales for a half-hour boat ride to Parrot Cay, a 1,000-acre island, it is as if they are stepping into another world, where everyday cares and responsibilities are put on hold. Surrounded by the shimmering turquoise waters for which the Turks & Caicos Islands are famous, this East Indian inspired resort and expansive natural surroundings become a canvas to create your formula for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Walk the 3.2 miles of sugary sands that surround the island, snorkel in the shallows or commune with nature in the tranquility of the nature preserve. The island’s mangrove forests and wetlands are home to 175 species of birds.

Parrot Cay Yoga Pool Turks And Caicos

Relaxation and rejuvenation take many forms at the tranquil setting of Parrot Cay, which sits on a thousand-acre nature reserve surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Turks & Caicos. Photo: Debbie Snow

It’s hard to return to reality after spending time at Parrot Cay, but easy to depart in better shape than when you arrived. On the tranquil eastern side of the island you will find the COMO Shambhala Retreat, an Asian-influenced spa with gardens, pools, terraces and pavilions for yoga and mediation overlooking the wetlands towards the North Caicos channel. Mind body connections are endemic to Parrot Cay and part of the experience of staying there. Asian-based therapies range from shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programs. An Ayurvedic doctor is a permanent resident, for those who wish to undergo a consultation and program. You can be as active as you wish and most guests take in a yoga class in the early morning, a Pilates session midday and an afternoon swim. Guests also relish the Asian and Mediterranean influenced cuisines as well as the healthy Shambhala cuisine, which is designed to energize and nourish; yet delivering a delicious distinctive gourmet experience. Homemade organic carrot cake is on the dessert menu.

Parrot Cay Healthy Food

At Parrot Cay, Asian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisines are mated with Shambhala principles to energize and nourish while providing a delicious distinctive dining experience. Photo: Debbie Snow