Tag Archives: Caribbean

Varadero Beach Cuba
Caribbean, Cuba, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Varadero Beach, Cuba

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At first glance you might think you were looking at a picture from the sandy cays in the British Virgin Islands or maybe a beach in Cancun. But this is Varadero, the favorite beach on the biggest island in the Caribbean. More than 700 miles long, and sometimes known as La Isla Grande,” Cuba is framed by more than 3,500 miles of shoreline.

On the north central coast, a thin finger of land extends eastward, and includes a 15-mile strip of sugary soft sand known as Varadero. This area was made famous in the 1920s when the multi-millionaire Irenee Dupont built the Xanadu mansion. Today the historic structure serves as the clubhouse for the Varadero Golf Club, and the beaches that were once the exclusive playground of the ultra-wealthy now belong to the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come from Europe, Canada and the U.S. to soak up the Cuban sun.

Dominican Republic La Romana Casa de Campo Pool Cabana
Anguilla, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Stay, Trip Ideas

Three Best Caribbean Pool Cabanas

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There’s an art to enjoying a day at the pool, and it’s all about location and accessories. You’ll want a spot with enough personal space to stash your bag, book, lotion, sunglasses and hat. And while the sun is nice, there are times when shade and a cool breeze are equally desirable—especially if you want to take a quick snooze between dips. What you want is a poolside cabana, and we’ve found three of the best the Caribbean has to offer.

Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic

The sprawling resort complex of Casa de Campo is a tropical playground for activities from big game fishing, snorkeling and windsurfing to tennis, horseback rides and championship golf. And if you just want to chill out for the day, the hotel pool is the coolest spot at the resort. Sun worshipers can recline on waterside lounges dressed in subtle tones of creams and whites, or settle under an umbrella. For the ultimate in shaded relaxation, cloth-shrouded cabanas offer both privacy and convenient access to the water. If you want to combine a cooling dip and a cocktail, there’s a swim-up bar. La Caña Restaurant and Lounge is just above, with outdoor seating if you choose to leave your spot. If not, just lie back, order a cocktail and watch the day unfold.

Dominican Republic La Romana Casa De Campo Pool

At Casa de Campo, the pool is flanked by a row of linen-draped cabanas that sit on an elevated deck. Butler service brings libations right to chaise lounges. Photo: Casa de Campo

Sonesta Ocean Point, St. Maarten

This adults-only, all-inclusive property offers a choice of two pools, both with cabanas reserved solely for guests of Ocean Point. The Point Pool is centrally located and surrounded by a deck dotted with cabanas, while the Edge Pool takes you to the beach without ever leaving the hotel. The pool is lined with silica- based sand, and the surrounding area is sculpted and landscaped to resemble a beach, with chaises lined up by the simulated shoreline and cabanas scattered about, right on top of the soft granules. The spot exudes serenity, with tropical gardens that fill the air with fragrant frangipani and sea breezes. Find your cabana, settle in, order food and drinks—it’s all included. You can curl your toes in the sand without leaving your cabana.

Sonesta Ocean Point St Maarten

No need to go down to the beach, as the Edge pool at St. Maarten’s Sonesta Ocean Point resort brings the sand and palm trees to an exclusive oasis on the bluff. Photo: Sonesta

Malliouhana, Anguilla

Malliouhana dazzled guests on it’s opening some 30 years ago, and it has remained one of the most iconic properties in the Caribbean. In 2014, the resort unveiled a fresh new décor, and is still known for its high level of service. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel is perched on a bluff overlooking a pristine stretch of sand on Meads Bay, delivering astonishing views from rooms, restaurant and the pool area. The double-tiered design of the infinity-edge pool creates a lower level that hosts families, while the upper level is reserved for adults. Grownups can settle into chaises set among marigold-yellow umbrellas, or relax and indulge on day beds set under indigo-and-white striped cabanas. The Sunset Bar is close by, tempting one to order aged Caribbean rum on the rocks with a twist of lime, and then relax in style.

Anguilla Malliouhana Pool

At Anguilla’s Malliouhana resort, the two-tiered pool features a family-friendly lower deck and an adults-only upper area that includes private cabanas. Photo: Malliouhana

 

USVI St John Cruz Bay
Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John: 10 Reasons to Go

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The smallest of the U.S. Virgins, St. John offers a more intimate and natural take on island life. It is just nine miles long by five miles wide, but rolling hills, contorted coastlines and winding roads make it appear to be much larger. There is only one town, and two-thirds of the island is owned by the National Park Service, ensuring that beaches are kept free of large resorts, and hillsides are laced with hiking trails rather than freeways.

1  Beach Time

The beaches along St. John’s north shore are among the most beautiful in the world. In postcard-perfect settings, sheltering bays of sparkling turquoise waters meet soft white sands lined with coconut palms and sea grape trees. Because these beaches lie within a national park, there are no high-rise hotels to mar the view. At famous strands such as Trunk Bay, Hawksnest and Cinnamon, its best to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the cruise ship crowds that make day trips from St. Thomas. Less visited but harder to find are Salomon, Francis and Little Hawksnest.

St John USVI Trunk Bay

St. John’s Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Just beyond the white sands, a guided snorkel trail leads through coral gardens. Photo: David Coleman/iStock

2  Invitation to Party

This small island throws a big party. The St. John Festival is a month-long event that combines the traditions of Carnival with celebrations of emancipation and independence. The party kicks off in early June when the sounds of steel pan bands fill the air at Franklin Powell Park. The next 30 days are filled with races, regattas, pageants, concerts, food fairs and the opening of a Festival Village. The celebration culminates in observations of Emancipation Day on July 3, and a parade and fireworks on the Fourth of July.

USVi St John Carnival

A children’s troupe takes part in the annual Fourth of July parade during St. John’s month-long festival and carnival that includes food, music, dance and pageantry. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

3  Limin’ Time

On St. John, happy hour starts early and runs late. Judging by the number and variety of bars that dot the island, you might think drinking was the national pastime. But libations are typically enjoyed at a causal pace known as Limin’, which is more social event that indulgence. Cruz Bay is home to an ongoing meet up that moves from bar to bar, while on the other side of the island at Coral Bay, locals gather to play darts, watch sports and grab a bite. Favorites are the lobster rolls at the Tourist Trap or burgers at Woody’s back in town. 

4  Sweet Memories

During the Danish colonial times, the island was dotted with sugar plantations and the stone windmills that crushed cane into valuable syrups. The cane fields have long since returned to forest, but remnants of fallen mills are found throughout the island. One of the largest and best-preserved mills can be found at Annaberg Plantation, where the stonewalls of the tallest mill in the Virgin Islands still stands. At Zozo’s, the shell of another 18th- century sugar mill overlooking Caneel Bay Resort has been incorporated into a hilltop restaurant that combines elegant dining with sweeping island views.

5  Where the Action Is

The seaside village of Cruz Bay is the hub of island activity. The town ferry dock is the link to the outside world, with boats constantly arriving and departing for St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands. Just steps away is a lively downtown filled with an eclectic mix of small shops, restaurants and bars. Nicknamed “Love City,” Cruz Bay puts out a welcoming and carefree vibe, where backpackers and sailors mingle with escaped Wall Street executives and the good times flow freely into the streets. 

6  Live Like a Local

If hotels aren’t your thing, St. John is your island. With more than 500 private homes, villas and condos in the rental pool, vacation stays in private residences is the island norm. Many properties provide ocean views from elevated decks, and include private pools. Couples, families and groups have a range of choices from intimate bungalows to six-bedroom compounds set on lushly landscaped grounds. 

USVI Villa St John

Many of the hillside residences scattered across St. John are available for rent, providing a more personal and private vacation experience for families and groups. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

7  Free Roamers

In keeping with the island spirit, animals often roam free. It’s not unusual to see mama hen walking down the streets of Cruz Bay with chicks in tow. On the island’s east end, donkeys are often seen on rural roads as they make their way from field to field. Slow down or stop your car and they will come over and nudge you for a pat on the head or a snack. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive through the hilly countryside of the national park and you may catch a glimpse of the white tail deer that were originally brought to the island to be hunted, but now roam free and unmolested. 

USVI Donkey St John

The wild donkeys that roam the fields and woodlands of St. John are descendants of plantation draft animals. They often approach humans in hopes of a snack or a nuzzle. Photo: Kirsten Hammelbo/iStock

8  A Day in the Park

Thanks to Laurence Rockefeller, almost three quarters of St. John is now a national park. In 1956, the famous philanthropist donated some 5,000 acres to the Federal Government, and subsequent land donations have increased the park’s holdings to more than 7,200 acres. In addition to harboring some of the most scenic beaches in the Caribbean, the park offers 22-well marked hiking trails that provide everything from easy half-hour strolls through wooded valleys to all-day hikes to remote hilltops and deserted beaches. Popular hikes include Reef Bay Trail and Ram Head Trail, which provide dramatic sea views. 

9  The World Below

The gin clear waters that surround the island invite immersion. The best snorkeling is at Trunk Bay, where an underwater snorkeling trail has been laid out and managed by the National Park Service. Here, markers and identification plaques lead you through coral gardens filled with tropical fish. The site is popular, and can become crowded at times, but is well worth the visit. Among the less visited yet very snorkel worthy sites along the north coast are Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach and Cinnamon Bay Beach where you can spend an entire day underwater. 

USVI Tropical Fish

Coral reefs lie just offshore of many St. John beaches. Protected by national park status, these reefs sport colorful growths of sea fans and swirling schools of tropical fish. Photo: iStock

10  Day Tripping

Cruz Bay is the jumping off point for day trips to other islands. In addition to connecting to St. Thomas, ferries run to destinations in the British Virgins, including the capital of Tortola and the beaches of Jost van Dyke. A wide range of private boats can also be chartered for bar hopping trips to Jost van Dyke, snorkeling trips to Sandy Cay and day sails to the many small islands nearby.

 

Royal Playa del Carmen Swim Up Room
Caribbean, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

Playa del Carmen’s Best Swim-Up Suites

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Water plays a prominent role in most tropical vacations. Whether sailing, snorkeling, relaxing beachside, splashing about in the pool, or relaxing in a private soaking spa, chances are you are planning to get wet. Hoteliers understand this, and a growing number are offering what might be considered the ultimate take on a water themed vacation: a room that opens directly onto a pool. These “swim-up suites” are a signature feature of properties along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and we’ve found four of the best.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort

The Grand Hyatt combines the amenities of a world-class resort with the convenience of a downtown location. The property sits directly on the beach and fronts Playa del Carmen’s lively Fifth Avenue shopping and entertainment district. Rooms feature a clean modern design with rich woods and open spaces that invite sea breezes. The resort is family friendly, with dedicated children and teen facilities and activities. But adults are also indulged with onsite spa services, a fitness center, entertainment spaces, and exclusive beachside cabanas. A select number of rooms also offer terraces that open directly onto pools surrounded by gardens or the native mangrove thickets that have been incorporated into the resort’s landscape. Floor to ceiling windows bring views inside to create a personal oasis of calm that is just steps away from water, and from all that Playa del Carmen has to offer.

Grand Hyatt Swim Up Playa del Carmen

At the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort, rooms with floor to ceiling windows open to terraces that combine privacy with garden views and direct access to pools. Photo: Ruben Hidalgo/Grand Hyatt

Azul Fives

The Karisma Azul Fives Hotel provides an all-inclusive atmosphere that is equally welcoming to couples, groups and families. Azul is Spanish for blue, and blue water features prominently in the décor and resort grounds. Guests can snorkel directly from the beach; relax in private cabanas, or head poolside for refreshments at a swim-up bar. Azul Fives offers a wide range of engaging youth programs, while adults can discover indulgences such as moonlight couples massage. A variety of on-site shops, bars and restaurants provide all one could want in a beachside resort experience. In addition, the attractions of Playa del Carmen are just ten minutes away. For the ultimate water feature, guests can select a one-bedroom suite with an adjacent water deck that opens right into the main pool. These suites offer a separate living room with a sofa bed and a kitchenette, making them an especially good option for families or those wanting to entertain.

Playa del Carmen Azul Fives

Water elements feature prominently throughout the grounds of the family- friendly Azul Fives, where first floor suites open directly to the resort’s main pool. Photo: Moris Moreno/Azul Fives

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

Located on a private bay fronted by coral reefs and the blue waters of the Caribbean, the adults only La Perla blends luxury and exclusivity with a high level of personal service. Though convenient to all of the attractions of the Riviera Maya, and just ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, guests may never feel the need to leave the property. Fourteen onsite restaurants and 16 bars provide a wealth of dining and entertainment options, with spa services for relaxation and a range of water sports for the active. Pools offer swim-up bars and private lounges, while on the beach Balinese sun beds enjoy butler service. All guest suites provide the indulgences of rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs, while a number also include terraces with whirlpools and direct access to swimming pools via private steps.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen Swim Up Suites

Stairs lead from terraces to pools at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla. This upscale, adults only resort provides an oasis of relaxation just minutes from downtown attractions. Photo: David Massey/Paradisus

The Royal Playa del Carmen

For guests who can’t decide between a swim-up suite and a waterfront walkout, the Royal Playa del Carmen offers a solution: have both. This all- inclusive, adults only property is located directly on the ocean in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen. As an upscale, all-suite property, it offers all the amenities one would expect, including a diverse range of cuisines at seven onsite restaurants, sparkling pools, a spa and fitness center, and private cabanas on the town’s best beach. While upper floor accommodations offer balconies and sweeping waterfront views, a number of first floor rooms feature private terraces that incorporate personal splash pools. For the ultimate combination of water features, a select few rooms sit directly on the beach and also include a private pool. After sunning at a private oceanfront cabana, guests are just steps away from their own private pool, where they can take a refreshing dip.

Outdoor The Royal Playa del Carmen

A number of rooms at the Royal Playa del Carmen resort are fronted by pools. A select few also offer direct ocean views and beach access. Photo: VRX Studios/Royal Resorts

Mexico Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Cancun, Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

New Caribbean Over-Water Bungalows

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The Caribbean has its share of beachfront resorts where rooms and suites open to sweeping views of beach and ocean. What the region has traditionally lacked are the more exotic over-water accommodations found in destinations such as Tahiti, Indonesia and the Maldives. That’s changing, as 2016 marks the arrival of a new and spectacular collection of over-water bungalows at upscale resorts in Jamaica and Mexico’s Riviera Maya. If you are looking for an intimate connection with water, combined with the highest levels of privacy and personal indulgence, these two properties are sure to deliver.

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Built over turquoise waters on the western edge of the resort’s private island, the over-the-water villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean resort are billed as a first in the Caribbean. Villas open onto private decks that blend indoor and outdoor spaces and incorporate luxe features such as private infinity pools, shaded veranda seating, over-the-water hammocks for two, private floating docks and a tranquility soaking tub, all facing the lagoon and the blue waters of the ocean beyond.

Jamaica Montego Bay Sandals Overwater Bungalow

Each private villa features infinity pools, over-the-water hammocks and interior spaces that open to private decks and expansive ocean views. Photo: Sandals

Mahogany king-size beds are adorned with soft Egyptian linens and plush pillows, and just forward of the bed is a unique see-through glass floor that provides a revealing look at the underwater landscape. Villa stays include the services of a personal butler, who is trained in accordance to the exacting standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers, and is on call day or night. Villas are connected to the resort’s private island by wooden docks, where spa services and dining await. Private boat transfers also connect the villas to the numerous all-inclusive amenities of the Royal Caribbean resort, which is just a short ride away.

Montego Bay Jamaica Sandals Overwater Bungalow

Glass floors bring the colors of the reef into the bedrooms of over-the-water villas. Photo: Sandals

Palafitos, El Dorado Maroma – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Powder-fine white sands and pristine water make Maroma Beach one of the most desirable destinations on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. With the opening of the Palafitos in September of 2016, the El Dorado Maroma, a Karisma property is poised to become the region’s premier resort. This collection of 30 overwater bungalows combines thatch-roof charm with an extensive roster of upscale amenities. Large private decks provide sunrise to sunset views, with stairs leading directly into the ocean below. Additional opportunities for immersion include private infinity pools, indoor Jacuzzi tubs for two and the El Dorado’s signature aguas del amor outdoor showers.

Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Exterior

Each Palafito suite provides quests with expansive private decks and stairs leading directly into the ocean. Photo: Karisma

Bedrooms feature glass floor cutouts for fish watching, and guests enjoy the services of a 24-hour butler for attentions such as in-room breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres and cocktail service. Sharing the waterfront with the Palafitos is the Overwater Grill and Wine Bar, with a private glass- floored dining room, and the Naay Spa over the ocean, offering treatments inspired by traditional Mayan herbal practices. Ashore, guests can choose from four bars and six restaurants serving national and international cuisines, engage in a full range of water sports and activities, and experience the upscale indulgences of the resort’s gourmet inclusive program.

El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Overwater Bungalow Interior

Palafito suites include separate sitting areas, where guests can enjoy in- room breakfasts, happy hour relaxations and 24-hour butler service. Photo: Karisma

Belize Hol Chan Reef Scene
Aruba, Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Play, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Best Snorkel Sites

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The Caribbean is home to thousands of snorkel-worthy beaches and reefs, and I’ve spent hundreds of hours exploring sites near and far. For the optimum combination of calm water, easy access, vibrant coral growth, abundant fish life and sheer variety, here are my favorites.

Kline Bonaire

Coral reefs start close to shore all along Bonaire’s sheltered western coastline, but the most colorful sites are a short boat ride away. A five- minute ride across calm water brings you to the low-lying, uninhabited shores of Kline Bonaire. Your boat captain can choose from one of more than two dozen sites based on conditions, and my consistent favorite begins right off No Name Beach, where hard and soft coral growth starts in as little as five feet of water.

Bonaire Klein Turtles

Sea turtles are often seen along the shoreline of deserted Kline Bonaire island, which is just a short boat ride from dive resorts on the west coast of Bonaire. Photo: Alejandro Gutierrez/ Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

I’ve spent hours watching the fish life on Anse Chastanet Reef, but every so often, I find myself pausing to admire the view above the water. A foreground of golden sand and jungle green frame the towering profiles of St. Lucia’s most famous landmarks, the Pitons. Just a short swim from shore, a coral-covered plateau presents an undulating profile that rises within five feet of the surface, and then falls from 20 feet to depths of more than 100. In addition to large schools of tropical fish, this site is known for its small invertebrates, giving critter spotters hours of enjoyable hunting.

St Lucia Anse Chastanet Snorkeling

On the island of St. Lucia, the twin spires of the Pitons provide a dramatic backdrop for snorkelers exploring the near shore reefs at Anse Chastanet. Photo: Bernd Rac/Anse Chastanet Resort

The Indians, British Virgin Islands

Between the bareboat fleets, tour operators and private boaters, you’ll seldom find the waters around the rock pinnacles known as the Indians deserted. But that’s OK, there’s plenty of coral-covered reef to go around. I especially enjoy the steep cliff faces to the west, where seas are calmest and the underwater landscape is the most dramatic. The usual roster of reef characters there in abundance, including blue tangs, queen angels and a colorful assortment of parrotfish. Peek into the crevices and you might discover an eel or lobster lurking in the shadows.

BVI the Indians Rocks

The distinctive rock pinnacles known as the Indians are the most popular snorkeling destination in the British Virgin Islands, offering clear water and colorful corals. Photo: BVI Tourist Board

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Cancun isn’t known for great snorkeling. But drive a few miles south to the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Morelos, and you’re just a short boat ride from the Yucatan’s premier national marine park. The coral gardens begin a half-mile from the beach, and there are always a number of panga-style launches on the beach, with gregarious crews ready to provide guided snorkel tours of the park. Depths are typically less than 10 feet, making it easy to spot the menagerie of reef creatures that flit through the sea fans and coral fingers.

Puerto Morales Mexico Reef Fish Snorkel

A short distance south of Cancun, the national marine park at Puerto Morales features protected reefs rich in fish life and corals. Photo: Adam Saltman/Flickr

Smith’s Reef, Turks & Caicos

There are literally hundreds of miles of pristine shallow reef to explore around the islands of the Turks & Caicos. When I’m staying on Providenciales, and don’t feel like a boat ride, there’s no need to go far. Right off the beach is a three-mile expanse of coral heads and sea grass shallows known as Smith’s Reef. I sometimes enjoy searching the grass beds for hidden critters, but it’s the coral heads that hold the greatest variety of life. To locate a coral patch from shore, look for the patches of water that have a brownish tint, which indicates hard bottom.

Turks and Caicos Smiths Reef

On the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos island group, the coral heads of Smith’s Reef start just offshore of the Turtle Cove Marina and stretch for three miles to the east. Photo: Turks & Caicos Tourist Board

Exumas Land and Sea Park, Bahamas

In the heart of the Bahamas, the Exuma Land and Sea Park encompasses dozens of islands and miles of protected reef. The best way to explore the fish-laden waters of this aquatic preserve is by signing up for a half or full day boat tour. The guides will not only know which sites are best based on tides and weather, they will also put you on to a number of additional adventures such as a swim through the hidden grotto from the James Bond film Thunderball, or a visit to the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas.

Exumas Bahamas Land Sea Park

The Exumas Land and Sea Park encompasses a number of small islands and thousands of acres of shoals and reefs ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Photo: Darryl Massaro/Flickr

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize

Belize’s original marine reserve packs a lot of underwater diversity into a relatively small area. Hol Chan is the Mayan phrase for “little channel” and when snorkelers arrive at this cut in the reef after an easy boat ride from Ambergris Caye, they are treated to spur and grove coral formations, sea brass beds and mangrove nurseries. Most tours also take in the site’s famous Shark Ray Alley, where southern stingrays and nurse sharks gather to nosh on fishy morsels offered by dive guides. The interaction is safe, and will put you right in the middle of the action.

Belize Hol Chan Nurse Sharks

Nurse sharks gather in the shallow waters of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve in anticipation of a free meal of fish scraps. These placid reef dwellers pose no danger to humans. Photo: iStock

Buck Island, St. Croix

It’s been more than 50 years since Buck Island Reef was declared a National Monument, and it’s still one of the Caribbean’s most popular snorkel sites. Located off the northeastern shore of St. Croix, Buck Island offers deserted white sand beaches and an encircling reef dominated by branching Elkhorn formations and groves of undulating sea fans. An underwater snorkel trail leads through the coral maze, which is home to hawksbill sea turtles. Shallow depths put swimmers face to face with the many tropical fish that seek shelter in the branching arms of the corals.

St Croix USVI Buck Island

St. Croix’s Buck Island National Monument includes a white sand beach and one of the most extensive groves of elkhorn corals in the Caribbean. Photo: Steve Simonsen/ US Virgin Island Department of Tourism

De Palm Island, Aruba

A visit to Aruba’s De Palm Island is part snorkel trip, part beach party. Located just off the main island’s southern coast, this all-inclusive day resort offers half and full day experiences that include beachside buffets, libations, entertainment and guided tours to the nearby reef, which is one of the best on the island. Snorkel equipment and instruction are included in the price of admission, and while water conditions are beginner friendly, the underwater landscape offers plenty to keep even veteran snorkelers enthralled.

Aruba De Palm Island

De Palm Island is located just off the coast of Aruba. Guests who come for an all-inclusive beach day can enjoy guided or individual snorkeling on reefs just off the beach. Photo: De Palm Tours

Horseshoe Reef, Tobago Cays

I love to swim with sea turtles, and one of the best places to do this in the southern Caribbean is in the Tobago Cays. This collection of five uninhabited islands lies just east of Mayreau in the southern Grenadines. It became a wildlife reserve in 2006, and is home to a colorful array of marine life— including a population of resident turtles. The formation known as Horseshoe Reef encircles four of the five islands to create calm conditions for snorkeling. Portions of the park can get a bit crowded when several tour boats arrive at once, but even on busy days I’ve always been able to slip off and find a quieter corner of the reef to enjoy.

Horseshoe Reef Snorkeling St Vincent Grenadines in Tobago Cay

In the southern Grenadines, a group of five small, uninhabited islands known as the Tobago Cays provide excellent snorkeling within the protected shallows of Horseshoe Reef. Photo: Debbie Snow

BVI Jost Van Dyke White Bay
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Eat, Trip Ideas

10 Best Beach Bars in the British Virgin Islands

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Many BVI beaches have that deserted-island feel, but what fun is being marooned if there’s no rum to be had? Luckily, there is no shortage of beach bars in this British territory, each with its own vibe and a gorgeous setting to match. Several of our top 10 favorites are not accessible by land, so get ready to bar hop in the best way possible — by boat.

Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke

The best party in the BVI happens here every day, and you’re invited. Whether you want to people watch or be part of the show, this beachfront bar is packed by midday with all kinds of swimsuit-clad characters who share one common accessory: a painkiller in hand. When quaffed at the jaw-droppingly beautiful White Bay, where this deliciously sweet, perfectly tropical concoction originated, the painkiller will indeed make you forget that pain is even a thing. An afternoon nap in one of the quintessential hammocks strung between palm trees is a given, and don’t leave Soggy Dollar without earning bragging rights by prevailing over the bar’s famous time-killer, the ring game.

Soggy Dollar Bar Jost Van Dyke BVI

The Soggy Dollar bar is known as the home of the famous Painkiller cocktail. The establishment got its name from the wet currency provided by the customers who swam ashore from anchored sailboats. Photo: Andrea Milam

Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Jost Van Dyke

A stone’s throw from the wildly popular Soggy Dollar Bar but worlds apart when it comes to ambiance, Ivan’s Stress Free Bar is the place to go for some laid-back beach limin’. Your most difficult decision here is whether to glide on the tire swing, sway in the hammock, or plant yourself in a beach chair while you enjoy a drink from the bar. The party crowd tends to favor nearby Soggy Dollar, making Ivan’s one of the most peaceful beach bars in the Caribbean. Though the bar’s proprietor and namesake is getting up there in age — Ivan Chinnery just celebrated his 71st birthday with a low-key party and some live steel pan music — he still makes appearances here from time to time. If this spot looks familiar to you, it should. Ivan’s provided the backdrop for Kenny Chesney’s No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem music video.

Ivans Stress Free Bar BVI Jost Van Dyke

Low-key relaxation is the mantra at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar. When the bar is not tended, a sign directs patrons to mix their own drinks and deposit payment in an honor box. Photo: Andrea Milam

Foxy’s, Jost Van Dyke

Boaters know how to party, so the fact that they all end the day by mooring in Great Harbour should be your first clue that Foxy’s Bar is the place to be. The life of the party is often Foxy Callwood himself, who delights the crowd with his impromptu songs and jokes. His colorful personality and carefree energy make this beach bar authentic, the real deal — no kitsch here! Rum and draft beers are made on-site, and Foxy’s big weekend BBQ fuels up patrons who dance the night away. Foxy’s has been an island institution for decades for a reason. Get here and find out why.

BVI Foxys Bar Jost Van Dyke

Foxy’s Tamarind Bar is famous for it’s weekly beach barbecues and annual Old Year’s Night celebration, which draws thousands of revelers from around the world. Photo: Compflight

Foxy’s Taboo, Jost Van Dyke

A quick hop over the hill from its “parent” restaurant but worlds apart when it comes to atmosphere, Foxy’s Taboo is a super laid-back lunch spot favored by day trippers who arrive at the dock hungry and ready to relax. Service is pleasant and friendly, and though a Mediterranean- inspired menu at a small Caribbean island restaurant may seem out of place, Taboo nails it with their fresh pizzas, hummus, and eggplant cheesecake. Top off your meal with a bushwacker — like a liquor-laden chocolate milkshake for adults — then make the short hike to the wild, wonderful Bubbly Pool before hopping back aboard your boat charter and heading out to your next stop.

B-Line Beach Bar, Little Jost

For years, old favorites have dominated the BVI beach bar scene. But now, there’s a new kid in town, and at less than a year old, this new arrival is holding its own against the longtime contenders. B-Line Beach Bar has all the necessary elements for a laid-back experience, from games like corn hole for the competitive set, to plenty of lounge chairs spread across a gorgeous little slice of beach for those whose main goal of the day is to sit and relax. B-Line even has its own signature drink, the Passion Confusion. This sublime mixture of fruit juices and pineapple rum with a dark rum floater and a treat at the bottom in the form of rum-soaked chunks of pineapple will have you smiling like a kid in a candy store.

Bomba’s Surfside Shack, Tortola

Enjoying the beauty of a full moon from a charming beachfront shack while sipping tea sounds pretty relaxing, right? Not if that shack is Bomba’s Surfside Shack and that tea is steeped from hallucinogenic mushrooms! Built in the 1970s from various discarded materials and adorned with the undergarments of partiers past, this ramshackle beach shanty presided over by Bomba Callwood himself is the place to be if you’re looking to blow off some steam and dance the night away. Though this beach bar hosts amazing parties most nights of the week, Bomba’s full moon parties are legendary. Hopped up on Bomba’s punch or the aforementioned mushroom tea, partygoers don’t stop until dawn, sometimes losing pieces of clothing along the way.

Bombas Surf Shack Tortola BVI

On the shores of Tortola’s Capoons Bay, Bomba’s Surfside Shack is home to the infamous Full Moon parties, where inhibitions and sometimes clothing are lost in celebration. Photo: Debbie Snow

Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda

There are few places in the world more perfect than Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, and the Bitter End Yacht Club prevails as the funnest spot to come ashore, hands down. This resort and yacht club offers a handful of places to wet your whistle like the Windward Mark Bar or The Clubhouse Bar, where you can imbibe over the wreck of Huey Long’s yacht, Ondine, which today serves as the Clubhouse bar. Feeling competitive? Test your skill with a game of pool or darts while downing one of BEYC’s 16 Sounders — that’s 16 full ounces of cocktail deliciousness — at The Crawl Pub, home of some of the Caribbean’s best handmade pizza.

Bitter End Yacht Club Windmark Bar BVI

There’s nothing exclusive about the Bitter End Yacht Club where all are welcome to come ashore and enjoy the sea breezes and views of Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. Photo: Bitter End Yacht Club

Cow Wreck Beach Bar, Anegada

If your daydreams consist of deserted islands and sweet rum drinks, Anegada’s Cow Wreck Beach Bar is your spot. A blinding white beach and luminously turquoise waters make up your view as you enjoy a painkiller that rivals Soggy Dollar’s, or one of the bar’s signature drinks, the Cow Killer and the Wreck Punch. The lobster, conch, and fish that call the BVI waters home are featured prominently on Cow Wreck’s menu. Don’t leave without trying the conch fritters, and take the time to chat with the staff, who will happily regale you with tales and lore of this authentically laid-back island.

BVI Anegada Cow Wreck Grill Beach Bar

The quiet island of Anegada is home to miles of deserted beaches and the Cow Wreck Beach Bar, where lobster and conch plucked fresh from the reef are accompanied by signature rum drinks. Photo: M.Rubenstein/Compflight

Pirates Bight, Norman Island

Straight out of a Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Norman Island is a picturesque little spit of land that happens to be home to one of the territory’s most protected anchorages, The Bight. It’s here on the shore of this gorgeous cove that you’ll find the island’s only signs of life — other than the goats who freely roam the island’s hills, that is. Pirate’s Bight welcomes hungry charter boat guests and thirsty sailors with their seafood- and rum-laden menu offerings. The Bight’s authentic roti might be the best in the BVI, though its taste is surely enhanced by the laid-back vibes and beautiful scenery at this sweet beachfront spot. The original Pirate’s Bight sadly burned down in recent years, but it was rebuilt in lighting speed and the venue is even better than ever.

Norman Island BVI Pirates Bight Bar

The Bight at Norman Island’s is one of the most popular anchorages in the British Virgins. Overlooking a sheltered beach at the head of the harbor is the Pirates Bight beach club. Photo: Debbie Snow

Willy-T, Norman Island

Within sight of Pirate’s Bight and featuring a decidedly different atmosphere, the William Thornton is a floating bar anchored off Norman Island with a distinguished name and a vibe that leans toward the raucous. Though jumping from the ship’s deck in one’s birthday suit is no longer rewarded with a t-shirt as in previous years, the stripping down and plunging in continues to this day (not that we’d know anything about that personally). Despite the Willy-T’s reputation as a party ship, the lunch hour is surprisingly tame and the food is notably tasty. As the afternoon wears on, alcohol consumption increases thanks to body shots and the famous shotski, a water-ski with four shot glasses attached which allows you and three of your closest friends to start seeing double in sync.

BVI Norman Island Willy T Bar

Permanently anchored in the waters of Norman’s Bight, the Wille T is a floating restaurant and bar where a low-key lunch vibe transforms into nightly parties that often end with leaps from the poop deck. Photo: Debbie Snow

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

The Caribbean’s Best Private Island Resorts

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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

 

Antigua English Harbour
Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Antigua: 10 Reasons to Go

 

Blue waters, white sands, secluded coves and balmy trade winds. These key ingredients of a tropical paradise are served up in abundance on the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Add in a culture of welcoming West Indian graciousness blended with British customs, foods, and sports, and you have a complete recipe for a vacation.

1  Beaches

Antigua’s slogan is a beach for every day of the year. With 365 beaches, coves and nooks ringing the coastline of this amoeba-shaped island, there is good reason to pack your beach togs. In addition, there are more than a dozen small islands and 25 named bays and harbors that circle the island. For an active beach and a mile long walk, west coast Dickenson’s Bay is the spot. To the south Jolly Beach offers a shoreside assortment of bars, restaurants and shops. East coast beaches such as Half Moon Bay and Long Bay are known for their stretches of white sand, while kite boarders and windsurfers head to Jabberwock Beach on the north coast. For a beach that’s all to yourself, catch a boat from Harmony Hall to Green Island.

Antigua Beach Driftwood

The island of Antigua is surrounded by 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Some are lined with lively beach bars, while others offer long stretches of solitude. Photo: Michael Utech/iStock

2  The Other Island

A short hop from Antigua by plane or sailing catamaran, the laid- back and off-the-radar island of Barbuda offers 17 miles of near- deserted pink and white sand beaches where nature takes center stage and donkeys outnumber tourists. In addition to beach time, visitors can hike to historic sites and explore mysterious caves decorated in Arawak petroglyphs. Birders will find delight at the lagoon, where the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to 170 species of birds, including more than 5000 of the namesake frigate birds.

3  Regattas

The steady trade winds that once brought tall ships to the most important port in the British Caribbean are now prized by yachtsmen who consider Antigua to be the Caribbean’s sailing mecca. Each spring the island is invaded by a flotilla of partying yachtsmen for Sailing Week, which is widely known as one of the premier sailing events in the world. Days filled with heated racing are followed by nightly parties at English Harbour. More regattas follow throughout the year, ranging from informal match races to major events such as the Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

Antigua Sailboats in Harbor

Antigua is home to a number of annual regattas that attract high- end sailing yachts and crews from around the world. Photo: Michael Utech/iStock

4  Cricket Season

From January to July the island is abuzz with cricket reports from matches across the island and around the Caribbean. The sport of cricket took hold back in 1820s, and while it took a long time to bridge the class and race boundaries it didn’t hurt that Antigua’s Sir Viv Richards dominated the cricket scene worldwide from 1974 until his retirement 1991. Today you can’t walk in a pub without a match being beamed on the telly.

5  Remains of the Empire

The stone buildings that line deepwater port at English Harbour were once the center of British Naval power in the Caribbean, and home to the fleet under the command of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson. The dockyard is now a favorite place to take in history, shop, dine and overnight at a pair of small inns. The fortifications at Shirley Heights that once served as a lookout and gun battery now see Sunday gatherings devoted to eating, drinking and socializing to the music of steel drums. This island high point is also the best place to view sunsets over the harbor below.

6  Sugar High

At one time there were 170 sugar mills operating on Antigua. Today, the remnants of nearly 100 are still standing and scattered about the island. Many remain in ruins, but some have been preserved and restored. The intact mill at Betty’s Hope Estate is part of the island’s first and largest plantations. Similar stone towers can be seen at Hawksbill Resort, where the mill doubles as a boutique, at Harmony Hall, where the mill now serves as a lookout over Nonsuch Bay, and at Galley Bay, where the original structure is now incorporated into the resort’s lobby.

Antigua Windmill

Stone windmill towers that once held working cane mills are scattered across the landscape of Antigua. A few have been restored and are open for visits. Photo: iStock

7  Adventures Afloat and Ashore

Land and sea activities are plentiful on the island. Coastal mangrove forests offer kayaking and bird watching. Diving and snorkel adventures include sea caves and coral canyons, while the reefs off Barbuda are home to 200 wrecks. Landlubbers will find plenty of trails to hike, and a local favorite are the hash runs, which are equal parts human foxhunt and party.

8  A Capital Market

The capital town of St. John’s is rich in history, inviting visitors to stroll a network of streets lined with buildings that date back to the 1800s, now updated and painted in bright colors. Once the administration and legal center of the British West Indies the town is home to many historic sites, along with the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Not to be missed is the lively fruit and vegetable market that spills onto the streets on Friday and Saturday mornings.

St Johns Antigua

The colorful waterfront of St. John’s was once the seat of British governance for the Caribbean. Today its historic downtown hosts eclectic shops and eateries. Photo: iStock

9  The Black Pineapple

Sweeter than the varieties from Hawaii, this thin, small fruit bursts with natural sugars and rich flavors. Individual pineapple plots can be seen on an island tour, and the larger 20-acre government owned Cades Bay Agricultural Station offers farm tours. For jars of pineapple jams and mango chutney stop at Elaine’s Culture Shop on Fig Tree Drive.

10  Island Art

Some of the best galleries in the Caribbean are found on Antigua. Many artists are in residence on island and you can meet and watch them work when they have open houses at their studios. During high season, monthly art shows are sponsored by Abracadabra and feature emerging artists from the Caribbean.