Tag Archives: Caribbean

Bonaire Plaza Aerial
Bonaire, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bonaire’s Best Snorkel Resorts

 

Bonaire is known as the diver’s paradise. The island is ringed by colorful coral reefs that begin just yards from shore, and at points all along the sheltered western coast, one can simply wade in from shore. But you don’t have to don scuba tanks to enjoy the view, because this same combination of shallow reefs and calm, clear waters that divers crave also make Bonaire one of the best places in the Caribbean for snorkelers.

A rental car provides access to dozens of snorkel sites scattered along the island’s west coast, but even easier are the waterfront resorts where reefs are just a short stroll from rooms. There are more than a dozen waterfront hotels on Bonaire, but some cater more heavily to divers, and others perch on low limestone bluffs that don’t provide easy water entry. For the ideal combination of amenities, water access and ambiance, these three resorts are our favorites.

Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire

On an island not known for its beaches, the Plaza Resort overlooks a half- mile swath of natural white sand on the island’s calm western shore. The resort’s expansive grounds are also punctuated by the channels of a man- made lagoon, giving most every room a water view. All the amenities one would expect from an upscale all-inclusive property are in place, including spacious suites, beachside dining, complementary water sports and weekly themed parties that include the island’s favorite beach BBQ.

Bonaire Plaza Aerial Canals

An aerial view of the grounds of Plaza Resort show the white sand beach and the lagoon that meanders through the property, providing waterfront views to rooms and common areas. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

For snorkelers, what truly sets the Plaza apart is the ease of getting to the water. Just yards from the beach, the soft sandy bottom transitions into a fringing reef that attracts hundreds of species of tropical marine life. With no waves or currents to contend with, and a PADI five-star dive center to provide support and instruction, even novices will soon find themselves immersed in the underwater world. Snorkelers can also opt for boat trips to shallow reefs along the coast and on the nearby island of Kline Bonaire. The more adventurous can sign up for snorkel tours of a mangrove lagoon or a guided night snorkeling experience.

Bonaire Plaza Beach

The beach at Plaza Resort is an ideal starting point for snorkeling excursions, and the site of the island’s favorite beach party, which features live music and dancing by torchlight. Photo: Plaza Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

The four-acre grounds of the Harbour Village Beach Club contains all the requisite elements for a Caribbean getaway, including a seaside restaurant with phenomenal sunset views, two pools, an on-site spa and fitness center, member’s lounge, and even meeting spaces and high-speed Internet for those who can’t leave business behind. But it is the waterfront that makes this mid-sized resort a top pick for snorkeling. As the name promises, the property fronts 100 yards of private, palm-fringed beach.

Harbour Village Bonaire

Tucked between a marina and the Caribbean Sea, the landscaped grounds of Harbour Village face a private white-sand beach, where snorkelers wade in to discover a wealth of marine life. Photo: Harbour Village

Premier ocean-view suites are just steps away from the water, and after gearing up in the sand-bottom shallows, snorkelers can make a short swim out to a shipwreck, explore a reef where an underwater webcam streams live images of passing fish and a forest of man-made “coral trees.” Complementary equipment and instruction is available from an on-site dive shop. Guests also have access to water sports such as kayak and paddle board use, while the adjacent marina is a launching point for deep sea fishing trips and sunset cruises. Ashore, the beach offers lounges for sunning, hammocks for napping and a spectacular setting for private torch- lit dinners.

Harbour Village Beachfront Suite Patio Bonaire

Oceanfront suites at Bonaire’s Harbor Village resort open onto terraces and balconies just a few feet away from a sandy beach. The uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire lies just offshore. Photo: Harbour Village

Buddy Dive

Bonaire is home to a number of resorts that cater primarily to divers, and Buddy Dive is one of the favorites. But you don’t have to be scuba certified to enjoy this waterfront property, as many of the area reefs and on-site amenities that draw the bubble-blowing crowd are also well suited to snorkelers. True, there is no beach to speak of—though the resort has covered a portion of the limestone shoreline with soft sand for sunbathers. Water access isn’t a problem, however, as snorkelers can walk down a short set of steps adjacent to the dive shop, and are immediately greeted by tropical fish, with a shallow coral reef just yards away.

Bonaire Buddy Dive Resort

The Buddy Dive resort sits on a shelf of coastal limestone rather than a sandy beach, but water access is easy on docks and broad stairways leading to a shallow coral reef that begins in shallow water. Photo: Buddy Dive

What sets Buddy Dive apart from other dive-centric resorts is the range of additional activities that would appeal to families or mixed group of divers and non-divers. The resort can arrange for adventures such as boat snorkeling, island hikes, off-road bike trips and even snorkel tours of an underground lake. Apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens are also well suited for families and groups, and include all the comforts and indulgences one would expect in a vacation property. Buddy Dive would be an especially good choice for snorkelers who are considering a move to scuba, as the highly rated PADI five-star dive center offers training programs that range for youth and introductory classes to advanced diving practices.

Buddy Dive Pool Bonaire

The apartment-style accommodations at Buddy Dive are a favorite with families and groups. The seaside setting includes two pools and a waterfront restaurant with sunset views. Photo: Beth Watson/Buddy Dive

Paradise Island Lighthouse
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Paradise Island Light, Bahamas

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One of the first things shipboard visitors to the capital of the Bahamas see upon arriving at the port is the iconic profile of the Paradise Island Lighthouse. The oldest light tower in the Bahamas, it has guided mariners into Nassau for 200 years. This 69-foot-high brick structure sits on a small spit of land on the western tip of today’s Paradise Island, which went by the decidedly less glamorous name of Hog Island at the time.

Over the centuries, the tower has withstood batterings by at least 25 major hurricanes, and seen the island transformed into one of the poshest tropical destinations in the western hemisphere. The light is now unattended, but remains open to visitors, who can climb the tower after making a half-hour hike across sand and rocks.

San Juan Verde Mesa Food
Caribbean, Eat, Plan, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

My Favorite San Juan Restaurants

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San Juan is a food-lover’s destination, serving up everything from island classics to sophisticated fusion cuisines. New tastes crop up all the time, but there are some that keep me coming back for more each time I visit the island. And to add to the appeal, three of my favorites are located among the cobblestone streets and historic buildings of Old San Juan, adding an extra helping of ambiance to the menu.

Casa Cortés Chocobar

As a confessed chocoholic, I can’t think of a better place to satisfy my cravings. The Cortés family is the Caribbean’s premier chocolate makers, sourcing cacao grown on their farms in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to create a range of luxurious, melt-in-your mouth confections. The Chocobar was created to celebrate and showcase the culinary traditions of cacao. Located in a renovated historic building on Calle San Francisco, it is part museum, part art gallery and one of San Juan’s favorite places to stop for a sweet treat.

Casa Cortez Chocobar San Juan

Casa Cortés Chocobar is devoted to all things chocolate, with a cacao-themed menu. Fine art and murals line the walls, and tell the story of chocolate production. Photo: Debbie Snow

But the restaurant is much more than just a place for chocolate drinks and deserts, as there is extensive menu built around the common theme of cacao. The bar is energetic and on occasion there is live music with a vocalist wandering throughout. On my latest visit, after a meal of salmon with a sauce blended in cacao and a desert made with an assortment of chocolate confections formed into a replica of the cacao fruit, I set off for an education of the history of Puerto Rican cacao. Upstairs are galleries showcasing a portion of the Cortés family extensive fine art collection. Other areas throughout the dining room are devoted to the story of cacao. Streaming videos depict the process of chocolate development and manufacturing in the Caribbean. Murals by artist Nestor Otero showcase the origins of cacao as well as the history of the Cortés family. More of the artist’s work can be seen at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Art, culture and sweet rewards, all in one place. What could be better?

Verde Mesa

You might run into Loyda Rosa Figueroa at the farmer’s market on Saturdays picking up herbs and organic veggies. As the owner/chef of Verde Mesa, she gets most of her ingredients from her organic farm, but also keeps an eye out for new varieties of locally sourced veggies and herbs that can be turned into something delicious. Now operating in a new space just down the street from the original on Calle Tetuán, Figueroa continues to please the eye, the palette and the body with a wholesome variety of fresh, organic dishes.

Verde Mesa San Juan Restaurant

The décor at San Juan’s Verde Mesa is an eclectic take on a French country chateau, while the menu highlights creative seafood and vegetarian offerings that are organic and locally sourced. Photo: Debbie Snow

After first discovering Mesa Verde soon after its 2011 opening, I now stop in at least once every time I’m in Puerto Rico. Her new place maintains a vintage, eclectic decor that will transport you to an 18th century chateau, with stamped tin ceilings, Venetian mirrors and crystal lamps. Chairs are mismatched and drinks are served in ball jars. Vegetarian cuisine is the main focus, including her signature Verde Mesa rice, which includes a mixture of in- season vegetables and chickpeas. Seafood is also on the menu and may include ceviche, salmon cured with lavender and ginger or scallops served on a bed of parsnip mash, dressed with fig foam. Ask for a table near the window overlooking the park that faces out to the Bay of San Juan, and be sure to order her famous Purple Cloud dessert.

El Picoteo Tapas Bar

A stroll through the narrow streets of Old San Juan always reminds me of Spain. To make the connection more vivid, I like to head for El Picoteo Tapas Bar for an authentic taste of Iberian tradition. The setting is equally evocative, as this restaurant is located within the Hotel El Convento, a former Carmelite convent that is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The dining room and bar are tucked into a patio on the hotel’s third level, overlooking a courtyard shaded by a giant nispero tree. Bird songs provide background ambiance by day, and coquí frogs chime in at night.

San Juan El Picoteo Restaurant

Located within a former convent that is now one of San Juan’s premier boutique hotels, El Picoteo Tapas Bar serves up authentic tastes of Spain in the heart of Old San Juan. Photo: Debbie Snow

The bar is often packed with convivial locals and visitors sharing hot or cold tapas with a glass of tempranillo or sangria. Tables overlook the terrace and gardens below are hard to come by on weekend nights when flamenco dancers liven up the crowd. The menu remains typically Spanish with an added Mediterranean dish here and there. The torta Española is as good today as it was over a decade ago when I first frequented the restaurant. Other favorites are garlic shrimp, paella, just like you’d get in Spain, and the Tabla Mixta, a Spanish antipasto with Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, Spanish sausage with an assortment of olives, breads and truffle honey. Pure Spanish ambience just like you were in Madrid.

 

Guadeloupe Basse Terre Deshaies
Caribbean, Guadeloupe, Plan, Trip Ideas

Guadeloupe: 10 Reasons to Go

 

There are two distinct sides to Guadeloupe, literally. This island nation encompasses two distinctly different landmasses separated by a narrow waterway known as the Rivière Salée. West of the river, wilder Basse-Terre is a land of lush rainforests and rugged volcanic slopes dotted by small guesthouses and jungle lodges. To the east, lower-lying Grand-Terre is fringed with coral reefs and white-sand beaches overlooked by boutique resorts.

1  Beach Towns

Grande-Terre offers an abundance of creamy-soft white-sand beaches, flanked not by mega resorts but instead small seaside hamlets loaded with local charm. These settlements offer beautiful beach access, picturesque settings and plenty of seaside eateries. Gosier, known as the Riviera of Guadeloupe is a village of small hotels and restaurants just a short walk to the beach. Sainte-Anne’s beach provides a tranquil seaside promenade, while the former fishing village of Saint-Francois is home to a number of restaurants serving fresh local seafood.

Saint Anne Beach Guadeloupe

Palm trees, soft sands and calm, clear waters make the beach at Sainte-Anne one of the most popular on Guadeloupe. A nearby village offers shops and cafes. Photo: iStock

2  Where the Whales Are

The blue waters surrounding Guadeloupe are home to more than 20 resident and migratory species of whales and dolphin, and you don’t have to go far from shore to find them. A signature sighting is the sperm whales that pass close to the western shores of Basse-Terre each winter, earning the island the distinction of being one of the best places in the world to see these impressive animals. Other regulars include humpbacks, pilot whales and spotted dolphins.

3  Creole Cuisine

The French islands tantalize the gourmand with Creole dishes that blend touches of African, Indian and French cuisines. Favorites include a variety of one-pot stews and curries based on fish or seafood added to a mixture of local and imported spices and root vegetables. African influences include plantains and peppers, while East Indian spices such as coriander, cumin and cardamom contribute unique flavors. A French flair for preparation and presentation heighten the enjoyment of all offerings.

Guadeloupe Spices

A table at the open-air Saint-Antoine market in Pointe-à-Pitre is laden with the spices and piquant peppers that provide the basis for Creole flavors. Photo: Oliver Hoffman/iStock

4  Jacques Was Here

Underwater pioneer Jacques Cousteau was so intrigued by Guadeloupe’s underwater landscape that he included scenes in his landmark film Silent World. These aquatic landscapes are now preserved at Cousteau National Marine Park at Pigeon Island. Sheltered from wind and waves by the hills of Basse-Terre, the calm waters of this marine preserve delight divers and snorkelers with reefs rich in tropical fish, coral and sponges where normal dives are 60 feet. Topside visitors can get a peek below from glass bottom boats that depart from nearby Malendure Beach.

5  Les Saintes

Off the southern coast of Guadeloupe, a cluster of eight small islands lures sailors and travelers seeking the ultimate in off-grid Caribbean charm. The largest, Terre-de-Haut, features a picture- perfect seaside village where sidewalk cafes and small boutiques overlook a bay that has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. Nearby Terre-de-Bas provides an even quieter escape, with deserted beaches and miles of walking trails. Other islands in the group are left to the birds, iguanas and visiting yachts, which drop anchor in quiet bays.

Les Saintes Guadeloupe

The seaside settlement on the small island of Terre-de-Haute overlooks a bay that has been designated by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful in the world. Photo: Oliver Hoffman/iStock

6  The Way It Was

Step back in time with a visit to the satellite isles of Marie-Galante and La Desirade. Both are off the beaten path and still hold to their simple agrarian roots. On Marie-Galante, sugar cane is still harvested the traditional way, and used by local distilleries to create small-batch runs of Rhum Agricole. Small guesthouses provide bucolic accommodations and visitors find the quiet beaches of La Desirade a big attraction.

7  Waterfalls Galore

The indigenous Caribe people called this island the land of the beautiful waters. Basse-Terre is riddled with gorgeous refreshing falls—more than 100 in all, though some are not easily reached. A must-see, and the island’s most popular, is Chutes de Carbet where a trio of cascades tumbles from the lower slopes of the La Soufrière volcano. Easy access to Cascade aux Ecrevisses makes it a frequent stop when traveling along the main road, La Traversee. It’s easy to find, as cars are often parked along the roadside while passengers pause for a refreshing dip in the cool pools below.

Guadeloupe La Cascade Aux Ecrevisses

The cool freshwater pool at the base of Cascade aux Ecrevisses is a favorite with swimmers. The site is easy to reach, as it sits near the main roadway leading to the town of La Traversee. Photo: iStock

8  Parlez-Vous

Visitors have plenty of informal opportunities to brush up on their high school French, but there is even better way to immerse in the local culture and discover the true character of the island. Guadeloupe is home to several great language schools where you can study the French language 10 to 20 hours a week with a group or on your own. After class, there’s time to head out to explore the culture while practicing lessons learned.

Guadeloupe Pointe des Chateaux

On the eastern edge of Guadeloupe, the distinctive limestone rock formations of Pointe des Chateaux were carved by the actions of Atlantic surf and trade winds. Photo: iStock

9  Lush Life

Outdoor adventures on Basse-Terre take place in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spanning some 74, 100 acres of forested lands. Hikers of all levels can find routes to their liking, with scenery that includes rain forests, lakes, waterfalls and mountain slopes. On many hiker’s bucket list is the 4,183-foot mountain of Soufrière. This active volcano, which is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles, still spurs out the occasional clouds of hot gases and sulphur steam.

10  Island Hops

It’s easy to move from island to island or around the island of Guadeloupe by water. A network of catamarans, sailboats and motor launches connect waterfront towns and the outlying archipelago with inexpensive and reliable routes. For trips farther afield, fast ferries sail to Martinique and Dominica.

Barbados Costume
Barbados, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Barbados: 10 Reasons to Go

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This is the Caribbean at its best: island style with British class. Barbados is a land of both natural beauty and cultured civility. Broad cane fields overlook rugged, surf-washed eastern shores, while magnificent beaches and posh resorts line the calmer western coast. The island’s warm, welcoming population blend the traditions of England and West Africa into a unique cultural synthesis known as Bajan style.

1  Day Tripping

There is more to Barbados that stunning beaches. Museums, galleries and historical landmarks are found all across the island, and the countryside is ripe for exploration. There are botanical gardens and rum distilleries to tour, along with the Caribbean’s most popular underground landmark. At Harrison’s Cave, a subterranean stream runs through a limestone cavern adorned with intricate formations. Animal lovers can tour Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where a population of green monkeys roam free, while birders can hike the cane fields to spot white egrets or head to the wetlands sanctuary of Graeme Hill Swamp.

Barbados East Coast

A view from the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. This restored windmill is one of only two intact wind-powered mills in the Caribbean. Photo: Orietta Gaspari/iStock

2  The Summer-Long Party

Unlike the day to weeklong carnivals staged on many Caribbean islands, Barbados’ Crop Over celebration runs for months. This island-wide party dates back to the country’s eighteenth century agricultural roots, when it signified the end of the sugar harvest season. Nowadays, the official Crop Over runs from June to August, but early adopters often begin the festivities in May. The season ends with the wildest carnival of all, the Grand Kadooment. Thousands of costumed revelers take to the streets of Bridgetown to create a dancing, singing and drinking river of humanity that parties on until they reach the sea for a celebratory swim.

3  Surf Central

Barbados serves up some of the best waves in the Caribbean. When winter swells hit the island’s eastern shore, experts flock to sites such as Soup Bowl at Bathsheba to challenge swells that barrel and peak to double-overhead heights. Lesser mortals can find more benign breaks along the island’s southern and western coasts, and even novices can perfect their drop-ins at one of several surf schools.

Bathsheba Beach Barbados

Located on Barbados’ rugged eastern coast, Bathsheba Beach is famous for its iconic boulders and the experts-only surf break known as Soup Bowl. Photo: Flavio Vallinari/iStock

4  The British Flavor

Though now an independent nation, Barbados holds to the traditions and decorum of its colonial past. From a parliamentary government to the architecture of the parliament building itself, the unmistakable influences of mother England are everywhere. Visitors can tour districts bearing names like Buckingham Hill, Chelsea and Kent, and afternoon tea is standard fare at many resorts. Cricket is the national sport, drawing crowds to Kensington Oval for inter-island and international contests, and filling local pubs whenever there is a match on the telly.

5  A Growing Passion

Hotels, public buildings and private residences across the island are impeccable landscaped, and flowering plants add a splash of color to street scenes. As one might expect on an island where gardening is a favorite pastime, there are a number of showcase gardens that provide an even deeper immersion into the art of botany. Not to be missed is Andromeda Gardens, which showcases more than 600 exotic plants and trees in a setting complemented by tranquil pools and flowing streams. The Flower Forest combines a year-round array of blossoming plants with panoramic views of the island’s eastern shore, and Orchid World is home to more than 20,000 of its namesake blooms, covering fences, trees and a shaded grotto in a riot of colors.

6  Saints and Sinners

It’s said that for every church on the island there’s a rum shop. Both are integral elements of traditional Bajan life, with the churches favored by women and the rum shops providing a place where men gathered to discuss sports and current events. Today, the rum shops bring together all elements of Barbados society for the same reasons. It’s a place to socialize and imbibe, and often a neighborhood convenience where you can pick up a loaf of bread or sit out front and have a snack of cou-cou and flying fish.

St John Parish Church Barbados

The Gothic spires of St. John Parish Church overlook the Atlantic Ocean. This structure replaced a church destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. Photo: Orietta Gaspari/iStock

7  Culinary Traditions

Barbados serves up a rich variety of culinary delights, and boasts a number of world-class restaurants that remain longstanding favorites with residents and visitors alike. Several top choices combine cuisine with water views. Daphne’s serves modern Italian offerings to guests who enjoy sunset views accented by torchlight. The Cliff positions three tiers of tables above the Caribbean, and chef owner Paul Owens offers an equally stunning selection of sea and land dishes, many with a touch of Asia. In a former beachfront estate, British chef Guy Beasley of the Tides tantalizes with fresh catches embraced by touches of classical French cuisine.

8  A Capital Port

Established nearly four centuries ago around the natural harbor of Carlisle Bay, the settlement originally known as Saint Michael has grown into the capital of Bridgetown, one of the most vibrant and scenic cities in the southern Caribbean. This is a downtown ideal for walking, and a good starting point is the National Heros Square, where a statue of Lord Nelson overlooks the comings and goings of daily island life. Other highlights include the neoclassical Parliament Buildings, St. Michael’s Cathedral and Nidhe Israel Synagogue. At the nearby waterfront district of Carenage, an eclectic range of shops, bars and restaurants attract a vibrant melting pot of sailors, locals and expats.

Bridgetown Barbados

The Chamberlain Bridge spans the entrance to Bridgetown’s Carenage waterfront. The original swing bridge that spanned the channel was rebuilt as a lift bridge in 2005. Photo: Sylvia Kania/iStock

9  Artistic Leanings

Barbados has its share of both homegrown and visiting artists, and the vibrant colors of the tropical landscape provide inspiration for brilliantly hued batiks, bold watercolors and whimsical mixed-medium creations. The island supports more than a dozen galleries and a number of artist’s studios open to visitation. Iconic island crafts include ceramics and intricate woodcarvings made from native mahogany. The island’s pottery studios have earned international recognition for earthenware works that include dinnerware, lamps and vases.

10  Posh Digs

The section of Barbados’ western shore known as Platinum Coast is home to both gorgeous beaches and a number of five-star hotels. Sandy Lane has earned a worldwide reputation for both the setting and service. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion provides ocean views from all rooms, and combines top-rated service with a boutique hotel ambiance. The House is an elegant, adults-only enclave of informal sophistication that focuses on open-air living spaces designed to usher in ocean breezes and flora scents.

St Martin Belmond La Samana
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Barbados, Caribbean, Jamaica, Play, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Romantic Adventures in the Caribbean

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The mere mention of the Caribbean conjures romantic visions of sparkling waters, beachside frolics and island sunsets. But some visions are more romantic than others, and few can compare to the memories made at these stunning resorts, which highlight the best and most romantic the Caribbean has to offer.

Swimming In Your Private Infinity Pool – Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet owner/architect Nick Troubetzkoy put everything he’s learned about design and hospitality into Jade Mountain Resort and the result is more than magical—it’s nearly surreal. The resort’s suites have only three walls, with the fourth open to sweeping views down the mountain and over the Caribbean to the Pitons across the bay. And each room has an infinity edge pool that’s completely private. Enough said.

St Lucia Jade Mountain Pool

The wow factor comes standard at St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain resort, where hillside suites open to big views of the twin Piton Peaks and the Caribbean Sea far below. Photo C.J. Walker/Jade Mountain

Marooned On A Deserted Island – Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

Perhaps the most persistent and widely shared romantic fantasy is being on a deserted island with your significant other, laying in the shade of a palm tree and, well, whatever else might happen in that sort of situation. Book into the Kamalame Cay Resort just off of Andros and their boatman will take you to a deserted islet for the day, set up a lunch and leave you to your own devices for as long as you care to stay.

Kamalame Cay Villa Andros Bahamas

Kamalame Cay Resort provides day trips to a deserted Bahamian island, where you can live out castaway fantasies before returning to the luxuries of a private villa. Photo: Danilo Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

Couples Massage – Caneel Bay, St. John

Having a skilled masseuse remove the knots and soothe frayed nerves is a wonderful feeling. Sharing that makes it twice as nice. There are fabulous spas all across the region where you can be rocked, reiki’d or rolfed, but for pure romantic potential the casual old-money surroundings of Caneel Bay are hard to beat. Book one of the resort’s massage cabanas, with their high-peaked wooden roofs and gaze out over the private beach and the Caribbean as the two of you are gently lubed, rubbed and restored.

St John Caneel Bay Massage

On the island of St. John, the open-air massage cabanas at Caneel Bay Resort combine the pleasures of a relaxing massage with soothing sea breezes and water views. Photo Michael Grimm/Caneel Bay

Sunday Brunch By The Sea – The Crane Barbados

If you’ve attended the jump up at Speightstown on Friday, you should be sufficiently recuperated to enjoy the Sunday brunch at L’Azure in the venerable resort, The Crane, which has reigned over the east coast of Barbados since 1887. On Sundays, couples flock to the tables on the terrace overlooking the beach to load up on the breakfast buffet and listen to sweet Gospel music. If this doesn’t inspire you, nothing will.

Barbados Crane Restaurant

At The Crane beachfront resort in Barbados, Sunday brunch is served on the terrace, accompanied by gospel music and spectacular views of Crane Beach and the Atlantic. Photo: Ross Knight/The Crane

Sunset Cruise – Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas

There may be no more romantic place on earth than aboard a boat in the Caribbean. The warm salt water and the moist salty air create a combustible amorous atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the perfect picture of a Caribbean harbor, with a long waterfront and narrow streets winding up the hills that back the city. Board the 53-foot catamaran Heavenly Days at Bolongo Bay Resort in St. Thomas and sail through the sunset in Charlotte Amalie harbor. Glittering lights flicker along the waterfront, working their way up to the hilltops as the sun lavishes its last rays on the ridge above the city.

St Thomas Bolongo Bay Sailing

Bolongo Bay has long been one of St. Thomas’s premier beachfront getaways. Each evening, the resort’s sailing catamaran departs for sunset cruises of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Photo: Bolongo Bay

Private Dinner On The Beach – Belmond La Samanna, St. Martin

Dining alone on a torch lit beach with the waves for a soundtrack is more than memorable. Champagne, a private chef and a cushioned chaise lounge a deux combine in a potent recipe for romance on the shores of Baie Longue in St. Martin. Far from the clamor of Marigot and Maho Beach, the Belmond La Samanna serves up something, which, if it’s not true love, is pretty close.

St Martin Belmond La Samana

The quiet waters of St. Martin’s Baie Longue provide a perfect backdrop for an intimate beachside dinner, complete with private chef provided by Belmond La Samanna resort. Photo: Joe Vaughn/Belmond La Samanna

Drinks On The Veranda Bar – The Cotton House, Mustique

There are two distinct Caribbeans, the glitzy new Caribbean of glam go- go multi-story resorts and the laid-back old Caribbean of plantation houses, deserted beaches and serenity. While it may be sexy to strap on some heels and kick it in a chic disco, find the true meaning of romance sitting next to your significant other on the veranda at the Cotton House in Mustique. This hip oasis in the Grenadines has hosted a procession of rock ’n’ roll and actual royalty; Mick Jagger has a villa nearby, as did the late HRH Princess Margaret. Relax on the veranda with your prince or princess and feel the buzz; it could be the magnificent view or perhaps it’s that Planter’s Punch.

Mustique Cotton House Verandah Restaurant

The setting is chill at Mustique’s Cotton House, which has long provided a low-key getaway for royalty, rock stars and celebrities seeking a respite from public life. Photo: The Cotton House

Sweet Dreams From A Hilltop – Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

It was one of Admiral Lord Nelson’s cousins who was first taken by the view from Strawberry Hill. Horace Walpole planted his flag here, building a home on the 3,100-foot rise overlooking Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records, bought the property in the 1970s and Bob Marley was a frequent visitor. Book into one of the dozen cottages scattered across the property and then retire to the deck of the infinity pool. Order up some Myers Dark Rum to sip while the sun goes down and, as the shadows spread along the base of the mountain, the lights of Kingston blink on below.

Jamaica Strawberry Hill Night Vista

At Strawberry Hill resort, private cottages overlook the green hills of Jamaica. In the evening, the distant lights of Kingston come alive to enhance the view. Photo: Nikolas Koening/Strawberry Hill

Fort San Cristobal
Caribbean, Plan, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Fort San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico

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Once referred to as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, Castillo San Cristobal is the largest fortress ever built by the Spanish in the Western Hemisphere. Construction of this sprawling hilltop fortification took more than 150 years, and its outer walls once encircled the original city of San Juan. Though portions of the fortress walls were demolished to allow modern roadways to enter the historic walled city, the main 27-acre grounds of this Colonial-era landmark remain intact, and are now a World Heritage site.

Though impressive, the grounds of San Cristóbal see far fewer visitors than nearby Castillo San Felipe del Morro—the iconic fortress that overlooks the entrances to San Juan Harbor at the western end of Old Town. Those who do tour Castillo San Cristóbal find it well worth the visit. Now under the care of the U.S. Park Service, the grounds are rich in history, and include five massive garrisons, dungeons, powder magazines and a network of dry moats connected by a labyrinth of tunnels, all of which can be explored.

Any tours should also include a visit to the garitas—the stone century boxes that provide panoramic views of sea and city. The most famous of these is the Garita del Diablo (Sentry Box of the Devil). According to legend, guards stationed at that post would disappear, as if taken away by the devil. Of course, it’s more likely that they simply seized the opportunity to slip away from this remote watchtower and take unofficial leave at a nearby waterfront tavern.

Aruba Terrafuse
Aruba, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Aruba’s Best Art Galleries

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The Aruba art scene is gaining worldwide attention and respect as local artists come into their own, and are joined by a growing number of regional and international artists who have taken up residence and draw inspiration from the island’s landscapes and cultures. Much of their work is represented in galleries that have authentic island roots and universal respect. Here are three of our favorites.

Cosecha

In August of 2015, a group of local artists came together to create Cosecha as a showcase for their works. The gallery is housed in a 100-year-old former governmental building on Zoutmanstraat that also served as the national archaeological museum. This historic building is an attraction in itself, as original details have been kept intact. Today, the walls are hung with an eclectic mixture of Aruban artwork that includes paintings, sculpture and weavings.

Aruba Cosecha Gallery

Located in a historic building in downtown Oranjestad, Cosecha gallery represents many of Aruba’s premier artists, and features an eclectic range of mediums. Photo: Debbie Snow

Multi-media artist Maria Onni creates signature pieces out of driftwood, each one painted with a different face. The island’s best-known sculptor, Ciro Abath, works in ceramics, bronze casting and kiln casting, and every one of his pieces has a story backed by history and myths. Much of his work is seen in public places and at the airport. Textile designer, Deborah de Weerd enjoys a passion for the colors that she finds in Aruba. Her work includes glass sculptures and macro photography. Painter Grace Ashruf is known for finding the extraordinary in everyday scenes. Her distinct landscape work leads with lines, colors and shapes. The artworks showcased at Cosecha are continually evolving, and you can always find a selection of jewelry and smaller items to carry back home. For more information: www.arubacosecha.com

L’America Gallery

If you think wine, classic cars and art go together then this is your place. The husband and wife team who created L’America were originally from Holland, and have spent 30 years on Aruba. A fondness for both travel and art lead to a growing collection of pieces as they traveled extensively through the Americas. When they ran out of wall space at home, the gallery was born. With that came an art supply and frame shop, and many of the local artists who initially became customers ended up showing their works at the gallery.

Aruba LAmerica Gallery

Works from across Latin America and beyond grace the walls of Aruba’s L’America gallery. The husband and wife owners continue to collect new works during their extensive travels. Photo: Debbie Snow

The owners also continue to add new paintings and other forms of artwork to L’America’s walls and shelves after each trip to a Latin American country. You’ll find the works of artists from Peru, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina. On the last Friday of each month, the gallery hosts a “Sip and Paint” wine tasting where everyone is encouraged to take brush in hand and create their own masterpiece. At other times of the month, a number of resident and visiting artists also give workshops. For more details: www.lamericagallery.com.

Terrafuse

Part gallery, part workshop, and home to two of Aruba’s best- known ceramic artists, Terrafuse is the creation of husband and wife Ciro and Marian Abath. Here, in a collection of buildings located two miles inland from Palm Beach, the couple pursues their own creative works and stage weekly workshops dedicated to the techniques of glassblowing, bead making and kiln casting.

Aruba Terrafuse Shop

Many of the smaller pieces on display at the Terrafuse gallery are created from recycled glass. Others draw inspiration from pre- Columbian pottery created by the island’s indigenous people. Photo: Debbie Snow

Marian first became known for creating necklaces and jewelry pieces from Murano glass, and later transitioned to fabricating unique pieces from recycled bottles. Ciro devotes his efforts to larger pieces in mediums that include ceramics, glass blowing, and bronze casting. All of his pieces have a story and a deeper meaning that might include the environment or a global political statement. He gravitates toward his Aruban heritage with works that resemble the pre-Colombian pottery found on the island. Marian works with many young local artists, and sells their work along with hers in the on-site gallery. To find out more: www.terrafusearuba.com

BVI Tortola Can Garden Bay
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola BVI

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Tortola’s favorite beach has something for everyone. Encircling hills and an offshore barrier reef shelter a crescent of soft sand from prevailing winds and ocean swells, enticing beach goers to spread a towel and relax. Cruising sailors drop anchor in the protected harbor, which also serves as an inviting aquatic playground for snorkeling and beach-based water sports. In winter, surfers ride the wave that breaks on the outside reef, while swimmers enjoy calm beachfront conditions year round.

Laid-back beach bars and several small hotels overlook the shoreline, and the palm-shaded plaza attracts an eclectic mix of vendors offering everything from hair braiding and handicrafts to chilled coconut water. Just steps away is one of the Caribbean’s most historic rum distilleries, which has been operated by the Callwood family for more than 200 years.

The beach scene is chill by day, but when happy hour rolls around the sands pulse to the sounds of island tunes and most everyone has some type of libation in hand. Dinghies ferry boat crews ashore, and revelers flow from bar to bar. Long-standing landmarks such as Quito’s Gazebo, Myett’s and Rhymer’s offer food, drink and live music and when there is standing room only the crowds spill out onto the sand.

Pointe des Chateaux in Guadeloupe
Caribbean, Guadeloupe, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Pointe des Chateaux, Guadeloupe

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The butterfly-shaped island of Guadeloupe has distinctive geographic personalities. Rugged volcanic mountains rise on the western wing of Basse-Terre, while the easterly wing of Grande- Terre is flat limestone plateau known for its white sand beaches.

One of the island’s most popular scenic attractions lies at the far end of this eastern wing, at the point where boisterous Atlantic swells meet the waters of the Caribbean. Known as Pointe des Chateaux, these distinctively eroded limestone formations are said to resemble castles in the sea.

The site is overlooked by a 33-foot high cross at the top of the bluff, the legacy of a group of Capuchin monks who established a parish nearby. A 15-minute walk brings visitors to this high point for views of the island of La Désirade along with Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and Basse-Terre. Look for whales crossing the waters in May.