Tag Archives: Caribbean

Martinique llet Madame
Caribbean, Martinique, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Ilet Madame, Martinique

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There’s no better way to go off the grid than spending a day exploring uninhabited islands. On the east coast of Martinique, finding your own little offshore paradise is as easy as traveling to the fishing village of Le Robert. At the head of the township’s namesake bay lies a collection of sandbars, reefs and 10 small islands that form an aquatic playground for sailors, paddlers and swimmers. One of the largest and most favored of this group is Islet Madame. Yachtsmen from around the island of Martinique are lured to the calm anchorage that lies just off this small, green spit of land, while day visitors make their way over in private launches from the township of Le Robert.

The island is a protected refuge ringed by white sand beaches and surrounded by translucent waters where coral reefs create calm lagoons. Getting there is easy, as a number of tour operators offer sailing and powerboat excursions to the islands. A few adventurous locals even wade and swim a quarter mile over from Pointe La Rose.

Once there visitors find spectacular snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. On shore, there are paths to follow through the foliage, plenty of shaded areas and some local wooden huts to provide shelter from the elements. The island is prized for its collection of native tree species and protected animals, including iguanas, lizards, birds, hummingbirds and turtles. The scene is low-key though the week, while weekends may bring local boaters, who gather for a raft-up party at one of the nearby sandbars known as le Fonds Blanc. Visitors have described these islands as among the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean. If you are on Martinique, it’s a destination that shouldn’t be missed.

Cambridge Beaches Bermuda
Bermuda, Caribbean, Stay

Bermuda’s Beachfront Resorts

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Bermuda has some of the loveliest beaches in the world. Perched above some of these pink and cream-colored strands are grand resorts that provide striking vistas and pleasant ocean breezes. Three of the island’s most venerable properties not only bring in the big view, but also provide the traditions of hospitality that Bermuda is known for. All have a storied past yet each has added fresh additions and upgrades bringing them up to contemporary standards and expectations.

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Sandys Parish

To really get away from any hustle & bustle head to Somerset, the quiet western end of Bermuda. Here on a peninsula surrounded by two bodies of water sits Cambridge Beaches, a collection of individual cottages. For more than 100 years this gracious retreat has received its share of visiting luminaires and extended families.

Bermuda Cambridge Beaches

Tucked away between ocean and bay, the grounds of the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa offer water views from many of the 96 cottages scattered across this historic property. Photo: Debbie Snow

One-of-a-kind cottages are spread out on 30 rolling acres of green lawns punctuated by flowering gardens, statues and benches. Many of the 96 cottages are named after guests who have been coming for generations. Amenities and activities include a fitness center, yoga on the beach, tennis, and a spa with pools, baths and steam areas, three restaurants and an infinity pool with several layers of sun decks. There are four beaches to choose from, each with a different vibe. Long Bay Beach is the main stretch of sand and the hub of water sports activities. The sea is typically calm here, making it the perfect setting for an intro to paddle boarding. After a full day, you can also take in the sunset at the beachside Breezes restaurant. Turtle Cove Beach is more secluded, perfect for a private day at the beach or a romantic candlelight dinner on the sand. Morning Beach and Pegem Beach are two small coves that provide an oasis of tranquility.

Elbow Beach Resort, Paget Parish

Steeped in history, Elbow Beach Resort dates back to 1908, when it was the first guest cottage to be built along the beaches of the famous South Shore. Overlooking one of Bermuda’s renown pink sand beaches, the enclave sits on lush green lawns that slope gently to the shore. Guest rooms and suites provide intimate hideaways and are scattered about the 50 acres of tropical gardens, all an easy stroll to the beach. Buildings follow Bermuda’s traditional architectural style of pastel walls topped with white-tiered roofs. Many of the 98 cottage-inspired rooms offer direct sea views from the bedroom and patio, while others are tucked away in private gardens.

Bermuda Elbow Beach

A view from the bedroom at the Bird of Paradise cottage at the Elbow Beach Resort. Named after it’s mile-long pink sand beach, this resort sits on 50 acres of landscaped grounds that slope to the sea. Photo: Elbow Beach Resort

The resort’s pale pink namesake beach stretches for almost a mile, curving like a bent elbow. A line of protective coral reefs fronts the sands, keeping the waters calm and perfect for a swim. Beach attendants are on hand with chilled towels and food service delivered right to your chaise lounge, or you can dine at a table on the sand at Mickey’s Beach Bistro & Bar. A favorite indulgence is a private candlelight dinner.

The Reefs Hotel & Club, Southampton Parish

Set on a limestone cliff that towers over a pink sand beach, the salmon-colored-toned walls of this south coast resort mirror the beachfront setting. A favored perch at the resort is the Coconut Bar, where the deck is best enjoyed at sunset with a signature cocktail such as the Dark & Stormy in hand. Below, the pink sands are dotted with swirls of pink and white beach umbrellas, and each end of the beach is flanked by wave-washed boulders that create a private setting. Beachside food and drink service is on hand, and for guests feeling a bit more energetic there are kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear ready and waiting for a day of exploration.

Bermuda The Reefs

The landmark salmon-tinted structures of The Reefs Hotel & Club perch on a seaside cliff in Bermuda’s Southampton Parish. Rocky escarpments create privacy at the resort’s pink sand beach. Photo: The Reefs

Family owned and run, The Reefs is the sort of place where guests return year after year, and are known by the attentive staff. Built on the ruins of a 1680 farmhouse the resort offers three cottages overlooking the private beach, 62 rooms, each with an ocean view and 19 club style condos. True to Bermuda’s tradition, guests are greeted with a warm smile and a Rum Swizzle as they are escorted to their room.

 

Puerto Rico St Regis Bahia
Caribbean, Dominica, Nevis, Puerto Rico

Caribbean Turtle Beaches

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Caribbean beaches attract more than vacationing humans. Each year, momma sea turtles travel thousands of miles back to their nesting ground on island sands. They are returning to the place where they were hatched, where they will lay their own eggs. The hatching process takes approximately 60 days from when the female first digs the nest until the hatchlings head for the sea. Turtles will lay hundreds of eggs, and may create more than one nest a year. That’s a lot of babies, but in nature, only one in a thousand will survive to maturity. And that’s before poaching, habitat loss, and other environmental factors take their additional toll. To even the odds, several Caribbean resorts have started conservation programs to ensure that more of these hard-shelled mariners survive and grow.

Nevis Four Seasons Sea Turtle

A juvenile green sea turtle swimming in the coastal waters of Nevis. Thanks to programs such as the Four Season’s nest monitoring, local sea turtle populations are rebounding. Photo: Zoonar/Four Seasons Nevis

Rosalie Bay, Dominica

Dominica Sea Turtle

A newly hatched leatherback crawls across a strand of sea grass at Rosalie Bay. Photo: Rosalie Bay

Tucked into the southeast coast of Dominica, this 29-room eco- resort fronts the Atlantic Ocean and has the Rosalie River flowing along the property edge. The resort’s 22 acres sustain the lush landscape that is the essence of Dominica, the nature island. Guest suites are in buildings that resemble an island village and are enveloped in indigenous vegetation and tropical fruit trees.

As part of its sustainable ethos, Rosalie Bay now provides proactive protection for nesting turtles and maintains a turtle nursery. This program was founded by resort owner Beverly Deikel 10 years ago when she recognized the black sand beaches at Rosalie’s doorstep were important nesting grounds for the endangered leatherback sea turtle that is native to the island. Thanks to her efforts and the training of staff and residents, over the course of a decade turtle’s nests at Rosalie Beach have grown from seven to more than 80 a season.

Turtle nesting season runs from May to October and at that time guests can witness 800-pound turtles crawling ashore to nest, or hold new hatchlings and help them along their first journey to the sea. Guests also help patrol the beach to protect nesting turtles, assist researchers in collecting data, and observe the relocation of turtles to the turtle hatchery. There is also the option to be “on call” when baby sea turtles hatch which could happen in the middle of the night.

Dominica Rosalie Bay Lobby

The lobby as well as the guest suites of Rosalie Bay embraces the local environment. Sherbet colored buildings resemble local villages of Dominica. Photo: Debbie Snow

St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico St Regis Sea Turtle

A female leatherback turtle makes her way onto the sand at Puerto Rico’s Bahia Beach. Photo: St. Regis Bahia Beach

Long before the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort was built in 2010, the beaches of Bahia Bay were under the watchful eye of biologists and environmentalist. These sands are key habitats for nesting sea turtles, including the endangered leatherback.

During the resort’s development phase, a team of engineers, environmentalists and architects were tasked with preserving as much of the flora and fauna as possible. This resulted in a property that includes just 129 rooms set on 483 acres, with more that 65 percent of this land maintained as green space. This led to Bahia Beach being certified as a Gold Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International-the first and only resort in the Caribbean to have such recognition.

The St. Regis partnered with existing conservation initiates and created a unique guardian program that encourages guests to observe or participate in protection efforts. Working within guidelines established by biologists, guests can report on nesting activity or monitor hatching events. It is after emerging from their shells that baby turtles are most vulnerable, as they must climb out of the sand and make their way to the water. This is when guests may be able to guide the hatchlings by making a runway out to the sea. Guests can also help by patrolling beaches and notifying biologists if they see a turtle or any turtle tracks, and they are sometimes able to ride along when the staff is patrolling beaches during the day.

Puerto Rico St Regis

Puerto Rico’s Bahia Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most important nesting sites for leatherback turtles. The St. Regis resort overlooks the bay, but does not disturb the habitat. Photo: Debbie Snow

 

Four Seasons Nevis

Nevis Turtles Four Seasons

Guests at the Four Seasons Nevis watch a female green sea turtle make her way back to the ocean. Photo: Four Seasons Nevis

The Four Seasons sits on 350 acres of green rolling hills that blends into the natural environment, with Nevis Peak, the 3,232 cloud-shrouded sleeping volcano, in the background. This classic resort overlooks the four-mile stretch of Nevis’ Pinneys Beach. Endowed with golden sands and calm turquoise water, this is the island’s’ most popular beach—and it’s also a favorite with nesting sea turtles. To accommodate turtles, the beach bars scattered along the beach are set back from the water, and nighttime lighting is often muted.

During the height of turtle nesting season which runs from June through October, guests can join nighttime turtle watch walks, observe nesting and hatchlings. Guests can also assist marking nests and gathering scientific data, which may assist in tracking migratory paths of turtles. The Four Seasons provides an additional range of ecological-themed activities for all ages. During summer, children can attend Sea Turtle Camp, where they learn about these animals through a series of interactive programs.

The highlight of this program is the Sea Turtle Conservancy Weekend, held each July in partnership with the International Sea Turtle Conservancy and the Nevis Turtle Group. A range of additional activities is scheduled for the weekend, and guests of all ages are invited to join the program. While protecting turtles is high on the list, the resort also has other inhabitants, the socially active vervet monkeys. The best time to see a troop is on one of the Sunset Monkey Excursions with a resident monkey expert. These tours are a highlight for adults as well as kids.

Nevis Four Seasons

Nevis Peak looms over the grounds of the Four Seasons Nevis. Lush landscaping provides habitat for birds and monkeys, while the beach is prime nesting for sea turtles. Photo: Debbie Snow

 

 

 

Tortola Long Bay Beach
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Long Bay Beach, Tortola, BVI

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Though you may hear locals refer to it as the “big island,” Tortola is actually just 12 miles long by three miles wide. The nickname may have as much to do with the island’s role as the British Virgin’s hub of government and commercial activity. But if you hike the forested slopes, drive the coastline or explore hidden coves by boat, its 22-square-miles can seem larger than the statistics would suggest. Scattered across this landscape are a collection of vacation villas and boutique hotels that provide a relaxing retreat, or a base for daily adventures to area beaches and nearby islands.

One of Tortola’s best stretches of white sand is Long Bay Beach. Located on the island’s north shore, the mile-long swath of sugar- fine granules is ideal for swimming, beach walks or just relaxing. Never crowded, there’s always plenty of room to stretch out a towel or borrow beach chairs from Long Bay Beach Resort, which offers hillside suites with views of Jost van Dyke. The resort bar and restaurant are within easy reach of the beach, providing a break from the sun and a welcoming spot for lunch or cocktails. Picturesque and calm, the bay is dotted with sailboats and flanked by palm trees that offer a cool bit of shade. Come sundown the vibrant blues of the water and the dazzling white of the sand transition to pinks and oranges, providing a mellowing cast to the scene just in time for happy hour.

St Kitts Music Festival
Anguilla, Aruba, Caribbean, Curacao, Dominica, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Music Festivals

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There’s more to the Caribbean music scene than reggae and steel drums. All across the region, a growing number of festivals and concerts are added to the calendar each year. Initially, jazz was the focus of many such events, now world music is part of the mix and famous artists are heard in a diverse array of musical styles that include blues, dancehall, soca, new age jazz, fusion, R& B and more. Each event and each successive year out does the previous, upping the ante on talent, parties and attractions.

March

Moonsplash Music Festival, Anguilla

The year 2015 marked the 25th year for this local event turned international extravaganza, which takes place every March during the full moon. Hosted by local musician Bankie Banx at his beachfront bar, The Dune Preserve, the party pulls in big names in reggae, along with upcoming local talent. For more information and the lineup for next year visit www.bankiebanx.net

April

Nevis Blues Festival, Nevis

The premier of this three-day event on Nevis took place in 2015 with a stellar line-up of local and international talent. Nevis is a natural, intimate and relaxed island and the organizers created the Nevis Blues Festival to complement that vibe. Guests are immersed in island culture and enjoy local cuisine while relaxing to sounds of blues at the Sundowner Stage on Oualie Bay. For more information and tickets for the Nevis Blues Festival, visit www.nevisbluesfestival.com

Love City Live, St John, USVI

This weekend-long celebration is filled with music, plenty of beach parties and boatloads full of revelers. A reggae concert kicks off an in-town block party. Later in the weekend the party moves to Cruz Bay’s beachfront and continues on boats that head to the British Virgin Islands. Local food, chef soirees and visits to local bars and restaurants are all on the agenda. Current dates, tickets and more information visit www.experiencelovecitylove.com

Tobago Jazz Experience, Trinidad & Tobago

The quiet island of Tobago is surely on the map after the 2015 concert, which featured a stellar lineup of international artists including recording star and actress Jennifer Hudson, singer- songwriter Jill Scott and legendary R&B band Kool and the Gang. Performances take place on the coastal town of Speyside and move to Pigeon Point Heritage Park as well as other coastal spots around the island for a full week of music, culture and gastronomy. For the 2016 lineup and more information visit www.tobagojazzexperience.com

May

Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba

This five-day festival takes in the holidays around Memorial Day and combines Aruba’s tropical charms with rhythm and blues performances. The action takes place both day and night, with parties bouncing between the Moomba Beach and the Renaissance Aruba Resort. The majority of concert performances take place Friday through Sunday, leaving Memorial Day free for one last dip in the surf. The Soul Beach Amphitheater, the Havana Beach Club, the Hard Rock Café-Aruba are some of the main performance venues. For more information visit www.soulbeach.net

Aruba Soul Beach

During the annual Soul Beach Music Festival, the island of Aruba moves to the sounds of Rhythm and Blues. Celebrating its 15th year, this event has been named one of the best celebrations in the Caribbean. Photo: Aruba Tourism Authority

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival,  St Lucia

The St. Lucia Jazz Festival started the trend of music festivals in the Caribbean over 20 years ago, and today it remains one of the most popular in the Caribbean, drawing crowds from both Europe and the United States. Since it inception in 1992, the festival has added a mix of popular acoustical, fusion and new age jazz, as well as soca and R&B. Once centered in the capital of Castries, the festival is now a week-long celebration of local culture, fashion and food, staged at venues across the island. The main stage is set on the peninsula of Pigeon Island National Park, with the sea as a backdrop. For more information visit www.stluciajazz.org

Curacao International BlueSeas Festival, Curacao

New on the circuit in 2015 was the inaugural Curacao International BlueSeas Festival. Attracting a veritable “who’s who” of modern blues artists, the event was labeled a celebration of “traditional and gentrified” jazz music. Performances were staged at Kleine Werf in downtown Punda, and a free two-day street festival in the historic Pietermaii district. With this entree into the world of the blues, Curacao has staked its claim in the Caribbean music festival scene. For more information visit www.curacaoblueseasfestival.com

June

St. Kitts Music Festival, St Kitts

Another longtime favorite event that will hit the 20-year mark in 2016 is the extravaganza that takes place at Warner Park Stadium on the island of St. Kitts. The lineup includes a range of musical styles including R&B, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rock, calypso, gospel and contemporary. Past performers include John Legend, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Damian Marley and Shaggy. For more on this event go to stkittsmusicfestival.com

St. Kitts Music Festival

The jazz/reggae fusions of Arturo Tappin fill Warner Park Stadium during the 2015 St. Kitts Music Festival. The performance lineup includes everything from gospel to hip-hop. Photo: Jawanza Bassue/St. Kitts Tourism

July

Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica

This Montego Bay event attracts tens of thousand of reggae fans and includes music born out of Jamaica. Reggae pulls in the masses but hard-core lovers of the island’s many musical styles will be in heaven when they hear and move to ska, dub and dancehall. Top Caribbean bands and international talent headline the event. Evening events take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, which is an outdoor arena. The final day is a beach party. For more information visit www.reggaesumfest.com 

Jamaica Montego Bay Reggae

At Jamaica’s Sumfest, Damian Marley carries on the musical traditions of his father, reggae legend Bob Marley. Staged at Montego Bay, the festival encompasses the full range of Jamaica’s music scene. Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

September

Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Aruba

This annual event begins with a four-day warm up of performances staged at smaller venues, all leading up to the weekend’s main event. Come Friday, a full-on lineup of international and local jazz, Latin, soul and funk musicians take over the Renaissance Market Place in Oranjestad. Local bars, restaurants and food stands join in the fun with special festival menus and libations. Past events have featured George Benson, David Sanborn, Willie Garcia, Roberta Flack and Chakan Khan. This year the first band to ignite the festivities is Earth Wind & Fire. For additional information and tickets visit www.caribbeanseajazz.com

North Sea Jazz Festival, Curacao

This popular event has been pulling in talent and crowds for the past several years. The event draws enthusiasts from all over the world and has been praised for showcasing an eclectic mix of sounds to please pop revelers and die-hard jazz fans alike. This year’s line up will include John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Wyclef Jean, Lionel Richie, legendary salsa vocalist Oscar D’León, British soul sensation Emeli Sandé, and the R&B group, The Pointer Sisters. Performances take place at Curacaos’ World Trade Center in Piscadera Bay. For tickets and more information visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com

October

World Creole Music Festival, Dominica

An eclectic mix of music comes to the Nature Island with a festival that has been steadily increasing in size and popularity since its inception in 1997. The festival includes local celebrations and takes place during the island’s Independence Day, so everyone gets involved. Music traditions such as zouk, soukous and bouyon join reggae, calypso and soca tunes to keep crowds dancing and grooving through the three-day event. Outdoor venues such as the Botanic Gardens and the Layou River often become the site of free performances and family-oriented activities for both locals and visitors. For tickets and schedule visit www.wcmfdominica.com

Grand Cayman Ortanique
Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Eat, Trip Ideas

Where to Eat on Grand Cayman

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From an outpost of the empire to a center for international finance, Grand Cayman Island has certainly grown up. And the worldly travelers who come to these sunny shores for both business and pleasure have a taste for upscale dining and unique flavors. They won’t be disappointed, as a new wave of celebrity chefs have joined talented locals restaurateurs to create a dining scene that is both diverse and delicious. Here are some of our favorites.

Ortanique

Think South Beach cool spiced with a healthy dose of Caribbean chic. Overlooking the marina at Camana Bay, Ortanique is the creation of South Florida culinary power duo Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley, and a sister of Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables. Before she started seriously cooking, Cindy spent some time in the commercial fishing business, so she knows her fish.

Favorite Bites: There are some standards and favorites, but bet on whatever is on special. The best of what comes in on the dock that day can end up as tender spiced lobster stuffed inside of pillowy homemade ravioli or as tuna steak served with mango sauce. The restaurant throws pig roasts periodically — and the ribs are a perennial hit with diners. The Norma Salad, named for Delius’ mother, renowned Caribbean chef Norma Shirley, is a great starter or can be a meal for vegetarians. www.ortaniquerestaurants.com

Ortanique taco Grand Cayman

Mojitos and Breadfruit Fish Tacos are a favorite at Ortanique. The fresh catch of the day is dusted with coriander and cumin and served with black bean corn salsa, pico de gallo and cilantro crema. Photo: Ortanique

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

How’s this as a two-fer: Michael’s is right next door to Ortanique. Same great view, same great attitude, completely different food. This is the second outing by James Beard Award-winner Michael Schwartz, whose Miami restaurant is a showplace for the slow-food farm-to-table movement. Schwartz and his team have successfully transplanted the organic vibe to Cayman. Michael’s team here includes the talented young head chef, Thomas Tennant, who cooked at the original Design District location before overseeing the kitchen in Cayman. The menu is all about local, organic and sustainable, and that ethic permeates everything they do.

Favorite Bites: If it’s on the menu, try the lionfish. Tennant usually pan fries it with a light crumb coating; its firm-fleshed and fresh tasting, not unlike snapper. Michael’s divides its menu into plates that are small, medium and large. The wood-fired pizza is always wonderful or for something a bit more exotic the homemade fettuccine with poached tuna. michaelsgenuine.com/grand-cayman/

Grand Cayman Michaels Genuine Food

The menu at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink reflects the owner’s commitment to the sustainable farm-to-table food moment, and incorporates a range of locally sourced ingredients. Photo: Rhian Campbell/Michael’s Genuine Food

Blue by Eric Ripert

It’s not immediately obvious that you’re in the Caribbean when you walk into Blue. The interior is edgy, elegant and very New York. That’s not surprising since Eric Ripert’s “other” restaurant is Le Bernardin, right around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art and widely thought to be the best in Manhattan. Successfully transplanting a restaurant, especially one as famous as Le Bernardin, is a tricky business and a lot of excellent chefs have failed. Not Ripert. Blue is a home run. You won’t see shorts and flip-flops in the dining room but you will get a wine list with more than 800 bottles. Service is slick and professional and the food fully lives up to expectations. If you’re a fan of Le Bernardin, the prices won’t be a surprise. But even if you’re used to pricey resort meals, Blue may shock the wallet a bit: figure $250-350 — per person. Having said that, Blue delivers the kind of meal you’d expect at that level.

Favorite Bites: Blue offers several prix fixe meals, a four-course tasting menu and a seven-course tasting menu plus special menus, so the chef is going to have a lot to say about what you eat. Don’t worry; whatever shows up is going to be delicious: Tuna foie gras, octopus a la plancha, yellowtail tartare with wasabi and grape vierge, chocolate tart. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/GrandCayman/Dining/Blue- byEricRipert/Default.htm

Blue Grand Cayman Ritz

The understated elegance of the dining room at Blue is a perfect complement to the upscale menu, which is the product of award- winning chef Eric Ripert, the man behind New York’s famous Le Bernardin. Photo: Ritz-Carlton

Lone Star Bar & Grill

You will not confuse the Lone Star with any of the haute culinary palaces on the island. The place isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an institution. Generations of dive masters have plumbed the reef wall all day, and then brought their guests here to pound back beers all night — only to get up early and do it all over again. But there is food to accompany the alcohol, with reasonably priced burgers and real barbecue to go along with buckets of Coors longnecks and the rock’n’roll blasting from the stage. There are theme nights — trivia on Tuesdays, rock ’n’ roll bingo on Thursdays, jam session Wednesdays and the occasional Coyote Ugly dance contest — to liven up the proceedings. Don’t come here expecting a nice quiet dinner, but if you want a break from delicately flavored organic kale, have a thirst for a bucket of beer or just feel like partying, the Lone Star is the place.

Favorite Bites: Save the steak for one of the chichi places; the pulled barbecue pork platter is a winner for most folks or try the fajitas. lonestarcayman.com

Lone Star Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman’s Lone Star Bar & Grill is a little slice of Texas roadhouse in the Caribbean. A long-time favorite with the scuba diving crowd, it’s the place to go for burgers, BBQ and cold beer. Photo: Lone Star

Mizu

As chic as the Lone Star is kitschy, Mizu has a modern pan-Asian vibe. Entering the sleek, dimly lit dining room, the walls are accented with angled wooden slats while the sushi bar lights up the back of the room with a come-hither glow. This is an unhurried cocktails to finish kind of place, with a gentle hubbub rising as the tables fill. The menu is varied and you can go dim sum to get a taste of it all, order sushi, sashimi or rolls, or go with appetizers and mains.

Favorite Bites: First, try the cucumber lime sake mojito. Sounds like a culturally confused bartender gone bad, but it’s very, very good. The sushi is fresh, flavorful and well prepared, so if that’s your thing, do it. Okinawan style pork belly is both trendy and tasty. mizucayman.com

Mizu Grand Cayman

The savory Mongolian beef at Mizu combines braised beef with broccoli, scallion, red pepper and sesame seeds. The kitchen turns out an eclectic and innovative menu that follows a pan-Asian theme. Photo: Mizu

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill

Sure Guy Harvey can paint, but can he run a restaurant? Marine artist/biologist Guy Harvey has his fingers in a lot of pies — art, retail, clothing, even hotels and travel — but the pies here are the literal kind. The restaurant is right around the corner from Harvey’s gallery/studio where, day in and day out, you’ll find him on the second floor, painting while shoppers peruse his original canvasses. Maybe it’s that proximity that keeps the restaurant crew on their toes; whatever the reason, the Island Grill consistently turns out excellent island-style fare. The upstairs dining room is lined with Harvey’s originals — you can just dash in for a coffee and a canvas to go if you’re coming off a cruise ship — and there’s a porch with a view over Hog Sty Bay. This is well- prepared Caribbean cuisine: healthy portions of ultra-fresh fish done on the grill or delivered in a curry or bouillabaisse. There are well-priced dinner specials every night and the Grill serves lunch and breakfast as well.

Favorite Bites: It’s hard to go wrong with smoked wahoo pate and Harvey’s Surf & Turf — beef tenderloin steak, lobster and tiger shrimp. www.guyharveysgrill.com

Grand Cayman Guy Harvey

Harbor views and original marine artworks set the tone at Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, where the menu focuses on fresh seafood dishes, and the restaurant’s namesake artists is often in attendance. Photo: Guy Harvey’s Island Grill

Kaibo

Getting here is the hard part; Kaibo is on Rum Point which means either a long drive or a short hop by water taxi. There are two sides to Kaibo: a bar-and-grill on the beach with wood-fired pizza oven and an elegant gourmet restaurant upstairs. Unless you’re specifically looking for beachfront pizza by tiki torch, walk right past the ground level facilities and head for the “real” Kaibo above. The dining room is iconic West Indian: wood floors, high ceilings, gleaming white trim, white-skirted chairs, French doors that open onto a balcony overlooking the marina. Take a table outside if the weather’s right. Better yet, book a Luna Del Mar evening, the once-a-month fete held beachside under the full moon. After dinner a visit to the Rare Rum Bar is mandatory. Even if you don’t like rum.

Favorite Bites: The beer battered mahi comes with a side of green pea mint risotto and applewood bacon vinaigrette or, if you’re all fished out, get the hand rolled ricotta gnocchi with adobo chicken. www.kaibo.ky

Kaibo Grand Cayman

Kaibo’s upstairs melds continental fare with Caribbean flair, and includes locally sourced seafood entries. The setting is West Indian elegant, and the beverage list includes a selection of rare rums. Photo: Kaibo

The Waterfront Urban Diner

If you’re from Jersey and are addicted to diner food. you can get a pretty good fix at Waterfront Urban Diner. It’s on the crescent at Camana Bay and it has everything you’re craving after a week of eating fresh seafood: Italian subs, bacon, eggs over easy, schnitzel, even a “Mac attack” burger. The vibe is somewhere between a real diner and a lower Manhattan bistro, with brick walls painted white, industrial accents and that cozy clanking and murmuring. It also has large windows overlooking the marina which flood the interior with light — so it’s a diner where you can actually see your food. There’s just a touch of kitsch, like the syrup pitchers (ceramic Yorkies). The diner is a breakfast and lunch staple for the hedge fund guys who work in the office buildings on the Camana Bay property, so it’s pretty lively during the day.

Favorite Bites: The standards — pancakes, waffles, and wraps — are good, but give the Huevos Benedicto (poached eggs, refried beans and avocado on crisp tortillas) a try. waterfrontcayman.com

Grand Cayman Waterfront Dining

Comfort foods are the focus at the Waterfront Urban Diner. From breakfast to burgers, the vibe blends Jersey roadside diner fare with Manhattan Bistro style, and tosses in a hint of the tropics. Photo: Waterfront Urban Diner

 

Martinique Mount Pelee
Caribbean, Martinique, Play, Trip Ideas

Island Escapes: Hiking Martinique’s Mount Pelée

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There’s a slumbering giant on the island of Martinique, and you can climb its shoulders. It’s been nearly a century since Mount Pelee erupted in volcanic fury, covering the city of St. Pierre in a cloud of toxic ash that killed more than 30,000. Things are much quieter these days save for a few historic ruins. Little evidence of this tragedy remains, and hiking the green slopes of the volcano is a popular activity.

Rising to nearly 4,600 feet above sea level, Mount Pelée is one of the highest peaks in the Antilles. There are several paths that lead to the summit, the most popular being the trail along the Aileron Ridge. This route begins at the village of Le Morne-Rouge on the eastern side of the volcano, and follows its namesake ridge upward to circumnavigate the crater rim, drop into the fern forest of the inner caldera, then summit the steep inner cone. The upper slopes of Mount Pelée are frequently covered in clouds, but even on days when there are no grand panoramic views of island and ocean, the scenery is worth the climb.

Mt Pelee Martinique

From a vantage point near the crest of the Mount Pelée crater rim, a hiker takes in a view of the Aileron Ridge. The climb from sea level is challenging but achievable. Photo: Richard Christophe/iStock

For a sunnier, shorter and steeper path to the top, hikers can approach from the west on the Grande Savane trail. Adventurous trekkers seeking the path less trodden will sometimes opt for a third route that follows a trail known as the Morne Macouba up the northern face of the volcano.

All three trails join near the summit. The summit often takes three to four hours, so plan for a full day to get there and back. Each trail includes some steep and at times muddy terrain, making hiking boots the best choice for footwear. It’s advisable to carry plenty of water and snacks, plus exposure protection for both rain and shine. Depending on Pelée’s mood, you could be hiking in the mist or under the hot Caribbean sun. It’s possible to make the climb on your own, but many hikers sign up for a guided trek, which can be arranged though a number of tour operators and hotel desks.

Exumas Bahamas Sea Park
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Island Escapes: Exumas by Land and Sea

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A short sail from the glitzy resorts of Nassau, a very different side of the Bahamas awaits. Stretching for more than 100 miles southward, the string of small islands known as the Exumas divide the emerald-green shallows of the Bahama Banks from the sapphire-blue depths of the Tongue of the Ocean. This is a yachtsman’s playground, filled with scenic anchorages, deserted white-sand beaches and coral reefs teeming with fish life. But you don’t have to play captain to enjoy a slice of Out Island life, as destinations along the archipelago can be reached by airplane, ferryboat or one of the iconic Bahamian mail boats. Day-trippers can also explore these islands by signing up for one of the speedboat tours or seaplane adventures that depart from New Providence Island each day.

Exumas Bahamas

An aerial view of the Exuma chain of islands. While shallow sand banks stretch to the west of these islands, the waters to the east drop abruptly to depths of a mile or more. Photo: iStock

A favorite destination is the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. This nature preserve encompasses more than 18 small islands and 175 square miles of seabed, including some of the Bahamas’ best coral reefs. Most visitors arrive at the park headquarters on the island of Warderwick Wells. A stop at the visitor’s center provides background on this unique park, which became the world’s first above-and-below-water preserve when established in 1958. A seven-mile network of nature trails crisscross the island, leading to panoramic views from Boo Boo Hill, blowholes, the remains of a Loyalist plantation and a driftwood-laden shore that is a beachcombers delight. But the park’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who don mask and snorkel and immerse themselves in the marine environment. A great starting point for a snorkel tour is the beach at Pirate’s Lair. And yes, this island was once a favorite hideout for the Brethren of the Coast.

Exumas

A typical underwater scene at the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, with an angelfish hovering over a stand of soft corals and sponges that provide shelter for a school of small snapper. Photo: iStock

Today, thanks to the encompassing protection of the Bahamas National Trust, this idyllic collection of island gems is safe not only from marauding privateers, but also from the influences of development, and the ravages on commercial fishing. The entire park is subject to a no-take policy that includes all forms of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Fortunately, you are free to carry your memories home with you, and these are reward enough.

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

Caribbean Snapshots: The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI

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There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the Caribbean. At The Baths, giant granite boulders are scattered helter-skelter along a white sand beach, as if a giant had abandoned his rock collection. Located on the island of Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, this unique rock formation is the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic upheaval.

The bathers who flock to this oversized rock pile care less about the geology than the topography, which includes a trail that meanders through shaded grottoes and tidal pools hidden within the rocks. After negotiating the boulder maze, explorers can linger at the adjacent beach. The Baths are visited by day trippers from as far away as St. Thomas, so its best to arrive early if you want to stake out a prime piece of sand.

st lucia marigot bay
Caribbean, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

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Ringed by green hills that provide shelter from wind and waves, St. Lucia’s Marigot Bay is what mariners call a hurricane hole. But you shouldn’t wait for bad weather to visit this scenic harbor, which author James Michener once called “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.” Quieter than the big hotel scene in the northern resort area of Rodney Bay, and less isolated than the cloistered resorts in the Pitons region, Marigot Bay strikes an idea balance between natural beauty and appreciated amenities.

Those on the Fortune 500 list can join the lineup of gleaming mega yachts that winter here. But Marigot is also within reach for the rest of us, as tucked amid the palm-lined shores of the harbor are accommodations ranging from quaint B&Bs and budget-friendly three-star properties to exclusive villas and a five-star resort. Dining and entertaining options also run the gamut from dress-up-fancy to come-barefoot.

Marigot is also the launching point for a wide range of water sports. A short boat ride away are the reefs of the St. Lucia National Marine Reserve, and a 45-minute drive brigs you to inland attractions such as rainforest hikes and the famous “drive in volcano” at Sulphur Springs Park.