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Bonaire, Caribbean, Central America, Cozumel, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Plan, Seychelles, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Thailand

Saving Coral Reefs

July 13, 2023

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Diving or snorkeling on a coral reef is a magical experience. It’s unfortunate that reefs in many parts of the world now face threats from human impact, but there is hope. Governments around the world continue to establish and expand marine preserves that protect coral reefs. And there’s a growing movement to move beyond mere protection and focus on restoration.

Currently, there are more than 100 international organizations dedicated to rebuilding coral reefs, and the leading method is the replanting of corals. Much like tree saplings, small fragments of living coral can be nurtured in a controlled environment, then replanted in the wild to revitalize natural reefs. This is a labor- intensive process, and many of these programs rely on volunteers to do the planting. If you are a diver or snorkeler who wants to get involved in coral reef conservation, here are nine resort destinations where you can make a difference during your vacation.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by one of the world’s most scenic lagoons, and the Four Seasons Resort plans to keep it that way. Set within the lush landscaping of this premier property is the Sanctuary, a sheltered body of water that’s home to a marine research station and a coral nursery. The guests of the resort are invited to snorkel in this natural aquarium to witness or participate in ongoing coral seeding and planting work. During a half-day immersion session, participants learn how to harvest and graft corals into donut-shaped rings. These structures will later be placed in open water to form new reefs and disperse millions of coral spawn to help ensure Bora Bora’s reefs remain spectacular. For more info: https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Coral fragments planted by divers at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are thriving and continue to grow and provide habitats for fish and other marine life. Photo: Four Seasons

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to decades of protection. But even healthy and well- protected coral colonies can benefit from an infusion of new growth, and that’s the mission of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire and Buddy Dive Resort. The resort offers a range of coral replanting programs ranging from an afternoon session to a full week of volunteering. A Reef Renewal dive takes place on the nursery located in a shallow section of Buddy’s Reef, right in front of the resort dock. Participants learn the basics of assessing nursery health and tending to the corals. Full-day programs have divers helping foundation staff with nursery maintenance and out-plantings at a number of different sites. Buddy Dive also offers a Reef Renewal Week Package that includes 12 dives devoted to foundation activities. For more info: https://buddydive.com/

Newly planted staghorn corals in Buddy Dive’s coral nursery will grow into dense clusters that support a wide variety of marine life. Photo: Buddy Dive

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

The Ozone – AKA Outrigger Zone – is this upscale resort group’s conservation initiative to protect coral reefs through awareness and restoration. At Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, guests are encouraged to visit on-site coral nurseries and learn what can be done to protect the world’s coral reefs. Anyone who wants to take it one step further is encouraged to join the resort’s dive team and resident marine biologist in an ongoing replanting program. These programs include the creation and deployment of unique “fish houses” made from cultivated coral fragments. When placed in local waters, these structures transform into new marine life habitats as the corals continue to grow. Both snorkelers and divers can view the coral nursery and take part in the replanting program. For details: https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach- resort

A collection of new corals is readied for placement on one of the fish house formations at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: Outrigger Fiji

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Protecting and restoring the coral reefs in the Soufriere Marine Managed Area in St. Lucia is a project headed by CLEAR Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. As part of the project local communities and schools are engaged and educated on the value of reefs. While guests at Sandals may enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding as part of the activities now scuba divers can add one more endeavor to the list by learning the art of coral planting. This activity is available to certified divers staying at any one of the island’s three Sandals properties – The Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc. The program begins with land and in- water practice sessions that culminate in a special dive trip where participants will attach corals to new reefs. Once these new corals are established, they provide shelter for fish and lobsters, along with coastal protection from storms and swells. For more info: https://sandalsfoundation.org/environment-project-coral- restortation https://www.clearcaribbean.org/

At the Sandals St. Lucia coral nursery volunteer divers can help transplant newly grown coral fragments to area reefs. Photo: Sandals

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Anantara’s Dhigu resort sits on a stunning private island ringed by white-sand beaches and colorful coral gardens. To ensure the future health of these sites, guests are encouraged to adopt a rope. This program, which was launched more than a decade ago, embeds coral fragments onto ropes that are then positioned to provide optimum sunlight and water quality. Guests can adopt a rope by donating, while those who want to get hands-on can participate in attaching corals to their rope with the help of a resident marine biologist. As the rope transforms into a living piece of reef, it will be moved to the resort’s snorkel trail and other area reefs. Along the way, the nursery staff provides updates and photos so participants can witness the results of their work. For details: https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives

At Anantara’s Dhigu resort, a diver checks the status of corals planted on a new snorkel trail. Photo: Anantara Dhigu

Four Seasons Seychelles

This premier Four Seasons property created the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project to protect and nurture corals. A key element of the program uses divers to collect pieces of broken coral damaged by natural events such as wave action. These rescued corals are placed in the resort’s coral nursery for later replanting, and in the first two years of the program, more than 16,000 coral fragments were replanted on the reef. A unique element of the program is known as the Love Grows Beautiful Things experience, which gives couples a chance to use rescued corals to create a heart-shaped coral formation that will be placed on the reef. For info: https://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

At the Four Seasons Seychelles, coral fragments are placed on frames that will allow them to grow into heart-shaped formations. Photo: Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

The Roatan Marine Park is always looking for volunteers to help keep the island’s coral reefs healthy. You don’t have to be a diver to participate in the various educational and outreach programs at the foundation’s coral nursery. Divers can take their experience to the next level with a Coral Restoration Certification Course to learn the skills needed to participate in coral restoration. Once qualified, divers can become coral farmers for a day. Those with a true passion for the reefs can take the next step with a longer-term internship program. The foundation works with a number of local hotels and resorts, and a favorite with vacationing divers is the Xbalanque, which is a luxury boutique property located within easy walking distance of Marine Park headquarters. For info: https://www.xbalanqueresort.com/

Divers surface after relocating corals to a reef in the Roatan Marine Park. Photo: Roatan Marine Park

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

In 2023 the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program will mark its tenth year of research and action to protect and restore coral reefs in the waters of this favorite Mexican scuba diving destination. Founder Dr. German Mendez remains hands-on with both educational programs and volunteer diving activities. A unique aspect of this restoration project is the use of underwater platforms that become recovery stations for damaged corals. Volunteer divers help by scouring the seabed for coral fragments, which are then placed on the platforms and allowed to grow until they are large enough for replacement on the reefs. One to five-day programs are offered by the foundation, which is based at the El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. For info: https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach- hotel/

Divers attach rescued coral fragments to a concrete platform as part of the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program. Photo: Cozumel Reef Restoration

Zeavola, Thailand

Set on a scenic beach at the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Island, Zeavola is one of Thailand’s leading Five Star PADI dive resorts. The resort combines luxury accommodations with diving adventures that offer an opportunity for guests to get involved and make a difference in the marine environment. The volunteer program begins with instruction and practice on the methods used to reconstruct and replant coral structures. These skills are then put to work during dive trips that restore corals in the surrounding waters. Non-divers can also help, as the resort schedules regular snorkel excursions that remove fishing gear and plastic debris from the reefs to prevent corals from suffocating. For more info: https://www.zeavola.com/

A free diver participates in a coral reef cleaning session at Thailand’s Zeavola resort. Photo: Zeavola

Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Greece, Islands, Mexico, Plan, Playa del Carmen, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Places to Travel in February 2023

January 18, 2023

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You survived the holidays and you’re ready to embark on a new journey. February is a time to celebrate whether it’s as big and worldwide as Carnival or a quiet getaway with your Valentine. It’s also an opportunity to take advantage of off-peak rates and you’ll encounter fewer tourists to share in the experiences.

St. Croix, USVI

Every year on Saturday before Fat Tuesday the island of St. Croix celebrates Mardi Gras with the same vigor and raucous as those in New Orleans. At the helm is Krewe de Croix, a group of Louisiana ex-pats and Mardi Gras aficionados. Everybody joins in and follows the parade along the scenic North Shore of the island, beginning at La Valle and ending in eastern Cane Bay. There’s plenty of food along the way as well as music and floats to guide the party. This year’s festivities take place on February 11 beginning at noon-DS For more information on events in St. Croix visit: https://www.gotostcroix.com/

St. Croix Mardi Gras is only a one-day event where most of the island joins in. Photo: gotostcroix

Trinidad

In countries around the world, February means Carnival! And one of the most iconic pre-Lenten fetes takes place on the Island of Trinidad. This is the home of steel pan music, and a highlight of each year’s Carnival celebrations is Panorama, which brings steel band orchestras from more than 30 countries together in a melodic battle for top honors. And that’s just the beginning. Carnival week is a time for calypso and Soca competitions, limbo contests and street parades where dance troupes decked out in dazzling over-the-top costumes show their moves. Add in plenty of lavish parties and there are plenty of reasons to mark your calendars for this year’s big event, which takes place from February 15- 22.-PH

Dancing at the sambadrome during the Carnival celebration in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Photo: Mauro Repossini/iStock

Abaco, Bahamas

One of the largest islands in the 700-island chain nation, Abaco is bringing a Rum and Music Festival to its shores. The event brings a roster of musicians while hotels like Firefly Sunset Resort, Hope Town Inn and Marina, the Abaco Inn, On the Beach, and Sea Spray Resorts will host the experience and guests. This small friendly island makes an ideal location to host intimate beachfront concerts along with a selection of rums for tasting. The Hope Town Music and Rum Festival runs February 7-12.-DS

During the rum and music event on Abaco visitors will want to explore the Hope Town lighthouse on Elbow Cay. Photo: Wirestock/iStock

Tulum, Mexico

For a funkier take on the Carnival season, head to the Mexican Rivera hotspot of Tulum. During the winter high season, this is an A-list destination prized for its stunning beaches, wellness culture, and offbeat-but-upscale vibe. February Carnival celebrations take place all across the Yucatan Peninsula, but Tulum’s take on the party adds an extra helping of glamor, glitter, and funkiness, thanks to an eclectic mix of jet-setting millennials, celebrities, new agers, Instagram influencers, and pride posies, plus a smattering of aging hippies, and colorful locals. The action kicks off with the famous Full Moon Party at Papaya Playa Project, is pretty much non-stop all month, and builds to the big parades happening over the weekend of February 17 to 19.-PH

Celebrations in Tulum can last the entire month of February and into March. Photo:Katiekk/Shutterstock

Rhodes, Greece

Often viewed as a summer destination when cruises and tour operators bring in hordes of tourists, Rhodes can offer you an escape from the crowds during February. Visit Old Town, the Medieval city, a World Heritage Site, where you can explore the 200 streets and alleys on your own. Wander through the picturesque town of Lindos where whitewashed homes line the labyrinth of village streets and overlook a beautiful cobalt-blue bay. Here you’ll be able to dine with locals as many tourist spots shut down until summer. Imagine being able to roam the walls, terraces, and columns of the Acropolis without bumping into others trying to capture the spiritual space on their phones and cameras. Pack a raincoat for that cloudy day and a jacket for cooler temperatures that average 15 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.-DS

Explore the ancient Greek architecture at the famous tourist attraction of the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes without the crowds of summer. Photo: frantic00/iStock

Ambergris Caye, Belize

In the final days of February, the island of Ambergris Key is home to Belize’s most colorful festival —literally. El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is a cultural tradition dating back more than 150 years. It centers around a character known as Juan Carnival, a legendary Lothario credited with 1,000 sexual conquests before being done in by his jealous wife. Festival participants atone for their collective transgression by burning Juan’s stuffed effigy and doing a lot of painting. Buildings, monuments, street signs, and people are all fair game for decoration during this three-day flurry of brush strokes. Adding more fun to the festivities are troupes of cross-dressing men who stage dance competitions, with top honors going to the most outlandish performance.-PH

Everybody joins in during the Carnival in San Pedro, Belize. Kids paint their bodies and face while adults keep the party going for three days. Photo: Tony RathFollow/Flickr

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

If you want to celebrate Carnival, there’s certainly plenty going on in the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to fuel your party cravings. It might be the second largest and most popular after Rio, so don your sparkling costumes and head to the streets for some Latin music and wild dancing. February is also a month you can have some quiet time. Head to the southern beaches and you’ll share the sand with sea birds and surfers. The island’s longest stretch of sand is at El Médano, a favorite spot for locals and is also popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders when the winds are up.-DS

The perfect view of Playa el Médano with Montana Roja in the background on the island of Tenerife. Photo: Anita Bonita/iStock

Belize, Central America, Play, Trip Ideas

Best Belize Snorkeling Resorts

January 27, 2022

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The small Central American nation of Belize has a big attraction. Stretching the entire length of the country’s Caribbean coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This wall of living coral is home to an incredible variety of marine life, and you don’t need to be an undersea explorer to discover these underwater treasures. A select number of beach resorts and island lodges put snorkelers within easy swimming distance of some of the best waters in the Caribbean. Here are three of our favorites.

Blackbird Caye Resort

This private island lodge is located 25 miles off the coast of Belize on Turneffe Atoll, which is one of the Caribbean’s only true coral atolls. Blackbird Caye Resort is a collection of 18 oceanfront cabanas all set along a two-mile private beach. Though rustic in design, with thatch roofs and local architecture, these cabanas offer a full range of comforts including air conditioning and screened balconies with hammocks and chairs. Guests can arrive by boat, or fly direct to the resort’s private airstrip. The palapa-style waterfront restaurant focuses on chef-prepared island cuisines, and socializing takes place at The High Tide Bar. Nearby are the infinity-edge pool and a water sports center offering kayaks and paddleboards.

Cottages at Blackbird Caye face a deserted beach and the sheltered lagoon of Turneffe Atoll. The surrounding waters are among the most bio-diverse in the Caribbean. Photo: Blackbird Caye

Turneffe Atoll is the largest and most biologically diverse of the four atolls found in the Caribbean and offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. The clear, shallow reefs around Blackbird Caye Resort provide easy access for snorkeling and are an excellent environment for beginners and experts alike. Blackbird Caye’s fully equipped dive center runs dive and snorkel boats, offering both morning and afternoon snorkeling excursions to area coral reefs. Snorkelers can also sign up for the full-day trip to Half Moon Caye to snorkel in Belize’s famous Blue Hole. This trip also includes a stop at the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, where snorkelers can encounter everything from nurse sharks and tropical fish to turtles, spotted eagle rays and moray eels. The dive center also offers snorkeling lessons, equipment rental and private snorkel guides and boats. https://www.blackbirdresort.com/

Butterflyfish patrol a coral head in the waters of Turneffe Atoll. Numerous sites like this are just minutes away from the docks of Blackbird Caye Resort. Photo: Blackbird Caye

Blue Marlin Resort

Blue Marlin Resort delivers world-class adventures, combined with home-style cooking, personalized guest services, and barefoot island living. This remote dive and adventure resort is set in Southern Belize, on the island of South Water Caye. Surrounding the island is the country’s second-largest marine reserve, and a 90-mile-long barrier reef. This setting provides guests with easy access to pristine snorkel and dive sites that are just minutes from their room. The property includes 15 individually designed guest accommodations, ranging from standard rooms to private cabanas and island-view cabins. Groves of coconut palms shade the resort’s manicured grounds, with hammocks and beach lounges for relaxation.

The Blue Marlin Resort sits at the north end of a 15-acre island off the coast of Belize. It is reached by boat from the port of Dangriga. Photo: Blue Marlin

Swimmers and snorkelers can enter the water from the resort’s private dock, and beach snorkeling is accessible directly off the southern tip of the island. Guests can access snorkeling sites by kayak, and the resort staff can also provide shuttle boat service to nearby reefs. Snorkeling is just one of the many activities offered at Blue Marlin. There is a dive shop and angling center offering flats, reef and deep-sea fishing trips. The resort staff can organize bird watching trips to the Sanctuary on Man-of-War Caye, manatee sightseeing in the Tobacco Range, beachcombing excursions, mangrove explorations and tours to the Smithsonian Marine Research Station on Carrie Bow Caye. https://www.bluemarlinbeachresort.com/

Private Cabanas at the Blue Marlin Resort are set among coconut palms, where porches provide views of the Caribbean Sea and colorful coral reefs that begin just yards from shore. Photo: Blue Marlin

Sunbreeze Hotel and Sunbreeze Suites

The Sunbreeze Hotel https://www.sunbreeze.net/ takes full advantage of its beachfront setting. Broad verandahs and balconies take in the Caribbean Sea across a palm-shaded sand courtyard. The resort’s signature restaurant, the Blue Water Grill, serves up memorable water views and ocean breezes, and the upper deck at the 360 Degree Bar provides panoramic vistas of island and ocean. This compact, 43-room property is conveniently located next to the airport, near the ferry landing, and within easy walking distance of the shops and cafes of downtown San Pedro. As an alternative to hotel rooms, the affiliated SunBreeze Suites https://www.sunbreezesuites.com/ offers 20 one-bedroom compact suites, with kitchens, living and dining rooms and private balconies.

Belize SunBreeze Restaurant and Pool Deck

The pool deck at Sunbreeze Resort on Ambergris Caye. A recent addition to the resort is the second-story addition to the waterfront bar, which delivers 360-degree island views. Photo: Sunbreeze

Snorkeling adventures at SunBreeze can begin right off the beach, with acres of shallow grass beds and coral heads to explore closer to shore, and a mile-long barrier reef within swimming distance. Just a few steps away from the pool is the headquarters for Ambergris Divers, which offers daily snorkel excursions to nearby reefs, and to the famous Shark Ray Alley, where swimmers can mix with southern stingrays and harmless nurse sharks in shallow water. More adventurous snorkelers can also join divers on all-day trips to more distant Turneffe Atoll and the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef. After drying off, guests can claim a hammock spread between palm trees, nap in lounges set on the pool deck, or book a session at the hotel’s on- site spa.

The docks at Sunbreeze Resort are the starting point for daily boat trips to area snorkeling sites, including the Hol Chan marine reserve, home to the famous Shark Ray Alley site. Photo: Sunbreeze

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

7 Islands to Visit Before the Holidays

November 8, 2019

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

Puerto Rico

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

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

Bermuda

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

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

Maui

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

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

Eleuthera

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

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

Key West

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

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

St. Barth

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

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

Belize

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

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

Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Europe, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maui, Oceania, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tahiti

10 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches of the World

August 14, 2019

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They are sexy, silky and mysterious. Some are hidden and hard to find while others are well known and favored by beach lovers. Images of dark, dramatic black sand beaches elicit the idea of exotic locales but many are found on nearby shorelines. As you travel the world make sure you add a couple of these intriguing coasts to your bucket list. Here, Playa Negra on Vieques is a favorite when visiting the Spanish Virgin Islands.

Central America, Panama, Stay, Trip Ideas

Panama City’s Premier Downtown Hotels

June 18, 2018

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Panama has emerged as Central America’s hub for international commerce and modern Latin American culture, and nowhere is this more evident that in the heart of its capital city. From the ultra-modern financial district to the historic streets of the Casco Viejo district, visitors will find an appealing mix of premier restaurants, eclectic shops, plazas, parks, and walking access to Pacific Ocean beaches. In recent years, the city has also seen the arrival of a number of world-class hotels and resorts. Here are four top choices for an upscale stay in the downtown district.

La Isabela Suites

Modern luxury melds with traditional elegance at La Isabela. This historic property, which dates from the mid 1800s, underwent a meticulous updating supervised by restoration architect, Francisco Montanes, who worked for almost two years with the cutting edge Spanish design group, Bersale, S.A., to restore La Isabela to its former elegance. Their vision was to adhere to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site guidelines and maintain the 19th century elements of La Isabela’s colonial architecture while incorporating touches of cutting edge design. This resulted in a unique historical harmony with an integration of styles, materials, and perspectives ranging from the 19th to the 21st century. To complement their efforts, selected pieces of Panamanian art are exhibited throughout the hotel.

An interior courtyard at La Isabela Suites. This boutique property takes it’s name from the sweetheart of the US Army captain who once owned the historic home that was later converted to the hotel. Photo: La Isabela

La Isabela combines the largest suites in Panama City with the services of a luxury boutique hotel. Each one and two-bedroom suite includes en-suite bathrooms, a large living room and full kitchen. All suites open on to large balconies, and have access to a large internal courtyard with outdoor Balinese showers, or to rooftop terraces. Among the unique services provided by the hotel are in-room spa services and The Chef- at-Home Experience, in which a Michelin chef will prepare personal meals.

The living room of a two-bedroom suite at La Isabela blends vintage artwork, rich wood accents and period touches with clean, modern design elements. Photo: La Isabela

The Bristol Panama

This upscale favorite combines the coziness of a boutique hotel with the luxurious amenities of a larger resort. It is the first member of the Leading Hotels of the World group to open in Central America. The 215- room hotel sits in the heart of Panama City’s prestigious Financial District, where contemporary luxury, gourmet Panamanian cuisine, and the city’s rich architectural heritage merge. This location puts the Bristol within walking distance to many of the city’s best restaurants, shopping malls and nightlife venues.

The lobby of the Bristol hotel is decorated to create a sense of understated elegance, while also providing an appreciation of local flavor, and showcasing the works of regional artists. Photo: Bristol

The Bristol’s interior theme delivers a sophisticated twist on timeless Panamanian design, celebrating the art, architecture and history of the country. Deluxe rooms and executive suites combine a traditional ambiance with a wide range of modern comforts. On site is Salsipuedes, an award-winning gourmet restaurant that pays homage to the region’s traditional cuisines, with a spicy, soulful menu that updates traditional regional dishes with modern infusions of fresh local ingredients. Decorated with hand painted clay tiles, contemporary photography, and plenty of flowers, the restaurant takes in the best of Panama. The Bristol also offers a wellness spa located on the 25th floor.

The bar area at the Bristol’s Salsipuedes restaurant is one of the city’s most award-winning dining venues, and a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Photo: Bristol

The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort

Panama City’s newest luxury hotel opened in the spring of 2018, redefining the city’s standards for luxury resorts. The resort features 182 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, each decorated with carefully crafted furniture and décor that showcases the work of Panamanian artisans. Authentic handcrafted Panamanian design elements balance the history and culture of the destination. These include Guna Yala-inspired traditional Mola blankets, handmade baskets from the Embera community and wood recovered from the depths of the Gatun Lake.

The seventh-floor master suite at the Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort includes separate living and dining spaces, and a large private terrace overlooking the golf course. Photo: Santa Maria

The Santa Maria is located within an exclusive golf course development next to the Costa del Este and Santa Maria business parks and just minutes away from both the airport and Panama City’s city center. Resort amenities include a world-class spa, chef-driven restaurants, and access to the only Championship Nicklaus Design 18-hole, 72-par golf course in Panama City. The hotel offers guests custom-curated tours designed to immerse them in the authentic culture of Panama and provide access to unique cultural attractions, including the Panama Canal, the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum, and the country’s unspoiled Pacific islands and inland rainforests.

The AQVA Pool Bar at the Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort serves a casual cuisine accompanied by golf course views, in an open-air setting that takes advantage of natural breezes. Photo: Santa Maria

Waldorf Astoria Panama City

This five-star hotel occupies an ultramodern tower in the heart of Panama City’s trending Calle Uruguay, where it is close to nightlife-lined Calle Uruguay and the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 2013 as the first Waldorf property in Latin America, the property blends classic Waldorf standards with a unique regional flair, using clean lines and neutral tones to create an upscale ambiance and an understated sense of luxury.

The lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Panama City is decorated in earthy brown and ivory tones that are intended to create a sense of quiet luxury and understated elegance. Photo: Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria has 130 rooms and suites, each with premium bedding and Egyptian cotton linens and marble baths with walk-in showers. One and two-bedroom suites add additional living areas and kitchens, along with ocean views from upper floors. Both rooms and public spaces showcase a bright, contemporary design that uses natural woods and subtle Central American influences. Dining options include a poolside terrace and bar with city skyline views, the French-American Brio Brasserie, a sushi bar and the Waldorf’s signature Peacock Alley bar and lounge. Guests can also relax in the four-room spa, fit in a workout at the Life Fitness center, or refresh in the 7th floor pool.

A water level view of the pool and hot spa at the Waldorf Astoria Panama City. The pool deck and adjacent open-air lounge are elevated several stories above city streets. Photo: Waldorf Astoria

Central America, Nicaragua, Stay, Trip Ideas

Nicaragua Eco Lodges

May 18, 2018

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The country of Nicaragua is a relative newcomer to tourism. It wasn’t until the late 1990s when a stable government was established, creating a secure atmosphere for travelers. Today, it is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, Wi-Fi is ubiquitous, and U.S. dollars are happily accepted. In the past decades, a number of resorts have sprung up along the Pacific Coast, while the interior has seen the rise of adventure lodges and historic hotels in towns such as Granada. The latest trend to hit Nicaragua is the advent of luxury eco lodges. We’ve found three of the best, one on the coast one in the mountains, and one on a private island in Lake Nicaragua.

The Beach

Known as the Emerald Coast, Nicaragua’s southwest Pacific shore is Central America’s newest beach resort district. As of yet, there are a limited number of properties spaced along the coast, and the most notable is a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, which blends luxury and ecological responsibility. Mukul is set on 1,600-acres of low-density grounds at a private beach community that is just 10 minutes away from the Costa Esmeralda International Airport. The hotel was built with regional materials, timber from sustainable forests, non-toxic paints and energy efficient windows. Environmental initiatives include the development of rainwater catchment systems, gray water reclamation, and the planting of more than 1,500 trees. There are just 38 guest accommodations, designed in a style that combines modern elegance with traditional Nicaraguan roots, with interior furnishings and decors crafted by Nicaraguan artisans. Guests can select one or two bedroom beach villas, traditional thatch roofed Bohio suites or luxurious three to five-bedroom homes, all of which enjoy all the expected amenities and services of a luxury resort.

A villa suite at Mukul includes a wrap-around deck with seating areas and a private plunge pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows are designed to maximize beach and forest views. Photo: Mukul

Mukul is the Mayan word for secret, and guests will certainly enjoy a combination of privacy and undisturbed ocean views. But private does not mean isolated. In addition to concierge level room services, the resort includes Spa Mukul, which has been named one of the world’s top spas. Each of the spa’s six sanctuaries offers a unique themed ambiance and signature spa ritual, designed to harness a different ancient healing tradition. Other resort amenities include a palapa lounge featuring dining and lounge areas, a swimming pool, and access to Tres Ceibas Beach Club. Nearby is the 18-hole Guacalito Golf Course, and guests have access to four miles of white sand beach and 12 kilometers of nature trails. The Mukul staff can also arrange a variety of adventures and cultural tours in the mountains, lake districts and historic cities of western Nicaragua. Unique experiences include helicopter flights over Nicaragua’s spectacular coastline, day trips to a private deep sea fishing lodge, and a visit to the sugar mill and sugar cane plantation, where the prized Flor de Caña rum is produced.

Guests at Mukul have access to a pair of infinity-edge pools that overlook the beach. The adjacent large palapa is the resort’s center for activities, and home to the signature La Mesa restaurant. Photo: Mukal

The Mountains

Nekupe means heaven in the indigenous Chorotega language, and a stay at the Nekupe Sporting Resort can certainly be a heavenly experience. This unique property is located within a 1,800-acre nature preserve in the mountains, an hour and a half south of the capital city of Managua. Tucked into the pristine cloud forest is an intimate resort compound that includes just four suites and four villas. Each guest accommodation is provided with its own local guide and all-terrain vehicle for navigating the jungle. The architecture follows the principles of Feng Shui, as each villa is aligned to specific cardinal orientations to receive positive and enhanced energies. Water sculptures and features are integrated into the design to replenish healthy energy, and a color palate of warm neutral tones mirrors the colors of the land. Guest rooms are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to usher in views.

The living room of the Grand Suite Villa at Nekupe Sporting Resort takes full advantage of the views of surrounding mountains, with windows and terraces that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo: Nekupe

Adventure and wellness are the dual themes at Nekupe. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, sporting clay and target shooting, bird and wildlife watching and ATV rides. More relaxing activities include daily outdoor and indoor yoga, cooking and cocktail making classes, gardening and farming lessons, spa treatments, dancing or painting classes and excursions to neighboring towns or one of the many volcanoes. The resort follows socially responsible operating principles. The resort owners have reforested the surrounding area by planting more than 14,000 trees to attract butterflies and birds. The resort is solar powered, and includes green houses, plantain and wheat fields, a henhouse and a 13,000-square-foot organic garden that provides most of the resort’s produce.

Nekupe Sporting Resort is nestled into a mountain cloud forest in the highlands of western Nicaragua. Guests have exclusive access to the forest trails of a 1,600-acre nature preserve. Photo: Nekupe

The Lake

Jicaro Island Ecolodge sits on a private island in Lake Nicaragua, just a short boat ride away from the historic Colonial-era town of Granada. This intimate off-grid retreat is the creation of Karen Emanuel, a London-based businesswoman who fell in love with Nicaragua, and purchased the island in 2007. Three years later, the resort opened with nine two-level bungalows set on the shores of the lake. Each of these spacious, stand-alone structures has kitchens, social areas and large master bedrooms that open onto sweeping views of Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua. All structures and furnishings are fashioned from salvaged wood downed by a 2007 hurricane, and during construction, no large trees or boulders were removed from the site, and instead the lodge was designed and built around them.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is located on a small private island on the western shores of Lake Nicaragua. It is a self-sustaining and eco-friendly resort that can be reached by water taxi. Photo: Jicaro

Health and well being is a key focus at Jicaro, which has a dedicated lakefront yoga deck, and a wellness center that offers a range of massage therapies and healing programs that take place in a pair of open-air treatment rooms overlooking Lake Nicaragua. Jicaro follows both Nicaraguan and internationally accepted standards for green operations. There is an on-site wastewater treatment center, water is heated by solar panels, and the resort uses only organic and biodegradable soaps, detergents and spa products. In addition to relaxation and wellness activities, guest can kayak to nearby islands, explore Masaya Volcano National Park, engage in cultural activities in surrounding villages and visit the historic city of Granada.

Guest accommodations at Jicaro Island Ecolodge focus on the water. Each of the resort’s nine bungalows feature open floor plans that deliver views, while also ushering in cooling lake breezes. Photo: Jicaro

Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Guadeloupe, Nicaragua, Plan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas

Off the Path Caribbean Beaches

April 26, 2018

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The great thing about staying at a Caribbean Beach resort is that a prime patch of sand is usually just a few steps away. The downside is that you probably aren’t the only one within walking distance of that sand, and you’ll likely end up sharing a beach lounge with a number of other vacationers. Fortunately, there are still islands all across the region where you can find seclusion on the shore. To truly escape the crowds, you’ll have to venture beyond the range of cruise ships, and separate yourself from the resort districts by taking a puddle jumper or water taxi to a place less visited. We’ve come up with five of our favorite islands that are off the beaten path but reachable, and which reward those who make the journey with some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches in the Caribbean.

Anse Canot, Marie Galante, Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe isn’t an island; it is a group of islands that together form an overseas region of France. And while the main island of Guadeloupe has its share of beachfront resorts, outliers such as Marie Galante are a different story. With no airport, this 60-square-mile island can only be reached by ferry or freighter. Once there, travelers will discover the Caribbean of yesteryear, where cane fields and farms spread across the landscape, and the only high rises are the traditional stone windmills that perch on hillsides. In a nod to the 21st century, there are taxis on call and cars for rent. After touring the back roads for a bit, and possibly touring the Rhum Belle Distillery, head to the undeveloped shores of Anse Canot. There are no beach bars, and no facilities, but you will find plenty of sand that is all yours to enjoy.

Farming is the number one activity on Guadeloupe’s Marie Galante island, which means that the relatively small number of visitors can often stake out their own private stretch of beach. Photo: Michel Letertre/Flickr

Point of Sand, Little Cayman Island

This deserted swatch of sand stands in sharp contrast to the sophisticated luxuries of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed member of the Cayman Islands group, with fewer than 200 full-time residents, and a single road ringing the shores. Visitors arrive aboard a small aircraft that lands on an unpaved strip, and there is no town to speak of, just a handful of small beach resorts scattered along the southern side of the island. It’s a great place for fishermen, divers, and nature lovers, who are vastly outnumbered by iguanas and rare birds. Bikes and motor scooters are often the preferred method of transport, but rental jeeps are also available. Whatever transportation you choose, the coast road will lead you east to the tip of the island, and Point of Sand Beach. The powdery white sands of this beach are soothing to the feet and pleasing to the eyes, as turquoise shallows extend to a snorkeling reef that marks the boundary with blue water.

With only a handful of small resorts scattered around its undeveloped coast, Little Cayman Island provides almost total seclusion for those who make their way to beaches such as Point of Sand. Photo: Ray Bodden/Flickr

Otto Beach, Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Even well traveled Caribbean veterans don’t know about the Corn Islands. Sitting 40 miles off the coast of Nicaragua, these small islands are way off the radar, and the cruise ship routes. It’s possible to fly from the mainland to a simple airfield on Big Corn Island, but to reach Little Corn will require a boat ride in a panga-style water taxi. Once there, plan on walking, because no motorized vehicles are allowed on this two-mile-long strip of sand and jungle. Footpaths connect the limited number of beachfront hostels and guesthouses that cater to adventurous backpackers and savvy travelers. There is one paved walkway that leads from the island’s only village to several east-side beaches, but for the ultimate in seclusion, you’ll want to follow a trail through the island’s wooded interior to the north shore, where there’s a good chance you will have the sands of Otto Beach all to yourself.

There’s never a crowd at Little Corn Island’s Otto Beach, because getting there begins with a boat ride from Big Corn, followed by a mile of walking on a wooded cross-island trail. Photo: Brian Johnson & Dane Kantner/Flickr

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Given the number of rich and famous that have visited, it would be hard to call Harbour Island a hidden gem. But it is certainly the crown jewel of the Bahamian Out Islands, and a place where a select few travelers can enjoy the seclusion that privilege provides. The island can only be reached by a puddle jumping flight, followed by a land and then a water taxi ride. Forget owning one of the quaint and colorful cottages that front the flower-lined streets of Dunmore Town that would set you back a minimum of seven figures. But for the price of an upscale Caribbean beach hotel, you can rent a bungalow that’s just steps from the island’s famous pink sand beach. This rose-colored strand has been featured on magazine covers and in countless fashion shoots, but on any given day, there are surprisingly few folks out sunning on this three-mile expanse.

Harbour Island is famous for the pink sand beach that runs the length of its eastern shore. The absence of large hotels on the island keeps things from getting crowded. Photo: iStock

Petit Tabac, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Remember that deserted beach where Johnny Depp’s character was marooned on the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie? It’s actually Petit Tabac, which is the smallest of five islands that make up the Tobago Cays. You can reach these uninhabited bits of land aboard a chartered sailboat, or by hopping a water taxi from nearby Mayreau or Union Islands. Bring provisions, and plan on a day trip, because as there are no hotels for overnighting—or any other signs of human impact. The Cays lie within a marine park, and are surrounded by coral reefs that attract divers and snorkelers. The scenic beach on Petit Tabac is shaded by coconut palms, and there is good snorkeling just a short swim from shore.

One of the five uninhabited islands in the Tobago Cays, Petit Tabac is a popular nesting spot for hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles. Photo: Christian Lendl/Flickr

Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Stay, Trip Ideas

Costa Rica’s Best Caribbean Beach Lodges

March 6, 2018

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Most travelers think Pacific when they are planning a Costa Rica beach vacation. From upscale retreats along the Gulf of Papagayo to fishing lodges in Quepos and surf clubs in Golfito, the country’s west coast has hundreds of resorts to choose from.

Not as well known are the limited number of small hotels and eco lodges that are scattered along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. There are a few on the dark sand beaches to the north, but travelers in the know gravitate to the southern shores, where golden sands flank a jungle-clad shore, and coral reefs lie close to shore. There are no high rises, and as you approach the border with Panama, a single road leads through small fishing villages to boutique resorts nestled into the rain forest, or set on wild beaches. Here are three of the best.

Hotel Banana Azul, Puerto Viejo

Adventurous surfers were the first to discover the coastal village of Puerto Viejo, on Costa Rica’s far southern Caribbean coast. But the word is now out, and the town has become a lively destination for the backpacking crowd. Hotel Banana Azul is located on the beach a quarter mile from downtown—close enough for an easy walk to shops and bars, but far enough away to avoid the late night party scene. The property includes 14 guest rooms in the main hotel, which is built from local hardwoods. Also on the grounds is the two-story Villas Banana Verde, which are luxury accommodations with a full kitchen and a private plunge pool. All accommodations are equipped with wireless Internet and are in close proximity to the ocean-view pool, beach and restaurant. The grounds feature lush tropical gardens and each villa’s open-air design allows guests to cook and dine in their private outdoor space. It that’s not your thing, the Azul Beach Club serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The lounge area at the Hotel Banana Azul showcases the warm, rich colors of sustainable local hardwoods and the cool counterpoint of native stonework. Photo: Banana Azul

The hotel provides a quiet, beachfront oasis, but it is also an ideal starting point for activities up and down the coast and into the surrounding rainforests. Guests can plan their own adventures or join daily-guided tours. A tasty favorite is the Chocolate Forest Experience tour, where guests learn the history of cacao cultivation, harvesting and chocolate making. Hikers and bird watchers can arrange day trips to Cahuita National Park, the Jaguar Rescue Center and the pristine Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge. The resort also offers a number of farther ranging tours that include whitewater rafting excursions, coastal sailing cruises, and trips into the mountains to hike, zip line and soak in volcanic hot springs.

The pool deck at the Hotel Banana Azul is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. It is just a short walk from rooms to the uncrowded sands of Playa Chiquita beach. Photo: Banana Azul

La Kukula Lodge, Playa Chiquita

Eco-conscious travelers will fall in love with La Kukula Lodge, which is about three miles south of Puerto Viejo. Set on the site of a former cocoa plantation now returning to rainforest, La Kukula Lodge is all about natural living. Fabricated from sustainably sourced local teak wood, the resort combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative architectural design elements to create accommodations that are both comfortable and environmentally responsible. All buildings are set on raised platforms, leaving the forest floor beneath undisturbed. This design also creates a cooling airflow that combines with design elements such as high, vaulted ceilings and shading roof overhangs to provide passive cooling, making artificial air conditioning unnecessary. Footpaths are narrow in order to maintain an uninterrupted canopy, allowing troops of howler monkeys and other animals to travel overhead without leaving the safety of the treetops.

A villa at the La Kukula Lodge sits on a raised foundation that does not displace the jungle’s natural flora and fauna, and allows small animals to roam freely through the grounds. Photo: La Kukula

Guests at La Kukula have options that range from single rooms to stand-alone two-bedroom bungalows or a two-story, three bedroom house that is ideal for large family groups, Amenities include queen or king beds set beneath gauze netting, terraces with hammocks, and rainforest showers with large windows that provide private jungle views. The resort’s dining room creates gourmet meals that are prepared on site by local chefs using fresh, organic and locally sourced produce wherever possible. The menu blends Costa Rican and European influences, combining local recipes with a Mediterranean style. From the lodge, it is a five-minute walk to Playa Chiquita, which is one of the area’s lesser known and less visited beaches. This relatively small stretch of sand includes tide pools and coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling, walking or a quiet nap away from the crowds.

Like all buildings at the La Kukula Lodge, the main house is designed to have minimal impact on the natural surroundings. Toucans and sloths are often seen in the area. Photo: La Kukula

Tree House Lodge, Punta Uva

Moving south from Puerto Viejo, a single narrow road winds through the jungle towards the coastal outpost of Punta Uva, where a pair of gold sand beaches flank a green promontory. Branching off along the way is an even less obvious track that leads into a 10-acre oceanfront property nestled on the edge of the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge. This is the site of one of the most eclectic and intriguing lodges in Central America. The property has impeccable ecological credentials; many structures were created from fallen trees or sustainable bamboo, with roofs made from recycled materials. Features such as solar water heating, natural paints and wastewater reclamation programs have earned the lodge the highest possible 5 LEAVES certification from Certification for Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica. In addition to a strong commitment to ecological responsibility, the lodge focuses on wellness, with daily yoga classes and a fitness center that offers daily fitness, Pilates, and Taebo classes.

Near the Tree House Lodge, the coastline of Punta Uva includes a number of small beaches separated by points of land, with coral reefs rising close to the surface just yards from shore. Photo: Tree House Lodge

The Tree House Lodge is made up of five unique homes that combine open-air living and modern luxuries with whimsical designs. The two-level beach house is constructed entirely from a single fallen loquat tree. The Beach Suite’s futuristic profile wraps around a spacious bathing room set within a dome embedded with colored glass ports. The Crystal House has a massive sangrillo tree grown through its center, a miniature golf course running through the interior, and a wood-fired hot tub. The Garden House is built almost entirely from bamboo, and the Tree House is raised on stilts, and reached by a suspension bridge. Though rustic and unusual in appearance, the homes of the Tree House Lodge include modern comforts such as air conditioning, full kitchens and Wi-Fi service. Various layouts include one or two bedrooms and lofts, and can accommodate up to six people.

Crystal House Tree House Lodge Costa Rica

The Crystal House at the Tree House Lodge blends indoor and outdoor living spaces that are decorated with recycled art, and feature handmade furniture and open-air kitchens. Photo: Tree House Lodge

Aruba, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Volunteer Vacations

March 5, 2018

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If checking in to a Caribbean beach resort seems a bit self-indulgent, you might want to check out some of the ways you can give back while traveling to the islands. There are a number of organizations that promote and coordinate volunteer programs that let you add a philanthropic mission to your time in the sun.

Tidy Up

Aruba is known as one happy island. And one thing that makes the locals happy is having a clean island. Visitors can help by participating in the Aruba Reef Care Project, which is the island’s largest single volunteer environmental initiative. Locals are joined by divers and snorkelers from around the globe, who sweep the shores to remove glass, plastics and other debris from a number of popular reefs and beaches. The annual event draws more than 800 participants. As an alternative, visitors who prefer to stay dry while doing good can volunteer at the Donkey Sanctuary, to help with the daily chores of feeding and caring for the animals. http://www.aruba.com/aruba-vacations/volunteer-vacations

During the annual beach and coastal cleanup, volunteers scour the sands of Aruba’s beaches, some also don mask and snorkel or dive gear to hunt for submerged litter. Photo: iStock

Pooches in Paradise

Go beyond the beach resorts to discover the real Jamaica, and make some new canine friends in the process. Volunteers with the Animal Care Project spend time at an island shelter for abandoned dogs, assisting with everything from feeding, bathing and brushing the animals to walking them and providing love and play time. Participants typically spend mornings working with the rescued dogs, and have afternoons and weekends free to explore beaches, waterfalls and area villages. The shelter is located in St. Mary Parish, near the resort town of Ocho Rios. Volunteers stay in simple, comfortable dormitory-style accommodations, or have the option of staying with a local family. In addition to animal care, the program organizers also coordinate teaching, sports, and community development programs. www.volunteerhq.org

Headquartered near Ocho Rios, Jamaica’s Animal Care Project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to combine an island vacation with a chance to work with rescued dogs. Photo: Lori Newman/Flickr

Restore the Shore

Even if cruise ships aren’t normally your thing, you might want to consider signing up for a sailing with the Fathom organization, which organizes cruises with cultural and philanthropic elements to destinations across the Caribbean. Most recently, Fathom has partnered with Princess Cruises to visit islands hard-hit by the 2017 hurricanes. Participants on these seven-day trips will come ashore to work with locals to rebuild in the storm-ravaged communities. In addition to special disaster relief trips, Fathom offers a broad range of cultural programs in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and is currently working to expand to more islands. www.fathom.org

After the 2017 hurricanes, the Fathom volunteer organization created a number of special itineraries with Princess cruise lines, giving passengers a chance to participate in island rebuilding. Photo: Steve Hughes/Flickr

Be a Sport

If you love team sports, the Amigos de las Americanas program is a great way to give back while also engaging in your favorite pastimes. Participants sign up for immersive programs in the Dominican Republic, working with local community members to develop a youth sports league. Prior coaching experiences is a good thing, but not mandatory, as there are many skill sets needed to organize and run a league, both on and off the field. This four- week program was developed with the partner agency, Plan Dominican Republic, which helps place participants with a local host family. In addition to working with young athletes, the rewards include a chance to experience the country like a local, and opportunities to improve your Spanish through authentic cultural immersion. www.gooverseas.com

Volunteers can participate in a number of educational and civic programs in the Dominican Republic, and immerse themselves in the nation’s rich culture and history. Photo: Getty Images

Monitor a Manatee

The coastal wetlands of Belize are one of the last unspoiled habitats for the West Indian Manatee. You can help ensure the survival of these large, gentle sea cows by joining a Wildlife Volunteer Adventure with Discover Corps. You’ll join marine biologists working to save the country’s endangered manatees, monitoring the health of the animals, taking environmental measurements and census counts. The program exposes participants to three different marine environments, including coastal mangrove lagoons, the Caribbean Sea and jungle rivers. Monitoring and counting activities take place in the mornings, leaving free time each afternoon to relax on white sand beaches, snorkel on coral reefs or explore the natural wonders of Belize. A highlight of each weeklong trip is a chance to visit the pristine ecosystems of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. www.discovercorps.com

A group of manatees glide through shallow sea grass beds in the coastal waters of Belize. Though threatened elsewhere, these gentle mammals thrive in Belize’s marine preserves. Photo: David Harvey/Hamanasi Resort

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

Zeavola, Thailand

St. Croix, USVI

Trinidad

Abaco, Bahamas

Tulum, Mexico

Rhodes, Greece

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Blackbird Caye Resort

Blue Marlin Resort

Sunbreeze Hotel and Sunbreeze Suites

Puerto Rico

Bermuda

Maui

Eleuthera

Key West

St. Barth

Belize

La Isabela Suites

The Bristol Panama

The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort

Waldorf Astoria Panama City

The Beach

The Mountains

The Lake

Anse Canot, Marie Galante, Guadeloupe

Point of Sand, Little Cayman Island

Otto Beach, Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Petit Tabac, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Hotel Banana Azul, Puerto Viejo

La Kukula Lodge, Playa Chiquita

Tree House Lodge, Punta Uva

Tidy Up

Pooches in Paradise

Restore the Shore

Be a Sport

Monitor a Manatee

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