Tag Archives: Grenada

Anguilla, Caribbean, Europe, Greece, Grenada, Hawaii, Islands, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Where To Go In May 2023

April 11, 2023

Springtime brings longer days, milder weather, and far fewer tourists than the summer months. While the kids are still busy with school and the flowers are in bloom make May the month you sneak away for that much-deserved trip. Here are seven spots around the globe to celebrate the colors of spring.

Croatia

Once you’ve seen Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visited some of the historic cities along the gorgeous Dalmatian Coast you’ll want more. Take the next chapter of touring from the sea on a cruise of the Croatian Islands. You’ll hop from port to port visiting charming villages, fishing ports, and hilltop strongholds. Wine tastings on the island of Hvar, the Blue Cave off Korcula, and the medieval town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Trogir are on most itineraries. There are a least fifty ways to see these islands from sailing yachts to small ships with a dozen cabins that depart from Split or Dubrovnik.

Off the beaten path this secret turquoise beach is on the island of Brac, in the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia. Photo: xbrchx/Shutterstock

Crete

This mountainous isle, the largest Greek island is a botanist’s heaven with over 2,000 species of plants on the island, some endemic and are only found on the island, while others including olive trees and grape vines grow throughout the region. Cooking tours are busy with visitors hosting them on excursions and outdoor classrooms to check out olive groves, olive mills, and pressings. Wild herbs like chamomile, marjoram, thyme, oregano, and fennel grow on the rugged mountainous landscapes and are collected by cooks and chefs used in flavoring soups and stews. When spring is in full force the hillsides, slopes, and roadsides are carpeted in yellow, red, and purple blooms. Tiny wild tulips are early bloomers and are best seen on the hillside that spills over the village of Slili. Miniature purple orchids pop out among the yellow-colored flowers of chamomile. Small red poppies, full-petaled peonies, and delicate anemones make a multi-colored tapestry that rests over the landscape.

Spring on Crete is covered in wild poppies surrounding olive trees that grow throughout the hillsides. Photo: olgalngs/iStock

Anguilla

An island known for its 33 white sand beaches is also a culinary leader in the region. There are 70 restaurants many with a French flare combining Continental seasonings and techniques with local seafood; you’ll have grilled lobster with Herbs de Provence. Local barbeque is big and Caribbean cuisine including pigeon peas and rice, shredded salt cod and jerk chicken is prevalent but when visiting chefs come to the island, there is no limit. The Anguilla Culinary Experience runs for four days in early May and brings together local talented chefs with award- winning pros from the states and Europe. The event kicks off with a party and tasting at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Spa; guests will try dishes from each of the six restaurants. Resident and guest chefs will host dinners at set restaurants and days and evenings will include cooking demonstrations and rum tastings. Private dinners, beach barbeques, and gourmet island tours are all part of the festivities. The event runs from May 3 to 6, 2023. Order your tickets at: https://anguillaculinaryexperience.com/

Plated crayfish will most certainly be on the menu during the Anguilla Culinary Experience in May. Photo: Natalie Volchek- Alvarez/ACE

Santorini

Without a doubt, Santorini is the most famous of the Cyclades Islands, and visiting in the off-season is preferred. When July and August roll around the tourists flock in. In May, the weather is warm, sunny, and dry and you’ll be able to see one of those fabulous sunsets without rubbing shoulders. Explore as many villages as time allows. Fira, the largest town is good for shopping and nightlife and has a bus connection to get to other villages. Oia is the town most visitors head to when they get off the ships, its stone pedestrian paths wind up and around the hills connecting restaurants, inns, and shops and offering breathtaking views below of the cobalt-blue Mediterranean Sea.

One of the main streets in Oia, Santorini is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Photo: Mo Wu/Shutterstock

Grenada

Chocolate lovers will want to mark their calendars for this culinary event. The island is once known for its nutmeg, the pod that’s pictured on the National flag, and is now becoming the chocolate capital of the Caribbean. An island where agriculture was king, the volcanic soil is spectacularly fertile and today the central agricultural regions of the island are not only growing the iconic nutmeg and cinnamon but among mangoes, vanilla, and bananas grows the prized cacao. In the past, cacao was mostly exported but farmers today are holding onto the precious pods. Today there are five tree-to-bar companies, and they all play a role in the Grenada Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things chocolate. You’ll find tastings, pairings, dinners, hands-on experiences, and plantation excursions. Meet the growers, participate in the raking and walking of the cacao, and learn the art of making bars. The event takes place May 16-21, 2023. Sign up at: https://www.grenadachocolatefest.com/

Special dinners from the 2022 Grenada Chocolate Festival included several chocolate desserts and rum tastings. Photo: Grenada Chocolate Festival

Kauai

The rainy season is over, and the weather is considered ideal in May, although humidity plays a role in a lush environment during the day evenings cool down and best of all, the summer visitors haven’t arrived yet. For hikers, the island is a nonstop adventure as 90 percent of the island is unpaved and accessible via hikes and bikes. A hike will take you just about anywhere there is a semblance of a trail and there are easy strolls along the coast to tougher hikes up 3,000-foot-high ridges offering breathtaking views. The Waimea Canyon on the west side takes in several hikes of various levels through the state park. Trails to Koke’e State Park carpeted in green forests meander through 4,345 acres reaching a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level. The views are amazing and the forest is home to some of Hawaii’s endemic birds. Most will want to hike the hanging valley of the Napali Coast, it’s not for the beginner but the views are worth it for those conditioned for a challenging and strenuous hike. This hike along the Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one way and follows the path of the ancient Hawaiians.

Hawaii’s most popular and scenic hike is on Kauai; the 11-mile Kalalau trail overlooks the Napali Coast. Photo: Sam Camp/iStock

Malta

Spring months are best for a visit to the island of Malta when the nights are still cool, and the majority of tourists haven’t arrived yet. Summer months can get intense with heat and overrun with visitors, many of who fancy the Instagrammable beach clubs. May is considered the sweet spot. History buffs will marvel at the architecture and since the island has been occupied first by the Phoenicians, then the Romans and so on there’s influence from Spain, Sicily, France, and England. The island became independent in 1964. However, the collision of cultures and unique buildings remains. Visit Malta’s Silent city of Mdina, once the capital, which dates to the Phoenicians 4,000 years ago. It’s a walking city with no cars except for residents who number under 300. Walk the narrow streets where churches have become museums and galleries and many of the palaces are now private homes.

Popular with tourists for the views and the fishing boats, Marsaxlokk fishing village showcases the colors of Malta. Photo: eli asenova/iStock

Aruba, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, Grenada, Jamaica

The Caribbean’s Most Colorful Hotels

October 17, 2022

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The Caribbean is full of color: the teals, aquamarines, and cobalt blues of the ocean; sands that vary from white, pink, and silver to volcanic black; hillsides swathed in deep greens and structures painted in a range of brilliant colors more often seen in Easter baskets. And then there are the people, who are warm by nature and love any excuse to dress in vivid costumes for celebrations such as Carnival, Jump Up, and Junkanoo. So, the next time you plan a Caribbean vacation, make sure your walls are pink, the staircase is turquoise, the pillows are orange and your hammock is lime green. You’ll be sure to go home with a new attitude.

A Private Paradise: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, Aruba

When you enter the turquoise-walled lobby, you’ll most likely be welcomed by one of the Rooijakkers sisters, the Aruban-born, Belgium-educated owners of this smart little hotel. Hidden behind a slew of coconut palms, palmetto and tropicals are a private garden and a collection of 46 cottages and casita suites, displaying a kaleidoscope of tropical tones. Each of these well-equipped casitas (kitchen, barbecue, hammock, and private deck) is unique and filled with color. Set against a background canvas of angular white are hot pink accent walls, turquoise shutters, and green, orange, and yellow pillows, all designed to stimulate the senses without overwhelming. Local artwork provides an additional element of visual interest and connects the property to its past life as a coconut plantation. Secluded from the outside world, the ambiance is peaceful, isolated, and where you want to be, whether that’s chilling by the pool, reading a book under the communal palapa, or swinging in a hammock that just happens to be turquoise.

The private landscaped grounds of the Boardwalk insulate guests from the outside world, but island attractions and beaches are just a short distance away. Photo: Corey Weiner/Boardwalk

The enclave is sheltered from the larger resorts that line Palm Beach and the traffic of the main drag, L.G. Smith Blvd., but remains close enough to the action for convenience when you need some beach time or a serving of nightlife. Your hosts can send you off to the ocean with towels, beach chairs, coolers, and snorkeling gear, and they are a font of advice on island explorations and activities they know personally. The most happening stretch of sand on Aruba, Palm Beach, is just a three- minute walk, and Fisherman’s Huts, the center for kiteboarding and windsurfing, is a slight bit longer. Should you get the urge to ride the winds, the sisters can hook you up with instructors and gear, as they are avid boarders themselves. The less ambitious can have breakfast delivered to their patio and start their day with a relaxing dose of color therapy.

Some guests at the Boardwalk prefer to hang by one of the two pools for the day, napping, swimming, and sipping Caribbean cocktails. Photo: Corey Weiner/Boardwalk

Bohemian Hideaway: Jakes, Treasure Beach, Jamaica

The funky décor starts with stained glass windows paired with driftwood doors, colored bottles worked into walls, and conch shells that frame an outdoor shower. Toss in an eclectic assortment of design elements from Mexico, Morocco, and India and you begin to get the picture of why Jakes is known as one of the most original and whimsical properties in the Caribbean. Every one of the 30 cottages, villas, and single-bedroom units scattered across the six-acre grounds is cleverly designed, and each shows the influence of Sally Henzell. The mother of owner Jake Henzell, drew on her talents as an artist, seamstress, photographer, and collector of the unusual to develop a theme that celebrates the Jamaican homeland and its many divergent influences. Rasta colors and photos of Bob Marley grace the walls, and notions of artists like Antoni Gaudí and Cuba’s José Fuster are evident.

Oceanfront bungalows and cottages at Jakes have outdoor space to take in the mesmerizing sea views. Many have outdoor showers framed in colorful glass and tile. Photo: Jakes

You’ll find plenty of mosaic tiles on the walls as well as around the pool, which becomes the center for much of the activity in this village-like atmosphere. All of these elements work together to create a low-key and playful environment that encourages you to lull in the sun, stretch out for a snooze in the shade or pull up a seat in the Adirondack chairs facing the sea. The truly endearing qualities of Jakes resonate not only from the trinkets and kitschy design elements but also from the people. Here, you’ll find true Jamaican hospitality. The Henzells and staff seem like extended family and an integral part of the Treasure Beach community. Indeed, it’s quite common for local fishermen and farmers to stop by with offerings for the kitchen, plucked fresh from land or sea.

Hints of Morocco and the East Indies are blended into the singular architecture and décor of Jakes, where no two rooms are the same, and each is charming in its own right. Photo: Jakes

Seduced by fragrance: Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club, Grenada

Nestled on a hillside overlooking Grand Anse Beach, the stark white buildings and red roofs of the Mount Cinnamon Resort complete a primary color palette that begins with the blues of sea and sky and works through earthy ochers and the greens of Grenada’s natural vegetation. In summer months the flamboyant trees fill with yellow and red blooms, and fragrant breezes remind you that you are on the Spice Island. Each spacious suite offers a sitting room, bar, full kitchen and a private balcony. In the evening pour a glass of wine and watch the mesmerizing twinkling of the distant harbor lights of St. George’s framed through arched pillars. Some interiors are dressed in citrus tones, others take on hues of the 1960s: pink, purple, and blue. Furnishings also push the envelope towards the eclectic; your space might have a vintage painted wooden table in lime green paired with sleek Italian- styled chairs, a pink shag rug in one bedroom, and a purple and yellow theme in another. You may bathe in a pink swirl of a plaster shower, and your morning muffin will pop out of an orange toaster.

The creation of visionary hotelier Peter de Savary, Mount Cinnamon Resort is perched hillside above Grand Anse Beach; its white walls provide a backdrop for splashes of color. Photo: Mount Cinnamon

Dining at the elevated terrace at Savvy’s Restaurant is equally colorful, as the setting mates the panoramic vistas of Grand Anse Beach with island flavors. Breakfast may be a platter of fresh fruit and dinner a fish dish with West Indian influences, but count on freshness as fruits and vegetables come from the farm of sister property Mount Edgecombe and the fresh catch of the day is always on the menu. The Mount Cinnamon Beach Club is just across the street and has a quiet stretch of sand on Grand Anse. Settle in for the day with a chaise under a yellow umbrella, and when it’s time for lunch retreat to the red-roofed restaurant. Late afternoon calls for a massage beachside, relaxing with warm breezes and the sounds of nature.

Poolside at Mount Cinnamon is ideal for sunbathing and when hunger strikes, Savvy, the open-air restaurant is right through the arches. Photo: Mount Cinnamon

Musical Colors: Compass Point, Nassau

From the air, the resort looks like a village built of Legos: red, blue, and yellow blocks joined together in a riotous celebration of colors, textures, and levels. The property is the creation of recording mogul Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records. His goal was to re-create the village atmosphere he knew growing up in his native Jamaica. He also wanted to pay homage to the colors and patterns of the Bahamian celebrations of Junkanoo, the annual street parties turned parades that take place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day each year and are an integral part of Bahamian culture. At the time of its opening in 1995, Compass Point quickly became a haven for musical artists. Today, the property is still steeped in that culture, and you can peruse the list of performers that have stayed there over the years and listen to their music, as each cottage is equipped with a selection of CDs.

The cottages at Compass Point Resort orient to the water to capture the sounds of lapping waves and allow sea breezes to flow through louvered windows. Photo: Debbie Snow

Hidden behind palms and green foliage, the resort’s wildly painted collection of 18 cottages, studios, and two-bedroom units are set right at the water’s edge. Every room has a balcony with sea views, where the soundtrack comes from nature. And although air conditioning is available, you’ve got the opportunity to open the windows and sleep to the sound of the sea crashing on the rocks and shoreline below. The two-bedroom units are set up on stilts, giving the upper levels panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. When it’s time for that picturesque sunset, head to the pier that extends 120 feet into the Atlantic Ocean to capture every shade from orange to indigo as the sun sinks below the waves.

Guests at Compass Point can don a mask and snorkel and explore the reefs off Love’s Beach or just unwind on the white sands. Photo: Compass Point Resort

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Grenada, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia

Best Caribbean Beach Resorts to Restore Your Mind, Body and Soul

January 27, 2022

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Who isn’t ready for a beach vacation? After more than a year of lockdowns, new safety protocols and travel restrictions it’s time for a change of pace and scenery. An escape to the Caribbean is a safe bet when you maneuver your way back into the world and a view of the sea is just what you’ll need to rejuvenate mind and body.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

You’ll find every luxury imaginable at this seaside splendor. The setting is pristine, sexy and classy, retaining Old World Caribbean charm while delivering New World amenities. Immersed in nature and surrounded by forest and ocean, the hillside venue provides views of the twin mountain peaks of the Pitons. One-of-a-kind villas are scattered throughout the grounds, most with private pools overlooking the sea. Villas come dressed in white furnishings and beds are draped in white mosquito netting. The Rainforest Spa is a collection of wooden suites suspended over the tropical forest floor offering healing treatments with coconut and detox powers of red clay. Down at the bottom of the hill lies an arc of sand and the turquoise waters home to the Marine Reserve where a snorkeling trip will promise sightings of angelfish, butterflyfish, moral eels and more. https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar- beach

Set on the grounds of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the Sugar Beach Resort lies between the twin mountains of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Photo: Sugar Beach

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

When you stay here you’ll feel like you’re in a world away from everything, the resort is immersed in quiet and calmness nestled along a pristine crescent beach and backed by rainforest. The sounds and sights of nature abound at this private enclave with koi ponds that greet arrivals and gardens with vibrant tropical blooms alluring hummingbirds. Guests come to chill, relax and unwind. While the resort caters to families as well as couples, each has designated beach areas and accommodations. Families stay in the beachside suites while couples will lavish in their garden villas with balcony or terrace facing the sea. Yoga on the pier, Pilates in the pavilion and a spa with immune-boosting treatments will revive any tired soul. https://www.carlisle-bay.com/

Carlisle Bay Resort is the only resort on the calm bay where guest villas have water and garden views from private outdoor spaces furnished with day beds and café seating. Photo: Carlisle Bay

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts

Your heart rate and blood pressure automatically drop upon entering the open-air lobby of this resort. Fragrances of lemongrass, mint and basil infuse the sea air beckoning you to visit the spa where you’ll effortlessly let go of the built-up stress in yoga and meditation classes. Nature is foremost showcased in the palm-lined courtyard with mesmerizing koi pond and a living wall of greenery and tropical blooms. Combining a beach and spa vacation is the perfect solution to escaping a stressed-out world and restoring body and spirit. Stretch out along the golden sands that fringe Banana Bay where the soft outline of Nevis provides the backdrop and your world will be transformed. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/saint-kitts-and- nevis/park-hyatt-st-kitts/skbph

Park Hyatt’s 125 rooms face the sea and have spa- inspired baths with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Premier suites offer private pools and decks facing out to the ocean. Photo: Park Hyatt

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, BVI

If you enjoy the journey then Scrub Island is for you. Getting to Scrub, a private island in the BVI takes a bit of time with the final leg of travel via boat. The seclusion of staying on a private island brings extraordinary bonuses and an elevated level of privacy. There are no cars allowed, just resort vehicles that shuttle guests around the 230 acres of volcanic land cloaked in nature trails with stunning scenery. Panoramic views of the blue and green mosaic of the Caribbean are seen from the highest peak of 438 feet. The island is ideal for hiking and exploring. Guests stay at hotel suites overlooking the marina or in private villas draped over the coastline with views of neighboring islands. Two beaches offer up alternatives; the marina beach is equipped with water sports and for those wanting to get away from it all the 1,000 feet of sand on the north shore is the absolute escape. https://www.scrubisland.com/

Scrub Island Resort’s north beach provides the ultimate venue for a day at the beach. Spend time walking the beach, snorkeling the reef and floating in the pool. Photo: Scrub Island

Four Seasons, Nevis

Island hospitality and warmth radiate at this often busy and exceptionally popular resort. Although, Four Seasons Nevis is the largest on this tiny island it often feels like a small inn where everyone knows your name. Nestled between the foothills of Nevis Peak and Pinney’s Beach, there is always a view of nature among the 350 acres. Rolling hills etched in winding roads throughout the grounds of the one- time sugar plantation are dotted with huge mango trees and flowering gardens. Activities include an 18- hole golf course, tennis courts, sailing and other water sports. Botanical tours, sunset monkey tours, kite making and the summer turtle program keep families engaged. Long walks on the three miles of golden sands of Pinney’s Beach where stops might include some of the island’s best beach bars are part of the program. Head back to the resort and the staff will set you up with chaises right at the water’s edge and the resort’s own, Kastawey Beach Bar serves up tropical fare. https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/

The Four Seasons experience begins in St. Kitts where guests board a private launch headed for the Nevis arrival at the private pier in front of the resort. Photo: Four Seasons

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

If your body is craving a long-awaited healthy retreat then Manchebo in Aruba will satisfy the yearning. Complimentary daily Pilates and yoga classes are offered beachside. Spa del Sol, the Balinese-focused spa, offers bamboo treatments, shiatsu and stone therapies as well as sea salt scrubs in thatched- roofed casitas overlooking the sea. The soft white sand of Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch, attracts the beach comer as well as turtles during nesting season, and the turquoise water is idyllic for floating and swimming. Culinary diversions range from Mediterranean and Caribbean inspired by fresh local seafood and vegans have a full menu of choices. Start the day with fresh fruit smoothies and a vegetable omelet. The daily catch and homegrown produce from the greenhouse change up the menu day-to-day. https://www.manchebo.com/

Primed for relaxation, the grounds of Manchebo Resort & Spa offer an assortment of places to chill, soak up the sun or relax in the shade of a thatched palapa. Photo: Manchebo

Silversands, Grenada

While the Spice Isle isn’t known, as much for its beaches, its green hillsides, tropical forests and waterfalls lure most to its interior. The island is fringed in white, black and golden sands with 45 beaches to explore. By far the best stretch is the white sand of Grande Anse with views of St. George’s. Two miles of creamy sand attract locals and visitors for walks, swims, a bit of socializing and even a stop at a local bar or the craft market. Silversands is the newest property along Grande Anse Beach with sprawling suites and nine private villas cascading the hillside with sea views. The sleek minimalistic design is fresh for the island; sand colored walls and warm beige furnishings complement the natural colors found beachside. Center stage is the double sized Olympic pool with catwalk waiting for the next photo opportunity. Guests stay active on and off the water with watersports and a fitness center and unwind with an expansive menu of local treatments at the spa. https://www.silversandsgrenada.com/

A contemporary version of a tropical resort Silversands brings a fresh look to Grand Anse Beach. On-site spa facilities include a sauna, Hamman steam and an ice cave. Photo: Silversands Grenada

Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-New Providence, Caribbean, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Stay, Trip Ideas

The Best New Caribbean Hotels of 2018

February 1, 2018

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A Caribbean getaway looks better than ever, thanks to a new crop of premium properties that will open their doors to guests in 2018. From intimate, upscale retreats to hip and sophisticated boutique hotels in the heart of the action, these beachfront resorts will set new standards, and provide exciting and enticing vacation options.

Quintessence Hotel, Long Bay, Anguilla

The New Year kicked off with the long-anticipated opening of the mansion-like Quintessence Hotel on Anguilla’s Long Bay. The project has been 10 years in the making and is the vision of Geoffrey and Keenie Fieger, who are 30-year residents. This lavish boutique getaway was created for the discerning guests who desire unrivaled luxury, privacy and personalized pampering. The property includes just nine suites and villas overlooking the white sand beaches of the bay. The vision of “The Q” was to create a guest experience that leaves them feeling as if they are being hosted in a grand tropical home.

A bedroom at the Quintessence Hotel rewards guests with generous living spaces, and incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo: Quintessence Hotel

Rooms and public areas feature handcrafted fixtures and custom artwork throughout, including a priceless collection of Haitian paintings and sculpture collected over decades by the owners. The grounds include a tennis court, life-size chessboard, yoga pavilion and outdoor massage pagoda set into the lush foliage. The Aidan Spa offers a full menu of treatments with a focus on health and wellness. In keeping with this ethos, a strict non-smoking policy is adhered to throughout the property. Five-star dining is offered at Julians, a tropical French bistro, where Executive Chef Dominique Thevenet offers a menu that blends locally sourced tropical dishes with traditional French cuisine. Meals are complemented by a fine wine cellar and hand-selected liquors and cocktails. Around-the-clock butler and concierge service caters to the needs of every guest. For more info see www.qhotelanguilla.com

Silversands, Grenada

Set to open in March of 2018, Silversands Grenada is the first major project added to the shores of Grand Anse Beach in 25 years. The resort stretches across two main buildings and offers 43 suites, including three one-bedroom suites and a 1,647 square-foot penthouse with two private terraces and grand views of the sea. In addition, nine residential villas will be scattered on the surrounding landscape. Sleek and modern in design, the resort will feature a 100-meter infinity pool, which stretches from the center of the resort to the shores of Grand Anse Bay, and will claim the title of longest pool in the Caribbean.

At the Silversands, whites and muted earth tones work with a sleek, minimalist design to create a sense of casual elegance. Rooms overlook Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Silversands

Within the resort itself, a rotating art exhibit will showcase Grenadian art alongside pieces from the resort owner’s personal collection. Guests will also be able to enjoy a relaxing sanctuary at the Silversands Spa, which incorporates a sauna, hammam, temperature-controlled pool and a fitness center. Two restaurants will showcase the island’s fresh produce and line-caught fish. The Beach Club offers globally inspired bites, freshly caught seafood and craft beers, rums and wines from around the world. The Thai restaurant brings in the vibrant flavors of the east, while also incorporating the spices the island is known for. More about the resort at www.silversandsgrenada.com

Serafina Beach Hotel, Condado, Puerto Rico

Another premier resort set to open in March of 2018 is the Serafina Beach Resort, which is located in San Juan’s popular and happening Condado district. This is the first lifestyle hotel concept created by the owner of the global restaurant brand, Serafina Restaurant Group. The atrium-style lobby is designed to serve as a communal gathering space, with dramatic ceilings, hanging chairs, full-size art murals by local artists, striking effervescent light fixtures and a cascading sleek staircase.

The white sands and turquoise waters of San Juan’s Condado Beach are reflected in the room décor of the Serafina Beach Hotel, which is Puerto Rico’s newest contemporary resort. Photo: Serafina Beach Hotel

The resort has a minimalist décor enhanced with a bohemian and youthful attitude. A palette of sea foam green, turquoise blue, grey and white evoke a sense of causal tropical appeal, and complement the seaside setting. This mid-sized resort offers 96 contemporary guestrooms with oversized floor to ceiling windows that allow for grand views of the Atlantic Ocean or the adjacent Laguna del Condado. Three food and beverage venues include the signature eMare, serving Italian cuisine with a touch of Puerto Rico, the energetic PiñaCo Bar and the By the Pool, where poolside cabanas frame the seductive infinity pool. For additional information visit www.serafinabeachhotel.com

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua

One of the most impressive new developments in the Caribbean is the $100 million Hodges Bay project, which is set to open in mid 2018 along the secluded north shore of Antigua. The ultra-luxe property consists of 79 guest accommodations, which include four-bedroom villas and oceanfront junior suites, some of which will have outdoor Jacuzzis and fully equipped designer kitchens. All villa guests will enjoy a dedicated concierge service, with options that include a pre- stocked pantry, daily grocery shopping and washed and folded laundry. Beach and pool ambassadors are on hand to provide services such as another application of sunscreen to preparing a private gourmet meal in your villa.

An ocean view junior suite at Antigua’s Hodges Bay Resort & Spa provides views of the Caribbean from a private terrace. Guests enjoy on-call ambassador services. Photo: Hodges Bay

Hodges Bay will offer three restaurants and six bars, including a swim-up bar at the infinity pool and a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the lush island surroundings. Active guests can enjoy unlimited water sports, fitness classes and local tours. After a day of outings and activities, guests can relax and refresh with some downtime at the resort’s new spa. This oasis of calm and rejuvenation includes five treatment rooms, a hydro-pool and a relaxation area for settling in before treatments. Pilates and yoga classes are offered daily, and families can find age-appropriate amenities for youngsters at the Flying Fish Club and the Connect Teen Lounge. Adults may prefer to secure a spot under a poolside cabana. For additional information visit www.eleganthotels.com/hodges-bay

Rosewood Baha Mar, Cable Beach, Nassau

Rosewood will be the third resort to open in the long awaited multi-property oasis of Baha Mar. Look for it in the early summer of 2018. Set on the white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach, this property will provide a sanctuary of exclusivity with restaurants, spa, private pools and villas. Rosewood Baha Mar will offer 190 beach-view accommodations, including deluxe guestrooms and one, two and three-bedroom suites along with five luxurious four-bedroom beachfront villas. Bahamian refinement and sophistication are evoked with elegant British colonial architecture and design, and each room will be appointed with Bahamian art and decor.

The décor at the Rosewood Baha Mar draws design inspirations from Bahamian Colonial traditions and a color pallet that reflects the sands and waters of island landscapes. Photo: Rosewood

All guestrooms will have private balconies and outdoor living spaces. Four on-site signature dining venues include Commonwealth, a farm-to-table restaurant with a Rum Room for ceremonial Bahamian dinners; an al fresco Pool Grille serving cocktails and fresh seafood; the nautical-themed Bar Riva featuring craft cocktails and small plates; and the Library offering Bahamian-style tea and unique gin and tonic varieties. Guests can also visit the Tea & Gardenia Boutique, which offers a curated selection of global teas, hand-cut flowers and specialty resort wear from Island Company Clothing. The Sense® Spa embraces the Rosewood philosophy by providing a menu of specialized treatments that reflect on the local culture and environment, combining unparalleled personalized treatments with Bahamian wellness traditions and indigenous island ingredients. For more information visit www.rosewoodhotels.com

Caribbean, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Plan, St. Kitts, Trip Ideas

Where to go now in the Caribbean

May 18, 2017

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Caribbean travelers are always keen to find that next great new place, but most also want to experience of a bit of local flavor. These three islands offer up traditional culture, natural beauty and some of the finest and newest resorts in the region. See what’s trending on these authentic Caribbean isles and make sure they are on your radar.

Grenada

Spices in the air, waterfalls cascading from rainforest slopes, colorful island sloops lining a Colonial era harbor. These are the visions conjured by the slogan “Pure Grenada,” which is this three-island nation’s new statement of cultural identity. The fertile volcanic soils still sustain a thriving agricultural economy, but Grenada also nurtures a growing tourism infrastructure that is proving equally rich and rewarding for both hosts and guests. On the hillside overlooking Grand Anse Beach, Kimpton Kawana Bay has broken ground and is slated to open in 2019. A 375-acre resort and residential development at Levera Beach Resort includes the boutique Turtle Beach Hotel, which will open in late 2017. In addition, the landmark Mount Cinnamon property is undergoing a renovation and expansion that will add another section of villas.

On the secluded north shore of Grenada, the Turtle Beach Hotel overlooks the pristine sands of Levera Beach and a pair of private islands accessible to hotel guests. Photo: Joshua Yetman/Grenada Tourism Authority

Stunning beaches and natural beauty aren’t the only assets drawing visitors to Grenada. The islands are steeped in tradition, which manifests in a year-round roster of festivals and cultural events. With a deep connection to food and locally grown produce, the Chocolate Festival celebrates the island’s agricultural tourism. Traditional crops such as allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg now take a back seat to the production of cacao, and chocolate may have its place on the national flag one day. Sister isle Carriacou maintains a line up of festivities rooted in local tradition. The annual Carriacou Carnival includes dancing in the street, parades and competitions that include rhyme and humor. The island also hosts the Maroon & Music Festival, honoring African origins depicted through drumming and singing.

Grenada is known as the Spice Island, famous for its groves of nutmeg and cinnamon. In recent years, chocolate has become a sweet addition to the agricultural scene. Photo: Joshua Yetman/Grenada Tourism Authority

St. Kitts

It’s been just over a decade since the government of St. Kitts made a conscious decision to transition the local economy from an agricultural base to hospitality. Today a quarter of the population is involved in tourism, and new residential and resort properties are opening each year. A key focus of this planned growth is preserving the elements that have made St. Kitts such a desirable destination. This is an island known for its green landscapes, uncrowded beaches, historic sites and plantation inns. With infrastructure on the rise, and construction prevalent on the once vacant hillsides, the government has taken measures to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the island. More than a quarter of the island is set aside in nature preserves, and marine parks line the shores.

On the southern coast of St. Kitts, a long peninsula known for pristine beaches and secluded bays is now home to the marina village of Christophe Harbour and soon, the Park Hyatt hotel. Photo: St. Kitts Tourism

Of the several new resort and residential projects underway, the island’s new favorite is Kittitian Hill, which sits on 400 acres of organic farmland that stretches from the slopes of Mount Liamuiga to the beach. Here, guests of Belle Monte Farm are housed in a collection of authentic West Indian cottages and farm houses, and dine at The Kitchen Restaurant, where cuisines are derived from the on-site organic gardens. The Kittitian Hill project continues to expand with new villas and programs created to immerse guests in the local culture and agriculture scene in a setting that resembles a traditional village. Another ongoing project is the marina village of Christophe Harbour, where the shores are lined with restaurants, bars, shops and home sites. The once vacant peninsula will have its first full-service hotel when the Park Hyatt opens in the summer of 2017. Also on the horizon and slated for 2017 with a price tag of $180 million is the Koi Resort & Residences, a multi-use resort development with 295 villas and suites located adjacent to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. Two smaller projects include the Imperial Bay Beach & Golf Residences adjacent to the Koi, and the Silver Reef Resort, another residential plan with one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

On the southern coast of St. Kitts, Salt Plage is new spot at Christophe Harbor. Patrons can enjoy craft cocktails while relaxing in day beds or hammocks suspended over the water. Photo: Debbie Snow

Guadeloupe

With loads of scenic beauty and a unique French Creole mix of cultures, Guadeloupe has long appealed to Canadian and European tourists. Today, thanks to additional air service, these islands are also attracting a growing U.S. market. But the international influx hasn’t changed the character of the destination, and this gem of the French West Indies remains true to its roots. In addition to the culture, the landscape delivers a wealth of natural attractions. The white sand beaches, coral reefs and seaside villages of Grande-Terre stand in stark contrast to Basse-Terre, where shores are lined in dark volcanic sands and backed by towering mountains laced with hiking trails and waterfalls. Also in the mix is a collection of unspoiled out islands, where life moves at a slower pace. Guadeloupe is noted for its French Creole culture and delicious Creole-based cuisine. Visitors will find an abundance of seafood dishes accented with local fruit and vegetables.

The Cascade Aux Ecrevisse is one of Guadeloupe’s most popular waterfalls. It can be reached by an easy ten-minute walk along a well-maintained pathway. Photo: Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board

At the center of island culture are the markets. The largest in the heart of Pointe-a-Pitre is filled with vendors offering spices, seafood and mounds of fruits, vegetables and locally made condiments. Also noteworthy are the markets at Sainte-Anne, and new to the scene is the Friday night market at Gosier, which includes artwork from local artists, baked goods as well as produce and spices. A favorite place to stay in Gosier is Auberge de la Vieille Tour, a charming seaside resort with a touch of Creole décor over French colonial architecture. On the hillside overlooking the ocean, La Toubana Hotel & Spa has added ocean view suites, two with their own pools. Guadeloupe’s new focus comes in the form of eco loges. Two new projects offer up alternatives to typical hotels and serve as environmentally sound stays. Aqua Lodge is a floating hotel equipped with solar panels and Tendacayou is a retreat and spa in the rainforest on Basse- Terre.

On the islands of Guadeloupe, the blending of Creole flavors and French flair creates a savory range of cuisines, often featuring fresh seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Photo: Shutterstock

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

The Caribbean’s Best Beachfront Resorts

May 3, 2017

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

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

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

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

Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

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

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

Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

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

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

The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI

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

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

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

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

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

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

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

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

Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI

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

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

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bermuda, Caribbean, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Barts

Top Eco-friendly Caribbean Resorts

March 21, 2017

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Going on a Caribbean vacation shouldn’t be a guilty pleasure. And when you stay at a resort that displays the Green Globe seal, you are not only indulging yourself, but also casting a vote for eco- friendly and sustainable business practices. This international organization grants its blessings only to companies and organizations that are committed to making positive contributions to people and the planet, demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainable practices, and pass a detailed audit. Here are seven prime resorts that pass muster.

Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada

The owners of Blue Horizons went green to earn gold. The six-acre resort is tucked away on a hillside above Grand Anse Beach, with grounds and gardens planted with 9,500 indigenous plants and trees to create more than 250 new green spaces. This tree- planting initiative created a refuge for 27 species of tropical birds. The property operates on rainwater collection, solar water heating and gravity-fed water storage tanks. While recycling is high on the list, the staff also works to reduce initial consumption through the reusing of existing packaging when purchasing consumables, and an emphasis on sustainable seafood and local produce. This commitment to conservation has earned the resort Green Globe Certification for five years running, resulting in a coveted Gold membership status.

The owners of Grenada’s Blue Horizons resort planted thousands of native trees and bushes to create an attractive and eco- conscious habitat on a hillside above Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Blue Horizons

Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda

Water is a precious commodity on the island of Bermuda. To keep the fluid flowing in a responsible and sustainable manner, the management of Tucker’s Point invested in a million dollar green initiative that includes a rainwater collection system, solar water heating and a seawater reverse osmosis plant. All water discharges run through a proprietary water treatment plant and then held in a two million gallon pond that is used to irrigate the golf course. The grounds provide a natural habitat for nesting Bermuda bluebirds; the kitchen harvests herbs from onsite gardens; and all kitchen oil is collected and refined for use as alternative fuel around the property. This dedication to sustainable operation earned the resort the Green Globe Certification in 2012, and it remains the only property in Bermuda to hold these credentials.

Rather than tap Bermuda’s limited municipal water supply, the Tucker’s Point resort operates a reverse osmosis plant that produces up to 50,000 gallons of fresh water a day. Photo: Tucker’s Point

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s 14-acre stretch of white sand is among the Caribbean’s top beaches, and the property has been named as one of the most sustainable hotels in the world. Bucuti has earned Green Globe Platinum status, and is on track to become the first carbon neutral resort in the Caribbean. By coupling an on-site photovoltaic solar panel system to the power grid, the resort operates on 47 percent clean energy, and maintains the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba. Local sourcing further reduces the property’s carbon footprint, and the use of biodegradable materials practically eliminates the use of plastic. Guests are gifted with reusable water bottles and are invited to participate in the monthly beach cleanup hosted by the resort. Since it began 20 years ago, this program removes on average 500 pounds of waste from Aruba’s beaches each year.

The luxurious pool deck at Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is proof that going green doesn’t have to mean giving up resort amenities. Photo: Bucuti Beach Resort

Le Guanihani, St. Barts

Long revered for its spectacular natural setting, in 2017 Le Guanihani became the first resort on St. Barts to earn Green Globe Certification. This honor was the result of a five-year program that encompassed a sweeping range of initiatives designed to both limit the property’s environmental impact, and to effect positive changes to the surrounding ecosystems. Among these programs were the switch to low energy lighting, low- carbon products and selective waste sorting. Water produced from reverse osmosis is recycled for irrigation use through a grey water system, and the resort actively offsets carbon emissions. The 18-acre grounds are maintained in a natural condition, and efforts are made to protect indigenous plants and animals. The resort has also pledged to support the 2,500-acre marine park that surrounds the peninsula, and supports local artisanal fishermen.

Set between Marigot Bay and Grand Cul de Sac, the eco-friendly grounds of Le Guanihani spread over 18 tropical acres straddling a peninsula with two beaches. Photo: Le Guanihani

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

From the onset, the grounds of Hermitage Bay were designed to blend into Antigua’s natural surroundings. This began with a non- invasive approach to site clearing that retained the original coastal mangrove ecosystem, and the use of sustainable building materials for each of the resort’s 27 cottage suites. The on-site organic gardens provide much of the herbs, fruits and vegetables used in the kitchen, which also supports local farmers and fishermen to provide guests with an authentic farm-to-plate experience. To reduce electrical demands, each cottage was designed and positioned to take advantage of trade winds, reducing or eliminating the need for air conditioning. Water is distributed by solar energy, and a grey water system sustains the gardens.

Rooms at Antigua’s Hermitage Bay resort were designed to take advantage of the sites natural airflow, and guests are often able to forgo air conditioning in favor of sea breezes. Photo: Hermitage Bay

Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Situated at the entrance to Old San Juan, with the 17th century San Geronimo Fort just steps away, the Caribe Hilton takes its green initiatives seriously, and incorporates sustainable practices into the everyday operation of the hotel. The extensive recycling program includes plastic, aluminum, paper from the offices, metal hangers, alkaline batteries, frying oil, cell phones, cartons and more. Earth-friendly products are used in cleaning; leftover food goes to a homeless shelter and food waste to a local pig farm. As a member of the Hilton Family Hotels, the group is committed to reducing energy consumption and lowering CO2 emissions. Local initiatives supported by the hotel include beach cleaning, mangrove restoration and tree planting.

The Caribe Hilton has a comprehensive recycling and employs a range of energy saving technologies that don’t compromise the guest experience. Photo: Caribe Hilton

Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The Green Globe team awarded the Jamaica Inn high marks for their commitment to creating eco-friendly and eco-aware programs that engage both staff and guests. Each year, the resort’s pristine crescent of beach and nearby Oracabessa Beach are the site of the Sea Turtle Recovery Program, which protects hundreds of nesting sites and releases thousands of hatchling hawksbill turtles into the sea. Earth Day brings tree planting throughout the property, with the goal of creating new wildlife habitat. On the conservation front, Jamaica Inn recently added solar panels, a recycling initiative, and an onsite composting system that repurposes food scraps to the garden. Flowers used throughout the hotel are grown at the on-site greenhouse.

Guests at the Jamaica Inn share a pristine beach with seasonal arrivals of nesting sea turtles. A resort sponsored program helps release thousands of hatchlings into the sea. Photo: Jamaica Inn

Caribbean, Grenada, Plan, Trip Ideas

Grenada’s Authentic Island Adventures

February 24, 2017

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If beachfront high-rises, duty free malls and cruise ship mega- ports aren’t your thing, Grenada is for you. On this lush and laid- back island, the old ways linger. Trading sloops dock at stone wharfs overshadowed by a historic fort; locals gather to haggle at village markets; and nutmeg and cinnamon groves fill the air with fragrant scents. Get your taste of old-school Caribbean traditions and step back to a simpler time with these unique island activities.

A Free Market Encounter

Open-air markets were once the commercial and social hubs of Caribbean islands, and the tradition lives on in St. George’s Market Square. Gone are the days when ladies donned starched dresses and big hats, and even the vendors dressed up in their best. But the free market vibe hasn’t changed, as farmers, artisans and traders hawk their wares from open-air stalls or invite passers by to linger in the shade of the market’s roofed pavilions.

Fresh fruits and local spices are displayed on vendor’s tables at St. George’s Market Square. In addition to commerce, the square is a center for socializing and island gossip. Photo: Debbie Snow

Located at the foot of Young Street in St. George’s, the market is open every day except Sunday, but it’s Saturday morning that is the most vibrant. Locals gossip as they pick up charcoal for coal pots, and stock up on callaloo and root vegetables. A machete- wielding vendor slices the tops off coconuts and adds a straw for sipping the sweet nectar inside. Island visitors amble about, sampling both familiar and exotic fruits, and seeking out aromatic spices and attention getting hot sauces. Spices come right from the farm, unpackaged and unprocessed, or ground and bagged for easy packing. Not to be missed are the nutmeg syrups and jams, and cinnamon sticks the size of sausage.

A Growing Attraction

For an authentic dose of farm life on Grenada, head to Belmont Estate, which is an hour’s drive north from the capital to the parish of St. Patrick. This 400-acre working farm has been in operation since the 1660’s. In 1944, the property was bought by Norbert and Lyris Nyack, the first Grenadians of East Indian decent to own a plantation on the island. Today the farm is run by their grand niece, Shadel Nyack Compton. She has created an agri- tourism program that allows visitors to experience a working plantation while also supporting sustainable local agriculture.

Grenada’s Belmonte Estate is a working farm and spice orchard that welcomes visitors and provides a glimpse of traditional island agricultural practices. Photo: Debbie Snow

The gardens are planted with local fruits and spices, and guests can tour the grounds, greenhouses, herb and vanilla gardens and an on-site goat dairy. After the garden tour visitors head to the onsite restaurant where a buffet of local dishes is served in traditional coal pots. Ladies assemble tables on the stairs below the restaurant to sell jams, spices and sauces. Another favorite is the cocoa tour, which begins with the harvest, sorting, fermentation and drying of cacao beans on wooden trays, and ends with hot chocolate drink. Most guests then head directly to the chocolate store to purchase bars of chocolate in various concentrations as well as brownies, cupcakes and other chocolate confections.

A Liquid Legacy

The majority of Grenada’s sugarcane crop is distilled into rum right on the island. And just about all of the rum production from the River Antoine Rum Distillery is slated for local consumption. One reason is because the alcohol content is too high to export and patrons of local rum shops have developed a taste for this potent elixir. Located in the northern parish of St. Patrick River Antoine is the oldest remaining water-powered distillery in the Caribbean, and the only one on the island that starts the process from fresh crushed cane rather than molasses.

At the River Antoine Rum Distillery, a water wheel crushes the cane used to create a traditional style of extremely potent rum that is a favorite with island residents. Photo: Debbie Snow

A visit here is a step back in time, as the process and equipment hasn’t changed during the distillery’s 250 years in operation. A tour through the works gives a glimpse of what happens after the harvest, as the crushing, the heating, the distilling and the bottling are all done the same way as when the facility began operation in 1785. After the tour, the tasting takes place. Only the brave sample the first bottle, as just a whiff of its high level of alcohol makes eyes water. After a taste of this firewater, the less strong rums go down smooth. River Antoine produces a limited number of the light stuff, and even chocolate rum for those who wish to bring some home.

Valentine's Day In The Caribbean On Beach

Anguilla, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Caribbean, Dominica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands

10 Romantic Caribbean Escapes

January 27, 2017

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Don’t settle for the same old flowers and candy routine this Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself and that special someone to a romantic interlude in the Caribbean. These premiere properties are offering special packages that are sure to fan the flame.

Suite Love

Rekindle romance in a Love Nest Suite at Sandals on Barbados. These private enclaves of intimacy provide all the elements, from four-poster beds to balcony soak tubs with ocean views. Personal butler service brings indulgences right to the room, but should you wish to venture out, all the amenities of Sandals Barbados await. For Valentine’s week, the resort will offer special couple’s nights presentations such as a chocolate themed buffet.

A swim-up suite at Sandals Barbados includes a private veranda with a soak tub that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, while still providing the ultimate in privacy. Photo: Sandals

Wine and Dine

If the way to the heart really is the stomach, there’s love aplenty at Nassau’s Graycliff Hotel. This historic and casually elegant five-star property serves up a three-night Romance Package that begins with a chilled bottle of champagne and a sampler of Graycliff chocolates. Later, you’ll be indulged with a four-course chef’s tasting menu and wine. Another night is highlighted by a Caipirinha and dinner at the Churrascaria Humidor. There is also a culinary lesson with an executive chef, a chocolate and spirits tasting and a day at the Blue Lagoon Beach.

Signature chocolate creations from Graycliff Chocolatier. This historic Nassau hotel combines five-star service with a casually elegant atmosphere. Photo: Graycliff

Stay Together, Play Together

Sugar Beach’s Sweet As Sugar package starts off with champagne and a long-stemmed rose at a luxury villa. But this isn’t your usual boudoir-centric getaway. Over the course of four days you and your special someone will bond over an introductory dive in the crystal waters of St. Lucia’s national marine reserve, hike up Gros Piton, and experience the Sulphur Seduction tour, which includes a visit to an active volcano and a soak in therapeutic mineral springs. There’s also relaxation in the mix, including a sunset cruise, breakfast in bed and a romantic candlelit dinner served beachside or in a garden setting.

A hillside villa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach takes in expansive views of the Caribbean Sea. Native fruit trees grow on the landscaped grounds. Photo: Sugar Beach

Spice It Up

Escape to Grenada, the island of spices, where your private luxury suite opens to spectacular Grand Anse Beach. You don’t actually have to be newlyweds to enjoy the Spice Up Your Honeymoon package at Spice Island Beach Resort, which welcomes you with tropical flowers, fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, and champagne on ice. Dine on your private patio or take in spectacular ocean views and the sounds of a steel band at Oliver’s. Relax with a couple’s massage at Janissa’s Spa and leave with a basket of spice scented body oils. Cap off a memorable day at the beach with a sunset sail along the island’s scenic Caribbean coast.

Spice Island Beach Resort is Grenada’s premier all-inclusive property. The resort occupies a prime location on Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Dehoog/Spice Island

Let Love Linger

Why settle for a day of romance when you can stretch a Valentine’s Day treat to a full week of togetherness. An ideal way to keep that special feeling going is with the Sea of Love package at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Anguilla, where luxury accommodations are set against a dazzling crescent of white sand on Rendezvous Bay. Couples can begin the day with al fresco offerings at Café Med or enjoy in-room breakfasts. There’s golf and beach time, but food often takes center stage, as the package includes select meals at three additional signature restaurants, plus cooking classes, private beachside dining and a chef’s table experience. Also in the mix are massages and spa packages, and a day’s use of a rental car to explore the island.

Beachfront rooms and suites at Anguilla’s CuisinArt resort provide sweeping views of Rendezvous Bay. Fine dining is a hallmark of this upscale property. Photo: Joe Rahm/CuisinArt

If you love Piña Coladas…..

The song may be kitsch, but the setting is not. Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton actually is the birthplace of the Piña Colada, but there are many more reasons to visit this landmark property. Occupying a prime beachfront location on Condado Lagoon, and just a short distance away from the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the Caribe Hilton is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property has kept up with the times, and offers a full range of modern luxuries. Couples who book a three-night Valentine’s package will enjoy special perks and pricing.

The pool at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. For more than 60 years, this resort has been a favorite with vacationers to the island. Photo: Don Riddle/Caribe Hilton

Natural Attraction

Reconnect with nature and each other at the Caribbean’s premier eco- resort. The Tropical Romance package at Dominica’s Rosalie Bay is a five- night immersion in the island’s natural beauty, and a relaxing indulgence for body and mind. Enjoy healthful, savory cuisines based on locally sourced foods, wander a surf-washed black sand beach and enjoy a private five- course dinner served on the banks of a scenic river. The package also includes a couple’s massage, a day trip to Dominica’s famous Champagne Reef, and a relaxing soak in the hot sulphur springs. Rooms are lavished with fresh flowers daily, and gifted with natural island-related aphrodisiacs at evening turndown.

A view from the porch at Rosalie Bay. Sitting next to a nature preserve, this upscale eco retreat overlooks a black sand beach and the surf-washed Atlantic. Photo: Rosalie Bay

Love on the Rocks

Perched on a rocky seaside bluff at the entrance to Charlotte Amalie’s harbor, Frenchman’s Reef provides a romantic setting where couples can watch the ships come and go from a private balcony, and take in the lights of St. Thomas at night. The resort’s Ultimate Romance Package is ideal for a Valentine’s getaway, and includes requisite perks such as champagne, couple’s spa treatments and special dining credits. An added attraction of stays at Frenchman’s is immediate access to the quiet sands of Morningstar Beach.

A view from the hillside terrace at Frenchman’s Reef take in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and the island of St. Thomas. Photo: Corey Weiner/Frenchman’s Reef

Fragrant Memories

A dozen red roses set the tone when you arrive at Belmond La Samanna, where rooms open to fresh sea breezes and the sapphire blue waters of Long Bay. During the month of February, the resort’s Valentine’s Package provides perks such as a Tijon VIP gift bag, couple’s Swedish massage and a unique dinner experience at La Cave, the resort’s on-site atmospheric wine cellar. For a sensory reminder of their time together on St. Martin, couples are treated to a perfumery tour, where they can create their own handcrafted fragrance.

Whites and warm wood accents complement the blues of the Caribbean at Belmond La Samanna. This St. Martin resort is known for good food and fine wines. Photo: La Samanna

Say I Still Do

Anguilla’s Cap Juluca is a stunningly beautiful setting where it would be hard not to fall in love—or fall in love again. To facilitate romances new and old, the resort is offering several Valentine’s themed specials during the month of February. The Romantic Rendezvous pampers couples in a luxury oceanfront room or suite, and adds in extras such as couple’s massages, daily libations and a special private beachside dinner under the stars. During Valentine’s week, couples can reaffirm their commitments with the I Still Do package, which begins with a beach or lawn ceremony, complete with photographer, bouquet and boutonniere. This is followed by champagne and cake, and the day ends with a private three-course dinner with wine on the beach.

The distinctive Greco-Moorish architecture of Cap Juluca resort complements the white sands and blue waters of Anguilla’s Maunday’s Bay. Photo: Mark Welland/Cap Juluca

Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Christmas Traditions

November 14, 2016

They may not hang stockings with care, or watch for a jolly fat guy breach the chimney, but celebrants throughout the Caribbean have their own holiday traditions. Each island celebrates the season in slightly different ways, but food, fellowship and song are sure to play a central role. Here are some of the ways to ring in the holidays, island style.

Grenada

On the Spice Island, the holiday season is the time for parang music, where groups of singers and musicians go house to house to serenade friends and family with folk songs that often include ad-lib lyrics with a personal note. The week before Christmas, Grenada’s sister island, Carriacou, hosts the annual Parang Festival, where tunes may take on social and satirical overtones. The sounds of steel pan music also fill the air, as musicians put a tropical riff on holiday classics. Holiday bunting takes a tropical turn in Grenada, as the halls may be decked with bamboo, palm, or coconut, and Christmas trees adorned with nutmeg, cinnamon, or sea shell ornaments. A favorite treat is black cake, which is flavored with dried fruits and infused with spices and the rich flavors of rum. Christmas ham is a must for each household, and seasonal refreshments include sorrel tea, ponch-de-crème and ginger beer.

On islands such as Grenada, the uniquely Caribbean sound of a steel pan orchestra transforms traditional Christmas tunes into lilting island melodies. Joshua Yetman/Grenada Tourism Authority

Barbados

In December, holiday lights brighten the historic buildings of Bridgetown; music fills the air as speaker-equipped trucks take to the streets to spread Christmas music. Two of the season’s most anticipated concerts are the Christmas Jazz Festival and the Carols by Candlelight celebration, which takes place at the gardens of Ilaro Court, the residence of the Barbadian Prime Minister. After the observance of a midnight mass or Christmas morning service, many Bajans flock to a concert in Queens Park for musical performances from the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, Tuk bands and gospel performers. Food is an important part of the season, and visitors can sample an array of Barbadian favorites. Must try dishes include great cake, jug jug and baked ham. Great cakes blend dried fruit and spices with a liberal infusion of Barbados’ famous rum. Harking back to Barbados’ Scottish heritage, jug jug is a porridge-like dish made from green peas, guinea corn flour, herbs and salt meat. The most important part of a Bajan Christmas meal is the baked ham, basted in a pineapple and sorrel glaze.

Holiday lights along Wharf Road are reflected in the still waters of Barbados’ Constitution River. Through December, the island’s capital is resplendent in seasonal décor. Photo: Andrew Browne/Barbados Tourism

St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s holiday season kicks off with the Festival Lights, an annual celebration honoring the island’s namesake Saint Lucia, the Patron Saint of Light. Residents and visitors are encouraged to make colorful and creative lanterns, which then decorate towns and streets. Another favorite Saint Lucian Christmas tradition is bamboo bursting, which involves the making of homemade fireworks from hollow bamboo canes. In the nights leading up to Christmas, the booms of exploding bamboo stalks can be heard on village streets. Holiday feasts center around roasted lamb or turkey, complemented with local yams and plantains. The traditional desert is the St. Lucian version of fruitcake, made with dried currants, raisins and fruits soaked in red wine for several months before being mixed into the pudding to create spicy, fruity taste. The signature drink is the Caribbean favorite known as sorrel, a refreshing spiced drink that is often mixed with rum and enjoyed during a stroll along the beach.

Aruba

Seasonal music and special foods are a big part of any holiday celebration, and in Aruba this means Gaita and ayacas. Several weeks before Christmas, Aruban families gather to make a traditional holiday food called ayacas. Though no two family recipes are the same, ayacas are made by smearing plantain or banana leaves with a cornmeal dough; adding a mixture of chicken, pork, or ham, along with a potpourri of spices, prunes, raisins, olives, pickles, cashews, piccalilli, and pearl onions; and folding the assemblages into neat little packets to be boiled in salted water for an hour. These hearty treats can then be kept ready for last-minute holiday parties or served to impromptu visitors.

Ayacas came from Venezuela, and so did Gaita music. Arubans have adopted this Venezuelan Christmas music and made it their own. Gaita bands are typically made up of a line of female singers accompanied by musicians playing the furuku, cuarta, base, piano, tambu. These groups perform at public venues across the island from October through December, with festive rhythms that put passers-by and partygoers into the holiday spirit. Another musical tradition unique to Aruba is Dande, which occurs after Christmas. Dande means “to revel” or “to carouse” in the local language, Papiamento. These small groups of singers and musicians travel to the homes of friends and families, serenading with wishes of success and happiness in the coming year.

In Aruba, Gaita bands perform during the holiday season at homes and in public areas, passing a hat that the audience fills with coins to ensure prosperity in the coming year. Photo; Julien de Bats/Aruba Tourism Authority

Cayman Islands

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Camana Bay marks the beginning of the Cayman Islands’ holiday. The Island is transformed into a tropical version of a winter wonderland with the hallmark 40-foot tree, musical performances by the Cayman National Choir, a Christmas craft market, and a special visit from Santa. The Parade of Lights brings a fleet of colorfully lit boats into the harbor, as thousands watch from shore, and the evening ends with an over-water fireworks show. Throughout December, the island’s National Trust hosts a Christmas Lights Bus Tour, where guests can sample Christmas beef and cassava cake during a guided tour of local houses and gardens beautifully decked out for the season. Musical highlights of the season include the Christmas Carol Concert at Elmsie Church and the Singing Christmas Tree, a pageant which highlights the story of Jesus’ birth depicted through a 25-foot Christmas tree encased with over 5,000 lights, and featuring more than 60 local and international performers. Also popular with locals and visitors are the Christmas Moonlight Movies, which are family friendly flicks shown on a big screen under the stars in Camana Bay.

Santa makes a much-anticipated appearance on the island of Grand Cayman. The downtown waterfront at Camana Bay is a focal point for many holiday events, from concerts to boat parades. Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Bermuda

Christmas traditions brought from Olde England take on a tropical flavor in Bermuda. In the historic district of St. George’s, historical re-enactors roam candlelit streets, and the sound of classic carols fills the air. Private homes, some dating from the Colonial era, are resplendent in lavish displays of holiday lights, and historic churches are filled with singing and lights on Christmas eve, The mood lightens at the Hamilton Christmas Parade, and goes full tropical on Christmas Day, when hundreds of ex-pats and visitors gather at Elbow Beach for a festive day of food, drink and music. December 26—Boxing Day—puts yet another unique spin on the season with the arrival of the Gombies, traditional troupes of colorfully-attired dancers who move to the sounds of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles.

Holiday lights fill the historic district of Bermuda’s capital, St. George’s. Each December, a tradition known as the walkabout brings islanders into the streets for singing and mingling. Photo: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Christmas celebrations start early and keep going into the middle of January. Starting the first days of December, groups stage impromptu parrandas, which are a local version of caroling. In late evening, the parranderos gather quietly at a chosen home of a friend or relative, then burst into song to surprise and wake the occupants. The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance follow. Christmas Day is the time to gather for lechón asado, the roasting of a whole pig over a fire pit. The cooking begins well before dawn, and continues through the day as friends and relatives gather to gossip and sing. Santa is a recent addition to Puerto Rican culture, and long before the man in the red suit was imported to the tropics, island children looked forward to El Día de Reyes on January 6th, which honors the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem. On the evening of January 5th Puerto Rican children fill boxes with grass for the king’s camels, and go to sleep with the anticipation of having the grass eaten, and exchanged for candies and presents. Traditional holiday celebrations continue with a pair of weeklong festivals known as the Octavas and the Octavia, which stretch the season through late January.

Arroz con Dulce—sweet rice pudding—is a favorite end to a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dinner that typically centers around lechón asao, a fire-roasted whole pig. Photo: Olaf Speier/iStock

Anguilla

One of the most anticipated holiday observances on the quiet island of Anguilla is the Festival de Noel, which takes place December 18 – 19. This gathering on the grounds of the Old East End School kicks off with competitions and pageantry, caroling, a visit from Santa, and the distribution of food baskets to the elderly. Another island-wide holiday tradition is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which kicks off the Festival of Lights display along Coronation Avenue, the main street of the island’s capital. A relatively new tradition on Anguilla is the South Hill Christmas Experience, which is a celebration of holiday traditions and culinary treats hosted by a local village. Like a number of other Caribbean islands with a British heritage, December 26, Boxing Day, is a public holiday.

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