Tag Archives: Jamaica

Antigua Carnival
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Curacao, Eat, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas

The Best Caribbean Summer Parties

Leave a comment

 

Summer is a great time to be in the Caribbean. The winter season crowds are long gone, and the locals come out to play. Parties and festivals pop up on islands across the region, offering everything from intriguing cultural experiences to unabashed beach parties. Here are a dozen must-do island parties for the summer.

Riviera Maya Film Festival

In the first week of June, the international film community converges on the beach town of Playa del Carmen. Now in its seventh year, the Riviera Maya Film Festival has garnered the attention of film buffs, who come together for showings of award-winning Mexican and international films. The 2017 festival is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators for both indoor and outdoor free showings, which take place in restored historic cinemas, and in open-air beachfront settings.

Riviera Maya Film Festival

In addition to showcasing new releases, the Riviera Maya Film Festival supports RivieraLAB, which nurtures projects by Mexican filmmakers in the development stage. Photo: Jerry Aguirre/RMFF

St. Kitts Music Fest

This small island is home to one of the Caribbean’s biggest musical happenings. Now in its 21st year, the three-day event draws some of the biggest names in soca, jazz, R&B, gospel and reggae. Performances are in the evening, but many festival goers gather at Warner Park Stadium early to spread a blanket on the lawn and make a picnic from the offerings of the numerous local food vendors. This year’s festival runs from June 26 to 28.

St Kitts Music Fest

Reggae artist Zemenfest Kidus performs for a home-town crowd at St. Kitts Music Fest. He returned to the island following a successful recording career in Jamaica. Photo: Modern Elegance/ St. Kitts Tourism Authority

Fiesta de Santiago Apostol, Puerto Rico

Each year, Puerto Rico celebrates its Spanish heritage in the town of Loiza, with a two-day festival that is equal parts religious observance and street party. Processions honoring St. James bring thousands into the streets to follow large, colorful statues carried on the shoulders of costumed and masked marchers. These observances are followed up with dance shows, music and gatherings of street vendors offering crafts and traditional food. Processions take place on July 22 and 23.

Puerto Rico Loiza Mask

Puerto Rico’s Fiesta de Santiago Apostol has its roots in Spanish traditions dating back 400 years. This annual procession through the streets features masked knights and demons. Photo: Carlos A. Aviles/Flickr

LIV Bermuda

On the first weekend in July, islanders and overseas guests from around the world come together for Bermuda’s most anticipated party. Billed as a chance to “experience Bermuda like a local,” the gatherings include beach parties, boat cruises and floating “raft ups.” Staged as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda, admission to these parties provides an all- inclusive experience with dancing, libations and live music.

LIV Bermuda

The 2017 edition of LIV Bermuda will take place from July 7 to 10. All- inclusive ticket packages for the four-day event give total access to a range of beach activities, concerts and parties. Photo: LIV Bermuda

Junkanoo Summer Festival

No need to wait for Christmas to experience the sights and sounds of the Bahamian Junkanoo. Each Saturday in the month of July, the waterfront at Nassau’s Arawak Cay comes alive with drumming, dancing and music as costumed troops strut their stuff and compete for top honors. The revelry starts at noon and lasts till midnight, and when it’s time for refreshments or a nosh, onlookers can duck into one of the many pubs or seafood restaurants that line the cay.

Junkanoo Nassau

During Nassau’s colorful mid-summer Junkanoo parades, rival dance and drum troops compete for top honors and prizes. The costumed processions have roots dating to African traditions. Photo: Brian & Leigh/Flickr

Christmas in July

Each summer, flotillas of pleasure boats depart Puerto Rico for the Virgin Islands for a week of gatherings and beach parties that have been given the name “Christmas in July.” But you don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the fun, as beach bars through the U.S. and British Virgins welcome one and all with day-long celebrations that start with volleyball tournaments and barbecues and end with evening fireworks and live bands that keep revelers dancing on the sand till the wee hours.

BVI Jost Van Dyke

Christmas in July is the whimsical name for the mid-summer invasion of the Virgin Islands by fleets of vacationing Puerto Rican boaters. Destinations such as White Sound are favorite stops. Photo: Michael Rubenstein/Flickr

Anguilla Summer Festival

One of the longest-running festivals in the Caribbean takes place on the otherwise quiet island of Anguilla. The 40th anniversary of this island-wide celebration will include beach parties, sailing races, pageants, parades, calypso concerts and more, each staged at different villages and resorts around the island. A highlight of the festival is J’ouvert morning, when a street jam begins at 4:30 a.m. when floats, drummers and festival-goers parade from the island’s capital to the beach at Sandy Ground for a day of music, food and water sports. The festival runs from July 2 to August 10.

Anguilla Summer Fest

Anguilla’s twelve-day-long Summer Festival delivers a non-stop schedule of events ranging from pageants and parades to soca raves, calypso competitions, and a massive all-day beach party. Photo: Anguilla Summer Festival

Reggae Sumfest

Jamaica’s largest music festival is also the island’s biggest party. The weeklong celebration is staged at Montego Bay, and features local reggae and dancehall artists. Before the music starts, the fun kicks off with a beach party, a musical day cruise and the famous “All White Party.” When the concerts get underway, audiences arrive with their own “reggae beds” — flattened cardboard boxes for sitting and chilling between dance sessions. The 2017 Sumfest runs from July 16 to 22.

Jamaica Montego Bay

Crowds gather at the main stage of Reggae Sumfest, which is Jamaica’s largest and most acclaimed music festival, with an international lineup that includes the biggest names in reggae and dancehall music. Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

Crop Over

On Barbados, one party isn’t enough. The annual Crop Over is a three- month string of celebrations that dates back to the island’s colonial-era agricultural roots, when the end of the harvest season became a time for relaxation and revelry. The tradition continues with a three-month series of festivals, concerts, cultural events, and street parties. A highlight of the season is the “road march”, when troops of costumed revelers take over the streets of Bridgetown on Kadooment Day. This annual parade turned street party takes place on August 7.

Barbados Cropover

The culmination of Bardados‘ three-month Crop Over celebration is the Grand Kadooment, a carnival-like parade that features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes. Photo: Barbados Tourism

Antigua Carnival

On the last week in July, the island of Antigua explodes in a riot of feather– clad costumes, bright body paint and floats booming heavy calypso beats. The party kicks off in the capital St. John’s with J’ouvert, where steel drum musicians, calypso and soca singers entertain crowds of revelers. Over the next ten days, towns across the island will stage music competitions, local food fairs, cultural shows and cultural workshops that create chances for visitors to immerse in the local culture and join the fun. Carnival time starts July 26 and runs till August 5.

Antigua Carnival

In addition to street parades and open-air concerts, Antigua’s annual Carnival includes a series of island-wide talent shows, singing competitions and stage performances. Photo: Wayne Mariette/ Antigua Carnival Celebration

Tobago Heritage Festival

The sister island of Trinidad may be home to the Caribbean’s best-known carnival, but Tobago also knows how to throw a party, and it spreads the fun out over two weeks from July 17 to August 1. Heritage Festival is an island- wide happening, with each village and community staging events such as concerts, street parades, storytelling sessions, folk dances and African drumming sessions. The island’s heritage is celebrated with unique events such as goat races and historical re-enactments.

Tobago Heritage Festival

Modern dance melds with traditional cultural roots during a live performance staged for Tobago’s annual Heritage Festival. Staged by local communities, the performances are open to all. Photo: Terrell George/Flickr

North Sea Jazz Fest

In keeping with its reputation as a regional center of art, culture and sophistication, the island of Curacao welcomes some of the biggest names in soul, jazz, hip-hop and R&B to its iconic jazz festival. Headliners for 2017 induce Bruno Mars, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reeves, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Juan Luis Guerra, with performances taking place on three stages. In addition to the all-star acts, the festival is known for it’s lively after parties, which often keep going all night. The two-day happening takes place on August 29 and 30.

Curucao North Sea Jazz

Curacao’s North Sea Jazz Festival is the Caribbean’s version of the original performance event of the same name that is held each summer in the Netherlands. Photo: Wassef Sokkari/ Curacao Tourist Board

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

Top Eco-friendly Caribbean Resorts

Leave a comment

 

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.

Grenada Blue Horizons

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.

Bermuda Tuckers Point

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.

Aruba Bucuti Pool

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.

St Barths Le Guanahani

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.

Hermitage Bay Antigua

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.

San Juan Caribe

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.

Jamaica Inn

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

Holbox Casa Sandra
Cancun, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Rustic-Luxe Caribbean Retreats

Leave a comment

 

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the tropical experience than to stay in a resort built from local resources, surrounded by nature and far removed from the congested hotel zones and tourist hustle. At these select resorts, nature and comfort come together to create unique spaces for relaxation and reconnection.

CasaSandra Boutique Hotel, Holbox, Mexico

When Cuban artist and poet, Sandra Pérez, discovered Holbox Island, she knew it would become home. Though just 30 miles north of the mega resorts of Cancun, Holbox is a very different world; a place of deserted beaches, sand roads and traditional village life. The beachside retreat she created now welcomes guests seeking a respite from the 21st century in a relaxing atmosphere inspired by both nature and art. The whitewashed, thatch-roofed buildings of CasaSandra are finished with beamed ceilings of native wood, earth-tone tile and bright carpets and tapestries. Original artworks by Pérez and other Cuban artists adorn the walls, and each of the 18 rooms is individually decorated in handmade Mexican furniture and Cuban antiques. Luxuriant mattresses are covered in Egyptian cotton sheets, and set within white netting. With no telephones, televisions or clocks to distract, guests can take in views of the beach and the bright waters of the Caribbean from their room or terrace.

Holbox Casa Sandra

Native woods, whitewashed walls and thatched roofing set the tone for public spaces at CasaSandra Hotel. Guests are just steps away from a deserted beach that stretches for miles. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra

Holbox Island lies within Mexico’s large ecological reserve, Yum Balam, which encompasses more than 38 million acres of protected areas. The diverse ecosystems of the reserve are home to more than 500 species of birds, including pink flamingos and white pelicans. Hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest on the island’s long expanse of wild beach, and each summer huge but harmless whale sharks return to area waters, giving adventurous snorkelers a rare chance to swim with the biggest fish in the sea.

Holbox Casa Sandra Dining

The setting, architecture, furnishings and artwork of CasaSandra all come together to represent the artistic vision of the resort’s founder: artist, poet and musician Sandra Pérez. Photo: Frank Lynen/CasaSandra

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

Native stone, natural woodwork and thatch roofing set the tone for the cliffside villas of The Caves, which seem to have sprung organically from limestone bluffs on Jamaica’s far western shore. This boutique resort offers just 12 oceanfront cottages, plus one ultra private four-bedroom villa, all set in a lushly landscaped 10- acre compound. Each guest cottage or suite is unique in design, with vaulted ceilings and open floor plans that invite ocean breezes and big views of the Caribbean Sea. Interiors are finished with handcrafted wood furnishings, batik print fabrics and stained glass accents. Colors are primary and tropical, a blend of tones often combining blues from periwinkle to aqua to deep Mediterranean blue. Unexpected pieces of art are found over doors, on tables and even around the outdoor showers. These details come together to deliver a seductive casual stylishness that permeates through the property, where winding paths flanked with tropicals and palms connect individual cottages.

The Caves Exterior Jamaica

On Jamaica’s western coast, The Caves resort is perched on the edge of a limestone cliff, providing guests with panoramic ocean views from rooms built of local rock and woods. Photo: Adrian Boot/The Caves

Cliffside water views from rooms and terraces encourage relaxation, and the on-site spa all but guarantees a state of physical bliss. Those seeking active adventures can swim, snorkel or explore the hidden sea caves and grottoes by kayak. For the intrepid willing to make a 30-foot plunge into the clear waters below, there are even cliff jumping lessons. Nighttime brings stargazing and private candlelight dining inside a candlelit grotto, where couples can linger over sumptuous five-course meals or enjoy a local taste of Jamaican barbecue. This secluded and sexy spot is ideal for reconnecting with your significant other, honeymooning or just finding romance.

Caves Negril Hotel Room

Each room at The Caves is unique, and designed to highlight the surroundings. Rooms are nestled into a 10-acre garden, and perch on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Nilolas Koenig/The Caves

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona, Dominican Republic

What began as a family’s private summer home has since evolved into an intimate country inn that provides a limited number of guests with an unrivaled combination of luxury and natural beauty. Set in the midst of a lush tropical landscape on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, the resort provides both a haven for relaxation and a base for active adventures. Each of the resort’s 12 rooms provides private balconies positioned to provide views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Barahuco Mountains. Interiors feature high ceilings adorned with natural woods, simple yet elegant wood and wicker furnishings, and bedding covered with 300 count thread cotton linens, down feather pillows and duvets. Graphic art by acclaimed conservation photographer Eladio Fernandez grace the walls, and bathrooms include both indoor and outdoor showers.

Casa Bonita DR Exterior Cabana

Once a private vacation retreat, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is nestled into a landscape of palm and mahogany trees on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita maintains a strong connection to the environment and the local community by purchasing from local artisans, employing from within the area, and supporting local initiatives in education, medical assistance and beach preservation. Much of the cuisine served at the resort is grown at Pat’s Organic Garden, the onsite organic farm named after visiting horticulturist Pat Kennedy. Guests may even take part in the harvesting of organic vegetables, fruits & herbs. For those seeking more than relaxation, a canopy tour delivers a 1,000-meter journey through the treetops of the Sierra Barahuco Mountains with 10 platforms positioned with optimal vantage points. The resort’s yacht cruises the Barahona coast to explore nearby reefs and mangroves and to discover hidden beaches and snorkeling reefs, as well as fishing in the Curro Bay. In addition, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are all part of the outdoor experience.

DR Casa Bonita Dining

The dining room at Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge serves a savory array of farm-to-table cuisines, with most ingredients sourced from local farmers and from the resort’s on-site organic garden. Photo: Casa Bonita

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

New Caribbean Over-Water Bungalows

Leave a comment

 

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

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay, Jamaica

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

Jamaica Montego Bay Sandals Overwater Bungalow

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

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

Montego Bay Jamaica Sandals Overwater Bungalow

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

Palafitos, El Dorado Maroma – Riviera Maya, Mexico

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

Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Exterior

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

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

El Dorado Maroma Palafitos Overwater Bungalow Interior

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

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

Romantic Adventures in the Caribbean

Leave a comment

 

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

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

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

St Lucia Jade Mountain Pool

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

Marooned On A Deserted Island – Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

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

Kamalame Cay Villa Andros Bahamas

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

Couples Massage – Caneel Bay, St. John

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

St John Caneel Bay Massage

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

Sunday Brunch By The Sea – The Crane Barbados

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

Barbados Crane Restaurant

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

Sunset Cruise – Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas

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

St Thomas Bolongo Bay Sailing

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

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

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

St Martin Belmond La Samana

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

Drinks On The Veranda Bar – The Cotton House, Mustique

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

Mustique Cotton House Verandah Restaurant

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

Sweet Dreams From A Hilltop – Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

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

Jamaica Strawberry Hill Night Vista

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

Aruba Palm Beach Sunset
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Resorts to Watch the Sunset

 

After a full day of sand and sun, there’s nothing like cooling off and chilling out with cocktail in hand while watching a colorful Caribbean sunset. As the light fades and evening breezes arrive, you can stroll the beaches, where gentle waves lap the sand. Then, after stretching your legs and refreshing that drink, you can settle in to the perfect spot around the pool or up on your private terrace to watch nature’s light show unfold in the western sky. Here are four of our absolute favorite spots to enjoy the Caribbean at sundown.

Trident Hotel, Jamaica

The Trident Hotel sits on the northeast corner of Jamaica, just 7 miles from the sleepy and balmy town of Port Antonio. The area is still off the beaten path, even for Jamaica. Here, nature takes center stage with jungle-like foliage edging the beaches and immersing Trident in a green canopy of privacy.

Trident Hotel Jamaica

Each seaside villa at Jamaica’s Trident Hotel includes a private pool and an open-air terrace that provides big views of sea and sky. Photo: Trident Hotel

Port Antonia was once the stomping ground of society figures and movie stars like Errol Flynn. The resort acknowledges this history at Mike’s Super Club, which is a cabaret lounge giving a nod to the calypso bop era of the 1950’s Caribbean. Today, the exclusive yet laid-back vibe of the hotel shines through in the chic decor, which includes serendipitous accents like the ceramic sheep by the pool. The property is small, with just 13 villas ranging from studio to two-bedroom, all with private pools, outdoor baths and private terraces ideal for sharing a crimson sunset with your companion.

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Afternoon tea signals the beginning of day’s end at Carlisle Bay. While many guests are still relaxing in chaises lining the beach, others take tea on their private balcony or by the pool. Quiet settles in as children take naps, boats are anchored and kayaks pulled shore. This is a favorite time for an early evening stroll on the crescent of beach, and for choosing a venue to enjoy the sunset to come.

Carlisle Bay Sunset Antigua

The pier at Antigua’s Carlisle Bay resort is often the site of sunset yoga sessions, and later in the evening provides a romantic setting for candlelight dinners. Photo: Debbie Snow

As refreshing evening breezes come off the bay, the resort’s pier transforms into a yoga platform for a sunset session. Later, it will be framed in candlelight for romantic dinners. Ashore, the bar at waterfront Indigo Restaurant is a favorite, as is the beachside Coconut Palms, where you can keep your toes in the sand. Or, should you be seeking a more private viewing, each of the resort’s 82 suites provides private ocean-facing terraces or patios, where the warm wood tones of walls and shutters are lit by the last rays of the setting sun.

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia

Nature lovers consider the Boucan to be a little slice of heaven on earth. The boutique resort sits in the midst of the St. Lucia rainforest, on the island’s oldest cocoa plantation, the 140-acre Rabot Estate. The property’s 14 rooms are decorated in a blend of West Indian charm and contemporary chic.

Boucan St Lucia

Nature takes center stage at St. Lucia’s Boucan resort, where the setting sun signals the start of nature’s nightly symphony of bird calls, chirping crickets and singing frogs. Photo: Boucan

After a day of hiking or taking in a chocolate-making tour, you’ll want to head down to the 50-foot long infinity pool for sunset. Lined with black quartz, the pool mirrors the rainforest ambience, and images of the Pitons engulf as you float in the cool waters, with cocktail by your side. As the sun sets behind the craggy edges of the majestic Pitons, the evening rings in a cacophony of sounds. Birds, frogs and crickets transport you into the cool mountain air of night.

Half Moon, Jamaica

The perfect half-moon crescent of aptly named Sunset Beach serves up some of the most spectacular sunsets in Jamaica, and guests at the Half Moon resort have a front row seat for the nightly show. The Half Moon traces its roots to 1954, when several families built winter cottages for family and friends to enjoy. Today, the founding families still visit and the resort has become a home away for the Royal family as well as luminaries like Paul Newman and Jackie Kennedy.

Half Moon Jamaica

A solitary oceanside palapa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort provides a tranquil and private setting to enjoy sunset views to the accompaniment of gently lapping waves. Photo: Debbie Snow

Over the years, the enclave grew into a 400-acre, self-contained village that includes a collection of cottages, villas and hotel suites, along with an 18-hole golf course, equestrian center, tennis courts, two miles of private beach, a nature preserve and several restaurants that serve up sunset views. The Seagrape Terrace is a favorite, but guests can also opt to stroll the shores and settle into a beachside chaise or palapa to watch the sky transition from pink to orange, red and ultimately a rich violet that signals the arrival of the night.

Jamaica Crocodile
Caribbean, Jamaica, Play, Trip Ideas

Jamaica’s Crocodile River Cruise

Leave a comment

 

It sounds like an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones: you drift down a dark- water jungle stream in a small boat, scanning the banks for the crocodiles that lie in wait. In reality, a cruise on Jamaica’s Black River isn’t just for whip- cracking daredevils; it’s an all-ages experience that’s more about nature and relaxation than risk.

Jamaica Black River

American crocodiles lurk along the jungle-lined shores of Jamaica’s Black River. Photo Sherry Talbot/iStock

On the island’s green southern coast, the Black River flows through lowland swamps that harbor an assortment of wildlife, including more than 100 species of birds and an abundant population of American crocodiles. These reptiles have spawned a cottage industry in boat tours, with a number of operators ferrying visitors upstream and into the depths of the swamp. Sightings are almost guaranteed, as a number of the big crocs will swim out into open water to accept snacks delivered by the guides.

Jamaica Boats

Native-style boats sit ready to ferry passengers into the heart of the Black River swamp. Photo: iStock

River trips are offered on vessels ranging from small native-style skiffs to spacious, shaded deck boats, and usually last one to two hours. Guests staying at north coast resorts usually book an all-day tour, which carries them through the island’s scenic interior highlands, and may include an additional stop at YS falls.

Cayman Stingrays
Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, Caribbean, Central America, Jamaica, Play, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

5 Unexpected Caribbean Animal Encounters

Leave a comment

 

For a different kind of vacation adventure, ditch the shopping and sightseeing tours and get to know some of the Caribbean’s finned and hoofed creatures, up close and personal. Here are five of our favorite animal encounters that take place in the wild, but don’t involve risk.

Camel Safaris, Jamaica

Camels in Jamaica

Horseback tours are available on many islands across the Caribbean, but Jamaica is the only place where you can ride a camel through the grounds of a former sugarcane plantation. Alexey Furman/iStock

Camels were brought to Jamaica in the 1800s to work the sugar cane plantations. Today, their descendants carry visitors on riding tours of historic Prospect Plantation. Located just outside of Ocho Rios, this thousand-acre property is one of Jamaica’s oldest plantations, growing bananas, cassava, sugarcane and coffee. In addition to camel rides through fields and groves of native hardwoods, visitors can participate in a diverse range of adventure tours and cultural activities.

Stingray Encounters, Turks & Caicos

Stingrays Turks & Caicos

Near the island of Grand Turk, the shallow waters of Gibbs Cay are home to a school of stingrays. Swimmers and waders can safely interact with these animals, and no dive gear is needed. Photo:iStock

Grand Cayman may be the home of the original Stingray City, but many prefer the experience at Gibb’s Cay. Located a mile off the coast of Grand Turk Island, this deserted cay is reached by boat, and participants wade into the shallows to interact with a school of resident rays that can be approached safely, making this an encounter that is suitable for all ages. In addition, a colorful, fish-filled reef is just yards from the beach.

Swimming With Pigs, Bahamas

Bahamas Pigs

On a small deserted island in the central Bahamas, an easy boat ride away from Great Exuma, a family of wild pigs frolic in the shallows, and swim out to greet arriving beach goers. Photo: iStock

The swimming pigs of the Bahamas have become You-Tube celebrities. To see them for yourself, join one of the small boat excursions traveling from Great Exuma Island or Staniel Cay to uninhabited Great Major Cay. Here, you will be greeted by a family of porkers who splash into the water to greet arriving boats, hopeful of receiving tasty handouts. Bring a waterproof camera for some of the most amusing selfies ever.

Swarmed by Donkeys, Bonaire

Bonaire Donkeys

The feral descendants of domestic animals imported to the island as beasts of burden, Bonaire’s donkeys find refuge in a sanctuary, where visitors can hand-feed these gregarious creatures. Photo: iStock

When tractors replaced donkeys on the island of Bonaire, thousands of these beasts of burden were turned loose to fend for themselves. Today, more that 400 of their descendants reside at the island’s Donkey Sanctuary. Located just south of the airport, the sanctuary welcomes visitors, who can purchase feed and take a drive through the reserve. Roll down a window and you will be swarmed by gregarious donkeys vying for a treat.

Nuzzling with Nurse Sharks, Belize

Belize Nurse Sharks

Originally drawn in by fishermen cleaning their catch, the nurse sharks of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve now swarm snorkelers, creating an exciting yet safe encounter. Photo: Pete Niesen/iStock

Scuba divers can get up close with sharks at a number of adrenaline-filled shark feeding adventures throughout the Caribbean. For a milder encounter, head to Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where a spot known as Shark-Ray Alley is home to a resident population of nurse sharks. Unlike their toothier cousins, nurse sharks are fairly mild-mannered, and will swarm among snorkels and swimmers as they jostle about in search of the handouts that tour operators drop overboard as enticements.

Costa Rica Rainforest Tram
Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Jamaica, St. Lucia

The Caribbean’s Best Aerial Adventures

Leave a comment

 

The jungle-clad highlands that rise above Caribbean coastlines provide a memorable alternative to water time, immersing visitors in rainforest realms where birdcalls and butterflies replace the sound of lapping waves. At select destinations, a visit to these green havens need not require hiking boots and a map, and instead involve high-flying activities that include both calming nature tours and adrenaline-filled aerial action.

Soaring Over St. Lucia

St Lucia Rainforest Tram

Tram passengers are treated to a bird’s eye view of St. Lucia’s upland forests as they glide above the treetops, and then enter the forest canopy for a look at life among the limbs. Photo: Chris Huxley/St. Lucia Tourist Board

Discover St. Lucia’s forest reserve by boarding a cable tramway that carries open-air gondolas on a soaring flight through the rainforest canopy. The Aerial Tram and Canopy Tour from Rainforest Adventures carries passengers past towering chatannier and gommier trees, and through groves of giant ferns and resplendent heliconia. Onboard guides identify the calls and plumage of the resident birdlife, and tell of oddities such as the strangler ficus. In addition to this 74-minute aerial tour, visitors to the reserve can hike the Fern Nature Trail, and the more adventurous can take flight on a series of zip lines that weave through the forest canopy.

Costa Rica, Like a Bird

Costa Rica Rainforest Tram

An aerial tramway carries passengers into the heart of Costa Rica’s forest canopy for a first-hand look at a unique ecosystem that is not visible to land- bound observers. Photo: Compflight

A short drive from the capital of San Jose, Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica offers exclusive access to a 1,200-acre private ecological reserve bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This region of Costa Rica is a favorite with bird watchers, who can discover more than 800 species. Aerial tram rides, suitable for all ages are a centerpiece of the experience, while an extensive network of zip lines is also available. Guests wanting a longer visit can book a room at the on-site Rainforest Lodge, discover a night sky filled with stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.

High in Jamaica

Jamaica Rainforest Sky Explorer

Leave the snow skis behind when riding the chair lift at Jamaica’s Mystic Mountain Park, but bring a camera to capture sweeping views of the island and nearby Dunns River. Photo: Compflight

Somehow, it’s not surprising that the only Caribbean nation to muster a bobsled team is also home to a ski-slope style chair lift. The Rainforest Sky Explorer carries passengers up 700 feet above the Jamaican rainforest at Mystic Mountain Park, providing magnificent views of nearby Dunn’s River Falls along the way. After taking in the views from the elevated slopes, and relaxing in the butterfly and hummingbird gardens, visitors can up the excitement quota with zip lines, waterslides and the only bobsled ride in the tropics. The park, which is rated as one of Jamaica’s best eco-adventures, is located just outside of Ocho Rios.

Aquadilla Puerto Rico
Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Surfing

Leave a comment

 

The travel brochures may feature calm turquoise waters, but make no mistake: there are coastlines in the Caribbean where the surfing is second to none. Whether you are an old-school long boarder, an aspiring rider or a big wave expert, there’s a wave waiting for you.

Puerto Rico

When winter swells roll in, breaks all along Puerto Rico’s north shore come to life, but it’s the island’s western end that lures most surfers to this U.S. Commonwealth. The towns of Isabela, Rincon and Aguadilla are surf central, home to a number of world championships, and famous breaks such as Crash Boat, Domes and Maria’s Beach. With dozens of world-class breaks, this area deserves it’s self-acclaimed title of “Surf Capital of the Caribbean,” but there’s also room for casual and novice riders, who can find support and instruction at a number of area shops and surf schools.

Rincon PR

Warm waters and long clean waves draw surfers from around the world to the shores of Rincon, on Puerto Rico’s northwestern coast. Favorite breaks include Antonio’s and Sandy Beach. Photo: iStock

Barbados

Barbados lures the world’s surfing elite to the challenging east-coast break known as Soup Bowl. But you don’t have to be a pro to surf this easternmost Caribbean island. The same long Atlantic swells that crash on the rugged eastern shore wrap around to create point and reef breaks on the island’s southern and western coasts. There’s a wave for everyone, from sponsored pros to first-time riders. Barbados is home to a number of surf shops and camps that can be tapped for local knowledge, lessons and rentals.

Barbados Bathsheba

On the east coast of Barbados, Bathsheba Beach is home to the famous surf break known as Soup Bowl. When the swell is up, this powerful wave is best left to the experts. Photo: Orietta Gaspari/iStock

Jamaica

Though better known as the home of Reggae and Rastafarians, Jamaica is gaining the respect of in-the-know surfers. Locals have been riding the north shore’s Boston Beach since the 1960s, and more recently brought attention to south shore breaks such as Zoo and Lighthouse. There are a number of novice to intermediate-friendly reef breaks around the island, along with a few point breaks that will earn bragging rights among experts. The most notorious is Makka, a long point break on the north shore, which delivers perfect tubes when conditions are right.

Jamaica Boston Bay

Boston Bay is generally regarded as the birthplace of Jamaica’s surfing culture. Though still relatively small, the island’s tradition of wave riding dates back to the early 1960s. Photo: iStock

Dominican Republic

With 300 miles of coastline exposed to North Atlantic swells, the Dominican Republic’s northern coast has more surf than surfers. Some breaks rarely see a rider, but more popular and pendulous areas such as Cabarete have developed a vibrant surf scene where visitors and locals mingle on waves that can range from comfortable long boarding to thrilling short boarding. There are several surf camps in the area, and most beachfront resorts cater to the watersports crowd, which can also include windsurfers and kite boarders. Less known are a number of breaks on the island’s south coast, which are still being discovered.

Dominican Republic

On the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, just west of the town of Cabarete, Encuentro Beach offers five distinct breaks, including one of the island’s best, known as La Derecha. Photo: iStock

British Virgin Islands

One of the Caribbean’s best point breaks isn’t a sure thing, but when the winter swells roll in, Tortola’s Cane Garden Bay delivers an extra-long, high- energy right that’s not for the faint of heart. For a somewhat mellower wave, head to Capoon’s Bay, where the infamous Bomba’s Surfside Shack overlooks a reef that breaks both left and right. Those just getting into the sport, or anyone looking for an relaxing ride, can hone their skills at the beach break at Josiah’s Bay. To really get away from it all, hop a ferry to the less-visited island of Anegada, where deserted beaches front a 28-mile barrier reef that offers an endless supply of unridden waves.

Tortola BVI

At Tortola’s Capoon’s Bay, the waves are as consistent and mellow as the vibes. This West End beach is also home to Bomba’s Shack, and the island’s infamous Full Moon Party. Photo: iStock