Tag Archives: Nevis

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

Caribbean Turtle Beaches

Leave a comment

 

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

Nevis Four Seasons Sea Turtle

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

Rosalie Bay, Dominica

Dominica Sea Turtle

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

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

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

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

Dominica Rosalie Bay Lobby

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

St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico St Regis Sea Turtle

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

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

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

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

Puerto Rico St Regis

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

 

Four Seasons Nevis

Nevis Turtles Four Seasons

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

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

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

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

Nevis Four Seasons

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

 

 

 

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

Best Caribbean Music Festivals

Leave a comment

 

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

March

Moonsplash Music Festival, Anguilla

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

April

Nevis Blues Festival, Nevis

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

Love City Live, St John, USVI

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

Tobago Jazz Experience, Trinidad & Tobago

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

May

Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba

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

Aruba Soul Beach

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

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival,  St Lucia

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

Curacao International BlueSeas Festival, Curacao

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

June

St. Kitts Music Festival, St Kitts

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

St. Kitts Music Festival

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

July

Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica

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

Jamaica Montego Bay Reggae

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

September

Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Aruba

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

North Sea Jazz Festival, Curacao

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

October

World Creole Music Festival, Dominica

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

View of Nevis
Caribbean, Nevis, Plan, Trip Ideas

Nevis: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Off the mainstream tourism radar and free of cruise ship traffic, the tiny island of Nevis is a lush circle of green dropped in a turquoise sea. Getting there requires a small plane flight from the sister isle St. Kitts or a ferry ride across the 2.5 mile channel that separates these two islands of the same nation. Unspoiled and only lightly developed, Nevis puts nature at the forefront, and welcomes visitors to a culture that is warm yet still a little bit reserved. It is an attitude that seems thoroughly in step with the island’s elegant plantation past, as well as its low-key present.

1  Old Caribbean

Nevis remains a charming reminder of a bygone era seldom seen in the rapidly changing Caribbean of today. There are no traffic lights or roadway congestion, and goats still roam freely through the capital of Charlestown without attracting attention. The island’s favorite afternoon pastime is “liming,” which involves little more than sitting on the front porch with friends and neighbors, conversing and relaxing while a soft breeze brings the sweet smell of frangipani. Life is simple, easygoing and definitely slow-paced, and most of the residents hope to keep things that way. Some say that a day of relaxing on Nevis is equal to a week anywhere else.

2  Four Seasons

One of the Caribbean’s flagship properties, this five-diamond resort is a source of pride for the island. Sophisticated and sumptuous, it sits on 350 lushly landscaped acres overlooking Pinney’s Beach, the island’s finest. There is a sprawling 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II golf course, and in addition to the well- appointed guest rooms, a number of private villas overlook the greens. At the end of the day, there’s no better place to enjoy a sunset over the water than at an open-air table at the resort’s Cabana restaurant, where sea views engage as you savor the bar’s signature cocktail, the Nevisian Smile.

3  Sugar Mills

Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, Nevis thrived as one of the Caribbean’s major producers of sugar cane and cotton during colonial times. Sugar mills were constructed to process the sweet crop, and the remains of these mills can still be seen across the island, some nearly intact, others little more than crumbling mounds of stone. Those that have been well cared for and restored have become one of the island’s main attractions. At Golden Rock, a two-level space inside the conical structure appeals to honeymooners seeking intimate seclusion. While at Montpelier, romantic gourmands delight in a candlelit dinner inside the 300-year-old mill that is the centerpiece of the resort’s estate.

4  Local Eats

On the island’s west coast, popular Pinney’s Beach is the perfect place to grab an inexpensive but savory lunch, take a dip, listen to some live music and chill. The three mile-long stretch of sand hosts a collection of local food stands and rustic beach bars. One of the originals was Sunshine’s, famous for its Killer Bee cocktail, live music and barbeque ribs and chicken. Other favorites include Chevy’s Calypso Beach Bar & Grill, where the Stinger Bee reigns, and The Lime Beach Bar, which features a rum concoction called the Green Flash.

5  Race Days

Though some might find it hard to believe, the same island that puts a premium on relaxation is a favorite with athletes. With its year-round good weather, warm water and uncrowded roads and trails, Nevis is an ideal venue for training and races. A 24-mile circuit around the island provides ever-changing views, giving athletes something to focus on other than their tired muscles. In March, the annual Nevis to St. Kitts swim takes participants across the 2.5 mile channel, while September is the month for a series of road races that include 5K and 10K runs, plus a full marathon. The athlete’s trifecta is the November triathlon, where bicycling is added to the other two disciplines and the island turns into one big party.

6  Nevis Peak

Its towering profile captivated Columbus when he sailed past cloud-covered 3,232-foot Nevis Peak. Mistaking it for a snow- topped mountain, he named it “Nuestra Senora de las Nieves” or Our Lady of the Snows. Today this extinct volcano entices hikers to explore the green slopes, which are enveloped in rainforests and laced with footpaths. Hardy hikers can make it to the top, but not without pulling themselves up by ropes and sliding about on slippery mud. More casual strolls can be found along meandering paths lined with giant ferns, creeping vines and gum trees.

7  Plantation Sleepovers

There are four plantation inns on Nevis that showcase the island’s elegant past and create the setting for an equally sumptuous present. History abounds at Nisbet Plantation where the stone great house dates back to 1758 and Horatio Nelson married local widow Fanny Nisbet. A 19th century stone mill is the centerpiece of Golden Rock Inn, which offers just nine intimate villas sequestered in a garden environment, with grand views of the sea. The Hermitage Plantation is a quaint and cozy collection of former chattel houses assembled from across the island, and Montpelier Plantation is an elegant estate that has been tagged as a Relais Chateaux property.

8  Monkeys

African green vervet monkeys were originally brought to Nevis as pets. Today, these colorful simians outnumber the island’s human population. Local gardeners sometimes curse them, but visitors delight in their antics. The animals are often seen on the Four Seasons property, where there is a sign that reads “monkey crossing.” Early morning and late afternoon are the best time for sightings, but any mango tree with ripening fruits is surely to attract a family or troop eager for the sweet flesh. On the hillside of Golden Rock, where many residents maintain fruit trees, there is a popular trail that is often referred to as the monkey walk.

9  History Lives On

History buffs delight in the details of the island’s past. Captain John Smith and his crew made a brief landing on Nevis in 1607 before continuing to Virginia to found Jamestown. English settlement came in 1623, and the French soon followed suit, promoting years of struggle before the island finally fell in the hands of the British. Alexander Hamilton was born on the island, and a museum in Charlestown unveils his past. A walk through the capital of Charlestown showcases a collection of vintage Caribbean buildings with pastel walls and tin roofs. Other historic highlights include the St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the restored St. Thomas Lowland Church, which dates from 1640.

10  Underwater Worlds

Nevis’ western shoreline is washed by clear waters that beckon snorkelers and divers. Rather than dropping immediately into the depths, the underwater terrain between Nevis and St. Kitts features a series of undulating walls, sea mounds and grottoes, all covered in rich growths of sea fans and coral. These submerged hideaways are home to a tremendous variety of tropical fish and offer underwater adventures suitable for everyone from novice snorkelers to advanced divers. One can begin the adventure by simply wading in from the beach or board a dive boat to reach more distant sites.

Cayman Brac Hiking
Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Ten Top Hikes

Leave a comment

 

When you are vacationing in the Caribbean, you’re already far outside your everyday, so why not take the next step-or several hundred of them-to widen your island experience with a hike. Tread these natural sanctuaries for encounters with local birds and wildlife, lush rainforests and sweeping panoramas of paradise. We’ve hiked the duds and the winners to give you a list of the Caribbean’s best trails—from breezy to push-the-limits challenging —winding past waterfalls, rivers, beaches, tide pools and so much more.

The Bubbly Pool Hike, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

From Foxy’s Taboo, a popular bar and party spot on Great Harbour, the bartenders can steer you to the start of this 15- minute, super easy walk to the island’s rock-walled soaking spot. You’ll end at a pool with crashing waves sending spray overhead and a surge of bubbles up into the basin where you’re standing.

Lighthouse Footpath, Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

Start at either end of this trail for a 90-minute walk each way past nesting grounds of brown boobies. If you make the lighthouse at the island’s easternmost point your halfway mark, pack a lunch to enjoy while sitting on limestone cliffs overlooking breaking waves. Free printed guides are available: Ask at the front desk of Brac Reef Beach Resort, or see the pamphlet in your guesthouse to arrange your hike.

The Signal Hill Tour, Antigua

Antigua’s shortest and easiest hike starts at Wallings Dam, found at the end of Fig Tree Drive. From there, it’s about an hour—if you don’t stop—to the top of Signal Hill, which rewards finishers with a 360-degree island view. If you’d like to learn more about local history and wildlife, join a tour company like Footsteps Rainforest Hiking Tours.

The Annaly Bay Tide Pool Hike, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

You won’t need fins for the tide pools at the end of this hike, but do pack a snorkel mask so you can take a cool dip and see the juvenile fish nesting in the shallows. Start this moderate, 2-mile hike behind Carambola Beach Resort and Spa. The parking-lot attendant can point you to the trailhead. It’s a fairly straightforward trail that climbs the bluffs overlooking the island’s north shore. You’ll surely stop several times to snap photos, so the uphill stretches won’t feel too strenuous.

El Toro Hike, Puerto Rico

Most visitors to El Yunque National Forest stick to the roadside pullovers immediately adjacent to waterfalls and other attractions. El Toro Trail sees few visitors despite being a moderate, well-marked 2.2-mile journey to the forest’s highest point. Wear long pants and shoes you don’t mind getting caked in mud. As for the vista, allow time to sit and enjoy the clouds rolling in.

The Sandy Cruz Trail, Saba

A visit to Saba, a satellite island of St. Maarten, is all about the cloud forest. Wait for a day when the fog has subsided around Mount Scenery, then set off on this hike. Before you go, grab a trail map from The Trail Shop at the foot of the mountain—the attendants will also keep tabs on your return. This moderate hike is the best pick for those who want to see a diversity of flora and fauna. The trail winds past banana tree groves and dense cloud forest dotted with a rainbow of orchids, and opens up to a vista overlooking the island’s airport runway, one of the world’s shortest and most adrenaline inducing.

Victoria Falls Hike, Dominica

Lose the hiking boots in favor of Tevas or similar water-ready shoes as you’ll wade across a river several times. The path can be tricky to keep track of on your own, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide for the day. Jenner Robinson of JennTours is a good pick. He’s from Dominica and has a knack for pointing out the birds of the canopy. As for the 45-minute climb, the incline isn’t too great; the challenge is staying stable atop wet rocks. But the reward is lovely. You’ll likely be the only ones admiring the 165-foot cascade of Victoria Falls.

Mount Qua Qua Trail, Grenada

Grenada is a wonderland for hikers and birders alike. The rainforest around Grand Etang Lake—what’s become of the former volcano—is home to mona monkeys, broad-winged hawks, Lesser Antillean swifts and tons of tiny frogs. A moderate pick is the Mount Qua Qua Trail, a 90-minute cruise past the lake, the elfin mountain forests and a host of canopy critters.

The Quill, St. Eustatius

It’s the jungle-covered volcanic cone that dominates the skyline from points across this small island, and it’s a gorgeous hike. The 50-minute uphill jaunt known as the Quill Trail is Statia’s most popular hike as it offers direct access to an overlook of the crater bowl. If you want to keep going, you can connect to the Crater Trail for a 90-minute circuit of the volcano’s rainforest-covered inner crater. Boven National Park also maps six other trails, all great for spying fauna like red-bellied racer snakes, Antillean iguanas, hummingbirds and more.

Nevis Peak Hike, Nevis

Steep and slippery, this hike is one worth doing with a guide, such as Lynell Liburd of Sunrise Tours. The 3,000-foot incline takes two hours to scale and two hours to pick your way down—and none of the locals call it hiking. It’s more about finding footing and grabbing hold of roots to gain ground. If it’s a clear day, you score a view of the island’s Atlantic side. Otherwise, it’s just a really satisfying workout.

 

best horseback riding in the caribbean
Bahamas, Bahamas-Grand Bahama Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Horseback Riding in the Caribbean

Leave a comment

 

It’s one of those images that come easily when you daydream: galloping along a palm- fringed tropical beach astride a spirited horse, and perhaps plunging into the surf to wash away any hint of the worldly cares you left behind. A number of locations throughout the Caribbean can turn this dream into reality. You’ll find a range of adventures suitable for riders of all skill levels, from first-timer to equine expert. We have selected six rides that provide not only the best scenery and most magnificent beaches, but also the best overall vacation experience.

Bahamas

No crowds and more beach time. That’s the promise at Trikk Pony Stables on Grand Bahama Island. This family-owned business is located on the island’s south-central coast, where unspoiled and unsettled beaches stretch for miles. Tours follow a short trail that leads through pine forest and scrub right onto a powder-sand beach. The next hour is spent along the shoreline either dry, splashing or soaking wet, according to the rider’s preference, as the horses are up for anything. As an option, a beachfront picnic can be added at the end of the ride, and the company also offers sunset excursions that are limited to four riders or less. The stables provide pickup service from a number of hotels in the Freeport area. Two of our favorites are the Pelican Bay at Lucaya and the Grand Lucayan.

Grand Bahama Island Horseback Riding, Horseback riding in the caribbean

Grand Bahama has miles of undeveloped white beaches to explore. Operators such as Trikk Pony allow riders to splash in the shallows or guide their mounts deeper for a swim. Photo: Grand Bahama Island

Bermuda

For a break from taxi and moped, head to Spicelands Equestrian Centre in Bermuda’s Warwick Parish. Rides begin along the Railway Trail, which follows the right of way of the short-lived rail line that once ran from Somerset to St. George’s. The route then moves to the south shore and across a series of scenic beaches, dunes and coves en route to serendipitously named Horseshoe Bay. Bermuda law allows horses to splash and swim on the beaches at any time during the months from November to March, but only before 8:30 a.m. the other months of the year, so those wanting a summertime swim will need to book the earliest ride of the day. Spicelands is a full-service equestrian center, offering lessons and additional trail riding options. The most convenient hotel to the stables is The Fairmont Southampton, which is less than two miles away.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is horse county and home to the genteel-gated Paso Fino breed. Numerous trail rides are offered in the forests and fields across the island. The one that best brings surf and sand into the equation takes place on the beaches near the town of Isabela, on the island’s northwest coast. Tropical Trail Rides provides a two-hour circuit that begins with a visit to Shacks Beach, allows a bit of time to dismount and swim or explore by foot while horses and backsides take a break. The route then moves inland, climbing the bluffs and passing through an almond tree forest on the way home. Both morning and afternoon rides are offered, and the latter often takes in a sunset view. There are a handful of modest beachfront hotels near Isabela, but most vacationers staying in this part of the coast will look towards nearby Rincon, and more charming properties such as the Dos Angeles del Mar Guesthouse.

Puerto Rico Horseback Riding

In addition to the beach rides staged on Puerto Rico’s west coast, a number of operators offer rainforest and mountain trail rides at points across the island. Photo: Carabali Rainforest Park

Barbados

Location is everything, and this certainly holds true for Ocean Echo Stables, which is located in the small town of Newcastle, on Barbados’ wilder eastern coast. Far removed from the resort zones to the west, riders have miles of wooded trails, fields and surf- washed beaches to explore, with trade winds sweeping in from the east to provide refreshment. A range of rides for all levels is offered, starting with an hour-long excursion to Bath Beach that is suitable for novices. Experienced riders can also opt for two- and three-hour trail rides that venture farther up the coast along trails, beaches and cart roads, with vistas that include the looming backdrop of a thousand-foot-tall sea cliff. For those looking to stay nearby, The Atlantis Hotel offers a unique alternative to the island’s typical west coast beachfront lodging.

Jamaica

Horses and seawater mix at several locations along Jamaica’s northern shore, and a number of rides begin within an easy drive from resorts in the Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Montego Bay and Negril areas. One of the island’s favorite and original ride-and-swims takes place about 20 miles east of Montego Bay. The adventure starts on backcountry trails that lead through the farming village of Pumpkin Bottom and the remains of an 18th century sugar plantation, then emerge on to Sandy Bay, where riders who are up for getting wet can swim their mounts out into the clear waters. This swimming tradition actually began when trainers at the nearby Chukka Blue Polo Club would take the ponies for a cool down in the water following a workout session. The club also provided the inspiration for the outfitter, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, which hosts the rides. If you want to stay fairly close to the ponies, but away from the crowds, an excellent option is the Round Hill Hotel and Villas.

Jamaica Horseback Riding

Riders cross a remote beach on Jamaica’s north coast. The island’s landscape provides routes that follow wooded paths, open meadow and, of course, the shore. Photo: Julian Love/Jamaica Tourist Board

Nevis

Nevis is an ideal island for escaping the crowds and discovering the simpler, friendlier side of the Caribbean. And so it’s fitting that the island’s premier stables is equally accommodating, providing horseback adventures for everyone. Children as young as six are welcome to join the beachfront rides organized by Nevis Equestrian Center, with routes that can be tailored to the capabilities and interests of the group. The most popular tour takes riders past historic sites that include forts, churches, sugar mills and once- grand estates, then to a quiet beach, followed by a climb to the highlands to admire the view. Sunset beach rides and more extensive cross-island rides are also offered. The stables are located on the west coast, quite near to Nevis’ premier resort property, the Four Seasons Nevis.

Caribbean Hammock
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cozumel, Mexico, Nevis, Stay, Trip Ideas

Six Caribbean Resorts Where Irresistible Hammocks Await

Leave a comment

The word comes to us from the Taino people: amaca. These woven strands evolved from fishing nets into chairs, beds and carry sacks. Sailors slung them in the holds of their trading vessels and jungle explorers carried them in lieu of bedding. Today, hammocks evoke relaxation and provide a perfect place to rest or nod off for an afternoon nap as a sea breeze tempers the heat of the day. Whether suspended over lush green grass, beachfront or just outside your private palapa, a hammock is always a welcome site when you arrive at a Caribbean resort.

Hermitage Plantation Cottage, Nevis
Caribbean, Nevis, Stay, Trip Ideas

Nevis Legacy Inns

1 Comment

 

Nevis had its fair share of expansive plantations during the colonial period. These estates often hosted the international elite, who came as guests of plantation owners to indulge in an island style of life. Formidable great houses hosted elegant dinners and clever conservation. Now these restored charmers boast modern comforts, cuisine to appease the gourmand and wine lists that would impress any oenophile. A world apart from the modern resorts of today, these gems of past retain their former charm and intimacy and are run by a host of welcoming innkeepers who just happen to be family members.

The Hermitage Plantation Inn

Hermitage Plantation Bar

The former great house of the Hermitage Plantation is now the resort’s gathering point, including an intimate bar. Photo: Debbie Snow

The allure of a bygone era captivates you upon entering the Hermitage compound, sending your imagination adrift to languid days of a savored and splendid lifestyle. The family-run Hermitage Plantation Inn is essentially a collection of chattel houses—some built to match the style of the great house, others lifted and moved from locations around the island. The process began in 1971 when they bought the Hermitage and rebuilt it as their home and by 1984 they converted the surrounding 20 acres into an inn and began to welcome guests. The result is an enchanting village of 15 small homes, with names like Pink House, Pasture House and Twin Gables, that provides guests ample privacy and a connection to the past. Porches are strung with hammocks and accented in timeless wicker, all overlooking the gardens and rainforest. Four-poster canopy beds draped in a shimmer of mosquito netting, ceiling fans, plantation shutters and curios from another period atop antique furnishings transport guests back in time.

Today the transformed great house has an elegant library, sitting room and bar, all leading to a terraced dining area where tiny twinkling lights are strung over latticed architectural arches. Inside, the walls lit by candelabras display equine and nautical photos; the tables and shelves are stacked with bronze, wood, silver and china collectables. Antiques acquired throughout the Caribbean by the Lupinacci family are of museum-quality. Settle in with a book, then pause for afternoon tea and conversation with other guests, including visiting artists who come for the inspiration the place exudes.

The result is a welcoming, elegant and comfortable family-run inn with warm and gracious hosts—Richard and Maureen Lupinacci along with their three daughters and son Ritchie. 

Montpelier Plantation & Beach

Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nevis

At Montpelier Plantation, the intact remains of a sugar mill attest to the property’s agricultural origins. Photo: Debbie Snow

The Hoffman family, three generations of hoteliers, lives at and runs the Montpelier Plantation & Beach. If a family member doesn’t greet you as you pass through the iron- gated entrance, then Ziggy or Neptune might. A greeting by a labrador is not what you would expect at a Relais & Chateau property, but here on Nevis the lifestyle and service is relaxed and low-key, even with a five-star rating.

The 60-acre patch of land once a well-cared-for sugar plantation was purchased by the Hoffmans back in 2002. An intact sugar mill and great house, where a giant ficus tree stands guard, are elegantly embedded in the surroundings, and rooms are scattered about the gardens. For updates, they pulled in an interior designer from Miami; rooms as well as common areas were completely renovated.

Today stone walls, wooden shutters and casement windows maintain the 18th- century plantation ambience. A mix of period and contemporary furnishings, pineapple motifs as accents and monochromatic fabrics cast against dark woods exude an Architectural Digest chic. Contemporary artwork hangs against walls of stone at precise opportunities—simple elegance is delivered.

On a rolling green hillside with amazing sea views, guests can fade off in one of the hammocks strung between trees or enjoy the vista and afternoon sea breezes in a pair of Adirondack chairs. A display of Nevis’ flamboyant trees provides texture and shade; petals of red and yellow flowers lie atop green grass creating impressions of madras.

In the evening the stone staircase is illuminated with hurricane lamps, and tiny lights dangle from the tree outside the great house. Guests come to congregate in the communal living room for an evening of cocktails and canapés before dining on the outdoor terrace. Special occasions are celebrated with a five-course tasting menu enjoyed at tables lit by candles inside the circular stone walls of the sugar mill. 

 

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Jamaica, Lanai, Mexico, Nevis, Play, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Tees by the Sea: 10 Spectacular Oceanfront Golf Courses

Leave a comment

 

If your idea of a great vacation includes not only sun, sand and blue water, but also sand traps and water hazards, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Seaside golf resorts give you the best of both: a relaxing tropical vacation with the chance to play some of the most fabled and scenic courses in the world. We’ve assembled a collection of first-class golf courses that not only sit beachside, but are also in prime vacation destinations. Some have fun, yet forgiving, fairways and accommodating greens, while others challenge with architecture that demands precision and incorporates natural hazards, from lava fields and mangrove swamps to precipitous, surf-washed cliffs. And as an added bonus, each of these courses is affiliated with a world-class beachfront resort, where spa time, poolside languor and fine dining can cap off a great round.

Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, Bermuda

Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda

Delivering dramatic oceanfront views and one of golf’s most famous holes, Port Royal is the current home of the PGA Grand Slam. As a public course, it is open to all. Photo: V Stephen Raynor

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere on earth. High on the island’s list of must-plays is the Port Royal Golf Course, home to one of the most memorable waterfront holes in golf: the 235-yard, par-3 16th hole, which perches on the edge of an oceanfront bluff, offering spectacularly distracting views of azure waters that lie in wait for the errant hook shot. Benefiting from multi-million dollar upgrades in recent years, this top-ranked public course has attracted its share of pros with events such as the annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Where to Stay: Book an ocean-view room next door at the Pompano Beach Club and you will not only enjoy a world-class beach and memorable ocean views, but also 15-minute proximity to three additional courses: Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and the ever-popular Turtle Hill Golf Club at the Fairmont Southampton, widely considered one of the sport’s more challenging and scenic par-3 courses. Pompano’s staff can arrange for transportation and tee times at many of the island’s courses, including space-available tee times at the renowned Mid Ocean Club on select days. Once the clubs are put away, guests enjoy amenities that includes water sports, tennis, spa services and one of the island’s top-ranked eateries—The Cedar Room. There are few better places to toast a successful day on the links than the Sunset Lounge, which, as the name promises, delivers amazing sunset views. 

Four Seasons, Nevis

Four Seasons Nevis Golf Course, Oceanfront Golf Courses

En route to a finish overlooking the beach, the Four Seasons Nevis course first plays uphill then provides some dramatic downhill tees with panoramic views. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Making par on this Robert Trent Jones II course at the Four Seasons Nevis is no day at the beach—though your reward after sinking the 18th hole could be a stroll right onto Pinney Beach. Only the final hole plays ocean-side, but there’s no shortage of scenery—or challenges. After hitting past the remains of an old sugar mill and into spectacular views of Nevis Peak, the back nine takes an uphill turn, requiring some strong carries, but worth it for the panoramic views of the beach below. At the par-5 15th hole, you’ll be looking at better than 650 yards from the back tee to the greens. Relax, the heady 175-foot fairway drop puts gravity on your side. Overall, the course’s many long, narrow fairways keep you honest, and you’ll discover why the golf gurus consistently rank these as 18 of the finest holes in the Caribbean.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons resort is equally serious about tennis and has 10 well-maintained courts. Three pools provide varying levels of quiet-versus-fun, and a sheltered section of Pinney Beach is devoted to swimming and water sports. With rooms and suites set in free-standing cottages nestled into the lushly landscaped property, it’s possible to find a bit of privacy, but equally easy to join the fun. The resort is family-friendly, but not at the expense of adult-centric services and amenities. Beach lovers may want to secure one of the resort’s cabana-style beach verandas. These open-air day retreats are just steps from the water’s edge and deliver sweeping views of the Caribbean and Nevis’ sister island of St. Kitts.

White Witch, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch Golf Course, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch challenges with strategic bunkers and undulating greens, but ultimately rewards with spectacular water views. It is now managed jointly with nearby Cinnamon Hill. Photo: Rose Hill

Jamaica’s White Witch golf course offers spellbinding beautiful ocean views from most every hole, but it can also torment with narrow fairways leading to wickedly placed bunkers and fast, undulating greens. This long par 71, designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, is generally considered the best in Jamaica. Located within the historic grounds of the Rose Hill Plantation near Montego Bay, the course takes its name not from the beguilingly architecture, but from the former plantation owner and alleged voodoo mistress, Annie Palmer (no relation to the golfing great). Any magic now emanating from this 200-acre swath of golfing paradise is of a brighter nature and might involve the club’s renowned “golf concierges”—local caddies whose intimate knowledge of course strategy can help players shave a few strokes off their game.

Where to Stay: Be among the first to stay at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall when it opens in 2014. A former Ritz-Carlton, the property will re-emerge as an adult-focused all-inclusive with an emphasis on active recreation supported by upscale amenities and the Hyatt branding. 

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

On Punta Espada’s scenic 2nd hole, the views can distract, and sea breezes often come into play. The immaculately-groomed course is one of the top ranked in the Caribbean. Photo: Punta Espada

The Dominican Republic rewards vacationing golfers with a wealth of challenging and scenic waterfront courses, and one of the latest additions to this roster is the Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana. This lushly landscaped and immaculately groomed course has garnered top honors for the Caribbean two years running from Golfweek magazine. The scenery alone goes a long way towards justifying such a ranking, as there are ocean views from all holes and eight play right along the beach. But this Jack Nicklaus-signature course also offers a level of play equal to its beauty, incorporating natural features such as bluffs, beach, waterways and foliage into a design that can accommodate yet challenge golfers of all levels, including the pros. The fairways are relatively wide and provide forgiving bailout areas, but the course requires both accuracy and strategy to score well. Many consider the par-3 13th hole to be Punta Espada’s signature hole, and it is also one of the more challenging, with a stunningly distracting sliver of ocean between tee and green.

Where to Stay: There are several first-class beachfront properties near the club. For a vacation stay as memorable as your rounds of play, book a suite or villa at the adjacent Eden Roc at Cap Cana. All suites feature private outdoor pools and gazebos, and guests have access to the exclusive Caletón Beach Club.

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

After playing through mangrove lowlands that have been designated as a bird sanctuary, the Bahia Beach course breaks out of the forest at the 16th to play along a palm-lined beach. Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach

Long before you reach the namesake strand of sand, the Bahia Beach Golf Course brings water into play. In all, some 15 holes of this 7,000-yard course include water features. Designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. took full advantage of a network of existing saltwater lagoons to create a layout that in his words, “will challenge but also delight your soul and spirit.” Through much of the course, thick foliage and water features line the fairways, creating not only a buffer against coastal trade winds, but also preserving one of the island’s more pristine natural habitats. In fact, Bahia Beach is the first and only course in Puerto Rico to be named a Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. Above the greenery and lagoons, the highlands of the El Yunque National Rain Forest loom in the distance. But the real reward comes when players break out to the ocean at the 16th hole and play their final three holes beachside. Here, sea breezes can become a factor, but overall this course provides not only natural attractions, but also a great round of resort golf that challenges without inciting frustration.

Where to Stay: The golf course is part of a planned residential and vacation complex that includes the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. More than half of the property’s 480 acres were left wild and include two miles of sand beaches. Hiking trails wind around lakes and through a bird sanctuary, the grounds of a former coconut plantation and indigenous coastal forests. The resort’s focus on luxury and service is matched by its commitment to an ecologically responsible operation. So guests enjoy nature along with gastronomic and other pleasures one would expect from a world-class resort destination. 

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico’s El Camaleon plays through lush coastal landscapes and visits the beach twice, first at the 7th (shown) and again at the 15th. Photo: Fairmont Hotels

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula sits on a Swiss cheese of underground rivers. Just behind the beaches of the Riviera Maya, several of these caverns rise to the surface to guard the fairways of the El Camaleón Golf Club. Some might consider the fact that this course hosts Mexico’s only PGA TOUR stop reason enough to tee up. But well-maintained fairways and greens are far from the only reason to play this favorite vacation golf destination. The course’s architecture pays homage to its natural surroundings, beginning with a tee adjacent to a watering hole known as a cenote. A lush mangrove habitat flanks fairways with thick green foliage, and a series of canals attracts birds and local fauna. Twice during its play along the coastal forests, El Camaleón provides golfers with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the world’s longest coral reefs. Both the 7th and 15th holes are beachside, where trade winds come into play. From the long tees, this course challenges the pros, but played a bit shorter, it can also accommodate those with a two-digit handicap. Adding to the appeal is a full-service clubhouse with adjoining practice facilities, with a double-ended, 350-yard driving range and an expansive short-game area with putting and chipping greens.

Where to Stay: Though accessible from a number of resorts in the Riviera Maya region, the smart play is to stay on-site at the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort. This AAA 5-Diamond oceanfront property is a low-rise collection of structures that pay homage to local tradition, along with a respect for the natural environment. A majority of the resort’s rooms, suites and casitas are cloistered in a coastal jungle overlooking lagoons, but pools, common areas and a select set of rooms overlook the bright waters of the Caribbean across a stunning strand of white sand.

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Hole 3B at Punta Mita’s Pacifico course earned its nickname “Tail of the Whale” from the humpback whales that are sometimes sighted breaching just offshore. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Playing the Pacifico course at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita may not be the most difficult round of golf in the tropics, but it is undoubtedly one of the most scenic. Taking full advantage of its waterfront real estate, the course meanders around the resort’s peninsula to provide eight holes directly fronting the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay. It’s complemented by palm-fringed and beautifully landscaped fairways overlooked by the distant Sierra Madre mountains. During winter months, players may face an added distraction as they approach the third tee: migrating whales passing just offshore. A highlight of any round—and a must-do photo op with or without the passing whales—is hole 3B, aka the Tail of the Whale. Presented as an optional par 3, this hole requires golfers to carry across beach and rocky shallows to a green embedded on a small island. It’s spectacular and possibly intimidating. But in reality, the Tail of the Whale is as accommodating as the majority of this course, which offers wide and relatively forgiving fairways that allow players to focus on the view without sweating the strategy. Players looking for a more challenging round can play the resort’s other course, the Nicklaus-designed Bahia, which is rated 10 strokes tougher than its seaside sibling and provides a variety of terrain challenges.

Where to Stay: Spectacular backdrops aren’t the only reward for playing a round at Pacifico. You have the option of settling in at one of Punta Mita’s luxurious resorts—including the course’s host property, the Four Seasons. The spa ranks as highly for its services as the golf course does for its scenery, and beaches, pools and activities please not only players, but their spouses and families as well. 

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course offers nearly a mile of oceanfront play, including one of the premier tandem par-3s in the game, the dramatic 6th and 7th.. Photo: Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design

For more than two decades, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol has reigned as Baja’s premier beachside golf course. With seven direct oceanfront holes, it certainly commands more waterfront than any other course on the Baja Peninsula. In addition to a mile of scenic beach, the course serves up challenging topography with an ample helping of arroyos and sand traps, along with some demanding carries. As new courses sprouted up in recent years, the Cabo del Sol team upped their game with a reconfiguration of several signature holes. The green on the signature par-4 5th hole now perches precipitously close to crashing surf, creating additional drama for a hole that has been ranked among the best 500 in golf. Next, players tee off for the first of two redesigned back-to-back par 3s at 6th and 7th. Already being called two of the primer tandem 3s in the game, these holes skirt a tidal inlet flanked by craggy outcroppings, creating a test of accuracy to challenge the game’s best when hit from the blues. As you make your way towards the spectacular 17th, also a world-ranked hole, you may see why Nicklaus himself called this stretch “the three finest finishing holes in all of golf.”

Where to Stay: For easy access to the course, you can choose from three resorts within the Cabo del Sol development—the Fiesta Americana Grand, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and the Premier Resorts condominiums—or for access to even more of Baja’s best golfing action, move up the coast a few miles to the Hilton Los Cabos, which offers golf packages that includes playing the area’s other premier courses. 

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

Lanai’s Challenge At Manele Bay perches atop a high bluff overlooking the waters of the Hulopoe Marine Reserve. The 12th hole requires a 200-yard water carry. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Getting to the quiet island of Lanai requires a ferry ride or a connecting flight from a major Hawaiian gateway, but the reward for hauling your clubs along is a chance to play one of the world’s most scenic ocean-side courses: the Challenge at Manele Bay. Sitting on the island’s remote southern coast atop a 200-foot-high wall of red lava cliffs, the course provides spectacular ocean views and photo ops from start to finish. Don’t let your attention stray from the fairway, however, as nine doglegs and several carries across unforgiving black lava fields demand targeted play, especially when hitting from the long tees. The signature and much-photographed 12th hole will test your faith, as it requires a 200-yard carry across breaking surf. You have a chance to repeat your performance at the 17th hole, which calls for a dramatic cliff-side carry. Trade winds are usually a factor, but the course was created with the prevailing breezes in mind, and players usually finish with a sense of exhilaration rather than frustration.

Where to Stay: Book a room on-property at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. The resort overlooks Hulopoe Bay, the best bathing spot on the island. The Four Season staff coordinates guests’ water-sports adventures, ranging from swims with spotted dolphins and snorkel tours of the protected reefs to scuba dives, ocean kayak tours and surfing lessons. The more sedentary find beach umbrellas and a sparkling pool, plus a full range of dining and pampering one would expect from a Four Seasons property. 

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

With its dramatic water carry, panoramic ocean views and lush landscaping, Mauna Kea’s 3rd hole is one of the most photographed holes in the sport of golf. Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Resort

It’s been 50 years since Robert Trent Jones, Sr. created this course atop the black volcanic ash of the Big Island’s western shores. It was christened by a round from the Big Three— Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player—and soon earned a reputation as Hawaii’s best. The course has held up well in the decades since and is still highly regarded in golfing circles as a must-play venue. In fact, Mauna Kea has been credited for defining the components that make an ideal resort course. The scenery rewards as the course rises from the ocean to heights of 300 feet to deliver panoramic views of the coast, but the architecture also delivers its share of challenges. Elevation and prevailing winds often come into play, and the pitched and well-guarded greens require accurate approach shots. The course’s par-3 third is one of the most photographed holes in all of golf. Hitting from a cliff-side tee, players must carry across a small bay to a green that is guarded by seven bunkers.

Where to Stay: The course is a 30-mile drive from resorts in the Kona area, but two premier properties are within walking distance of the fairways. The course’s host property, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, provides exclusive access to what many consider the Big Island’s best white-sand beach. Just to the south of the course, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel overlooks its namesake bay and beach, delivering magnificent ocean views from every room.