Tag Archives: Plan

El Limon
Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: El Salto del Limón, Dominican Republic

Leave a comment

 

Getting to the waterfall known as El Salto del Limon is an adventure in itself. This 120-foot high cascade is located on the Arroyo Chico River, which flows through the rugged interior of the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula. There’s no chance of the site being swarmed by tour bus crowds, as it is located several miles from the nearest road. Adventurous types can hike to the site, but this will involve a three-mile trek that requires fording streams and a lot of uphill climbing on a steep, rugged footpath cut through the lush landscape. To avoid this strenuous effort, most visitors arrive by horseback.

Rides start in the town of El Limón, where a number of outfitters lead horseback tours to the site. The ride can take from 30 to 60 minutes, after which the cool pool at the fall’s base provides a welcome respite from the trail. Tours often include a picnic lunch and plenty of time to swim and explore before starting the return trip to the village. The resorts of Las Terrenas are less than a half hour away, but tours to this iconic cascade also originate from points across the eastern Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana. Because of the long drive times required from these more distant locations, the trip becomes a full-day excursion. But as anyone who has ever ducked under the fall’s cooling spray of cascading water can attest, the destination is well worth the journey.

Curacao Willemstad Harbor
Caribbean, Curacao, Plan, Trip Ideas

Curacao: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Too long overlooked by travelers who perceived it as just a regional commercial center, Curacao has reinvented itself as a vacation destination and now competes with the Caribbean’s best. In addition to sun and sea, the island offers one of the most intriguing cultures in the region, blending the vintage flavors of Europe with a dash of Caribbean spice, and combining a rich and diverse history with vibrant and hip social, art and culinary scenes. Here are just some of the reasons why Curacao is one of our favorite Caribbean islands.

1  A Touch of Dutch

Like the other members of the ABC island group, Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao has a longstanding connection to Holland. Though the island gained autonomy in 2010 as a constituent country, Dutch culture remains an integral part of the island’s heritage and lifestyle. Stores are filled with imports from the Netherlands, street signs are displayed in Dutch and open-air cafes are filled with chic patrons sporting the latest European fashions, conversing in a half dozen languages. You might think you are in Amsterdam, were it not for the blue skies and warm sunshine.

2  Free Trade

Curacao’s emergence as a commercial hub dates back to the Colonial era, when the Dutch West India Company promoted trade between the home country and the Caribbean. More recently, Holland’s progressive attitude toward duty-free trade transformed Curacao into the commercial center it is today. The storefronts along Heerenstraat and Breedestraat streets display designer clothes, Italian silk and Holland’s famous blue Delft pottery. A swanky new shopping district in Otrobanda is the place to load up on linens, perfumes, diamonds, emeralds and rubies. And don’t forget to purchase a wheel of Edam cheese; the 5-pound size will last till your next trip.

3  Libations Blue and Green

If you order drinks tinted green or blue, chances are they are doused with a shot of Curacao Liqueur. This famed spirit, known as “The Genuine Curacao Liqueur,” traces its island roots back to 1896. This elixir derives its unique flavor from the infusion of the dried peel of the laraha fruit, which is similar to an orange. The spirit is still made at a small on-island distillery that follows the original recipe. Over the years, new variations have also been created through the addition of extras such as chocolate, coffee and rum raisin, but the original blue and green varieties remain the most popular.

4  Floating Market

Though Curacao’s arid landscape is not conducive to farming, fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundant supply, thanks to a fleet of small trading vessels that make the 36-mile crossing from Venezuela laden with fresh produce. These colorful craft tie up along the Willemstad waterfront, offering a wide range of goods grown in the rich soils of the mainland. In years past, sailors would sell their cargoes right from the decks of their vessels. Most now offload their goods to adjacent open-air stands along the wharf, providing a steady supply of fresh food and a lively shopping experience.

5  United Nations

Curacao’s cultural tapestry welcomes influences from three continents and more than 50 nationalities to the mix. You’ll most likely hear Dutch, English and a local dialect known as Papiamento spoken as you stroll down the cobblestone streets, but Venezuela is just over the horizon, and Hispanic influences have flavored the island’s taste in cuisines, music and sport, as well as encouraging a gregarious social attitude. One additional cultural influence that has shaped Curacao’s culture for many years is the legacy of Portuguese Jews, who first arrived on the island in the mid-1600s.

6  Hidden Beaches

At first glance you wouldn’t think this rocky windswept island would have much to offer in the way of beaches. But a closer look reveals hidden coves tucked between headlands of fossilized coral, where soft golden sands beckon you to lay down a towel and spend the day. There are 38 beaches scattered around the island, and the southwestern coast is where you’ll find the majority with calm, crystal clear water. For a livelier day on a more expansive strand, follow the crowds to the island’s hot spot, Mambo Beach. The islands longest and most popular stretch of sand, it is flanked by a variety of seaside taverns and eateries.

7  Sapphire Blue Waters

Curacao is rimmed by a shallow coastal shelf that soon drops into deep water along coral- covered walls. This underwater landscape places prime diving and snorkeling sites very close to shore, especially along the island’s southern coast, which is sheltered from prevailing swells and trade winds. Many coral reefs are within swimming distance of the beach, or just a short boat ride away. Fishermen also appreciate the proximity of blue water, and are able to drop their lines and begin the hunt for trophies soon after departing the harbor.

8  Authentic Architecture

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Willemstad’s Punda district, with tall, narrow buildings looming overhead, and you might think you were in the old country. The giveaways are the colorful, multi-hued shades of the walls and the predominance of red tile roofs. The tradition of building up rather than out came to the island with the first wave of Dutch builders, based on the practice of taxing buildings according to street front width rather than height. Today, the centuries-old structures of this extensive and authentic historic district are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

9  Local Flavors

The menus of Curacao include not only a wide range of international flavors, but some unique to the island. The favorite local dish known as keshi yena is made by stuffing a shell of Edam cheese with spiced meats. Local land animals also made their way into island kitchens and show up in savory dishes such as sopa yuana (iguana soup). There is funchi, a corn bread polenta, and during the Christmas holidays residents spend days making ayaka, a tamale-type entree of Venezuelan origin that places spiced beef or chicken in an envelope of cornmeal pastry that is wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled.

10  Celebrations of Life

Island residents are always up for a party, and there are ample opportunities throughout the year to mingle and celebrate. Plan your trip around Carnival, Heineken Regatta, Curacao Dive Festival or even the annual Amstel Curacao Race, which is a local equivalent of the Tour de France. For music lovers the big event is the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, while the Salsa Tour and Tumba Festival are equally appealing.

 

Mexico, Cancun, Aerial
Cancun, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Cancún: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Four decades ago, the international destination that is Cancun was little more than a scattering of fishing shacks along a thin strip of a barrier island. When development came, it was in the form of a master plan designed to transform the region into one of the world’s premier resort destinations. The plan worked, and today Cancún has became the No. 1 tourist destination in Mexico. Here are just some of the reasons why.

1  Lucky Seven

Cancún stretches along a 14-mile expanse of beaches that form the shape of a giant number seven. This profile creates a variety of water conditions ranging from calm, sandy shores to lively shore breaks. The glistening white sand is soft underfoot and replenishes quickly, so visitors will always enjoy a wide expanse of beaches along the Hotel Zone. The calmest waters are found along north-facing beaches. East coast beaches, which border the Caribbean Sea, have more wave and wind action, and attract windsurfers and kiteboarders.

2  Culinary Delights

Cancún is a foodie destination, with many opportunities for fine dining. The highlight of the culinary scene is the annual Cancún-Riviera Maya Food & Wine Festival in March. Top chefs and sommeliers come to compete, share and offer tastings of their latest blends, potions and gastronomical creations. Highlights include interactive cooking challenges, culinary lectures and demonstrations, wine and food pairings, a tasting village and featured libations from wine to tequila.

3  Island Trifecta

The Cancún resort area includes a trio of small nearshore islands. Isla Mujeres is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún and is known for its low- key slow-paced lifestyle and the Garrafón Natural Reef Park. Even quieter is Holbox Island, which serves as a launching point for swims with huge but harmless whale sharks, manatees, dolphins and turtles. Uninhabited Contoy Island is a bird sanctuary that will delight nature lovers and anyone seeking a respite from civilization.

4  Ancient Attractions

The Yucatan was once the center of the Maya civilization, and home to several important cities and ceremonial centers, all of which are easily reached from Cancún. Not to be missed are the impressive remains of Chichen Itza, where the well-preserved temple of Kukulkan stands in grandeur above ball courts, a sacred well and a bevy of jaguar, serpent and eagles carved into stone fretwork. It’s been named as one of the seven wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also worth a visit are the remains of Uxmal and Mayapan.

5  Love the Nightlife

When the sun sets, Cancún’s famous nightlife kicks into high gear. Celebrations begin at causal anything-goes watering holes such as Senor Frogs, but as the night progresses, so to do the choices. Clubbers flock to A- list venues like Day’O, The City and Coco Bongo, where disc jockeys up the ante with high-energy house music and mesmerizing light shows. There are sophisticated supper clubs perfect for people watching, low-key jazz lounges like Roots for relaxation and Latin-infused stops like Azucar, where salsa music reigns.

6  Performance Arts

There’s more to Cancún than tequila shooters and beach parties. Visitors and locals alike delight in a range of cultural arts. In the heart of Cancún’s downtown district, the Casa de Cultura museum displays the work of local artists. At the city’s convention center, the Ballet Folklórico de Cancún stages nightly shows featuring traditional Mexican music and folkloric dances. In the Hotel Zone, the Teatro de Cancún also presents Mexican- and Caribbean-themed dance performances.

7  Natural Hazards

The Yucatan’s natural limestone rock, tropical forest and turquoise blue waters create magnificent backdrops for a round of golf. Some cloister fairways in dense jungle and protect greens with scenic mangrove-lined water hazards; others open to coastal views and the vagaries of trade winds. A dozen top-ranked courses within a half hour of Cancún include Greg Norman’s famous El Camaleón, the P.B. Dye-designed Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club and the Jack Nicklaus signature course at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort.

8  Gateway to the Yucatan

There’s nothing like a road trip to get to know a country, meet the people and discover nature. Rental cars are readily available, and the main roads leading inland or south along the coast are well-marked and well- maintained. For a glimpse of old Mexico, head west to the colonial-era cities of Valladolid and Mérida, or turn south to make your way to the iconic beachfront temples of Tulum.

9  Magnificent Mole

Treasured culinary traditions are alive and well in Cancún. Don’t pass up a chance to try the regional dish of mole, which is chicken or meat swimming in a rich chili and chocolate sauce. Other local favorites include ceviche, made by marinating fresh seafood in lime juice with plenty of pepper, onions and cilantro.

10  Active and Retail Pursuits

If beach lounges aren’t for you, Cancún has plenty of active options. Aquatic pursuits include sport fishing, windsurfing, diving and snorkeling. Topside there are jungle tours, swims in jungle cenotes, hikes, zip lines and eco- tours. Shoppers find Cartier, Swarovski and Tous outlets as well as Mexican- designed clothing and jewelry. Head to the La Isla Shopping Village or the Hotel Zone’s boutique shopping mall Luxury Avenue, which will keep your credit cards active. After a long day of action or spending, there’s always a hammock waiting.

Belize, Lamanai
Belize, Central America, Plan, Trip Ideas

Belize’s Best Mayan Ruins

Leave a comment

 

The country of Belize was once part of the great Mayan homeland. Green jungles hide stonework and relics of once grand cities. More than 100 known Mayan sites are scattered from coastal lowlands to highland plateaus, but fewer than a dozen are easily accessible, and have been sufficiently reclaimed from enveloping undergrowth and debris to provide a semblance of their former selves. No trip to Belize would be complete without a visit to at least one of these sites, either with an organized tour or by rental car. Here are six of the country’s best.

Coastal Day Trips

If you are staying out on the cays or taking shore leave in Belize City, several of the country’s most popular Mayan sites are within day-trip range. The easiest to reach, and therefore most popular, is Altun Ha. The excavated portions of this site are relatively modest in scope, but contain all the requisite elements: temples, tombs, carvings and pyramids that can be climbed. Several tour companies serve the site, and it’s an easy 45-minute drive by rental car. For a unique setting and fewer tour groups, you can opt for the city of Lamanai, which overlooks the New River Lagoon, and is surrounded by a lush rainforest. Highlights include a ball court and the second largest pre-classic Mayan structure in Central America. And then there’s the arrival. To save a circuitous road trip, a number of tour operators deliver visitors by boat, adding a river cruise to the day’s adventure, with the chance of sighting crocodiles along the way.

Belize, Xunantunich, Belize’s Best Mayan Ruins

Just a few miles from the town of San Ignacio, the 120-foot high El Castillo pyramid at Xunantunich rises from the jungle. The site can be reached by car, and the views justify the climb to the top. Photo: iStock

A third option for coastal-based travelers with a full day to devote to visiting ruins is a drive on the Western Highway to the town of San Ignacio. Here, the remains of one of the oldest-known Maya cities in the country overlooks the Macal River Valley. The site, known as Cahal Pech, is a collection of some 30 stone structures rising to heights of 75 feet, along with a small museum displaying some of the artifacts unearthed by archeologists. A seven-mile drive west of San Ignacio brings you to the district’s other easily accessed site: Xunantunich. The adventure begins with a trip across the Mopan River on a small, hand-operated ferry boat, after which you can walk among carved stella and climb the 120-foot-tall El Castillo pyramid for panoramic views that extend to the Guatemalan border.

Inland Expeditions

Some of Belize’s most significant Mayan cities are located in the western highlands in areas that are a bit too remote for a comfortable one-day excursion from the coast. The best way to visit these sites is by basing at a hotel or jungle lodge near the town of San Ignacio. From here, a favorite adventure is an all-day outing to the sprawling city of Caracol, which is located in the heart of the Mayan Mountains. The trip begins with a 2?- hour drive on rough backroads through the Mountain Pine Forest Reserve and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, with ample opportunities to spot wildlife. The city itself is massive, and only a fraction of it has yet been reclaimed from the jungle; archeological work is ongoing. Among the most noteworthy structures unearthed so far are the Canna Sky Palace pyramid, which at 136 feet is the tallest Mayan building in Belize.

Belize, Caracol

The view from atop Caracol’s main pyramid. Excavation at the site is ongoing, and only a small portion of the city has been reclaimed from the surrounding jungle. Photo: Alan Tobey/iStock

The other must-do excursion from San Ignacio takes you across the Guatemalan border to one of the most important cities of the Mayan Empire. The ancient city of Tikal covers more than 6 square miles, and includes some of the most dramatic pyramids and best-restored structures in Central America. Organized tours from San Ignacio are the best option, as most rental car contracts exclude travel into Guatemala. If you have an extra half day to spare, and want a slightly wilder take on ruins tours, a 12-mile drive to the north brings you to El Pilar, a large but only partially excavated city that could serve as a set for an Indiana Jones movie. Here, visitors walk shaded trails to discover 4,000-year-old stonework emerging from the surrounding greenery.

Acapulco Bay, Mexico
Acapulco, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Acapulco: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

From celebrity retreats to spring break raves and family vacations, Acapulco has welcomed them all. Today, this city by the bay offers everything from retro-chic digs in the heart of the historic district to five-star beachside retreats, along with an ample helping of fine dining, water sports and nightlife.

1  The Original Getaway

Years before Cancún or Cabo were blips on the vacation radar, Acapulco was the place where the glamorous people came south of the border for a beachfront holiday. At the time, this was a destination that catered almost exclusively to the upper crust, but that began to change in the 1970s when a new era of development and air service opened the town to a growing wave of middle-class travelers.

2  Bays, Beaches and Lagoons

The coastline delivers everything from crashing surf on rocky headlands to calm waters lapping on sandy beaches. The metro area encompasses more than 20 beaches, some sheltered, others facing the open ocean. At the mouth of the bay, Isla la Roqueta is a favorite day trip for swimmers and snorkelers, while both north and south of the city, sheltered mangrove lagoons provide wildlife habitat and sea turtle nesting grounds.

3  Old Town

Acapulco was one of the first locations the Spanish settled along the Pacific coast in the early 1500s. Thanks to its protected harbor, this outpost soon grew into one of colonial Mexico’s major trading ports. Pirates plundered, earthquakes and wars ravaged the waterfront and gold rush traffic brought boom and bust. Today, you can find reminders of the city’s colorful past at venues such as the Fort of San Diego, once the most important Spanish fortress on the Pacific coast.

4  Zone Options

Acapulco is three resort areas in one. To the north, the city waterfront and many vintage resorts of the Traditional Zone are undergoing a wave of restoration. Along the south shore of Acapulco Bay, the beachfront hotels of the Golden Zone remain the area’s number one draw, with a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options nearby. Farther to the south, beyond the shores of smaller Puerto Marqués Bay, the shoreline known as the Diamond Zone is home to a new generation of luxury hotels and condominiums.

5  Love the Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the party is just getting started, and for those with the fortitude, the celebration can last until dawn. Acapulco’s spring break action is legendary, but you don’t have to be a collegiate on a binge to appreciate the city’s range of entertainment options. In addition to anything goes beach bars and pulsating all-night dance floors, one can also find live musical performances and more subdued venues.

6  The Cliffs

It’s known simply as La Quebrada, the gulch. Since the 1930s, local daredevils have plunged from an 80-foot-high precipice into this narrow inlet to the delight of cliff-side audiences. The prime vantage point for this daily performance is the shoreside La Perla restaurant. In addition to high dives, this section of coast provides a spectacular backdrop for sunset views, especially from the nearby Sinfonía del Mar, a cliff-side plaza that provides commanding vistas of the western horizon.

7  Family Friendly

Acapulco has a lot to offer vacationing families. Many hotels offer nanny services and children’s activity clubs. There are calm beaches where youngsters can swim safely, a number of outdoor markets and city parks suitable for strolling and mingling with the locals, as well as museums and historic buildings worthy of a visit. Commercial attractions include glass bottom boat cruises, an island zoo, tours into surrounding mountain villages, an aquarium and a youth-themed water park.

8  Water Ways

Acapulco Bay and the Pacific Ocean are ideal for a wide range of water sports. The more sheltered portions of the bay provide calm lee shores to launch beachside favorites such as stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, towable rides and kayaking. The bay itself is ideal for sailing, personal watercraft and powerboats, while shorelines exposed to Pacific swells draw surfers and body surfers. Isla Roqueta is a favorite snorkeling and scuba diving destination, while deep-sea fishermen range farther offshore in search of trophy catches.

9  Highland Escapes

Along Acapulco’s coast, there is no coastal plain, and the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur come close to the shore. These mountains provide a cooler, greener change of scenery that is still within an easy day trip of the beach. One of the most popular near-town excursions is the Palma Sola, where one can hike a hillside trail to discover pre-historic petroglyphs on the way to a panoramic summit providing sweeping views of the coast.

10  Cultural Exchange

Acapulco began as an international destination and still draws a good share of its visitors from afar. But the area also became a favorite coastal destination for Mexican nationals, especially residents of Mexico City. This popularity creates a more authentically in-country vibe than in other resort areas more heavily dominated by American vacationers. English is still widely spoken or at least understood, but you’ll also have ample opportunity to practice your Spanish.

Cuban Music
Caribbean, Cuba, Jamaica, Plan, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Music

Leave a comment

 

There are going to be guys, and sometimes girls, wearing floppy hats and serenading you from the Jimmy Buffet songbook no matter where you go. Get used to it. But that’s hardly the beginning or end of Caribbean music. The combination of European melodies with African rhythms and forms like the call- and-response chorus melodies has sparked a rich musical culture that is unlike any other. The litany of musical forms that have been invented in the region goes on and on: salsa, son, danzón, rumba … and that only covers Cuba. Add merengue and bachata from the Dominican Republic, calypso and soca from Trinidad, Bahamian rake ’n’ scrape and of course, reggae from Jamaica. And then there are the instruments, from the iconic steel drum to the cajon, marimba, timbales, conga, güiro, and cuatro. As W.C. Fields once remarked about Mae West, the region is a “feast for the eyes and easy on the ears as well.”

Jamaica

Bob Marley. That just about covers it, right? Not even. The superstar and music legend took the sounds of his native Kingston and blended them into a musical form that connects with millions worldwide. And Marley was just one of many artists—Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, The Skatalites, Black Uhuru and Buju Banton—who made it to international fame. They’ve been followed by dancehall DJs, jazz players and more recent breakouts like Tessanne Chin, who won Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice. Finding music in Jamaica is easy. In Montego Bay, try the annual Sumfest (mid-summer) for an introduction to all of the sounds of the island or pop into a club along Gloucester Avenue anytime.

Jamaica Music

Steel-Pan, the Caribbean’s iconic music is found throughout the islands and prevalent at beach bars, hotels and restaurants like this oceanside venue in Jamaica. Photo: Lisa F. Young/iStock

Cuba

Music is everywhere in Cuba, as are the people dancing. For a country that suffered so much for so long, it’s amazing how little it takes to get Cubans to break out into song and dance. It’s not only in their blood, it’s their national identity. Maybe this is what Wilson Pickett was singing about when he recorded Land of a Thousand Dances? If it’s not, it should have been. This is the birthplace of the rumba, the cha-cha, son and more beats that were heavily mined by American big band orchestras in the 1930s and 1940s. After Desi Arnaz pioneered a purer form of the music on the TV show I Love Lucy, it was the fusion sound of famous ex- pat Gloria Estefan that brought the Cuban beat to millions of American ears. If you want to hear what Cuba is doing now, Havana is still rocking it at places like Casa de la Musica or Cafe Cantante, while a more sedate experience awaits at Chan Chan, overlooking the Marina Hemingway in Miramar.

Cuba Music

Iterate musicians known as trovadores once roamed Cuba. Their musical style lives on at performing halls known as “Casa de la Trova,” which can be found throughout Cuba. Photo: Flavio Vallenari/iStock

Puerto Rico

Like their Cuban neighbors, Puerto Ricans love to dance. And boy, can they dance. San Juan is chock-full of clubs that heat up as the nighttime air cools down. From Old San Juan out to Condado and down past Santurce into Rio Piedras, clubs are everywhere. Not surprisingly, salsa is on the menu in most, but there are so many variations—from pure salsa to music mixed with jazz or hip-hop— that you’ll never be bored. Reggaeton is extremely popular as well. If you go, expect to see some blazing musicianship and expect to sweat, because you can’t sit still listening to these bands. They’re easy to find, too. If there’s a concert at the Anfiteatro Tito Puente—a big venue named for the New York- born superstar—buy a ticket. Or head for the El San Juan Resort & Casino on the beach in Isla Verde and dress in your best. A less elegant but no less impressive atmosphere can be found at the Nuyorican Cafe in Old San Juan, where an 18th century mansion has been converted to a jazz, rock and salsa club.

Puerto Rico Music

Puerto Rican Bomba music has roots in west African traditions. The rhythms are unique because the drummers follow the lead of the dancer rather than the other way round. Photo: Alfred Wekeloz/Shutterstock

Puerto Rico El Yunque Bridge
Dominica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Adventure

Leave a comment

 

The flood of tourists who descend on the Caribbean each year has worn its native fabric almost bare in places, homogenizing and Americanizing some destinations. That’s not all bad; being stuck in a backwater five days from the nearest decent cheeseburger isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But if you know where to look, there are still places where you can see the land and water in a more primal state, with plenty of adrenaline-worthy adventure to be had. And rugged doesn’t have to involve roughing it. You can swing through the trees by day and spend your nights in a five-star hotel. Here are three of our favorite islands for authentic adventure.

Puerto Rico

In a strictly geographic sense, Puerto Rico is a mid-size Caribbean island. But a drive along the twisting interior roads make the island seem a lot bigger, and the list of available adventures moves it to the head of the active traveler’s list. With terrains that range from open grassland and coastal swamp to highland rainforests, hikers, bikers, horseback riders and off road enthusiasts have plenty of diverse and scenic trails to discover. You can soar more than 900 feet above the jungle on the hemisphere’s highest zip line, rappel down waterfalls into a hidden river canyon or go underground to explore miles of cave passage. Along the coast there are snorkeling reefs, surf breaks and mangrove lagoons. To take it all in, you can sign up for a tandem flight in a hang glider or motorized paraglider and soar above mountains slopes. For a tamer take on flight, birders can trek the outback in search of the 320 species of birds that are found in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Caving

Puerto Rico is riddled in limestone caves, and home to one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Outfitters offer tours that go beyond the lighted pathways. Photo: Aventuras Tierra Adentro

Dominica

This green oasis in a blue sea bills itself as “The Nature Island,” and it’s not false advertising. Ruggedly vertical, Dominica has the highest percentage of forested land of any island in the region. It is also the youngest island in the Caribbean, and its volcanic origins are on display at sites such as the Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation, where sulfurous volcanic vents and hot springs create other worldly landscapes. Climbing and hiking opportunities abound and range from easy rambles along coastal trails to strenuous ascents into the highland peaks. Ample rainfall creates numerous waterfalls and fast flowing rivers for the sport of canyoneering, or for drifting small rapids in a kayak or astride an inner tube. Activities that include the word “watching” don’t usually move the adventure needle, but on Dominica, flora and fauna tours into the backcountry are a bit wilder than elsewhere, and one of the island’s signature experiences is a voyage by small boat to observe sperm whales mating and nurturing their young.

Dominica Emerald Pool

Dominica’s Emerald Pool is just one of the island’s many scenic waterfalls. Some are a short walk from the roadway on a groomed path, others require hard jungle hiking to reach. Photo: Don Ford/iStock

St. Lucia

So much for roughing it. In St. Lucia you can revel in the great outdoors all day and then enjoy supreme comfort at night. The lush green island, known for its romantic resorts, also has a rough and ready side. A 12-mile biking trail through the island’s oldest sugar plantation has stunning views from overlooks along the way. Hiking the Pitons is tempting but strenuous; it’s not quite a climb, although there’s some hand-over-hand involved before you reach the 2,900-foot summit of Gros Piton. On the east side of the island is a zip-line complex containing 12 lines with nearly a mile of runs that carry riders 150 feet above the forest floor. A trio of stables offers horseback rides along the beach or into the hills, and those who prefer to pedal can explore the interior by mountain bike or all-terrain vehicle. For a loftier and less strenuous view, book a helicopter tour that takes in the coast and Soufriere volcano.

St. Lucia Pitons

St. Lucia’s green slopes not only create a stunning backdrop for views from the terraces of luxury lodges, but also provide a green playground for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Photo: iStock

Cancun Mexico
Bahamas-New Providence, Cancun, Caribbean, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Islands for Singles

Leave a comment

 

For most Caribbean marketers, couples and families are the focus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go there solo. Where you go depends on whether you want some quiet and solitude or because you’re single and looking. If you’re going to get away from office insanity and clear your head, go someplace with a lot of activities you can pursue solo; Aruba, Belize and Jamaica come to mind. On the other hand, if you’re looking to go have single fun with other likeminded travelers, here are the hot spots where you can meet and mingle.

New Providence/Nassau

In part because it’s so close to the U.S. mainland, Nassau attracts a lot of short-stay visitors and guys/girls road trip traffic, flying in on short notice with little more than a carry-on and an urge to play. Plenty of singles also come off the cruise ships almost every night. Downtown Nassau has an active club scene; you’ll want to check out Club Waterloo, a high-energy dance club that occupies a former lakeside mansion. A mile to the west, the sprawling Club Luna complex offers multiple bars, dance floors and an open “street party.” Across the bridge on Paradaise Island, the mega-resort Atlantis is home to the upscale Aura, while a far more local and informal vibe permeates the beachside digs at Nirvana, located on the island’s northwest coast overlooking Love Beach.

St. Thomas

Like Nassau, St. Thomas gets a lot of overnight cruise ship traffic, and plenty of singles party in Charlotte Amalie. Just ducking into one of the rum shops or bars along the waterfront strip is a good place to start. You never know who will be sitting on the bar stool next to you. If serendipity isn’t working, you can hit up Starz in the Havensight Mall next to the cruise docks for some DJ-driven dancing. If you’re looking for something a bit more low key to start or taper off the evening, try the wine and chamagne bar at Epernay in Frenchtown. Hop a taxi for a ride to Iggies at Bolongo Bay. This beachfront bar puts your toes right in the sand and is always a good time with occasional live music, weekly beach barbecues and karaoke. More than one evening here has ended in an impromptu midnight swim.

Cancun

It’s hot in Mexico, and Cancun is the king of Caribbean party towns. If you missed Spring Break, this is your makeup exam, because Cancun is pretty much Spring Break year-round. The downtown area does have some clubs, but most of the action is on the long arm of land that embraces the Nichupté Lagoon in front of the city. This place was custom-built by the Mexican government for partying, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find young singles from all over the southern and western U.S. thronging clubs along the strip. If you have a desperate desire to dance in soapsuds, you’re in luck. Foaming is one of Cancun’s signatures. The big names are Coco Bongo and The City—which can host up to 5,000 revelers simultaneously—or you can head over to the original Señor Frogs.

Grand Cayman Papagallo
Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Eat, Martinique, Plan, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Fine Dining

Leave a comment

 

There was a time when a Caribbean restaurant that provided matching forks was considered to be putting on airs. No more. Today, dozens of celebrated dining rooms across the region plate superb offerings that fully justify upscale cutlery and fine china. Celebrity chefs have opened signature eateries gone island style, and a new wave of homegrown talent adds local flair to established traditions. One can find a respectable range of fine dining options on nearly every island, but some stand above the rest in terms of the plentitude of choices and the overall experience.

Grand Cayman

Don’t let the fast food franchises that have popped up along West Bay Road fool you. An island that was once a wasteland for fine dining enthusiasts has emphatically upped its game and become a food-first destination. There are culinary all-stars. Eric Ripert’s Blue at the Ritz-Carlton showcases locally caught seafood, complemented by an 800-label wine list. Michael Schwartz’s Genuine Food & Drink offers a casually elegant indoor/outdoor setting where the emphasis is on the chef’s signature New American cuisine. And the list of chefs and supporting casts keeps getting stronger. The lineup at the Camana Bay complex alone is enough to justify the airfare: Cindy Hutson’s Ortanique serves up highly personal recipes in a South Beach setting, and Mizu is a tour of the greatest hits of Asian cuisine. Across the island Kaibo at Rum Point has high-end cuisine and a world-class rum bar. And these venues just scratch the surface of the island’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Cayman Islands Food, Cayman Cookout Day, Best Caribbean Islands for Fine Dining

A tempting morsel plated during the annual Cayman Cookout. Hosted each January at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, this event celebrates the island’s culinary talents. Photo: David Wolfe/Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

St. Martin

It’s French and it attracts a lot of people with money—enough said? Well, not quite enough. St. Martin has earned a reputation as the fine dining capital of the Caribbean, and the caliber of culinary achievement displayed along Grand Case beach is both varied and stellar. L’Effet Mer weighs in with its trilogy of crab (crab tartar, crab cake and crab roll), sweet pepper gazpacho and duck liver; Le Pressoir impresses with frog legs Provençale, crispy snails and a tasting plate of four variations of foie gras; Mario’s Bistro is an institution, famous for its jumbo scallops with crab mashed potatoes and shrimp penne flambéed with bourbon. At L’Estaminet, Chef Ina Urfalino puts a personal twist on French culinary traditions with dishes such as duck breast au cacao, and mahimahi marinated in Guyanese masala. While the majority of cuisines favor French and French fusion, there are also flavors of Asia, Italy and the Caribbean that can be savored at more than 400 restaurants across the island.

Martinique

While St. Martin is thoroughly French, Martinique—also an overseas department of the Republic—mixes it up. Even in its colonial days, Martinique was the more exotic creole sister of the Windwards, the African identity of its population complemented but never subverted by European customs. So while there’s plenty of excellent French cuisine to be had at traditional favorites such as Fort-de-France’s La Cave a Vins, there’s also a healthy serving of creole to go with it. Delices Caraibes serves up shrimp in coconut milk; Metis takes what the sea offers and gives it a twist with dishes such as snapper with basil or shrimp flambéed with rum. On the windward side, La Domaine Saint Aubin is a French- style “hotel du charme,” a 19th-century manor house with an enthusiastic and accomplished chef who takes full advantage of local ingredients, which are transformed into memorably orchestrated prix fixe dinners.

Cuba Local Food
Caribbean, Cuba, Eat, Jamaica, Plan, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Local Food

Leave a comment

 

There are more opportunities for fine dining in the Caribbean than ever before. But sometimes, what’s wanted is a taste of the real thing: homegrown island cooking, rich in tradition, local ingredients and love. Whether dispensed from a street vendor’s cart, passed through the window of a colorful cottage or served up at a small beachside restaurant where the owner is also the cook, these are the tastes of the islands that can’t be duplicated. And on some select islands, the collision of European, African and Cariban flavors has produced some especially innovative and unexpectedly delicious results.

Jamaica

Some would argue that this is the king of Caribbean cuisines. The melding of Amerindian cooking techniques—barbacoa—with influences from Spain, England, West Africa, India and China gives Jamaican cuisine a distinctive flavor that’s traveled well. Carried by members of the Jamaican diaspora to distant shores, you can find good Jamaican restaurants all over the Eastern United States, in the U.K. and throughout the Caribbean. Jerk comes to mind instantly, of course, washed down with a cold Red Stripe. But there’s also Stamp and Go (cod fritters), coconut bread, festival (corn bread) and, of course, that delicious combination of flaky pastry crust and spicy meat filling known as patties. For jerk that’s hot off the grill, the vendors on Boston Beach are popularly called “the best,” though good jerk is available everywhere. For patties, Stamp and Go and others, street vendors in Kingston are the original source, but carts have made their way to north shore settlements as well.

Jamaica Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken served restaurant style with fresh fruit and peas-n-rice. Street vendors across the island grill up simpler versions of this savory favorite. Photo: Shutterstock

Cuba

With its feet firmly planted in traditional Spanish cooking, Cuba’s cuisine is a kind of “mother tongue” for the Hispanic islands, rich in roasted and spicy slow-cooked meats, accompanied by a variety of staple starches, tempting pastries and fresh fruits. If your only exposure to Cuban has been in the form of a flat- pressed sandwich (which was actually invented in Tampa, Florida) just reading a menu should set your taste buds quivering: boliche (eye round steak stuffed with chorizo sausage), empanadas, croquetas, lechón asado (roast pork) and of course, black beans and rice. Havana’s cuisine has more hints of Creole, while the cooking in the east end of the island is more European. In Havana, 304 O’Reilly and La Guarida, which has a spectacular setting, are best bets. Take to the streets and you will discover a new world of tastes, that includes chicharritas de platano (paper-thin slices of fried plantain) frituras de malanga (deep-fried grated root vegetable mixed with egg and crushed garlic) and the ever- popular tostones, which when done right the plantain slices remain crispy on the outside while delivering a satisfyingly gooey center.

Cuban Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, Spanish for “old clothes” is a classic Cuban dish made from braised and shredded flank steak that is then slow simmered in a spiced tomato sauce until tender. Photo: Sarah Bossert/iStock

Trinidad

While the majority of the population in Trinidad is of African decent,  there is a large ethnic group that descended from the indentured servants who came to the island from India. They brought with them spices and traditional preparation methods for curries, chutneys, roti, as well as words like aloo (Hindi “alu,” potato) pie and geera (Hindu “jira,” cumin) chicken. Creole influences have added savory stews and callaloo to the mix. On Trinidad one can find some of the most authentic Indian and Chinese cooking this side of the international dateline. But what’s most celebrated is the island’s street food: shark and bake (shark meat in a freshly baked bread), pow (roll stuffed with meat), and doubles (two pieces of fresh bread with chickpea filling). You don’t have to go far to find savory offerings of every variety. Plan a day at Maracas Bay near Port of Spain and take your pick of beachside vendors.

Trinidad, Indian Food

The cuisine of Trinidad draws heavily on East Indian influences, including traditional favorites such as curries, saffron rice, naan bread, samosas and pakora. Photo: Joe Gough/Shutterstock