Cinnamon Bay, St. John USVI
While Trunk Bay may get all the glory on St. John, Cinnamon Bay offers a much quieter and pristine slice of beach on this enchanting island in the United States Virgin Islands. Photo: James Michael Kruger/iStock
Southeast Peninsula, St. Kitts
Take in the view of the two-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis from the vantage point of Timothy Hill where you’ll see the Atlantic to the left and the Caribbean to the right showcasing the local favorite beach at South Friar’s Bay. Photo: Andrey Sulitskiy/Flickr
English Harbour, Antigua
The curved coastline of Antigua is revealed from the hilltop at Shirley Heights, a hot spot for Sunday’s sunset barbeque. Tropical scenery combined with West Indian culture and British heritage gives this island its unique flavor. A haven for sailors, the harbor fills with sailboats during the annual regatta that takes place in May. Photo: Sam Sabapathy/Flickr
Virgin Gordon, British Virgin Islands
The third-largest island in the BVI, Virgin Gorda offers quiet coves and safe anchorage for sailors who frequent these waters. Well-known for the natural pools and grottoes set in a maze among giant granite boulders, The Baths is a popular on-island attraction for visitors. Panoramic views from Virgin Gorda’s hilltops reveal Prickly Pear Island and Necker Island. Photo: iStock
Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
No longer a secret among French tourists, Guadeloupe, and its archipelago has become a favored spot for many world travelers. Crowds are still sparse in Les Saintes, as visitors come by ferry or private boat. Views of the town and bay of the largest of the islands of Les Saintes are best seen from the top of Pain-de-Sucre. Photo: Oliver Hoffmann/iStock
Playa Tortuga, Culebrita, Puerto Rico
Off the beaten path islands of Culebra and Vieques are the pride of Puerto Rico but Culebrita remains a hidden gem. This uninhabited island reachable by boat is a wildlife refuge and feeding grounds for green turtles. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
The Pitons, St. Lucia
From every hairpin turn near the town of Soufriere, youlll find mesmerizing vistas of the iconic twin peaks. Undeniably the most photographed landmark in the Caribbean, these distinctive volcanic pinnacles, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, can be viewed from a sandy beach at sea level or from the top during a day hike. Photo: wildrose/Pixabay
7 Incredible Seascapes You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List.
There’s nothing more enticing that a pristine Caribbean beach, with towering palms waving in the trade winds. And for the ultimate in beachfront bliss, this scene should be paired with adjacent accommodations that provide unlimited access to the sands, along with ultimate comfort and stellar service. These select resorts deliver all this, and more.
This Moroccan-themed enclave overlooks the white sands and turquoise waters of Maundays Bay Beach. Bone-white Moorish villas adorned with parapets, domes and turrets nestle into gardens of bougainvillea and hibiscus that add splashes of bright color to the ever-present views of cerulean seas and creamy sand. The resort exudes a Zen feel, and delivers a high level service to match the scenery. Begin each day with a walk on a long crescent of powder-fine sand, spend the day relaxing on your private terrace to the sound of lapping surf, or relax seaside under an umbrella, with attendants to deliver chilled towels and refreshing fruit. For a change of scenery, stroll to the end of the beach for a swim or snorkel where the water is the clearest and calmest on the island.
The iconic white-walled villas of Anguilla’s Belmond Cap Juluca overlook the sands of Maundays Bay, which has been named as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Photo: Belmond Cap Juluca
Grace Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, and the Grace Bay Club occupies a prime location on this 12-mile stretch of powder-fine sand. The resort offers expansive villas ideal for a family, while all rooms and suites in the hotel building are reserved for adults. A signature pool overlooking the beach is also reserved for mature guests. When it comes time to leave your private space there is plenty room to spread out on the property’s 1,000 feet of beach frontage. Find your spot with canopied daybed just steps from the turquoise water and let the beach attendant cater to your every whim.
Villas and suites at the Grace Bay Club include private patios and balconies that deliver water views and easy accesses to a 12-mile- long beach. Photo: Grace Bay Club
This private island resort offers not one but five world-class beaches, each with its own atmosphere and charm. The iconic coconut palm-lined sands of White Bay Beach are said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Guests can reserve a private tiki hut and arrange for a picnic to be delivered. Deadman’s Beach is the island’s longest and liveliest stretch of sand, home to the Deadman’s Bar & Grill, and lined with water toys such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats, all available for guests to enjoy. Those seeking a bit more privacy can move to nearby Little Deadman’s Beach, or follow the path to intimate Honeymoon Beach, which features a single thatch- roofed shelter for one couple to enjoy. On the island’s windward side, surf-washed Big Reef Beach is a favorite for walks and solitude.
Beachfront rooms at the Peter Island Resort & Spa are just steps away from Deadman’s Beach, which is the island’s hub for water sports fun. Photo: Peter Island Resort
The distinctive pink great house of this iconic resort perches on a hillside overlooking 340 landscaped acres and three beaches, each with a distinct personality. The palm-shaded sands and calm waters of Mermaid Beach create the perfect setting for waterfront recreation. This strand is home to the Mermaid Restaurant and the resort’s water sports center, where guests can swim, kayak, take scuba lessons or join in a game of beach volleyball. Nearby Grotto Beach offers a quieter take on beach time, whether relaxing at the waterfront pool and grill, or enjoying a book in the shade. For the ultimate in seclusion, guests can follow a walking path to intimate Whistle Beach, which remains in a natural state.
The Buccaneer resort takes in three beaches. Shown here is Mermaid Beach, which is a favorite for water sports and beach games. Photo: Buccaneer
Grande Anse is the grande dame of beaches on this green and scenic island. Spice Island sits near the far end of this strand, securing a bit more privacy for the guests. Suites and bungalows are just steps from the water. Opt for one of the beachfront bungalows where you can watch the water ebb and flow along the golden sands from your double hammock or your ensuite tub, or sit under your private umbrella, with toes in the sand as you relax, read and renew to the sound of the sea. Early mornings and late afternoons bring out the beachcombers, and impromptu social gatherings along the two miles of creamy white sand that surround the calm bay.
Enjoy Grande Anse beach, just steps from your beachfront suite. Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort
This eco-lux complex sprawls across 483 acres of a former coconut plantation, and encompasses stands of pristine maritime forests. Beach lovers delight in the uninterrupted two-mile stretch of café au lait colored sands, which are backed by coconut palms and dotted with chaises and umbrellas. The setting is natural, but beach attendants are on call to deliver any desired indulgence or refreshment. The grounds adjacent to the beach are laced with hiking trails, and framed by the Espritu Santo River State Preserve, where manatees often gather. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability, and employs a special “green team” that is dedicated to protecting indigenous plants and trees.
Guests at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort have exclusive access to a two-mile stretch of beach adjacent to a nature preserve. Photo: St. Regis
With accommodations spread out over 170 acres, there’s plenty of natural serenity to go around, which is exactly what founder Laurance Rockefeller intended when he established Caneel Bay, and donated more than 5,000 adjacent acres to the Virgin Islands National Park Service. With seven secluded beaches, there’s one for every day of the week, and every mood. Families gravitate to Caneel and Little Caneel, where youngsters can enjoy water sports, with snacks not far off. The small sandy cove at Turtle Bay promises sea turtle sightings, while Hawksnest is a favorite snorkeling beach, with gentle waves and sea grape shading. Both Scott Beach and Paradise Beach are popular for taking in the sunset in a tranquil setting, while remote Honeymoon Beach delivers intimate solitude.
On the island of St. John, Caneel Bay Resort offers guests seven different beaches —one for every day of the week. Shown here is Scott Beach. Photo: Caneel Bay
Hawksnest? Seen it. Trunk Bay? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Once you’ve hit the most popular beaches on the island of St. John, it’s time to head off the beaten path to some of the lesser known, yet equally stunning, stretches of shoreline. Let us take you to our top five secluded St. John beaches, but shh…don’t tell your friends.
The seclusion of a private beach and the renowned beauty of St. John’s north shore come together at Little Cinnamon. Located west of much larger Cinnamon Bay, this private paradise is a short walk through a wooded trail and a quick scramble over a rocky point away from the main beach. Little Cinnamon boasts the same pristine waters and soft white sand as the more popular north shore beaches, along with a curious added bonus: a plane wreck. The wreck of a Cessna that crashed and sank just off the shoreline is still visible, its propeller, engine, and one of the wings peeking out from the sandy ocean floor.
Little Cinnamon Bay is just a short walk from the main beach, but far away from the crowds. The remains of a small airplane make for interesting snorkeling. Photo: Andrea Milam
Sometimes hard work offers the best rewards. Case in point: Brown Bay. This gorgeous, secluded, never crowded beach on the eastern end of St. John’s north shore is your prize at the end of a moderately difficult 30-minute hike through one of the dryer, hotter areas of the island. Soft white sand begs you to plop down for an afternoon nap, but first, take a dip in the bay’s warm waters. The combination sandy and grassy bottom is home to a huge population of conch. Snorkel out toward the point on the east side of the bay and you’ll see a wide variety of corals along with larger fish.
The half-hour hike required to reach Brown’s Bay keeps the crowds away. Those who do make the trip are rewarded with soft white and clear water. Photo: Andrea Milam
There’s a sweet little spot on St. John’s north shore called Peace Hill. It’s got a sugar mill ruin with sweeping ocean views, and is a short, easy walk from a small parking lot. Make the quick trip up the hill to take in the view, but on the way back down the hill, duck left into the bush about 20 yards before the parking lot. About a 10-minute walk down an infrequently maintained but generally quite passable spur trail, Denis Bay is a little slice of often-private heaven. This small strip of pristine white sand boasts excellent snorkeling along with shade if you want it, and plenty of sun if you don’t.
An unmarked by easily passable trail from Peace Hill leads to Denis Bay. Those who make the ten-minute walk will discover good snorkeling and an uncrowded swatch of sand. Photo: Andrea Milam
Hawksnest is arguably one of St. John’s most popular beaches. Go there early and grab a parking spot, then hit the beach and head west. Walk right on past the beach-goers tucked into the shade of the sea grape trees; you know better than them. A short hike through a wooded beachfront trail followed by an easy scramble over a rocky outcropping later, and you’re at your own private beach: Little Hawksnest. This small stretch of soft coral sand is as beautiful as any of the island’s other north shore beaches, without the crowds. Entry into the water is a soft, sandy, gentle slope. Don’t bother on high surf days, however, as the beach all but disappears beneath the waves.
Next door to St. John’s popular Hawksnest Beach, the smaller beach known as Little Hawksnest provides a quiet refuge from the crowds. Photo: Andrea Milam
This beach is so far off the beaten path it doesn’t even have a name. On St. John’s East End, past the popular Vie’s Snack Shack and the sign advertising “Hansen Bay,” you’ll see a small dirt pull-off to your left and a large tree shading a small sandy and rocky beach to your right. This modest little patch shares Hansen Bay with Vie’s Beach while maintaining an ends-of-the-earth feel. You may share this beach with a local from time to time, and you’ll most definitely encounter a chicken or two, but for the most part, it’s all yours.
The small, no-name beach that sits at the end of the road to Hansen’s Bay almost guarantees privacy and good snorkeling for those who find it. Photo: Andrea Milam
The smallest of the U.S. Virgins, St. John offers a more intimate and natural take on island life. It is just nine miles long by five miles wide, but rolling hills, contorted coastlines and winding roads make it appear to be much larger. There is only one town, and two-thirds of the island is owned by the National Park Service, ensuring that beaches are kept free of large resorts, and hillsides are laced with hiking trails rather than freeways.
The beaches along St. John’s north shore are among the most beautiful in the world. In postcard-perfect settings, sheltering bays of sparkling turquoise waters meet soft white sands lined with coconut palms and sea grape trees. Because these beaches lie within a national park, there are no high-rise hotels to mar the view. At famous strands such as Trunk Bay, Hawksnest and Cinnamon, its best to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the cruise ship crowds that make day trips from St. Thomas. Less visited but harder to find are Salomon, Francis and Little Hawksnest.
St. John’s Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Just beyond the white sands, a guided snorkel trail leads through coral gardens. Photo: David Coleman/iStock
This small island throws a big party. The St. John Festival is a month-long event that combines the traditions of Carnival with celebrations of emancipation and independence. The party kicks off in early June when the sounds of steel pan bands fill the air at Franklin Powell Park. The next 30 days are filled with races, regattas, pageants, concerts, food fairs and the opening of a Festival Village. The celebration culminates in observations of Emancipation Day on July 3, and a parade and fireworks on the Fourth of July.
A children’s troupe takes part in the annual Fourth of July parade during St. John’s month-long festival and carnival that includes food, music, dance and pageantry. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
On St. John, happy hour starts early and runs late. Judging by the number and variety of bars that dot the island, you might think drinking was the national pastime. But libations are typically enjoyed at a causal pace known as Limin’, which is more social event that indulgence. Cruz Bay is home to an ongoing meet up that moves from bar to bar, while on the other side of the island at Coral Bay, locals gather to play darts, watch sports and grab a bite. Favorites are the lobster rolls at the Tourist Trap or burgers at Woody’s back in town.
During the Danish colonial times, the island was dotted with sugar plantations and the stone windmills that crushed cane into valuable syrups. The cane fields have long since returned to forest, but remnants of fallen mills are found throughout the island. One of the largest and best-preserved mills can be found at Annaberg Plantation, where the stonewalls of the tallest mill in the Virgin Islands still stands. At Zozo’s, the shell of another 18th- century sugar mill overlooking Caneel Bay Resort has been incorporated into a hilltop restaurant that combines elegant dining with sweeping island views.
The seaside village of Cruz Bay is the hub of island activity. The town ferry dock is the link to the outside world, with boats constantly arriving and departing for St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands. Just steps away is a lively downtown filled with an eclectic mix of small shops, restaurants and bars. Nicknamed “Love City,” Cruz Bay puts out a welcoming and carefree vibe, where backpackers and sailors mingle with escaped Wall Street executives and the good times flow freely into the streets.
If hotels aren’t your thing, St. John is your island. With more than 500 private homes, villas and condos in the rental pool, vacation stays in private residences is the island norm. Many properties provide ocean views from elevated decks, and include private pools. Couples, families and groups have a range of choices from intimate bungalows to six-bedroom compounds set on lushly landscaped grounds.
Many of the hillside residences scattered across St. John are available for rent, providing a more personal and private vacation experience for families and groups. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
In keeping with the island spirit, animals often roam free. It’s not unusual to see mama hen walking down the streets of Cruz Bay with chicks in tow. On the island’s east end, donkeys are often seen on rural roads as they make their way from field to field. Slow down or stop your car and they will come over and nudge you for a pat on the head or a snack. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive through the hilly countryside of the national park and you may catch a glimpse of the white tail deer that were originally brought to the island to be hunted, but now roam free and unmolested.
The wild donkeys that roam the fields and woodlands of St. John are descendants of plantation draft animals. They often approach humans in hopes of a snack or a nuzzle. Photo: Kirsten Hammelbo/iStock
Thanks to Laurence Rockefeller, almost three quarters of St. John is now a national park. In 1956, the famous philanthropist donated some 5,000 acres to the Federal Government, and subsequent land donations have increased the park’s holdings to more than 7,200 acres. In addition to harboring some of the most scenic beaches in the Caribbean, the park offers 22-well marked hiking trails that provide everything from easy half-hour strolls through wooded valleys to all-day hikes to remote hilltops and deserted beaches. Popular hikes include Reef Bay Trail and Ram Head Trail, which provide dramatic sea views.
The gin clear waters that surround the island invite immersion. The best snorkeling is at Trunk Bay, where an underwater snorkeling trail has been laid out and managed by the National Park Service. Here, markers and identification plaques lead you through coral gardens filled with tropical fish. The site is popular, and can become crowded at times, but is well worth the visit. Among the less visited yet very snorkel worthy sites along the north coast are Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach and Cinnamon Bay Beach where you can spend an entire day underwater.
Coral reefs lie just offshore of many St. John beaches. Protected by national park status, these reefs sport colorful growths of sea fans and swirling schools of tropical fish. Photo: iStock
Cruz Bay is the jumping off point for day trips to other islands. In addition to connecting to St. Thomas, ferries run to destinations in the British Virgins, including the capital of Tortola and the beaches of Jost van Dyke. A wide range of private boats can also be chartered for bar hopping trips to Jost van Dyke, snorkeling trips to Sandy Cay and day sails to the many small islands nearby.
The mere mention of the Caribbean conjures romantic visions of sparkling waters, beachside frolics and island sunsets. But some visions are more romantic than others, and few can compare to the memories made at these stunning resorts, which highlight the best and most romantic the Caribbean has to offer.
Anse Chastanet owner/architect Nick Troubetzkoy put everything he’s learned about design and hospitality into Jade Mountain Resort and the result is more than magical—it’s nearly surreal. The resort’s suites have only three walls, with the fourth open to sweeping views down the mountain and over the Caribbean to the Pitons across the bay. And each room has an infinity edge pool that’s completely private. Enough said.
The wow factor comes standard at St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain resort, where hillside suites open to big views of the twin Piton Peaks and the Caribbean Sea far below. Photo C.J. Walker/Jade Mountain
Perhaps the most persistent and widely shared romantic fantasy is being on a deserted island with your significant other, laying in the shade of a palm tree and, well, whatever else might happen in that sort of situation. Book into the Kamalame Cay Resort just off of Andros and their boatman will take you to a deserted islet for the day, set up a lunch and leave you to your own devices for as long as you care to stay.
Kamalame Cay Resort provides day trips to a deserted Bahamian island, where you can live out castaway fantasies before returning to the luxuries of a private villa. Photo: Danilo Scarpati/Kamalame Cay
Having a skilled masseuse remove the knots and soothe frayed nerves is a wonderful feeling. Sharing that makes it twice as nice. There are fabulous spas all across the region where you can be rocked, reiki’d or rolfed, but for pure romantic potential the casual old-money surroundings of Caneel Bay are hard to beat. Book one of the resort’s massage cabanas, with their high-peaked wooden roofs and gaze out over the private beach and the Caribbean as the two of you are gently lubed, rubbed and restored.
On the island of St. John, the open-air massage cabanas at Caneel Bay Resort combine the pleasures of a relaxing massage with soothing sea breezes and water views. Photo Michael Grimm/Caneel Bay
If you’ve attended the jump up at Speightstown on Friday, you should be sufficiently recuperated to enjoy the Sunday brunch at L’Azure in the venerable resort, The Crane, which has reigned over the east coast of Barbados since 1887. On Sundays, couples flock to the tables on the terrace overlooking the beach to load up on the breakfast buffet and listen to sweet Gospel music. If this doesn’t inspire you, nothing will.
At The Crane beachfront resort in Barbados, Sunday brunch is served on the terrace, accompanied by gospel music and spectacular views of Crane Beach and the Atlantic. Photo: Ross Knight/The Crane
There may be no more romantic place on earth than aboard a boat in the Caribbean. The warm salt water and the moist salty air create a combustible amorous atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the perfect picture of a Caribbean harbor, with a long waterfront and narrow streets winding up the hills that back the city. Board the 53-foot catamaran Heavenly Days at Bolongo Bay Resort in St. Thomas and sail through the sunset in Charlotte Amalie harbor. Glittering lights flicker along the waterfront, working their way up to the hilltops as the sun lavishes its last rays on the ridge above the city.
Bolongo Bay has long been one of St. Thomas’s premier beachfront getaways. Each evening, the resort’s sailing catamaran departs for sunset cruises of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Photo: Bolongo Bay
Dining alone on a torch lit beach with the waves for a soundtrack is more than memorable. Champagne, a private chef and a cushioned chaise lounge a deux combine in a potent recipe for romance on the shores of Baie Longue in St. Martin. Far from the clamor of Marigot and Maho Beach, the Belmond La Samanna serves up something, which, if it’s not true love, is pretty close.
The quiet waters of St. Martin’s Baie Longue provide a perfect backdrop for an intimate beachside dinner, complete with private chef provided by Belmond La Samanna resort. Photo: Joe Vaughn/Belmond La Samanna
There are two distinct Caribbeans, the glitzy new Caribbean of glam go- go multi-story resorts and the laid-back old Caribbean of plantation houses, deserted beaches and serenity. While it may be sexy to strap on some heels and kick it in a chic disco, find the true meaning of romance sitting next to your significant other on the veranda at the Cotton House in Mustique. This hip oasis in the Grenadines has hosted a procession of rock ’n’ roll and actual royalty; Mick Jagger has a villa nearby, as did the late HRH Princess Margaret. Relax on the veranda with your prince or princess and feel the buzz; it could be the magnificent view or perhaps it’s that Planter’s Punch.
The setting is chill at Mustique’s Cotton House, which has long provided a low-key getaway for royalty, rock stars and celebrities seeking a respite from public life. Photo: The Cotton House
It was one of Admiral Lord Nelson’s cousins who was first taken by the view from Strawberry Hill. Horace Walpole planted his flag here, building a home on the 3,100-foot rise overlooking Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records, bought the property in the 1970s and Bob Marley was a frequent visitor. Book into one of the dozen cottages scattered across the property and then retire to the deck of the infinity pool. Order up some Myers Dark Rum to sip while the sun goes down and, as the shadows spread along the base of the mountain, the lights of Kingston blink on below.
At Strawberry Hill resort, private cottages overlook the green hills of Jamaica. In the evening, the distant lights of Kingston come alive to enhance the view. Photo: Nikolas Koening/Strawberry Hill
On an island where hiking through cool, shaded forests abound, St. John’s Salt Pond offers something very different. Located on the island’s sunbaked south coast, where rock bluffs and scrub dominate the landscape, this peninsula can only be reached by hiking trails, making it an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a bit of solitude.
The trail begins at the Salt Pond Bay parking lot, a 15-minute drive from Coral Bay. A short five-minute walk down a relatively steep dirt trail and you’re at beautiful Salt Pond Bay, where the often-calm waters offer excellent snorkeling. You could set up camp and spend the day sunning and swimming, but if you want to stretch your legs first and take in some scenic vistas, keep walking to the south end of the beach. As the sand starts to give way to a trail of dirt and rocks, you’ll find a National Park sign that points the way to a pair of hiking trails.
Your hike begins here, at the protected beach of Salt Pond on St. John’s sunny southern coastline. Photo: Andrea Milam
The first portion of this trail winds gently up and down through a cactus forest, eventually ascending to about 100 feet above sea level, with big, open-ocean views. Birds provide the soundtrack, while Turks head cacti offer up their brilliant pink fruit to those who know where to find them. About 20 minutes into the hike, you’ll descend back to sea level to cross a unique blue cobblestone beach. Once you’re back on the trail, you’ll quickly ascend toward a cut in the hillside, which is the trail’s peak.
The Ram Head Trail begins in a thorn bush and cacti forest, and then climbs to a ridge that provides sweeping water views. Photo: Andrea Milam
As you rise in elevation to approximately 200 feet above sea level, the hillside below you is littered with hundreds of Turks head cacti, standing at attention like soldiers guarding one of Mother Nature’s prized creations. Approaching the crevasse in the hill, you’ll get an initial glimpse of the wild open ocean below, and with it, the sense you’re about to witness something amazing. And then, it hits you — the wind, that is. Just when the sweat is really starting to pour, and the sun’s rays are really starting to punish, Ram Head provides deliverance in the form of all-natural air conditioning, as cool sea breezes whip up through the crevasse.
To reach the top of the Ram Head peninsula you’ll cross narrow paths and a stone beach. Photo: Andrea Milam
The trail to Drunk Bay provides an easier alternative to the Ram Head hike. The beginning of this route is also located at Salt Pond’s south end. On this third of a mile-long trail, you’ll skirt the large salt pond that gives the bay its name and arrive after a short five-minute walk at wild, windswept Drunk Bay. This rocky beach is littered with coral fragments and all kinds of interesting flotsam and jetsam, which beach-goers use to create sculptures of people, gravity-defying formations, and messages. Tap your creativity to leave your own mark on the beach before heading back for Salt Pond. Swim, relax, and enjoy the water as you summon up the energy to walk back to the parking lot with a well- earned sense of accomplishment.
The beach at Drunk Bay is lined with rugged coral and stone waiting to be made into a beach sculpture. Photo: Andrea Milam
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Finding a gorgeous beach on St. John is easy- the island’s north shore is lined with one stunning strand after the next. Choosing a favorite beach might prove a bit more challenging. Island resident and photographer Christian Wheatley loves them all, and devotes much of his time to documenting them from land, sea and air. He’s either floating in the water, on a boat, flying overhead in a plane or helicopter or setting up a drone shot, always looking for a different perspective. To see more of his photos of the magnificent beaches of St. John and nearby islands, go to http://www.christianwheatley.com/
The clear, enticing waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands beg for exploration with mask and snorkel. And thanks to geography, which has graced the islands with numerous protected bays and coral-encrusted ledges, there are a wide range of sites where snorkelers can discover fish and colorful corals with a short swim from shore, or by setting sail to more remote coves and islets. There are literally hundreds of locations around the islands worthy of going overboard, and from that list we’ve chosen some favorites that offer the best combination of underwater scenery, beachside comforts and ease of access.
For shore-based snorkeler’s, Coki Point provides the island’s best combination of easy access, abundant fish life and interesting reefs. As a result, the beach area can get crowded, both by cruise ship groups and locals. There’s no surge or sharp rocks to negotiate as you wade into the calm waters, and you will soon be surrounded by swarming topical fish as you stand on the soft sand bottom. For some, this is enough, but those wanting to see more can head into deeper water, and towards the east end of the beach to discover hard-bottom reef structures with live coral and an even greater variety of sea life. Continue eastward around the small rock bluff and you’ll end up near the underwater observatory at Coral World.
An aerial view of Coki Point on St. Thomas. The namesake beach is to the right in this photo, and the best snorkeling reefs are between the beach and the end of the point. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Other nearby options for shore-based snorkeling include Sapphire Beach, which tends to be less crowded, and Lindquist Beach at Smith Bay. Both offer beachside amenities and calm water, with the chance to see stingrays and turtles in grass beds, and stands of elkhorn coral farther out. A number of charter boats provide day trips to the less-accessible bays of the north shore, and to many of the smaller islands and rock piles near the east end. Charters leaving from the south shore often focus on Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, where turtles are frequently sighted, but the boat ride across open water isn’t for everyone.
A school of tropical fish patrols a coral reef on the south shore of St. Thomas. Most fish are inured to the presence of humans, allowing snorkelers to approach for a closer look. David Coleman/iStock
Another popular option for charters originating at the east end is uninhabited Great St. James Island, where snorkelers can explore the calm waters of Christmas Cove, or the nearby rock pinnacles known as The Stragglers. Itineraries often take in two or more snorkel sites in a half- or full-day charter, and operators may vary destinations according to sea conditions and passenger preference.
With more than half the island incorporated into a National Park, St. John has a number of pristine and undeveloped beaches and snorkeling coves to explore. The most popular are also the easiest to reach. First on this list is Trunk Bay, home to a much-publicized underwater trail that leads swimmers through a coral reef fitted with underwater signage. This site is very popular with novices and families, as the waters are calm, the beach provides topside amenities and the site is a reasonable taxi ride from the ferry terminal at Cruz Bay.
Snorkelers survey the underwater scenery at St. John’s Trunk Bay. This is one of many scenic sites throughout the islands where clear waters provide ideal snorkeling conditions. Photo: USVI Dept. of Tourism
Another perennial favorite is Watermelon Cay, which is known for its abundance and variety of fish life. Getting to the prime snorkel area begins with a 10-minute walk along the beach from the parking lot at the Annenberg Ruins, then a short swim from shore out to the small island. Those with their own transportation and the willingness to scramble over a few rocks can roam farther afield to access other top shore sites such as Haulover Bay. This site is reached by a trail from the East End Road, and will require some care when negotiating the shallow, rocky entry point. The reward is some of the most dramatic underwater topography around the island, including high-relief stands of elkhorn coral and an extensive grove of sea fans.
On the north shore of St. John, the sheltering headlands of Leinster Bay create an expanse of calm water that is home to some of the island’s best snorkeling reefs. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Many more snorkel sites around St. John are best reached by water. A favorite itinerary takes in several of the north shore sites in Trunk, Cinnamon and Maho Bays, while anyone up for a bit of paddling can join a kayak tour to Henley Cay, where a rich garden of hard and soft corals holds a colorful assortment of parrotfish, angelfish, tangs and wrasses. Another popular kayak/snorkel takes place in the bay known as Hurricane Hole, where instead of coral reefs, swimmers tour coastal mangrove forests rich in a wide range of sea life.
Of the three main islands in the U.S.Virgins, St. Croix offers the greatest number of fringing coral reefs. Not all of these reefs are easily accessible, however, and some are washed by waves and surge, and are not well suited to novice or casual snorkelers. One of the island’s best-known snorkeling destinations is Cane Bay. This popular beach is flanked by a coral reef that begins in shallow water and leads out to an underwater wall that drops from 40 feet to depths of nearly a mile. In addition to an abundance of sea fans, the reef boasts an interesting collection of brain coral. Getting to the best parts of this reef will require a swim of 100 yards or more, but there’s also plenty of fish life closer to shore. Few beaches in St. Croix offer public facilities, but Cane Bay does offer a dive shop and several beachside restaurants.
A similar site worth considering is the beach adjacent to the Palms at Pelican Cove. Here, the long reef that runs offshore of Christiansted harbor comes closest to shore, providing snorkelers with an easy swim in protected waters, and a chance to discover sea turtles finning among the corals or through sea grass meadows. A map of the prime snorkeling areas is posted on a signboard, and a pair of beachfront restaurants are available for refreshment.
Green sea turtles are often seen in the coastal waters of the Virgin Islands, feeding on sea grass and sponges. Also common are hawksbill turtles. Both species nest on island beaches. Photo: iStock
Day guests are also welcome at the Buccaneer Resort, where for a modest fee, beach goers can spend the day at Mermaid Beach, and discover the reefs that lie just off the eastern end of the sand, and extend outward to Shoy Point. More adventurous types who don’t mind a 15-minute walk can head to the island’s east end, park at Point Udal and hike to Isaac’s Bay, where they will find an undeveloped beach and one of the best barrier reefs on the island. St Croix’s most famous snorkeling destination can only be reached by boat. The Buck Island Reef National Monument takes in the park’s namesake island and some 4,500 acres of surrounding reef. Within this protected zone, the Park Service maintains a guided snorkel trail that is fitted with underwater placards describing the flora and fauna of the park. Numerous tour operators offer three-hour to all-day trips to Buck Island.
Mermaid Beach at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort provides a relaxing starting point for snorkeling explorations of the bay and a nearshore reef that runs eastward toward Shoy Point. Photo: The Buccaneer Hotel
St. John might be a small island, but it’s big on celebrations. And it doesn’t take a holiday or even a special occasion to justify hoisting an ice-cold beer or savoring a rum drink at the end of a day of sun, sand, and sea. From classy open-air lounges to beachfront bars and block party-style watering holes, there are plenty of places to choose from when you’re looking to wet your whistle. Here are our top 10 favorites.
When four o’clock hits, follow the 20-something crowd to find the best happy hour on St. John. Those in the know head to Joe’s Rum Hut, located right on Cruz Bay beach in Wharfside Village. Come 4 p.m., the beachfront open-air bar at Joe’s is deep with patrons enjoying $3 you-call-its. Favorites include the liquor-laden bushwacker, the famous Virgin Islands painkiller, top shelf liquors and Joe’s renowned made-from-scratch mojitos. Your wallet will thank you, your liver will hate you. Pair your happy hour experience with some of Joe’s surprisingly delicious, internationally-inspired bar food to mitigate the effects of liberal indulgence.
Wallet-friendly drink specials lure laid-back crowds to Joe’s Rum Shack. This flip flop-friendly tavern sits right on Cruz Bay Beach, and celebrations often spill over onto the sand. Photo: Debbie Snow
Two words: air conditioning. While The Tap Room offers much more than a place to temporarily stop sweating, the A/C alone is a big selling point. Even better than the cool air is the fact that you can sample draft beers and sodas made on-site by St. John Brewers, who own and operate this Mongoose Junction bar. Enjoy some of the brewers’ more inventive concoctions, like Coffee Stout or Frozen Cistern Winter Ale, while picking the brains of the bartenders, some of the most knowledgeable drink slingers on island when it comes to insider St. John info. Consider your time at The Tap Room a public service—the more people who sample St. John Brewers’ ales and provide feedback, the better the recipes become. And better-tasting beer makes everyone happy. In a sad turn of events, the Tap Room suffered a complete loss in a January 2015 fire. They expect to reopen in their original location by the end of 2015. In the meantime, they’re still slinging drinks at their temporary spot just behind the original Tap Room location. Stop by and give them some love!
The Tap Room provides a cool oasis from tropical sun, along with a tasty array of locally brewed beers and sodas. It’s also a great place to pick up some local island knowledge. Photo: Debbie Snow
Way out on St. John’s southeastern side, far from any traces of modern life, there’s an oasis of sorts— an oasis where bumper stickers, random signs, and other bric a brac adorn a small shack of a kitchen sitting right in the front yard of Cheryl Geller and Larry Grenier. The decor hints at the duo’s colorful personality, but what’s not immediately obvious as you take your seat at one of the tables in the yard is that the Tourist Trap serves up food and drinks almost as delicious as the sweeping view of John’s Folly Bay. The lobster roll is a must, as is Larry’s own Drink Right Keep Left, a blend of six flavored rums and five tropical juices that tastes like heaven and candy.
On St. Johns quiet southeast side, the Tourist Trap commands sweeping views of Folly Bay. Owner Larry Grenier serves up signature drinks and tasty lobster rolls. Photo: Debbie Snow
Longtime islanders, boaties, local families, and of course, tourists, sing the praises of this island institution for its chill vibes. Skinny’s, a harborfront open-air bar and restaurant in Coral Bay, is a laid- back venue that promises same-day service. Sports are king at Skinny Legs, where football, hockey, soccer, and more dominate the television. The bar hosts annual regattas, a women’s horseshoe tournament, no rules golf tournaments, a popular Kentucky Derby party, and a Super Bowl party where you can watch the game on a big screen in the back yard. Coral Bay’s innate funkiness permeates the atmosphere here. Patrons wash down juicy burgers with mixed drinks like the Creamsicle, a delectable pairing of vanilla and citrus rums with OJ. The backyard smoker is fired up every Saturday with delicious results, and on Sundays, homemade pulled pork nachos are the perfect after-beach snack.
On the shores of Coral Bay, yachties on shore leave join locals and savvy tourists at Skinny Legs. In addition to televised sports, the bar hosts the island’s favorite theme parties. Photo: Debbie Snow
This spot in the heart of Cruz Bay has been home to many different bars, and Castaways itself has been through many reinventions. And finally, they got it right. The riff-raff has been cleared out in favor of young professionals enjoying a drink after work, families gathering over live steel pan music and Mexican-inspired fare, and locals and tourists alike taking advantage of dollar drinks and $2 Coronas at happy hour. This tiki-themed spot is the only place on St. John where you can belt your heart out at karaoke, test your knowledge at trivia night, try your luck at bingo, and enjoy a variety of other low- key entertainment. A new drink menu features inventive creations by well-known island bartender Jason Howard, and the chicken wing lollipops are the hands-down favorite on the revamped food menu.
Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, Castaways is the island’s go to location for karaoke, trivia contests and bar games. The kitchen also turns out savory Mexican-inspired meals. Photo: Debbie Snow
One of the preferred stops of a certain very famous country singer with a well-known love for St. John, Woody’s has been satisfying patrons with its delicious burgers and fun, block party-style atmosphere for years. The bar changed hands recently, and the new owners decided to also buy out a competing bar across the street. And that’s how the aptly named Across the Street Bar came to be. Both Woody’s and Across the Street feature the same beloved burger recipe. Across the Street offers a more mellow atmosphere, ideal for families looking for a laid-back meal, while Woody’s offers more of a party scene along with one of the island’s best happy hours. It’s not uncommon to see patrons jumping back and forth between the two bars; just remember to look left before you cross the street.
By day, Woody’s is a favorite stop for a burger or fresh seafood, accompanied by the chef’s signature hot sauce. Come evening, the atmosphere turns lively and the libations flow. Photo: Debbie Snow
An island institution, the Quiet Mon Pub is an Irish bar transplanted to the Caribbean that’s earned a big mention in one of country superstar Kenny Chesney’s songs. After your after-dinner drinks, Quiet Mon is the place to go for a nightcap. Located above one of the island’s finer restaurants, this bar overlooks the busiest stretch of Cruz Bay. Sit at the rail and you’ll see diners dressed in their best island fancy duds coming and going at said fine restaurant, as well as the often hilariously entertaining block party that tends to materialize between nearby Cruz Bay bars. Tear yourself away from the show on the street long enough to challenge your fellow bar patrons to a game of darts, and take a look at all the pictures on the wall for a glimpse of the St. John party scene back in the day.
The Quiet Mon Pub is a little bit of Ireland transplanted to the Caribbean. Located above one of the island’s finer restaurants, this bar overlooks the busiest stretch of Cruz Bay. Photo: Debbie Snow
This is the place to come and get a buzz — coffee buzz, alcohol buzz, or a little bit of both. Cruz Bay Landing, situated on the edge of the park across from the ferry dock, is new on the scene, but they’ve already established themselves as a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The coffee menu is a caffeine addict’s dream. Signature drinks like the Sweet Bean with vanilla and caramel flavorings get you up and going; coffee cocktails like the Almond Joy with coconut rum, amaretto, and chocolate give you the zing to kick butt on CBL’s tournament- length shuffleboard table. Caffeine not your thing? Try the Summertime, a super refreshing combination of watermelon vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. No matter what you’re drinking, belly up to the bar at 5 p.m. for a free shot of beer.
At Cruz Bay Landing, the drinks can either mellow you out or pick you up, as the bar also serves a range of coffees and coffee-themed libations. It’s located near the ferry dock. Photo: Debbie Snow
When you’re ready to class it up a bit, head to DR!NK. Comfy blue-cushioned sofas face out into Cruz Bay harbor, and fresh, inventive drinks are the perfect pairing to this bar’s sunset view. The vibe here is cool, a little more grown-up than other island bars, but you’ll feel at home at DR!NK whether you’ve come to watch the sunset after a day out on the water or you’re dressed up and on your way out to dinner. This bar knows how to throw a party. Themed events take place on a regular basis, from parties with a purpose like Mustache Madness, a mustache runway event whose proceeds benefit the St. John Cancer Fund, to the No One is Getting Married Party in late summer, a welcome celebration at a time when the island is typically quiet. Don’t miss DR!NK’s happy hour, when you can sample appetizers from adjacent fine dining venue The Terrace—the small, five-item tapas menu pairs perfectly with DR!NK’s artisanal cocktails.
West-facing DR!NK draws a more sophisticated crowd for sunset happy hours. In addition to signature cocktails, the bar offers savory tapas from the adjacent kitchen of The Terrace. Photo: John Alvarado
If you’re looking for a place to park it and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over St. Thomas, Beach Bar is it. Like a fine wine, this well-established bar on Cruz Bay beach has only gotten better over time. Whether you find a seat at the bar or grab a table down on the beach, make sure you stick around for dinner to enjoy some of the best bar food on island. The French fries are seriously amazing, and don’t be afraid of sushi on a bar menu — the tuna down now is a crowd favorite. The Beach Bar also has a regular schedule of some of the island’s best live music, so you can dance the night away on the beach with the stars overhead.
A long-time island favorite, the Beach Bar provides a tasty menu and spectacular sunset views of neighboring St. Thomas. Later in the evening, it is also the place for live music. Photo: Debbie Snow
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