Tropical Charms of the
Caribbean

Philipsburg

The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.

South Friars Bay

South Friar's Bay is a bay in Saint George Basseterre Parish, Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is one of the two bays that stretch along the coast of the isthmus connecting the Southeast Peninsula, with the rest of the island of Saint Kitts. It is longer than its northern neighbour (North Friar's Bay). At their closest, the two coasts are less than one kilometre apart.

Deshaies

The islands of Guadeloupe are radiant gems of the Caribbean, offering travellers a unique combination of Creole culture, incredible beaches and simply fantastic French food. Guadeloupe is shaped rather like a butterfly, with Basse-Terre and Grand Terre as each of its wings.

Better developed Grand Terre enjoys exceptional beach towns and plenty of fun nightlife along its shores. Basse Terre is more wild, home to Parc National de la Guadeloupe and topped by the spectacular La Soufriere volcano.

First discovered by Columbus in 1493, the islands were known to the local Caribs as Karukera: 'the islands of beautiful waters'. In the 20th century, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, enjoying French protection and economic support. Guadeloupe is less well known than Antigua, its neighbour to the north and so enjoys a somewhat laid-back atmosphere and less developed infrastructure by comparison.

The beaches are quite magnificent and remain the main draw card for the steady stream of tourists, the majority of whom are French. Unusually for a tropical island, there are many other attractions such as tropical forests, towering waterfalls and a hard-hitting museum of slavery. The diving is also excellent, particularly on the 15 mile (25km) long coral wall of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, just off the coast of Grand Terre.

Getting around the islands is a breeze, with a decent public bus network and plenty of bicycle rental spots presenting better options than expensive taxis.

Îles des Saintes

This small group of islands lies opposite the western part of Guadeloupe. They were discovered in November 1493 by Columbus, who named them Los Santos. French settlers established themselves in 1648 and changed the name to Iles des Saintes, commonly known as Les Saintes. Since then the islands have been closely connected with Guadeloupe. Until a recent influx of tourism, Les Saintes were among the Caribbean’s most unspoiled destinations. Only two of the eight islands are inhabited: Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. The latter is known for its impressive Fort Napoleon built in the early 19th century to replace an earlier 17th-century fort. From its vantage point there are fine views of the many tiny islets scattered in the bay and across to Guadeloupe. Terre-de-Haut is the main island of Les Saintes, with steeply scarped hills, scenic valleys, hidden coves and beautiful beaches. Its main settlement consists of a charming village of red-roofed houses situated along a curving bay. A number of small boutiques and gift shops invite browsing. Quaint cafés and restaurants offer food and drink. To the east of the village lies Grande Anse, a fine sand beach. Most of the attractions on this small island can be seen on foot. With just a few vehicles on the island, there are no organized tours possible. Time ashore here is at your leisure.

Little Bay

The beautiful island of Montserrat has a distinctly explosive history that has drawn intrepid travellers to its awe-inspiring shores. It seems quite clear the earth is trying to rid itself of this small Caribbean island, as its recent history is a list of major natural disasters.

A hurricane swept over the island in 1989, damaging 90 percent of the buildings. Following a hurricane in 1989, Montserrat's volcano, the Soufriere Hills, erupted in 1995 after staying dormant for hundreds of years.

It erupted again two years later, covering the capital city, Plymouth, in ash and mud, while limiting the 39 square mile (101km) island to a much smaller, inhabitable safe zone in the north of Monserrat. Most of the 12,000 inhabitants got the message and emigrated.

For those that stayed, tourism on the island is slowly growing and curious visitors are now eager to take tours of the active volcano where an ominous dome over the volcano's crater rebuilds and periodically collapses sending great plumes of ash into the air. Much of the island is within the 'volcanic exclusion zone' which was previously inaccessible; however, Montserrat tourism now conducts guided tours into the ashen wasteland in the south.

Despite the destruction caused by the Soufriere Hills, the volcano has also made some fascinating changes to the natural environment. Divers can see unique coral formations that have grown healthier from the volcano's substrate; sun lovers can relax on soft, volcanic sand at a number of beaches; and the nature walks and hikes have lush vegetation from the fertilised soil. As a result, Montserrat is looking to establish itself as a major player in global ecotourism.

The country often refers to itself as the Emerald Isle, an homage to its Irish settlers escaping religious oppression. The Caribbean is an unlikely place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but the national holiday highlights Monserrat's unique charm. Unlike Columbus, who sailed right past the islands, visitors to the Caribbean should make this a place to explore. Flights from Antigua and some surrounding islands arrive daily.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda, the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is a stunning tropical paradise that offers visitors an enticing combination of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure. The island spans approximately 8.5 square miles and has a population of around 4,000 inhabitants, creating a friendly and laid-back atmosphere that makes tourists feel welcome. It is accessible by ferry, private boat, or a small airport that caters to chartered flights.

Geographically, Virgin Gorda is known for its remarkably diverse landscapes, ranging from the white sandy beaches to the rugged mountains, leaving nature enthusiasts and beachgoers equally enchanted. The island's name, which translates to "Fat Virgin," was coined by Christopher Columbus in 1493, allegedly because the island’s profile on the horizon resembles a plump woman lying on her side.

The jewel in Virgin Gorda's crown is "The Baths," a geological wonder consisting of gigantic granite boulders that form scenic grottoes and pools on the island’s southwest shore. These natural formations are believed to be the result of volcanic activity, and their incredible shapes are filled with sea water and coral sand beaches. The Baths is a national park and offers a unique experience for snorkeling, exploring through the caves, and swimming in the natural tidal pools. It's a must-visit location that attracts people from around the world for its sheer beauty and tranquil turquoise waters.

Virgin Gorda also features some of the most luxurious resorts, villas, and restaurants in the Caribbean. Its exclusive North Sound is a well-known hideaway for yachts and offers several marinas and high-end accommodations. Here, visitors can take part in sailing, fishing, and water sports in one of the BVI's most sheltered harbors. Wellness-focused travelers can also indulge in spa services that incorporate the serenity and resources of the tropical environment.

The island’s economy thrives on tourism, but there is a sense of unspoiled charm as development is kept to ecologically sensitive levels. The community is dedicated to preserving the outstanding beauty of their environment, resulting in careful management of tourism activities.

For those looking to take a step back from water-based activities, Virgin Gorda does not disappoint. The island's hilly terrain is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to the highest point, Gorda Peak, which stands at 1,370 feet. The Gorda Peak National Park provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding islands and cays, and on a clear day, even the distant Anegada can be seen. The mountain is also home to unique flora and fauna, such as the Virgin Gorda gecko, found nowhere else in the world.

Visitors to Virgin Gorda will savor the local cuisine, which is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Seafood is, unsurprisingly, a staple, and you’ll find it prepared in myriad delicious ways, from grilled lobster to conch fritters, often served with the island's staple side dishes like rice and peas.

Yet, what truly endears visitors to Virgin Gorda is the warmth of its people. From luxury resort staff to the vendors selling crafts at the local markets, everyone seems to have a story to share about the island. The cultural events and festivals, particularly during the Easter Festival, provide a lively display of local music, dance, and traditions.

In conclusion, Virgin Gorda is a small slice of heaven offering an authentic Caribbean experience. It's a place where luxury meshes with the simplicity of island life, where natural beauty is preserved, and where every traveler finds a tranquil escape. Whether it's for a honeymoon, family vacation, or a solo retreat, this island epitomizes the Caribbean's allure.

Norman Island

Norman Island is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. The caves are ideal for snorkeling, and, if one goes deeply enough into the cliffs, darkness makes the experience like a night dive.

The island has no permanent inhabitants (other than wild goats), but there are two restaurants on the island, Pirates Bight and The Club.

Norman Island

Norman Island is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. The caves are ideal for snorkeling, and, if one goes deeply enough into the cliffs, darkness makes the experience like a night dive.

The island has no permanent inhabitants (other than wild goats), but there are two restaurants on the island, Pirates Bight and The Club.

Gustavia

The beautiful beaches of St Barthelemy have captivated visitors from around the world for centuries. With its stunning white sand, crystal clear waters and lush tropical scenery, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this charming island paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, romantic getaway or a place to party the night away, St Barthelemy has something for everyone.

Begin your beach vacation with a visit to Grand Cul-de-Sac, an area made up of stunning beaches that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure with snorkeling and jet skiing or just a place to relax with beautiful views and a gentle breeze, Grand Cul-de-Sac is sure to please. Take time to lounge on the beach with your feet in the sand and unwind with the sound of the waves crashing nearby.

Continue down the shoreline and experience the serenity of Anse du Gouverneur Beach. Here, you’ll have plenty of room to soak up the sun and lounge on the sand. Enjoy a nice picnic lunch by the sea and be sure to watch for dolphins swimming in the distance. Bring along your snorkeling gear if you’d like to explore the vibrant underwater world before continuing on your adventure.

For those who are looking for a bit of adventure and fun, head to Grand Fond Beach. Here, the surf is perfect for bodyboarding and surfing and there’s plenty of room to take part in beach games. After a long day at the beach, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy the cool water.

After a full day exploring St Barthelemy’s stunning beaches, be sure to check out the local culture and cuisine. The restaurants here offer a range of delicious dishes from international flavors to traditional Caribbean fare. Spend the evening exploring the area’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy some drinks with friends.

No matter what type of beach vacation you’re looking for, St Barthelemy will provide an unforgettable experience. From stunning views to exciting activities, this Caribbean paradise has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime to St Barthelemy’s stunning beaches!

Saint John's

St. John’s is the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and one of the most alluring cities in the Caribbean. Situated on the island of Antigua, St. John’s is a bustling city that is both exciting and picturesque. From the Caribbean-infused cuisine, to the historical landmarks and lively attractions, St. John’s is a place that should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

The city is alive with activity, including plenty of colorful markets and shopping areas, and is known for its diverse population. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by music, art and culture. Strolling through St. John's Old Town will give you a delightful glimpse into the past, as local craftsmen display their wares in British colonial-style buildings. From there, head to the lively Independence Square and take in the sights and sounds.

Catch a glimpse of local wildlife at the nearby Antigua Recreation Ground, or head to deep sea fishing for fun and adventure. St. John’s also plays host to a few annual festivals, like the April Carnival which features a mix of costume parades, stilt walkers, drum circles, floats and masquerade performers.

For those looking to relax in the sun, the city’s numerous beaches are ideal. The pristine sand and crystal-clear waters make them a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, and more. If you’re looking for a peaceful time with friends and family, why not have a picnic on an isolated beach? Or try an island tour and explore the waters on a guided boat cruise.

With its combination of sun-soaked beaches, expansive parks and traditional buildings, St. John’s is a place that everyone can enjoy. Its friendly locals will welcome you with open arms, and its diverse selection of restaurants will satisfy any taste buds. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, St. John’s has it all waiting for you in Antigua.

Philipsburg

The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.