Bridgetown to Philipsburg

Bridgetown

Bridgetown originally called 'Indian Bridge' is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados with about 80 000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbour inlet known as the Careenage and is well utilised by pleasure craft and fishing boats.Bridgetown has a long and colourful history as a British settlement from the 17th century. A bustling city with many attractions for travellers its mix of modern and historic buildings are interspersed with markets monuments and a number of lush gardens.The main street Broad Street is where one finds banks department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth dating from 1639) facing National Heroes Square. Bridgetown is home to a number of historical buildings that will interest visitors including the Garrison Historic Area which is a must-visit for military history buffs.Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.Tourists in Bridgetown will find much to see and do: cricket games at Kensington Oval which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup; the Barbados Derby at the racetrack in the Garrison area; and many other events and activities. A range of duty-free shops near the harbour sell staples like Mount Gay Rum while more colourful shopping options include the Cheapside Market and the Swan Street pedestrian mall. Local restaurants in the Careenage serve up fresh lobster and fish with Caribbean flair.

Trois-Ilets

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Martinique is an overseas region of France and one of the many islands that make up the Lesser Antilles island group affectionately referred to as the 'Breezy Islands'.

The destination enjoys a rich and diverse history, as showcased through attractions such as the quaint little cottage of La Pagerie, which honours a family of the same name. Josephine, a daughter of that clan, became the Empress of Napoleon. The 600-foot (182m) pinnacle of Diamond Rock rises majestically from the sea and was once a strategic garrison during the Napoleonic wars. Today, the spectacular caves and coral reefs around the pinnacle attract scuba divers from all corners of the globe.

The majestic volcano, Mount Pelee, sits smoldering above the former capital Saint-Pierre, a once booming town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902. The twin peaks of Carbet and Mount Pelee dominate the island, rising above Martinique's legendary tropical rainforest. Unlike so many exotic island locations, this area of unspoilt beauty has not yet been fully discovered by tourists.

There is something for just about everybody on Martinique. The active and adventurous can enjoy kitesurfing, yachting, diving, surfing and sailing as well as mountain biking, hiking, and cliff jumping. For the less adventurous, warm sunny days can be spent lazing on the sandy, white, palm-fringed beaches, many of which are truly magnificent.

Kingstown

The beautiful tropical treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines are found near St Lucia and Grenada, part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. This unspoilt paradise of 32 islands includes Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Petit St Vincent, Tobago Cays, Union Island and Palm Island, all boasting magnificent beaches and unique characters.

Thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, St Vincent and the Grenadines is an idyllic venue for that perfect island wedding or romantic honeymoon retreat. The island chain is refreshingly free of big, crowded resorts and the trappings of rampant development, maintaining an enviable aura of romantic seclusion.

Most of the population live on the largest and most developed island, St Vincent, leaving a slew of the smaller islands sparsely inhabited and largely untouched. The varied topography of the island chain enables an exciting array of adventures, from sailing and scuba diving to hiking and horse riding on the beach. There are also a few golf courses worth teeing up for a visit, while its lush rainforest makes eco-retreats and jungle adventures increasingly popular.

The island nation has a French and British colonial history; Carib Indians fought off European settlement on St Vincent until the 18th century, after which it was subjected to many years of colonial rule and slavery. On 27 October 1979, the lovely island nation finally gained independence and has since survived largely on its natural bounty, with agriculture the backbone of the country's economy, and tourism attracting a steady stream of foreign admirers.

The main tourist centres in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown (St Vincent) and Port Elizabeth (Bequia), provide a unique insight into the culture of the island nation. Kingstown's colourful markets and good restaurants make it a good base for hiking to La Soufriere Volcano, or exploring the filming locations from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Port Elizabeth is a sleepy seaside town with less to offer in terms of shopping and entertainment, but which provides easy access to the lovely beaches of Mustique, the historic Hamilton Fort and the Oldhegg Turtle Sanctuary.

Roseau

Roseau lies in a small area on Dominica's west coast, where
rugged green hills meet a deep blue sea. A mix of French and
British colonial structures run along its narrow streets,
punctuating the modern concrete buildings and recalling the
capital's history.

Most visitors gather along the Bayfront before browsing through
the Old Market. Historically speaking, the area hosted the slave
trade. These days, its craft and souvenir stalls are popular among
cruise-ship passengers. Tourists should also explore the compact
museum in the Old Post Office if time allows. Otherwise, seeing the
island's natural beauty should be the priority. The botanical
gardens are certainly a worthwhile stop in this regard. A hillside
enclave called Morne Bruce lies above them and offers a
breathtaking view of Roseau.

All in all, the destination appeals to travellers who want a
friendly, relaxed atmosphere, though the local hotel bars and clubs
can be lively. The World Creole Music Festival makes visiting in
late October a special treat.

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 Island

The smallest of the islands, two thirds of
St John consists of a national park, a peaceful and largely
unspoilt paradise for nature lovers offering pristine forests,
hidden coves and coral reefs, as well as secluded white beaches and
miles of hiking trails.

Danish immigrants were the first settlers
and became extensive producers of sugarcane. Today, the abandoned
18th-century plantations scattered about the island provide a
reminder of its agricultural industry. A walk around the ruins of
the Annaberg Sugar Plantation offers a historical glimpse of St
John, boasting magnificent views of the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Island National Park offers
numerous guided or independent hiking trails into the interior with
stunning views from the ridges. There's a variety of flora and
fauna, including wild cats, hummingbirds and iguanas.

Of the dozens of beaches, the most popular
is Trunk Bay. It's one of the world's most photographed spots,
offering swimming and excellent marine life in the protected reefs.
There is also an underwater snorkelling trail with signs
identifying the types of coral and its inhabitants.

The centre of activity on St John is Cruz
Bay, a small town offering speciality shopping, lively bars and
delicious cuisine, as well as jeep rental services and dive
centres. There is limited accommodation on the island so make sure
to book well in advance.

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.