• Dominican Republic Holidays

    The island of Hispaniola is the second largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba, and the Dominican Republic covers its eastern two-thirds, with Haiti occupying the western third. Unlike its disaster striken neighbour, the Dominican Republic is a beautiful, relatively prosperous nation with a thriving tourism industry.

    Hispaniola and the Dominican Republic are located right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, in between Cuba to the west and Puerto Rico to the east. For holidaymakers planning on visiting several islands in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic’s central location makes it a great starting point.

     

    Arts and Culture in the Dominican Republic

     

    Like all Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic has a long, colorful history that represents the fusion of western Europe, Africa, and the Americas. From Spain and Latin America, the Dominican has inherited its Spanish language, along with a strong Latin influence in its music and dance.

    Salsa and Latin jazz are very popular in the dance halls and nightclubs, but it’s merengue and bachata dancing that are native to the country. Just like salsa, merengue is a sexy, hip-waggling dance with up-tempo beats and creative lyrics that range from the explicitly sexual to the political. Bachata, influenced by the Cuban bolero, is a slower dance music based in guitar melodies rather than the large merengue bands.

    If you’re a lover of Latin music, be sure to visit the Dominican Republic during the last week of July or the first week of August to catch the annual Santo Domingo Merengue Festival. Alternatively, visit Puerto Plata the third week in October for their annual merengue festival, which draws over 100,000 tourists and locals each year.

    For somewhat tamer entertainment in the Dominican, visit one of the regional museums that trace the country’s heritage. With an eight thousand year history, there are plenty of artifacts, historical buildings, and archaeological sites to see.

     

    Golfing in the Dominican Republic

     

    The Dominican is one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy a round of golf, reportedly a favourite destination for recent American Presidents Bush (the first) and Clinton.

    The courses in the Dominican have some of the biggest names in golf attached to them: course designers include Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, and Nick Faldo. And golf is only getting better here – five new courses opened in 2008 and 2009.

     

    Water Adventures

     

    There are plenty of islands in the Caribbean, such as Aruba and St. Lucia, where surfers can’t have much fun. In many places, the calm, crystal-clear waters are just too gentle. Not so in the Dominican Republic, where surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing are popular with tourists and locals alike.

    If windsurfing or kiteboarding is your thing, you’ll want to visit the North Coast, which has some of the best conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding in the Caribbean. As for traditional surfing, the North Coast has sixteen specific surfing spots with great wave quality. The Dominican Republic isn’t Hawaii, but from December to March the waves still reach fourteen feet in height.

    Along the South Coast, surfers can begin at the border of Haiti and work their way east to visit the more than twenty surfing spots. Both the North and South Coasts have surfing spots that will suit every level of surfing interest, from the novice to professional surfers. You might want to check out one of the surf camps, where you can learn to surf while enjoying luxurious accommodations in cottages or apartments.

    There’s much more to the Dominican Republic than its music, its museums, its golf, and its surfing – these are just the beginning of what this fabulous holiday destination can offer. Whether you want to spend a dreamy afternoon at sea aboard a yacht, chase marlins on a deep sea fishing trip, or just relax on the beach, the Dominican Republic has what you’re looking for.

  • Grenada Holidays

    Northwest of Trinidad and Tobago lies Grenada, the island nation made up of seven islands in the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Laid back and friendly like most of the Caribbean islands, Grenada is a peaceful place known for its romance and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, going on a scuba diving trip, planning to catch a big blue marlin, or just want to relax on the beach, a holiday in Grenada will fulfill your wishes.

    The Three Main Islands of Grenada

    Grenada’s three main islands are Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and Grenada itself.

    Grenada itself is divided into six distinct parishes, each with their own unique attractions. St George and its capital city of the same name, and St Andrew with its historic Rainbow City are particularly worth a visit.

    On the island of Carriacou, you’ll be treated to rugged beauty, quaint rum shops, and excellent conditions for scuba diving. The eastern side of Carriacou includes a six mile long barrier reef that is a major draw for visitors.

    Petite Martinique, as its name suggests, is a small island of less than five hundred acres. The island is known for its high-quality beaches on the leeward side.

    What to Do in Grenada

    Visitors to Grenada are most likely to comment on the slow pace of life on the island. Open air restaurants and bars hold community functions that may begin in the afternoon and linger on well into the night. Grenadians like to enjoy life, and they’re always celebrating something, so expect to see at least one or two parades or festivals during your stay. Island music, street festivals, live theatre, dance, and a vibrant nightlife characterize the nation.

    Shoppers, meanwhile, should explore the incredible duty-free bargains offered in St George’s market – the very centre of life on the island. Locally designed batik, screen printed textiles, along with wood carvings, leather craft, and other handicraft can be found in St George on the Carenage.

    Golfers should take a spin along the nine-hole course at the Grenada Golf and Country Club. After a round of golf, relax at the club’s bar and try the local rum.

    Natural Wonders of Grenada

    The natural wonders of Grenada are many, and luckily the nation has started to take steps in the last few years to protect its natural resources for the benefit of all. Today, more than ten percent of Grenada’s total land mass is preserved in the form of parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife preserves. In other words: if you like to hike, go birdwatching, kayak, or mountain bike, Grenada is the Caribbean holiday destination for you.

    Water Sports in Grenada

    Like all Caribbean holiday destinations, Grenada is known for its beautiful waters and beaches. In Grenada in particular, the most popular watersport is sailing/yachting.

    Grenada hosts several regattas each year. During the last week of January there’s the La Source Grenada Sailing Festival, which includes several days of races and (of course) an enthusiastic street festival. Fisherman’s Birthday (the same as the Feast of St Peter and St Paul mentioned above) happens on June 29th each year. Boats and nets are blessed, followed by boat racing and (have a guess?) street parties. The Carriacou Regatta Festival began in 1965 and has since become of the the Caribbean’s major annual events. Boats from Grenada, Tobago, Martinique, Antigua, and St Vincent gather to see whose sailing is supreme. Accompanying the boat racing are numerous other competitions and parties, including donkey racing, Miss Aquaval Queen Show, and Miss Wet T-Shirt.

    Overall, Grenadians are a fun-loving people who will welcome foreign to their festivities. You won’t be able to help catching the laid-back spirit of Grenada, and you’ll definitely leave with a smile on your face.

     

  • Bermuda Holidays

    Bermuda is the oldest remaining territory of the British empire, originally settled by the English in 1612. Both beautiful and mysterious, the tiny island of Bermuda is known both as a charming tropical holiday destination as well as an island with an interesting history that’s given birth to colourful legends.

    A Caribbean Holiday in the Atlantic

    Although it’s located in the Atlantic Ocean, on the western edge of the Sargasso Sea and far north of the Caribbean, Bermuda is similar to the Caribbean islands in its culture and history. However, unlike the Caribbean islands, Bermuda was never inhabited by Amerindians before the arrival of Europeans. When the English settled the island in the seventeenth century, they brought with them African slaves, giving Bermuda a similar Afro-European cultural blend as many Caribbean islands.

    Just like Caribbean holiday destinations, in Bermuda the air is often rich with calypso and reggae music. But what you won’t find in the Caribbean are the Gombeys. Gombeys are drumming and dancing troupes who fill the streets with music and dance, particularly on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Dancers wear bright capes and peacock headdresses, while percussionists mark hypnotic beats on snare drums and kettledrums.

    The Gombeys aren’t the only way in which Bermuda’s culture is unique. For holidaymakers keen on culture and history, Bermuda is an island dream. Consider a few of these facts:

    • There are more churches per capita in Bermuda than anywhere else.
    • The Bermuda National Trust Museum in the Globe Hotel was built in 1700 and remains one of the oldest buildings in Bermuda. Exhibits range from Bermuda’s participation in the American Civil War to the history of Bermuda.
    • Historic St George – the capital city of Bermuda – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • The Royal Naval Dockyard includes a Bermuda Maritime Museum.

     

    The Waters and Beaches of Bermuda

    Because of its small size, you’ll never be further than half a mile from the ocean while in Bermuda – and the turquoise waters won’t disappoint. Bermuda has some of the clearest waters of all island holiday destinations because of the Sargasso Sea. Named for the seaweed that floats on its surface en masse, the Sargasso Sea is a particularly calm spot in the Atlantic Ocean known for its high water visibility. In fact, in some spots you can see 200 feet down.

    These calm, clear waters lap against Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches – one of the only places in the world where you can find pink sand. Depending upon the hotel or resort you choose, you might even have access to a private, pink sand beach reserved only for hotel guests. These hotel-owned private beaches also come with their own lifeguards, cafe, changing rooms, and umbrellas.

    The sights under Bermuda’s water are at least as remarkable as the sights above it. During the colonial period, the currents of the Sargasso Sea lured many a ship to a watery grave by running it against Bermuda’s many coral reefs. Although the reefs were bad for the ships, the shipwrecks were great for marine life. Today, the many shipwrecks around Bermuda provide homes for diverse species of exotic fish and allow for some great scuba diving.

    Activities + Watersports

    If you’d rather catch a fish than look at one, go deep sea fishing off Bermuda’s coasts. In the spring, look to catch yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo. During the summer, blue and white marlin, more tuna, barracuda, and sharks roam the waters. In the fall, the wahoo and billfish will be biting. The winter months are not the best for fishing, but even during the winter, you still might catch a tuna.

    Parasailing, waterskiing, kayaking, and yachting are also popular with holidaymakers in Bermuda – all of these recreations are available the year round.

    Bermuda has had a reputation for luring ships and planes onto its shores for more than three centuries. Today, it’s still luring ships and planes, but for much different reasons. Allow yourself to be lured to Bermuda, where pink sand, affable natives, Gombeys, and underwater palaces will delight everyone in the family.

     

  • Barbados Holidays

     

    Located on the edge of the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, not far north of the equator, is the lovely West Indian island of Barbados. The trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean keep the tropical climate mild, and the landscape ranges from untouched mangrove forests to gently sloping pastures that roll into pristine coastlines. Despite being a small island nation, Barbados has a high standard of living, ranked third in the Americas in its Human Development Index, behind only the United States and Canada. Home to slightly less than 300,000 people, the relaxed island of Barbados is a perfect Caribbean holiday destination.

    Barbados Beaches

    Barbados has earnt a reputation throughout the world for some of the most idyllic, palm fringed, white sandy beaches. Yet many people don’t realise the variety available on the island; with the Atlantic to the East and the Caribbean to the West the scenery changes dramatically as you cross the island.

    On the West of the island the calm, turquoise blue waters lap gently against the shore. It is here where the majority of luxury hotels and resorts are nestled – and its no wonder, as they are some of the best beaches on the island. There are numerous reefs just off the coast making for some excellent scuba diving, and the sand is a beautiful white.

    To the South of the island the coast is still beautiful but dotted with numerous towns allowing you to pick up a bit more of the local vibe than you might find at the more exclusive coasts of the West, while to the East the waves come rolling in across the Atlantic, making the wild, windswept coast an excellent spot for coastal walks and surfing, but a little tricky for swimming.

    Things to Do in Barbados

    Since Barbados is another one of the Caribbean’s pristine island destinations, let’s start with everything you can do in and around Barbados’ turquoise-blue waters. With seventy miles of coastlines, along waters that always stay between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius all year round, beaches in Barbados are second to none.

    When you get tired of laying on the beach and soaking up the tropical sun, cool off in the water – or underneath it. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Barbados are popular activities, and many coral reefs remain intact and undamaged. The more adventurous might enjoy diving a little deeper and exploring one of many sunken ships off Barbados’ west coast.

    Back on the land, take a stroll along one of the many boardwalks, or go hiking inland in mangrove forest. Near St. Peter, you’ll find the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and the Farley Hill National Park; near Christ Church, visit Chancery Lane Swamp to catch a glimpse of nesting Pelicans, Blue Herons, and Frigates.

    Historical Sites in Barbados

    Some of the historical sites you might want to visit to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Barbados include:

     

    • The Barbados Museum: Located in a former British Detention Barracks, the museum traces the history of Barbados from the time the British arrived until the present day.
    • George Washington House: For anyone with an interest in American history, the George Washington House, where the American president briefly resided at the age of nineteen, is a must-see.
    • Bridgetown Synagogue: Originally built in 1627, this Jewish synagogue is believed to be the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
    • Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum: Before Barbados became a tourist destination, its economy was based in sugarcane. This unique museum is located inside a working sugar factory, and traces the history of sugar production on the island.

    Barbados is a friendly, comfortable holiday destination in the Caribbean. With English as its official language, it’s slightly easier to navigate than other Caribbean holiday destinations, such as Cuba. Visitors to this unique island are sure to enjoy the mild climate, exotic flora and fauna, and rich West Indian culture.

  • Bahamas Holidays

    The Bahamas isn’t just one Caribbean holiday destination – it’s 29. Officially, the Bahamas consists of 29 separate islands, along with nearly 700 hundred cays, and over 2,300 islets. Located on the edge of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, a little north of Cuba and just south and east of Florida, the Bahamas have long been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Like Barbados and Antigua, the Bahamas is English-speaking, thanks to British rule until the late 1960s. The language makes visiting the Bahamas particularly easy.

    Islands of the Bahamas

    Of all the islands, cays, and islets of the Bahamas, only between thirty and forty are actually inhabited. The main islands are:

    Grand Bahama: Grand Bahama is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas, but it’s still only 88 square miles. One of the premiere tourist destinations, Grand Bahama includes upscale accommodations (such as the Westin and the Sheraton), plenty of sight-seeing, delectable seafood, and the city of Freeport, which is one of the biggest cities in the Bahamas. Although Freeport was hit hard by hurricanes in 2004, it’s bouncing back and is still a lively, enjoyable town. In the water, you can swim with the dolphins, catch some big fish, or go sailing. Back on dry land, go golfing at the Lucayan Golf Course, go shopping at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, or just relax on one of the powdery white sand beaches.

    New Providence and Paradise Islands: The capital city of the Bahamas is Nassau, located on New Providence Island. While you’re in Nassau, go to the historic district and see the Balcony House Museum, or visit the enormous Fort Charlotte, which covers over 100 acres. Take the kids to the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre, and go take a look at the baby fish at Bonefish Pond National Park. After you finish exploring this unique Caribbean city, go see Paradise Island. Connected to Nassau by two bridges, Paradise Island is a mere 685 acres, and every square inch is devoted to pleasing its visitors.

    Andros: Ironically, Andros is the largest island of the Bahamas, but it’s also the least developed. For anyone who wants to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life and take a quiet trip into Mother Nature, Andros is the island to visit. Nearby is the world’s third largest barrier reef and a mile-deep abyss, which scuba divers will love to explore. On the island itself, mangrove forests and wetlands cover most of the interior, while peaceful beaches line the shores. Fly fishermen, deep sea fishermen, birdwatchers, hikers, and hikers will find Andros to be the perfect island.

    Bimini: The closest island to the United States, Bimini actually consists of multiple islands – North and South Bimini are the largest. North Bimini includes Alice Town, which is more like a strip of delightful restaurants, shops, and bars than a city per se. South Bimini is quieter, with a small community of homes and very few big or glitzy hotels. The main draw to the Biminis is the incredible big-game fishing – the waters surrounding the Biminis are considered one of the world’s best places for deep sea fishing. Other sea adventures include scuba diving amongst the many ship wrecks and snorkeling.

    The Abacos: Bahamians like to boast that the Abacos Islands are “The Sailing Capital of the World”. The Abacos are a chain of 120 miles of small islands, sometimes referred to as their own mini-Bahamas. Besides the excellent sailing – including both traditional sailboats and powerboats – you might want to visit Treasure Cay. Treasure Cay is a hotel, golf, marina, and real estate development, all situated around a soft, white sand beach. Just south of Treasure Cay is Little Harbour, a protected bay that serves as an artists’ colony.

    These larger islands of the Bahamas barely scratch the surface of what this incredible Caribbean holiday destination has to offer. Whether you crave excitement or solitude, exclusive resorts or serene ocean panoramas, you’ll find your fantasy in the Bahamas.

  • Aruba Holidays

    Just north of Venezuela sits the tiny Caribbean holiday destination of Aruba. At less than 75 square miles, Aruba is one of the smallest islands of the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do or see here. In fact, over three-quarters of Aruba’s economy is based in the tourism and hospitality industries.

    “The Useless Island”

    The first European to set foot in Aruba was Alonso de Ojeda, and he named it “la isla de los gigantes”, or “island of giants” because of the tall native Amerindians who inhabited it. But Spain didn’t find much use for Aruba or its tall inhabitants; the lack of rain made it unusable for sugar cane cultivation or other agriculture, and the Spanish didn’t find any gold. Aruba gained a new nickname, “la isla inutil”, or “the useless island”. In 1513, the Spanish kidnapped the entire native population of Aruba, turning them into plantation slaves in other Caribbean colonies.

    The Dutch didn’t find Aruba nearly as useless. Warring with Spain for eight decades during the seventeenth century, they established Aruba as an important strategic naval base. Although the English briefly ruled Aruba during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba was part of the Dutch empire until 1986, and Dutch is still the island’s official language. Today, the island of Aruba is known for its stability, peace, and prosperity.

    Oranjestad (Orangetown)

    Aruba’s capital city, Orangetown, dates back to the late eighteenth century. Holidaymakers should certainly make a point to wander through the city centre, where colourful buildings built in Dutch colonial style architecture line quaint brick squares.

    Also in Orangetown is the popular Aruba Archaeological Museum, which preserves the Amerindian cultural heritage. The museum itself is housed in a series of beautiful buildings, nineteenth century mansions that used to belong to the Ecury family.

    Outside Orangetown, stroll through the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a nesting area for over eighty species of migratory birds. Birdwatchers will especially appreciate the observation tower in the sanctuary that provides a great view of the whole sanctuary, with Orangetown rising in the distance.

    Beaches of Aruba

    Like all Caribbean islands, the beaches draw far more visitors than the migratory birds, and Aruba is no exception. The most famous beach in Aruba is Palm Beach, a two-mile strip filled with luxurious hotels, piers, water sports vendors, and nightclubs. The gentle waters don’t provide much thrill for surfers, but they’re perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

    Baby Beach, on the southeastern end of Aruba, is a protected lagoon with shallow water reaching far into the sea. Baby Beach used to be known simply as “The Colony” because of the wealthy families living in a secluded gated community. Although the oil that built The Colony has since dried up, the wealth has not. Baby Beach still has an air of exclusivity and privacy that Palm Beach does not.

    On the opposite end of the island is Malmok Beach. A little rockier than Baby Beach and Palm Beach, Malmok is the place to go if you love scuba diving, snorkeling, or wind surfing. Scuba divers in particular enjoy the trips into the reefs and sunken ships not far from the shore.

    Nightlife

    After a day of lounging on the beach, what could be better than catching a live show, dancing to Latin beats, or trying your luck at the craps table? Whatever your preferred nighttime entertainment, Aruba has it. There are bars on the beach with tasty rum drinks, piano bars, and plenty of Vegas-style casinos. Even if you’re not into hard partying, you can visit the local drive-in movie theater in Orangetown for a quiet evening, or take a candlelit walk along the beach if you’re looking for something even more low-key.

    Aruba packs more adventure into its 75 square miles than most places five times that size can offer. Between gorgeous beaches and a fascinating history and cultural heritage, your holiday in Aruba is one you’ll talk about for years to come.

     

  • Antigua Holidays

    Not far from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands lies the West Indian island of Antigua. Named in 1493 by Christopher Columbus for a beautiful church in Spain, the first permanent European settlement on the island was established by English colonists in 1632. Thanks to the British influence, native Antiguans speak English as their first language, making Antigua one of the easier Caribbean holiday destinations for UK visitors to navigate.

    The climate in Antigua is as close to perfect as it gets. It never gets cold – or even cool – yet in the summertime it stays below the outrageous 32 degrees Celsius and higher found in holiday destinations such as Florida. The warm air temperature means warm water, making a dip in the clear blue water feel like slipping into a comfortable bath.

    Cultural Adventures in Antigua

    Of course most holidaymakers visit Antigua for the beautiful beaches, the tropical climate, and the water sports, but Antigua, like all of the Caribbean islands, has a rich culture and history that are also fun to explore.

    For example, take a trip to Sea View Farm Village, the center of Antiguan folk pottery. Pottery in Antigua dates back to the eighteenth century, when African slaves used local clay to form cookware. Today, Antiguan pottery is still fired in the traditional style, and Sea View Farm Village is the best place on the island for shopping for these gorgeously-crafted clay vessels.

    Art lovers should visit Brown’s Bay and stroll around the Harmony Hall Art Gallery. The epicenter for Atigua’s art community, the Hall hosts several rotating exhibits each year. The most exciting time to visit Harmony Hall is November, when the annual Artists’ Exhibition and Craft Fair are held. After admiring Harmony Hall’s art, relax at the nearby bar. The bar, built in an old sugar mill tower, provides one of the best panoramic views in all of Antigua.

    History buffs should be sure to stop by the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in St. John’s. The museum traces the history of the islands from its geological origins to the present day. One of the best features of the museum is the life-size replica of a traditional Arawak dwelling.

    The English Harbour, once an important Caribbean sea port for English sailors, is today a part of Antigua’s charming historic district. Abandoned in the latter part of the 19th century, Nelson’s Dockyard has since been completely restored, and today is the only Georgian dockyard in the world.

    Natural Beauty in Antigua

    Above the English Harbour is Shirley Heights. Students of history will be interested to see the old military buildings and gun emplacements, but the reason most people visit Shirley Heights is for the incredible view. On Sunday afternoons, Shirley Heights hosts informal parties, filled with barbecue to eat, rum punch to drink, and reggae music to relax to.

    Since the island is relatively flat, there’s not much hiking to be done, but birdwatchers will find Antigua an enchanting island. Over one hundred and twenty bird species make their home in Antigua, ranging from tiny hummingbirds to ospreys, gulls, herons, and egrets.

    Beaches

    What would a tropical island in the Caribbean be without beautiful beaches? Antiguans like to joke that the 365 beaches on their little patch of paradise mean that there’s one beach for each day of the year. On the Caribbean side of the island, the beaches are calm and tame. Antigua is not the world’s best location for surfing, but for snorkeling, laying in the sand, or just relaxing in the water, Antigua is perfect.

    The beaches near St. John’s are more developed and convenient to accommodations, but the beaches in the southwest corner are perfect for holidaymakers looking for a little more solitude and rustic environment. Doigs Beach and Rendezvous Bay are especially quiet, although reaching them requires a bit of rough travel.

    Antigua is a great holiday destination for anyone looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation. Although Antigua doesn’t have the exciting buzz of places like Cuba and Jamaica, it’s a great spot for honeymoons, family vacations, and sailing or fishing. Don’t pass up a chance to enjoy the charm and history of Antigua.

     

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