Some call it the shoulder season. We call it springtime. The “peak” tourism season in the Caribbean may be over, but not for Caribbean Journal readers, who love going to the Caribbean all-year round. That’s why we’ve selected some of our favourite regional destinations for the spring season, with a number of categories in mind, from eco-tourism to romance to a good, old-fashioned beach vacation. These are our picks for right now.
Andros — The Nature Destination
It’s one of the first places you pass over on a flight to the Caribbean from Miami, but for many this largest island in the Bahamas remains a mystery. It shouldn’t. This naturally striking island is full of wonders, from blue holes to secret beaches. That means an eco-tourist’s dream, with a host of hotels to choose from, like Kamalame Cay, Tiamo and Small Hope Bay Lodge.
St Lucia — The Romance Destination
This island has carved out a rather rarefied niche for romance travel, and it’s understandable. The Pitons and surrounding areas are one of the most romantic places in the region, and St Lucia is also home to some of the region’s most romantic hotels: from the beachfront Anse Chastanet to Jade Mountain and Ladera, where the views of the Pitons reign.
The British Virgin Islands — The Sailing Destination
Exploring. It’s what CJ readers love to do, and there’s no better way to explore the BVI than by boat. That means either hiring a crew or going bareboat, with the best bets being charter operations like The Moorings, Sunsail or MarineMax, among others.
Saint Martin — The Foodie Destination
It’s a relatively small street, but French St Martin’s Grand Case Boulevard is the most delicious stretch of pavement in the Caribbean, home to a higher density of spectacular restaurants than anywhere in the Caribbean. And for foodies, that means a stay at the nearby L’Esplanade or Grand Case Beach Club hotels. Bon appetit! (Above: the town of Grand Case)
Antigua — The Beach Destination
They say Antigua has 365 beaches, and while you can’t hit them all on one trip, it makes for a sand-filled, oh-so-relaxing getaway. And each beach comes with its own beautiful hotel, from all-inclusives like Galley Bay and Verandah to boutiques like Cocos to classic hotels like Curtain Bluff.
Saint Thomas — The Island Hopping Destination
This hub of the US Virgin Islands is an island hopper’s dream: whether you want to fly to St Croix or San Juan or ferry-hop to places like St John, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, there is a seemingly endless supply of islands within easy reach. And when you decide to stay on the island, you have great options like the classic Bolongo Bay or the luxurious Ritz-Carlton.
Nevis — The Luxury Destination
This place is all about luxury in all its forms: old-fashioned West Indian charm; quiet, untouched tranquility and beautiful, indulgent hotels. The the Four Seasons Resort Nevis is the island’s Grande Dame, though there are also smaller options like the historic Montpelier Plantation and Beach and the classic Hermitage Plantation Inn, among others.
Martinique — The Rum Destination
Many islands claim to be the Caribbean capital of rum, but it’s hard to top Martinique. There are 11 rum distilleries, each with its own history, its own taste, its own story. And discovering them is one of the Caribbean’s great travel experiences. (Oh, and the food is amazing, too). When you break from tasting, stay at the wonderful Cap-Est, the boutique Plein Soleil or the artful La Suite Villa.
Dominica — The Adventure Destination
It’s not really like anywhere else in the Caribbean. Dominica is raw, lush and breathtaking. For the adventure traveler, it’s a mix of top-level diving, the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail, watersports and the kind of exploration that’s not always easy to do anywhere else. There’s also a small but diverse hotel product, from the luxurious boutique resort Secret Bay to the bohemian Tia’s Bamboo Cottages in the unforgettable town of Wotten Waven.
Haiti — The Culture Destination
You feel it the minute you arrive in Port-au-Prince. Haiti overflows — it pulses — with culture. There’s always a beat, a feeling here, and the Caribbean’s oldest independent country makes for a fascinating trip, whether among the artists of Jacmel or the bars of Petion-Ville or the MUPANAH, which just might be the Caribbean’s coolest museum. For a culture-hopping trip, base yourself at the Best Western Premier in Petion-Ville, the Royal Oasis or the NH El Rancho.
The Cayman Islands — The Diving Destination
It’s long been the Caribbean’s Mecca for divers, and it remains so to this day. This is a diving paradise, from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman to Cayman Brac. If you’re staying on the “mainland,” try Sunset House, Compass Point or the wonderful condo rental called Discovery Point Club.
Bocas del Toro, Panama — The Discovery Destination
This isn’t the Caribbean you’re used to, and that’s what makes it worth visiting. Panama’s top Caribbean destination is full of untouched, exotic little islands with some secret hotels like Red Frog Beach and Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge. And it’s all just an hour from the capital.