THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

The Caribbean has long been a hotspot for vacation destinations and breathtaking cruises. And after recovering from devastating hurricanes in 2017, the Caribbean is back and just as breathtaking as before. From the islands of Jamaica to the quaint streets of Puerto Rico, there are a myriad of islands and territories to explore on your next tropical getaway.

Jamaica

Jamaica has long been a sort of gateway into the Caribbean and for very good reasons. Jamaica has always been a fascinating island with centuries of historical architecture, natural beauty, and a unique cuisine combining island flavors and Caribbean favorites. The island itself is home to some of the greatest resorts in all of the Americas such as the Negril or Seven Mile Beach with its lagoons and waterfalls as well as infinity pools and relaxing beaches near the azure waters the Caribbean is famous for.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, are home to some of the best beaches not only in the Caribbean, but in the world. It’s resorts, undoubtedly, have the most pristine sands, clear waters, and most exciting underwater activities there is. And don’t forget to snorkel with the fascinating natural sea life that inhabit these waters like stingrays or other exotic aquatic creatures.

Anguilla

Anguilla is perhaps the best island to get away from all the touristy fuss and simply immerse yourself in the Caribbean lifestyle. Make sure to visit the world famous Shoal Bay or the newly renovated Belmont Cap Juluca for the most pristine and famous beaches out there with vanilla sands and azure waters galore. Make no mistake, Anguilla should definitely be a prime destination for your next Caribbean vacation getaway.

Cuba

Cuba might be the most famous Caribbean destination in terms of history and heritage sites. Immerse yourself in the unique architecture of the capital Havana and the beautiful beaches of Varadero. Sample the delicious native cuisine and visit the myriad of natural wonders like the mile long mountain ranges and tobacco fields home to the world famous Cuban cigars. Don’t forget to visit Viñales Valley, a certified UNESCO Heritage Site and a great place to watch the romantic sunset.

Aruba

Nearly every single beach, hotel, and island paradise is exactly that. But then again, Aruba is not only a resort hotspot. Do not be afraid to venture beyond Aruba’s more developed stretch into the Arikok National Park perhaps with a strange cacti laden landscape that is well worth the adventure.

Saba

Saba, the surprisingly lesser known island is home to the setting of the famous King Kong movie, although that is not its only reason for visitation. This unspoiled and completely underdeveloped natural wonderland is home to Mt. Scenery, the highest point in the entire Dutch Caribbean where one can see the glorious coastline and jagged silhouette of that same mountain from its peak. Saba also hosts a diverse sample of colorful reef species that thrive due to the lack of industry, not to mention the friendliest locals you’ll find in the Lesser Antilles chain.

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda, sometimes called the Jewel of the British Virgin Islands, is chock full of natural beauty and manmade national parks that are filled with unique islander flora and fauna. This tiny, 9 square mile island territory has no lack of unique natural structures such as seaside granite boulders and saltwater pools and century old grottos.

Puerto Rico

This oversees U.S. territory is perhaps the most famous English speaking island nation in North America and all of the Caribbean. Although it has had its fair share of natural disasters, it managed to persevere and has rebuilt itself bigger and better than ever. Airbnbs and stunning resorts have reappeared all across the nation with dazzling deals and natural locations. The capital of San Juan has remained a beacon of Spanish colonial architecture and is a prime example of the bright buildings and picture-esque nature of colonial Spain. Of course for more adventurous visitors the islands of Culebra and Vieques remain fantastic snorkeling sites and beach locations.

St. Bart’s

The famous island of St. Bart’s has long been a vacation and relaxation hotspot for many. And for good reason with all of its stunning resorts with their illustrious amenities to the gorgeous nature of the island and all its fascinating colonial history. Indeed, this stunning island has just as many water sports and scenic views as any other destination with the southern coast at Anse de Grande Saline with its vegetated sand dunes to St. Jean, a perfect surfing location. Feel free to add St. Bart’s to your dream vacation bucket list.

St. Lucia

This little island country hosts a wide array of travel worthy sites and locations. However, the most striking set of landmarks is the two volcanic Pitons, Gros Pitons and Petit Pitons. If one is adventurous enough to hike them, this would take up the better part of their day, six entire hours of guided tours and exploration. However, this is all well worth it for the jaw dropping view found at the top. Plop down to sugar beach at the end of your daw for a relaxing beach experience if relaxation is a bigger priority. But no matter the traveler, St. Lucia has something for everyone.

Haiti

Haiti has often been overlooked as a poverty stricken nation almost destroyed by natural disaster after natural disaster. However, Haiti is full mountains and breath-taking uninhabited beaches for your vacationing pleasure. The whole country is covered with tall mountains and island corridors. Feel free to hike all day and relax in the island’s steamy lowlands. Take a day trek to the Citadelle castle, a former French castle, and take in the immersive scenery of the Cuban islands just in the distance

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

If the exotic South Pacific is on your next vacation plan, then feel free to stop by St. Vincent and the Grenadines, full of exotic landscapes and clear blue waters of the Caribbean. This set of fragmented islands is the perfect place to enjoy a private resort in Salt Whistle Bay or Mayreau for snorkeling and scuba diving, maybe even a quick photo of the beach and its colorful open air bay. Of course, never forget to sail at least once around the islands or maybe enjoy the marine reserves comprised of five mystical uninhabited islands.

Antigua

Antigua, a sister island to its lesser known Barbuda is a pearl in British colonial history with its brightly colored colonial buildings and pristine white beaches. In fact, just like its sister island Barbuda, Antigua is a prime yacht and sailing location. The island holds an annual Classic Yacht Regatta where hundreds of people from all around the world sail here and then to Shirley Heights where tourists can get the best view of passing ships from this English harbor. This harbors coastline is a great place for a Sunday BBQ or get together.

Curaçao

Although often overlooked, Curaçao is a small but alluring island that has recently invested heavily in tourism with a new hotel or restaurant popping up every single day. This little island is a colonial and architectural hotspot full of Dutch and fascinating Portuguese inspired buildings, it seems as if every corner is a piece of history.

St. Kitts

This sister island to its twin, Nevis, is the larger sample and therefore bursts at the seams with breath taking locations and that iconic, Caribbean charm. Of course, this large island is known for its miles sugarcane fields soon to be rum, as well the preserved colonial pearls of history, in the form of fortresses and palaces. For more pristine lodgings with excellent views make sure to stop by the Belle among Farm or visit the slopes of Mt. Liamuiga with plunge pools and sea views galore.

Nevis

Nevis is the little sister island of its St. Kitts countrymen. However, although it is lesser known, it just so happens to be the birthplace of the world famous Alexander Hamilton. Home to a dormant volcano with towering peaks and top-drawer resorts. Maybe visit the dashing Four Seasons Resort Nevis for access to one of the best beaches on the island, Pinney’s Beach, which is a family favorite for adults and kids alike. Walk through the three miles beaches and bask in the glory of the towering amount Nevis.

Barbados

From Bridgetown to Saint Andrew, Barbados is a stunning remnant of British colonial history. From alluring pink beaches, exotic wildlife like Caribbean monkeys, herbivores like sea turtles, and fruit bats. Have a delicious martini under the sunset or immerse yourself in a private resort with polo clubs and golf courses. Here you'll find big, surf-able waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has long been a favorite destination for Francophone tourists and for good reason: it’s colonial history. This island home to waterfalls, white sands, and snorkeling waters hosts eight charming archipelagos and gorgeous locations. Head to Sugar Loaf Hill to enjoy a 170 foot high basalat slope that overlooks the beach with cacti and pools.