Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Caribbean

Caribbean landscapes and a person kite foiling

The Caribbean is a region filled with hidden gems. Whether it’s the incredibly clear water and white sand beaches of Bonaire or the diverse wildlife of Saint Lucia, many places are worth discovering in this part of the world. This article will explore five islands: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, hidden gems of the Caribbean Trinidad & Tobago, and Bonaire. We’ll look at why each one is worth visiting and give tips for getting there and staying there for an unforgettable trip!

A beach in the Caribbean. — *Bonaire is the Netherlands’ smallest Caribbean island.*

Bonaire

Bonaire is the Netherlands’ smallest Caribbean island, but it packs a lot into its small space. The island has over 40 caves, which you can explore by taking a tour or going alone. You’ll also find salt flats that are perfect for hiking and bird-watching.

If you’re looking for beaches, Bonaire has plenty of options. Playa Kalki is known as one of the best beaches in the world. Sandy Bay Beach is great for snorkeling, and Lac Bay Beach offers excellent surfing conditions year-round.

Kralendijk (the capital) has some great restaurants and shops along its main street and other attractions like Fort Oranje, where you can learn about local history at this historic fort built during World War II by Dutch soldiers stationed on Bonaire.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is another hidden gem of the Caribbean that you should visit. Here’s what you need to know about Guadeloupe:

The island is a French overseas department located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It’s known for its beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes.
The island has a population of 405,000 people living in just over 1,500 square miles (3,885 km2).
The island is home to the Guadeloupe National Park – one of the most biodiverse places in the world.

The island is a popular tourist destination, especially for French and German travelers. It has many luxury hotels, resorts, and golf courses. The island also has a thriving culture with festivals like La Fête de la Musique and Le Carnaval de Guadeloupe.

The island has a wide range of cuisine, from French Creole to traditional Caribbean dishes such as coconut rice and seafood. You can also find food from other regions, such as Japan, China, and Italy. The island’s main exports include bananas, rum, sugar, and coffee beans.

Martinique

Martinique is a French island in the Caribbean Sea and one of the Windward Islands. It’s known for its rum, sugar cane, and tobacco production. The island has many beautiful beaches and waterfalls that are popular tourist destinations.

The island is home to many plants and animals, many of which can only be found in the Caribbean. It’s also home to some rare species, such as the Martinique snake eagle and the Martinique giant lizard.

In addition to being an ideal place for nature lovers, Martinique offers various opportunities for adventure seekers who want to explore caves or climb mountains or learn kitesurfing on their vacations here.

Martinique has one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in the Caribbean. Here’s a fun fact! Did you know that anyone can kitesurf or windsurf. It’s only hard in the beginning. Although they’re categorized as an extreme sport (kitesurfing more so than windsurfing), with a good instructor you’ll be taught everything you need to know with the emphasis on safety. And with some patience it will become like riding a bicycle, but please never try it on your own. Baz Notik is a kitesurfing & windsurfing school located in Trois Ilets.

Kitesurfer foiling. — Kitesufing instructor of Baz Notik in Martinique foiling during his off time.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a tropical island known for its beaches and rainforests. The Pitons are a popular attraction, and they make up one of the world’s most scenic volcanic sites, with their cliffs rising from the sea. The dormant volcano was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 because of its natural beauty and cultural significance – it’s also home to some fantastic hiking trails!

Saint Lucia has a diverse population, with many British-born citizens making their homes here after retiring from active duty in Great Britain’s armed forces.

Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are two islands that we can consider hidden gems of the Caribbean. They are known for their beaches, water sports, and history. There is plenty to explore here as there are many cultures to experience on these islands.

Light blue ocean water in the Caribbean. — *There’s always a gem to explore on the Caribbean sea!*

The Carnival celebrations occur on both islands every year during February or March, depending on when Easter falls that year. The locals celebrate with colorful costumes, music, and dance while they parade through Port-of-Spain (Trinidad) or Scarborough (Tobago) streets.

Are you ready to find a new home in the Caribbean?

If you want to explore hidden gems of the Caribbean, you might want to consider discovering one of these on our list! Moreover, you might even decide to move to this beautiful place. If you love the ocean and spending time with local people, this might be a perfect destination for your new home. If you make this decision, consider looking for professional helpers to assist you with the moving process. Experts from City Movers say that the earlier you start planning your relocation, the easier it will be. After all, settling after a long moving day in the Caribbean will feel like a vacation!

The Caribbean is filled with hidden gems that you will want to discover

The Caribbean is a great place to visit. There are so many hidden gems of the Caribbean that you will want to discover. The beaches are beautiful, and there are many things to do, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. You can also go on boat tours or explore the rainforest on foot or horseback! Also, the food in the Caribbean is delicious! There are so many different types of seafood dishes available at restaurants all over this region that it would take years before you could try them all!

A harbor in the Caribbean sea. — *Consider looking for a home on one of these islands.*

One thing you may not know about the Caribbean is that it has a lot of beautiful islands. Some of them are famous, like Jamaica or Cuba. Others are less known but just as beautiful. You can plan your perfect beach wedding on one of the islands or cruise to discover these hidden gems and enjoy your time away from home with your family!

Conclusion

We hope you found this list of hidden gems of the Caribbean to be helpful. We know there are many more places to visit in the region, but these are some of our favorites! Let us know in the comments below if you have suggestions for other destinations we should add to our next list.

For more articles on Caribbean islands go to CoolestCarib.com

Photo Credits:

https://unsplash.com/photos/gF7hhMIC3vo
https://unsplash.com/photos/SBOHLtENzEY
https://unsplash.com/photos/rj8fMHNPXbg
https://unsplash.com/photos/9CJTrF-HnlU

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022

7 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples

By CoolestCarib.com

A couple walking on a dock in one of the best Caribbean islands, the Bahamas.

When it comes to couple getaways, we have choices and choices. But, when it comes to the romantic heavens of earth, Caribbean islands are hard to beat. There is something about these islands that makes them mystic and marvelous, something that makes everyone put them on their traveling wish lists. And the best part about the Caribbean is that there is something for every kind of couple. For instance, in the Bahamas, you can participate in all sorts of wonderful activities that will take your breath away, and in St. Lucia, you can say that you are in your own paradise.

One thing is for sure—in the Caribbean, you will walk on the softest sand, swim in the bluest waters, eat the most delicious food, and simply have the time of your life. But you already know that. What you do not know is which Caribbean island to go to. We will help you out—here are the 7 best Caribbean islands for couples.

1. St. Lucia

One of the best Caribbean islands for couples has to be the island of St. Lucia. Everything here is perfect. Wherever you look, you will see mesmerizing scenery—beaches, forests, resorts, etc., all look like they are from another world. Because of that fact, staying on this island is extremely expensive. But, you know what they say – best things always come with a hefty price tag. However, we are sure that you will not regret coming to this luxurious romantic getaway with your significant other.

A couple holding hands on the beach. — You and your partner will fall in love even more while vacationing in St. Lucia.

2. Cuba

Remember those amazing-looking postcards from the Caribbean with beautiful people, wonderful architecture, palm trees, cocktails, and pastel-colored cars? All those postcards are from Cuba. And, let us tell you something—Cuba looks even more beautiful and even more vibrant in person.

But, what makes it vibrant are not only the resorts, no. Cuba is all about different cultures—cultures of people with different backgrounds, languages, customs, dress codes, foods, drinks, and so much more. So, if you and your partner decide to come to Cuba, do not be lazy and stay only in the resort. Find a guide who will take you downtown—that is where you will see the essence of Cuba.

3. Jamaica

Another very familiar postcard is the one with cabins on the water. Yes, that too can be found in the Caribbean islands, specifically in Jamaica. It is here where you can book a stay in a cabin over the water—a cabin where you can touch the warm sea while you are lying in your bed. And a cabin from which you will have the most mesmerizing views of the sunrise and the sunset.

These cabins are a part of many resorts. Still, you do not need to worry about your privacy—you and your partner will have your own little piece of heaven without anyone interrupting you. The only time you will be interrupted is when waiters come to bring your romantic dinner, flowers, and candles.

Cabins over the sea. — It doesn’t get more romantic than Jamaica.

4. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has only recently become one of the best Caribbean islands for couples. Do not get us wrong—this island (that is, this group of 5 islands) has always been mesmerizing. However, it was little-known among tourists. Nowadays, it is a hotspot for all people looking for luxury experiences, romantic getaways, and vacations that will not end up costing an arm and a leg.

Yes, believe it or not, Guadeloupe is still very affordable. Things like accommodation, restaurants, local shopping, transportation, and similar—all come relatively cheap. This is what makes this island so desired even by ex-pats. So, if you visit this island, if you fall in love with it, and if you decide to stay for good—moving to the Caribbean, that is, moving to Guadeloupe can be easily arranged! There are countless options for properties that are reasonably priced and will afford you a lifetime of amazing views and fun in the sun.

5. One of the Best Caribbean Islands—Tobago

Not a lot of people know about Tobago. They find out about its existence only after they visit its sister island, Trinidad. Maybe that is a good thing—secluded and uncrowned islands are a perfect getaway for couples. But, this island is not your typical resort. Tobago is still wild! It is full of lush beaches, tropical forests, hills, and mountains. That is, Tobago is meant for adventure and adrenaline rushes and not for luxury and expensive hotels. However, if you ask us, lush vegetation is also what makes a certain place luxurious.

6. The Bahamas

We just have to mention another postcard – the one with swimming pigs! No, that was is photoshopped—that is something you can experience in the Bahamas. But, of course, there is so much more to the Bahamas than taking a swim with cute pigs. For instance, here is where you can experience walking on the softest and the whitest sand in the world. And, it is where you can swim in the warmest and cleanest waters in the world. So, let us ask you—is there a better reason for visiting the Bahamas? Probably not! This is one of those best Caribbean islands for couples that you should definitely not miss out on.

A pig swimming. — One thing is for sure—The Bahamas will equip you with memories for life.

7. St. Barths

We can’t finish our story of the best Caribbean islands for couples without mentioning the famous island of St. Barths. Even though this island is tiny, it is full of amazing resorts. However, just like St. Lucia, vacationing at St. Barths will also come with a hefty price tag—there is a reason why this small piece of land is called the land for the rich. Here is where all those most luxurious resorts and hotels can be found. And, let us not forget about golf courses, tennis courts, private trails., etc. You can find all of that and more in St. Barths. So if you and your loved one want to experience luxury, and if you want to see how rich and famous tend to vacation, consider booking your trip to St. Barths.

Get your Caribbean info fix at CoolestCarib.com

Photos Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/nature-beach-vacation-sand-9470484/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/cold-snow-nature-beach-9394650/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photography-of-bungalows-1287460/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-gray-bird-on-the-bag-of-brown-and-black-pig-swimming-on-the-beach-during-daytime-66258/

October 31, 2017November 7, 2017

2017 Holiday Season in the CARIBBEAN – a Tax Deductible Donation?

by Lizpiano.

Steel pan versions of Christmas songs are playing again. Probably including my favorite Christmas song by the indelible Jimmy Buffett, ‘Christmas in the Caribbean’:

“It’s Christmas in the Caribbean, snow birds fill the air.
… send away for mistletoe.
It’s Christmas in the Caribbean, we’ve got everything but snow.”

No-one will be singing any songs with Maria in them or naming their newborns after grandma Irma this holiday season, of course. However, slowly but surely Caribbean people are picking up their lives and businesses, some trying their best to be ready for the holiday season.

And low and behold, some islands are back in a new way (like with more solar power, thanks to Elon Musk, see my blog: More Tesla Solar Powerpacks Arrived at Puerto Rico Airport link below) and open for business.

Photo of Labadee, Haiti, from moveabroadnow.com

The headline, ‘The Caribbean is now Open for Business’, www.caribbeanisopen.com, is a quote from a campaign launched in October 2017 after the devastating effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria this year.

It is called the “Caribbean is Open”-campaign and aims to make tourists aware that 90% of islands in the Caribbean are unaffected by the hurricanes. According to some Caribbean websites, there has been about a 26% decrease in business to the Caribbean because of a perspective that the whole Caribbean has been devastated. This is not true. The US Virgin Islands, St Martin, St Barth and Puerto Rico are the most developed and well-known ones affected. Smaller ones include British Virgin Islands, some of the Bahamas but not the most visited islands, Barbuda, Turks & Caicos, Dominica and Cuba that were affected by the hurricanes this year.

The fact that these islands were so hurricane-slapped should urge tourists to visit them in order to support their road to recovery.

But that also means other favorite islands are still ready for the picking this upcoming holiday season. Off the top of my head there are so many – in alphabetical order: ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), Anegada, Antigua, Anguilla, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St Eustatius, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

Since these islands are mostly dependent on tourism, this could be a very good idea and an altruistic-tourist-move – beneficial for everyone involved. After all, since it started snowing in the northern hemisphere again, what more do you want than a sandy beach and sunny shores, those are still on the islands. Hotels have electricity, water and food as they were more prepared for disaster than the general islander, so why not? For instance, 65% of hotels in Puerto Rico are now operational and so are many resorts on Turks & Caicos.

Why not view a visit to the affected islands as your own personal donation to their hurricane relief programs?

Here’s a thought for every tax-paying tourist – why not speak to your legislators and request that your away-time this year to the Caribbean, or if you’re from the US – St Thomas, St John, St Croix or Puerto Rico – can be made tax-deductible (as a donation)?

Just a thought. I am looking into doing that.

Hope to see you in the Caribbean this holiday season. Season’s greetings!

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