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:

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February 9, 2023February 9, 2023

The Best Caribbean Festivals and Celebrations to Attend

By Caribbean Blogger.

A woman at one of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend.

Whether planning your next vacation or looking for an exotic place to move to, the Caribbean should be at the top of your list. This region has so much to offer that it’s impossible to get bored. Here, you’ll find some of the best Caribbean islands for couples that provide romantic sceneries and fabulous resorts. However, there’s a lot more to it than that. The region is home to many cultures with very different backgrounds. As a result, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their history and traditions. And what better way to do this than by participating in their festivities? Here’s a list of some of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend.

No. 1 The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one of the best-known celebrations in the region. It has become so popular that other Caribbean islands avoid scheduling their festivities simultaneously. This carnival has a history that dates back to the 18^th century when the French colonized the island. As a result, the celebration still includes elements of French masquerade balls. However, it also celebrates the rebellion of the enslaved people against the colonizers. Thus, the festivities also incorporate cultural expressions of the African population.

No. 2 The Reggae Sumfest and Jamaica Carnival

Why visit Jamaica? Apart from the alluring beaches and fantastic food, this is reggae’s birthplace. So, this is the place to be if you’re a fan of this music. Specifically, you should attend Reggae Sumfest, which is one of the largest music festivals in the Caribbean. It has a history of around 30 years and has developed into a week-long festivity. While it used to include many international artists as well, in recent years, it started to focus on Jamaican artists. That is great because it provides you with a more authentic experience.

A reggae musician. — One of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend is the Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica.

While in Jamaica, you should also make time for the Jamaica Carnival, one of the most popular festivities in the Caribbean. It includes everything from colorful carnival costumes, parades, and parties to great food, music, and a lot of dancing. While this celebration usually starts after Easter, Jamaica’s carnival season begins as early as January.

No. 3 The Barbados Crop Over Festival

The Barbados Crop Over Festival is one of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend. It all started in 1678 as a slaves-only celebration. And it used to celebrate the end of the harvest. Nowadays, it has grown into a 3-month-long festival. Thus, if you feel up to it, you should join the party. You’ll enjoy great concerts, dancing, contests, and fantastic food. Plus, it all culminates with an incredible carnival parade.

No. 4 The Aruba Carnival

The Aruba Carnival is one of the main reasons to vacation in Aruba. While the carnival celebrations on the island began in the 1920s’, they were primarily private affairs. Plus, they mainly included European elements. But later, the English immigrants and Creoles combined and created this fantastic festivity. Apart from the carnival costumes and street music, this carnival also provides children entertainment. So you won’t have to leave your kids at home.

No. 5 The Saint Lucia Carnival

While this festivity is a bit smaller than the previous one, it’s still one of the most popular. The best part about the Saint Lucia Carnival is that the festivities start a few weeks before. For instance, you can attend the two-day Parade of the Bands. That includes costumed mas bands and traditional music. You shouldn’t miss the Color Me Red street party with a red dress code. And if you want to dance while being covered in body paint, mud, or foam, participate in the carnival’s opening event, J’Ouvert.

No. 6 The Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas

If you want to go to the Caribbean during the holiday season, you should attend the Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas. That is mostly a street celebration that takes place the day after Christmas. The unique, handmade carnival costumes are the most notable elements of this festivity. The locals spend months creating and are highly competitive in what concerns their creations. Here you’ll also get the chance to listen and dance to the percussive beats of goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, and horns.

People dressed in costumes at the Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas. — To see unique carnival costumes, you should attend the Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas.

No. 7 The Pirates Fest in the Cayman Islands

If you’re looking for a family-friendly festival, the Pirates Fest in the Cayman Islands is the place to go. While it used to last one week, it has now grown into a two-month festivity. As you probably guessed from its name, the festival celebrates the pirate cultural heritage of the Caymans. The festival includes a float parade, a pirate landing, costume parades, street music, food, and fun competitions. As a result, neither you nor your kids will get bored.

A pirate ship. — The Pirates Fest in the Cayman Islands offers lots of entertainment for kids and adults.

Plan your trip

As you can see, there are plenty of great Caribbean festivals and celebrations. So, if you’re ready to have a great time, it’s time to plan your trip to the Caribbean. Since there’s a lot to see and experience, scheduling a more extended trip would be best. Or, if you’re a digital nomad, you might want to consider moving to this paradise, at least short term.

In any case, the consultants from mybrooksmoving.com advise you to pack light. That will enable you to be more flexible and explore more of this remarkable region. Make a list of your essentials and leave the rest behind. After all, you’ll spend most of your time in a bathing suit anyway. Furthermore, if you’re planning a longer journey, you should consider renting storage. This solution is much cheaper than paying rent and utilities for an apartment you won’t live in.

In conclusion

If you’re looking for a sunny paradise to spend your vacation or temporarily relocate to, the Caribbean is a great option. Firstly, you’ll find some fantastic beaches and resorts. Secondly, you’ll immerse yourself in new cultures while having lots of fun. This list of the best Caribbean festivals and celebrations to attend is only the beginning. Just do some research, and you’ll discover countless other incredible regional festivities.

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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:

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