Island Hopper

The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture displaying the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, the area also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. An enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is incomplete without sampling the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.

A manmade lagoon within the Gros Islet, Rodney Bay entices visitors with bars, restaurants, and shops that invite a leisurely pace. Explore Pigeon Island National Landmark, a highlight encompassing the island’s rich history with monuments depicting the many influences across West Indian culture. Experience true magic in the sight of the peaks of the Piton Mountains, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty. Enjoy a day on the sunny, pristine beaches with opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling, kitesurfing, big-game fishing, and diving. Discover the north side of Gros Islet and find a small fishing village offering a taste of local life, street food, rum shops, and Calypso music.

The coastal community of Les Trois-Îlets – a municipality created by the intersection of Le Diamant, les Anses-d’Arlet and Sainte-Luce – is perhaps best known as the birthplace of French Empress Joséphine, Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife. Her family’s sugar plantation now stands as the site of Musee de la Pagerie, where visitors can find mementos from her childhood and a love letter that Napoléon once wrote to her. Nearby sits Maison de la Canne (House of Sugar), where visitors learn about the influence the sugar industry had on the community’s development. While the white, sandy beaches and crystal waters are a major allure of the three islets, they also contain an area of lush forest perfect for  nature walks, hiking, and ecotourism.

On the island of Grande-Terre in Guadaloupe sits Pointe-á Pitre, a charming town known for its energetic markets. At Marché de la Darse, watch the fishermen peddle their catch from boats harborside. Marché Saint-Antoine comes alive with the enticing aroma of local spices, fruits and vegetables. Explore the island’s history at Place de la Victoire, constructed in 1763 when the city itself was established. Colonial-style homes clustered around the square tell a story of the past that leads to the city’s colorful personality today. A visit to Pointe-á Pitre is only complete with a stop at Musée St-John Perse, a museum dedicated to Alexis Leger, better known as Saint-John Perse, a renowned Nobel laureate poet.

Among St. Kitts’ stunning beaches, South Friar’s Bay stands as a shoreline filled with snorkeling and tanning opportunities. Within this stretch of sand lies Carambola Beach, inviting all to unwind in a tropical paradise with a landscape of palm trees and lush mountain peaks. The luxury of a beach club and restaurants, along with loungers and umbrellas, extend an invitation to take it easy and relax for a day in the sun. For those seeking more action, water sports options are available. Not far from the beach, the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park awaits, a historical landmark that exemplifies the ingenuity of Britain’s military engineering and stands as one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas.

St. Barts, an island within the archipelago of the French West Indies, boasts deep valleys, stunning beaches, and verdant, formerly active volcanic hills. Within all this lies the capital city of Gustavia, displaying a diverse cultural heritage through Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture most easily seen in the signature red-roofed buildings. The beaches remain the main attraction, offering unspoiled coves such as Gouverneur and quiet scenes like Saline for more intimate beach days. For a more active adventure, engage in the Colombier hike leading to the perfect snorkeling spot. Savour exquisite flavors of Cajun and Creole seafood, along with staples like conch gratin, minced beef, and the island specialty – banana flambé.

White, sandy beach shores, azure waters, and palm trees on the horizon create an absolute paradise in Anguilla. Rendezvous Bay Beach emerges as a popular destination for a relaxing beach day with comfortable amenities. A visit to the renowned Elvis’ Beach Bar in Sandy Ground allows sampling of their famous rum punch. A stroll along the main beach offers an opportunity to absorb the electric energy of numerous restaurants and a bustling harbor. Quieter adventures await at Sandy Island, where a day of snorkeling and other water sports can be enjoyed away from the crowds. Alternatively, venture a little further inland toward North Hill Village to satisfy the appetite at a local restaurant. Embark on a journey to the Pamead shipwreck for an exciting adventure that ignites the imagination.xxcdfre

The island’s diverse environment truly makes St. Maarten a marvel, with over 100 nationalities speaking more than 80 languages. The Dutch capital, Philipsburg, attracts visitors with many art galleries, a zoo, and casinos. Soft white sands against serene blue waters make Great Bay Beach a perfect paradise for relaxation or activities like jet skiing and snorkeling. Jewelry, clothing, electronics, and perfume can be shopped for duty-free along Philipsburg’s famous Front Street. The Sint Maarten Museum is also located on this street, rich with the country’s history dating as far back as the Arawaks, the indigenous people of the Caribbean and South America.