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Discover a Caribbean treasure many know, but want to keep for themselves. . .

Blue skies, gentle trade winds, pristine beaches, dozens of little secrets, miles of diving, and some of the best sailing in the world makes Tortola and British Virgin Islands a popular destination for those seeking an alternative choice to bigger cities and attractions in the Caribbean.

Here you’ll find no high-rises, crowded beaches, or a hectic and fast-paced atmosphere. You will find top notch restaurants, quaint downtowns and villages, art galleries, yacht clubs, and other travelers who found the BVI years ago, who want to keep the secret to themselves.

Tortola is a destination where you can be as active as you wish, or as quiet and relaxed as you desire. Outdoor enthusiasts have a treasure chest of choices: world-class sailing, power boating, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and bird watching to name a few. Looking for something a little quieter? Scattered in an aquamarine sea, the British Virgin Islands flank the broad Sir Francis Drake Channel, which has beguiled sailors for centuries — only accessible by water, miles of beach coastline, coves, calm, clean and un-crowded beaches await you. Visitors can explore the islands on foot and observe the extraordinary variety of exotic plants and birds.

And, did we mention the sunny skies and the mild temperatures? Daytime temperatures are averaging in the 70’s; lows are running from the mid to upper 60’s, what can get better than this?

Situated between the deep waters of the Atlantic and the glittering Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands are accessible by flights routed through San Juan, Puerto Rico – connecting service to the BVI offered by American Eagle, Cape Air, and Liat. Visitors flying into St. Thomas in the USVI have the option of either arranging a charter flight to the BVI or by taking the ferry between St. Thomas and Tortola. Ferry service can be accessed by taking a taxi from the St. Thomas airport to the ferry dock.

Tortola and the British Virgin Islands offer a wide array of lodging options and adventures for couples, families or groups. Accommodations range from quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, beachside cottages, deluxe boutique hotels, garden villas and apartments.

To plan your British Virgin Island getaway or to learn more about the BVI, visit Caribbean Travel & Leisure’s online guide at www.caribbeantl.com

Christopher Columbus was just 14 years old when he started navigating, and 41 years old when he set out on his first voyage to the new world. For many years he had honed the art of navigation on European seas, while at the same time learning the disciplines of geography and cartography. For this explorer born in Genoa, Italy, one thing was certain: the world was round. By setting sail on the ocean to the west of Europe, and following the setting sun, he thought he would eventually get to the East Indies. To make his voyage possible, he needed patrons. His search took him to Spain where he presented his project to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle. On August 3, 1492, his three ships set sail… these European sovereigns had given him the support he needed.

Navigating toward the unknown, in the midst of a tempest at sea, he eventually discovered the Bahamas, Haiti, and Santo Domingo before returning home to Europe. During his second voyage in 1493, he discovered the Lesser Antilles chain of islands, including Ouanalao, a small, scrubby island frequented by the Carib Indians. Christopher Columbus renamed this tiny island with the name of his brother, Bartholoméo. The island proved of no interest to those early colonists who were in search of new continents rich with gold and other treasures, so Columbus left the island behind and went on to other discoveries.

Several different ethnic groups, the Amerindians, Caribs, Arawaks, and Tanios, tried to defend their small territories, but faced with the European colonists, the battle could only be lost. Modern weapons of the period quickly crushed their primitive war clubs and small hatchets made from conch shells. It wasn’t until 1648 that Monsieur de Longvilliers de Poincy decided to colonize the island of Saint Barthélemy. He sent Sir Jacques Gente with 40 or 50 men to establish a settlement. This small colony grew with the addition of some residents from Saint Kitts, most notably a certain Lord Bonhomme. But after the bloody massacre of these first European inhabitants by the Carib Indians in 1656 (they frequently visited the island), Saint Barthélemy was abandoned. Those who were able to escape the terror of these attacks had no desire to return. In 1659, peace was made, and Monsieur de Poincy once again sent a group of 30 men. By 1664, the colony had grown to a population o! f 100.

Saint Barthélemy was made a possession of The Order of Malta by the West Indies Company in 1665, but in 1666 all of the inhabitants were sent to Saint Kitts against their wishes, as a new Irish colony was established. This attempt was a failure as the inhabitants of Saint Barth quickly returned to claim their lands.

By 1674, the island was under the rule of the French crown, and attached to the Colony of Guadeloupe. Corsairs, thieves, and pirates made the island their refuge, and in 1744 a British invasion plundered the island. Certain residents fled to islands in the southern Caribbean, yet Saint Barthélemy remained a French possession and settlers returned by 1764, at which time Descoudrelle was in command. His administration proved to be excellent and the population once again displayed its legendary joie de vivre. But history continued to take its course, and in France a curious arrangement was taking place between King Louis XVI and King Gustav III that would forever change the destiny of this little island… France traded the island to Sweden in exchange for a warehouse in Gothenburg.

In 1784 Saint Barthélemy became a Swedish possession. At 11:00am on March 7, 1785, the island was official ceded to Sweden. And thus an era of uncharted prosperity began. King Gustav made intelligent economic decisions and Saint Barthélemy expanded considerably. Around the small, sheltered port, the town of Gustavia began to take shape, with its paved streets and three forts for protection: Gustav, Karl, and Oscar, named after Swedish kings. Buildings took on a harmonious blend of wood and stone such as can still be seen today, from the former town hall, to the Swedish bell tower, the Brigantine, the Prefecture, and the museum/library in the former Wall House. The port was named Gustav after the king and developed as a duty-free port.

By 1800, the population had grown to 6,000 people. Several years of war would perturb the island as well as a series of natural catastrophes: repeated periods of drought, hurricanes, torrential rains, and the terrible fire of 1852, which destroyed the southern sector of Gustavia. King Oscar II quite embarrassed that this island didn’t produce much more than problems that continually cost him dearly, finally decided to retrocede the island to France.

On March 16, 1878, after a popular referendum, the nationality of the island was once again French. Saint Barthélemy retreated into an era of sleepy calm. In fact, life on the island continued in its own little way, difficult but peaceful, with attention paid to virtue, family, and work. Hurricanes, periods of drought, sickness, social problems, invasions by the British flotilla, and slave revolts were part of the daily regime, but the island never lost its will to survive:

- Harvesting salt
- Family agriculture
- Fishing, sailing
- Weaving of straw
- Itinerant commerce
- Raising and breeding of animals

In spite of all these efforts, the local economy was unable to provide a decent quality of life for the population. The men left to look for work on neighboring island. Whole families immigrated to the American Virgin Islands, in particular Saint Thomas. Yet progress began to creep onto the island, and in spite of the misery created by the effects of the Second World War and the lack of water, life began to improve. Communal cisterns were built in each neighborhood, the first schools opened their doors, and the first roads were traced through the mountains and into the countryside.

In 1945, Remy de Haënen opened Saint Barth to the rest of the world by landing the first airplane on the savanna in Saint Jean. At the same time, the Port of Gustavia saw more and more activity.

By 1960, school children no longer had to leave the island to go to school elsewhere at the age of 11 on schooners, as a junior high had just opened in Gustavia, and they could remain! with their families another four or five years. And slowly but surely, creature comforts also began to appear.

By the time the 1980s rolled around, life on the island had evolved in almost every way. Tourism had become the motor driving the economy. The conditions in the schools were much improved. Sports became quite popular and changed the habits of the population. An electric plant was built to produce electricity and wires carried the power to all corners of the island. The airport expanded and continued to expand through its most recent renovation. Other important projects would modernize the island as well. The island has continued to evolve and new projects are on the table. Environmental protection has become a hot topic of conversation and an important issue as the population continues to grow: from 2,491 residents in 1974, there are close to 9,000 inhabitants today. A Coat Of Arms For Saint Barthélemy

Bequia is one of the largest in the chain of 32 islands and cays that form the island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sailors have known about the Grenadines for much longer than most. The area is a favourite spot for yachties and considered one of the best sailing grounds in the world. As tourists increasingly search for authentic travel experiences word is slowly getting out about this beautiful tropical paradise.

Bequia is a little known vacation retreat. It has remained off the beaten track, a dot in the ocean, too out of the way for main stream tourism. Little changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to the sea. Its seclusion has ensured it retained its age-old traditions of boat building and fishing. Isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled, yet lively enough to be stimulating and entertaining, it provides a blend of the old and new that many find perfect.

It is a beautiful lush island with some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. It is also a great place to go on a day sail, go hiking, laze on the beach, or just “lime” under a coconut tree with your favourite beverage.  Lazy days can be spent on one of the many beaches under the sunny skies of the West Indies.

Bequia tends to attract the more adventurous type of visitor who prefers the tropical delights and ambiance of the smaller, more informal islands, where the beaches are secluded and high rise hotels do not mar the scenery. Regularly
featuring in travel writers top ten picks of the Caribbean yet unheard of by most. Many travel agents would be hard pressed to pinpoint the island on a map, probably why it has remained so unspoilt. To get there you have to travel by ferry from St Vincent or a tiny island hopper service from Barbados.

The island is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The centre of the island is hilly and forested, providing a dramatic backdrop to the bays and beaches. Admiralty Bay, the island’s natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the world.

Belmont walkway separates a narrow strip of sand and the sparkling Caribbean ocean from a handful of restaurants, bars and hotels along the main town of Port Elizabeth. Often described as the prettiest harbour in the Caribbean this
quant port provides a number waterfront bars to enjoy the scenery and admire the sunsets.

Ideally situated amongst the Genadines a number of excursions are available to neighbouring islands. An hour ferry ride away is St. Vincent, the mainland. This island features an awe inspiring Volcano that you reach by hiking through
rain forest. A historic fort and lush tropical botanical gardens. A popular day trip is a sail boat journey to Mustique, home to the rich and famous, with idyllic beaches and luxury homes.

One trip absolutely not to be missed is a sail to the Tobago Cays national marine park, one of the most stunning areas in the entire Caribbean. Deserted islands, a huge coral reef and dazzling turquoise sea of un-imaginary hues.

If you are looking for something a little different for your vacation this year. An authentic taste of West Indian culture and life you be hard pressed to find an island that would suite your needs better than Bequia in the Grenadines.

There are many places to see when you decide to go on a Caribbean cruise vacation. After all, the area itself comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. You just have to rent a boat or tell the skipper that this is where you want to go. By choosing to rent a bare boat or a chartering a crewed vessel, you will be able to practice your sailing skills.

The sailing capital of the Caribbean is the British Virgin Islands. With consistent trade winds blowing from the northeast at 10 to 25 knots, clear water and about 60 islands and cays to explore in an area that’s 32 miles long and 15 miles wide.

If you want to start your vacation here, go to Tortola that happens to be the largest island where many vendors are available to rent bareboat craft or crewed yachts, depending on your skills and interests.

But to get here, it is best to book with a private plane charter to avoid several connections in order to get there. One event you shouldn’t miss when you are here is the BVI Spring Regatta where 100 yachts compete as part of the events in the three-day festival.

There is also St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands. Here, the wind comes from the northeast and blows at 10 to 25 knots. Most of the islands here are undeveloped so you can drop anchor and do some sunbathing while the rest can go and have a picnic. You can also do some shopping in town where spice market is known for its pervasive fragrances.

Another group of islands that is worth seeing is the Bahamas just 100 miles of the coast of Florida. Here, you are surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Abaco is the major centre here for yacht charters and from here, you can check out Andros Island, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Long Island, Mayaguana San Salvador Island or Nassau that are make up just a few of the 700 islands.

Don’t forget the islands of the French West Indies which includes Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin and St. Barts. The winds here are between 10 to 20 knots and the best time to sail in these parts is between December and April which also happens to be the dry season.

Fort-de-France in Martinique is one of the Caribbean’s loveliest bays, and of the island’s several marinas, Le Marin’s Port de Plaisance is the island’s biggest and best-equipped.

If you think about it, any of these places is a good starting point to start your Caribbean sailing vacation given that millions of tourists visit this place every year.

This makes this island paradise is ideal for everyone as there are packages available for couples, honeymooners and adult only so you just have to mention which one you want to avail of. These are often posted in magazines and a lot of them are available online which means it won’t be long before you find a package that suits your budget.

But apart from the different places you can go, don’t forget to indulge yourself in some of the activities that you can do. These include snorkeling, board water sports, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and scuba diving.

You will just have to borrow the equipment if you don’t happen to have any of these as part of your luggage.

If you don’t like large crowds, never plan your Caribbean cruise vacation during the peak months. This will also save you money as the rates will also go down.

So get planning and have a great time in the Caribbean!

Although small in size the Canouan islands are part of St. Vincent in the Grenadines and can be likened to an unexplored piece of paradise. Many travelers who make the journey to this island which measures at 1.2 miles by 3 miles, are often surprised at the many attractions it has to offer.

The bays called Friendship and Glossy separate the south of the island. While a reef runs around one side of the island, the highest point could be found on Mount Royal.

The island became independent in 1979 and was initially part of a British Colony. It is said the island’s history could be traced back to 200 years. Research indicates that a tribe by the name of Arawak, initially inhabited the land. This tribe came to the island on bunker canoes, and with the tribes people came a way of life and culture. Many years later this tribe was over thrown by another fierce group called Caribs.

About 200 years after Christopher Columbus discovered the island, Europeans who became curious then established a permanent settlement on the island. Although the Europeans were able to colonize small islands during its previous history, the landscape of the island, worked towards the favor of the Caribs and the tribe was able to fend off the Europeans for quite some time.

Considered a dream destination by most, this calm serene island has much to offer tourists. From the landscapes to the beautiful coral reefs, the scenery is endless. To explore the reefs visitors to the island could rent equipment at the Canouan Dive Centre. The centre caters to beginners as well as advanced divers. A dive involves not more than six people so everyone enjoys the dive, plus safety is also assured with experienced dive instructors accompanying the group. The centre is also involved in many conservation projects as well.

For visitors looking to indulge in some sun and sand, then lazing on the beach couldn’t be more perfect. There are hotels on the island which have options such as a pool, where guests could either relax there, or enjoy a tasty snack at an in house café.

The island also offers opportunities to engage in a variety of sports. The more popular ones are sailing, volley ball, wind surfing. While there are also options for a bit of exploring by foot, plane or through the use of a small boat.

This dream haven is the sought after destination of the more sophisticated traveler that prefers the finer things in life.

Visit our guide to St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Photo courtesy of the St. Vincent & The Grenadines Tourist Board

Author: Isla Campbell

Long, white beaches, stunning scenery, warm, tranquil waters and a unique relaxed attitude to life are all factors that draw millions of visitors to the islands of the Caribbean every year, looking for their own ‘taste of paradise’. It is the quintessential relaxation destination for American, British and European visitors wishing to splash out on something special.

Also named the West Indies – due to Christopher Columbus mistakenly believing he had reached India when he first sailed into an unknown landmass – the Caribbean is made up of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and is grouped into 27 territories. It is situated southeast of North America and east of Central America, ensuring tropical weather and warm waters all year round.

Possibly the best-known island, Barbados is a well-developed tourist centre, with grand hotels and resorts, calm waters and steel band culture, while the history buff will be fascinated by the capital of Antigua, St. Johns. Further west, the Victorian town of Port Antonio offers a view of the area’s colonial past as well as views of the Blue Mountains, and the wildlife of the Bahamas will attract all seasoned flora and fauna devotees.

The area offers more than an opportunity to sunbathe though, and this is something many tourists chose to exploit. The warm waters are ideal playgrounds for a range of sports. Jamaica’s north coast, for example, provides ideal conditions for a variety of activities, including sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, whereas Dickinson Bay in Antigua is perfect for canoeing or trying to avoid falling off a jet-ski.

Possibly the centre of Caribbean water sports, however, is Barbados. The island can offer scuba diving with fantastic year-round visibility, calm and majestic sailing, and even a high-octane ‘Thrill Seeker’ experience, which includes jetting at high speeds in a 35′ Scarab off-shore powerboat, custom designed for complete comfort and safety, but mainly for speed. Tours like this, interspersed with leisurely snorkeling and swimming, take full advantage of the ideal conditions provided by Barbados, and by the Caribbean in general.

Although lazing on a beach with a colourful cocktail in hand may sound like many peoples’ idea of heaven, holidays in the Caribbean can offer far more. The history and culture of the area is vastly unique but also varied, and the wildlife alone is worth a visit.

The Caribbean’s beaches and seas rate among the most beautiful in the world, so it’s easy to see why they are the main draw for most tourists. Many visitors, however, want a little more than just relaxation, so the islands have developed into an ideal playground for holiday-makers in search of a little excitement. Perhaps most impressive, is that the Caribbean can offer both – thrills and relaxation – depending on what each visitor is looking for.

As described by Christopher Columbus, Dominican Republic is an abundant land as a beautiful island paradise with sky scraping forested mountains and large river valleys. This testimony from Columbus in 1492 is still as true as today. Besides the comforts of sun, sea and land, your Dominican Republic vacation will give you an exciting and exceptional cultural experience.

Dominican Republic vacations offer destinations of a corporeal feast of astounding landscapes, exotic cuisine and an amazing variety of arts and entertainment options. There so much that awaits you, from the pulse pounding merengue, interesting relics from centuries past to outstanding baseball games. This place will truly be satisfied even the most experienced traveler.

In Puerto Plata, a popular Dominican Republic travel spot is the third largest city in the country and is located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain on the north coast, Merengue music reigns supreme with its mix of Afro Caribbean beats and Latin rhythm.

Music, folklore, and dance are forms of expression across the nation as music is an essential part of the daily life of Dominicans.

Puerto Plata hosts the energetic Merengue Festival every year along Malecon. This festival celebrates Merengue artists who perform on a huge stage while vendors set up booths offering homemade dishes, artifacts and clothing. This festival is usually held during the beginning of October but dates may vary every year, so if you’re planning to experience the excitement of this festival you have to confirm the schedule first.

Puerto Plata offers the Dominican Republic travel goer the pleasure of the beach and water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. If more adventure is required, you can also try the Jungle tour that goes to the waterfalls, it’s really fun but you can’t fail to visit Ocean World and take the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

The Carnival in Dominican is colorful and lively and is part of the culture of the Island of Hispano. It is celebrated the entire month of February filling each weekend with parades, competitions and events. The climax of this celebration takes place near the 27th of February, Independence Day of the Dominicans. It’s a much anticipated celebration because it brings so much of their traditions together, from the vivid colors of the costumes, high spirited music and lively dancing. This carnival is a true Dominican experience.

The Carnival in Dominican is a country wide celebration with each town adding a touch of their own flair and merriment with various masks, costumes, characters, music, showing off their own style. Both young and old can join the festivities. No matter where you want to experience the Carnival in the Dominican Republic at, it is a genuine fusion of culture and religion. This Carnival always offers an impressive blend of colors, wild activities, music and exhilarating dances while the Diablos Cojuelos come out into the streets wavering their weapons and cracking their whips. This is an audience participation parade in grand scale where people really have fun.

If you can plan your Dominican Republic vacation around this, it’s something you should not miss. Also check the website for updates on the Carnival before making your travel arrangements.

There are many Dominican Republic resorts accommodation available starting at just $298 for the week (7 nights and 8 days) through a highly sought after luxury travel club membership. Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts are also available and on some occasions can start at just $99 for the week with the all inclusive add-on of just $62 a day.

These Dominican Republic resorts are located in Puerto Plata, San Pedro de Macoris, Las Terrenas, Boca Chica, Cabarete, Sousa and Santo Domingo, get the best deals by visiting our Hot Deals page!