Aruba-A Dry Spot in the Caribbean

Located just 20 miles north of Venezuela and out of the hurricane zone, Aruba is an amazing tropical paradise.  Casinos abound staying open from 10 PM to sunup.  The cruise ships dock  close to L.G. Smith Boulevard which is home to all levels of duty free shopping.  Discos, nightclubs and restaurants of every ethnic variety are abundant.

The strange rock formations, abundance of cacti, and little goats cover the island.  Take a jeep and go for an adventure.  Rock climbing outfitters have regualr trips for those wanting to try the craggy cliffs on the east coast.  Some great scuba diving with good visability year round.  A long coral reef on the southwest and 2 wrecks lie offshore.

Most of the big resort chains are here with all the bells and whistles.  Beautiful sandy beaches, pampering spas, and a high penetration of wi-fi enable you to stay in touch.  The stretch of beaches known as Palm Beach & Eagle Beach have the highest concentration of resorts on the island.  Some great properties for the whole family with children and teen activities. 

The island has constant winds which make it one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in the world.  Each June the 10 day Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurging tournament is held. 

The temperature averages 82 degrees year round.  Minimal rain fall occurs in November and December.  The population is about 95,000.  The Dutch settled the island in about 1800 and a few of the original colonial houses still stand.

Many major airlines land at the capitol of Oranjestad.  Connections times are good.  One word of caution, don’t plan to see anything if you come on Christmas.  The island is shut down except for a few taxi drivers.  We were driven all over the island on a flat tire because there was no place open to fix it.   A passport and return ticket are required to arrive.

Call me to help you see this little piece of Holland in the Caribbean.

Antigua & Barbuda – do everything or nothing

Located in the West Indies, Antigua is 108 Sq. Miles of low undulating hills with the highest point 1319 Ft. above sea level.   Barbuda is 28 miles northeast of Antigua with it’s highest peak at 125 Ft. above sea level.  Barbuda boasts of some of the best beaches in the world from the finest white to pink powdery. 

Antigua’s population is 70, 000 and Barbuda is 1500.  This will tell you where the action is and is not.  Getting there is easy with many carriers  connecting from other islands.  Taxis and rental cars are available.  Driving is on the left hand side.  Also, bicycles, mopeds and jeeps can be rented as well as guided tours.   Carib Aviation has 2 daily round trips from Antigua to Barbuda and Barbuda Ferry Service offers daily trips.

Antigua has a rich history starting at Nelson’s Dockyard which is part of a national park and is the only existing Georgian naval dockyard in the world.  Dating back to 1797 when the English Harbour was full of working frigates, sloops, schooners and cutters bring back memories of days gone bye

Today this island is still alive with boating enthusiasts.  April is the annual Sailing Week when over a 5 day period more than 1500 sailors compete in this high speed competition.  It also features the Classic Yacht Regatta and you will see the best in the world showing up. 

St. John’s  is a 21st century shopping area with the old and new from clothing to pendants.  Stop in Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine for a moment of peach as you note the wooden ceilings and gorgeous octagonal pulpit.

Many places to eat are scattered around the island.  Be sure to stop at Shirley Heights for Sunday afternoon barbecue with steel pan and reggae musicians and flowing rum punch will delight you.

All the traditional water activities are found on Antigua including swiming with the dolphins., turtle watching, bone fishing, horseback riding and herbal tours.

All inclusive resorts plus scores of other accommodations fit every need and budget.  If just relaxing by the pool or in an elegant resort is as active you you want to be, there are many to choose from.

For a totally private experience, visit Barbuda.  You may be the only one  on a beach of  this drowsy island.  Totally untouched by progress with the principal inhabitants being the graceful frigate birds.  Doesn’t that sand look tempting?

The Magical Caribbean

 

What do you think of when you want that perfect place to recharge? Warm, sunny, beautiful beaches, clear water, lots of activities, nightlife, quiet, active, and don’t forget romantic? There is something for everyone in the beautiful Caribbean.

Although the term “Caribbean” has come to mean all the way north to the Bahamas and all the way south to Aruba and from the East Coast of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea isn’t that spread out.

Come along as we talk about this region in general. In future posts we will talk about each island or island group separately.

Once a hang out for pirates, today it is home to some of the most beautiful all inclusive resorts in the world. In addition, there are a multitude of cottages, resorts, home rentals all the way from a hammock in a hut to a 5* resort.

First of all, how does one get there? Many major airlines provide easy connections through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Air Jamaica offers connections through Atlanta, BWI, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, LAX, Miami, Newark, JFK, Orlando and Philadelphia. Some of the major islands are easily reached from the Southern hubs of the US. The farther North in the US you are, the longer it may take. So, relax, you are on your way to Paradise.

Beaches: The softest, fluffiest white sand. Like powdered sugar. If white isn’t your color, maybe black sand or pink sand would fit you better. Some are so private you may be all alone. Others are busy with lots of water sports.

Each locale is very distinct that will appeal to a different set of travelers. With more than 36 full-fledged destinations to choose from, there is clearly one for you and your family. How about a hammock between 2 palm trees? How about that romantic remote beach where sunbathing is divine? How about lots of nightlife and culture? Bringing the family – there are places just for them? Activities such as golf, tennis, spas, hiking, sightseeing tours, scenic drives, great diving and snorkeling? It is all there, but not at all locations. You pick the activity, I’ll pick the island/resort.

Gourmet Food – it is everywhere. Fresh, innovative, fits every budget, and served in every imaginable location.

Do you have a yacht? How about renting a sail boat or yacht? Then you can go at your own pace and check out every nook and cranny. Be a pirate for a week or two and look for hidden treasure. Some has yet to be found.

Mainly you need to talk to a travel professional who can fit your wants to the right place. Call me and I will help you take that vacation of your dreams.