We all dream of living in the Caribbean. We all think about waking up to the ocean, being in touch with the natural environment, of connecting with the region’s vibrant culture.

Everybody dreams of doing it — but some actually do it. And they all do it for different reasons.

But there are different kinds of islands for different kinds of desires. Maybe you’re looking for the natural life, away from the hustle and bustle, in harmony with the environment. Maybe you’re looking to take your tech startup to the next level in a friendly environment. Maybe you want to retire as a sailor.

Every island has its own unique identity, and there’s an island waiting for you, whether you want to buy a second home and live there six months out of the year; buy a passport and make it your permanent home; or retire there. You can find the right place for you the Caribbean.

Here are our picks for the top islands to live on in the region — a list we compiled by looking at a range of factors, from the natural environment to the business environment; real estate options to expat communities; culinary offerings to the cultural scene; retirement options to tax climates. We’ve also offered some initial ideas about how to actually go about doing it — and the growing number of citizenship by investment options in the region that range from one-time contributions to national development funds to buying a home on the island.

These are our favorites — and, crucially — they’re starting points. They’re meant to inspire you, to make you think about actually acting upon the dream.

Because once you make the decision that you want to spend more in the Caribbean, you’ll find the right destination.

Grand Cayman It’s the most livable island in the Caribbean, from fast Internet to a broad array of real estate options to culture, food and a growing arts scene. And did we mention Seven Mile Beach? Even better, the new Cayman Enterprise City program is the Caribbean’s best way to move your business to the Caribbean, one focused on startups, with everything from tax mitigation to permanent residency.

The post The Top 20 Islands to Live on in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… into the mountains of central Puerto Rico.
People pressed TV remote buttons … year’s hurricane season, Puerto Ricans in the remote areas that … 47-year-old housewife, said she left Puerto Rico in February to live with … now,” she said.
Some Puerto Ricans are still waiting to celebrate …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Caribbean’s hottest destinations continues to surge.

Grenada, which was named Caribbean Journal’s Destination of the Year in the 2017 Caribbean Travel Awards, has continued its surging performance with strong arrival growth so far in 2018, according to the latest numbers from the Grenada Tourism Authority.

Stayover arrivals to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique grew by just under 11 percent in the first half of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017.

Combining cruise, stayover and yacht arrivals, Grenada saw an overall year-over-year increase of 21.2 percent in the first half.

“We are happy that Pure Grenada maintains this hot streak with double digit growth and the destination continues to be trending internationally. It is evident that all our hard work is paying off with these great results,” said Patricia Maher, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, in a statement. “Team Grenada will continue its efforts to ensure that the strong positive growth remains through the end of 2018.”

Grenada showed particularly strong growth from the United States market, with an 18.1 percent increase in American visitors, with the largest feeder markets being New York, Florida and New Jersey.

Canadian arrivals also rose by 8.56 percent.

A rendering of the Silversands.

The growth positions Grenada well for 2018, as the island looks to debut its highly-anticipated Silversands hotel.

Silversands, which has already joined the Leading Hotels of the World, is planning its opening on Nov. 1.

A rendering of the Kimpton Kawana Bay.

Another hot project, the Kimpton Kawana Bay, is slated to open in Grenada in 2019.

— CJ

The post Grenada Continues Surging Tourism Growth appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Long one of the most effortlessly charming places to stay in Barbados, the island’s Cobblers Cove hotel has gotten a major upgrade.

The property recently completed a three-year renovation and refurbishment that included upgrading all of the suites with new floors, fixtures and soft goods, redesigning the bathrooms and reimagining the 40 suites and the common areas.

The latter included new fittings, fabrics and upholstery, accented with hand painted artwork by local artist Hilary Armstrong.

Locally sourced stone was used for the refurbished suite floors and outdoor pathways, while the property also enlarged existing windows in the hotel’s Great House and the suites.

One of the redesigned suites.

“We have done an enormous amount of work to Cobblers over the last few years, retaining the heritage, charm and character of this wonderful hotel that has hosted generations of happy guests,” said Hugh Godsal, owner of Cobblers Cove. “The upgrades to the rooms and services will only provide more comfort, calm and relaxation for our long-standing repeat guests, while enticing a whole new kind of visitor to experience Cobblers Cove.”

— CJ

The post Barbados’ Cobblers Cove Gets An Upgrade appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… into the mountains of central Puerto Rico.
People pressed TV remote buttons … new hurricane season and as Puerto Rico’s government prepares to privatize … this year’s hurricane season, Puerto Ricans in the remote areas that … until now,” she said.
Some Puerto Ricans are still waiting to celebrate …

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