There’s nowhere quite like Curaçao. With more than 30 beaches; a fascinating Netherlands-influenced heritage; and convenient airlift from the U.S., Canada and Europe, the 171-square-mile island is a must for Caribbean travelers yearning for a side of culture with their sun, sea and sand. Last year, more than 460,000 tourists experienced this Dutch-Caribbean treat, with visitors are expected to increase in 2017. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon offers 10 reasons to visit Curaçao right now.

Baoase Luxury Resort There are several hotels to choose from here, but Baoase, with its Bali-inspired rooms (some with outdoor tubs and showers); a beach complete with its own tiny island; and a superb restaurant is easily the island’s best, and a different level of hospitality.

The Punda District There’s no more iconic Curacao image than those of the pastel-colored historic buildings that line the waterfront in Punda, Willemstad. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pedestrianized district comprises a photogenic maze of shops and restaurants you definitely won’t mind getting lost in.

Arikok National Park This almost 8,000-acre natural gem comprises about 20 percent of the island, offering myriad things to see and do. Walking, 4X4 and horseback tours reveal Curacao’s rugged landscape studded with towering cacti; the unspoiled beauty of the craggy coastline; several sandy beaches; limestone caves; and Conchi, the famous natural pool.

The Floating Bridge Built back in 1888 and known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” the iconic Queen Emma pedestrian bridge spans St. Anna Bay, connecting the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the capital, Willemstad, and swinging open parallel to the shore to let vessels through. Walking across the only bridge of its kind in the Caribbean is a must while you’re here, and at this time of year, holiday decorations make it a particularly festive photo opp.

The Ostrich Farm Only here can you go on a safari tour of a bonafide ostrich farm and learn about the life cycle of the flightless birds in a rugged Santa Catharina environment that’s reminiscent of the African landscape where they’re found. And if you feel (ahem!) peckish after the tour, enjoy an ostrich burger in the Zambezi restaurant.

ChiChi You’ll see the iconic Rubenesque ceramic figurines called Chichi dolls (whose name means “big sister” in the local dialect, Papiamento) everywhere on island. Pick up one for yourself  – and a few as souvenirs – at Serena Art Factory in Punda, where the chichi dolls are exclusively made. Better yet, try your hand at making your own during one of the company’s fun painting workshops.

Kura Hulanda Slave Museum In Willemstad, this museum documents the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and is the only one of its kind in the world. Taking a tour is a moving and emotional experience (particularly when you descend into the life-size replica of the hold of a slave ship) that every visitor should have.

Landhuis Chobolobo Did you know that Curaçao, the blue liqueur in many a Caribbean cocktail, originates here? Made since the 1800s from a locally grown citrus fruit, the spirit also comes in five other colors but each has the same orange flavor. See the production and bottling process for yourself at the Saliñas factory, where self-guided tours are free, and you can stock up on the iconic ingredient.

Curaçao Carnival The island’s Carnival season stretches from January through to March, so a visit during the year’s first quarter is the perfect opportunity to prolong the festive feeling of the holidays. Join in and dance to the tunes of tumba music (Carnival’s official soundtrack) or just stand on the sidelines as revelers parade the streets in colorful costumes during this pre-Lenten party.

The post 9 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Curaçao appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Caribbean carrier LIAT has expanded its flight with another new ATR-72 aircraft.

The plane, which is the 10th ATR for LIAT, recently arrived at Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport.

The 68-seater plane will go into commercial service in the middle of this month.

LIAT operates a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 on its regional network across 16 destinations in the Caribbean.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

The post LIAT Expands Fleet With New ATR appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

After debuting the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Sandals Resorts has even bigger plans.

(Caribbean Journal got the first look at the villas — check out our video tour above).

The new bungalows made their debut Dec. 1, but they’re just the first of many around the Caribbean, according to the company.

On Monday, Sandals announced the development of additional Over-the-Water suites at new locations throughout the region, although it did not give specific resort locations yet.

Citing “unparalleled demand” and a drive toward continued innovation, the suites will be unveiled at select Sandals resorts throughout 2017 and 2018.

That’s along with the addition of 12 more Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean slated to open in March 2017.

“I have always said that being out on the water is where I am happiest, and with these suites, guests can experience a direct link to the Caribbean Sea,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts. “Being first is nice, and as a category leader we’ve enjoyed a lot of firsts – but what is more important is that we continue to evolve, continue to innovate, continue to upend the notion of what an all-inclusive can be and of course, continue to exceed the expectation of our guests.”

The post Sandals Is Planning Overwater Villas Around the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

When it comes to planning your dream Caribbean retirement, not all Caribbean islands are the same. Some offer more cosmopolitan environments, others more rugged. Others offer more luxury, others more affordability. But when it comes to finding that perfect mix of affordability, available real estate and sheer excitement, it may be better to look where others are not. Here are 10 under-the-radar places in the Caribbean worth thinking about as you begin your search. These are the best places to retire that you may have never thought of.

Barbuda

Another top beach destination, Barbuda’s remoteness has helped the island maintain an exclusive, untouched character, with miles and miles of breathtaking beaches (and a Robert De Niro hotel in development). And because it’s part of Antigua and Barbuda, you can also take advantage of the country’s citizenship by investment program, which has a range of options from one-time contributions of $200,000 to the country’s National Development Fund to investing in certain approved real estate projects.

Culebra

The less populated of the two so-called Spanish Virgin Islands (along with sibling Vieques), this green-hilled beauty is home to just about 2,000 people. And while Puerto Rico’s economy is struggling, its real estate market has some tremendous opportunities. And if you’re a U.S. citizen, moving is simple.

Dominica

Sure, you may know Dominica as the Caribbean’s top nature destination (and almost certainly the Caribbean’s most naturally beautiful island), but you may not have thought of it as a retirement spot. But the island offers a very affordable citizenship by investment, with a minimum of just $100,000 contribution to the country’s Government Fund, which helps fund schools, hospitals and other projects on the island.

Anegada

The beach capital of the British Virgin Islands, this far-off island is filled with lobster and beach bars but not with people. Yes, it’s remote by BVI standards, but you’ll have your very own sandy paradise practically all to yourself.

Cayman Brac

Rugged and remote, Cayman Brac is an exotic island popular with divers and those in search of tranquility. But it’s just a short 30-minute flight from Grand Cayman, one of the Caribbean’s best-developed islands, meaning you can have everything you need in a short afternoon trip.

Cat Island, Bahamas

The Out Islands of the Bahamas offer a different kind of lifestyle, one that’s warm and friendly and never crowded. And even for the Out Islands, Cat Island is a calm place. There are beaches aplenty here and a solid supply of undeveloped property, too.

Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe

Hidden away in the Guadeloupe archipelago of the Eastern Caribbean is Marie-Galante, home to more rum distilleries per capita than any other place on earth (there are three). Just imagine lazy beach days punctuated by a bike trip the local rum-maker for your afternoon shopping. Of course, this is the EU, so you’re getting a much higher level of development in a rustic, Caribbean package.

Great Exuma

Lined with beautiful beaches, most see Great Exuma as a jumping-off point to explore the stunning waters of the Exuma archipelago. But it’s a happy, laid-back island, the perfect retirement destination for those enjoy bonefishing, sailing and living on the beach. Even better? There are daily flights from Miami.

Little Exuma

Great Exuma’s tiny neighbor is quirky and fun, with a surprisingly large stock of villas and one of the Caribbean’s best beaches: Tropic of Cancer Beach. It’s accessed via small bridge, so you get easy access to Great Exuma’s international airport.

Roatan

While Honduras is still a bit off the radar for most Caribbean travelers, the island of Roatan has quietly grown into a viable retirement destination, with a thriving expat community and a classic Caribbean island environment. It’s particularly hospitable for divers and snorkelers.

The post 10 Under-the-Radar Places to Retire in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

It’s hidden down a long corridor off Harbour Drive; when you arrive at the door you almost feel as though you’ll need a password to enter.

Happily, though, La Casa del Habano in Grand Cayman is open to all, a haven for cigar lovers in the heart of George Town.

This store is a paean to the cigar shops of yesteryear, with wood-and-glass cabinets, Cuban memorabilia and even some old cigars reputed to have belonged to Winston Churchill. (Even if they aren’t, it’s clear he would have loved this place.)

The selection is outstanding, most importantly that of the store’s individual cigars, meaning you can buy rare and limited edition sticks without having to buy an entire box, from the Bolivar Coronas Gigantes (Cuba Journal’s best Cuban cigar this year) to the Romeo y Julieto Anejados.

They’re also kept in pristine condition, in comparison to the less-than-adequate humidification you’ll find at far too many cigar shops around the Caribbean. That’s not a surprise, as each La Casa del Habano is the official outpost of Cuba’s Habanos S.A., meaning you’re getting a different, certified level of quality.

Yes, you can smoke inside, too, taking a seat at the wooden bar counter and sipping on a freshly-made cafecito.

Like the best cigar shops, this is a sanctuary, a place to retreat from the world surrounded by artifacts of luxury.

And it’s the best place to buy Cuban cigars in Grand Cayman, particularly thanks to the new lifted restrictions meaning you can take Cuban cigars back with you to the U.S. for personal consumption, whether on a cruise or flight.

— CJ

The post The Best Cuban Cigar Shop in Grand Cayman appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico