By Alexander Britell and Guy Britton

HARBOUR ISLAND — There’s the sound of the driven drumming of Junkanoo, the dynamic beat spreading across the hills of the island.

This is Independence Day in The Bahamas, meaning fireworks, rum, Kalik and vigorous celebration.

If it feels like almost everyone on the island is here, that’s because it’s pretty close to true.

And on Harbour Island, that means one thing: Valentines.

This colorful 41-unit resort and marina near Dunmore Town hasn’t just become the best all around hotel on an island known for its places to stay – it’s become the center of the island, the town square, the fulcrum.

Valentines’ newest addition, the historic Sapodilla House villa.

There’s a bit of everything here: a pool with a great new shack-style bar; a bar and restaurant; a fitness center; a terrific locally-run coffee shop called Cocoa Coffee House and the island’s best waterfront dining option, the scene of the aforementioned junkanoo. (And yes, there’s a private beach club a short golf cart ride away on the pink sand.)

There’s even a brand-new conference center that’s straight out of a class-A office building in New York or Chicago, one that’s quickly become one of the more in-demand meeting locations in The Bahamas.

And yes, it’s the all-around place to stay, with well-appointed rooms with full kitchens, serious space and the feeling that you’re always being taken care of.

Because while travelers uniformly head to the beauty of Pink Sand Beach, the energy of Harbour Island has always been disparate, scattered on Bay Street and across the island’s many tiny watering holes.

Sapodilla House is a charming, historic addition to the property.

There’s an energy here, one only underscored by the presence of the many yachters and boaters who dock at the property’s 51 transient slips.

There’s even a new poolside conch salad stand.

Harbour Island’s center of gravity has shifted, and the island’s place to be, to meet and, well, to stay, has become this one.

It’s the heartbeat of Harbour Island.

For more, visit Valentines.

See more in the latest CJ Video.

— CJ

The post VIDEO: Valentines, the Heartbeat of Harbour Island appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Puerto Rico’s Puig Wins Tennis Gold at CAC Games
BARRANQUILLA, Colombia – Puerto Rico … with her service game.
The Puerto Rican tennis star needed just 32 …

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

American Airlines is adding another new route to the Dutch Caribbean.

The carrier has announced plans to launch a new weekly route between Chicago O’Hare and the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The new service, which will operate on Saturdays, is slated to launch on Dec. 22 and operate for the winter tourist season.

It’s part of a wider expansion to the Caribbean out of Chicago that will also include new routes to both Nassau in The Bahamas and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

— CJ

The post American Airlines Is Adding a New Route to Aruba appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

We love the Caribbean all year round, but especially in summer. There’s something about those cool evening breezes, the afternoon ti’ punch on a hot afternoon, the joy of the uncrowded. Forget the Hamptons or Nantucket. The Caribbean is still the best summer destination!

And where to go right now? Here are our picks for seven places to visit in August, part of a new regular monthly feature we’ll be bringing you.

Anegada, British Virgin Islands Whether you’re a veteran of the British Virgin Islands or you’re an island collector looking for a new catch, Anegada is for you. Long one of the best-kept secrets in the BVI, this beach-and-lobster-filled paradise is now the crown jewel of the BVI, from luxe glamping to more traditional boutique stays and the kind of old-school beach bars that will make you instantly fall in love. And with regular ferry service, it’s remarkably easy to get here from Tortola. So what are you waiting for?

The post 7 Places to Visit in the Caribbean in August appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… born in Brooklyn, is of Puerto Rican descent and has worked hard … ‘s relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
Carmelo Anthony … on The Players’ Tribune titled “Puerto Rico Needs Our Help” shortly after … supplies at Calvary Chapel, in Puerto Rico.
President Donald Trump tosses paper …

Powered by WPeMatico