For many CJ readers, there’s no greater pleasure than finding a new small island in the Caribbean, a beach-filled paradise far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world — and even more laid-back than some of its larger Caribbean neighbors.

Once you find one of these places, they instantly become your second home.

Here are five small islands to try right now.

Anegada

It sounds like a fantasy: powder-white sand beaches; sparkling water; and a remarkably large lobster population. But Anegada, the far outpost of the British Virgin Islands, is very much real, and it’s waiting for you, with small hotels, classic beach bars and endless beaches. (The Anegada Reef is a fun, easygoing hotel with a great bar.)

The post 5 Small Islands in the Caribbean to Visit Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Anguilla has a new buzzy hotel: the Manoah Boutique Hotel.

The property, which opened at the end of last year, is a breezy, bright property with 25 elegantly furnished rooms set on the spectacular Shoal Bay East beach.

Amenities including an eponymous spa; a French restaurant called the Ocean Beach Club (with two beach bars), a fitness center, an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool with a sunbathing deck and a water sports program.

Rooms are spread across two buildings: the lower-scale LIZ building and the taller Deanna building.

— CJ

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Jamaica-based tour company Island Routes Caribbean Adventures has announced a big new way to see the island. But, in fact, it’s pretty small.

On March 1, the company will debut MINI-Routes, two new tours that allow guests to drive themselves around the island in custom-branded MINI Cooper cars.

An expert guide will lead the convoy of curious visitors from Montego Bay to either Ocho Rios or Negril, stopping to see famous landmarks and attractions and to sample local eateries along the way.

Visitors will be able to choose from hardtop, convertible, two-door and four-door vehicles for their self-drive sightseeing excursion, which will include stops at waterfalls, coconut vendors, jerk stands and, in Negril, on the town’s famous beach.

Island Routes says its plans to eventually expand its “revolving routes” across the island, creating tours to suit both island newbies and seasoned visitors.

Prices for the Negril and Mo’Bay tours start at $450 per car.

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, CJ Travel Editor

The post How to Drive a Mini Around Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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St. Barth is rolling out a lineup of events for this year featuring music, film, food, sailing and more.

Guests will arrive to find a host of festivals, regattas and cultural adventures all year round.

The St. Barth Bucket Regatta will take place from March 16-19, drawing 40 sailboats and yachts from around the world for three days of races around the island.

Now in its 26th year, the regatta maintains a spirit focusing on camaraderie between boat owners, designers and builders.

For guests of the island, the event provides an opportunity to admire the vessels anchored in the harbor and to attend one of the associated social events.

From April 10-15, over 1,000 sailors and at least 80 boats will travel to the island for Les Voiles de St. Barth, a week-long regatta.

The event, now in its eighth year, features racing, concerts and activities on the beach.

The 23rd Annual St. Barth Film Festival, which will take place from April 25-30, highlights Caribbean cinema and filmmaking.

The festival offers a series of screenings, as well as debates and meetings with film professionals– allowing guests to engage with notable producers, actors and directors.

From May 18-27, the St. Barth Theater Festival will feature performances by local companies and Côté Scène, in addition to visiting troupes from neighboring islands and France.

Taking place from November 2-5, the St. Barth Gourmet Festival celebrates the island’s cuisine and and tradition of culinary excellence.

The event includes some of the leading hotels hosting visiting chefs who prepare special menus with wine pairings, in addition to mixology and pastry competitions.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post Five Events to Visit in St. Barth This Year appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The typically quiet summer season in St. Lucia is about to heat up.

The Eastern Caribbean island has announced a new summer festival circuit called Soleil, including six festivals from May through October.

The new series was announced by St. Lucia Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference in Nassau this week.

“With the new season of festivals, Saint Lucia aims to increase tourism arrivals while also creating opportunities for local artists and businesses that will enhance the visibility of the island as a vibrant and diverse cultural destination,” said St. Lucia Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee. “We look forward to not only celebrating Saint Lucian traditions, but also serving up a summer of fun and entertainment to visitors and locals alike.”

The series will kick off May 12-14 with Saint Lucia Jazz, followed by Roots & Soul June 16-18, dedicated to new trends in reggae and conscious hip-hop; Saint Lucia Carnival from mi-June through mid-July; the Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival from Aug. 24-27; the Country and Blues Festival from Sept. 15-17 and the Arts & Heritage Festival in October, with the latter aimed at celebrating the island’s cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage with performances, seminars and art exhibitions.

— Alexander Britell in Nassau

The post St. Lucia’s Big Summer Plans appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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