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.”

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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.

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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

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They’re small, they’re playful and they’re directly on the beach. What they may lack in amenities, they make up for with character. Because sometimes you just want to jump right into the water, without the long trek from your room. These are some of our favorite tiny beach hotels in the Caribbean, from simple accommodations to luxury boutiques.

Cooper Island Beach Club, British Virgin Islands

One of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean of any size, this boutique treasure on Cooper Island in the British Virgin Islands has it all: a dedicated rum bar, a soft, calm beach; a world-class restaurant and top-notch service. The best part? There are just 10 rooms.

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Not your average holiday fruitcake, black cake is a delectable cake filled with rum and fruit. It sounds simple, but creating it is an arduous task that requires patience and more than a week of soaking a variety of fruit in dark rum before baking. Trinidadians take pride in their black cake and are specific about how it must taste and look. The recipe calls for an entire bottle of rum used to soak the fruit, plus a bottle of cherry brandy, in conjunction with the ingredients that make the cake rise. The cake gets its name from the black color, which results from burning the sugar.

The tradition of black cake during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Trinidad comes from the British plum puddings or fruitcakes that can be dated back as far as the 19^th century. Variations of the cake have been passed down for generations with minor changes throughout the years, including the soaking of the fruit in spirits for days. The variations differ throughout the Caribbean, from the amount of flour, eggs, spices or butter is used, to how long the spirits must be soaked in the fruits prior to baking. Because of this, there is a rivalry between the Caribbean islands about who makes the best black cake. Trinidadians will, of course, say that theirs is far better than any other. I have to say I concur.

Here’s my favorite black cake recipe:

Ingredients: 

Fruit Base:

1 lb. pitted prunes
1 lb. raisins
1 lb. currants
1 bottle cherry brandy
1 bottle rum and/or Bailey’s
2 tbsp. Angostura bitters

1/4 cup of chopped Almonds is optional

Browning:

1 lb. brown sugar
1/2 cup boiling hot water

Cake:

1 lb. unsalted butter
1 lb. sugar

8 whole eggs

2 tsp vanilla essence

¼ cup browning

3 tbsp. Molasses

4 lbs. of grinded fruits

1 lb. all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

Have on Hand:

1 more bottle of rum (750ml) 

Method:

Blend Fruit base together and grind with cherry brandy, rum and bitters until the mixture is consistent. Weigh out 4 pounds of mixture and set aside.

Place brown sugar in sauce pan and heat until sugar begins to caramelize and turn a golden brown color. When all the crystals are melted, carefully add boiling water while constantly stirring. Bring mixture back up to a boil before removing from heat. Allow to cool and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix cream butter and sugar until light in color (about 20mins).

Meanwhile sift all dry ingredients and set aside.

Add in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

Mix in browning and molasses along with the 4 lbs. of ground fruit mixture.

Gently fold in dry ingredients until all the flour is incorporated.

Place mixture in lined baking pan or half sheet pan and bake at 325F for 30 minutes or until cake pulls from the sides of the pan.

When removing from oven, immediately pour rum or brandy onto cake to lock in the moistness.

This recipe was submitted by the Hyatt Regency Trinidad’s executive chef Fernando Franco and his team, which are members of this year’s ‘Caribbean National Team of the Year’ at Taste of the Caribbean in Miami.

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