Colors of the Caribbean

The island’s diverse environment truly makes St. Maarten a marvel, as it is home to over 100 nationalities who speak more than 80 languages. The Dutch capital, Philipsburg, attracts visitors with its many art galleries, zoo and casinos. Soft white sands against serene blue waters make Great Bay Beach a perfect paradise to lie back and relax or go jet skiing and snorkeling. Shop for jewelry, clothing, electronics and perfume, all duty-free, along Philipsburg’s famous Front Street. The Sint Maarten Museum can be found on this street too, rife with the country’s history dating as far back as the Arawaks, the indigenous people of the Caribbean and South America.

St. Barts, an island within the archipelago of the French West Indies, contains deep valleys, stunning beaches and verdant, formerly active volcanic hills. Within all this sits the capital city of Gustavia with a diverse cultural heritage on display through Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture most easily seen in its signature red-roofed buildings. The beaches are the main attraction, offering unspoiled coves such as Gouverneur and quiet scenes like Saline for more intimate beach days. For a more active adventure, do the Colombier hike that leads you to the perfect snorkeling spot. Savor the exquisite flavors of Cajun and Creole seafood and staples like conch gratin, minced beef and the island specialty – banana flambé.

Among St. Kitts’ stunning beaches is South Friar’s Bay, a shoreline filled with snorkeling and tanning opportunities. Within this stretch of sand lies Carambola Beach, inviting you to unwind in a tropical paradise with a landscape of palm trees and lush mountain peaks. The luxury of a beach club and restaurants, loungers and umbrellas beckon you to take it easy and relax for a day in the sun. Or feel free to play in the water with options for water sports. Not far from the beach lies the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a historical landmark that exemplifies the ingenuity of Britain’s military engineering and one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas.

On the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe sits Pointe-á-Pitre, a charming town known for its energetic markets. At Marché de la Darse, watch the fishermen peddle their catch from boats harborside. Marché Saint-Antoine comes alive with the enticing aroma of local spices, fruits and vegetables. Explore the island’s history at Place de la Victoire, constructed in 1763 when the city itself was established. Colonial-style homes clustered around the square tell a story of the past that leads to the city’s colorful personality today. A visit to Pointe-á-Pitre is only complete with a stop at Musée St-John Perse, a museum dedicated to Alexis Leger, better known as Saint-John Perse, a renowned Nobel laureate poet.

Welcome to Cabrits, Dominica - a lush paradise where each wave of the Caribbean Sea tells tales of history, and each whisper of the wind carries the promise of adventure. Nestled among rolling emerald landscapes and framed by the majestic Cabrits National Park, this destination is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the vibrant tapestry of verdant rainforests that make Dominica renowned. Roam where the wildlife plays, spotting exotic birds like the Sisserou parrot, the national bird, fluttering through the canopies. Or stroll amid trails that lead to dramatic possibilities, from marine life in the sparkling waters to creatures of the forest floor. Unearth stories of yesteryear as you step into Fort Shirley, a restored 18th-century garrison nestled within the park. Its ancient walls are whispers of the past, waiting for you to listen. Whether you choose to snorkel in the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters, hike through the lush mansions of nature, or simply unwind with a stunning view, Cabrits is the gateway to countless adventures.

Scenes of pineapple fields, rainforests, sparkling waters made for snorkeling and trees abundant with mangoes, lemons and papayas paint the perfect picture of paradise in Martinique. Combining French, West Indian, Carib, Creole and Afro cultures, the heritage of the island beckons you to seek a deeper connection with the thriving people. The capital, Fort-de-France, resembles Nice or New Orleans with iron, grill-work balconies and narrow streets. From here, venture out to the nearby ruins of Saint-Pierre, a historic site where the eruption of Mont Pelée covered it in ashes in 1902. Get a taste of Paris with a visit to the Balata Church, a smaller version of the Sacré Coeur. Gather with your fellow explorers for a round of rum punch at a local distillery, where the culture of sugar cultivation still lives today. Martinique’s enchanting waters invite you and your fellow explorers to many aquatic adventures, from kayaking among mangroves to swimming in coves where sea turtles are often found.

On the northernmost tip of St. Vincent and The Grenadines lies the tranquil and relaxing Bequia. From Port Elizabeth, the golden sands, calm azure waters and laid-back atmosphere beckon you and your fellow explorers to savor every moment amid such breathtaking beauty. With the trade winds providing almost year-round breezes, Bequia offers great conditions for windsurfers. In the calm beach shallows, opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding invite you and your companions to revel in the maritime life of the island. With nearly 30 dive sites around Bequia, the thrill of adventure and exploration calls beyond the shoreline. Gather your new friends for a stroll along Belmont Walkway, where the path leads to the local favorite, Gingerbread. Here, you can treat your taste buds to homemade nutmeg ice cream. Venture out to the cliffs, where you find the Moonhole homes, a small enclave built entirely from scavenged materials built to be ecologically friendly.

The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture that display the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, it also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. And it’s an enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is not complete without a sampling of the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.