If you’re a mom you likely already have Sunday, May 14, 2023, circled on your calendar—and it’s not too late to plan to enjoy a coastal brunch, quick beachside escape, or even a splurge-worthy getaway to the Caribbean or Hawaii. We’ve found options that focus on pampering for Mom and family fun for everyone, so get ready to relax, unwind, and celebrate with one of these 16 Mother’s Day deals at some of our favorite island and coastal resorts.

Fifth Night Free

The Place: Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Is a back-to-nature escape what you need this Mother’s Day? Anse Chastanet, an architectural delight offering a retreat in the heart of lush St. Lucia, has just 50 rooms, all scattered throughout the verdant hillside and palm-tree lined beachfront and featuring open-air fourth walls that make guests feel connected with land and sea. You can relax in hammocks, lounge beds, private beach huts, and beachside restaurants and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and sunset sailing. 

The 600-acre estate that Anse Chastanet occupies is also home to an extraordinary farm and a tasty chocolate lab, where you can take truffle-making classes. Enjoy a fifth night free of charge if you book four or more nights in a Hillside Deluxe or Premium Suite (rates start at $990/night with the promo). 

One Happy Mother’s Day

The Place: The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Located on Aruba’s spectacular Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers a Mother’s Day escape blending natural beauty with luxury amenities. The resort’s 320 guestrooms and suites all have private balconies with sweeping sea views and newly refreshed decor that blends the island’s relaxed aesthetic with Ritz-Carlton’s renowned luxury. 

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is offering a “Mom and Me” experience—a 25-minute facial and 50-minute massage for mothers to enjoy with a guest of their choosing—and a “Mom Escape,” a personalized 50-minute custom facial. Guests can also enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch and endless mimosas at BLT Steak, a specially curated blackboard menu of delectable offerings at BLT Steak for dinner, or the Ti Amo Mamma menu at Casa Nonna. 

A Mother’s Day Bingo event is also planned at The Casino and moms will enjoy a 15 percent discount at The Boutique and Sun Boutique. With the Stay Longer, Experience More offer, book four nights or more and save 25 percent (rates start at $583/night with the promo). 

One Suite Deal

The Place: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui, Hawaii

To splurge on an amazing experience for the entire family, consider this “suite” offer by the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Located on legendary Ka’anapali Beach, the property delivers the quintessential Hawaiian experience through an award-winning luau and dining, expert-led stargazing, wildlife tours, and cultural classes—and this Mother’s Day, it has an offer with every extra imaginable: 

• Three nights in Presidential Suite or the Palace Suite (accommodating four or six guests, respectively)
• Pampering at Kamaha’o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa, which includes a massage, facial, and pedicure Mother’s Day breakfast at Swan Court
• VIP table at award-winning Drums of the Pacific Luau tickets to Tour of the Stars
• A family photoshoot throughout the property by Grins 2 Go
• A private social media mermaid class
• A full-day Ohana Tent rental
• Private penguin feeding and wildlife tour
• Private family virtual golf and games in Hyatt Golf Studio by Yo! Maui hosted by resident PGA golf professional Sutee Nitakorn
• Access to Regency Club 

Prices for this offer begin at $23,000. Call (808) 667-4932 for reservations.

Mother’s Day Brunch

The Place: The Condado Vanderbilt, San Juan, Puerto Rico

It’s easy to jet off to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a long weekend of sun and fun, and the perfect spot to celebrate amid elegant surroundings is the Condado Vanderbilt. Opened in 1919, the legendary hotel retains the opulence and grandeur of that bygone era at every turn—captivating architecture, grand pianos, a cozy cocktail bar, speakeasy-style cigar lounge, and postcard-worthy pool areas overlooking the sea—and its 317 rooms and suites are ideal for both couples and families. 

Get 10 percent off (with rates starting at $377/night) when you book three or more nights and be sure to reserve the spectacular Mother’s Day Brunch at the hotel’s award-winning 1919 restaurant.

Mom’s Getaway 

The Place: Andaz San Diego

Looking to have it all—a suite that epitomizes California cool, a candlelit rooftop dinner, a romantic turn down, a sunset cruise, and a private photo shoot? You can at Andaz San Diego, located in the city’s lively Gaslamp Quarter. 

Splurge on the “Mom’s Getaway” offer to enjoy a one-night stay in the 1,275-square-foot Andaz Star Suite, champagne and your favorite candy/snacks upon arrival, a rose-petal turn down, a wine-paired dinner at The Rooftop by STK, two complimentary poolside cocktails, a $100 spa certificate to Saffron + Sage, a private sunset boat charter with car service to and from the hotel, and a photo shoot on property and throughout the beautiful beachside city of San Diego. 

The offer starts at $7,499 for a one-night stay with a $2,000 charge for each additional night. Contact the hotel at (619) 849-1234 directly to book.

Family Beach Escape 

The Place: Henderson Beach Resort, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL

Looking for a convenient escape with your kids for Mother’s Day? A peaceful yet fun getaway awaits at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL, where the entire family can enjoy access to the picturesque private beach, a lazy river, and an array of services. While you relax, young ones can grab lunch and then participate in crafts and themed activities at Poppy’s Kids Club. 

For some alone time, book a rejuvenating treatment at The Henderson Spa and experience the Himalayan salt suite overlooking lush Henderson Beach State Park. With the Good Day Sunshine offer, book a minimum 3-night stay and save up to 20 percent off your rate (starting at $339/night with the promo), and get a $100 food and beverage credit per stay. 

Buy 4, Stay 5 

The Place: Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

Perched above the pristine coast of Long Bay on Anguilla, Quintessence Hotel offers a private, villa-like ambience with all the amenities of a world-class resort. The exclusive, nine-suite property is affectionately nicknamed “The Tropical Grand Mansion” and features a captivating avant-garde design and beautiful Haitian artwork throughout its interiors. 

Guests enjoy a first-class selection of amenities and activities, including an exceptional spa, 24-hour butler service, and French-Caribbean gourmet fine dining—all complemented by jaw-dropping ocean views and private beach access. This May for a Mother’s Day getaway, you can book Quintessence’s limited time “Buy 4 Stay 5” package with rates starting at $650/night. Call 800-234-7468 to book the offer.

Summer Nights

The Place: Elite Island Resorts on Antigua and Barbados

Mother’s Day 2023 falls into the date range for Elite Island Resorts’ “Summer Nights” offer, featuring a first night free on a minimum three-night stay. Order a piña colada, put on a tropical sundress, and indulge in the ultimate resort getaway at three of the company’s beachfront all-inclusive properties in Antigua, including Pineapple Beach Club, St. James’s Club & Villas and The Verandah Resort & Spa, as well as The Club in Barbados. All-inclusive rates vary by resort. To reserve call (800) 858-4618.

A Boozy Brunch

The Place: The National Hotel in South Beach, Miami

To literally forget all your real-life cares and worries, spend Mother’s Day enjoying a boozy brunch at Mareva 1939 at The National Hotel. From 11 am to 3 pm, guests will take in stunning views of the iconic Art Deco property as they enjoy a brunch menu ($75/person) that includes dynamic favorites such as huevos rotos and lobster and seafood paella for two made with scallops, mussels, shrimp, and clams—plus have the option of making their brunch cocktails bottomless, including mimosas and Bloody Marys, for just $35. Rates start at $308/night. Reservations for brunch can be made via OpenTable. 

An All-Inclusive Wellness Retreat

The Place: Carlisle Bay, Antigua 

Book it yourself or ask for it as a gift, because Carlisle Bay’s three-night all-inclusive Wellness Retreat from May 19-22, 2023, is equal parts relaxation and fitness motivator. Participants will enjoy daily mindful meditation, gentle yoga classes to suit all levels and abilities, and daily activities, including reef snorkeling at Cades Bay, guided rainforest hike to Signal Hill, and a local cooking demonstration. 

This all-inclusive package (from $2,850 per room/double occupancy for three nights or from $1,884 per room/single occupancy for three nights) is designed to bring a sense of well-being via a holistic wellness experience. 

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

The Place: Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Jamaica

If a spa-centric respite in Jamaica sounds like the perfect way to relax over Mother’s Day weekend, Round Hill Hotel and Villas , a historic resort set on a 110-acre peninsula in Montego Bay, is offering specially curated spa packages for mom at The Round Hill Spa. The limited time spa menu, available from May 12-14, 2023, offers the All About You! treatment, which is a personalized massage, facial and foot treatment; the Mama Mia! treatment, featuring a Frangipani body polish, custom massage, and hand and foot treatment; and the To Mom, With Love! treatment, which includes a signature coconut rub and milk ritual wrap, custom massage, and exotic hand ritual and custom manicure. 

Round Hill’s culinary team has also curated a special prix fixe menu for an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch with holiday themed cocktails and dishes. With Round Hill’s Summer Reconnect offer, your 4^th night is free and rates start at $571/night for a 4-night stay.

A Mindful Getaway

The Place: Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Miami, FL

Get several girlfriends to convince their spouses to watch the kids for a few days and head together to the largest spa on the Eastern seaboard (it’s 70,000 square feet) at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. There, you can enjoy an impressive array of retreat programs, specialized circuits and cutting-edge therapies designed to make you feel rejuvenated inside and out. 

Moms seeking some intense R and R can also partake in a Sleep Well Circuit to achieve the ultimate night’s sleep. With the resort’s 4^th Night Free offer, book three nights and get an extra night on a complimentary basis (from $477/night with the offer). 

More is Less

The Place: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

If a white-sand beach and aquamarine water just steps from a newly renovated pool (the largest on the island) is your idea of heaven, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal spot for a classic Caribbean escape this Mother’s Day. 

Occupying the most expansive stretch of world-famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort features 343 rooms, a spa, and an array of on-site watersports such as paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing. Dining-wise, you can indulge at seven restaurants, including Woto, a new sushi, ceviche and poke restaurant, and Beach House for fresh seafood and small-plate specialties. Stay at least four nights with the “More is Less” promotional offer and rates start at $656/night.

A Foodie Indulgence

The Place: Calabash, Grenada

If your top indulgence is enjoying culinary experiences, Grenada’s Calabash resort might be the perfect Mother’s Day couple’s escape for you and your spouse. This five-star Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel is nestled seaside and is home to the elegant fine-dining Rhodes Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy the freshest local ingredients in Caribbean specialties created with European flair. 

Let your taste buds savor the fresh catch of the day and sophisticated, creative dishes that showcase Grenada’s legendary spices. And with Calabash’s Upgraded Meal Plan Offers, stay at least four nights and receive a complimentary upgrade from Bed and Breakfast to Half Board (from $696/night) or from Half Board to All-Inclusive (from $845/ night).

Make My Stay

The Place: Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you only have time for a quick Caribbean getaway, what’s more convenient than Puerto Rico? With the “Make My Stay” offer at the iconic Caribe Hilton, stay three nights and get a resort credit of $150 for use at the spa or restaurants. The resort features a secluded beach, ocean-front swimming pools, beachside hammocks, and a relaxing Zen Spa. You can also reserve a table for the property’s annual Mother’s Day brunch to indulge in a delectable spread. 

Old San Juan is a quick taxi ride away and you can enjoy local food and rum tours and other activities that showcase the island’s rich culture. PS: Don’t leave without trying the classic Piña Colada— it was invented at the Caribe Hilton! Rates start at $483/night. 

Stay Longer and Save More

The Place: Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West, FL 

Dreaming of kicking back in Key West? Southernmost Beach Resort, situated along the quieter southern limit of famed Duval Street where ocean views abound, mixes sleek modern design with classic coastal charm. It’s a quick walk to all the fun happenings in Old Town Key West when you’re not lounging by three palm-fringed pools, getting pampered in the full-service spa, or enjoying a private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas along with a signature restaurant and three bars. 
This Mother’s Day, the resort will also host two special three-course brunches with decadent island-infused cuisine. With Stay More, Save More, book a five-night stay and get the fifth night free (rates start at $594/night for the five nights) along with a $100 food and beverage credit.

The post The Island and Coastal Resorts Offering the Best Mother’s Day Deals appeared first on Islands.

When you spend a significant amount of time eating your way through the Caribbean like I do, every month is National (Insert Food or Drink Item) Month. Margaritas, mai tais, pina coladas, hamburgers, tacos, pizza—we are already constantly celebrating it all, so we sometimes let a special occasion slip through the cracks. But National Sauce Month? That’s one I’ll make a point to set aside a day or two for busting my many bottles out of the cabinet and fridge for a little taste test festival.

I’m especially fond of hot sauces, as I try to collect a prominent bottle from every destination I visit, even if it means just grabbing a random bottle from the airport gift store on the way home. Fortunately, when I have the chance to spend time with an island’s talented chefs, I learn a little more about personal and local favorites, and on the rarest occasions I might even bring home a one-of-a-kind bottle.

The biggest thing I look for in hot sauce isn’t the fire but the flavor. There’s no point in ruining a meal with something meant to punish the consumer, so I collect the bottles that bring a little sweat to my brow, but also a smile to my face. Here are five that I’m especially fond of and hope fellow travelers will love as well. 

Llewellyn’s Guava Pepper Sauce

When I recently visited St. Kitts, one of my most important side missions was acquiring a bottle or two of the legendary Llewellyn’s Hot Sauces, created by Llewellyn Clarke of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. I was worried that these were only sold on neighboring Nevis, since these flavors were conceived in Rawlins Village, but I was elated to find the guava and mango pepper sauces in the lobby shop at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. 

In fact, when I entered the store, the incredibly friendly clerk asked if I was looking for something specific, and I immediately said, “Hot sauce” to which she replied, “Then you’ll want…” and I finished her sentence by shouting, “Llewellyn’s!” Both flavors are magnificent, but the guava has been my personal favorite from anywhere in the Caribbean, so much so that when we have guests, I hide it from everyone. Order your own, friends.

Hot Delight Papaya

Aruba’s Hot Delight Papaya sauce is, simply put, one of the best things in the world. Since trying it for the first time four years ago, when a Dutch chef made ice cream with it at Divi Aruba’s Michelin Pop-Up event, I have been downright hooked. A mild flavor, this is as versatile as a sauce can get, because it goes well with chicken, pork, fish, beef, and especially vegetables, and the flavor is so vibrant I even throw a little on my eggs in the morning to wake me up when the cold brew isn’t working.

Of course, I also love hot sauce with a kick, so whenever I’m leaving One Happy Island, I grab a Hot Delight two-pack from the airport gift shop, so I have a bottle of madame as well. A much hotter flavor, this bottle always lasts longer than the papaya, because I’ll drown a meal in that stuff. 

Baron West Indian Hot Sauce

I call this St. Lucia bottle my “hamburgers and fries sauce” because I love adding a little dash and drizzle to an ordinary meal at home. Some people aren’t fond of mustard-based hot sauces, so this might be an acquired taste, and I admit it took me a few dishes to build my appreciation for it. 

But the most important thing to know about Baron West Indian Hot Sauce is: get ready for some heat. It isn’t overbearing, but I have found myself sweating each time I’ve taken this bottle from the pantry, so novice hot saucers should be careful and build a tolerance.

Alvin’s Hot Sauce

This bottle might be found in a lot of big city restaurants—and on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge—but the eponymous creator was born in Trinidad and raised in St. Croix, so the Caribbean influence is undeniable. And the experts agree, because this bottle has been celebrated at a variety of food competitions and hot sauce awards events.

Alvin’s Hot Sauce slaps from the moment you open the bottle, as the aroma of Scotch bonnet peppers can take over a room. But again, we don’t want to suffer when eating a nice dish, and this doesn’t make the consumer regret the decision. As for which dish, this is by far my favorite to use on homemade wings, and sometimes I’ll combine it with some Frank’s just to really make it pop.

Spika Oil

It wasn’t long into my first visit to Curaçao last year that I became obsessed with the Dutch Caribbean island’s culinary scene. After a few meals, I realized I was in foodie Valhalla, and so I was excited to try the local hot sauces. Of course, when there are so many talented chefs on one island, you’ll learn quickly that they all make their own sauces. In fact, the head chef at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort’s phenomenal Zala Gastro Lounge filled a water bottle with his own recipe for me to bring home.
But when it came to finding a local brand’s bottle that I could enjoy, I asked my friends at the tourism board for a recommendation, and they handed me a small bottle of Sonja’s Artisan Spika Oil with a message: “Trust us.” I’m glad I did, because while this isn’t a traditional hot sauce—the ingredients are canola oil and Curaçao hot peppers—it is an exceptional item that goes well with any dish. Best of all, you can only get it at the island’s fresh markets, so that means more trips to Curaçao in the future.

The post 5 Caribbean Hot Sauces that Need to Be on Your Food appeared first on Islands.

If you have ever visited Aruba, even just one time, then you know it doesn’t take a fancy college degree to predict the weather. “Warm, windy, and plenty of sunshine” will cover approximately 98 percent of the year’s weather forecasts, with the other two percent being something like, “It’s going to rain for eight seconds.” What I’m trying to say, with all due respect to the island’s actual weather experts, is being a meteorologist in Aruba is probably a breeze.

The Aruba Tourism Authority is so confident that anyone can handle the job that the agency has launched the “World’s Easiest Job” contest. One lucky beach bum will win a 6-night, 7-day visit to One Happy Island to serve as the official weatherperson on social media channels for the length of the stay. 

“So often, unexpected weather conditions force travelers to reschedule their long-awaited vacation,” explained Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “Fortunately, Aruba is blessed to have consistently clear, sunny skies, making it the perfect destination for visitors to explore and enjoy any time of the year. Through the World’s Easiest Job campaign, we are aiming to find the perfect weatherperson to help us showcase the island’s wonderful weather.”

All it takes to enter is a 30-second sample video reporting on the island’s weather from the comfort of your own home. While accuracy isn’t necessary—creativity always reigns supreme—it is usually safe to assume it is approximately 80 degrees here at any given time. Whomever is chosen will enjoy a room in the brand-new Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, which is located across the street from beloved Eagle Beach and is accessible by tunnel. 

If I can offer one pro tip, however: don’t be shocked if it actually rains. When I visited for the Aruba Art Fair and Fusion Pop-up Restaurant, it poured more than I’d ever seen in seven visits to the island. “How much is that, like five centimeters?” Good one, but no. It rained enough that I wished I’d brought a little umbrella, so as any weatherperson would recommend, always be prepared.

The contest closes at 11:59 PM ET on March 31, 2023.

The post One Lucky Amateur Meteorologist is about to Become Aruba’s New Weather Person appeared first on Islands.

Are a few sun-filled days at the beach on your bachelorette getaway short list? If so, get ready to enjoy mojitos and margaritas, spa treatments and catamaran sails, and rooftop lounges and poolside cabanas. We’ve rounded up 21 terrific resort options in seven island and coastal locales that are ideal playgrounds for you and your closest friends to enjoy as you celebrate your upcoming “I do’s.” 

Prepare to pack your favorite bikinis, sunglasses, rompers, and sundresses and decide where to get the party started. 

Aruba 

Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba offers superb white-sand beaches, turquoise waters ideal for myriad activities, and exciting nightlife. The best place to enjoy it all? Along legendary Palm Beach, which is lined with leading resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos. This is an island that guarantees sun and fun and even has brightly painted Kukoo Kunuku party buses for a raucous bar-hopping excursion. If relaxation is more your style, spa treatments infused with local ingredients are a specialty. 

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino offers rooms featuring beachy white-and-blue décor, multiple lagoon-style pools lined with chaises and swaying palm trees, and the oceanfront Eforea Spa for massages in a thatched palapa as ocean waves provide the soundtrack. 

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino features newly refreshed, contemporary-style rooms, chic poolside cabanas, several al fresco restaurants and bars, special aloe-vera treatments at the ZoiA Spa, and even Full Moon Yoga.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts spacious rooms overlooking the ocean or the gardens, an adults-only H2O Pool with private cabanas, eight restaurants and bars serving up everything from fresh seafood to delicious fruit smoothies, and the Mandara Spa featuring Balinese rituals and botanicals.

Puerto Rico 

There’s no need to worry if your friends’ passports are up to date when you plan a bachelorette getaway to Puerto Rico, where golden-sand beaches are just minutes away from historic Old San Juan with its photogenic cobblestone streets and lively bars and restaurants. Explore the island’s flavors during an Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour with Spoon, sip piña coladas and mojitos in a poolside cabana, or enjoy relaxing spa treatments. 

Condado Ocean Club, an adults-only boutique hotel, has a chic modern décor (and amazing water views), a cabana-lined infinity pool that’s relaxing midweek, and a DJ-fueled party scene on weekends, an onsite restaurant named Social, and an al fresco bar called Sandbox that serves tropical cocktails and shareable local tapas.

La Concha Resort, a sister property to Condado Ocean Club (as part of The Condado Collection) features a mid-century-modern vibe (it opened in 1958) and a cool pool-bar scene at its three pools (the Main Pool is the most social), onsite gaming at Casino Del Mar, and seven restaurants.

Caribe Hilton, where the piña colada was invented in 1954, offers 652 rooms amid a sprawling landscape of palm trees and multiple pools (there’s a swim-up bar and a waterfall), a private beach with cabanas, and an 8,500-sq. ft. Zen Spa Oceano featuring aloe-, coconut-, and mango-infused treatments.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

From the West Coast or Southwest, it’s an easy flight to Cabo San Lucas, where the desert-meets-sea scenery of the Baja Peninsula, ample sunshine, a lively downtown bar scene, and world-class resorts make this an ideal destination for a chic bachelorette getaway—especially for tequila lovers. While Cabo’s beaches aren’t always ideal for swimming, its lavish pools and indulgent spas are pampering oases and a catamaran sail to the landmark Arch and Lovers Beach is a must. 

Corazon Cabo, the area’s newest luxury resort, has a prime location on Medano Beach (one of Cabo’s most swimmable) with spectacular views from its 305 rooms and suites, two oceanfront infinity pools, a sky-high rooftop bar, and Cabo’s only microbrewery.

ME Cabo, also located on Medano Beach close to downtown Cabo, has a lively ambience infused with Mexican culture and features four restaurants and bars, a pool with palapa-topped cabanas and a swim-up bar, and a Korpo Spa for well-being and pampering.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the first Nobu hotel in Mexico, features Zen-inspired contemporary décor and 200 rooms and suites with ocean or desert views as well as world-famous Nobu cuisine and a tranquil spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit that’s perfect for a bachelorette getaway away from the crowds.

Jamaica

The words Jamaica and party are synonymous, right? And because the island, known for its upbeat reggae rhythms, is home to dozens of all-inclusive resorts set on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable setting for a bachelorette getaway. Montego Bay, home to the international airport, offers watersports, pool parties, spa experiences, and plenty of rum-cocktail revelry. 

Breathless Montego Bay, a party-centric adults-only all-inclusive, features 150 luxury suites, a rooftop pool and bar, 11 restaurants and bars, and endless activities such as pool parties, watersports, and live music—plus there are discounts and VIP amenities for groups of 10 or more.

S Hotel Jamaica, a chic newcomer to Montego Bay, is an all-inclusive boutique hotel located adjacent to photogenic Doctor’s Cave Beach and featuring locally inspired décor and amenities, multiple restaurants, and bars serving artisanal Jamaican and international cuisine, a sleek pool deck and a spa focused on holistic wellness.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas, also located in Montego Bay, is a property steeped in history and glamour (designer Ralph Lauren owns a villa here and luminaries from JFK and Jackie to Paul Newman and Grace Kelly once stayed here), and while it’s not right for bridal parties intent on 24/7 partying, its lush grounds and four- and five-bedroom villas with private pools sleep eight to 10 guests, providing an idyllic private enclave for sunning and relaxation.

Bahamas

Nassau/Paradise Island, the top resort destination in the Bahamas, is a quick flight away if you live on the East Coast or Midwest and offers a range of accommodations ideal for a bachelorette weekend. The beaches here are sublime, the water is a vibrant shade of blue, there are lively casinos and indulgent duty-free shops, and the conch fritters are addictive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau features cheerful beach-inspired décor in its rooms and public spaces, 10 restaurants and bars, multiple pools with daybeds, a St. Somewhere Spa, and a relaxed ambience inspired by the music and lifestyle of legendary singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

SLS Baha Mar, part of the sprawling Baha Mar complex on gorgeous Cable Beach, is a design-centric resort with 299 rooms that features two dedicated pools and offers access to multiple restaurants and bars, an ESPA spa, and the Baha Mar Casino.

Atlantis Bahamas has a hotel tower for every budget, from wallet-friendly The Coral to centrally located The Royal to splurge-worthy The Cove with its adults-only pool, plus incredible white-sand beaches, 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, a Mandara Spa, and the world-class Atlantis Casino.

Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico

Whether you opt for the nonstop energy of Cancun or the more laidback vibe along Riviera Maya to the south, Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a convenient destination lined with golden-sand beaches and imbued with rich Mayan heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine and spas. On a bachelorette getaway here, you can enjoy all-inclusive ease at expansive resorts with Instagram-worthy pools—where you can worship the sun or dance all night at a DJ-helmed party. 

Secrets The Vine Cancun combines the look and feel of Miami with wine selections you’d expect in Napa and access to the incredible beach and water of Cancun in a chic, city-meets-sand high-rise all-inclusive (adults only) with five a la carte restaurants (plus a buffet, grill, and café), a wine-centric piano bar and tropical poolside bars, and a sublime spa.

Thompson Playa Del Carmen offers an affordable, adults-only urban-oasis experience in the heart of the lively town of Playa Del Carmen, home to bar-hopping and lots of shopping, and features a rooftop Alessia Day Club with panoramic views and a block-long infinity pool that transforms at night into a party scene with live DJs. 

Excellence Riviera Cancun is an adults-only all-inclusive near Puerto Morelos known for its spacious swim-up suites and two-story terrace suites with a rooftop lunge pool, 12 dining venues, five bars, six freeform pools, and Miilé Spa with a focus on botanical ingredients.

Dominican Republic

For an easy getaway—and access to some of the best beaches and most inviting water in the Caribbean—it’s hard to beat the Punta Cana resort area in the Dominican Republic, known for  value-priced all-inclusive resorts with lively pool scenes by day and casino action at night, active watersports, and soothing onsite spas. 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a sprawling property with 13 pools (four with swim-up bars), offers a rock ‘n roll vibe set against the photogenic beaches of Punta Cana and features nine restaurants, 23 bars and lounges, a lively casino, and an array of room and suite configurations that can accommodate 4-to-8 people.

Sanctuary Cap Cana, A Luxury Collection Adult All-inclusive Resort is set on sublime Playa Juanillo within the upscale Cap Cana resort enclave and features glamorous beach-inspired suites, six pools, five restaurants, a beach bar, and swim-up pool bar, and a relaxing Sanctuary Spa.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach–Adults Only is a super-affordable, adults-only all-inclusive located on one of Punta Cana’s most photogenic white-sand beaches and guests can enjoy the amenities—including multiple pools and restaurants—both here and at neighboring Barcelo Bavaro Palace, plus up to four people can stay in one room for added savings.

The post 7 Ideal Island and Coastal Destinations for a Bachelorette Getaway appeared first on Islands.

Every time I visit Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives I learn something new about the entire island. I don’t mean like a historical footnote or cultural fun fact that a tour guide might tell me while driving through Arikok National Park, but instead a nugget of insider info about colorful characters, creative developments, and usually the wonderful things to come. More often than not, it involves food because there’s really nothing I love more than trying new dishes on my favorite islands.

Two years ago, I heard all about a new scene that was being cultivated in Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad. Locals eagerly told me about cool restaurants serving fun twists on authentic cuisine and bars that would pour some of the most creative craft cocktails anywhere in the Caribbean. It’s a vibe that I’ve already seen—and thoroughly enjoyed—on some other islands, but the way people were talking about it here was downright exciting.

On my most recent visit, however, thrills were coming from another part of the island. My favorite annual culinary event, hosted by Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, was taking place in San Nicolas, away from everything I’ve come to know like the back of my hand about One Happy Island. This time, the culinary star was Chef Michel Lambermon, master of the Big Green Egg, but the rest of the event put a massive spotlight on the island’s spectacular arts and fashion scenes.

The Lay of the Land

Most Aruban vacations are typically confined to the northwestern part of the island, where the most popular resorts are located. Only when you book an excursion through De Palm Tours or Aruba Fantasy Tours will you journey to the eastern side of the island to explore Arikok National Park, the Natural Bridge, and Fontein Cave, among other landmarks. But the southern drive on Rte 1? I’ve never done it, not even after people told me that Flying Fishbone is one of the best restaurants on the island or that Baby Beach is a special spot for sunbathing and snorkeling away from the crowds.

I was thrilled to learn that on my seventh trip, I’d finally get to witness firsthand Aruba’s creative growth taking place in San Nicolas, the island’s second largest city. From newer restaurants—like the super cool Neighba—to the phenomenal murals giving some old buildings a beautiful second wind, this was a side of the island I had never seen before, and this event was the perfect rebuke to people who believe the destination is just beaches and bars.

Let’s Tear the Roof Off

By name alone, the Aruba Art Festival was somewhat misleading. This wasn’t just a showcase of paintings, sculptures, or even those massive murals. The emphasis was on festival, as it featured art, music, fashion, and food—all of which showcased the ingenuity of an island that many tourists only visit for its electric party atmosphere. 

As I approached the open-air venue on the first night, one artist was still painting a wall of a large building. She was perched atop an aerial work platform, putting the finishing touches on her masterpiece, and it was an excellent appetizer for the showcase to come. I didn’t even understand the scope of participation and effort until I took my seat at our dinner table on the main street and watch streams of people flow into their bleacher seats for a fashion show that felt as big as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Fusion Pop-up Restaurant was set in a roofless shell of a building, adorned with its own stylish, sophisticated decorations to set the mood and expectations. But even as Divi & Tamarijn Aruba’s Chef Paul and team worked their magic—the resorts’ chef is the mastermind behind some of the best all-inclusive dining options in the Caribbean—all eyes were on the stage and street for a show unlike any other.

The Power of Creativity

When I visited St. Maarten in late 2021, I had the pleasure of meeting the incomparable Ruby Bute, who is “the first dame of St. Martin’s cultural arts” but was also born in Aruba. We chatted at length about how the Dutch Caribbean islands love to showcase their talents, as St. Maarten has been encouraging young artists to paint specific areas around their half of the island, and Curacao’s street murals and sculptures are downright legendary.

I told her I hadn’t experienced much of Aruba’s art scene, but she assured me it was as alive here as anywhere else in the region. Thus, the Aruba Art Fair was my chance to finally see it all up close and personal, from the sprawling murals on the walls of local businesses to the various mediums on display in several galleries along the main street.

One of my favorite moments of the entire event occurred early in the first evening, when we were seated for dinner and guests continued trickling in, slowly moving from gallery to another. It was a little windier than usual that day—it is Aruba, so there’s always a breeze—enough to knock the island’s power out at the worst possible time. The entire venue went dark and there was an audible collective gasp as everyone wondered aloud what that would mean for the festivities.

Just as we celebrated creative artwork and cuisine, we soon celebrated creative craftsmanship. The event staff rushed to get a generator running and then weaved extension cords seamlessly from building to building, until we all watched in awe and suspense as one man climbed a light tower to illuminate the venue once more. It took a little pulling—possibly for show—but he was able to make the connection, and the string lights lining both sides of the street came to life to an appreciative, roaring crowd.

On the Catwalk

A style and clothing authority I am not, but even the simplest minds can tell when an incredible amount of work has been put into something. The themes for the fashion aspect of this event ranged from party and beach vibes—Aruba in a nutshell—to remarkably sustainable and eco-friendly, so much so that the showcase concluded with a fascinating performance art sequence in which the participants showed guests the audacity of people throwing trash on the ground and disrespecting a paradise that is also home to so many people. 

(It’s a hell of a statement from the perspective of someone who works in travel and constantly watches other tourists behave terribly.)

The greatest takeaway, though, was seeing the island’s camaraderie live and in person. Hearing the familiar shouts of each model’s name, witnessing the blushes of designers as their friends and family called from the bleachers, and clapping along as the audience turned each presentation into party, it was all a spectacular blur of elation and triumph. 

Undoubtedly, the least surprising thing to come from this event was watching how excitedly the guests purchased some of the outfits the models showcased mere hours before.

Hatching a Master Plan

On any other trio of nights, the Fusion Pop-up Restaurant, presented by Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, would have been the star. A Big Green Egg, world-famous chef, and the exceptional culinary crew from the resorts? It’s a winning combination. And I usually start any of my tales with the food, but days and weeks later, I could still only thing about the electricity of the Aruba Art Fair and the pride exhibited by the participants.

But the food, my goodness. The menu was like a dream pulled from the depths of my brain, but there was equal joy in trying the various dishes as there was watching Chef Lambermon, the Executive Chef of Big Green Egg Europe, and his team make them all. It was a carnivore’s delight, for sure, but no one would have been disappointed with the alternatives.

On any given day, this could have been an event unto itself, although I would have never discovered just how well food pairs with fashion and art. And yet I have no doubt that neither the Aruba Art Fair nor the Fusion Pop-up Restaurant have reached its full potential. Watching them both evolve is going to be fulfilling on multiple levels.

The post The Aruba Art Fair and Fusion Pop-up Restaurant Collide to Create a Can’t Miss Event appeared first on Islands.

A really great bartender once told me that the most creative drinks he ever makes are those that have no alcohol. And he proved that point by making me a green juice (my favorite) that tasted like fruit and veggie heaven. The only problem? He couldn’t really explain how to make it, other than, “I use this, this, and this.” The most talented artists do everything by memory, after all.

The bigger problem with vague instructions is that’s how I end up spending $40 at the farmer’s market on ingredients for one blender’s worth of juice, and nobody ever wants to live with the guilt of those rotting vegetables stinking up the fridge’s fresh drawer. 

Fortunately, I know a few mixologists who keep good track of their recipes, so I asked them to hook us up with some mocktails not just for “Dry January” and the annual New Year wellness craze, but for everyday use. Who doesn’t love a refreshing treat to start the morning off right?

Ginger Basil Grapefruit Spritzer

The Place: The Breakers Palm Beach

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Ginger basil simple syrup
• 3 oz Freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice 
• 2 Segments of grapefruit 
• 6 oz soda 
• Grapefruit wedge garnish and served in a Collins Glass

Ingredients for the Ginger Basil Simple Syrup:

• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.25 cup chopped basil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped ginger

How to Make the Syrup:

Bring the water to a rolling boil (careful not to evaporate too much liquid) and begin to slowly add the sugar, small portions at a time, and dissolve the sugar into the water. 

Once the sugar is completely dissolved, reduce the heat to medium low. This liquid is the basic simple syrup. From this liquid one could really add countless ingredients to create their own flavored simple syrup. 

Add the ginger and basil and increase the heat back to a rolling boil for 10 to 15 minutes. It can go longer, up to an hour, which will only infuse the syrup more. You want to be careful not to burn or cook the ingredients as it will change the flavor profile. 

Turn off the heat and strain the basil and ginger from the syrup, leaving you with a ginger basil simple syrup. 

Measure accordingly and mix with the remaining ingredients.

Precious Pineapple

The Place: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Ingredients: 

• 10-12 Mint leaves
• 2-3 Fresh lime wheels
• 1 oz Simple syrup
• 1 oz Fresh pineapple juice
• Club soda
• Pineapple slices for garnish

How to Make It:

• Delicately muddle the mint leaves and fresh lime wheels in a highball glass.
• Combine and shake the simple syrup and pineapple juice pour into glass.
• Top off the mocktail with club soda and garnish with pineapple slice and extra mint leaves.

Horizons Ruby Mocktail

amsterdam-manor-mocktail

The Place: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba

Ingredients:

• 4 Pieces of fresh raspberries
• 4 oz Ruby Red grapefruit juice
• 1 oz Passion fruit mix
• 1 Mint leaf
• 1 Sliced physalis
• 3 blueberries

How to Make It:

• Crush the raspberries.
• In a shaker, add grapefruit juice, passion fruit mix, raspberry juice and 1 scoop of ice, shake well.
• Strain and poor in a tall glass, add ice and garnishes.

The post A Trio of Magnificent Resort Mocktails for Celebrating Dry January appeared first on Islands.

The islands of the Caribbean are known for their vivid turquoise water, champagne-hued beaches, and verdant green landscapes, but once a year these two-dozen-plus isles reveal even more vibrant personas with the day-to-night Technicolor partying and pageantry that takes place during annual Carnival celebrations. 

Amid the feathers, sequins, steelpan drumbeats, and dance moves, these islands’ history and culture are celebrated with passionate revelry—whether to coincide with pre-Lenten traditions or to mark important historic dates (the abolition of slavery in the British territories, for example) or nature-centric time periods. 

Here’s a guide to when and how each island gets festive, and why you’ll want to experience it all.

Anguilla

Name: Anguilla Summer Festival

When: Late July–Early August

This small island known for its extraordinary beaches and excellent restaurants hosts its annual Caribbean carnival-style celebration, known as the Anguilla Summer Festival, from the end of July through the first week of August to commemorate the emancipation from slavery in the British Caribbean on August 1, 1834. 

Anguilla’s festival features music, dancing, food, pageants, parades, beach parties, calypso competitions, fireworks, and boat races, with an event held almost every night (some are free and others charge a fee).

Antigua and Barbuda

Name: Antigua Carnival

When: Late July–Early August

Waves of music and locals dancing in colorful feathered costumes during high-spirited parades and street parties mark Antigua’s vibrant 13-day Carnival celebration, which takes place from late July through early August on Antigua. Timed to celebrate emancipation from slavery in the British Caribbean, Carnival in Antigua offers a calendar of events that include musical competitions, pageants, food fairs, calypso contests, and cultural shows, with the most important event being J’ouvert (on Emancipation Day), during which brass and steel-drum bands perform.

Aruba

Name: Aruba Carnival

When: February

The Dutch-Caribbean island of Aruba has a month-long Carnival celebration, centered in Oranjestad and San Nicholas, incorporating dozens of lively events, including Torch Light Parades through the streets at night, musical performances, colorful floats, lavishly costumed celebrants, electrifying Jump Ups and multiple parades culminating with the Grand Parade. 

Finally, the Burning of King Momo marks the end of Carnival Season, after which the entire island goes on hiatus, known as Carnival Monday (an official day of rest).

Bahamas

Name: Junkanoo

When: Dec. 26–Jan. 1 

The islands of the Bahamas are widely known for Junkanoo, an annual Carnival-style festival held between Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) that celebrates Bahamian history and culture with street parties and vibrant parades of elaborately costumed revelers. 

The biggest take place on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, but Junkanoo can be enjoyed on all 16 islands. 

Barbados

Name: Crop Over Festival

When: Late July–Early August 

Carnival on Barbados is known as the Crop Over Festival, which last for three months (June through August) and culminates in early August to mark the end of the sugar cane crop season. This uniquely Barbadian festival, which owes its roots to the island’s colonial past when sugar cane was king, is known for its musical concerts, art exhibitions, calypso competitions, and revelry at Foreday Morning Jam. 

The celebration climaxes during Grand Kadooment when costumed bands and masqueraders parade through the streets in St. Michael with a party that continues late into the night with music, food and fireworks.  

Bonaire

Name: Karnaval

When: February (pre-Lenten)

With activities split between the Dutch-Caribbean island’s two main towns, Kralendijk and Rincon, Bonaire’s Carnival celebration, called Karnaval, features week-long revelry with all the usual festive events—musical performances, parades with costumed dancers, and colorful floats and fireworks—that culminates on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) in advance of Ash Wednesday.

British Virgin Islands

Name: BVI Emancipation Festival

When: Late July-Early August

With its heritage and ongoing status as a British Overseas Territory, the British Virgin Islands times its annual Carnival festivities to Emancipation Day (August 1)—in fact, the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the BVI are public holidays. The BVI Emancipation Festival is a two-week celebration featuring food fairs, Jam Band music, and J’ouvert parades with floats and costumed revelers with the largest events held on the island of Tortola.

Cayman Islands

Name: Cayman Carnival Batabano

When: May 

The Cayman Islands holds its national Carnival, known as the Cayman Carnival Batabano, annually in May at the start of the turtle nesting season; the festival’s name is derived from the word batabano, a Caymanian term that refers to the tracks left in the sand by egg-laying turtles. 

Carnival on Grand Cayman is a cultural melting pot (Caymanians comprise more than 100 nationalities) of music, dance, and pageantry. There are both Adult Batabano and Junior Batabano parades, held on separate weekends.

Curaçao

Name: Curaçao Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

This Dutch-Caribbean island celebrates Curaçao Carnival every year in sync with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and holds a series of festive parades (for children, teens, and adults) in its capital, Willemstad, over the 10 days leading up to the final nighttime Grand Farewell Carnival Parade in the hours before Ash Wednesday. The celebration on Curacao encompasses music, dancing, floats, and beauty pageants.

Dominica 

Name: Mas Domnik

When: February (pre-Lenten)

The small Caribbean island of Dominica celebrates its French and African traditions during its annual Carnival celebration known as Mas Domnik, held to coincide with Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and featuring calypso music, competitions, and two days of exciting street “jump-up.” 

Dominican Republic

Name: Dominican Carnival (Carnaval Dominicano)

When: February and early March 

Every Sunday during February, parades of brightly costumed and masked revelers fill the streets in cities all around the Dominican Republic, including Santiago, La Vega, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Barahona, for Dominican Carnival (aka Carnaval Dominicano). 

Carnival season culminates on Feb. 27 with the island’s Independence Day celebration and then with the National Carnival Parade on the first Sunday in March along the waterfront in Santo Domingo.

Grenada

Name: Spice Mas 

When: Late July and early August

While colorful Soca and calypso competitions are staged throughout the month of July, Carnival partying on the island of Grenada reaches its climax during the first week or second week of August in St. George’s with the marathon two-day celebration known as Spice Mas. 

Over its 48 hours, lavishly costumed locals dance through the streets, party on flotillas of boats and participate in the pre-dawn J’ouvert (also known in Grenada as Jab), which features chanting, dancing, and defiant symbolism, including the wearing of black body paint and oil to honor their African heritage and the carrying of broken chains to show a breaking away from slavery. 

The culmination is Monday Night Mas and Tuesday’s hours-long Parade of the Bands.

Guadeloupe Islands

Name: Carnival

When: January to March (pre-Lenten)

This French Caribbean paradise begins its annual Carnival celebrations on Jan. 6 (Feast of the Epiphany) and ends on Fat Tuesday (aka Shrove Tuesday), with the major events, such as the Grand Parade on the Sunday before, taking place in its final few days. 

This is a major cultural event throughout the Guadeloupe islands, but especially in Basse-Terre, which hosts the main parades of costumed dancers and musicians. On Ash Wednesday, King Vaval, the symbol of the Carnival, is burned.

Haiti

Name: Carnaval (Kanaval in Creole)

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Haiti’s Carnaval, or Kanaval in Creole, is an annual three-day celebration in February during which the streets of its capital, Port-au-Prince, where the National Carnival is held, and beachside Jacmel are filled with festively costumed locals. Jacmel is particularly known for the over-sized papier-mâché masks depicting animals and demons. Voodoo and historic slavery references comingle with heart-pounding street music and traditional dance performances. 

Jamaica

Name: Carnival

When: April

In Jamaica, a series of Carnival events in early April leads to a week of dozens of festive events in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay featuring colorfully costumed bands and dancers, capped off by the grand finale: Carnival Sunday with its Road March–Parade of the Bands in Kingston featuring large trucks blasting music and bands competing for best music and best costumes.

Martinique

Name: Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

In the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday (aka Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the French-Caribbean island of Martinique celebrates its own unique Carnival. On Fat Sunday, parades feature locals carrying fantastically dressed puppets known as bwa bwa as well as nègres-gros-sirop (revelers with bodies covered in coal tar and sugarcane syrup). 

On Fat Monday, islanders enjoy burlesque-like “mock weddings” featuring men dressed as brides and women suited up as bridegrooms. Fat Tuesday is Red Devils Day with parades of costumed red devils of all ages, while Ash Wednesday is The Day of She-Devils as revelers wear black and white to close out Carnival.

Montserrat

Name: Carnival (or Year-End Festival)

When: Dec. 26–Jan. 1

The island of Montserrat is one of several Caribbean island nations that celebrates Carnival to close out one year and welcome in the next. While events begin in early December, the main festivities (for Soca Monarch and Calypso Monarch) begin on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve with Festival Day featuring a gala and New Year’s Day with a Street Parade to mark the closing of Carnival.

Puerto Rico

Name: Carnaval Ponceño

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Timed for the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, the Ponce Carnival (known to locals as the Carnaval Ponceño) attracts up to 100,000 revelers to the historic city of Ponce, located on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. In addition to a masquerade ball and street parades, a highlight of the Ponce carnival is the “vejigantes,” papier-mâché-masked folkloric creatures in colorful costumes and multiple horns that represent the Devil and taunt the crowd. 

Participants also enjoy the appearance of King Momo, the crowning of Carnival Queen the ritual Burial of the Sardine to signify the start of Lent.

Saba

Name: Carnival

When: July 

For a week in late July, the small Dutch-Caribbean island of Saba celebrates with a festive Carnival Village and events that include live musical performances, food stalls, and colorful dance troupes.

St. Barth

Name: Carnival St. Barths

When: February (pre-Lenten)

The tiny French-Caribbean island of St. Barth has a two-day Carnival St. Barth festival with a colorful Mardi Gras parade in the streets of its capital, Gustavia, and a nighttime party. The celebration ends on Ash Wednesday with the burning of Vaval on Shell Beach just outside of town. 

St. Eustatius

Name: Statia Carnival

When: Late July–early August 

Home to the smallest capital city in the world, Oranjestad, the Dutch-Caribbean island of St. Eustatius holds its annual Statia Carnival in late July and early August with vibrant Carnival March parades, musical performances, Youth Night, and more—and Carnival Monday is an island-wide holiday.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Name: Sugar Mas (aka St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival)

When: December–early January

While events on the two-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis actually begin in November with pageants, Soca competitions, and more, the main festivities of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival (aka Sugar Mas) kick into high gear just before Christmas with the Festival of Lights Glowfest and continue from Dec. 26 through early January with J’ouvert morning, the National Carnival Queen competition, Calypso Finals, and the Carnival Grand Parade.

St. Lucia

Name: St. Lucia Carnival

When: June–July

There’s a continuous calendar of Carnival events throughout June and July on St. Lucia—including steel-pan and calypso competitions, parties, and parades—but the festivities culminate in July with a two-day street celebration focused on Caribbean history and culture and featuring costumed revelers, bands, DJ music, and more.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

Name: St. Martin Carnival and St. Maarten Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten) in St. Martin and April in St. Maarten

The dual-nationality island of St. Maarten (a Dutch territory) and St. Martin (a French territory) celebrates Carnival twice, with each side holding their parades and parties in a different month. 

The French side gets things started in February with pre-Lenten jump-ups and colorful parades featuring zouk and reggae music on the streets of Marigot and Grand-Case, while the Dutch side holds a bigger extravaganza that lasts more than two weeks in April. It features Technicolor parades of calypso dancers in Philipsburg and a Carnival Village just outside of the capital featuring booths serving Caribbean culinary favorites.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Name: Vincy Mas

When: June-July 

Preparation for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ annual Carnival celebration, known as Vincy Mas, spans two months, but its biggest events begin on the last Friday of June and run for 12 days. These include the Miss SVG Competition, colorful Parade of the Bands, Calypso Monarch, and King and Queen of Carnival competition. 

Trinidad and Tobago

Name: Carnival

When: February (pre-Lenten)

Famous for its music and pageantry, the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is celebrated annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, although some festivities begin right after Christmas. Carnival Monday on multicultural Trinidad starts before sunrise with J’ouvert as Carnival-goers parade through the streets covered in paint, grease, and mud and party until sunrise. 

Later that day and all day on Carnival Tuesday the streets fill with costumed revelers, energetic dancers and bands playing Soco, steelpan, and calypso. 

Turks and Caicos

Name: Maskanoo and Junkanoo

When: Dec. 26  and Dec. 31

The day after Christmas in Grace Bay on the Turks and Caicos main resort island of Providenciales, locals celebrate the island nation’s West African and Caribbean heritage with Maskanoo (in homage to the 19^th century slaves who would celebrate Christmas by mocking their owners’ elaborate masked balls), which features street parties, music, food, and fireworks. 

Then on New Year’s Eve, it’s time for Junkanoo parades featuring glittering masks and costumes and revelers who dance to drumbeat rhythms until dawn.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Name: VI Carnival, St. John Festival and Crucian Christmas Festival

When: April (St. Thomas), July (St. John) and December–early January (St. Croix)

The three islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands all hold Carnival celebrations—they just do them at different times of the year. To experience it on St. Thomas, you’ll need to visit in late April-early May for VI Carnival, the largest celebration with steel pan bands, lavishly costumed dancers, calypso shows, and more. 

The St. John Festival celebrates the spirit of freedom—July 3, 1848, marks Emancipation Day for slaves who lived in the USVI—and the festivities begin in late June on St. John’s Day and culminate on July 4 in Cruz Bay with parades, parties, and fireworks. 

St. Croix’s Carnival period is known as the Crucian Christmas Festival, with festivities in late December and early January spread between its two cities, Christiansted and Frederiksted.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Every Caribbean Carnival Party appeared first on Islands.

It’s possible to become a “chaise potato” while vacationing in Aruba, applying sunblock and sipping rum cocktails while enjoying views of the warm turquoise Caribbean and the cool-blue sky. But those who do will miss out on all the fun things to do on this sunny and arid Dutch island. Aruba’s constant trade winds have made it a hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding while its national park features landscapes ideal for getting Instagram likes.

Families can enjoy nature-based activities (kids who love butterflies are in for a treat) and honeymooners (or other romantics) can mix spa pampering with wining and dining, or even adrenaline-rush adventure if so desired. After dark, Aruba shines, literally, as its 12 casinos become a glittering playground for anyone who’s feeling lucky. Here are our favorite things to do in Aruba.

Relax on a Beautiful Beach

The Caribbean is blessed with beautiful beaches, but the two most-celebrated strands on Aruba—Palm Beach and Eagle Beach—blow most of the competition out of the water. Two-mile-long Palm Beach is the more developed of the two, known for its calm, brilliant blue water and lined with the island’s largest high-rise resorts, many featuring beach bars right on the soft white sand. It’s a great option for couples and families who enjoy socializing as they soak up the sun.

And then there’s Eagle Beach, an ahh-inducing stunner that’s wide and sweeping with sugar-like white sand and only a few low-rise resorts catering mostly to adults and couples. It’s also home to two of the most-famous (and photogenic) divi divi trees on Aruba, their gnarled trunks bent and twisted by the wind.

Enjoy a Variety of Watersports

If it takes place on, in, under or high above the water, you can try it on Aruba. Speed-loving vacationers can rent a Waverunner or even a speedboat—or enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, tube-riding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Those who prefer to take things slower can try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.

Visitors who want to check out the sea life that resides in the island’s warm, clear waters can snorkel or take a scuba excursion to top dive spots such as the Antilla shipwreck or Mike’s Reef. And to see Aruba from a lofty perspective, harness up and soar above Palm Beach on a parasailing adventure.

Explore Arikok National Park

This rugged and protected 7,907-acre landscape makes up 20 percent of the island and is a must-see for the visual surprises nature offers. Visitors can explore Arikok National Park on their own, but the best way to learn about its flora, fauna, and geologic complexities is on a guided tour, like the extensive and exciting options offered by De Palm Tours. Top sights include quartz and limestone rock formations that are visually captivating, as well as the two tallest hills on Aruba (Jamanota at 617 feet and Arikok at 577 feet).

On the north shore, there are bocas (bays) with incredible white-sand beaches, Conchi a natural pool (reachable only by foot, horse, ATV or 4×4 vehicle), and ancient caves, such as Fontein, with rock paintings by the Caquétio Indians. One can also expect to see plenty of candelabra cacti and dozens of bird species, but also assorted reptiles (including iguanas and snakes) and wild donkeys and goats.

Play After Dark in Vibrant Casinos and on a Party Bus

Game on. Visitors to Aruba don’t have to walk far to place a bet and hope that Lady Luck is on their side. Most of the island’s 12 casinos are inside or adjacent to its top resorts, and some are even open 24/7. Resorts with casinos include the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, Hilton, Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Riu Palace, Hyatt, and Holiday Inn.

All the usual gaming options are offered—blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat, and all manner of slot machines and video poker—and the legal age to gamble is 18. But Aruba has other nightlife options, too, including live musical entertainment at most resorts and a bar crawl bus called Kooku Kunuku that travels the island each night in search of the best music, dancing and partying.

Dig into the Restaurant Scene

With more than 250 restaurants—and more than 100 nationalities comprising its melting-pot population—Aruba has a cuisine to satisfy every craving. Yes, there are restaurants serving truly authentic Caribbean cuisine as well as those specializing in Aruban fare (such as spicy fishcakes, seafood stew or curried goat), but if you crave a gourmet tasting menu, sushi, or filet mignon and lobster tail you can find it all at a crowd favorite like The Flying Fishbone, a modern marvel like Fusion, or an up-and-coming spot like Neighba.

And if you just want a burger or fish tacos, they’re available, too.

Enjoy the Breathtaking Natural Monuments

You don’t have to be a budding geologist to appreciate two of Aruba’s most famous natural sites: the Ayo and Casibari rock formations and the large and windswept California Sand Dunes. The former, located in the center of the island, are giant monolithic boulders that can be climbed for stellar views and feature drawings dating back thousands of years.

The latter, located on the island’s remote and rugged north shore and named for the wreck of the ship California just off shore, is also home to a landmark lighthouse of the same name. If you visit by ATV or UTV, respect the landscape and don’t drive on the dunes—but running and jumping is allowed.

Check Out the Butterfly Farm

Nature’s beauty and scientific education mix at this attraction that’s popular with families. Located near Palm Beach and open daily year-round, The Butterfly Farm is home to hundreds of brightly-colored butterflies—including the distinctive orange Monarchs of North America and iridescent Blue Morphos from the rainforests of Central and South America—with new ones emerging from their chrysalis daily (visit first thing in the morning to see this) and guided tours lasting 15-20 minutes included in the admission fee.

Go on an ATV or UTV Off-Road Adventure

Adventure-seeking visitors can book a half-day or full-day off-road adventure on at ATV (all-terrain vehicle, which is like a motorcycle with four large wheels and offers no sun protection) or UTV (Utility-Task Vehicle, which has a top but no sides). Several companies, including the popular De Palm Tours, offer guided excursions that take in the major sites, including Arikok National Park and the Cochi natural pool as well as Baby Beach and the stone arches of the north coast.

The most famous of these, the Natural Bridge, collapsed in 2005, but is still worth seeing and the smaller Baby Bridge remains in tact. Packing plenty of sunscreen and water is a must.

Try Land Sailing

Aruba has a sport most people may not have heard of and probably can’t try back home: land sailing. Basically a lightweight, three-wheel go-kart with a sail attached, these vehicles are propelled by the island’s steady winds and can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour as they cruise across the flat and arid Aruban plains. Steering is with the legs and a rope attached to the sail, so a bit of instruction is required at first, but adventurous types of any age can try this unique sport, available via Aruba Active Vacations.

Indulge in a Spa Treatment with Local Ingredients

The hot sun and steady wind on Aruba can take its toll on the skin, but the island’s top spas have a remedy: treatments formulated with local ingredients such as aloe, cactus, seaweed and tropical fruits known for their healing, cleansing and soothing properties.

Most resorts on the island have a spa—such as eforea at the Hilton, Mandara at the Marriott, and ZoiA at the Hyatt Regency—so indulging in a treatment with your significant other or planning a girls’ day of pampering is a breeze.

The post How to Make Your Aruba Vacation Unforgettable appeared first on Islands.

From arid and windy to lush and mountainous, the islands of the Southern Caribbean—namely, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique—have a wide range of experiences to offer. And yet apart from Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, they are often overlooked by U.S. travelers.

Here are seven reasons why they shouldn’t be, from their incredible scenery and nature-centric adventure to to their colorful culture and flavorful food scenes.

Natural beauty and adventure

Landscapes in the Southern Caribbean run the gamut from arid and desert-like to lush and tropical, and if you prefer the latter it’s hard to beat the beauty of St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. All three islands are verdant, mountainous, and perfect for anyone seeking back-to-nature adventure.

St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Site volcanic peaks—Petit Piton at 2,438 feet and Gros Piton at 2,619 feet (that latter can be hiked to enjoy stunning views)—that tower over tranquil Jalousie Bay, as well as Sulphur Springs, a “drive-in volcano” offering odiferous mud baths, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where the mineral-laced water of the waterfall changes color.

Mountainous Grenada, whose tallest peak, Mt. Saint Catherine, reaches 2,756 feet, offers energetic visitors hiking trails for all fitness levels amid the waterfalls, large lake and towering mahogany trees of Grand Etang National Park.

Dominica, at just 290 square miles, is home to both natural hot springs and lush rainforests, making it a paradise for nature-loving hikers. Visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park to see 213-foot Trafalgar Falls and the steam-covered Boiling Lake.

The colorful culture

Caribbean culture is by nature colorful—think feather-and sequin-embellished costumes at Carnival time, pastel-hued wooden houses, magenta bougainvillea, and brightly hued artwork—and it all seems especially vibrant on the islands of Martinique and Curacao.

Martinique, a French island that has been shaped by West African and Indian traditions into a Creole melting pot, is known as a place where multicolor madras fabrics mix with pink Provencal rosé and curry-flavored seafood dishes.

Dutch culture on Curacao is evident in its architecture—especially in the rainbow of 16th and 17th century colonial buildings in its capital Willemstad—and to an extant in its cuisine, which thanks to its blend of African, Latin, and Jewish influences features some of the heartiest dishes in the Caribbean. Don’t miss keshi yena (stuffed cheese casserole), stoba (beef stew), and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs).

Golf courses, spas, and other grown-up activities

If teeing up in paradise is your passion, choose from five PGA-standard courses in Barbados—including Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane Green Monkey—and two in Aruba: Tierra del Sol and The Links at Divi Aruba, the latter of which is home of one of the Caribbean’s best golf teachers.

Afterwards, relax with a tropically inspired massage at your resort—most properties on both islands have one—and if you have the stamina to continue and check out islands’ nightlife, check out the live music in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados or one of the dozen casinos on Aruba.

The vibrant wildlife

Only four islands in the Caribbean are home to wild monkeys and two of them—Grenada and Barbados—are in the Southern Caribbean. Brought to the region from Africa as pets in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Mona monkey inhabits the forests of Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, while the Green Vervet monkey (also found on St. Kitts and Nevis) favors the woodlands around St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, and St. Thomas parishes on Barbados.

Turtle lovers can snorkel with several species just offshore in Barbados, while birders are in luck in Grenada, home to 160 species. And you don’t have to be an ornithology geek to appreciate the visual splendor of a flock of pink flamingos; you can see thousands of them at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary on the salt pans of Bonaire or book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino to get a close-up view of a few dozen, which inhabit its private island.

The low-key vibes

Looking for an island that cruise ships don’t visit, a place with a pace that’s so relaxed you’re apt to forget what day it is—and perhaps even what year? Consider one of these three mellow islands: Bonaire, if your leisurely passions include diving and snorkeling; Dominica, if you’ll be happy hiking and tropical gardens; and the Grenadines, if your fantasy vacation involves a stay on a private island—this island chain is home to three: Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island, and Young Island.

Those glorious beaches

Yes, the Southern Caribbean is home to some pretty spectacular beaches, which is, after all, one of the top reasons people travel here. Some of them—including Palm and Eagle beaches on Aruba, Crane and Bottom Bay beaches on Barbados, and Sandy Island on Carriacou and Macaroni Beach on Mustique in the Grenadines—often land on lists of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

The flavorful food scenes

It’s hard to have a bad meal in Barbados, where even the local “fast food” known as a flying fish cutter (fried flying fish on Bajan salt bread) is quite tasty. The island is Zagat-rated and there’s a choice of great dining in Holetown—top spots include The Mews and Nishi—and great local fresh catch of the day at The Fish Pot on the northwest coast, but if a special-occasion splurge is in order, book an outside table at The Cliff.

Grenada, known as the Spice Island, is grounded in the flavors of local produce: callaloo, dasheen, pumpkin, papaya, and mango and peppered with the boldness of nutmeg, cinnamon, and curry that lingers on the palate. It’s more about authentic preparation than a restaurant scene, per se, but be sure to check out the 20-course tasting menu at Patrick’s Local Homestyle Restaurant for a meal to remember.

The post 7 Reasons to Visit the Islands of the Southern Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

It’s late and boutique Aruba Ocean Villas’ romantic open-air restaurant The Old Man and The Sea, channeling Hemingway, is quiet. The 10 tables set in the sand are vacant, but the outdoor bar is casting a welcoming golden hue thanks to dancing fairy lights. With glass in hand, I take in the final moments of a gorgeous star-studded night in Aruba, the “A” of the ABC Dutch Caribbean islands. Jovial bartender Michael is surrounded by resort staff, trickling in at the back end of their day. This is truly the default gathering spot at the resort. 

Also behind the bar is owner and visionary designer Osyth Henriquez. She signals and clapping erupts as a group of staff appear with a guitar to sing, “Happy Birthday” to the executive chef who has emerged to hang out with his resort family. I find myself drawn into this intimate moment and join in the clapping and singing. The spirited camaraderie is infectious, and the staff makes you feel like you’re one of them—part of the family.

The quiet, secluded Aruba Ocean Villas in the old capital of Savaneta is an adults-only, 13-bungalow paradise that is home to the only overwater villas in Aruba. The micro-resort sits cozily along the water amid mangroves, unspoiled and refreshingly uncommercial on an island dubbed the Las Vegas of the Caribbean. Without question, it offers a nice contrast to Aruba’s storied nightlife replete with upscale casinos, bars and clubs, and glitzy global upscale hotel brands along Palm Beach.

Injecting new meaning into “One Happy Island,” Henriquez’s property is designed to remind you how to live with a sense of purpose. 

Artistic and soulful, she says that she aims for perfect imperfection. “Nature is our best example of the beauty of the perfect imprecation.” It’s colorful and messy, just how it should be. “My work doesn’t have neat categories. I don’t follow a template as a designer,” she explained. What guides her is heart and inspiration. 

One of the many things which distinguishes this mini resort is that it offers not only Aruba’s only overwater accommodations, but also the island’s only overwater dining cabana. Where else would you want a romantic dinner? This magical space is decked out with draping curtains and lots of foliage to provide a private, memorable setting. Stylistically, the overwater dining cabana is constructed as a palapa, as are all the structures on property, which feeds this intoxicating sense of being swept into a different world far from home.

Each villa is intentionally crafted and brims with rich character, reflecting the work of an artist. Named after Henriquez’s loved ones, every villa channels the personality, whims, and passions of a person in her life. Villa Lola is named for her beloved dog, Elle Marie celebrates her niece, Mai Wisha offers spectacular applause for her mother-in-law and the two-story villa Chupi, for her son who plays piano—explaining the piano displayed in the villa’s living room.  

The differing villas provide an array of luxurious features, such as full kitchens, outdoor wet bars, open-air showers, private hot tubs, jacuzzies, plunge-pools, hammocks, and additional outdoor shaded beds for lazy napping. Further making the point that there’s nothing cookie-cutter about Aruba Ocean Villas, Joy runs entirely on renewable energy and Penthouse Villa Sophia—perfect for honeymooners—features a handcrafted bathtub made by a Filipino artist centered in the open-concept bathroom.

To help you immediately acclimate to the restorative R&R culture of the property, a bottle of champagne sits waiting in every villa. Henriquez says that iPads will soon be available in overwater villas to order food, so that you can sip and nosh without leaving your chair. 

Though most villas are overwater (10 total by 2023) and include ladders to access the clear ocean waters, the tiny private beachfront features irresistible lounge chairs and undisturbed views. Claim a chair and recline with a book you’ve borrowed from one of the many resort’s stashes. Look up and let the water enchant you and notice a little strip of land in the distance called Seaglass Island. If watersports are your jam, the resort provides kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Massages are available in palapas allowing for a continuous ocean breeze.  

While you’ll be tempted to stay close to your luxe villa, exploring the island without disrupting the nature-driven, wholesome vibe of your getaway is possible.

Take a stroll through San Nicolas, the island’s cultural capital on the southern tip. The second largest city on the island next to Oranjestad, it’s quieter and serves up authentic Caribbean character. Vivid street art and murals enliven the narrow historic streets, which explode with life during the annual Art Fair. 

Get expansive views of over 70 percent of the island from the top of California Lighthouse and walk Arikok National Park or Ayo Rock Formations where Indian rock drawings have been discovered in caves, experiences promising an introduction to the history of this complex island, today filled with 98 different nationalities.

Early-birds will be drawn to a private meditation and yoga session with Shanti at Mangel Halto Beach—a meaningful way to start the day. Rent e-bikes through Tamarijn Aruba for a morning ride on the extensive bike-walk-run path which passes Aruba’s famous beaches, including Eagle Beach, which is home to a couple of the island’s legendary Fofiti trees. Discover outside-the-box great food served in an original way when you’re out-and-about. Picnic Aruba offers a posh healthy popup breakfast spread on the beach, a calming way to greet the morning. Tuck into a Burrito Bowl at Origin Café, the island’s first 100% vegan restaurant, and just steps from the resort cool your toes in the shallow surf as you indulge beneath a blanket of stars at Flying Fishbone. The grilled shrimp and risotto is memorable as is their barefoot elegant setting, enchanting with lights in the water which attract a diversity of fish. 

Back at Aruba Ocean Villas, the bewitching sanctuary reminded me of Henriquez’s hope that her resort would reconnect you to nature, providing a haven for lovers, the curious, and the wanderer. Unlike anything else in Aruba, it’s a place you’ll never forget.

The post This Hidden Gem Puts a Laid-Back Spin on a Dutch Caribbean Getaway appeared first on Islands.