Caribbean (Plus) Corner

This fabled sea, covering more than a million square miles and 7,000 islands with diverse languages, cultures, and ecosystems, has become probably the planet's premier vacation playground. Here it's all about its regional issues and allures. And yes, the (Plus) means we're including the Bahamas and Bermuda along with the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guayana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Suriname, and Panama.

For individual island forums, check out Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saba, Statia (St. Eustatius), St. Barth, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten/Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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The Island of Tobago Is a Sweet Little Slice of Old-Time Caribbean

VisitTobago.gov.ttThe smaller of the two main islands which make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago lies 22 miles northeast of larger Trinidad (a 20-minute flight away, as well as with direct service to/from Barbados, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany). It´s known for its unspoiled natural beauty, rich history (dating back to 1654, and vibrant culture (which besides numerous current ways to experience it is particularly on display during events such as the Tobago Heritage…

Started by Helen Brown

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3 of the Caribbean´s best Sandals resorts for honeymoons

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the famous Caribbean resort chain founded in 1981 by legendary Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart was instrumental in pioneering the "all-inclusive" concept - paying one (usually very attractive) rate to cover all food and drink as well as many activities and amenities, in addition to just a room. Sandals properties now number 18 on eight islands, and they´re especially popular with (and indeed, marketed to) couples and…

Started by Tripatini

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Martinique, c´est magnifique!

David Stanley One of the four islands of the Antilles Françaises, with around 370,000 inhabitants, Martinique was settled by the French beginning in 1635 and today is an overseas département (meaning an integral part) of France. It’s packed with a vibrant blend of French and West Indian cultures; stunning landscapes, nature, and beaches; rich historical sites; fantastic rum; and a chill, laid back vibe. I visited here around 15 years ago and still remember it fondly and fairly vividly.…

Started by David Paul Appell

1 Reply · Reply by Jordan Simon Oct 15

Wastin´ away again at the Dominican Republic´s Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

Set along a stretch of pure white-sand beach in Cap Cana, an exclusive enclave of the DR´s most popular resort area Punta Cana - and just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport - five-star all-inclusive property Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana., which opened a little over three years ago is one of just eight Cap Cana resorts. On our visit, my husband and I found its “no worries,” tropical vibe spoke to me the moment we pulled up to the hotel entrance adorned with a…

Started by Tripatini

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Tripatini November 9, 2010 at 11:34pm

Now on the Tripatini blog: get the, um, naked truth about Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica.
Tripatini November 1, 2010 at 9:59pm

PLEASE CLICK HERE to help another member with suggestions on the best islands for snorkeling and eco. Thanks much!
David Lawrence October 17, 2010 at 11:34pm

Barbados says they want to improve infrastructure, like water storage and maybe that means roads too. But I was down there a few months ago, on the east coast and not the west coast, where everybody else goes, because I wanted to do some surfing. I had no problem with water or roads or other infrastrusture things. Have you?
Tripatini October 4, 2010 at 11:52pm

OK, technically the Bahamas are not exactly in the Caribbean. Whatever. Tripatini's current Read of the Week is The Bahamas: A Great Destination, by member Chelle Koster Walton.
Tony King September 8, 2010 at 1:16am

Not too many Road Warriors in the Caribbean, I used to be one years ago and it was arguably the cushiest job in the Ford Motor Company ; I don't think anyone in Detroit even knew that the job existed - would have probably been fired instantly.... !! Incidentally, I was never restricted as to the use of US hotels as opposed to non-US. ones.
Anil September 4, 2010 at 8:30am

David,Tony,Patricia,Julie et. al. People do stay in Hyatt,JWM,Hilton when travelling internationally. That is the distinct segment known as road-warriors, business traveller and governmental types who have to use US carriers and US hotels. Discussing the nuances of this group is a topic in itself. The right question should be, what security blanket kind of a purpose do the American chains serve that other hotels might not ? Many frequent flyers who do international travel very often say - A Hyatt/Marriott/Starwood removes anxiety and allows them to focus on their business. Now, a leisure resort or island is another story.
BTW: Not all Caribbean islands have a distinct local cusine. In fact some of the islands import everything from US as nothing of substance grows locally.
David Lawrence September 3, 2010 at 1:08am

Shoutout to Tony for the best solution.
Northeast News September 3, 2010 at 12:11am

"It probably depends on the person" is right. When it comes to travel preferences (and culture, and religion, and politics, and spending power) there are no typical Americans. The marketing and branding pros must be walking on eggshells these days.
Tony King September 2, 2010 at 10:21pm

Best solution, close all the hotels, charter a yacht, call me...!!
Julie September 2, 2010 at 9:52pm

It probably depends on the person. My personal preference is definitely small, independent hotels. But I also enjoy eating local cuisine and experiencing the local culture when I travel. However, I also have friends who prefer American chain hotels even when they travel internationally.

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