Define paradise? In a word, “Caribbean”, let’s take a peek in the travelers’ dictionary:
St. John’s, Antigua-As far as we know, no one has ever published one of those swimsuit calendars here, but they should– there are 365 beaches at Antigua, one for every day of the year. The island’s “English Harbor” is so named because the fleet made its home port there in the 17th and 18th centuries; Lord Nelson commanded a young ship’s captain, William, who later became King of England. And now you know part of the history behind the present Prince Williams’s name.
Bridgetown, Barbados-Fried flying fish and a Caribbean brew set just the right tone for lunch in port and fortify you for some of the best island shopping, local color, strolling and low-key sightseeing in this entire Sea. Both the island and its residents, “Bajans,” are perennially popular with visitors.
Willemstad, Curacao- We all know Martha Stewart invented house paint pastels; otherwise we’d swear they come from Curacao. This Dutch treat island spoils you in chocolate, orange-flavored liquor, duty-free shops and plenty of pleasant walks along pastel-lined streets. The city is marked by a pontoon bridge that swings aside to let your ship into town…you really feel like you’ve arrived.
Key West, Florida-Yes, it is in the Caribbean, which is why Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet went to so much trouble to relocate there. When was the last time you rented a bike for a couple of hours? This is the place to do it. Hang out in a local spot–any local spot– for drinks and to get a load of atmosphere at no extra charge. No one would blame you for forgetting to return home….ever again.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman-Remember Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman a few years back in the film, The Firm? Their escapade took them to a condo in paradise from which money was laundered and other such pesky chores were performed. They were so busy with derring-do that they hardly noticed Grand Cayman’s vast and breathtaking Seven Mile Beach, just outside the door. You’ll be guilty of no such malfeasance. Snorkel with the stingrays, dive the coral reefs or take turns snapping photos of each other in front of the six zillion international banks that keep small branches leaded with numbered accounts for people like…oops, mum’s the word in the Cayman banking business.
St. George’s, Grenada-When you come into Grenada harbor– it’s a genuine spice island– you’ll be overcome by the scent of the place. It’s olfactory heaven, utterly captivating and, having sniffed a whiff of this aromatic ambrosia, you’ll be a little bit spoiled for anywhere else…but delightfully so.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica-Dunn’s River Falls are responsible for more vacation snapshots than anything else in Jamaica. At least that’s our opinion. Certainly you’ll want to climb up its smooth boulders for a perfect photo of yourself. Attire for this pose is nothing more than swim togs, so do practice holding your stomach in. Red Stripe is your brew here.
San Juan, Puerto Rico- This big American island is back in vogue, with a new Ritz-Carlton and some other fancy places cropping up along the ocean’s edge. By day, head for Old Town, the best sightseeing in the city of San Juan. Beach-goers will like the island’s sandy shores, which are often fairly quiet and nicely sprinkled with palm trees for just the right amount of shade. The Bacardi Rum factory is here and yes, they do give daily tours.
St. Maarten/St. Martin-One island, two names. Why? Not split personality, but split nationality. The Dutch operate one half of this large island, while the other side is a Department of France. Chocolate on one side; perfume on the other. You can get from one side to the other with little trouble. Where the practical Dutch tempt you with casinos, the fun-loving French tease you with clothing-optional beaches.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands-This is the duty-free mecca of the Caribbean. Expect crowds in all the shops because you’ll surely find them there. Yet, strangely, the crush of interest makes one’s shopping even more exciting– sort of like a competitive event. Swimming and golf make up other island attractions, and there’s a quick ferry over to luscious St. John, which is everyone’s idea of a perfect day at a perfect beach. It’s where the Rockefeller family used to vacation before…well, before all the rest of us started taking the ferry over.
Oh you say we forgot to mention the one your definition of “Paradise” that’s ok we certainly couldn’t include them all, isn’t it time you revisited paradise or had your first encounter. Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll take care of the rest 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.
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