There are many romantic holiday destinations to select from in the Eastern Caribbean Islands. There are miles of sandy beaches, secluded romantic spots and lively romantic air in the evenings. Going on your honeymoon or taking a romantic holiday in the Caribbean Islands is an unforgettable experience.

In Antigua, you can take romantic strolls through rain forests; can enjoy relaxing on the beaches, swimming in the sea and paragliding. Antigua has some lovely hotels and villas. Some of the villas are secluded with private swimming pools. There is romance in the air in Antigua.

Barbados is another jewel in the Caribbean with miles of white sand beaches and lovely romantic hotels. You can choose a modern hotel or a converted English Country Club. However, regardless of where you stay, Barbados offers all that a romantic couple desires. Walking along the beach at sunset, followed by an exclusive sumptuous candle light dinner, makes Barbados a place to remember.

A visit to the Bahamas will give an entirely new dimension to your honeymoon or romantic getaway. With over twenty islands to select from and efficient water taxi services, you will just love the Bahamas. The landscape of each of the islands is breathtaking and the Caribbean Sea is inviting. Swimming, snorkeling, and sailing, you can find every water based activity over here. The people are friendly, warm hearted and easy going. Therefore, whether you like to mix with a crowd or be on your own, you are free to choose the type of romantic holiday you want.

In Anguilla, there are three romantic getaway hotels and the beaches there are quite exclusive. The resorts are well equipped to cater to romantic couples. The atmosphere is colonial, and very romantic. Anywhere you go in the Caribbean, the place will meet your requirements. In fact, in most places you will be over whelmed by the hospitality that will be shown to you by the locals. The people understand your right to privacy and respect it too. In fact, they go to great extent to make sure that your privacy is not intruded.

There are so many islands in the East Caribbean that will require volumes to describe. However, all of them are like scattered jewels in the sea, and have a lot to offer to the tourists. Their major industry is tourism and they compete fiercely with each other. The islands are not very far apart and water taxis and ferries are easily available.

The hotels, villas, and other places to stay abound the Caribbean and finding a nice place that fits one’s budget is not difficult. Most tourists come to the Caribbean for a romantic getaway and this is something about which the locals are fully aware. It’s your choice what you want to do on your romantic holiday. One thing is for sure that you will get the desired privacy.

Therefore, if you are planning for a romantic holiday in the Caribbean then you and your partner are going to love the trip to this coastal area of the world. A romantic holiday in the Caribbean can be planned at any time of the year. The weather remains constant and the places remain open.



Thanks to Caribbean Connection for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

All Inclusive Caribbean Getaways

Caribbean islands consist of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. It is located southeast of North America, east of Central America and to the North West of South America. That was the geographical location of the Caribbean islands.

The area of Caribbean Sea consists of over 7000 islands with numerous reefs, and islets. It is mostly located on the Caribbean Plate. What we call West Indies is actually a collection of islands. It consists of Antilles which is itself differentiated into three parts-the Greater Antilles on the north, the Lesser Antilles on the south and the east and the Leeward Antilles. Other islands are the Bahamas to the northeast and Bermuda further north in the Atlantic Ocean.

In geo-political terms, West Indies is the “sub region” of North America and consists of 28 territories. These territories include sovereign states, overseas departments, and dependencies. In the past, it was a county named the Federation of the West Indies with about ten English speaking Caribbean nations.

And when it comes to Caribbean vacation, well there are very few other places in the world that could compete with it. The best thing about Caribbean vacation is that it has something for everyone’s taste. So, if you are a water sport enthusiast or like hiking, swimming or diving or other such water sports, you would find Caribbean islands a never ending joy ride.

It is not for nothing that Caribbean islands are considered paradise on earth for tourists. Actually Caribbean islands offer you a whole lot of choices. Whether you seek fun and adventure or you seek seclusion and privacy, you can find some islands fitting the bill.

For example, take a flight from St. Maarten or take a motor boat from there and get to Cap Juluca. It is truly a fabulous place to visit. Its beautiful white sand beaches and truly picturesque surrounding is enough to bewitch anyone.

And when you get to Caribbean islands, you would be pleasantly surprised with Caribbean hotels here. You would find that all kinds of Caribbean hotels are here. It all depends on your tastes and your budget. So, you can opt for large Moorish villas or five star restaurants. And it is not that you would be living in concrete jungles. When you live in Caribbean hotels, you would be living amidst tropical gardens and lush greenery.

Caribbean villas offer you highly trained professionals taking care of all your needs. You can spend your holidays here with great comfort and extravagance. When you reach Cap Juluca, you would find a lot of leisure services here like a fitness center, a private golf course, aqua golf driving range, bunker and putting green, croquet lawn, a great swimming pool, a tennis court with a full-time resident pro and host of water sports facilities like snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and sailing.

So, pack your bags now and come to this paradise which is the Caribbean islands!



Thanks to James Penn for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

Luxury Caribbean Villa Rentals

When making lists of the world’s most romantic destinations and best sites to enjoy a honeymoon, travel experts always include cities like Paris and Venice. In the last few years, the island of Aruba has found its way onto many of these lists. With luxurious accommodations, gorgeous beaches and an incredible array of activities, it is no wonder that so many newlyweds have fallen in love with this Caribbean destination. The island of Aruba even offers special discount packages through many of the best resorts designed especially for those celebrating their honeymoon. Whether you and your significant other are looking for an exciting party atmosphere or a peaceful romantic getaway, you will find what you are looking for in Aruba.

If you and your significant other are the partying types, Aruba certainly won’t disappoint. Some of Aruba’s best resorts feature live entertainment and casinos, while local dance clubs keep the fun going throughout the night. In Oranjestad, Aruba’s cosmopolitan capital, bars generally don’t start filling up until 10 or 11 pm, but remain open until 2 am. Afterwards, the excitement in Aruba’s dance clubs peaks around 2 am with some establishments remaining open until the early morning. When couples combine a night in the clubs with a live stage show, a ride on one of the tour buses that run throughout the night and a few games at one of the 24-hour casinos, the result is the perfect way to start an exciting honeymoon in Aruba.

When the time comes to relax with your partner, Aruba offers plenty of great activities for the vacationing couple. Even if you don’t have partying on your mind, you can sip cocktails and enjoy live jazz every night of the week in Aruba. Afterwards, enjoy a candlelit dinner aboard one of the island’s many dinner cruises or simply watch the sunset from a world-class restaurant overlooking Palm Beach and the Caribbean Sea. You can then end your romantic evening with a moonlight stroll down one of the many beaches.

As the beaches are the most popular attraction in Aruba, vacationing couples won’t want to miss what Aruba has to offer. Many of the best resorts in Aruba are located within a short walk of Palm Beach, one of the most famous stretches of sand in the Caribbean. The sand on Palm Beach is groomed daily, while the calm, warm water is perfect for swimming and active water sports. Those in search of a romantic setting should also visit a pair of beaches just south of Palm Beach. Lying just beyond a rocky outcropping is Eagle Beach, a piece of sand that promises plenty of space to relax in the sun. Continuing south, Manchebo Beach has become a favorite of vacationing romantics. As Manchebo Beach boasts the widest plot of sugary sand on the island and motorized water sports are prohibited, this lovely beach has maintained an atmosphere of exotic seclusion.

Shopping is also a popular activity for every couple celebrating their honeymoon in Aruba. The boutiques and shopping malls in Oranjestad sell everything from designer clothing and jewelry to distinctive Caribbean souvenirs and locally produced artwork. Along the harbor in downtown Oranjestad, you will find all types of shops and restaurants set amongst historic Dutch architecture and unbeatable scenery. At night, the narrow streets of the capital city are romantically illuminated in neon, as the bars and clubs open their doors to after-hours shoppers.

As if the promise of exotic surroundings and exciting activities wasn’t enough to lure adventurous couples, Aruba has developed a special travel package for happy honeymooners. Known as ‘One Cool Honeymoon,’ the program offers couples a number of romantic perks and plenty of exclusive discounts. Supported by most of Aruba’s best hotels and resorts, this special package usually includes a complementary bottle of champagne, lucrative discounts within the resorts and discounts throughout the island on everything from spa packages to guided tours. When making reservations in Aruba, newlyweds simply need to mention the offer and inquire about what type of documentation might be required when checking in under the ‘One Cool Honeymoon’ program.

If you and your partner are in search of the right destination for your honeymoon, look no further than Aruba. With perfect weather and plenty of activities to keep the romance going, you may just make a tradition of visiting this Caribbean paradise.



Thanks to Justin Burch for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

How to Make Money Online

In the past they were called “The Islands That Time Forgot.” However, as one of the “hotspots” in the Caribbean, the Cayman islands are now remembered for  being clean, relatively crime-free, prosperous, politically-stable and absolutely charming! The Caymanian people are also genuinely warm and welcoming.

Located just 480 miles due south of Miami, this island trio comprises Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – each with a beauty and personality of its own. These islands are British colonies and as such are English-speaking.

Of the three, Grand Cayman is the largest and most populated island and is the fifth largest financial center in the world. They are the registered home to more than 500 banks and are the world’s second largest domicile (after Bermuda) for captive insurance companies. Not surprisingly, Caymanians enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach is incontestably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The warm cobalt waters of the Caribbean Sea are perfect for snorkeling, diving, fishing and other water sports. They are also well known for duty-free shopping, golf – and, most of all, relaxation! As one can expect from such a charming island, the average year-round temperature in this tropical paradise is 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although it’s reasonable for not wanting to leave the warm sandy beaches, you really should explore Cayman’s rich past by visiting the Cayman Islands National Museum, Fort St. James as well as attractions such as the Cayman Turtle Farm and Hell. Or better yet, go shopping! There are great duty-free prices to be found on such items as jewelry, cameras, and perfumes, among others.

  

Dining and Cuisine

With well over 150 places to eat, the choice of restaurants, fast-food outlets and small snack bars offers visitors a selection ranging from elegant fine dining to budget fast food and take out.

Traditional Caymanian cuisine has been enlivened by a strong Jamaican influence of jerk, curry and other exciting seasonings. Our traditional dishes feature conch, lobster and other local seafood, cooked in a variety of ways. Local dishes are often complimented by coconut, plantain, breadfruit, yams, cassava, rice and peas and other West Indian side dishes.

Additionally, you’ll find plenty of recognizable fast-food chains, like Pizza Hut, Dominos, Subway, Burger King, Wendy’s and KFC.

Accommodations in Cayman

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to finding accommodation in the Cayman Islands. A wide range of hotels, condos, villas, and cottages are there to choose from.

Rates in the Cayman Islands will vary depending on whether you intend to stay in Cayman during the high or low season. The high season in Cayman begins mid December and usually runs through until mid April. During this period you should expect to pay about up to 50% more for a room in the Cayman Islands.

  

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Cayman Islands offer an enjoyable variety of nightlife and entertainment. Bars, clubs and dance halls must close by 3:00am on weekdays and midnight on Saturdays. There are no nightclubs open on Sunday.

Offerings include:

Night Life: The Next Level, The Matrix, and Chameleon are just a few of the many lively nightclubs in Grand Cayman.

Local Flavour: Top local bands appear regularly at most nightclubs and major hotels. Popular local bands include Coco Red, Exit, 45 C.I., Lammie, Heat, Gone Country, Hi-Tide, and Mainstream.

On the Water: There is a wide variety of sunset and dinner cruises offered by local water sports operators.

On Cayman Brac: There are occasional weekend dances where local bands perform.

  

Getting Married

Visitors to the Cayman Islands can get married the same day they arrive. This includes passengers arriving on cruise ships, who may be legally married during their day in port in Grand Cayman.

A special license will be granted by the Governor for non-resident couples. The application for this license can be obtained from:

Chief Secretary’s Office,

4th Floor, Government Administration Building

George Town, Grand Cayman

Phone: (345) 244-2403

The fee for this license is CI$150 plus a CI$10 stamp duty (CI$160 or US$200 total). It is possible to obtain the special license on the day of the marriage, however, visitors are advised to make arrangements in advance to expedite paperwork and all required details.

Couples must arrange for a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer before applying for the license. A list of officers is available from the Chief Secretary’s office and can be sent in advance of arrival.

Other requirements include proper documentation proving:

i) citizenship and age (passport or birth certificate)

ii) marital status (proof of legal divorce decree or death certificate if spouse has died, if applicable)

iii) Immigration card showing legal entry into the Cayman Islands (you will receive this card as you clear immigration at the airport), or

iv) Documentation proving visitor is a passenger on a cruise ship. The minimum legal age for getting married without parental consent is 18.

A brochure, ‘Getting Married in the Cayman Islands’, containing complete guidelines and information is available from:

Government Information Services

Cricket Square, Grand Cayman.

British West Indies

Phone: (345) 949-8092

Fax: (345) 949-5936.



Thanks to Sylvia for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

How to Make Money Online

Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.

With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.

Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.

But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.

There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.

Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.

The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.

Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.

If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.

The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.

Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.

The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.

You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.

By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.

For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.

The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.



Thanks to Paul Hata for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

Villas For Rent In The Caribbean