Which Islands are the most easily accessible (e.g. non-stop flights)?

Of course, this depends where you are departing from. However some of the islands most accessible from major U.S. cities include Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda, Aruba Puerto Rico and St. Thomas (though there are fewer non-stop flight here than some of the others).  Many of the other islands can be reached with one connection, often through Miami or San Juan. 

I hear there are some great festivals in the Caribbean. What are some of the best?

Aruba and Jost Van Dyke (British Virgin Islands) are both known for their New Year’s Eve celebrations. Trinidad and Tobago has one of the best Carnivale celebrations in the world. St. Lucia’s Jazz festival in May and Montego Bay’s Reggae Sumfest in July attract music fans from all over. 

What are the best islands to visit for ….?

• Sailing: The Virgin Islands (U.S and British)
• Fishing:  Puerto Rico
• Golfing: There are a wide variety of options, though Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas are among the most popular. 
• Hiking: Again, there are many opportunities. St. John, Guadaloupe and Puerto Rico are among the top. Parks in Dominican Repuclic and Jamaica are also known for their hikes. 
• Water sports: really, anywhere. St. Thomas, Barbados, Antigua and Aruba are especially good bets

What are some of the resorts you’d suggest? 

I tailor my suggestions to each client’s interests and needs. Based on personal experience and that of happy clients, here are a few (note: I’m including the Caribbean side of Mexico in this list): 

1. Palace La Blanc in Cancun – Adult only 
2. Cozumel Palace 
3. The Sandals properties in Jamaica or St. Lucia – Adult only
4. Beaches Jamaica or Turks and Caicos – great for families, kid-friendly
5. Dreams Punta Cana
6. Riu Palace Macao Punta Cana
7. Atlantis – Bahamas
8. The Reefs – Bermuda
9. Grand Case Beach – St. Martin/San Marteen

*Note, there are plenty of wonderful resorts in the Caribbean. These are from personal and client experience only. 

This week’s post will be focused on a reader’s question a week or so ago. He stated that he he’s heard great things about the Caribbean, but doesn’t really know what each island offers. As a honeymoon planner who books a lot of trips to the Caribbean, I can assure you that this reader is not alone in his uncertainty. Below are a few guestions to help you start to narrow down your search. Make sure to check back later in the week for the next blog in this series. 

I want an all inclusive, where should I go?

Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, and Mexico are known for their all-inclusives. St. Thomas, St. Martin, Aruba, Antigua, Anguila, Turks and Caicos and several others also offer a few all-inclusive options.

What’s the best destination for scuba and snorkeling?

Bonaire, the Cayman Islands and Cozumel on Mexico’s Caribbean cost are among some of the top dive spots in the world, though you can find opportunities for diving and snorkeling virtually everywhere in the Caribbean. 

We’d like something quieter, less touristy. What are the best options?

The best bet is to avoid those islands that are major cruise stops. For something more out of the way, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Anguilla, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Bart’s, St. Kitts and Nevis and Martinique are all good options. 

Which Islands have the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping?

Aruba is known for all three. St. Thomas is also known for it’s shopping (especially jewelry and electronics) and also has some good restaurants and shops. Many of the resorts, on each of the islands offer restaurant and shopping right on site. 

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