Caribbean
After years of traveling to the dual nationality island of St Maarten/St Martin for a yearly respite from our hectic lives and after years of paying quite a bit of money on hotels, we finally bought a villa in the French Lowlands. For years we would fantasize about what life must be like “on the other side of the wall.” Now we know. It’s divine. For the past seven years, we’ve been “locals” building friendships with the native St. Maartners/St. Martiners and expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium. It is a most interesting life.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I've fantasized about throwing in the towel and moving to a tropical island. You know, one of those picture-perfect beaches spread across the travel magazines, comprised of two parts sugary sand, one part bright blue sea, and 100% get-your-groove-back.
Saba: Unspoiled Caribbean Hideaway
After years spent admiring the Saba’s mystic, cloud-covered mountain from afar, I thought it was time to visit this tiny island. I knew little about it, except for what I had read in some of St Maarten/St Martin’s tourist guides—the island was known for eco-tourism, offered great dive sites, had just a few scattered hotels and restaurants, was sparsely populated, and was the ultimate volcanic mountain, with only the peak and the crater visible above the sea.
Do you Know the Way to San José?
San José is not always on the receiving end of favorable mentions in travel reviews, and maybe this is due to the fact that, with so much to see, when reviewers really start gushing about their recent Costa Rican adventures—the beautiful coasts, enchanting cloud forests, extensive wildlife and lush, tropical climate—there just aren’t any superlatives left to pour over the sprawling city of San José. The fact of the matter is, when you visit Costa Rica, you’ve got to know what you’re after. If, let’s just say, you are traveling to have your wedding or to take a honeymoon, you might opt to avoid the hustle and bustle of San José altogether. On the other hand, if your goal trip is to see Costa Rica in its entirety, spend a night or two at the very least in San José and, if you feel inspired to do so, go wild! Even more so now that a great national emphasis has been placed on revamping Costa Rica’s largest city, San José perfects a national balancing act. If you’re the sort who loves to come off of a quiet few days of seaside contemplation with a couple of rum and Cokes and a fast night of Latin dancing (or, alternately, if you like to start off your beach retreat with a jolt), San José offers the respite you crave.
Go West
A vacation in Negril, Jamaica can be a life-changing experience. This westernmost island community blessed by nature is lush, and full of unexpected pleasures that are right in front of your nose. Staying tucked inside an all inclusive resort 24/7 with your every wish granted isn’t exactly adventurous in the idyllic, natural setting. The Jamaican people are the heart of this tropical paradise, and are genuinely interested in making certain you experience the best of their country. It’s safe to explore pleasing all the senses so try not to be shy.The real soul of Negril lies outside the compound, on the impossibly beautiful 7 mile white sand beach, the road to town (Norman Manley Blvd.), and past the roundabout that leads to Sav (Savannah la Mar, Negril’s nearest big neighbor of a town). It’s here where you’ll find the true Jamaican spirit.
Sister Islands
The West Indies’ secret islands are filled with hidden wonders.
Where Culture Meets Relaxation
