Discover Puerto Rico...

Welcome to Puerto Rico, the “Island of Enchantment”. Its culture is a unique mix of Spanish, Amerindian, African, and North American influences, which makes for a rich cultural and entertainment scene. Viva la Vida Loca!

HISTORY

The Taíno Indians, Puerto Rico’s first residents, knew the island as Boriken, “the great land of the valiant and noble Lord”. Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico in 1493 and named the island San Juan de Bautista. In 1508 his lieutenant Juan Ponce de Leon took control of the island and became the first governor. The Taínos were enslaved and forced to toil in the mines in harsh conditions. Exhaustion, brutal treatments, and disease took a heavy toll on the indigenous population, which was reduced from 30 000 souls in 1493 to 4000 by 1514.

When the mines ran out, the Spanish switched to agriculture, and African slaves were soon imported to work on the fields. In 1521, Ponce de Leon laid the foundations of the capital city of San Juan, one of the very first towns built in the Americas. Throughout the colonial period, the Dutch, the French, and the British made multiple attempts to take control of Puerto Rico, but were ultimately unsuccessful, and thus the island remained a Spanish possession until the Spanish-American war in 1898. Having been defeated, the Spanish gave up their claim on Puerto Rico, and the island became a U.S. territory.

Since 1917, Puerto Rico’s inhabitants have American citizenship, but the constitution adopted in 1952 gives them a certain level of autonomy. In the 1950s, major projects aimed at economic growth and reducing poverty led to a spectacular development of the island, which is now home to a number of activities, such as trade, finance, tourism, and communications. Despite American influence, Puerto Rico retains a decidedly Latin flavor, with a thriving music scene, historic sites from the colonial period, and Spanish-style festivals. Partygoers will definitely love San Juan’s nightlife options.

Puerto Rico is an archipelago that includes the largest island of Puerto Rico and a series of smaller islands – Mona, Culebra, Vieques, Desecheo, and Caja de Muertos. Of Puerto Rico’s 4 million inhabitants, the vast majority are of European ancestry, including Spanish, Irish, French, Scottish, German, Italian, and Corsican. Spanish and English are the official languages, but we strongly suggest you learn some Spanish if you’re planning to travel beyond San Juan.

ACTIVITIES

Puerto Rico has plenty of outdoor activities to keep visitors busy. You can surf along the west coast, explore the caves in the north, or hike through the forest reserves.

Other sports activities include tennis, golf, fishing, and diving.

If you’re looking for beaches, Puerto Rico won’t disappoint you. Vieques and Culebra have some of the best stretches of sand on the archipelago.

If you’re interested in history, take some time explore the historical buildings of Old San Juan. Puerto Rico’s lively capital has good eateries, excellent shopping opportunities, and a thriving nightlife.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our other discovery articles, such as Discover Guadeloupe.

Tiamo Resort

Here are our choices for top 10 resorts in the Bahamas.

1) Atlantis Resort

The world famous Atlantis Resort, known for one of the best water parks in the world. Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, a sprawling 141-acre water park that is free for all guests to enjoy. If water parks aren’t your thing, perhaps the live shows featuring celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Katy Perry will entice you. This is truly a world class resort.

2) Tiamo Resort

A far cry from the boisterous atmosphere of the Atlantis Resort, the Tiamo Resort boasts intimacy and serenity. Relax on a quiet beach in a hammock and just watch the waves roll in. This resort is perfect for weddings due to its committment to privacy.

3) Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Located right in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, you’re unlikely to find a better location for shopping, siteseeing, or as a launching point to adventures around the island. If you ever get bored of that, retire back to the resort for some quiet time around the pool or at the beach.

4) Nassau Palm Hotel

Overlooking Nassau Harbor, this popular resort has it all. Nearby attractions such as West Bay Street, and the famous Junjanoo Beach, the Nassau Straw Market, and a few minutes walk from the downtown core of Nassau.

5) Kamalame Cay

The perfect spot to fan the flames of romance, Kamalame Cay is a secluded little all-inclusive resort located on Andros Island’s. Explore Rat Cay Blue Hole or go snorkeling in the enormous barrier reef nearby.

6) Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach

For a nice getaway, try the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach resort. Surrounded by protected parklands and lush tropical rainforest, this resort is a little gem tucked away in the Bahamas.

7) Hotel Riu Paradise Island

This is the ultimate all inclusive Bahamas resort, conveniently located right next to the Atlantis Hotel. This resort boasts one of the largest leisure centres in the Caribbean, and has over 3 miles of perfect beach at its’ disposal.

8) One&Only Ocean Club

Located on Hogg Island, the One&Only Ocean Club attracts the elite from around the world. Come here for the sunshine, warmth, and great food. Make sure to try out their spa, voted one of the best in the Caribbean.

9) Grand Isle Resort & Spa

This luxurious resort is the definition of luxury and decadence. Located on Great Exuma Island on Emerald Bay, this resort boasts spectacular ocean front villas, beautiful beaches, and fantastic greens for avid golfers.

10) Musha Cay Resort

One of the most exclusive and secluded spots in the Caribbean, Musha Cay Resort is an unforgettable vacation for you and a few guests. This resort is so exclusive, only 24 guests (invited by you) may enjoy it’s 700 acres of breathtaking beauty at once.

If you enjoyed this post, check out Top 10 Resorts in the Caribbean.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

The island’s first occupants were the peaceful Arawak Indians, but by the time the first Europeans arrived they had already been wiped out by the Carib Indians. Christopher Columbus spotted Grenada in 1498 and dubbed it Concepcion, but never actually landed here. Spanish sailors later changed the name of the island to Granada, which refers to the city in the verdant hills of Andalusia. The French changed the spelling to Grenade and successfully colonized the island in 1650, but were met with fierce resistance by the Caribs. The natives clashed with the French in a series of desperate battles, but were eventually defeated in 1651. The remaining Caribs avoided capture by plunging to their deaths off a cliff, known today as the “Leaper’s Hill”, in the northern edge of Grenada.

Though the Indians had been eradicated, the French’s troubles were not over, and in 1762, the British conquered the island, ending a century of French rule. France formally gave up its claim on the island in 1783, and Grenada became home to slave-based sugar plantations. Tensions between landowners and their slaves escalated quickly, and in 1795, Grenada’s African slaves staged a major rebellion against their British masters. Although the revolt was eventually subdued, growing slave unrest and pressure from Britain’s abolitionists led to the ban of slavery in 1834.

In 1974, after more than two centuries of British rule, Grenada was granted full independence, and Sir Eric Gairy became prime minister. In 1979, the New Jewel Movement, a Marxist-Leninist political party led by Maurice Bishop organized a putsch to overthrow Gairy and set up a socialist state in Grenada. Bishop became the new prime minister, but internal disputes led his demise in 1983. Bishop was arrested and killed at Ft. George with seven of his followers by members of the New Jewel Movement who had turned on him.

After Bishop’s murder, Hudson Austin dissolved the previous administration and established a military regime, before decreeing four days of complete curfew. The Governor General of Grenada and the Eastern Caribbean States asked the U.S. to step in and on October 25th 1983, American troops invaded the island and removed the military government from power. A new administration was appointed by the governor and in December 1984, Grenadians voted for their next leader. Herbert Blaize, from the New National Party, emerged as the victor and became the new prime minister.

Since the return of democracy, the only events that have shaken Grenada’s stability are the hurricanes, such as the devastating Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The island has become an increasingly popular spot for tourists looking for lush tropical settings. Visitors also like sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which are quieter than bustling Grenada. Most hotels and restaurants are family-run and offer top-notch services. Ft. George and Ft. Frederick, built during the 18th century by the French to defend the capital’s harbor, attract a large number of visitors each year. Grenada’s capital St. George’s, its harbor, and the faraway mountains and countryside are visible from the locations of these two historic forts.

The central part of this small island is a mountainous landscape covered by luxuriant jungles and is home to a rich flora and fauna. Grenada is famous for its spices, including mace, cinnamon, tonka beans, nutmeg, and cocoa. Most Grenadians are of African descent, but there is also a sizable population of East Indian, French and British ancestry. English is the official language, but locals communicate among themselves in Grenadian Creole.

SIGHTS

Grenada

Leapers Hill (or Carib’s Leap), on the north of Grenada, is the 100-foot ravine where the defeated Caribs leaped to their deaths in 1651 to escape capture by the French. At the tourist center, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to this tragic episode.

Concord Falls consists of a series of three dramatic waterfalls in a forest sanctuary. The 65-foot high Fontainebleau Falls, with large boulders forming a fresh water basin at its foot, is truly breathtaking.

Set in a lush tropical environment, Annandale Falls streams down 50 foot into a basin encircled by lianas and elephant ears. A perfect setting for swimming and picnicking.

Grand Étang National Park is a natural preserve in Grenada’s craggy interior. Home to a great variety of birds, the park features an extensive network of natural trails, observation posts, and a 36-acre crater lake encircled by luxuriant mountain forests. You can learn more about the local fauna and flora at the Grand Étang Forest Center.

At the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Cooperative, you can learn how Grenada’s legendary nutmeg is processed. Before Hurricane Ivan swept onto the island, this 3-floor facility in the heart of the fishing town of Gouyave was producing 3 million pounds of nutmeg annually. Taking a tour to Grenville Cooperative Nutmeg Association is also strongly suggested.

The Levera National Park was founded in 1994 and covers 445 acres. Turtles come to the park’s white-sand beaches from May to September to lay their eggs, and away from the shore, a rich marine wildlife is thriving among the coral reefs and sea grass beds. The vast mangrove swamp shelters an impressive variety of birds, such as herons, black-necked stilts, and rare parrots.

In the capital St. George’s, the Grenada National Museum houses items on Grenada’s history, including a bathtub used by Empress Joséphine when she was a teenager. The museum is housed in a former French military barracks and prison.

Constructed in the early 1700s by the French to defend St. George’s Harbour from attackers, Fort George, formerly known as Fort Royal, offers a superb vista of the city and its harbor. Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was shot to death within these walls.

You can enjoy a magnificent view of the island from the site of Fort Frederick, though the fort was damaged during the U.S. military intervention in 1983. Construction was initiated by the French in 1779, but was finalised by the English in 1791.

Carriacou

This craggy, relatively dry island is notorious for its boat building expertise. Notable sights in Carriacou include scenic Belair, historical Carriacou Museum, picture-perfect Tyrrel Bay, and the boat-building village of Windward.

Petite Martinique

Petite Martinique is not quite as busy as its larger sister Grenada, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. You can relax at the beach, observe the boat builders making a living, or watch the many events held on this diminutive islands, including sailboat races, wedding ceremonies and cultural festivals.

BEACHES

Grenada is blessed with 80 miles of seashore and 45 stretches of sugary-white sand. In the southwest coast, Grand Anse Beach, with its gentle waters and beautiful white sand, is definitely the island’s best beach. Another good beach is the quiet La Sagesse Beach, in the southeast shore. On the northern coast, Bathway Beach is the perfect spot for swimmers. You’ll find good beaches in Carriacou too, including Paradise Beach and Sandy Island.

ACTIVITIES

Many tourists come to Grenada for its excellent beaches, especially Grand Anse beach. Sister island Carriacou’s beaches are good too.

You’ll find great shopping opportunities and a few historical sights at St. George’s, Grenada’s capital. Check out the beautiful harbor.

Taking a tour to a spice plantation and a nutmeg production facility is an experience not to be missed. You can also hike up the verdant mountains in the center of the island.

Water sports include deep-sea fishing, sailing, diving, and snorkelling.

Take some time to explore the island’s beautiful landscape.

For more information about Grenada and other Caribbean islands, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

Few islands in the Caribbean can claim to have near perfect weather like Aruba can, with an average temperature of 82 degrees fahrenheit and less than 20 inches of annual rainfall, you’re virtually guaranteed to have a good vacation without fear of rainy days. Despite the near constant sunshine, many people remark that the constant trade winds that blow across the island provide natural cooling, helping tourists from getting that overheated feeling.

These cooling trade winds also make the area the ideal place for watersports. Aruba is very popular for people looking to try a bit of sailing, and windsurifing. If you’re not interested in watersports though, the beaches are calm and relaxed, especially on the western side of the island. On the western coastline, you’ll find the waters are extremely calm, with no undercurrents or steep dropoffs making it very safe for just lounging around.

Once you visit this picture perfect little island, you’ll be hooked. There’s a good reason that Aruba has the highest visitor repeat of any island in the Caribbean, because it’s just that good.

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For more information about Aruba and other Caribbean islands, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

The Caribs knew this emerald paradise as “Karukera”, the “island with beautiful waters.” Christopher Columbus spotted Guadeloupe in 1493 and called it Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Extremadura. France took control of the island in 1674, exterminating the Caribs in the process, and renamed it Guadeloupe. The English tried to seize Guadeloupe multiple times, but it ultimately remained a French possession.

Slaves were imported from Africa to work the sugar plantations, and the island flourished. During the French Revolution, Victor Hugues was sent to Guadeloupe to remove Royalist planters and their British allies. The island was recaptured, hundreds of Royalists were beheaded, and slavery was abolished. When the U.S. accused Hugues of attacking their ships, Napoleon dispatched a general to stop him and restore slavery.

A political campaign conducted by French abolitionist Victor Schoelder led to the ban of slavery in 1848, and slave laborers were replaced with indentured servants from India. The island was designated a département d’outremer, an overseas territory, in 1946, and remains a French dependency today. This status has improved the standard of living of Guadeloupe’s inhabitants, but social inequalities remain deep.

Guadeloupe consists of two main islands, Grande Terre and Basse Terre, which resemble a butterfly, and three smaller islands, La Désirade, les Saintes, and Marie-Galante. Most of Guadeloupe’s 440 000 inhabitants are of African descent, but there is also a significant population of French ancestry, the békés. They are the descendants of the island’s slave masters and control much of the economy, causing significant tensions with the poorer Black majority. Because English is not widely spoken beyond the tourist areas, we strongly suggest you learn some French before heading to Guadeloupe. You will also hear locals speaking to each other in Creole.

ACTIVITIES

Guadeloupe’s beaches are decent, but are not the island’s biggest draw. You can find good stretches of white sand along Grande-Terre’s southern shore.

While the beaches are not that great, diving in the peaceful waters of La Réserve Cousteau is an exceptional experience not to be missed.

There are a variety of water sports as well, such as fishing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.

There are plenty of land-based activities to keep you busy, such as biking, golfing, and horseback riding. Hikers will enjoy the startling beauty of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe.

Visitors should try Guadeloupe’s excellent Creole cuisine. Partygoers will enjoy the rich nightlife.

You can also shop for some fine French merchandise.

Those who simply want to relax should head to the more laid-back islands of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade.

For more information, visit www.cheap-all-inclusive-caribbean-vacation.com.

Ahh the Caribbean… Hours of joy tanning under a hot and warm sun, drinking a pina colada. The Caribbean is well known for its great weather, its wild life, dense forests and spectacular beaches and coral reefs. While you can choose your destination and or resort, you cannot choose your weather. And throughout your stay, between days or warmth and sunshine, you may encounter some more grayish day, even rainy days. But a few days of rain (which by the way rarely happen without some periods of sunshine in between) should not put a stop at positive vacation spirit. There are plenty to do around the resort. Here are some tips on how to spend a rainy day in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico being the exception, most Caribbean islands or countries don’t have the big shopping mall we are used to at home. And anyway, if you wanted to spend a day at the mall, wouldn’t you just do it at home?

A day at the spa
Try the spa! Treat yourself to amazing massages, therapeutic bathes, and an incredibly relax atmosphere. The spa will sure invigorate your skin and spirit from those days of sun tanning, drinking and partying. After a day at the spa, you will be more than ever ready to brave the sun of the Caribbean!

Walk to the nearby market
You will find many markets where you can find souvenirs at a fraction of the resort price. It may sound strange, but going to the market on a rainy day is best. Those markets are often located 1 or 2 miles away from the resort. And while it may not look like that much of a long walk, trust me, under the hot sun of the Caribbean, you increase your chances of getting bad sunburns. This is why the walk to the markets is like a breeze and much more enjoyable on a cloudy or rainy day.

Museums
Why not make those rainy days an educational day? Bring more than memories from the Caribbean, bring some local knowledge! Example of great museum : the Bob Marley Museum, obviously in Jamaica, the Museo Fundación Ron Havana Club in Cuba, which explain the process of making rum, or simply the Plaza de la Cultura, a historical plaza full of museums in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

A few days of rain and clouds should not ruin your holidays. There are so much to do in the Caribbean. And remember why you went there for, to relax and forget about the stress of everyday’s life. So smile and enjoy the rainy days!

You’ve decided to go with you dream wedding in the Caribbean? Because Caribbean weddings are so different from traditional weddings, read the following to give you an idea on what to expect for a destination wedding in the Caribbean.

First, you can even make that wedding even more special by adding another component to the wedding. Indeed, in the Caribbean, the sky is the limit… and even then. Want to get married at the beach, in an all-inclusive resort or under the water? The choice is yours.

Then, there are a panoply of islands to choose from for your Caribbean wedding. The Caribbean is located in the Caribbean sea and comprises many islands as well as the east coast of Mexico. Some of the most popular islands are Barbados, British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and much more!

Before the big yes, just like in a traditional wedding, there a few legal requirements you will need to look into.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal legal document to fill up for all the Caribbean countries and islands. Every islands have their own specific requirements regarding weddings. Because those requirements can change from year to year, it is best to check on the tourist board of the chosen Caribbean island or country. And like any other weddings, there are some administrative fees you will need to pay in order to make your wedding official. Legals requirements or documents can consist in the two parties to be resident of the island or country for at least 1 to 7 days (depending on the Caribbean island) before tying the knot, to be at least 18 years of age on the day of the wedding unless parental consent and some legal documents such as a valid passport and a birth certificate.

Planning the Caribbean Wedding

You can plan your Caribbean wedding by yourself, but the easiest way is simply to ask your travel agent about Caribbean wedding packages. Your travel agent can help you in choosing the right package for your budget.

If you are intending on planning the whole wedding by yourself, you can do a quick internet search to compare prices locations. Things you will need to look into: your location and accommodation, the flights, a bouquet, a wedding officiant and a photographer.

Caribbean Wedding Ideas

The most popular weddings in the Caribbean are by the beach. And this is not surprising. Imagine the romantic sound of the sea and the fragrant smell of the local flowers while you are saying yes to him, or to her. But not everybody wants the romantic beach wedding. If you are one of them, there are many other possibilities. A private yacht wedding is always spectacular. You will get some of the most spectacular pictures as your yacht sails off at sunset. If you like privacy, try a private island. Away from the stress of the world, experience an impressive wedding experience. Another interesting popular way to getting married in the Caribbean is to get married under the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean with a unique wedding bouquet. Simply an amazing way to tie to knot and memorable pictures and memories to bring home.

Is the deep blue sky, the perfect white sand and the turquoise crystal clear water of the Caribbean your ideal wedding? Caribbean wedding are much more affordable than many people think and so much fun. So what are you waiting for? Book your Caribbean wedding today.

For more information about destination weddings, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Iberostar Grand Bávaro Hotel

You may have heard of this magnificent Dominican Republic resort, as its commonly voted one of the best in the Punta Cana region. This luxury adults-only resort promises to pamper you from the moment you walk through the door, with its beautiful grounds, 24 hour butler on call, and immaculate services.

Accomodations:

The hotel has 274 rooms broken up into 260 suites, 13 ocean front grande suites, and 1 very posh presidential suite.

Overall, you won’t be disappointed with any of the guest suites, as the hotel strives to make your room feel like home away from home. Each suite is assigned a housekeeper who will diligently keep your room clean every day, and stock it with a wide variety of ammenities. We found the rooms very well decorated, with a simple but elegant decor. Each room also comes with a pillow menu, allowing you to choose the perfect pillow for your preferred sleeping habits.

Unfortunately, the rooms don’t come with internet access, you’ll have to use the business center to check your email.

Dining:

The resort boasts a wide variety of luxury restaurants that will satisfy your every gastronomical craving. With 4 à la carte restaurants, an international buffet, and a beachfront restaurant, your hardest decision will be to choose where you want to eat today. The variety of foods served is equally impressive, with cuisines ranging from Japan to North America being skillfully prepared and served with your choice of wines.

Entertainment:

During the evening, most resorts provide some sort of live entertainment such as music, comedies, dancing, etc… The evening entertainment at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro exceeded our every expectation. The interesting thing about the live shows at the Iberostar is that they have an old ship on the resort grounds, that has bars, a dance floor, and a stage for live shows. It’s quite the experience.

Pools/Beach:

The hotel has 2 pools for guests, the lake pool for casual swimming and relaxation, and a second pool for activities such as aerobics, and water sports.

If you’re looking for a nice, relaxation pool you’ll be very satisfied with the lake pool at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro. This large pool also features a swim-up bar for guests to enjoy a refreshing drink during the day. The pool is located right beside the beach if you want to take a quick dip in the ocean.

The beach is everything you’d expect from a resort in the Dominican Republic, with picturesque views, soft white sand, and sparkling blue water. Lounge on the beach in one of their shaded beds and just let the time pass.

Downsides:

Unfortunately, no hotels are completely lacking in a few downsides. Fortunately for guests, there are few negative things to speak about when discussing the Iberostar Grand Bávaro. Guests looking for an exclusive, adults-only resort may be slightly disappointed as the grounds for the resort are adults-only, but the surrounding Iberostar resorts are family-oriented.

Another negative aspect that a few guests report is that the service staff’s English isn’t perfect. Although, that’s just your chance to brush up on your Spanish, isn’t it?

Tips:

- Bring a wide range of sunblocks, as the sun in the Dominican Republic is very strong. Don’t stick to 15 and 30, which is what many guests bring. Make sure to pack at least one tube of SPF 60 or above, and use it the first few days you’re there. Getting sunburned early in your trip makes for an unenjoyable vacation.

- The television has some North American channels, but bring some extra dvds with you. When you’re watching television at night, you’ll be glad to have them around.

- Go to the bank ahead of time and get lots of $1 bills to tip the staff.

- The beach and ocean are stunning, so bring a good camera. Some guests even splurge to get a waterproof camera if they decide to go on snorkeling excursions.

Overall, there aren’t enough good things to say about this resort, from the always friendly butlers ready to bring you a drink, to the smiling wait staff, and overall luxury and air of relaxation in this resort will leave you smiling ear to ear. We give this resort a 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Curaçao

Welcome to Curaçao, a beautiful, sophisticated island rich in history and heritage. With 38 picture-perfect beaches, warm temperatures and crystal-clear waters, it is one of the most welcoming Caribbean islands. Religious tolerance is Curaçao’s trademark, and all people, including tourists, are warmly welcomed.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

The Arawak Indians were Curaçao’s first inhabitants, and probably landed here a few centuries before Alonzo de Ojeda explored the island in 1499. Twenty-eight years later the Spanish colonized the island, but the lack of gold and the unfavourable climate made them lose interest quickly. The government-backed Dutch West India Company took control of Curaçao in 1634, and Peter Stuyvesant became the island’s governor in 1642. The first Jewish settlers arrived in 1651, and a synagogue, the oldest still in use in the New World, was built in 1732. The Dutch established large-scaled plantations and built an important salt industry. Curaçao also became a major hub for slave trading: African slaves were housed in special quarters before being sold at the slave market and shipped off to their final destination.

In the early 19th century the British seized Curaçao from the Dutch, but eventually acknowledged the Dutch claim on the island in 1815. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, the island entered into a period of economic decline. It eventually recovered with the discovery of oil in 1920, and economic growth attracted immigrants from South America or other Caribbean islands, making Curaçao the rich blend of cultures it is today. Hotels have mushroomed since the 1980s, and tourism is fast becoming the country’s most important industry. Much has been invested to expand the tourism sector, and Curaçao is now a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Since 2007, Curaçao has been given the authority to govern itself while still maintaining political ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The capital city of Willemstad has a clearly Dutch feel, with houses built in a typical Dutch-colonial style lining up the streets. Much of the island, however, is covered by an arid landscape, giving it an American Southwest appearance. People of almost 60 different nationalities – such as Africans, Dutch, Venezuelans, and Pakistani – make up the country’s population, and the rich local cuisine and culture is the result of all these influences. Dutch is the official language, but locals usually talk to each other in Papiamento, and many people also speak English and Spanish.

SIGHTS

Discover the dark history of slave trading at the Kura Hulanda Museum, which has a frighteningly realistic replica of a slave-ship deck.

Take a tour to the Maritime Museum and uncover the island’s nautical history. Interesting items include historic maps, marine charts, and navigation gears.

Built in 1853, the Curaçao Museum has displays on Curaçao’s rich past such as paintings and ancient relics.

You can buy exotic fruits, vegetables, or craftworks – from South America and other Caribbean islands – at the Floating market.

Constructed in 1732, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue was the first synagogue built on the island. You’ll find interesting items on Curaçao’s Jewish heritage at the adjacent Jewish Cultural Museum.

Discover the island’s plants and animals at the Christoffel National Park, a natural sanctuary covering 1800 hectares (4450 acres). If you’re in a good shape, you can climb the 369-metres-high (1211-foot) Mt. Christoffel and enjoy the epic vista at the top.

Founded in 1984, the Curaçao Seaquarium is home to 400 species of seafaring animals, such as crabs, corals, fish, sharks, dolphins, and flamingos.

BEACHES

With 38 picture-perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to understand why Curaçao attracts so many tourists. Some are good for honeymooners, others are great for snorkelling, and many are family-friendly. A good option is the Seaquarium Beach, a white-sand beach right next to the Curaçao Seaquarium. Playa Porto Mari, with its beautiful white sand and peaceful water, is also recommended. Other good beaches include Paya Knip, Daaibooi, Blaaibooi, and Playa Lagun.

ACTIVITIES

Many tourists come to Curaçao for the beautiful white-sand beaches on the western shores. The beaches on the island’s southeast are good too, but a bit rocky.

Fishing is also good in Curaçao.

Diving among the island’s protected reefs is great, and the underwater visibility is excellent.

Snorkel trips are available for non-divers who want to discover what Curaçao’s crystal-clear waters have to offer.

There are plenty of land-based activities as well, such as buggy trips, biking, horseback riding and golfing.

Don’t miss Willemstad’s many historic sites and great shopping opportunities.

Curaçao is known for its rich nightlife, and you can try your luck at one of the island’s casinos or enjoy a drink at a bar.

Gourmets should try the island’s superb cuisine.

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Anguilla

Located just north of St. Martin, this island is reknowned for it’s serene atmosphere, powdery white sand beaches, and unique local music. Travellers looking for some peace and serenity will be glad to know that Anguilla is one of the least crowded of the Caribbean islands. The weather is consistently warm and sunny, thanks in part to the flat terrain.

Antigua & Barbuda

Located in the West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda is a travellers paradise. The islands has a rich and diverse history which is evident all across the island, from it’s historic forts, to it’s unique architecture and scenic harbors. Beachgoers will be delighted to hear that the island has an impressive 365 seperate beaches, or “one for every day of the year”.

Aruba

A picture perfect little desert island, Aruba is situated in the southern Caribbean sea, just north of Venezuela. Known for it’s nearly always clear skies and exquisite beaches, as well as it’s vibrant nightlife.

British Virgin Islands

Located just east of Puerto Rico, these islands are officially an overseas British Territory. The island caters to a more upscale demographic, with it’s luxury resorts and long standing yachting tradition. The British Virgin Islands are often host to visiting royalty.

Curacao

A relatively new tourist attraction, Curacao has seen heavy development in recent years to transform it from an industrial island to a tourist’s paradise.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located east of Cuba, and shares the the second largest island in the Caribbean with Haiti on it’s western side. Probably the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is known internationally for it’s long, post-card perfect beaches and cheap all inclusive resort deals.

Grenada

This small Caribbean island in the southeastern Caribbean sea lies just north west of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s mountainous terrain is covered with a wide variety of flora, and is a major producer of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This volcanic island hosts a number of natural wonders, and is a favorite for British travellers.

Grenadines

In past years the Grenadines were often used as a secluded getaway for celebrities, but lately the island has opened up with the development of new resorts such as the Bequia Beach Hotel. If you enjoyed “Pirates of the Caribbean” you’ll be happy to know that many of the scenes were filmed here.

Jamaica

Located just south of Cuba, Jamaica is host to a unique and complex culture. Over a million tourists flock to the island each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and with good reason. It’s sunswept beaches, reggae music, and diverse tourist destinations make it an ideal vacation spot.

St. Lucia

Known in some circles as the “Helen of the West”, St. Lucia remains an relatively undiscovered paradise, although this is rapidly changing.