WHERE TO FULFIL THOSE CARIBBEAN DREAMS
Here are six sunny spots to find your piece of paradise this winter
The Caribbean is open for business.
Yes, there was damage to a number of islands from hurricanes over the past couple months. Canadian airlines have pretty much shut down winter service to battered St. Maarten. Puerto Rico is still in bad shape, as is Barbuda, Dominica and parts of other islands.
But there was little or no damage to most major Caribbean destinations, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua and the Cayman Islands. In destinations that were hit, work is proceeding nicely and many hotels and resorts have already reopened. That includes Anguilla and the Dominican Republic, which suffered only minimal damage. So you can feel comfortable booking flights to a number of great destinations that Canadians have grown to love. Not only will you get a fine holiday, but you’ll be doing a world of good for people who rely on tourism to feed their families. Speaking at a Caribbean Tourism Organization meeting in Toronto on Nov. 13, CTO secretary-general Hugh Riley told journalists that the Caribbean is more dependent on tourism than any region on the planet.
“The best way to help the Caribbean is to visit the Caribbean,” he said.
Here’s a look at a variety of cool places you can check out for a great winter vacation.
ANTIGUA
While neighbouring Barbuda was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma, Antigua was spared. The island’s tourism officials like to boast they have 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. Hermitage Bay is one of the best resorts in the Caribbean, with awesome suites, private plunge pools and ocean views. The view of English Harbour and Freeman’s Bay from Shirley Heights might be the best vista in the Caribbean.
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Air Canada has started direct flights from Toronto to this peaceful, hilly island south of St. Lucia. Young Island Resort is a wonderful spot that’s just a few minutes from the mainland by boat. Head up to Wallilabou Bay to see where they filmed parts of the original Pirates of the Caribbean. And don’t miss the island’s magnificent waterfalls, including Dark View Falls. Don’t miss a chance to visit Bequia, a low-key spot that feels like a throwback to a simpler time. Even more quiet is Mayreau, which features a couple of truly magnificent beaches. The stretch of sand at Saltwhistle Bay is one of the prettiest on the planet. Mustique is known as a retreat for the rich and famous, including the likes of Mick Jagger, Prince William and Canada’s own Bryan Adams.
ANGUILLA
This island, which is just north of badly damaged St. Maarten, was battered and bruised by Hurricane Irma. But some places are operating as per normal, including Shoal Bay Villas on Shoal Bay East; a long, magnificent beach with a series of fun beach bars and casual restaurants. The luxury Zemi Beach Resort plans to reopen in February, and the Four Seasons is expected to reopen in late March. CuisinArt Resort, a lovely spot on a gorgeous beach on the south side of the island, will reopen in November. The highly rated Frangipani Resort has reopened. The Reef Anguilla is taking reservations now and plans to reopen in April.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic was largely spared this past hurricane season. This is one of the top winter destinations for Canadians, with everything from inexpensive, all-inclusive spots to super-luxury resorts. Cap Cana and Punta Cana have marvellous beaches on the eastern tip of the island, with easy airport access. The Gansevoort Playa Imbert is a sleek, sensational spot near Sosua. Don’t miss a visit to Playa Rincon in the Samana area, where you’ll find a freshwater, swimmable creek and a series of stunning beaches.
ST. LUCIA
This romantic and beautiful island was spared by both hurricanes and is operating at full steam. There are new, overwater bungalows at a Sandals resort on the north side of the island. New developments on the south end of the island, near the international airport, are coming from both Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton. The tourism bureau’s website has been advertising deals for up to 65 per cent off.
THE BAHAMAS
This region was virtually unaffected by the two big storms. Long Island is a heavenly slice of land with a couple of beautiful beaches and a lower-thanlow-key atmosphere. The locals are inviting and wonderful, and there’s spectacular diving. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort is a nice resort on a great beach.