Fun Travel Quiz: Which Caribbean Island Suits You Best?
Posted by Emma Torry on October 29, 2009 at 11:14 AM
If you can't decide between Anguilla or Antigua, the Cayman Islands or Cuba, Martinique or Montserrat then take this quiz, on the Washington Post's website, to find out which Caribbean island is the right one for you.
My quiz results tell me to head to Jamaica, Anguilla, Barbados or Nevis; sounds pretty good to me!
Take the quiz here.
Photo by Michelle Brea.
Old Havana in the rain is an amazing place to be. After two weeks in Cuba, in the hottest weather I have ever known, the rains came. We were on our way to dinner, looking for a place that had been recommended to us, one of Havana's many paladares—family-run, home-based restaurants—which are often unmarked and known only by word of mouth.
Our taxi driver, of course, had never heard of the place we were looking for, so he dropped us off somewhere in the middle of Old Havana and left us to find our way. We had been wandering without luck for about ten minutes when the clouds broke. Within seconds the rain was coming down in sheets and we were soaked to the skin. The streets quickly emptied as locals sought shelter in their homes, and the few tourists who were in the area took refuge under whatever cover they could find.
Our refuge was a tunnel where a road went under a raised apartment building. In the tunnel there was a group of young boys playing a kind of handball. They seemed oblivious to the rain, playing and shouting for the ball or score, plunging through the large puddle forming in the middle of the road as we stayed close to the raised edges of the tunnel in an attempt to keep our shoes dry.
Watching the boys, we realised our own foolishness in hiding from the warm rain, and we emerged from our hideaway back into the near-deserted streets of Havana. We found the street where we had been told the paladar was located. We walked up and down the block three times before we noticed a young woman sitting on the side of the road. We asked her if she knew of the place, and she stood up and yelled up at the window above. A man upstairs threw down a key: we had found our paladar.
We had an enormous and wonderful meal in the upstairs room that was covered but had open walls through which we watched and heard the rain. The huge and beautiful rooster that lived in the upstairs courtyard kept his eye on the weather as well. By the time we had finished our meal and paid the small bill, the rain had stopped. It stopped as suddenly as it had come, and we arrived back at our apartment happy and dry. My memories of Cuba will stay with me forever, and I will always be grateful that I chanced to experience Old Havana in the rain.
For more information about paladares in Havana visit these websites:
Photo Credits: "Lluvia" by javiekitela; "Domesticity in Old Havana" by peamasher; "paladar la guarida" by bruna benvegnù. All images via Flickr (Creative Commons).
By Connie Motz
In the Caribbean, tucked underneath Cuba and only 100 square miles in total, lie the three Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
The Cayman Islands maintain a high standard of living and are known for their abundance of white sand beaches and endless water sports, including snorkelling and world class scuba diving.
With many shore excursion options available for the first time visitor, it can visiting the Caymans be overwhelming but there is a certain draw in being able to say you've been to Hell and back.
Located mid-island on Grand Cayman, Hell is a town with hardly any inhabitants – there are a few souvenir stores and the all important post office; nothing like sending a card back home from Hell just to prove you've survived.
Shore excursions label Hell as a town "featuring a pre-historical rock formation that some think Hell must surely look like." A viewing platform leads visitors to see shards of black limestone jutting out of the lifeless darkened ground as if it were the remains of a volcanic hell fire.
The ancient geological formation of jagged rocks is surrounded by dark and gloomy waters presenting an ominous, almost sinister scene. Educational guides explain that the rocks are a combination of iron shore (a type of dolomite) and limestone estimated at being 1.5 million years old.
The razor-sharp blackened rock appears to be volcanic in nature but is only coated in dark algae. The somewhat horrific landscape of Hell is framed by lush green mangroves and palm trees reminding visitors that the true beauty of the island still exists.
Everyone is invited to take the token tacky tourist picture with the cardboard cut-out devil. Postcards and other souvenirs are available for purchase with sayings like "I've been to Hell and back" and "HFD – Hell Fire Department."
Many visitors to Grand Cayman will experience a trip to Hell and will live to tell the tale.
Photo Credits: Welcome to Hell by J. Stephen Conn, Hell's Rocks by Connie Motz.
If you want to take advantage of the cheap charter flights to Cancun, but the mega-resorts of the Cancun strip fit neither your budget nor your travel style, Isla Mujeres may be the answer to your travel prayers.
Isla Mujeres is a small island a short ferry ride from Cancun. But it's worlds away from the all-inclusive resort glitz that has taken over the Cancun strip. A trip to Isla really feels like a trip to Mexico, and there's a magic to the island that's difficult to put into words. It's the reason why almost every traveller you meet on the island will tell you they've come back there time and time again, and why my recent visit – my first – will certainly not by my last.
Even before you hit the beach on Isla, you'll be dazzled by the incredible turquoise blue waters. They are literally breathtaking, and you'll never get used to how blue and clear they are, even by the end of your trip.
Where to stay on Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres has an incredible hostel. There are many reasonably-priced hotels and private apartments on the island, but it would be hard to find one that rivals the value of the PocNa hostel, where dorm beds are available from 90 pesos (10 pesos = about $1), and private rooms from 240 pesos. For an even cheaper stay, camping spots are available for 60 pesos. The rate includes linens, towels, and even toast and coffee for breakfast.
The amazing secret at this hostel is private rooms 3 and 6, each of which has a small balcony overlooking the ocean. For 240 pesos, it's an unbelievable deal.
The hostel is clean and well-run, with a central courtyard full of tables and hammocks, plus sand going right down to the beach.
Check out the hostel's web site at www.pocna.com.
What to do on Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is known for its amazing beaches.
Playa Norte (North Beach) is easy walking distance from the hostel. It's a beautiful, peaceful beach, with white sand and crystal-blue waters. It's never too crowded, and there are lots of palm trees if you want to get a little bit of shade. There are 3 beach bars with swings and hammocks that are a great place to get a quick snack or a great piña colada. Happy hour starts at 1pm, when you can get two beers for 40 pesos, or two mixed drinks for 50.
There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent from the beachfront hotels, but the sand is soft, so bring your towel and you won't miss having a chair. For a last-day indulgence, try renting one of the beach beds with billowing curtains for 100 pesos for the day.
If you're looking for a bit more action at the beach, check out Northwest beach. It's also within walking distance of the hostel, though not quite as close as North Beach. It's got volleyball nets where pickup games seem common, and the beach bars pump out music much louder than on North Beach.
For a day away from the beach, rent a moped (250 pesos) or a golf cart (450 pesos) and drive to the Southern tip of the island. There's a small Mayan ruin, and beautiful cliffs where you can really see how amazing the water is. Nearby there's a turtle hatchery, as well as Garrafón Reef Park. At Garrafón you can swim with the dolphins or ride a zip line over the water, but the prices are aimed at Cancun tourists, so a day a Garrafón costs more than a week at the hostel. Still, it's worth driving by to take a look at the zipline and, again, the incredible water.
Drive back along the Caribbean side of the island for more amazing views.
Where to Eat on Isla Mujeres:
The main few streets of Isla Mujeres form a bustling little town, and at night it turns into a network of sidewalk cafés closed to all traffic. Street performers juggle or play music, and there is just a magical feeling in the air.
Take a walk through the town and you're sure to find something to suit your taste, no matter what your taste may be. I'm vegetarian, and had no problem eating well on Isla.
The best place on the Island for breakfast or lunch is Elements of the Island. It's a café with apartments up top and yoga sessions on the roof. Their food isn't cheap by Mexican standards, but it's all organic and totally delicious. Their homemade jam will blow your mind. A full breakfast including coffee and fresh orange juice runs at about 75 pesos.
For dinner, the best place in town – especially if you're vegetarian – is Comono. It's a Mediterranean restaurant run by an Israeli couple, and the food is out of this world. If you're on a tight budget, get the Mediterranean platter. For only 150 pesos, it's a full meal for two people, and beer is only 30 pesos a pop.
While I was in Isla, Comono featured the live music of Jesus Campuzano. If this amazing musician isn't still playing at Comono, you must ask around and track him down. With nothing more than a keyboard and a loop sampler, he makes incredible music that literally has people dancing in the streets. The one souvenir of Isla I brought home was a copy of his CD, and it's in high rotation on the iPod.
If you're watching every penny, have a few meals at the hostel. You can top up your breakfast toast and jam with an omelet for only 15 pesos, and they offer dinner specials each night for about 65 pesos, which includes one drink.
Nightlife on Isla Mujeres:
For the budget traveller, nightlife takes place at the hostel. The main restaurant/bar is open until 11pm, when the party moves to the beach bar. Drinks at either spot are 40 pesos for two cocktails, or 20 pesos for a beer. The beach bar features a DJ most nights, and live music on Sundays. There's even a wooden dance floor built into the sand.
Getting to Isla Mujeres:
Isla's an inexpensive and easy trip from Cancun airport, as long as you take the right transportation.
When you arrive in Cancun, head to the ADO bus stop. Purchase a ticket to the "Centro" bus station (35 pesos). The bus is comfortable, safe, and air conditioned, so don't be tempted by the more expensive cabs.
The bus station is about 25 minutes away form the airport. If you've arrived late, you may want to stay overnight in Cancun before continuing to the ferry. If so, the Hostel Meson de Tulum is walking distance from the bus station. It's nothing fancy, but with dorm beds from 100 pesos, or a private room for 300 pesos, it's a clean and safe place to spend the night. Booking is available through hostelworld.com.
To get to the ferry from either the bus station or the hostel, flag one of the many cabs in the area. The trip to the ferry should cost 40 – 60 pesos. Make sure the cab driver takes you to Puerto Juarez, where you get the ferry to Isla Mujeres for 70 pesos round trip.
After a 20-minute ferry ride (our trip featured live musicians on the upper outdoor deck), you'll be on Isla. The hostel is easy walking distance, even with a suitcase or pack. Ask directions to the PocNa Hostel, or to North Beach, which will get you headed in the right direction. To get back to Cancun, do the entire trip in reverse.
Repeat:
Once you've been to Isla, you'll return to Isla. I talked to one American who had been coming to the island for 15 years, and a couple of Canadians who had made it their regular travel destination for about 10 years. Almost everyone I spoke with was on at least their third trip there.
It really is a magical place, and you won't want to leave – at least not forever. So be prepared, if you go to Isla Muejeres, you may have a new travel destination for life.
Photo Credits: Photos are ©Christina Newberry unless specified below.
Isla Mujeres Palm & Coconuts by mikemcholm; poc-na by dolanh; Isla Mujeres Pier II by mikemcholm. Images via Flickr (Creative Commons).
With three weeks to go until Easter, now is the perfect time to snap up a last-minute deal to one of the world's top Easter holiday destinations.
To inspire you, we've put together a guide to the top Easter breaks for 2009. So stop planning this year's Easter egg hunt and start packing your suitcase for a fantastic Easter holiday!
ANTIGUA, CARIBBEAN:
What: Join Eric Clapton, Oprah Winfrey and Giorgio Armani this Easter and holiday in style on the stunning island of Antigua. What better place to put your Lenten restrictions behind you than on beaches of soft white sand, under a hot sun and in perfect azure waters? The average April temperature in Antigua is a gorgeous 26°C / 79°F.
Why: Jaw-dropping beaches, colonial splendour, wonderful weather and a fantastic atmosphere. Stick around for the week after Easter and ogle open-mouthed at the big, fat classic yachts as they come out to play for the annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (16 – 21 April).
Where: Stay at the super-stylish Inn at English Harbour hotel for the perfect blend of Colonial style luxury and contemporary comfort.
Wow: LHR – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 6697; LAX - Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 5018; JFK – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 4886.*
OMAN
What: From souks to ancient sights to snorkelling to sandy beaches, Oman offers opulence, indulgence, adventure and luxury. Muscat, Oman's capital, boasts some seriously impressive hotels in stunning beach locations. Fashionistas and bargain hunters can go crazy in the city's markets, culture vultures can spend days soaking up the impressive sights and adrenaline junkies can dune buggy and scuba dive.
Why: There's something for everyone: jagged mountains, lush valleys, dramatic dunes, empty beaches, superb snorkelling, vibrant souks, camel racing and incredible history and culture. Easter temptation indeed...
Where: Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private beach and lush green gardens, the Al Bustan Palace Hotel has a reputation as the best hotel in the Middle East and one of the finest hotels in the world.
Wow: Return flights from LHR – Muscat from USD 494 per person; from LAX – Muscat from USD 1558 per person; from JFK – Muscat from USD 1077 per person.*
PHUKET, THAILAND
What: One of the world's best known beach destinations, and dubbed the "Pearl of the South", Phuket is swanky and seductive in equal measures. It's a place to dive in azure seas, lounge at chic beach resorts, sip cocktails and soak up the glitz and glamour.
Why: Bargains are easy to find at Phuket's glam resorts and beachside villas and can be bagged, last-minute for hundreds of dollars less than their normal rates. If you're after a luxury Easter break on a moderate budget, this is the destination for you.
Where: If you want glitz on a relative shoestring then opt for Indigo Pearl. The resort offers very decent accommodation, great hotel pools and is located on Nai Yang Beach on Phuket's northwest shore. For a chic boutique hotel and trendy vibe opt for the ever-popular Twinpalms Phuket. Located right next to Thailand's 'millionaires' cove', the hotel's beach is a great site to spot celebrities.
Wow: From LHR – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 5463 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 8994 at Twinpalms Phuket; From LAX – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3722 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 6844 at Twinpalms Phuket; From JFK – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 8094 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 11638 at Twinpalms Phuket*.
SANTORINI, GREECE
What: Arguably Greece's most romantic and spectacular island, Santorini offers a very local and authentic Greek Orthodox Easter experience. Spend the days leading up to Easter on a private yacht and exploring the Santorini's famous volcano "the caldera". Join in with the islanders' Easter celebrations and processions. Enjoy the Easter feasting and taste the incredible local lamb. On Easter Monday make the most of the local flora and visit Santorini's local vineyards.
Why: Stunning scenery, amazing hikes, beautiful beaches and fantastic weather, plus the experience of joining in with local Easter celebrations and traditions.
Where: La Meduse Santorini. Bang slap on Perivolos Beach, the island's longest sandy strip, this whitewashed boutique hotel occupies a Cycladic-style property and boasts crisp, fresh rooms.
Wow: From LHR – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 1817; From LAX – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 4938; From JFK – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3145*.
SEVILLE, SPAIN
What: Passion and devotion combine in this fiery Spanish city and Semana Santa (Easter week) is one of the most exciting times to visit. Seville has hosted Easter celebrations for four centuries, and they are universally famous. Around 50,000 parade through the city's streets in traditional costumes during Seville's 58 organised processions. Expect to be wowed by religious statues, music, embroidered cloaks and velvet tunics.
Why: It goes without saying that Seville is one of Europe's most impressive cities. Moorish architecture, flamenco and bullfighting take centre stage in this stunning city. A long Easter weekend in Seville promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Where: Hotel San Gil. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, Hotel San Gil's preserved mosaics echo Seville's Moorish past. Just one kilometre from Seville's historic centre, Hotel San Gil is perfectly located for all the Easter action.
Wow: LHR – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2205; JFK – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2388*.
We hope this answers your questions about what to do at Easter, where the best Easter holiday destinations are and how to plan an Easter trip. Have a great time!
*All prices correct at the time of going to print.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 all via Flickr (Creative Commons).
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
Posted by Emma Torry on November 28, 2008 at 05:17 PM
By Connie Motz
Picture a white-washed Moroccan villa with mysterious high arches. Notice the stark contrast when lush green palms sway gently over the building. Now imagine a series of eighteen Moroccan villas set like exotic jewels along a two mile pristine white sand beach. Imagine no more: this Moorish fantasy is a luxurious reality, Cap Juluca.
Located on the northern Caribbean island of Anguilla, the five-star Cap Juluca was rated by readers of Travel+Leisure as the number ten resort in the whole of the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.
With no more than six units to a Moroccan villa, standard amenities at Cap Juluca include spacious rooms, gorgeous ocean views with direct beach access, striking marble bathrooms and separate showers. Suites at Cap Juluca range from 103 square metres (with beautiful covered terraces and inviting double tubs) to 232 square metres (these include a romantic private pool, perfect for honeymooners).
Cap Juluca offers three dining choices for guests: fresh seafood at Pimm's, Moroccan cuisine and endless views at Kemia while a more casual dining atmosphere is offered at George's, where the Friday night seafood barbecue cannot be missed.
Daily complimentary breakfast consists of an amazing array of fresh fruits and pastries either at George's or on your own private terrace. Contact the chef to arrange a private "wine room" dinner or a romantic beach dinner complete with bamboo tiki torches. Now, while you wait, will that be afternoon tea in the Main House or afternoon sorbet on the beach?
Unwind by attending a Pilates or yoga class or workout at the full fitness centre or aqua golf driving range. Play croquet or tennis, enjoy the pool, explore the island on a bicycle, snorkel or enjoy an invigorating morning of sailing. After a day relaxing or working out, Cap Juluca Spa Services are waiting to pamper and instil wellness through a selection of massage and skin therapy techniques.
If you ever decide to leave the resort the lush new 18-hole Temenos Golf Club, with its stunning views of the Caribbean, is only 10 minutes away. Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy the abundance of coral and sea life that Anguilla's turquoise Caribbean waters display.
International holiday makers can fly non-stop from major cities like London and Amsterdam, directly to Julianna International Airport on the neighboring island of St. Maarten. Vacationers can then travel to Anguilla via a small commercial aircraft or via a complimentary 25 minute ferry; either of these options can be pre-arranged by the Cap Juluca staff. To search for flights click here.
Cap Juluca: PO Box 240, Maundays Bay, Anguilla, Leeward Islands, British West Indies; Tel: 1-888-858-5822 or 1-264-497-666; Website: www.capjuluca.com. Click here for 2009 room rates.
About Anguilla Anguilla is a picture perfect hideaway in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. A relatively flat island, Anguilla is only 16 miles long by 3 miles wide. But don't let this tiny island deceive you. Anguilla is rich in history, culture, offers many art galleries and museums, along with fantastic duty-free Caribbean shopping. For travel to Anguilla, passports are required by most countries.
Photos: Published with the permission of the Zimmerman Agency.
