From arid and windy to lush and mountainous, the islands of the Southern Caribbean—namely, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique—have a wide range of experiences to offer. And yet apart from Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, they are often overlooked by U.S. travelers.

Here are seven reasons why they shouldn’t be, from their incredible scenery and nature-centric adventure to to their colorful culture and flavorful food scenes.

Natural beauty and adventure

Landscapes in the Southern Caribbean run the gamut from arid and desert-like to lush and tropical, and if you prefer the latter it’s hard to beat the beauty of St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. All three islands are verdant, mountainous, and perfect for anyone seeking back-to-nature adventure.

St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Site volcanic peaks—Petit Piton at 2,438 feet and Gros Piton at 2,619 feet (that latter can be hiked to enjoy stunning views)—that tower over tranquil Jalousie Bay, as well as Sulphur Springs, a “drive-in volcano” offering odiferous mud baths, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where the mineral-laced water of the waterfall changes color.

Mountainous Grenada, whose tallest peak, Mt. Saint Catherine, reaches 2,756 feet, offers energetic visitors hiking trails for all fitness levels amid the waterfalls, large lake and towering mahogany trees of Grand Etang National Park.

Dominica, at just 290 square miles, is home to both natural hot springs and lush rainforests, making it a paradise for nature-loving hikers. Visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park to see 213-foot Trafalgar Falls and the steam-covered Boiling Lake.

The colorful culture

Caribbean culture is by nature colorful—think feather-and sequin-embellished costumes at Carnival time, pastel-hued wooden houses, magenta bougainvillea, and brightly hued artwork—and it all seems especially vibrant on the islands of Martinique and Curacao.

Martinique, a French island that has been shaped by West African and Indian traditions into a Creole melting pot, is known as a place where multicolor madras fabrics mix with pink Provencal rosé and curry-flavored seafood dishes.

Dutch culture on Curacao is evident in its architecture—especially in the rainbow of 16th and 17th century colonial buildings in its capital Willemstad—and to an extant in its cuisine, which thanks to its blend of African, Latin, and Jewish influences features some of the heartiest dishes in the Caribbean. Don’t miss keshi yena (stuffed cheese casserole), stoba (beef stew), and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs).

Golf courses, spas, and other grown-up activities

If teeing up in paradise is your passion, choose from five PGA-standard courses in Barbados—including Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane Green Monkey—and two in Aruba: Tierra del Sol and The Links at Divi Aruba, the latter of which is home of one of the Caribbean’s best golf teachers.

Afterwards, relax with a tropically inspired massage at your resort—most properties on both islands have one—and if you have the stamina to continue and check out islands’ nightlife, check out the live music in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados or one of the dozen casinos on Aruba.

The vibrant wildlife

Only four islands in the Caribbean are home to wild monkeys and two of them—Grenada and Barbados—are in the Southern Caribbean. Brought to the region from Africa as pets in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Mona monkey inhabits the forests of Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, while the Green Vervet monkey (also found on St. Kitts and Nevis) favors the woodlands around St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, and St. Thomas parishes on Barbados.

Turtle lovers can snorkel with several species just offshore in Barbados, while birders are in luck in Grenada, home to 160 species. And you don’t have to be an ornithology geek to appreciate the visual splendor of a flock of pink flamingos; you can see thousands of them at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary on the salt pans of Bonaire or book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino to get a close-up view of a few dozen, which inhabit its private island.

The low-key vibes

Looking for an island that cruise ships don’t visit, a place with a pace that’s so relaxed you’re apt to forget what day it is—and perhaps even what year? Consider one of these three mellow islands: Bonaire, if your leisurely passions include diving and snorkeling; Dominica, if you’ll be happy hiking and tropical gardens; and the Grenadines, if your fantasy vacation involves a stay on a private island—this island chain is home to three: Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island, and Young Island.

Those glorious beaches

Yes, the Southern Caribbean is home to some pretty spectacular beaches, which is, after all, one of the top reasons people travel here. Some of them—including Palm and Eagle beaches on Aruba, Crane and Bottom Bay beaches on Barbados, and Sandy Island on Carriacou and Macaroni Beach on Mustique in the Grenadines—often land on lists of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

The flavorful food scenes

It’s hard to have a bad meal in Barbados, where even the local “fast food” known as a flying fish cutter (fried flying fish on Bajan salt bread) is quite tasty. The island is Zagat-rated and there’s a choice of great dining in Holetown—top spots include The Mews and Nishi—and great local fresh catch of the day at The Fish Pot on the northwest coast, but if a special-occasion splurge is in order, book an outside table at The Cliff.

Grenada, known as the Spice Island, is grounded in the flavors of local produce: callaloo, dasheen, pumpkin, papaya, and mango and peppered with the boldness of nutmeg, cinnamon, and curry that lingers on the palate. It’s more about authentic preparation than a restaurant scene, per se, but be sure to check out the 20-course tasting menu at Patrick’s Local Homestyle Restaurant for a meal to remember.

The post 7 Reasons to Visit the Islands of the Southern Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

Martinique may be off the radar for most Americans, but Europeans have a firm grasp of the island’s many charms. As tourism on this island and throughout the region rebonds, it’s time for U.S. travelers to finally get in on the secret. Beaches, gardens, cane fields, and even volcanoes converge on this 425-square-mile overseas region of France.

If you find yourself marooned on the Island of Flowers, here’s how to keep busy. Bon voyage!

Hit the beach

The French word for cove is anse, and one just feels more exotic and worldly lying on a French-Caribbean anse. Martinique‘s most popular beaches are located along the southern coast, near the town of Saint-Anne. But for pure natural beauty, head to the Caravelle Peninsula’s uncrowded Anse l’Etang, where no buildings (save a restroom) interrupt the screensaver scenery. Fifteen minutes up the road stand the ruins of Chateau Dubuc, a notorious 17th-century sugar estate.

Ply the high seas

A boat trip is practically mandatory in the Caribbean. Local captain Patricia speaks English, and her trusty skiff, the Watalibi, whisks small groups all across Martinique’s eastern bays of Le Robert, Francois, and Vauclin. Hop on board for a healthy dose of island facts, reef snorkeling, and swimming in shallow lagoons, including Josephine’s Bath, a natural shoal where you can take a dip and sip all the rum punch your heart desires.

For a full day of spotting dolphins, enjoying local cuisine, and exploring the north and south regions of this island, book a tour with the crew of Kairi Dream.

Smell the flowers

High in the hills above the capital of Fort-de-France is Jardin de Balata, the creation of horticulturist and landscape artist Jean-Philippe Thoze. More than 3,000 species of plants—including hibiscus flowers, heliconias, torch gingers, palm trees, bamboo, and century-old mahogany trees—flourish in the 7-acre botanical garden.

Don’t miss the Treetop Trail: a series of 50-foot-high suspension bridges that offers a panorama from above.

Get to the top

The roof of Martinique is 4,583-foot Mount Pelee, which became the planet’s third-deadliest volcano when it erupted in 1902. Despite its fearsome past, the Pompeii of the Caribbean now tempts trekkers to its peak (four to five hours, round-trip). Use the popular Aileron Trail, and start early (as in, pre-sunrise) for the best views. On the way, hikers pass fern forests, misty craters and flora unique to the mountain’s fertile volcanic soil.

Rum for the hills

Nicknamed the Rum Capital of the World, Martinique comprises 12 (12!) estates that use a special rhum agricole distilling method. Making rum on Martinique since 1887, Habitation Clement is the most well-known producer, and its historic plantation and distillery have been converted into a sprawling museum and gardens for visitors.

As you wander the grounds, a handheld audio guide tells the story of the estate’s warehouses, stables, vintage still, and Creole manor house. The self-guided tour culminates with leisure time in Clement’s generous tasting room.

Eat, drink, and be merry

Martinique famously boasts a restaurant for every day of the year. If you must choose just one, make it Le Petibonum, a beach bar nestled on the silver sand of Le Carbet. Chef and owner Guy Ferdinand has been putting his gourmet spin on traditional Creole cuisine here for well over a decade, and servers bring the ever-changing chalkboard menu to you.

Start with accra fritters, continue with jumbo crayfish in vanilla sauce, and wash it all down with potent Planter’s Punch.

Find your home away from home

A private villa is the way to go on Martinique, delivering privacy, more bang for your buck, and often an exclusive pool and view. For personal service, skip VRBO and Airbnb, and instead book through VillaVEO, a local rental agency that offers carefully curated properties and an English-speaking team.

The post 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Trip to Martinique appeared first on Islands.

Sure, the Caribbean conjures peaceful images of gentle breezes that rustle palm fronds and golden beaches where umbrella drinks are ubiquitous. But a Caribbean getaway that involves hiking may not be quite so laid-back. After all, given that the topography of so many of these idyllic islands is shaped by volcanic activity, it’s no wonder that the trails lacing the rugged landscape might require grabbing onto vines, or snagging exposed roots just to remain upright. 

These sorts of adventures might satisfy thrill seekers, but here are seven picturesque paths for those who prefer an experience that’s as chill as the calm Caribbean vibe.

Golden Rock Nature Trail—Nevis

Beginning on the property of a former sugar cane plantation, now the upscale Golden Rock Inn, this short track enwraps hikers in an abundance of foliage. You might want to book a guide (Sunrise Tours), who can point out and discuss the common usage of numerous fruit trees, herbs and other plants, such as bitter orange (used to make marmalade) and soursop (it’s a treatment for fever). 

Overhead, vervet monkeys dart among the tree branches, and, along the way, two wee villages (Malli Ban and Stonyhill) are populated with simple chattel dwellings. Through openings in the foliage, you might spot the island’s signature sight, Nevis Peak, that towers over 3,000 feet, though it is often shrouded in clouds. Once you enter the rainforest, the flora grows denser, with aerial roots dangling like a fine curtain.

Katouche Valley Hiking Trail—Anguilla

Set on a private estate—and requiring visitors to sign up for a trek with Katouche Tours—this 1.5-mile flat trail is believed to have been created either by the indigenous peoples or the slaves who worked at the old plantation. The dense forest is rich in a variety of plant species, from white cedar, Anguilla’s national tree, to delicate tree orchids. 

One captivating sight is Cavannagh Cave, a spacious, 30-foot-high cavern with an immense fig tree puncturing the roof, and where fruit- and insect-eating bats can be observed (and heard). Hikers will delight in the colorful butterflies fluttering about as well as the green throated Caribbean hummingbirds and other birds found along this path that terminates on the pristine sands of Katouche Bay Beach. 

Signal Hill Hike—Antigua

This two-hour, round-trip hike from Wallings Dam isn’t flat, but the mostly gentle climb to the island’s second highest point (1,200 feet) is worth the effort for the panoramic views. The route takes its name from the time (during the British occupation) when flags in different locations would signal to Fort James and Fort George, two major defensive outposts, if an enemy ship entered the harbor. 

The route alternates between rainforest where tall mahogany, cedar and other trees shade your way, and sunny stretches with lemongrass blanketing the undulating landscape. A low stone wall beckons you to sit awhile and relish in the refreshing breezes and the views of protected Cades Reef. On a clear day, from the summit, you’ll be able to gaze at the neighboring islands, including St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, and Montserrat. 

Natural Pools of Grand Fond Hike—St. Barth

A narrow, sun-drenched, sandy path weaves along the cliff edge for barely a mile from Grand Fond Beach. But you’ll want to stop often, snapping dramatic photos of the wild sea from your elevated perch. Mountain goats traipse along the hillside, nibbling on the dry shrubbery. The shore below is a magnet for local surfers and body boarders who come to ride the tremendous waves at a spot aptly named the Washing Machine. 

Farther along, you’ll spot a pair of clear teal green tidal pools below the trail. The salt waters are calm, protected from the roiling seas by a ring of volcanic rocks. Though they make for an attractive destination for a dip, you’ll have to scramble down (and back up) a rugged slope to get there. 

Vatable Forest—Martinique

Populated with teak, Caribbean pine, palms and other trees, this stretch of woodland is networked with easy trails that come off a main path, crisscrossing this coastal expanse. (The scenery is so bucolic that getting pleasantly lost is something to look forward to.) This destination is especially popular with families who come to picnic. Those who stroll parallel to the water will enjoy lovely views of a small uninhabited island, Les Gros Ilet, and the placid Bay of Fort-de-France. 

A few benches scattered about offer the opportunity to be mindful of the sights and sounds of the forest. You can also saunter along a boardwalk for close-ups of the mangrove forest, an ecosystem that’s vital to the health of the coast, as well as the life cycle of fish. 

Central Forest Reserve National Park—St. Kitts

In the rear of the Wingfield Estate, a former sugar plantation dating to the mid-17th century, a series of loop trails course through a thick rainforest that’s part of the Central Forest Reserve National Park. Hiking guide O’Neil Mulraine cleared these paths himself, creating a trail system that’s a bit more than three miles in length, with lots of options (many are fairly chill). 

Because these trails are unsigned, it’s best to sign up for a trek with Mulraine (oneilmulraine@hotmail.com), who will point out the myriad botanical curiosities, from the sandbox tree with its spine laden trunk to the quill fern that resembles a feather. Paralleling the Wingfield River, you’ll hear the gurgling of water tumbling over boulders. Under the dense shade canopy, a small, serene pool makes for a picture-perfect spot to cool off.

Salt Rocks Nature Trail—Little Cayman

Just over a mile in length one way, this flat but at times limestone rock strewn trail originated in the 1840s as a path that locals would walk from Blossom Village to the Salt Rocks Dock on the north coast of Little Cayman, the smallest of the three Cayman Islands. Visitors who are keen on spotting flora and fauna will not be disappointed with this trek, starting at the airport in Blossom Village. 

You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for reptiles, such as Sister Islands Rock iguanas and green anoles, as well as vitelline warblers, bananaquits and other bird species. The plant life varies greatly along your route and includes an array of cacti, from branched varieties to pillar shaped ones, as well as the pink blossomed whitewood tree, and banana orchids, the Caymans national flower.

The post 7 Scenic, Low-Key Caribbean Destinations for Avid Hikers appeared first on Islands.

Trinidad

Caribbean Carnival’s big daddy kicks into high gear the moment Christmas is over, and the run-up is as much fun as Carnival proper. Hit the mas camps to check out outrageous costumes and steel-pan bands as they ramp up for their annual battle, Panorama. J’ouvert, or “dirty mas,” at daybreak on Carnival Monday, is a you-only-live-once chance to smear yourself head to toe with paint, mud — even chocolate. It’s the island’s dry season, so there’s no threat to body paint. But be forewarned: between hotels, flights and costumes, it takes six months to plan.

Martinique

At this multi-day festival, look for traditional characters like La Po Fig (dressed in dried banana leaves) and Neg Gwo Siwo (covered in dark molasses), plus glitzy cross-dressing men who are the brides at Monday’s Burlesque Weddings — and women dress as grooms. Some good news for partying types: Unlike other Caribbean islands, Martinique’s revelry keeps going till sunset on Ash Wednesday.

Carriacou

The costumes don’t quite have the wow of Trinidad‘s, but Carnival on Grenada’s tiny sister isle lets you experience a tradition you won’t find elsewhere: On Fat Tuesday, pairs of masqueraders square off to recite sections of Julius Caesar during”Shakespeare Mas.” Competitors are egged on by a crowd waiting for mistakes: Flubbing your lines earns a blow from your opponent’s stick. (Luckily, the costumes are heavily padded for protection.)

Dominican Republic

Trade calypso and soca and dance in the streets to merengue and bachata instead. Fantastical papiermâché caretas (masks) are the heart of this island’s Carnival, especially in Santiago and La Vega. But beware the diablos, whose masks have long horns (sometimes from cattle) and pointed teeth. Their traditional role is to “punish” the sinners with a smack on the rear — delivered with a balloon.

Aruba

Parades swarm the streets of Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, the day before Ash Wednesday: In fact, Carnival events bring together most of the island’s residents in the four weeks leading up to Carnival, with the Lighting Parade, Children’s Parades and the Pajama Party. The island also burns an effigy of King Momo at midnight to mark the end of Carnival season.

Yucatan, Mexico

How could you not enjoy a celebration that starts with The Burning of the Bad Mood? In Merida, the region’s capital, parades are raucous but not raunchy: At these family affairs, candies and beads are tossed to the crowd; at the Parade of the Battle of the Flowers, fresh blooms are the missile of choice. The weeklong party ends when “Juan Carnival” is buried, bringing the city back to normal life.

The post Where to Celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

Running from the cold? The Caribbean is heating up with full-blown Carnival celebrations happening on several islands. Maybe you want to see snow. If so, head to where snow sculptures rival the marble works of Michelangelo in Japan. Or ring in Chinese New Year at one of the world’s largest extravaganzas in Hong Kong.

Wherever you decide to go for your winter vacation, here are our suggestions for the best places to travel in February.

Trinidad

For the Caribbean’s biggest Carnival, head to Trinidad just before Ash Wednesday for two days of in-the-streets debauchery fueled by steel-pan music. It’s the island’s dry season, so there’s no threat to body paint. But be forewarned: between hotels, flights and costumes, it takes six months to plan.

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago takes place Feb. 24, 2020, to Feb. 25, 2020.

Japan

Not everyone feels the need to escape winter. The Sapporo Snow Festival turns the city into a winter wonderland, with extraordinary snow and ice sculptures. These aren’t your everyday snowpeople — they build full-size temples from the white stuff here — but you can add your own mitten-made creation to the Snowman Labyrinth. Trust us: The football-field-long snow-tubing runs and ice slides are definitely more fun than the sledding hill back home. Hot chocolate, anyone?

There are three locations for the 71st iteration of the Sapporo Snow Festival: The Tsudome site goes from Jan. 31, 2020, to Feb. 11, 2020, and the Odori and Susukino sites run from Feb. 4, 2020, to Feb. 11, 2020.

Barbados

Just north of celeb hangout Sandy Lane Beach, small Holetown turns into boomtown during the Holetown Festival, celebrating the island’s settlement in 1625. Sure, there’s local food (like Bajan fish cakes and macaroni pie), crafts, and music. But most popular is the Police Tattoo. Not what you’re thinking: This tattoo is a tightly choreographed show by the Royal Barbados Police Force — featuring the police band, mounted police, and even the canine unit.

The 2020 Holetown Festival is tentatively scheduled from Feb. 9, 2020, to Feb. 16, 2020.

Martinique

Get the feel of summer in the south of France sans crowds and jetlag: fine French cooking, first-class croissants, and a joie de vivre fed by perfect weather, glorious white-sand beaches and local rhums.

New nonstop flights via Norwegian Air Shuttle from New York, Boston and Washington D.C. make it easier to get here than in seasons past. And Carnival, celebrated with French-Creole flair, is a reason to book tout de suite.

Carnival in Martinique lasts from Feb. 23, 2020, to Feb. 26, 2020.

Easter Island

Monumental stone heads and summer weather aren’t the only draws to Easter Island. Tapati Rapa Nui is a pull-out-all-the-stops celebration of Polynesian pride, with feasts and dances. But it’s no tourist luau. Islanders compete in traditional activities, such as spear-fishing, body decorating and tobogganing down the slope of an extinct volcano. On a two-man banana-tree trunk. Wearing nothing but a traditional loincloth. Spills can be, uh, painful.

2020 Tapati Rapa Nui takes place from Feb. 1, 2020, to Feb. 15, 2020.

Aruba

Parades swarm the streets of Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, the day before Ash Wednesday: In fact, Carnival events bring together most of the island’s residents in the four weeks leading up to Carnival, with the Lighting Parade, Children’s Parades and the Pajama Party. The island also burns an effigy of King Momo at midnight to mark the end of Carnival season.

Carnival in Aruba starts Feb. 24, 2020.

Carriacou

Grenada’s small sister island to the north dishes up Carnival with a literary twist: Shakespeare Mas. Pairs of costumed Kayaks (as natives of Carriacou are called) recite sections of Julius Caesar to each other from memory. When one of them flubs his or her lines, the other one strikes him or her with a stick (the costumes are padded). Even school kids pair off for this fascinating tradition, which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Carnival in Carriacou takes place from Feb. 24, 2020, to Feb. 25, 2020.

Kauai

A rodeo in Hawaii? See the paniolo (cowboy) traditions in action — bronco roping, bull riding and barrel racing — at the Waimea Roundup Rodeo. It’s part of the Waimea Town Celebration, the island’s oldest and largest annual festival. The cultural event also includes a film festival, a long-distance canoe race, hula celebrations and more.

The Waimea Town Celebration takes place from Feb. 15, 2020, to Feb. 23, 2020.

The post Best Places to Travel in February appeared first on Islands.

Every year, our Best Islands to Live On article is our most popular, and it’s not surprising. The dream of #SurroundMeWithWater becoming an everyday reality is one we all share: According to our reader survey, 80 percent of you have thought about moving to an island someday, and 75 percent have considered purchasing an island home.

Nearly 60 percent of readers are contemplating a move to the Caribbean — so we offer five top picks. You told us you’re concerned with the cost of island living — so we rounded up affordable options (plus one that’s worth the splurge, just for fun). A beach bum wants a different vibe from a city slicker — so we broke down locations by the personality type they suit best. Same goes for stages of life: Recent grads and retirees have varied needs, so we addressed each one. Plus, we share on-the-ground tips from expats who made the leap. We’re confident these islands will inspire your next move.

And now, in no particular order, our list of the Top 20 Best Islands to Live On.

Best Caribbean:  Grand Cayman

When Jennifer Smith visited Grand Cayman on a Caribbean cruise in 2008, she never imagined she’d be living there with her husband two years later. “We realized Grand Cayman was very different from the other islands,” says Smith, who works as a controller for a real-estate developer and writes a blog called Offshore CPA, which offers tips for relocating expats. “We immediately fell in love with it.” So on their return to New Jersey, the pair researched the local job market and landed positions at two accounting firms — Grand Cayman is home to one of the world’s largest banking jurisdictions, with plenty of opportunities for finance-minded expats.

But don’t go buying a one-way ticket just yet. Anyone who wants to move there must have a valid work permit before he or she arrives, so it’s important to solidify employment before taking the plunge. And while the length of their work permits governs most expats’ time — a minimum of two years in most cases — some Americans have the chance to stay permanently. Wisconsinite Kim Kadiyala met her Caymanian husband in Chicago, moved near his family in Grand Cayman and now spends weekends at places like Starfish Point, a quiet beach on the island’s northern shore. Says Kadiyala, “I don’t think I’ll ever live in another place as beautiful as this.” — David LaHuta

• Population: 60,413
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $874
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6.51

Most Affordable: Dominican Republic

Matt Bokor immediately fell in love with the Dominican Republic for its cozy corner bars, rustic inns, cook shacks and especially the outgoing locals. “Dominicans are gregarious, welcoming and friendly,” says Bokor, who moved to the island from Miami. “They’ll have you dancing the merengue in no time.” The affordability of the island was appealing too. “We have sticker shock every year returning to Florida for our family reunion,” he says. “A pound of green peppers at the supermarket in Miami is about $4, compared with $1.20 here. Per pound, tomatoes are about 30 cents, and carrots are 25 cents. At the fishermen’s market in Las Terrenas, we bought 7 pounds of seafood for $40.”

There are a few downsides: traffic, power outages and crime. (Bokor points out that there is a heavy police presence.) In the end, though, the advantages win out. Bokor’s favorite thing of all is that convenience stores deliver. “Need eggs and orange juice first thing in the morning?” he says. “Just call. Run out of beer midway through the big game? They’ll bring it right to your door.” — Sarah Sekula

• Population: 10.4 million
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Dominican peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $155,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4

Best for Retiring: Bocas del Toro, Panama

Basil Stetson retired in Bocas del Toro to become a surf bum. It didn’t hurt that the exchange rate was beyond favorable — but not because he couldn’t afford a tonier location. Along with his fabric-designer wife, April Cornell, Stetson already owns on Grand Cayman. Rather, the low costs entice young energy, courtesy of backpackers. “The place feels fresh,” says Stetson. “I don’t want to live among high-rises and lots of old people.”

He adds, “It’s a small community.” How small? On Sundays, everyone can be found at the airport, where locals aren’t catching planes but fly balls — the runway is the community baseball field. Stetson might be retired, but he still speaks in business parlance. “Those games pay dividends,” he says. “Because of them, everyone knows who I am — one of the few gringos in the stands.” — Brooke Morton

• Population: 7,366
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 78˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $450
• Starting home price: $80,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7.00

Thinking of moving to Bocas Del Toro? The Red Frog Beach Island Community offers upscale villas and condos for sale. This new resort draws success from owners investing in a second home wanting to capitalize on Panama’s booming economy. The resort offers a vacation exploration tour to visit and see the unique nature, wildlife and the marvelous beaches in this little-known Caribbean Archipelago. Owners can rent their homes for income through the resort’s property management program. See the video or visit the website redfrogbeach.com to learn more. [Sponsored]

Best for a Small-Town Vibe: Ambergris Caye, Belize

Life on Ambergris is quiet. Slow. Morning rush hour is a dozen bikes wheeling over the bridge to the main town of San Pedro. Kirsten Miglio relocated from Chicago with her husband in 1993. Back then, the one road cutting lengthwise across the island saw just three golf carts, the other main means of transport. Now, Miglio struggles to estimate how many carts rumble along the dirt roads.

Around town, everyone is familiar with the couple, who own owns Ak’bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort, 2 miles south of San Pedro. “People remember faces; names are less important,” Miglio says. “There are little pockets of communities, like the French community, the yoga community, the divers, the fly-fishermen, the sailors,” she says, adding that most of the smaller groups gather often for happy hour, dinner or whatever it is that brings them together. — BM

• Population: 13,381
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Belize dollar
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $200,000
• Cost of milk: $2.76 for a quart-size box

Best Caribbean: Martinique

Spend a few days in Martinique, and you’d think you were in a tropical version of Marseille. After all, the French island is home to one of the region’s largest Francophone populations, including a burgeoning expat community from mainland France who’ve relocated for the locale’s black-sand beaches, lush rainforests and Caribbean joie de vivre.

The “Paris of the Antilles” also attracts folks from the U.S. who come to teach English — expats like Hayley Hund, who moved from Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2014 to work as an English teaching assistant. “It’s important to live like the Martiniquais,” says Hund, who enjoys practicing her Creole and eating anything au gratin. “The lifestyle has taught me to leave my watch at home and let my day develop at its own pace. As the locals like to say, ‘Il n’y a pas d’heures précises,’ or ‘there are no fixed times.'” — DL

• Population: 386,486
• Language spoken: French, Creole and English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $800
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.12 per liter

Most Affordable: Phuket, Thailand

With jungle-topped mountains, high-end dining, championship golf courses and internationally famous beaches, Phuket is an ideal setting for many foreigners from around the globe. As the largest island in Thailand, it has just about everything you need.

Top-tier medical care is easy to find and, better yet, reasonably priced. You’ll be close to an international airport, which means you won’t have to fly out of Bangkok (a major plus). There are plenty of international schools, and grocery stores are stocked with imported goods. Whether you rent or buy, it’s still extremely affordable. Keep in mind, however, that foreigners cannot own land in their name, but they may purchase a condo or home and lease the land. — SS

• Population: 620,000
• Languages spoken: Thai, English
• Currency: Baht
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $510
• Starting home price: $168,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6

Best for Recent Grads: St. Croix, USVI

Spend the day with the 20-something set on St. Croix, the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, and you might ask if you’ve stepped into an REI or Michelob Ultra commercial. Scenes cut quickly between sailing to Buck Island to swim with turtles, hiking the northwest coast to snorkel in tide pools, and dancing on a roped-off street for St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s the world of Matthew Weicker, a scuba instructor who chose to make the largely undeveloped island home in July 2015. “St. Thomas feels less like an island and more like a city with lots of vehicles, and it’s very built-up. St. Croix is quieter, with old-island charm.” Its smaller population makes it easier to join the party, er, community. For Weicker, finding that island-style welcome was simple. “Hang out in town, grab a beer and just start talking to people.” Regarding employment, Weicker adds,”The best way to land a job is to walk into the restaurants, bars and tour companies in town and talk to who’s hiring — it’s much easier in person than over the phone.” — BM

• Population: 53,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 85˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $875
• Starting home price: $130,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.99

Best for Urbanites: Hong Kong

“Hong Kong is the densest place I have ever experienced,” says Laurie Goldberg, a craft-beer importer who jets often to New York and Tokyo. With Hong Kong’s huge population comes perks. For one: cheap cabs. Thirty minutes and the equivalent of $20 U.S. buys transit to the white-sand beaches and lush hiking trails of Tai Long Wan, which reminds her of Thailand.

As for city life, Goldberg — who has called Los Angeles and Hawaii home — found the transition seamless, thanks in large part to an expat community numbering 1 million. “It was similar to moving to a city in the U.S. — everyone speaks English — but it’s much easier to meet new people,” she says. She adds that the transient nature of Hong Kong’s expat scene makes it much more welcoming. After arriving in 2011 with her husband, Adam, his law-school chum introduced them to everyone he knew. Instantly, they had community. Nights out progressed from listening to a Journey cover band at the bar Insomnia to midnight foot massages, a uniquely Hong Kong tradition — all fueled by a craft-beer selection as international as the crowd enjoying it. — BM

• Population: 7.19 million
• Languages spoken: Cantonese, English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 72˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,200
• Starting home price: $675,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.34

Best Caribbean: St. Kitts

A sunny home with a new passport to boot? In St. Kitts, it’s as easy as writing a check. The destination is one of a handful of countries that offer a citizenship-by-investment program, in which $250,000 plus the cost of a home buys you Kittitian citizenship.

Or simply join the workforce. At Ross University — an accredited veterinary school that draws students from the U.S. and Canada — faculty positions are often available. Opportunities can also be found in construction, engineering and real estate, plus hospitality jobs at new hotels. “Several resorts are scheduled to open in the next few years,” says Derek Wales, a Massachusetts native who followed his girlfriend to St. Kitts in 2014 when she decided to attend Ross University, “so now is a great time to send in your résumé.” — DL

• Population: 40,000
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,025
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.50

Most Affordable: Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, off the east coast of Honduras, is a hodgepodge of small communities with a large expat population. Pristine plots of land, untouched and exactly the way nature intended them to be, are still available for purchase. Deb Crofutt, who moved to the island in 2013, can attest to that. “You can buy land or an already built home for less than in the U.S.,” she says. “We own a 2,100-square-foot home on a quarter-acre of land, and our property taxes are about $130 a year.”

“Roatan is large enough to have conveniences and luxuries, such as dentists, yoga studios and high-end restaurants,” says Rika Purdy, an expat from Vancouver. “But it’s still small enough that you get to know your entire community and enjoy a slower pace of life. And due to the low minimum wage, which is about $15 per day, you can find quality housekeeping, childcare, cooks or home security for an affordable price.” — SS

• Population: 80,000
• Languages spoken: Spanish, Bay Islands Creole, English
• Currency: Honduran Lempira, but USD is widely accepted
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $2

Best for Starting a Business: Oahu, Hawaii

“I found it quite easy if you pick the right market,” says Mike Davis of launching Extract Juice Bar in downtown Honolulu with wife, Stacey, in 2013. “Just find a niche that isn’t already exploited locally,” says Davis. Before flying out, the couple scoured Yelp and Google to get a feel for the island’s neighborhoods. After they arrived, they spent half a day sitting outside their intended shop location, studying foot traffic. Their product skews toward an affluent clientele, so they targeted the business district, fueled by tourism and military dollars. Davis also figured it wise to open doors at 6 a.m., when the suits clock in to do business with the mainland.

More importantly, the venture brought added benefits to the couple’s lives. They’re stoked that riding waves is now part of their everyday. Says Davis, “Two weeks ago, my fridge went down over the weekend. I was closed for three days and lost all my produce. But when you’re in Hawaii, how can you ever be mad that you’re on an island?” — BM

• Population: 953,207
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 77˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300
• Starting home price: $60,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $5.49

Best for Foodies: Sicily, Italy

“Sicily’s architecture is very baroque, and its desserts are too — in fact, there’s flair and exuberance to all the island’s food,” says Jann Huizenga. She and her husband, Kim Crowley, spend half the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the rest in a Sicilian town called Ragusa Ibla, population 3,000. When asked to share a favorite food memory, Huizenga pauses. In spring, the thing to do is join friends on hillsides, foraging for wild asparagus, fennel, capers and borage, a spinachlike green. The resulting bounty is cooked with pasta.

If you don’t have friends to scrounge with, try the restaurant I Bianchi, which is managed by a two-star Michelin chef and is known for its pastries and gelatos. Caffe Sicilia in the village of Noto is another Huizenga must-try, namely for its almond granita and its take on a Sicilian summer breakfast: gelato tucked inside a brioche.”It’s a great big thing,” she says, and as she describes the textures and flavor, it seems some of the island’s exuberance has rubbed off. — BM

• Population: 5 million
• Language spoken: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Average year-round temp: 60˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.37 per liter

Best Caribbean: Virgin Gorda, BVI

“I love watching visitors react to our version of reality,” says Cassie Mitchell, who moved to Virgin Gorda from Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2012 to pursue a career in guest services. “It reaffirms why I’m here in the first place.” Of course, the BVI reality takes many forms. For her friend Scott Allerton, a Florida native who opened Carib Kiteboarding in 2003, it’s teaching visitors the sport. “My office is the ocean,” says Allerton, who has taught more than 1,000 people on Virgin Gorda’s Eustatia Sound, ideally suited for kiteboarding thanks to its consistent side-shore breezes.

On tiny Virgin Gorda, it’s small-town living at its sunniest: Grocery runs require boats, clocks give way to island time, and virtually everyone knows your name. “All of us expats share three traits that allow us to survive here,” says Mitchell. “Kindness, patience and optimism.” — DL

• Population: 29,151
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Starting home price: $275,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $10.55

Most Affordable: Boracay, Philippines

Though Boracay is tiny, it has nine beaches, 30-plus nightlife spots and 27 dive sites. About an hour flight from Manila, it attracts fun-loving expats like Paul Fournier, who moved there in 2012. “I pay $296 per month for a studio apartment, including cleaning service, in the center of Boracay,” he says. “White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just a five-minute walk. I eat out daily because the food is so cheap. Beer in the beachfront bars averages out to $1.30 — the cheapest is only 84 cents.”

But one major drawback is medical expenses. “The healthcare quality on Boracay is not great,” says Fournier. “To find proper medical care, you have to leave the island — usually hopping a one-hour flight to a major city.” — SS

• Population: 20,000
• Languages spoken: English, Visayan, Tagalog
• Currency: Philippine peso
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7

Best for Starting a Family: Key Largo, Florida

“I was raised on the water, surfing, diving, skiing and fishing — it’s what I wanted for my kids,” says Steve Powers, who, along with his wife, Cheryl, has been raising three daughters since 2008 in the Norman-Rockwell-meets-Jimmy-Buffett landscape that is Key Largo. The couple knew they wanted to relocate to a Florida coast, and the Keys offer double the shoreline. Powers had always wanted to run a business, so when the local Sea Tow franchise, a marine-rescue company, became available, he took the helm.

In many ways, it’s exactly what the Powers had hoped, and now their kids live in the water. “It’ll be midnight, and they still have their swimsuits on,” says Steve. “I bought an outdoor projector, and they’ll want to watch Jaws while swimming.” Factor in the ocean and Gulf, and the possibilities become endless — more than enough to fill any childhood. — BM

• Population: 11,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,000
• Starting home price: $250,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $3.35

Best for Beach Bums: Maui, Hawaii

Find your Maui tribe, and you’ll find your Maui beach. Mothers with little ones gather at, appropriately enough, Baby Beach near Lahaina on the island’s northwest tip. Retirees: Wailea. Windsurfers meet for sessions at Kanaha Beach Park, near the airport. Those preferring drum circles find each other on the North Shore’s Baldwin Beach Park. Find Sylvia Whelchel, an Ayurveda practitioner from Oregon, with her people — women who shred — every morning at 6:30 at Ho’okipa Beach. “Even if the waves aren’t good, we still paddle out,” she says. “It’s our version of hitting the gym.”

Surfing is just one way Whelchel lets Maui shape her lifestyle. Surrendering to the island’s way of life is your best chance to find happiness. “It’s really common to see people move here, thinking their lives will be better,” she says. “But if they don’t change themselves, they’ll be in the same rut as they were before, working too much and whatnot.” Whelchel calls it letting go of the “mainland vibe.” She says, “Here, you’re admired for surfing big waves or for owning a truck that can carry all your sports equipment.” The island lifestyle isn’t about buying or owning possessions. It’s about something else entirely — a sense of community. — BM

• Population: 160,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 75˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,400
• Starting home price: $450,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $9.59

Best Caribbean: The Abacos, Bahamas

“The Abacos used to be the Wild West of the Caribbean,” says Austin Smith, who moved from Florida in 1989 to a 300-acre cay dubbed Lubbers Quarters. “It was like being a pioneer, but instead of arriving in covered wagons, we sailed in boats.” At the time, the island had no power or running water, which is a big difference from the Abacos of today. Chiefly because of its proximity to the U.S. — a mere one-hour flight from West Palm Beach, Florida — **the islands are now a haven for Americans looking for a second home or a full relocation from the States. **

And thanks to Smith’s latest project, owning a slice of paradise just got easier. In May 2016, he launched Lubbers’ Quarters, 12 two- and three- bedroom fractional-ownership cottages available to buyers for 13 weeks each year. For $165,000, cottages include 25 percent home ownership and a 23-foot boat to explore the archipelago. “It’s carefree home ownership at its best,” says Smith, who also developed a mobile app called Island Compass, which lets boaters identify points of interest on a smartphone without incurring costly roaming charges. “We’re building our resort by giving people a great deal on a house,” says Smith. “It’s a win-win.” — DL

• Population: 13,170
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $925
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $12

Worth the Splurge: Moorea, Tahiti

Imagine living in Yosemite Valley without the crowds. “That pretty much sums up Moorea,” says Michael Poole, who relocated in 1987. He also lauds the affable community, interesting mix of cultures and incredibly good food, plus plenty of holidays and celebrations. “Life here is certainly enjoyed,” Poole says. “However, it’s not very easy to move here. It’s expensive, and there isn’t a rich expat culture. People want to live here because it reflects and fulfills their vision of a tropical paradise.“

“It’s true that things like food and cars are very costly,” says Laurel Samuela, an expat from California. “But we don’t have property taxes, and healthcare is very inexpensive. Plus, our lagoon is full of fish, and our garden is packed with mangoes, avocados and passion fruit.” — SS

• Population: 16,191
• Languages spoken: French, Tahitian, English
• Currency: French Polynesian franc
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $723
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.51

Best for Health Fiends: Coolum Beach, Australia

A variety of factors draw health-minded individuals to the Sunshine Coast. For some, it’s the benefits of living near the ocean. This relaxed lifestyle was what Jamie Schwear had always dreamed of, especially in landlocked Arizona. In 2015, she arrived in the town of Coolum Beach, 90 minutes north of Brisbane. “I never found a place like this in the U.S. that I could afford,” says Schwear, who now lives across the street from the Coral Sea.

It’s a popular spot for the active set and a haven for surfers. Weekends are spent outdoors: strolling the Coolum boardwalk, where whales can be spotted June through November, and hiking in Mount Coolum National Park, named for its 680-foot peak. Perhaps the best part is how uncrowded paradise is. “The whole population of Australia is less than the state of Texas,” she says. For guaranteed solitude, she heads north to Noosa National Park. “We have miles and miles of coastline where you can walk the beach and be the only one, which is amazing. You become a part of wild, unspoiled nature.” — BM

• Population: 8,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Australian dollar
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $215,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.24

Read more about moving to an island:

10 Real Estate Tips for Moving to an Island | How to Move to St. John, USVI | Living in the Cayman Islands

Best for Starting Over: Cozumel, Mexico

Don’t be surprised at weight loss or lower blood pressure when starting a new life in Cozumel. Cruise-ship anchors aweigh, this 250-square-mile island settles back into slow rhythms, packaging the folksiness of a small Midwestern town with prime Caribbean beachfront. As for health benefits, new arrivals Joni and Karan Thadani said adios to Kansas in January, and they already need smaller shorts. Credit might be due to swapping their law practice for selling island real estate. Or to the mom-and-pop eateries dishing up their nightly dinners.

“It’s amazing that the restaurants all serve fresh, handmade food,” says Joni. Their diet is now mostly seafood, meat and produce, yet it’s cost-effective. Barbecue chicken with rice and beans fetches less than $5. For Karan, the answer is much simpler: “Nothing is better for your health than seeing the ocean every day.” — BM

• Population: 100,000
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $750
• Starting home price: $104,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $1.52

The post Top 20 Best Islands to Live On appeared first on Islands.

And we know you’re posting your meals to Instagram, and more than one-third of our readers are traveling just to eat (of course, we don’t blame ‘em). Dine on these local favorites from our list of the best Caribbean dishes when you’re on one of these islands next time.

“I eat fresh fish every single day,” said Tony Brannon, a Bermudan musician who has called Barbados his second home since 1981. “When your dinner was swimming in the sea the same day as you, there’s just nothing better.”

And he’s right. While Barbados might be known for its savory salt breads, curried goat roti and coucou –– a side dish similar to grits with the addition of okra –– the real star of Bajan cuisine is what’s splashing in its waters, including mahi-mahi, barracuda, spiny lobster and flying fish, a key ingredient in the national dish of Barbados.

For a taste of some of the best Caribbean food, head to Oistins, a fishing town on the island’s southern coast, which hosts a lively fish fry every Friday night.

“No one should leave Barbados without trying the flying fish,” Brannon said. “There’s a reason it’s on the $1 coin.”

And he’s right. While Barbados might be known for its savory salt breads, curried goat roti and coucou –– a side dish similar to grits with the addition of okra –– the real star of Bajan cuisine is what’s splashing in its waters, including mahi-mahi, barracuda, spiny lobster and flying fish, a key ingredient in the national dish of Barbados.

For a taste of some of the best Caribbean food, head to Oistins, a fishing town on the island’s southern coast, which hosts a lively fish fry every Friday night.

“No one should leave Barbados without trying the flying fish,” Brannon said. “There’s a reason it’s on the $1 coin.”

In Anguilla, locals routinely catch and grill trunkfish, a spotted red fish, for one of the best Caribbean dishes around.

Served with rice and peas, cracked conch and conch salad are two favorites at Twin Brothers in Nassau, Bahamas.

Here’s Executive Chef Lennox Cadogan of Lighthouse Bay Resort in Barbuda.

The lobster and chicken entree from Scilly Cay, an islet off the coast of Island Harbour, Anguilla.

This traditional sada roti is made with smoked herring and fried plantains near Port of Spain, Trinindad.

Succulent tequila-lime shrimp in New Providence, Bahamas, at the Indigo Cafe is a must-try.

Freshly caught red snapper is prepared at the Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas.

Lobster and shrimp empanadillas from El Schamar in Boqueron, Puerto Rico (pro tip: Try them with “pique,” a popular island hot sauce, and a cold Medalla beer).

At El Resuelve, a family-owned restaurant in Vieques, Puerto Rico, order the crab empanadas, bone-sucking barbecue ribs and seafood soup.

Nosh on grilled whole fish with rice and peas from O.J.’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, an open-air rum shack in Southwest Antigua.

At Lechonera Restaurante El Pino in Trujillo Alto, just south of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a slab of “lechon” is weighed before hitting the oven.

A common street food in Trinidad, doubles are made by filling “bara,” fried bread, with curried chickpeas called “channa.

A breakfast arepa at El Carey Café in Isabela, Puerto Rico, made with ham and eggs has a familiar aesthetic akin to a breakfast sandwich found stateside, but it’s got its own unique Latin American touch.

The post Best Dishes in the Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

There are so many reasons to “Meet Martinique.” With the excellent exchange rate and increased flights to Fort de France from the U.S., the Island of Flowers is now more affordable and accessible than ever! Of course it’s now easier to get to Martinique, but where should you stay once you’ve landed in paradise? Here are a few of the chicest hotels and villas in the French Caribbean!

Cool your feet in the turquoise waters of one of the most picturesque bays in Martinique at Villa Alice Bay. Whether you are relaxing on a private jetty or near the pool, you will be privy to an impeccable ocean view. If you’d prefer to stay on the east coast of the island, head to Point Cerisier in Le Francois. Here, you’ll find Le Domaine des Fonds Blancs villa nestled in the lagoon along the most exclusive and famous area of the island.

If hotels are more your speed, Martinique offers a variety of idyllic accommodations. Discover La Pagerie hotel, a modern fully renovated upscale property just a few steps from the isolated beach, and only 20 minutes from downtown Fort de France by ferry. Big on boutique hotels? La Suite Villa is composed of only nine private villas and was ranked the #2 Trendiest Hotel in the Caribbean by Trip Advisor. Here, you can enjoy your view of the Trois-Ilets Bay while treating yourself to a superb Creole meal! If you would like to get a taste of local architecture, head to the Hotel Bakoua in Pointe-du-Bout. This charming West-Indies style hotel boasts a magnificent view of Fort-de-France bay and offers two restaurants, a cocktail bar, tennis, a swimming pool, a beach, and water sport facilities. For the resort type, there is the stunning Club Med Village located on its own peninsula in Sainte Anne. Fully renovated, it features 289 rooms and services include water sports, a full service spa, two restaurants, and a lively bar.

The post Wake Up in Paradise in the French Caribbean! appeared first on Islands.

Martinique offers a pair of gems perched high above the sea, and a stay at either one – or both – is sure to be a highlight of a trip to this lush French territory.

Between Robert Bay and François Bay, the 16-room Hôtel Plein Soleil is all about color, its grounds ablaze with vivid allamanda and bougainvillea blooms. Stylish red, peach, teal and mauve cottages trimmed in Creole-style gingerbread fretwork overlook the sea, and four new suites feature boldly hued minimalist decor and private plunge pools. Young chef Nathanael Ducteil – trained by vaunted French chef Alain Ducasse – is working wonders in the table d’hôte restaurant, and owner Jean-Christophve Yoyo and his staff will direct you to Martinique’s prime south-coast beaches, 30 minutes away, or north to the island’s mountains and rainforests. They also arrange trips to the nearby offshore shallows known as Josephine’s Bathtub, after French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, who was born on the island and swam in these waters as a child.

Up the coast near the town of Trinité, Le Domaine Saint Aubin has converted its erstwhile stables into guest rooms and added new rooms to the main house, a 19th-century plantation manor. The expansion bumps the room count from 11 to 30, but guests will find the same attention to detail in the new quarters, which feature antiques and Colonial-style mahogany furniture. The owners are a former Parisian costume designer and a jazz musician, so this laid-back spot has beaucoup flair. Toss in fabulous dining and a shaded sea-view veranda, and you’ll appreciate why Saint Aubin is an insider’s fave.

Hôtel Plein Soleil
Pointe Thalémont
596-596-38-07-77; pleinsoleil.mq From $194 in low season ($262 high)

Le Domaine Saint Aubin
Petite Rivière Salée
596-596-69-34-77; ledomainesaintaubin.com
From $185 in low season ($308 high)

The post Best Places to Stay in Martinique appeared first on Islands.

SERVES 1

– 1/2-oz. crème de cassis (black currant-flavored liqueur)

– 1/2-oz. peach schnapps

– 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail

– 2 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice

– freshly squeezed juice of 1/4 lemon

Fill a Collins glass with ice, add all ingredients and stir. Garnish as you like, and voilá!

The post Tropical Drink Recipe: Martinique appeared first on Islands.