Caribbean in Brief - a short guide to help visitors find places to stay and things to do.

The Popular Islands

 The Caribbean, a magical placed of blue and green crystal clear water, deep blue skies a balmy atmosphere and a carefree approach to life which is infectious, as well as an almost permanent carnival atmosphere.

You can find sophistication here as well if you wish, spend the days relaxing on the beach or burning off energy with an excellent array of watersports, spend the evenings dining either al fresco on the beach or in an exclusive restaurant. Perhaps before visiting a casino or show, depending on which island you stay on.  

St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is a well known shoppers paradise, walk down the streets and alleyways, and you are surrounded by fine quality jewellery and surprisingly some excellent English Bone China or other exclusive product ranges, all at excellent prices specially for US visitors.  

Jamaica and Saint Lucia have many fine beaches, but if you venture inland the scenery is that of lush vegetation and great views. Visit the Pitons at St Lucia, or climb the famous Dunn’s River Falls on Jamaica.  

On San Juan adventure into the El Yunque rainforest during the day, and perhaps spend a little time trying your luck in the Government Controlled Casinos, but certainly wander though the old town with its quaint streets and cafes.  

Nassau and the Bahamas offer more in the way of shows sophistication and Casinos, as well as some beautiful beaches  

Grand Cayman is the Tax Haven of the Caribbean, here there is fine shopping, everything may seem expensive, but the quality is there and if you really do want to bring home a souvenir which may well become an heirloom this is the place to look  

Aruba and Curacao sit a little further south than most of the islands, they do seem to miss any bad weather or storms and have a more unsophisticated charm all to themselves. Aruba has picture postcard settings of pure white beaches and quaint Dutch architecture, whilst Willemstad in Curacao has little canals and pastel coloured  gabled houses reminiscent of Amsterdam  

The island of St Martin is half Dutch and half French, each part with its own distinct flavour and style.    

Barbados, some say as British as tea Time, you will find the raw beauty of the tropics everywhere on this island with luxury hotels and great night life, every sport imaginable, but cricket is a passion with Barbadians, visit the rugged east coast for some excellent photography.  

The Dominican Republic is a good place to find amber souvenirs’ and possibly a bad tummy, don’t drink the local water. The local gemstone Larimar, or Dominican Turquoise makes fine jewellery especially when mounted in silver.

We have hundreds pf hotels in the Caribbean, but in an effort to make things simple we have created special pages for popular Caribbean destinations, and initially shown hotels which promise the most for your money, whether luxury or budget see our price pledge.