The Most Vegan-Friendly Caribbean Islands November 3, 2021 Written by Escaping to white sands, turquoise waters, and sunny skies always sounds like a good idea, but it's an even better idea when old man winter comes knocking. The smallest of the US Virgin Islands, it lacks the same level of luxury hotels and resorts than its counterparts. And even though the region is known for its nightlife, it still isn't advisable to venture out after dark, especially if you're bringing your family with you. Antigua Best for beaches Boasting a beach for each day of the year, low-lying Antigua in the Leeward Islands delivers a multitude of postcard-perfect beaches, with coral reefs just a flipper-kick from shore. Best Overall: Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth. TheU.S. Department of State's crime warningswhich take into account the number of crimes and homicides reported to law enforcement agencies per 100,000 inhabitantsare a pretty reliable indication of which islands have lower rates of violent crime. The Cayman Islandsis another British Overseas Territory widely known as a haven for the wealthy. With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. A black sand beach on St Kitts (Getty Images) 1. 2. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. islands, reefs, islets and cays, the Caribbean promises a variety of treasures both on and off its shores. Even though it isn't entirely crimeless, the U.S. Department of State deems Puerto Rico safe to visit. However, since achieving independence and/or autonomy, many Caribbean islands have managed to establish themselves competitively in the world economy. The fishing is good in these parts too, where barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin are plentiful. The French island is a nature lovers paradise with spectacular waterfalls, natural rivers, and magnificent landscapes. While it does have a homicide rate of 11 per 100,000 inhabitants, tourists are advised merely to pay attention to their belongings so as to avoid robbery, especially in the capital, Fort-de-France, and in the tourist-centric region of Pointe du Bout. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Tourists are advised to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone, carrying valuable possessions, or leaving anything unattended at the beach. For most of us, the dream vacation goes something like this: a tropical island, a beautiful beach, and a drink topped with an umbrella. There are also many land-based options, such as horseback riding and hiking. A 2015 BBC report was widely criticized by St. Kitts and Nevis authorities for naming this Leeward Islands nation "the most violent place on earth." The famous pink sand beaches, like Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, are quite crowded in peak season, making them difficult to enjoy. Barbados. Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. Approximately 69% of the island's GDP emanates from the service industry. Most visitors share the same sentiments about this Caribbean destination: overpriced and underwhelming. Probably the best-known Caribbean island, Barbados is a haunt of the rich and famous. The largest island is Cuba. Despite a moderate beach-density score of 0.38, Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, thanks to resorts that offer prime package deals and more than 350 different activities. More than 50 countries across the world host Carnival, but it's in Latin America and the Caribbean that you will find its beating heart. Put simply, he is one cool son of a gun. The Bahamas soars to the top of our list thanks to its prosperous tourism industry. Youre also in good hands at the Great House restaurant, where the conch fritters, Asian barbecue spareribs, and the coconut green vegetable curry are crowd-pleasers. Snorkeling in lagoons and hiking up Mt. Most criminal activity here is believed to be gang or drug-related. For a quieter experience, head to theAndrosia Batik Factory where you can learn about the art of batik-making and try your hand at it. Even dining off the resort poses a problem, as most of the good restaurants have a strict reservation only policy. From the crowded beaches ofPuerto Rico to the dangerous streets of Jamaica,join us as we count down 15 Caribbean destinations that are overrated, if these tourist photos are anything to go by. The idyllic island paradise makes the most of its natural splendour, attracting visitors from all around the world to its sandy shores. Planning tip: If after all that peace and solitude you want to liven things up a little, Negril is an hour away. Puerto Rico: 16th-century citadel in San Juan named Castillo San Felipe del Morro. If youre into snorkeling, Grenada offers over 30 dive sites. After a week here, you might actually be excited to go back to work (Trip Advisor). Unlike most other Caribbean nations, its high-income economy is dependent, not on tourism, but on industry, with petrochemical and petrochemicals fueling a solid GDP growth. The twin-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis prospers primarily thanks to tourism and export-oriented manufacturing, as well as agriculture, with approximately 39% of the islands' land reserved to crops (primarily devoted to sugarcane and peanuts). "The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality," the U.S. Department of State says. Compared to the island of St. John nearby, Tortola is peanuts. There are new hot spots like theBLT Steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton and the uber-luxeMRVL Spafor next-level pampering. With his expertise in the literary field and passion for the arts, he aims to give back to the community of like-minded individuals and introduce more people to the arts. Sure, they have their redeeming qualities, but there are far superior regions like Antigua's Marinas or Virgin Gorda's "Baths.". The area is decent except that it's not like anything you see on those travel brochures. But over the past two decades, the one-time modern attraction seems to have lost its luster. Royal make for more fun. Best for . Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 356,470 / Year 2020: 1,085,920 Tourists from around the world are drawn to the mystique of Cuba, an island that boasts a pristine coastline, an abundance of parks, and several UNESCO natural reserves. According to the Security Advisory Council, do not travel to parts of Montego Bay and Kingston because there is a serious risk of crime. Physical features Geology The geologic age of the Caribbean is not known with certainty. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 404,664/ Year 2020: 164,539 The islands of Turks and Caicos are truly among the worlds most incredible destinations. Best Beach: Zemi Beach House, Anguilla. Recently named the most incredible Italian island youve never heard of by National Geographic, Ischia may not be as popular as other Islands thanks to the lack of easy transport. Few places compare to the Caribbean when it comes to sun, sea, sand and surf. Adventure seekers have abundant activities to choose from, including hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). However, in response to a change in European Union banana trade preferences, Dominica has placed emphasis on the production of coffee, aloe vera, exotic fruits and manufactured soaps to remain competitive on the export market. Maria is a French-British English literature graduate. You can dive into the worlds third-largest barrier reef system in the Turks and Caicos and visit the worlds only Conch Farm. Basseterre's crime rate is still soaring to new heights (it was named the most violent city in 2011). With its stunning scenery and vibrant cultures, the Caribbean is one of the world's . Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. As a result, the island has had to turn towards other industries. Is Belize Safe? Morne Trois Pitons is an active volcano, one of nine in Dominica. In general, this includes many of the Caribbean Islands and tropical regions in North America. Dominica is one of the best Caribbean islands for adventure, with a mostly unspoiled natural landscape begging to be explored. It's a big commercialized beach. Jamaica has some of the best food in the Caribbeanjerk lobster costs less than US$10 and is one of the more expensive items on the menu. For an authentic Jamaican experience, mix it up with locals at Bluefields Beach Parkwhere, at the weekends, families will be picnicking and the reggae music will be blasting. It also exports cocoa, bananas and citrus fruits. Turns out it's very congested, dirty and the opposite of a relaxing, warm tropical Caribbean paradise (the plane engines are deafening!). Another good choice isThe Hermitageat the foot of a rainforest covered mountain. These are the best. Photo Credit: Martinique Tourism Board. The British government states that "although most visits to the BVI are trouble-free, serious incidents, including armed robbery, do occur." So what is the best way to explore? Activities include everything from deep-sea fishing and kayaking toplaying tennis and cycling. Soak up the sounds on a Sunday night at the legendary street party,Buccoo Sunday School in Buccoo. Aside from the hut-style suites, the resort also provides its wealthy guests with crystal-clear sand beaches, five-star dining and some of the best diving locations in the world (COMO Hotels). The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded where wild donkeys, goats, and green vervet monkeys roam. For a wellness themed retreat theresJungle Bay on nearly 20 acres of lush landscape. Bruna Alves , Jun 21, 2022. And with a limited amount of easily accessible coastline (about 13 kilometers), the crowds at up quickly. And Carriacou teems with lively local culture, especially if you visit during Carnival. Theres fun to be had at Washington-Slagbaai National Park, be it hiking to the tallest peak at Mt Brandaris, cliff-jumping into turquoise waters at Boka Slagbaii or chilling in the tide pool at Boka Kokolishi. Bermuda doesnt have to an overrated experience, but it takes a little more work than other Caribbean Islands to get the most out of it. The island is only accessible by boat from The Maldives airport, but in the opposite direction from the majority of the nations resorts, placing the island on a quieter and virtually undisturbed atoll. Planning tip: Spend a day on the sister island of St Kitts where you can hike Mt Liamuiga Volcano and check outBrimstone Hill Fortress National Park. One of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Bonaire boasts sparkling beauty. Tosh, one of the original Wailers, in reggae music history is not far behind icon Bob Marley. The island has also attracted foreign investment in petroleum storage and transshipment. Youll have to check them out somewhere else, because Capri has none (Everywhereist). With its serene, laidback atmosphere, pristine waters, and rich, vibrant culture, the Bahamas is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or an extended tropical vacation. The nightlife is fun, traffic is horrible and the high-rise buildings are the opposite of what makes the Caribbean, Caribbean. Planning tip: The Mandarin has a six-seat resort jet that can be booked as a shared or private charter from Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, and St Vincent airports. St Kitts & Nevis. Canouan has bragging rights for being surrounded by the Caribbeans largest living coral reef and theres good fly-fishing and kitesurfing here too. Although some of the GDP figures may seem low, they present promise for a region that has undergone huge development over the past two decades after a history of struggle. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. 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