Five of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean
Offering glistening white sands and dazzling blue seas, a vacation in the Caribbean is the perfect sun-kissed escape from everyday life, where the food is vibrant, the sunsets are amazing, and the vibe is laid-back.
But with over 25 countries to choose from, it can be difficult to find your dream destination in the Caribbean – each is unique and offers its own slew of unforgettable places and experiences. Big Domain, which offers a collection of large villas in the Caribbean, takes us through 5 of its favorites, paired with some great reasons why you should pay a visit.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a place which should be on everyone’s travel bucket list, with its unique culture and scenery. Powdery white sands, including the famous James Bond Beach, form the island’s edge, while inland there are the towering Blue Mountains, the jungles of Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls. Meanwhile, the capital Kingston and the many other resorts are alive with the sounds of reggae music and the smell of jerk food.
Anguilla
This historic island, where ancient rock art is still being discovered in the Fountain Cavern National Park, has now become a jet-setter’s paradise. Palm tree-lined beaches lead to the crystal-clear waters and tropical reefs below, with plenty of opportunity for a variety of water sports including glass-bottomed kayaking, snorkelling and sailing to the many offshore islets.
Grenada
Known as the spice isle, thanks to its huge exports of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, Grenada is our foodie’s pick for a Caribbean island. As well as sampling the freshly grown and ground spices, there’s also some of the oldest rum labels in the world and freshly caught fried fish to sample in the lively coastal villages. Inland, there are incredible natural wonders such as the moss-clad steps of the Seven Sisters, the crater lakes of Grand Etang and the waterfalls tumbling down Royal Mount Carmel.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas have long been popular with US tourists especially, with each island catering to tourists of all kinds. Those seeking adventure beneath the water flock to the coral reefs of Binimi, while wildlife lovers head to the reefs of Grand Bahama and beach worshippers soak up the sunshine on the secluded beaches of Long Island. If it’s extravagance you’re after, try New Providence or Paradise Island for beachfront villas and glistening yachts.
Barbados
Attracting backpackers and billionaires alike, Barbados has something for everyone. Head to the capital Bridgetown for amazing architecture from the British colonial period. The beach resorts also offer the full Caribbean experience: drinking piña coladas on sunny terraces, scuba diving amongst the reefs, admiring the waves as they lap against the many sandy beaches, and heading to holes in the wall for locally-produced rum and freshly fried fish.
