Caribbean calling

Hurricanes Irma and Maria tore through the Caribbean last year. But it’s a misconception that the entire region was devastated. Only a handful of the 7,000 islands were damaged. And, recovery in most of the affected countries has been rather swift. With voluntourism being big right now, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation is sending the message out that just visiting the place would contribute to help the place recover. If you want to head to the sunny shores, here are the must-visit locations you should include in your itinerary.

Antigua

Replete with historic sites, delish cuisine and a lively cultural scene, Antigua is known for 365 unique and beautiful beaches. Whether a beach party or exploring the deep ocean, you can do it all. A go-to site is its sleepy sister island, Barbuda, which has a relaxed feel to it. Whether its the panoramic view from Shirley Heights or revisiting the history of Cathedral of St John the Divine, there’s a lot to see here. Indulge in water sports at Galley Bay Beach or go to a romantic vacation at Half Moon Bay.

The British Virgin Islands

These are among the most exclusive and undeveloped islands on the Caribbean. Here, Tortola boasts of mountainous cliffs and chalk-white beaches, known for changing tides and calm easterly winds. Enjoy authentic Caribbean food and drink at Jost Van Dyke, which is a short sail away and also has outdoor excursions like diving and fishing. The most picturesque shore in the BVI is the Baths in Virgin Gorda. It is characterised by unique grottoes amidst granite boulders. For extreme seclusion, go to Anegada — the slow, flat terrain that has sparkling sand.

Cayman Islands

An adventurous diver or a beach bum, Cayman won’t disappoint you as it has Barrier reefs as well as cocktails to please you. A romantic walk through the 200-year-old Mastic Trail or interactive swims at Stingray City are worth indulging in at the archipelago of three islands, located to the south of Cuba. The largest, Grand Cayman, has all-inclusive resorts, less-travelled Cayman Brac is perfect for freewheeling vacationers, and Little Cayman has the best diving spots.

Havana

Havana has a lot in store for history and architecture buffs (artefacts at Museo de la Revolución), art aficionado (Cuban Art at the Museum of Fine Arts), and literature lovers (Ernest Hemingway’s former home Finca Vigía). Old Havana has colourful streets where you can stroll or enjoy a drink with the locals at the five-mile-long boulevard along the sea, El Malecón. When there, do spare some time to visit the Plaza de la Catedral or Catedral de la Habana — the 18th-century Baroque cathedral that was once described as ‘music made into stone’.

Barbados

Heritage homes, golf courses, adventure and sports other than beaches make Barbados a quintessential Caribbean experience. Bathsheba beach is great for surfers and Dover for a calmer time. Wildlife, snorkelling, scuba diving, and various shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay near the capital Bridgetown cannot be skipped. Barbados is renowned for its rum distilleries but St Nicholas Abbey stands out for its traditional distillation in small batches. The property also has a 350-year-old plantation home that houses a museum, gardens and orchards. Hunte’s Garden has an abundance of plants in a gully.

St Martin

The Caribbean is not just about a laid-back vibe, a serene beach, and a quiet sunset. St Martin is popular with travellers who also like to eat, party, and shop. The dual-governed island offers two distinct, lively cultures. Head to St Maarten for the most animated casinos, bars and clubs. Spend mornings on a quiet Dutch-side beach or stroll through a French-side mountain.

Jamaica

Think reggae music and the Rastafari movement, laid-back vibe, and all-inclusive resorts. The land of coffee has cream-coloured beaches, waterfalls, and the big Blue Mountains. While in the heart of the Caribbean, you can visit Negril for the Seven-Mile Beach; Montego Bay for golfing, Ocho Rios (Dunn’s River Falls & Park) for adventures or Port Antonio for surfing at Boston Bay Beach. You could also go for a hiking expedition along the Blue Mountains National Park or river raft at the Rio Grande. Do sample their traditional dishes like ackee and saltfish, callaloo (a stew-like okra and spinach soup) or spicy jerk seasoning.

St Lucia

This is the perfect place for honeymooners or those looking for a romantic getaway. With chalk-coloured beaches, the island that was born of volcanic origin, is also famous for St Lucia Jazz and Art Festival that has seen a performance by Akon and Diana Ross. You can also explore the 18th-century military ruins, Fort Rodney, and Pigeon Island National Park where they are housed. In the west coast is the town  Soufrière, which is popular for the Pitons mountain — twin peaks Gros Piton and Petit Piton, which are great for trekking and panoramic views. Anse Chastanet resort provides snorkelling in clear waters. One must also visit Sulfur Springs, which is the world’s only drive-in volcano. Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay, and Gros islet are other popular destinations.

Aruba

It’s all sun and sea at the powdery beaches of Aruba. This is one place where you will be happy whether you want to chill or fill your days (and nights) with activities — from scuba diving lessons to snorkelling or deep sea fishing and also its hip casinos. National Park Arikok, landscapes that include caves and lava formation, sand dunes and beaches or natural attractions like Natural Pool and Natural Bridge or museums, you won’t have a single dull moment here. Antilla, which is the largest wreck in South Caribbean and a popular dive site, should not be missed.