Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips …€™s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s...

Modern Luxury is a trademark of Celebrity Cruises Inc. ©2013 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 13035114 • 6/2014 of 12

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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must SeesCity /Port Type Location/ Activity Content

St. Johns, Antigua

Must See Trunk Bay

This wildly popular beach in Virgin Islands National Park was owned by Laurence S. Rockefeller until he donated it to the United States in 1956. Don’t miss the 675-foot-long snorkeling trail with plaques on the ocean floor identifying types of coral and sea urchins. Or explore the 1.5 miles of wooded coastline, home to bay rum trees and wild orchids. 340/776-6201; nps.gov.

St. Johns, Antigua

Must See St. John's Cathederal

The church has been destroyed at least twice by earthquakes since it was first con-structed in 1681. Architect J. Fuller rebuilt it in the 1840’s as it stands today; the stately stone exterior hides an interior done entirely in hardy pitch pine to resist further de-struction. Between Long and Newgate Streets; 268/462-4686.

St. Johns, Antigua

Must See Dockyard Museum

This waterfront gem explores the impact of Britain’s empire on the West Indies, dating back to the time the first English ship docked here in 1671. Originally built in 1855 as officers’ quarters, the museum is part of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, where a restored naval yard sheltered the British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. English Harbour; 268/481-5043; dockyardmuseum.org.

St. Johns, Antigua

TipWoody's Seafood Saloon

Satisfy your craving for conch fritters (and bottled beer) at Woody’s Seafood Sa-loon, where walls are crowded with island memorabilia and happy hour is so popular, you’ll probably have to take your drinks outside. Don’t leave without one of Woody’s T-shirts, which have spread across the globe like viral videos. Downtown Cruz Bay; 340/779-4625; woodysseafood.com.

George Town, Grand Cayman

Must See Historic George Town

There’s more to Grand Cayman than beaches and luxury hotels. Take a stroll along downtown’s palm-lined streets past pastel-hued houses to Cayman Islands National Museum, housed in one of the island’s oldest buildings (once a jail and, later, a dance hall), and Fort George, built in the 1780’s by the British.


Must See Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman’s long public beach is its most popular attraction, and for good reason: no sybarite could find finer sands or more tranquil blue waters for shelling and snor-keling. If you want to up the adventure quota, join a beach volleyball game or rent a kayak or Jet Ski.


Must See Cayman Turtle Farm

When Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands in 1503, he named them Las Tortugas (the turtles) because he saw so many of the shelled creatures swimming in the surrounding waters. This center has kept the population healthy, raising endan-gered green sea and Kemp’s ridley turtles to release into the wild. With any luck, you can spot young hatchlings taking their first steps. West Bay; 345/949-3894; turtle.ky.




Tip Blu Cilantro

Make reservations at Blue Cilantro, in George Town, where chef Vidyadhara Shetty turns out Caribbean dishes with an Indian twist. Opt for seats by the huge open kitch-en so you can watch the action, and order lobster salad tossed with fresh fruits or the catch of the day in a coconut curry sauce over house-made udon noodles. Fidelity Financial Centre; 345/945-4372; bluecilantrocayman.com.

St. Georges, Grenada

Must SeeGrenada Underwater Sculpture Park

This collection of sculptures in the shallow waters off the coast is accessible only to divers (though it can also be viewed from glass-bottomed boats). Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor created the series of figures for the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which also serves as an artificial reef to promote conservation. Two miles north of Saint George’s; grenadaunderwatersculpture.com.


Must SeeGrenada National Museum

A colorful past defines the 1704 building, set in the foundation of the old French army barracks. It went on to house three hotels, then a women’s prison until 1880. Opened as a museum in 1976, the collection includes a marble bathtub once owned by Em-press Josephine. Corner of Young and Monckton Streets; 473/440-3725.


Must See Grand Anse Beach

Rainbows often arc across the sky and rainbow-hued fish wiggle below the gentle waters of this legendary two-mile stretch of sugary white sand. To rent beach chairs and umbrellas, walk to the center of the beach, where vendors set up shop. Despite the commerce, it’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon. Three miles south of Saint George’s; grenadagrenadines.com.


TipTikal Arts and Crafts

The island’s winding roads are lined with shops such as Tikal Arts and Crafts, which carries locally made artwork, maps, jams, placemats, and dolls. Consider picking up a souvenir; you can be sure it will beat a last-minute purchase at the airport gift shop. Young St.; 473/440-2310.

Cozumel, Mexico

Must See Discover Mexico Park

Through interactive exhibits, cultural performances, and scale models of the country’s most recognizable landmarks—from monasteries to Mayan pyramids—this theme park provides an intriguing overview of the Mexican Republic. Visitors can also sign up for the daily tequila seminar, in which varieties from blanco (white) to añejo (aged) are paired with salsas. Km 5.5, Carretera Costera Sur; 52-987/857-2820; discovermexico.org.

Cozumel, Mexico

Must See San Gervasio

Although modest in comparison to the mainland’s Uxmal or Chichen Itza, these ruins are still a worthwhile sight. The stone structures were occupied by the Maya for more than 1,300 years and served as a place of worship for the fertility goddess Ixchel. Km 7.5, Carretera Transversal; 52-987/872-0914.


Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees

City /Port Type Location/ Activity Content

Cozumel, Mexico

Must See Silver Emporium

In a country famous for its silver, the most celebrated craftsmanship can be found in the town of Taxco, near Mexico City. One of Taxco’s most famous design houses, Los Castillos, creates the majority of the products at this shop—earrings, anklets, serving platters, and more. Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and Calle 3 Sur; 52-987/872-3208; fash-ionsilveremporium.com.

Cozumel, Mexico

Tip Restaurant La Choza

"Hearty, authentic dishes, such as shrimp chiles rellenos and chicken in a mole pobla-no sauce, keep locals and visitors flocking to this popular restaurant near San Miguel’s central square. The salsa that arrives at each table is nothing short of addictive. 248 10th Ave. #216; 52-987/872-0958.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Must SeeCastillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

This stone garrison is the second-oldest freestanding fort in the Americas. Built by Span-ish settlers between 1539 and 1783 on a rock-strewn promontory at the entrance of San Juan Bay, it’s a hulking pile of turrets, towers, walls, barracks, and dungeons that are ripe for exploration. A $5 combination pass buys entry to both El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, another fort on the northeast edge of Old San Juan. Calle Norzagaray; 787/729-6777; nps.gov/saju.


Must See Isla Verde Beach

Not one but two deep, curved beaches of pale pink sand, each a mile and a half long, make up Isla Verde. Both have gentle waves and are hugely popular with families. Stake out your space before 11 a.m. if you want to secure one of the 50 hexagon-shaped pic-nic shelters.


Must SeePuerto Rico Museum of Art

Housed in a Neoclassical former hospital in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood, this 130,000-square-foot space became the Caribbean’s most extensive art museum when it opened in 2000. The collection includes prominent Puerto Rican artists from the 17th century to the present day. There’s also a five-acre sculpture garden, the per-fect place for a quiet stroll before lunch at the on-site restaurant Laurel Kitchen Art Bar. 299 Avda. de Diego; 787/977-6272; mapr.org.


Tip Café Hacienda San PedroJoin the chorus of java fans who rave about this modest coffee shop near the museum, where Puerto Rico–sourced beans are sold in burlap sacks. Bring your pressed sand-wich or latte to enjoy on the outdoor patio. 318 Ave. de Diego; cafehsp.com.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Must See St. Kitts Scenic Railway

Built between 1912 and 1926, this railway was meant to transport sugarcane from the island’s plantations to the factory in the capital of Basseterre. A three-hour tour now takes visitors on a 30-mile loop through tiny villages and pineapple fields and close to an ancient hilltop fortress. It’s a fantastic (and lazy) way to get oriented and see the interior of the island. 869/465-7263; stkittsscenicrailway.com.





Must SeeSt. George’s Anglican Church

Fires and earthquakes have damaged the impressive stone church many times over: English soldiers burned it in 1706, a 1763 fire burned its Anglican successor, an 1842 earthquake followed, and another fire in 1867 destroyed the church yet again. Fortu-nately, parishioners throughout the years would not allow the structure to remain in ruins, and restoration work continues to this day. Cayon St.; 869/465-2167; stkittsan-glicanchurch.org.


Must See Romney Manor

Acres of gardens are the draw of the property, once owned by the Earl of Romney and, since then, six other families, including Samuel Jefferson II. Highlights include a bell tow-er and an enormous 350-year-old Saman tree, as well as a workshop, called Caribelle Batik, where you can watch artisans hand-printing fabric using batik, an Indonesian wax-resist dying process. Follow signs for Romney Manor near Old Rd.; 869/465-6253; caribellebatikstkitts.com.


Tip Reggae Bar & Grill

Drop by Reggae Bar & Grill near the island’s southeastern tip, not only for the potent beverages and live music, but also for the atmosphere. Make use of the on-site wa-tersports equipment, order the catch of the day (such as lobster grilled in its shell), or simply kick back in a lounge chair under a palm tree, piña colada in hand, as you gaze out across the Atlantic to Nevis. 869/762-5050; reggaebeachbar.com.

Castries, St. Lucia

Must See Rodney Bay Marina

Head here for cruises and sailing voyages around the island or further afield to Mar-tinique or St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The marina has 253 slips and a 4.5-acre boatyard, and can shelter enormous yachts measuring up to 280 feet. Resting your sea legs? Opt for a dip in the complex’s pool instead. Castries; 758/572-7200; igy-rodneybay.com.

Castries, St. Lucia

Must See Public Market

One of the best markets in the West Indies is near Derek Walcotte Square—named after the island’s second Nobel laureate in 1992. It’s open every day but Sunday, and it’s a colorful scene: you’ll find hand-woven baskets, tree-ripened bananas, and aro-matic spices. Notice how St. Lucian women tie their traditional cotton headdresses in different ways to indicate their marital status. Jeremie Street.

Castries, St. Lucia

Must SeeDiamond Botanical Garden and Waterfalls

A waterfall—brightly hued, courtesy of minerals such as sulfur, calcium, and magne-sium—is one highlight of this beautiful six-acre former plantation. It’s also home to the same warm springs that refreshed Louis XVI’s troops when they were stationed in St. Lucia in 1784. Soufrière Estate, Soufrière; 758/459-7155; diamondstlucia.com.

Castries, St. Lucia

Tip Coal Pot

The Coal Pot is a beloved landmark in the capital serving mahimahi in lemon-butter sauce and a quintessentially Lucian callaloo soup. A cannon that once rested at the bottom of the marina now stands guard at the front of the restaurant. Request a seat on the patio to feel the cool trade winds. Lunar Park Vigie; 758/452-5566; coalpo-trestaurant.com.

Modern Luxury is a trademark of Celebrity Cruises Inc. ©2013 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 13035114 •6/2014 of 12


Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Must See Butterfly Farm

Majestic Lepidopterae from around the world, including Caribbean longwings and blue morphos from South America, fly freely within mesh enclosures on acres of jungle dotted with ponds, waterfalls, and tropical trees. Wear bright colors and citrus-based perfume (which the farm provides) if you want the butterflies to land on you; guides can show you the right way to handle them. Le Galion Beach Rd., Quartier d’Orleans; 590-590/873-121; thebutterflyfarm.com.

Philipsburg,St. Maarten

Must See Guavaberry Emporium

On the island’s Dutch side, a rum-and-sugarcane-based liqueur—flavored with the wild guavaberries that grow on surrounding hillsides—is traditionally consumed during the Christmas season. Stop by this factory and shop to sample the various va-rieties, including passion fruit and an amaretto-like almond. The hand-painted bottles make classic souvenirs. 8–10 Front St., Philipsburg; 721/542-2965; guavaberry.com.


Must See St. Maarten Zoo

Traveling with the kids? Take them to the largest zoo in the Caribbean, where more than 60 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals reside. A massive, pirates-themed playground provides hours of entertainment. Madame Estate, Arch Rd., Philipsburg; 721/543-2030; stmaartenzoo.com.


TipOcean Lounge Restaurant & Bar

There may be no better place on the island to view the pink-and-yellow-hued sunset than this open-air lounge on the boardwalk at the Holland House Beach Hotel. Settle back on a wicker sofa with a cocktail and crostini. Holland House Beach Hotel, 45 Front St., Philipsburg; 721/542-2572; hhbh.com.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Must See Haagensen House

Danish banker Hans Haagensen bought this house, with its wrought-iron balcony and rows of shuttered windows, in the early 1800’s. West Indian antiques and prints by Camille Pissarro now fill the restored complex, which is surrounded by terraced gar-dens. A half-day here offers a window into the way the merchant class lived during the colonial era. 1001 Blackbeard’s Hill; 340/776-1234; blackbeardcastle.com.


Must See Fort Christian

Dating back 300 years and constructed on the orders of Governor Jørgen Iversen of Denmark, Fort Christian is the Virgin Islands’ oldest standing building. Over time, the three-story structure and its terraced gardens, named for Danish King Christian V, served as governor’s residence, church, court, and even a jail before being repurposed as a museum. Between Veterans Drive and Emancipation Garden; 340/776-4566.


Must SeeSt. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens

This 3.5-acre property sits amid the volcanic peaks on the island’s northern rim, above Magens Bay. Antique maps and engravings of Charlotte Amalie hang on the walls of the house; from the deck, you can spot more than a dozen of the other Virgin Islands. But more stunning are the grounds, on which nature trails twist past 200 types of plants and trees. 34-18 Estate St. Peter; 340/774-4999; greathousevi.com.



Charlotte Amalie,St. Thomas

TipCarson Company Antiques

The pocket-size Carson Company Antiques is crammed with odds and ends—antique costume jewelry; African artifacts; vintage books; tchotchkes collected from all over the world. Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt; you never know what magic you might unearth. 5600 Royal Dane Mall; 340/774-6175.

St. Croix, U.S.V.I Must See Buck Island National Park

Accessible only by boat, this tiny islet is fringed by elkhorn coral, providing a snorkeling and diving paradise as well as the ideal nesting conditions for threatened species in-cluding the brown pelican and the hawksbill turtle. Go for hikes, snorkel above forests of coral, or scuba to the vibrantly hued depths below. 340/773-1460; nps.gov/buis.

St. Croix, U.S.V.I Must SeeSt. George Village Botanical Garden

The ruins of an 18th-century Danish sugarcane plantation stand alongside a 2,000-year-old Amerindian settlement—as a result, the 16-acre property is listed twice on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of the 1,200 types of plants here were once used in the Caribbean as food, medicine, or building materials. Return home with a renewed sense of the importance of conserving exotic species. 127 Estate St.; 340/692-2874; sgvbg.org.

St. Croix, U.S.V.I Must SeeApothecary Hall Museum

Glass bottles and drawers of powdered medicine can be found in this Danish-colonial pharmacy, which operated from 1820 to 1970. The tiny museum spotlights Danish medicine, with pottery, beads, and ax heads. Fun fact: Federalist Papers author Alex-ander Hamilton is said to have worked here. Corner of Company and Queen Cross Streets; 340/772-0458; stcroixlandmarks.com.

St. Croix, U.S.V.I Tip Turtle Beach

The offshore reefs of Buck Island get lots of attention, so the island’s long, forest-lined sandy spots like Turtle Beach are often empty. It’s the kind of postcard-perfect place where bliss means wiggling your toes in the silky white sand or dipping them into the warm green-blue water.

Fort Lauderdale,Florida

Must See Sawgrass Mills

Shoppers, take note: more than 400 stores make up Florida’s biggest designer outlet mall. Bargain hunters will love browsing the racks of standout brands such as The-ory, Coach, David Yurman, and Kate Spade. Nordstrom Rack and Off Fifth cater to budget-minded department store loyalists. 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd.; 954/846-2300; simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Must See Stranahan House

Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is the historic crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale’s arts district. Back then it was the home of businessman Frank Stranahan and his school-teacher wife, Ivy. Today, it has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and houses noteworthy period furniture. 335 SE. Sixth Ave.; 954/524-4736; stranahan-house.org.





Must SeeBonnet House Museum & Gardens

Wild Brazilian squirrel monkeys are often spotted swinging in the trees that grow on this 35-acre property. Once the studio of artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, the 1920’s Caribbean-style plantation—also on the National Register of Historic Places—houses the pair’s inspired murals. 900 N. Birch Rd.; 954/563-5393; bonnethouse.org.


Tip The Floridian The Floridian is a funky 24/7 diner that remains a shrine to kitsch, down to the Cham-pagne Room (actually just a booth with a sign), bedecked with a chandelier and pinup photos of Marilyn Monroe. 1410 E. Las Olas Blvd.; 954/463-4041.

Key West, Florida

Must SeeHemingway Home & Museum

At Hemingway’s tropical hideaway, tours are led by fans of Papa. You’ll see descen-dants of the author’s cats (bred to have extra toes, also known as polydactyl) and his son’s room, papered with photos of Hemingway on his many adventures in Africa, Paris, and Cuba. 907 Whitehead St.; 305/294-1136; hemingwayhome.com.

Key West, Florida

Must See Eco Discovery Center

The National Marine Sanctuary–owned facility, devoted to the largest coral reef in North America, has 6,000 square feet of exhibit space dedicated to the Keys’ 11 hab-itats, historic shipwrecks, marine life, and local weather patterns. There is also a repli-ca of Aquarius, the only underwater ocean laboratory in the world. 35 E. Quay Rd.; 305/809-4750; floridakeys.noaa.gov.

Key West, Florida

Must See Fort Zachary Taylor

At this 54-acre National Historic Landmark, you’ll find one of the few beaches in Key West that have picnic tables and showers. There are various sites, some of which date back to the 1840’s; be sure to visit the barracks, where you can see cannons from the Civil War. 601 Howard England Way; 305/295-0037; fortzacharytaylor.com.

Key West, Florida

TipKermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

You can’t leave Key West without a bite of homemade key lime pie. At Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, order a classic slice or the frozen version dipped in chocolate and eaten from a stick, lolly-style. 200 Elizabeth St.; 305/296-0806; keylimeshop.com.

Miami, Florida

Must See New World Center

Frank Gehry’s two-year-old performance space was intended to break down the wall between performer and patron. When visitors can’t score seats to a concert in the swooping complex, they can still watch a rehearsal of the New World Symphony through a six-story glass curtain; a 7,000-square-foot projection wall also streams video art, movies, and recent concerts for all passersby to see. 500 17th St.; 800/597-3331; newworldcenter.com.

Miami, Florida

Must See King’s Ice Cream

Along with refreshing shakes in tropical fruit flavors such as guanábana and ma-mey, freshly fried churros are on the menu at this Miami cult favorite. Order a half dozen served with sugar, chocolate, dulce de leche, and guava. 1831 SW. Eighth St.; 305/643-1842.




Miami, Florida

Must SeeWolfsonian—Florida International University

Part museum, part library, part research facility, this institution houses an eclectic col-lection of 120,000 objects dating from the Industrial Revolution through World War II. Its aim is to illustrate how art and design influence historical definitions of modernity; to that end, the Wolfsonian’s galleries display everything from ceramics and textiles to furniture and medals. 1001 Washington Ave.; 305/531-1001; wolfsonian.org.

Miami, Florida

Tip 1111 Lincoln Road

Don’t be fooled: 1111 Lincoln Road is much more than a parking lot—or, as developer Robert Wennett refers to it, a “parking sculpture.” The Herzog & de Meuron–designed concrete structure is a maze of curated retail shops (Osklen; Adidas; Y-3), a water gar-den, and an adjacent rooftop restaurant with expansive views of the city. 1111 Lincoln Rd.; 305/538-9320; 1111lincolnroad.com.

Oranjestad. Aruba

Must SeeFort Zoutman Historical Museum

This restored fort and tower house has gone through many incarnations—as a police station, jail, library, courtroom, and post office. Now, the oldest building in Oranjestad serves as a museum that traces Aruba’s past up through the 1920’s. For a historical perspective on the city, wander through on your own and then hop on to one of the museum’s walking tours. Zoutman Straat 1; 297/588-5199.

Oranjestad. Aruba

Must SeeArikok National Park Aruba

The Aruban burrowing owl and Aruban rattlesnake are just two of the many species that live in this 8,400-acre park—and nowhere else on earth. Comprising 18 percent of the island, the park is crisscrossed by gentle trails passing hidden Indian rock paint-ings, gold-rush-era mines, and other historic sites. San Fuego 70; 297/585-1234; aru-banationalpark.org.

Oranjestad. Aruba

Must See Palm Beach

With two miles of soft sand dotted by elegant hotels and restaurants, calm water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and a central location, it’s no wonder this is a popular gathering spot. It’s also a great stretch for shell collecting. To escape the midday crowds, walk farther north or south and grab shade beneath a date palm tree. Along J.E. Irausquin Blvd.

Oranjestad. Aruba

Tip Smokey Joe’s

Hungry diners go to open-air Smokey Joe’s for ribs—and lots of them. Sticky ba-by-back versions come four ways: original, Jamaican jerk, Joe’s dry rub, and Smokey’s signature. Also on the menu: fresh, locally caught fish and deep-fried Oreos for des-sert. 87 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.; 297/586-2896; smokeyjoesaruba.com.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Must See Carlisle Bay Marine Park

A sugary white beach sprinkled with sand dollars and gentle waters made for snor-keling draw active types to this crescent-shaped shore, but somehow it never feels crowded. Sea horses dart among six shipwrecks, including the Cornwallis, a Canadian freighter sunk by a German torpedo during World War II.





Must See St. Nicholas Abbey

The circa-1650 St. Nicholas Abbey has a dark history: John Yeamans, who would later become the governor of South Carolina, had his partner, Benjamin Berringer, poisoned so he could marry Berringer’s widow and become owner of St. Nicholas. It’s now one of just three remaining Jacobean plantation great houses in the Western Hemisphere. Cherry Tree Hill; 246/422-8725; stnicholasabbey.com.


Must See Farley Hill National Park

This 30-acre park is built around the ruins of the Farley Hill house, a coral-stone man-sion dating from 1818. After serving as the backdrop for the 1957 film Island in the Sun, the mansion was partially destroyed in a fire; however, the stone walls still stand, affording a frame for panoramic ocean views. St. Peter; 246/422-3555; visitbarbardos.org.


Tip Lobster Alive

Twice a week, Lobster Alive owner Art Taylor flies to Bequia Island to pick up 700 pounds of spiny lobster, which he then serves at this waterfront restaurant on Carlisle Bay. Lobsters are boiled in seawater, finished on the barbecue, and served with garlic butter on the shaded outdoor deck. Bridgetown, St. Michael; 246/435-0305; lobster-alive.net.

Belize City, Belize

Must See Cucumber Beach

Belize City has no naturally sandy stretches, but the man-made Cucumber Beach, five miles outside of town, is worth a visit. In the lagoon-like saltwater pool, children splash around in the water and fly on rope swings. Mile 5 Western Hwy.; 501/222-4129; oldbelize.com.

Belize City, Belize

Must See Belize Zoo

Founded in 1983 by an American biologist who wound up with 17 semi-tame animals in her possession after filming a documentary about rain forests, the Belize Zoo has become a highly respected institution. Only native Belizean species (pumas, tapirs, kinkajous) are on view, and their surroundings reflect their wild habitats as closely as possible. Mile 29, Western Hwy.; 501/822-8000; belizezoo.org.

Belize City, Belize

Must See Old Belize

Here, you’ll get an overview of local history through a series of re-created settings: a Mayan ceremonial site; a rain-forest trail shaded by towering trees; a cave with lime-stone stalactites and stalagmites; and a replica of a house that’s common in commu-nities of Garifuna, who are West African descendants. 5 Western Hwy.; 501/222-4286; oldbelize.com.

Belize City, Belize

TipSmoky Mermaid Restau-rant & Bar

Soak up the sultry atmosphere at Smoky Mermaid Restaurant & Bar, where strings of lights hang from the trees in the backyard of a former mansion. The restaurant is popular for its relaxed garden setting (casual plastic seating) and Caribbean-accented food (cassava-crusted snapper; ecstasy-chocolate coconut pie). 13 Cork St.; 501/223-4759; smokymermaid.com.




Kralendijk, Bonaire

Must See Karels Beach Bar

Settle in with a cold beer at the bar to chat with locals or ask for a table that faces the waves—the place is actually perched on stilts above the sea. Live music often plays into the wee hours at this open-air watering hole on the main drag, and there’s nowhere better in town to get an earful of the local gossip. 12 Kaya J.N.E. Craane; 599/717-8434; karelsbeachbar.com.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Must SeeBonaire National Marine Park

This park protects the coastlines of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire (the adjacent uninhab-ited island). The goal is to keep the sea grass, mangroves, and coral reef—which ex-tends 300 feet offshore—pristine. You’ll need to pay a $10 fee to frolic in the water, whether you’re swimming, diving, or snorkeling. 599/717-8444; stinapa.org.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Must See Butterfly Garden

Butterfly expert Georgie Rigault breeds a selection of just 12 species, all of which live in and around the Caribbean, for this sanctuary. Standouts include the red-and-black Red Postman, the lavender-striped Blue Wing, and the Owl, with its yellow-rimmed “eye.” If you’re hungry, there’s a new lunch counter, Kishi Kisbi, that uses fresh local produce in most of its dishes. Kaminda Lac 101; 599/795-8989; butterflygardenbo-naire.com.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Tip Rains Fishes

Stylish, blond Dutch waiters serve bowls of spicy curry soup and open-faced ham-and-Gouda sandwiches at the waterfront It Rains Fishes restaurant. It’s a sleek spot with superb seafood. A favorite: the fresh tuna salad with avocado and wasabi-ginger dressing. While you wait for a table, snag a seat at the high-energy bar. Kaya J.N.E. Craane; 599/717-8780; itrainsfishesbonaire.com.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Must SeeNational Christoffelpark Curaçao

Dotted with wild orchids, Curaçao’s largest wildlife preserve measures 4,450 acres and reaches 1,239 feet at its highest peak. White-tailed deer and the rare native Barn Owl live in the park, which is crisscrossed with eight hiking trails flanked by divi-divi trees and prickly pear, plus 20 miles of roadway. Savonet; 599-9/864-0363; christ-offelpark.org.


Must See Curaçao Playa Kalki

Curaçao has seen an influx of visitors since its appearance on NBC’s Bachelorette. But Playa Kalki—named for the calcareous stone in the cliffs located on the island’s western tip—has long been a beach prized by expert divers for its access to reefs and limestone coves, home to eagle rays and damselfish. Near Jaanchi’s, Westpunt.


Must See Curaçao Museum

Housed within a colonial-style military hospital that dates back to 1853, this small museum traces the island’s history. On display: old maps of the Caribbean, 18th- and 19th-century mahogany furniture, and the cockpit of the first Royal Dutch Airlines plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1934. Van Leeuwenhoekstraat; 599-9/462-3873.





Tip Mansion Chobolobo

Don’t leave Curaçao without a bottle of its namesake blue liqueur, made from native oranges. Sweet and surprisingly light, the throwback drink is distilled and brewed at Mansion Chobolobo, which is now owned by the Senior family. Dating back to the 1800’s, the restored estate sits on 2.5 pretty acres. Landhuis Chobolobo; 599-9/461-3526; curacaoliqueur.com.

Colón, Panama

Must See Colón 2000

Of the city’s two main docks (the other is Cristobal Pier), Colon 2000 is the more upscale—thanks to dozens of attractive restaurants and shops, many of which benefit from Colón’s free-trade zone. Take some time to stroll around one of the largest port cities in world, stopping here and there to shop or have a coffee. Calle El Paseo Gorgas; colon2000.com.

Colón,Panama

Must See Zona Libre

Savvy shoppers on a hunt for foreign brands can join South American merchants in Zona Libre, a 988-acre shopping area filled with every manner of wholesale good (sil-ver, handbags, clothing, electronics). Note that purchases here have to be exported, a process that can be cumbersome, but window-shopping in this whirlwind market-place can be quite exciting. zonalibreinfo.com.

Colón, Panama

Must See Gatún Locks

It’s hard to be underwhelmed by the engineering behind this massive lock system, which raises and lowers ships some 85 feet between the Pacific and Panama’s Gatún Lake—especially when you realize it was built more than 100 years ago. Travelers can watch ships make the crossing from a close-viewing platform just seven miles south of Colón.

Colón, Panama

Tip New Washington Hotel

Stop in at the New Washington Hotel—considered the city’s finest when it was built in 1913—for lunch and a cocktail at the waterfront restaurant. While the property has beautifully decayed with the passing century, you’ll still get a sense of its former gran-deur as you walk through the palm-tree-speckled gardens and the commanding col-umned entryway. Calle 2 and Avda. Bolivar; 507/441-7133.

Cartagena, Colombia

Must See Cartagena CathedralBehind the tropical-fruit-colored façade of this church, completed in 1612, you’ll find a gilded altar from the 18th century and a marble interior that offers a cool respite from the city’s steaming cobblestoned streets. Plaza de Bolívar.

Cartagena, Colombia

Must See San Diego Neighborhood

The quietest of the Old City’s four quarters, San Diego is also the place to find the town’s best stands for arepas, ground-corn pancakes typically stuffed with cheese. Most visitors tour the area in one of the romantic horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop past the brightly colored houses and balconies with cascading blooms. Central Cartagena.




Cartagena, Colombia

Must SeeSan Felipe de Barajas Castle

This 300-year-old coral-and-brick UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best-preserved Spanish forts in the Americas. Bring a penlight to navigate the dimly lit passageways. 17 Pie del Cerro; 57-5/666-4790.

Cartagena, Colombia

Tip El Santísimo

To get a taste of Cartagena’s dining scene, make a reservation at El Santísimo, where creative Caribbean dishes—posta negra, a Colombian braised beef; carpaccio de pulpo, or thin octopus slices—are served in a series of airy rooms with yellow plas-ter walls, exposed beams, and terra-cotta floors. 39-76 Calle del Torno, Centro; 57-5/660-1531; elsantisimo.com.

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