THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

BEQUIA, "THE BIG LITTLE ISLAND"


BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

According to the website: BEQUIA TOURISM ASSOCIATION

 The tiny island of Bequia has a unique, magical charm which is hard to find anywhere else in the Caribbean. With fewer than six thousand inhabitants, it feels like home from the moment you arrive; friendliness is the watchword, and the pace is relaxed and easy-going. Don't be surprised if you are greeted with a warm hello as you walk along the street - a centuries-old dependence on inter-island shipping and trading has meant that Bequians have been eagerly welcoming visitors to their shores for generations. 

   The island's enduring seafaring heritage is one of its most striking features. Virtually every Bequia family has some connection to the sea either past or present, and today's fishermen, sailors and boat-builders are quietly proud to share their marine traditions with newcomers to the island. 

  Bequia fulfils many dreams of the perfect small Caribbean island: beautiful sandy beaches where more than ten people may constitute a crowd, lush green hillsides, attractive little villages, intimate, well run hotels and guest houses, hardly any traffic, places to get together and places in which to find that perfect solitude. Variety and choice on so small an island may come as a surprise - but there are both wherever you look. 

  Choose a holiday of total beach relaxation or exhilarating sailing and diving in some of the most beautiful waters in the world. Get to know the island on foot, or hire a car and discover so much more than just the golden beaches; take day or overnight trips to neighboring isles or simply fill up another perfect day doing what is increasingly necessary to unwind - nothing! 

   Your choice of holiday home could be a luxury hilltop villa, air-conditioned self-catering apartment or first class small hotel, a friendly beachfront guesthouse or a privately chartered yacht swaying quietly at anchor off a deserted beach. 

A choice of nightlife too awaits you - gourmet international cuisine, or delicious local cooking; elegant cocktails or sundowners in a local bar; a lively jump up to steel band music or a wonderfully romantic candlelit dinner far away from it all. 

And then of course there are the warm tropical nights, with an orchestra of singing cicadas and gently murmuring surf, and the brilliance of the star-studded sky which tells you, if you didn't already know, that this is where you have always wanted to be. 

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.bequiatourism.com/

“Life takes you down many paths but my favorite ones lead to the beach.” 

 Unknown

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

 

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

CURACAO,"THE SUNNY ISLE"

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel in May and November to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. As an added bonus, the weather in May and October is usually perfect for traveling -- not too hot and not too cold.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Curaçao

Curaçao Museum

Pop into Curaçao Museum and browse a fascinating collection of antiques and art. Carefully restored in 1946-1948, the museum also contains artefacts from the indigenous Caiquetio tribes, with a pretty garden pavilion used to host regular moonlit musical extravaganzas.

Drink Curaçao

No visit to the island is complete without tasting Curaçao's famous eponymous liqueur, made using dried peel from the Laraha orange. For a complimentary tipple, head to the Willemstad distillery and sample a glass of the original Senior family recipe, dating back to 1886.

Explore St Christoffel National Park

This nature reserve in the north-western part of the island is dominated by the St Christoffel Mountain. Visit several caves decorated with Arawak Indian paintings and wonder at the park's unusual rock formations, exotic birdlife, iguanas and timid Curaçao deer.

Go golfing

At Blue Bay Golf Club, mischievous sea breezes make the par-72, 18-hole course a battle of wills, with lagoons, small lakes and a plunge ravine into the sea. Have a camera ready for the signature fifth hole, with a setting of rugged clifftops and open skies.

Hike in Shete Boka National Park

Delve into a string of hiking trails in this compact bird-filled nature reserve that boasts gasp-inducing views of Curaçao's rugged north coast. Sea turtles breed in the protected waters below, and the conservation zone is renowned for its other-worldly limestone grottoes and fossilised caves.

Impressive bridges

Watch the Queen Emma Bridge part to allow the stream of large ships pass by, and head over the Queen Juliana Bridge - at 200ft (60.5 metres) above the water it is the highest bridge in the Caribbean - for stupendous views.

Jewish Cultural Historical Museum

Visit the Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue and learn more about the sacred building's history at the nearby Jewish Cultural Historical Museum.

Museum Kura Hulanda

This fascinating anthropological museum (www.kurahulanda.com/museum) includes an exhibition on the history of the slave trade in the Americas.

Party at carnival

Costumed partygoers fill the streets during Curaçao's Carnival season, when ancient Catholic rites and African-Caribbean traditions fuse, creating a riot of colour, pomp, and revelry. One of the largest and longest lasting carnival spectacles in the Caribbean, merrymaking begins early January and continues until late February/early March.

Relax in a beach bar

Kick back and relax Caribbean-style at a beach bar. Try Hooks Hut on Piscadera Bay (www.hookshut.com) for chilled drinks, wooden decking and fresh seafood.

Schottegat

Historic Willemstad is edged by the island's natural harbour, Schottegat, where Curaçao's famous floating market takes place. Observe dozens of colourful barges full of Venezuelan wares and agricultural produce with plenty of opportunity to haggle and barter for a deal.

Submerge in a submarine

On a journey to the sea's depths in a semi-submersible Seaworld Explorer submarine, passengers of all ages will enjoy a magnificent hour-long underwater voyage through offshore wrecks and coral reefs. Huge shoals of rainbow-hued tropical fish dart around the windows, allowing privileged views of sponge gardens and marine life.

Take a tour

To get the best overview of the island take an organised tour from a main tour operator, or, for a group, try arranging a sightseeing tour through a taxi company. For more information see Curaçao Tourism (www.curacao.com) for more details.

Try some waterports

Try your hand at Curaçao's array of watersports - from swimming off the sheltered beaches on the island's south-western coast, to windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing and waterskiing.

Willemstad Seaquarium

Top up your marine knowledge and gaze at large aquariums filled with colourful fish; as well as 400 species of fish, crab, anemone, sponge and coral, the Seaquarium features larger creatures such as sea-lions and dolphins

Willemstad trolley tour

See historic Willemstad on an hour-long narrated trolley tour aboard an open-sided 'locomotive' - a clanging bell signifies the off at Fort Amsterdam near the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. The train then journeys downtown through Willemstad's pretty pastel-coloured, red-roofed Colonial streets for stunning views of this fine UNESCO-listed historic centre.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

         “Beach Rules: Soak up the sun. Ride the waves. Breathe the salty air. Feel the breeze. Build sandcastles. Rest, relax, reflect. Collect seashells. Bare-feet required.”

- Unknown

    

             Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

 CURACAO,"THE SUNNY ISLE"

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about the Caribbean. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

Colourful Curaçao is a vibrant mix of cultures - from the colonial architecture of the Dutch to the mouth-watering cuisine of the Creole. The island's handsome UNESCO heritage capital of Willemstad offers visitors a window into the past with its pastel-coloured houses and cobblestone plazas. 

While elsewhere, the island's rolling desert plains hide a myriad of scenic gems, from hidden rocky coves trimmed by massive cliffs, to long sandy beaches flanked by clear blue-green water. Leafy nature trails offer quiet seclusion while music-filled malls bustle with bag-laden shoppers and cut-price deals.

Where to stay in Curaçao

Hotels

There are a few luxury hotels on Curaçao, all offering air conditioning, restaurants, swimming pools and/or beach access. Most offer in-house entertainment, a baby-sitting service and cable TV. Some have their own casinos. Many resort hotels are located on the outskirts of Willemstad along the southern coast where guests are provided with free transport to and from the capital. A 7% government tax and 12% service charge are normally levied on all hotel bills along with a $3(USD) per night energy tax.

Bed And Breakfast

For details of more modest accommodation (guest houses, commercial hotels and self-catering) contact the Curaçao Tourism Development Bureau (see Contact Addresses).

Camping Caravaning

There are a few campsites. However, these sometimes only take larger groups that have been organized in advance.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.” 

– Emilia Wickstead

Live a Better Life Travel Often!

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

BONAIRE, "THE DIVERS PARADISE"

BY CLAY LARROY

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about the wonderful vacation destinations in the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Bonaire weather, climate and geography

Climate

Best Time To Visit

Hot throughout the year, but tempered by cooling trade winds. The average temperature is 28°C (82°F) and the average rainfall is 50cm (20 inches) per year. Bonaire offers good conditions for diving all year round, althought conditions at the south end are generally at their calmest February-April.

Required Clothing

Lightweights with warmer top layers for evenings; showerproof clothing is advisable throughout the year.

Geography

Bonaire is the second-largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles and is located 80km (50 miles) north of Venezuela and 48km (30 miles) east of Curaçao. The landscape is flat and rocky and, owing to low annual rainfall, Bonaire has a fairly barren desert climate. The island has small, beautiful beaches and safe waters.

Things to see and do in Bonaire

Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary

The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary (www.donkeysanctuary.org) is a not-for-profit organisation set up to take care of donkeys abandoned when the invention of new technology meant they were no longer needed to work the salt pans. Visitors are encouraged to feed and help care for the animals.

Bonaire Museum

Located just out of Kralendijk centre in a restored 1885 plantation mansion, Bonaire Museum displays artefacts depicting the history of cultures on the island, from the Caiquetio Indians and the Spanish to modern times, as well as an impressive collection of seashells.

Festivals

Bonaire has many festivals to choose from. The most popular are the colourful Carnival and its firework finale of the Burning of King Momo, the Simadan (Harvest) Festival in Rincón with its songs and dances, and Rincón Day, celebrating the traditions and culture of Bonaire in the island's oldest village.

Flamingos

Bonnaire is renowned for its flamingo population, though many of them inhabit the protected southern areas of the island. An easier place to spot them is the beautiful lagoon of Goto Meer.

Marine Park

Bonaire's Marine Park is centred on a spectacular coral reef, which is maintained and protected throughout the year by marine experts.

Mount Brandaris

Bonaire's highest point is Mount Brandaris, situated in Washington/Slagbaai National Park. The climb to the top is well worth it for the spectacular views.

Pink Beach

Pink Beach is one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches. It gets its pink tinge, most obvious at sunset, from bits of pink coral in the sand. There are no facilities.

Rincón

Rincón, Bonaire's oldest village, echoes Bonaire's darker past. It used to house slaves who worked on the salt flats. Nowadays there are bars serving cool drinks beneath brightly coloured roofs.

Sailing

Half- or full-day cruises can be arranged round the bay or to Klein Bonaire, the island's tiny uninhabited sister isle. Every second week of October there is a Sailing Regatta (www.bonaireregatta.org), during which there is a carnival atmosphere on the island.

Salt flats

The salt flats change colour from breathtaking fuchsia to a subtle pink, according to fluctuations in the resident algae population. The view is astonishing.

Scuba-diving

The waters around Bonaire are clear, safe and teeming with fish of every size and hue. The island is a diver's paradise and you'd be a fool to forgo the superb scuba-diving and snorkelling on offer.

Windsurfing

Bonaire's climate is perfect for windsurfing and professional windsurfers from around the world flock to its breezy shores to compete or practise.

Witte Pan huts

The bright white stucco huts on Witte Pan were once inhabited by the salt workers until the abolition of slavery in 1863. The eerily small holes on their frontage served as doors, which the slaves would crawl through at night.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

http://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-nature

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

BONAIRE, "THE DIVERS PARADISE"

BY CLAY LARROY

There is nothing more exciting than traveling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Bonaire is the second-largest island in the former Dutch Antilles, and has desert-like terrain offset by inviting turquoise waters. Beneath the water's surface, rainbow-hued fish drift in between coral, and many believe argue that the diving and snorkelling here is the best in the Caribbean; Bonaire's relative lack of tourism means much of its coral has gone undisturbed. For those seeking sailing or windsurfing, the characteristic windswept postures of the divi divi trees show that Bonaire's warm, dry and breezy climate is ideal for these sorts of activities.

Bonaire is highly eco-friendly and keen not to impair the fragile infrastructure of the coral, nor unsettle the island's serenity with heavy development and glitzy nightlife. Consequently, Bonaire's beautiful beaches and safe waters have remained intact. Flamingos wander the landscape of multi-hued salt plains, and multitudes of birds enjoy this paradisiacal sanctuary.

Bonaire was part of the Netherland Antilles until its dissolution in 2010. It is now a special municipality of The Netherlands.

Food and Drink in Bonaire

The restaurants serve predominantly Creole cooking, particularly seafood dishes, including conch shell meat, grilled spicy fish and lobster. A variety of Chinese, French, Indonesian, Italian and international cooking can also be found. There are several hotels, restaurants and bars in Kralendijk to choose from.

Regional Specialities

• Iguana soup.
• Kabrito stoba (goat stew). 
• Pika Siboyo (a popular sauce made with onions marinated in vinegar and hot peppers). 
• Pastechis (plump pastries filled with spicy meat, shrimp or fish). 
• Cocada (sweet cocunut candy).

Things To Know

Restaurants and bars are usually closed by midnight.

Tipping

There is typically a 10% service charge in restaurants and a 6% tax.

Drinking Age

18.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.”

 – Sarah Kay

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

ARUBA, "ONE HAPPY ISLAND"

BY CLAY LARROY

Across the America many couples are having wonderful weddings after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Aruba may be best known for its beautiful Caribbean beaches and perfect weather, but venture off the sand and check out fun attractions. You’ll find a happy island full of history, culture, rugged landscapes, exotic local dishes and even more fun activities in Aruba.

Lean back and take it easy on Aruba: the best that Caribbean sea, sand and sunshine have to offer. Aruba's balmy breezes and relaxed pace are just the tonic for any frazzled visitor; just like the soothing aloe vera plant that is found everywhere on the island.

The surrounding waters are populated by colourful creatures such as parrotfish splashed with teal and gold, while bright pink flamingos populate the national park. Aruba's capital, Oranjestad, also dazzles: orange facades brightly array the architecture, indicating the island's historical ties with The Netherlands - Aruba's head of state is still the Dutch ruling monarch.

Things to see and do in Aruba

Archaeological Museum of Aruba

The Archaeological Museum of Aruba has reopened in the restored historic Ecury complex in central Oranjestad. A former family home, the building has been transformed to a state-of-the-art, 21st century museum that preserves Aruba's Amerindian cultural heritage.

Arikok National Park

The park covers one-fifth of the island's landmass and contains a multitude of plants and animals, including flamingos.

Bonbini Festival

Held every Tuesday (1830-2030) in the courtyard of the Historical Museum, the Bonbini Festival offers an insight into local customs, music and cuisine, as well as a chance to get to know the islanders.

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

Amongst this sanctuary's inhabitants are 80 migratory species including herons, egrets, gulls, cormorants and skimmers.

Carnival

Aruba's annual colourful Carnival is in January.

Cave art

Aruba's several systems of caves contain examples of cave drawings. Fontein was once used by the Arawak Indians, the original inhabitants of the island; the caves at Guadirikiri are a haven for bats; and Huliba Cave is nicknamed the 'tunnel of love'.

Chapel of Alto Vista

The Chapel of Alto Vista on the north coast boasts a 100-year-old hand-carved oak altar behind the bright yellow exterior.

Divi-divi trees

Aruba's unofficial trademark, the distinctive shape of the divi-divi trees (also known as watapanas) stretches out at alarming angles in a land of cactus in the Cunucu.

Golf

Aruba Tierra del Sol's par-71 championship 18-hole course was designed by the Robert Trent Jones II Group, renowned for protecting the natural ecology of sites.

Hit the beach

Hadicurari Beach is renowned for excellent snorkelling, Baby Beach's shallow waters are ideal for children and Palm Beach is right in front of the main hotel strip. Aruba's constant trade winds offer ideal conditions for windsurfing and kite-surfing at Arashi beach. The Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament takes place there each June.

Hooiberg (Mount Haystack)

Hooiberg looms out of the flat landscape of the interior to the northwest of Santa Cruz. Walk up a series of several hundred steps to see across to Venezuela at the 165m (541ft) peak.

Horse riding

There are riding trips in the Cunucu (countryside) and along the coast.

Oranjestad

The capital has pastel-coloured gabled buildings which make Dutch heritage of Aruba obvious. Also here is Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on Aruba (1796), and home to the Aruba Historical Museum. Fresh fish can be bought straight from the boat at Oranjestad's daily market in the Paardenbaai (Schooner Harbour).

Santa Cruz

Spectacular boulders lie on the road north from Santa Cruz to Casibari and Ayo. They are the result of an unexplained geological catastrophe.

Seroe Colorado

Seroe Colorado has a local iguana community and is also notable for its fine beaches.

Shopping

Malls and both unique and designer stores can be found in Oranjestad's Caya GF Betico Croes. Duty-free shopping is the main lure.

Snorkelling

Aruba has 40 dive sites where visitors can look for one of the vivid parrotfish or dive amongst the wreck of a WWII German freighter. The coral at De Palm Island is great for snorkeling.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.aruba.com/

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

"The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace." 

Kate Chopin

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

THE LEEWARD ANTILLES, “CARIBBEAN RESPLENDENT”

ARUBA, "ONE HAPPY ISLAND"

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places. The Caribbean is a close locations to take vacations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Aruba - Desert Island of the ABCs

People who know Aruba feel like they have their own secret hideaway. But a place this good can"t remain the secret trove of only a few. The liveliness and abundance of casinos, discos, cabarets and dinner shows makes this resort a premium location for sunbathing, windsurfing and partying. You’ll enjoy the hot weather, the desert climate and the sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean. Most of all, you won"t lack for something to do! They must do something right in Aruba. It has the highest hotel occupancy rates and the highest rate of return visitors of any destination in the Caribbean.

Aruba is a relatively small island. it is only 20 miles long and slightly less than 6 miles across at its widest point. It is one of the Dutch "ABC islands" consisting of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao and only 19 miles off the north shore of Venezuela. It’s easy to get around in Aruba. The public bus is efficient and runs through the hotel zone. Taxis, cars, motorcycles and bicycles are also available for rent.

Aruba’s leading industry is relaxation. Over 500,000 people visit each year, bringing a lot of money to the island. As a result, Aruba is quite prosperous by Caribbean standards. The locals have good housing, healthcare and education. The city of Oranjested is the capital and was named after the first king of the Dutch Royal Family, Willem van Orange-Nassau, in 1824. Today it is known as the House of Orange. In Oranjested you’ll find the Aruba Historical Museum and the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman (1796). There is very little history of racial or social strife, so the inhabitants are friendly, warm and open with travelers.

One of the real graces of Aruba is its near-perfect weather - a nearly constant phenomenon of sunny skies, warm temperatures, and cool breezes driven off the Caribbean. This island"s low humidity and desert like terrain is likewise nearly a full-time affair as it almost never rains and the island is far below the hurricane belt of the Caribbean. Aruba"s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean with miles of white, sugary sand. The nearly picture-perfect beach settings and gentle surf are what many people have in mind when they think of this part of the world. Aruba is a desert island full of cacti, iguanas, more cacti, a few aloe-vera plants and unusual boulder formations. While the resort area of the island has very calm, pristine beaches, the north coast features craggy limestone cliffs, caves, sand dunes, and a more energetic surf.

In Aruba, there are plenty of activities. It’s a great place to experience snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing or kite surfing. Both experienced and novice practitioners of all these sports find great outlets on Aruba. When you tire of the beach you can dine at the restaurants or do some local shopping. Aruba has two horse competitions each year. The horses are descendants of Andalusian and Arabian horses that were brought to the island by the Spanish conquistadors. If you enjoy nightlife, you’ll want to check out The Lounge at the Crystal Casino and the Alhambra Casino. You’ll be up all night, entertained by carnival shows and all-you-can-drink parties. Most hotels are located in the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach resorts. You’ll find luxury accommodations on the beach that also cater to sports, shopping and entertainment. Guest Houses and self catering apartments are also available.

Oranjestad is Aruba"s only real town with an "urban" environment and a serious variety of restaurants and evening venues. Oranjestad"s waterfront harbor will be filled with cruise ships, private yachts, and smaller native fishing boats. The architecture has a decidedly Dutch influence, with the multi-colored Caribbean color spectrum evident in its housing and buildings on the main routes. The food and entertainment options are excellent, and your travel agent will be able to chart out for you a most pleasant stay on this desert-island playground.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/voyager-travel-articles/

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun. “ – Sandy Gingras

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!