Tropical Tidbits Winter 2022-23

by Sue C Travel

The beaches are beckoning

Sun holidays are back, baby! With so many islands dropping their COVID protocols, and so many pandemic weary folks on a mission for revenge travel, the Caribbean has seen an incredible surge in demand the past few months. Bookings for winter escapes are through the roof. And who wouldn’t want to wash away the challenges of the past two years in a surreal aqua sea? Though the airlines have had their own challenges keeping up with demand, they are beginning to bounce back into some semblance of normalcy, and some have added new routes to the sun. British Airways has just included Aruba to their roster, and American Airlines is now flying direct from Miami to Anguilla. (Previously you would have to take a ferry or a small plane charter flight from St. Maarten.) So, grab your flip flops, and let’s go!

Best festivals are back!

Some of my best memories of island stays are when I’ve had the opportunity to participate in their gala celebrations when it appears as if the entire nation comes out for a boisterous street party with colorful parades. So, I am happy to say that the many traditional annual festivals that had to be postponed have returned or will be returning this coming year. Barbados has already celebrated a successful Crop Over this summer, and most islands that celebrate Carnival will do so again around Easter. “Junkanoo”- The Bahamas’ answer to Carnival- will be back bigger and better than ever as well. Often Junkanoo style celebrations include stilt walkers (moko jumbies), and horn blowers are big, too, and there are always colorful costumes and lively parades with the largest blow-outs always around the Christmas holidays.

Saba’s “Sea & Learn” returns

The lush, pristine little emerald gumdrop island of Saba was delighted to announce the return of its month-long “Sea & Learn” event in October after two years’ absence. Going into its 20th year, this pioneering program invites locals and visitors alike to take a deep dive into understanding the fragility of the natural environment- on land and under the sea. In-depth workshops, courses, and activities include world class instruction by leading professionals who embrace ecological stewardship. There are activities for all ages. Visit: www.seaandlearn.org

Curacao Sandals Royal opens with a bang!

Though I was sad to see the end of an era when the legendary Santa Barbara Beach Resort gave way to the construction of the new Sandals Royal Curacao (I have a gazillion happy memories of spending time there over the years) I was happy to see the replacement has greatly elevated the offerings. Christened last summer with a gala grand opening, they even had their own carnival, this Sandals couple-only all-inclusive ensures indulgence abounds at every turn. Newly minted Love Nest luxury suites, butler service, private pools, swim-out suites, and lots of deep soaking tubs add to the allure, and many firsts for the brand on the amenity front are found there, too. Complimentary mini-Coopers for high level room guests, a new two-tier infinity pool for all, and Sandals’ first-ever off-site dining program, called ‘Island Inclusive’ that invites guests to enjoy eight partner restaurants off-property.
Visit: www.sandals.com/curacao

Aruba’s long table event sets record for charity donations

The highly anticipated return of the 1,000 ft. long table dinner that seats 1,000 guests at once to support local charities was an immense success. In fact, this year’s “LongTableAruba” was a record-breaking event. Sponsored by Wind Creek Aruba in partnership with Renaissance Aruba, guests enjoyed a gourmet meal under the tropical stars along the marina. This year, they held a video competition for potential recipients – non-profits and causes- to state their case to receive the grand prize of $40,000 Aruba’s Animal Welfare Alliance won the video contest and the grand prize, and five worthy semi-finalists were also awarded $10,000 each. It was the most money awarded in the event’s history.
Visit: www.facebook.com/LongTableAruba

Best beach read for your Caribbean bucket list

I can’t think of a better book to read while lounging on white sand beach by aqua waves than this great new compilation 100 Things to Do in the Caribbean Before You Die. Thoughtfully curated and beautifully written by fellow travel writer and Caribbean expert Bob Curley, you’ll become enlightened about many adventures throughout the islands that you never even knew you wanted to do. From swimming with pigs in the Bahamas to drinking rum at a 400-year-old distillery in Grenada, or joining the party at Trinidad’s wild Carnival celebration, he’s been there and done that. And though I have also done many of these things, I see many more I want to do in the future. Guess I’ll have to live a longer life… or get a bigger bucket! To order, visit:  www.facebook.com/100ThingsCaribbean

Learn how to charter a boat to explore the Caribbean

Bob Curley has also been busy on another project that will help your seafaring bucket list dreams come true. He’s mapped out all the ins and outs of chartering a boat to explore the wonders of the Caribbean. You need not have a captain’s license to charter a crewed monohull, catamaran, sailboat, motorboat or even a yacht. And when you compare the cost to a typical hotel stay, you’ll find you can holiday even longer for less. Even well-seasoned sailors and certified captains will benefit from this online course hosted by the American Sailing Association. It examines important topics like types of vessels to charter, secret mooring spots, best ports of call, planning an itinerary, provisioning your vessel, and much more.

Visit: https://asa.com/webinars/the-caribbean/

Award-winning travel journalist Sue Campbell is based in Montreal but makes it her business to be on top of everything cool, hot, and new under the sun throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. World Traveler welcomes her as a regular columnist.
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @suectravel