Food, Travel, and a Full Life: A Quick Guide to Visiting and Living in Antigua

Antigua bird beach food

By CoolestCarib.com.

 

Antigua is a paradise-like island nestled in the West Indies and is home to the famous 365 pristine pearl-white beaches. It stretches 54 miles and is considered the primary island of the Caribbean nation Antigua and Barbuda. Along with its sister island, Barbuda, Antigua is one of the most sought-after destinations for both migrants and travelers alike.

Whether you decide to visit the country for a vacation or choose to live there permanently through the Antigua citizenship by investment program, it is crucial that you know the different attractions you’re about to enjoy.

From great food to picturesque scenery, this article discusses everything you need to know to have an enjoyable trip and get the most out of your stay in this world-famous Caribbean nation.

The Best of Antiguan Cuisine

Antiguan cuisine is one of the main reasons this beautiful island has become even more popular among tourists. The island cuisine offers many delicacies that will tickle your taste buds and make you want to return for more.

Below are three of the best dishes you must absolutely take a bite off of when in Antigua and Barbuda:

Fungie

Not to be mistaken with microorganisms that make you sick, fungie (pronounced “foon-jee”) is a type of Antiguan food that exudes almost the same vibe as the Italian polenta. It is made from cornmeal and okra paste that is molded into balls of pure goodness.

But fungie is not only a staple in Antigua and Barbuda – it is the country’s national dish. It is served best with meats and stews, most especially with the flaked and salt-cured white fish called “saltfish.”

Conch

Pronounced as “conk,” conch is the meaty part of the spiral shells that you may be able to pick up across the sandy beaches in the West Indies. It has a slightly chewy texture and is quite similar to clams in terms of flavor. It can also be prepared in several ways, including chowder, fritters, and curries, but it is best served raw.

Ducana

Prepared using a similar process as that of making the Mesoamerican dish tamale, ducana is a package of pure sweet potato goodness. It is seasoned with coconut, pumpkin, and cinnamon before being wrapped in a piece of banana leaf and boiled in water.

As a mildly sweet dish, the ducana is best paired with saltfish. Although it doesn’t have a similar texture with fungie, ducana is a bit more flavorful and is considered the best dish using sweet potatoes as its base.

4 Antiguan Tourist Spots You Shouldn’t Miss

Aside from enjoying a gastronomic trip in Antigua and Barbuda, you should also make sure that you get the most out of your stay in the country.

Here are some of the best tourist spots you shouldn’t miss when visiting Antigua and Barbuda:

Half Moon Bay

Located in the southeastern coast of Antigua, the Half Moon Bay boasts tranquil waters and the iconic crescent white sand beach that meets the azure sea. Aside from melting away your stress with the calming scene, it is also a great place to meet undersea life face-to-face via snorkeling, when the weather permits.

On less calm days, you can also try surfing the rough waters. The beach is somewhat difficult to locate, so make sure you have a tour guide or the GPS feature in your gadget turned on during your visit.

17-Mile Beach

The 17-Mile Beach is another popular destination for lovers of the sun and the sea. This ravishing stretch of pink sand serves as the boundary of Barbuda Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. This particular beach is mostly untainted, which explains the lack of facilities, so be sure to bring enough supplies for you to get comfortable in Mother Nature’s arms.

St. John’s

As the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s is the best place to savor the country’s colorful history and culture. It has colonial-style cottages painted in candy hues and market stalls filled with different kinds of tropical flowers and fruits.

It is also home to several distinctive architectural gems like the St. John’s Cathedral which boasts neo-Baroque-style towers. Some of the best spots you should also visit when in St. John’s are:

  • The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda – for a glimpse of its rich history and culture
  • Heritage and Redcliffe Quays – for an awesome shopping experience

Barbuda Frigate Bird Colony

Home to over 5,000 frigate birds, the Barbuda Frigate Bird Colony is an aviary nesting ground that can only be reached by boat. In this part of the country, the birds outnumber the people and enjoy unspoiled nature, with the mangroves as their home.

In spring, male frigate birds create a spectacle with their elaborate mating rituals. This is why most tours to the area are scheduled during this time of year.

Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures in Antigua and Barbuda

The benefits of living in this Caribbean nation easily outweigh the cost of acquiring citizenship in Antigua. Not only is it home to mouthwatering cuisine, but it also maintains several untainted natural spots that have become quite rare in other popular tourist destinations.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Top 7 Must-See Beaches in Jamaica

Beaches in Jamaica

By CoolestCarib.com.

Coconut trees in one of the must-see beaches in Jamaica.

Visiting Jamaica is not something you do every day. That’s why you need to make sure you know what’s out there when you decide to pay this lovely place a visit. This island country is a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The symbols of Jamaica are its breathtaking beaches, and with more than one thousand kilometers of coastline, there sure are many of them. But, with a limited number of vacation days, how to choose the best ones to visit? This guide will help you plan your Jamaica dream vacation. Here are the top seven must-see beaches in Jamaica where you can soak up the sun the best way possible.

Planning the itinerary – the must-see beaches in Jamaica

Make the most out of the Jamaica visit. This is a big island, so naturally, there are numerous excellent beaches here. Many people feel confused and don’t know where to begin their visit and how to plan their itinerary here. We hope to narrow your options a bit, showing only what’s best on the island. Here are the gems of Jamaica’s coastline.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril

Let’s start with the longest beach on the list. Apart from its length, this place boasts other advantages. This stretch of sand is filled with resorts, beach bars, and restaurants. You can truly enjoy your day here, starting with a tasty morning coffee and finishing with a breathtaking sunset. The place can get pretty busy with all the tourists, beach vendors, etc. So, if you’re more into peaceful beaches, you should start looking for another place to chill.

Waves In must-see beaches in Jamaica.
A place to have fun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters – try one of the must-see beaches in Jamaica.

James Bond Beach, Oracabessa

If you need a more peaceful, idyllic place – James Bond Beach is the way to go. It has become a popular spot since it was a shooting location for a James Bond movie, but there’s so much more to love about this place. Breathtaking nature located only 20 minutes from Ocho Rios makes this place a magical retreat. Crystal clear waters surrounding the place is something to enjoy with all your senses, so don’t forget to include this fantastic beach into your itinerary.

Sandals Montego Bay Beach

For those looking for a tropical paradise you see in movies – head to Sandals Montego Bay beach. The color of the water like you’ve never seen before, the softest sand, and all the greenery make this place known as the best beach in the bay. There are several great resorts in the area in case you decide to stay a bit longer – Sandals Montego Bay resort, SeaGarden Beach Resort, Cariblue Hotel & Scuba resort, and more.

A tropical beach.
A view like this is not only seen in movies – experience Jamaica the right way.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Another Montego Bay gem with a truly unique name, Doctor’s Cave is known for its tranquillity and laidback atmosphere, perfect for those who really want to get some rest. There’s a sound ban here, so you can be sure the sound of waves and wind will not be spoiled by loud music. You can enjoy different water sports, rent beach furniture for more comfort, and have a nap with probably the best view ever.

Bloody Bay

This little bay is home to one of the must-see beaches in Jamaica. It’s located near Seven Mile Beach and gives its visitors three miles of perfection. Even though many people are not attracted to its name, they soon forget about it after they see the location. The name comes from a long time ago, when fishermen used to butcher their catch right there on the beach, leaving blood all over the place. Surely, there’s no such thing today, so you can enjoy this lovely beach to the fullest. The beauty of the Bloody Bay beach comes from the nature surrounding it and the calm vibes the place gives out.

Frenchman’s Cove

Not only is this one of the must-see beaches in Jamaica, but it’s often included in the list of top beaches in the world. Frenchman’s Cove is the place where you can feel secluded and peaceful but also have a place to grab a bite and have a drink. There’s a hotel right beside the beach, so you can book your stay here. The beach is interesting because it’s the place where fresh waters meet the sea, but also because of its privacy, beautiful sand, and more.

Turtle Beach

This beach is also known as Ocho Rios Bay Beach, being the main beach of this town. It’s very popular among locals and tourists, so it can get a bit crowded. But there’s a good reason for it. Apart from it being a truly stunning beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, the beach offers so many things to do. It’s a place you choose to have an active beach day and, most importantly, have so much fun.

Boats on one of the must-see beaches in Jamaica.
Know your preferences to choose the right places to visit, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Care to stay longer?

As you can see, Jamaica is a place of stunning beaches and interesting locations. That’s the reason why so many visitors make their stay longer than previously planned. However, many are worried about the safety of their items back home while they are enjoying the beach in Jamaica. Make this a stress-free vacation by renting a secure place to store your valuables. This will help you worry less about the situation back home and let you enjoy the vacation to the fullest.

Stay Safe

Make sure you plan your vacation well to increase the safety of your travel. Choose travel and stay options wisely – get more information from experienced travel agents, and don’t go without travel insurance. With our tips, your visit to one or all of these must-see beaches in Jamaica will be a success!

For more info on Caribbean islands visit CoolestCarib.com

Photos used:
unsplash.com/photos/hxwFW3-fS8c
unsplash.com/photos/n7DY58YFg9E
unsplash.com/photos/CVeouMnjWBQ
pexels.com/photo/blue-ocean-waves-in-close-up-photography-6399305/

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Bahamas in 2022

Bahamas

By CoolestCarib.com.

A dock in Nassau, the Bahamas.

Although 2022 has just started, many people are already planning their holidays and upcoming trips for the year. And there are so many choices out there, so many potential travel destinations! However, some of them are only good at a certain time of the year. The Bahamas, on the other hand, are a great travel destination all year round. If you’re not convinced yet, we compiled a list of 10 reasons why you should visit the Bahamas in 2022. So, without further ado, let’s get into them!

1. It’s Close & Convenient

If you’re from the US, you’d be surprised how close the Bahamas actually are! Nassau Paradise Island of the Bahamas is located just 180 miles from south Florida. That means you’re only a short plane ride away from paradise. And the tickets are usually available from almost any bigger airport in the country. Moreover, once you get to the Bahamas, you’ll have no trouble exchanging money for the local currency because they accept the US dollar everywhere. However, the only thing you’ll have to read more about is if you plan to import your own vehicle onto the islands.

2. It’s Family Friendly

The Bahamas is a wonderful spot for families to visit and vacation. It is a safe and pleasant environment for families, with many attractions to see and so much to do. If you’re planning to travel with kids, you won’t have to worry about thinking of activities to entertain them – there will be plenty of that around!

3. It’s A Great Spot For Rest & Relaxation

Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, one thing is sure: the Bahamas are an ideal destination if you want to relax and unwind. You can spend your days sunbathing or enjoying the beach and the sounds of waves with a good book and a cocktail in hand. On the other hand, you can also book a massage appointment in one of many world-class spas in the Bahamas.

A man swimming in beautiful blue water.
The Bahamas are a great vacation destination, no matter if you’re looking for rest and relaxation or adventure

On the other hand, if you’re looking for fun and excitement, the Bahamas can offer that too! If you’re not the type of person to spend their holidays laying around, there’s so much you can do if you visit the Bahamas in 2022. You can scuba dive, participate in popular water sports, or even national sports like cricket. Moreover, you can also play some basketball, softball, baseball, and American football with the locals since they’re also popular sports in the area.

4. Chance For Adventure

On the other hand, if you’re looking for fun and excitement, the Bahamas can offer that too! If you’re not the type of person to spend their holidays laying around, there’s so much you can do if you visit the Bahamas in 2022. You can scuba dive, participate in popular water sports, or even national sports like cricket. Moreover, you can also play some basketball, softball, baseball, and American football with the locals since they’re also popular sports in the area.

5. Amazing Nightlife

Some parties in the Bahamas go on from sunset to sunrise. And there are so many options to choose from when it comes to the nightlife there! You can spend one night in an elegant cocktail place and then dance until your feet hurt at a popular nightclub just down the road. Alternatively, you can grab a pint with your friends at a local craft brewery. Whatever your style and wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to have the fun of your life and meet some interesting people.

6. There’s So Much To See And Explore

Another reason why you should visit the Bahamas in 2022 is to explore the islands. There are more than 2000 beaches in the Bahamas and 700 islands waiting for you to explore them by boat. One of the most exciting and interesting destinations in the Bahamas is Pig Beach. This is no joke. There’s seriously a beach in the Bahamas where you can swim with the pigs – how fun! That will make for some exciting memories and pictures to show back home.

Food plate with seafood and cucumber.
Bahamian cuisine is a mix of South American and Caribbean cuisine, and you should definitely try it!

7. The Bahamian Cuisine

If you’re a foodie, it’s understandable if you want to visit the Bahamas just to try their local cuisine. It’s a rich blend of South American and Caribbean influences. That means you get a lot of rice and cornbread mixed in with beautifully prepared seafood. Moreover, in all of the Bahamas’ inhabited islands, there is an excellent selection of luxury restaurants, diners, and cafes.

8. Luxury Hotels

If you want to enjoy some luxury, the Bahamas are the destination for you! There are numerous luxurious hotels to choose from. Staying here can truly feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some of the most prominent hotels here are The Beach at Atlantis Paradise Island, Breezes Resort, and Grand Hyatt. The Bahamas’ hotel personnel are kind and generous, and they’ll take care of your every need. Moreover, the hotels are so safe you’ll never have to worry about your belongings while you’re out of your room. On the other hand, before you leave, you should ensure the safety of valuables you leave behind by placing them in a storage unit while you’re on vacation. It’s one of the best options out there when it comes to keeping your valuables and other belongings safe while you’re out of town.

Aerial shot of the Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas.
The Bahamas are home to numerous luxury hotels.

9. The People

When it comes to many popular travel destinations, locals can sometimes be quite rude to tourists. This isn’t the case for the Bahamas. At every turn, there’s a kind member of staff who wants to know how you’re doing and if you’re having any problems. Each of your demands is fulfilled with zeal and consideration. The Bahamians are friendly and kind people, and getting to know them will make your trip even more unique and unforgettable.

10. It’s The Bahamas

Have you seen the pictures?! What more reasons do you need? It’s the Bahamas! You’ve read the previous nine reasons, and if that’s not enough to convince you, nothing else will.

But, in all seriousness, our tenth reason why you should visit the Bahamas in 2022 is to experience it all: the beauty, the culture, the climate. If you do decide to go on vacation to the Bahamas, you will feel like your whole life has changed in a matter of days. There are no other words to explain it – you’ve just to experience it for yourself. So happy packing and bon voyage!

For more Caribbean info and visa requirements go to CoolestCarib.com

Photos credit:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/dock-with-cottages-877962/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/sea-water-ocean-summer-9708480/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-plate-dinner-lunch-4015334/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-shot-of-the-baha-mar-resort-in-bahamas-9400978/

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Let’s Get Creative and Restore…

Jan Thiel

If accommodation capacity is a problem, let’s get creative and restore our crumbling buildings to their former glory and welcome tourists to stay at places that have character and history. Our wildlife and public access to recreational areas in Curaçao are at great risk. The Curaçao government, along with APC, and the Papagayo Group want to develop the last remaining public coastal areas in Jan Thiel Bay.

Jan Thiel is an important breeding area for the Least Terns. This area is unique for different reasons. Learn why hotel development might not be the best choice for this area, and sign the petition below to support sustainability in Curaçao!

Jan Thiel’s Natural beauty

The land in question borders one of Curacao’s largest salt pans- The Jan Thiel Salt Pans – which are home to over 80 bird species. Some live here year round, while some other migratory birds visit from other countries during the winter months. Some flamingos spend their days in Curaçao, and fly back to Bonaire everyday just to sleep. These birds have been living this way for centuries. In addition, some of these birds, only mate and breed in the Jan Thiel area in Curaçao.

Read Full Article Here

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2021

The Caribbean Foiling Championships

3 Days of Racing

The Caribbean Foiling Championships will celebrate its second edition in 2021 from 10 to 12 December. This new and innovative event will offer three days of racing for professional as well as leisure kite/windsurf foilers!

Pro & Leisure Classes

There are two categories; kite- and windfoiling. To suit all needs we created two groups for each category; the professional and the leisure kite/wind foiling group. By doing this you will race against your ‘equals/rivals’, which results in competitive racing on every level.

1 round the Island race

The Round the Island Race, a race around St. Maarten/St. Martin and is the most anticipated race among competitors. A leg destroying stretch of 26 Nautical Miles with a current record of 1:29:32h. Are you up for the challenge?

Get all the info here

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

The Value of having a Farmers Market Within the Community

Organic Caribbean Urban Farms

Everybody benefits from supporting their local farmers market. It’s easy to do, especially when the market has multiple vendors offering a good variety and is close to your home. When you support your local farmers’ market, you are supporting something much greater than you imagine.

The Fiber of the Community

Local farmers markets have the unique ability to bring locals together by providing a lively, family friendly environment that everyone can enjoy.

Local produce; crafts; vegan, vegetarian, and mainstream food options; desserts; clothing and more can be found at your local farmers market. In a way it should be called a Community market as it represents a segment of your town coming together offering their best products for everyone to consume and enjoy.

Business Incubators

Building the local economy begins at the farmers market. New small businesses often begin their journey here in order to test the market with their products. The level of success many of them find at the market will decide if they go on to open a local store front. The merchants that move to a brick and mortar space will look to hire local help. This is something that often gets overlooked but is very important to keep in mind as you support your local farmers market. The success of the small business merchants will spill over to the economical success of your town.

Tourist Attraction

Tourist will come from far and wide to visit your town because of your beautiful beaches, your beautiful rivers or your grand mountains. One way of exposing tourists to the local people and culture is through the farmers markets.

Tourists often look to find the local farmers markets and see for themselves the produce and arts that are not necessarily available at your traditional malls. These folks want to take as much as they can from their experience in your town and what better way to do so than at the local, friendly farmers’ market.

One more attraction for tourists are local farms which gives your guests a refreshing perspective on how food is grown locally. We wrote a blog post on the tours we offer of our urban farm and we were amazed on how many great friends we made thanks to them.

Better Prices

Way too often the price point is overlooked. Local products, especially produce are immune to the price shifts in the general market as they are transported a very short distance to arrive at their destination.

Read Full Article on RossiNaturals.comFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Hotels in the Caribbean Go Green!

“So if you want to do the very best for the planet, you need to meet the very best Standard there is for sustainable tourism.”

Today businesses across all industries require certification to provide independent assurance that their enterprises operate sustainably. For more than two decades Green Globe has been providing sustainability certification for the various sectors that make up the international travel and tourism industry. The Green Globe International Standard for Sustainability has been applied to a great variety of business types from accommodation and hospitality, to transport and tour operators, conference venues and meeting planners, as well as management and public relations firms.

At Green Globe we know that to truly do good we must all do better. The Green Globe International Standard for Sustainable Tourism has been developed over decades of research and development. It is the original Standard that all tourism eco-labels are based on. So if you want to do the very best for the planet, you need to meet the very best Standard there is for sustainable tourism.

View list of all ‘Green Globe’ Caribbean HotelsFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

New Hub Launched to Increase Transparency of Climate Action in the Caribbean

UN Climate Change News, 21 February 2019 – Measuring, reporting and verifying climate action under the Paris Climate Change Agreement is being strengthened in the Caribbean region with the help of a new hub, with support from UN Climate Change.

This month, a Caribbean Measurement, Reporting and Verification “MRV” Hub was formally launched, a unique collaborative technical institution where countries in the region can share expertise to foster regional excellence and generate stronger policy-relevant carbon accounting.

The MRV Hub provides a mechanism through which country experts will function as a true learning, mentoring and resource-sharing technical cooperative

At a meeting of ten countries from the English-speaking Caribbean region convened at St. George’s University in Grenada, UNDP’s Damiano Borgogno delivered a call to action.

“You cannot control what you cannot measure,” he said, noting that countries must be able to measure and track emissions to make informed decisions that result in climate change action.

Read Full ArticleFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

‘Not so fast on the weed’

Some members of the clergy believe that Barbados should approach the legalisation of marijuana for medical purposes with a greater degree of caution.

 Head of Mount Zion Missions, Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird, condemned what she called the sudden introduction of medical marijuana legislation as Barbadians were grappling with economic challenges. She accused the relevant authorities of “slipping it under the radar” while Barbadians were otherwise distracted.

 “While Barbadians were under the aneathesia of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, and anxious about the layoffs and the other issues associated with that, they got injected with legalised medical marijuana.

 “What is worse is that this measure was introduced without any national referendum, town hall meetings or any other public discussion, and it can potentially cause long-term devastating effects on this nation, as other much bigger countries have experienced since making similar moves,” she charged.

Read onFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Beach and Bar-Hopping in Saint Thomas, USVI – the Party is Back On!

Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling in Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, SAINT THOMAS, USVI. It’s been just about a year since two witches smashed their way through the Virgin Islands. You know their names – hurricanes Maria and Irma. As you know, the thrashing was particularly bad this time with various houses, businesses and lives completely destroyed.

When you think of St. Thomas, you might have a nice resort, beach and lounge chair reserved for yourself in your head. Yes, resorts (and jewelry) have been the main business here of late. In terms of resorts, whichever type you may like, they had it pre-hurricanes. Post-hurricanes – as you can imagine – the well-known ones are not the same anymore. But the blessing is, there are some new and old ones with new facelifts:

The Ritz Carlton took a helluva knock. After one year there are still renovations in place, although, some rooms are available. The beach and wonderful pool are still there, if that’s all you’re after – by all means book in.

Bolongo Beach Resort (you might know Iggy’s as a party spot at this resort) is almost in full operation, and all the rooms that are operational are fully booked! That’s a good sign if you take that as an indication of popularity.

Frenchman’s Cove, a timeshare location, seems to be back in full swing. Seems, because the various buildings on the property don’t show any sign of injury. The pool is fabulous, the shop, bar and restaurant in working order and they have many guest activities and live music to liven up your visit to the island. What’s more, one can take a sunset cruise from here with The VI Cat (thevicat.com) and enjoy a dinner and cocktails on the luxury catamaran. Day cruises are also available.

The VI Cat daily sailing & snorkeling excursions at Frenchman's Cove
The VI Cat daily sailing & snorkeling excursions at Frenchman’s Cove

Things are on the up and up too at the brand new Margaritaville Resort on the other side of the island. It looks nearly as good as new, post-hurricanes.

The Marriott Hotel at the Frenchman’s Reef is completely closed as it suffered severe damage.

Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas are operational again too with restaurant Oceanside Bistro in full swing. They host theme parties there, this month it’s the Halloween Costume Party on 27 October 2018, sure to be fun! Their pool is being fixed as I type this blog. This is a very convenient location for tourists, as it is walking distance from the St. Thomas airport.

Oceanside Bistro at Lindbergh Bay walking distance from St. Thomas airport.
Oceanside Bistro at Lindbergh Bay walking distance from St. Thomas airport.

Emerald Beach Resort is great as it’s right on the beach. This is one of our favorite swimming spots and the ocean truly has an emerald color here (especially through some good Polaroid sunglasses!) Great views from every room and many resort activities (like karaoke) at the beach bar and water sports: including jet ski’s, kayaking and SUP-ing with Jetskivi.com. This beach is also very suitable for sunset wedding ceremonies with beach goers respecting the space. Chances are high that these blissful unions have been organized by Heart And Soul Unions.

Heart And Soul Unions Wedding Planners in St. Thomas USVI
Heart And Soul Unions Wedding Planners in St. Thomas USVI

Sometimes a big natural disaster also brings new life to a town. Although, many people have suffered severe loss emotionally, financially, morally and physically, other people’s lives are now better than it was before that fateful September of 2017:

Downtown St. Thomas has seen a few businesses closed down, but there is a new high-end supermarket called Moe’s (also one in Red Hook) next to FirstBank in Charlotte Amalie.

Café Amalia is still where it has been for many years in Palm Passage. Food is still lovely, the people friendly and a nice cool breeze sweeps through the plants and other businesses located in the well-designed, old Danish building that has stood the test of hurricanes for hundreds of years. This is a good restaurant to stop by if you’re shopping downtown, sometimes the heat can be a drain on your energy, especially in summer time in the Caribbean. www.amaliacafe.com

Amalia Cafe Spanish Restaurant in Palm Passage, Charlotte Amalie
Amalia Cafe Spanish Restaurant in Palm Passage, Charlotte Amalie

Barefoot Buddha, at Havensight Mall, is a cool oasis to visit for great healthy food (real fruit smoothies, love their veggie wraps and organic cuppa Joe) and to try on the latest fashion at their boutique. Lots of yoga mama’s hang here because right next door, at Breathe, there are now yoga classes offered for free – donations welcome. barefootbuddhavi.com

Coffee Shop, Deli and Fashion Boutique in Havensight, St. Thomas USVI
Coffee Shop, Deli and Fashion Boutique in Havensight, St. Thomas USVI

Tap & Still – discovered this bar and grille at two locations on the island. One is located at Havensight Mall and the other in Red Hook. It’s a burger and beer joint with a modern flair and you can watch the latest sports events on big screens all around the bar. Love the open plan design and fresh breezes cooling the place through no windows, in true old Caribbean style.

Tap and Still Bar Restaurant Havensight, St. Thomas, USVI
Tap and Still Bar Restaurant Havensight, St. Thomas, USVI

As you can see, a lot of good times are still to be had on this island, so don’t wait too long to book your next vacation here. There are so many resorts and restaurants to choose from, not to mention beaches, scuba, snorkeling and sailing trips to explore.Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail