Tourists vote Barbados into the Caribbean’s Top 10 Destinations
By Kerri Gooding
Millions of travellers had voted and according to Trip Advisor, Barbados is a favourite with persons.
Barbados has earned a 2017 Trip Advisor Award in the Top 10 Destinations – Caribbean region category.
Sitting pretty at number five is the Gem of the Caribbean – Barbados. The land of Flying Fish and Cou-cou is truly hitting a soft spot with the foodies, the romantics and even the adventurers.
Jamaica is at the top of the chain in the Top 10 for the Caribbean this year.
Below is the Top 10 Destinations in order, along with Trip Advisor’s brief description of each place.
1. Jamaica
Jamaica is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. You’ll experience this diversity in its strong crafts tradition, performing arts and distinctive dining options, like ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit. Take your holiday to new heights at famed cliff jumping spot, Negril Cliffs. Jamaica offers long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine and chances to play in the surf, ride horses and swim with dolphins. Jump in!
2. St. Martin/St. Maarten
Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Maarten/Saint Martin’s spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife.
3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The farther you go from Grand Cayman’s busy docks, the more peace and quiet you’ll find. At Stingray City (actually a sandbar), stingrays swim alongside you in the tranquil waters. Closer to town, travellers report finding some of the best massage and spa services anywhere in the Caribbean.
4. Puerto Rico
Culture-seekers will be charmed be La Isla’s heritage and history, from Old San Juan’s charms to folk art and festivals in the outlying towns. You can drive round Puerto Rico in a day, but take your time. Coffee plantations, colonial towns, beaches, bars and restaurants wait to be explored. Old San Juan, with famed Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, is an atmospheric place to wander. Experience life at a different pace by rainforest hiking, scuba diving or swimming Vieques’ glowing bioluminescent lagoon.
5. Barbados
Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you’ll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.
6. Aruba
Visit Aruba once and you’ll instantly start planning your next visit. The island wins you over with gorgeous weather, serene beaches, exciting land and sea activities (ATVs in the outback, anyone?), and terrific nightlife, from restaurants to casinos and nightclubs. Don’t miss the live music scene, featuring Aruba’s own Tumba music.
7. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There’s more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all.
8. St. Lucia
There’s more than one way to enjoy the spa experience in St. Lucia. One is to book a treatment at any of the luxury spas or resorts on the island. The other is to visit Sulphur Springs, inside the bowl of an extinct volcano, where you’re welcome to try a volcanic mud bath or the 31°C/88°F Roman bath.
9. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Scuba diving, horseback riding, sunbathing… take your pick. “Provo” offers plenty for the happy couple to do, including picture-perfect coastlines to walk along, hand in hand. The island itself is relatively tranquil; try Malcolm Beach to get even further away from crowds.
10. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
The biggest draws to St. Thomas are beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping. Once your luggage is full of china, crystal, liquor and jewelry, you can explore life outside the markets, and there’s no shortage of options. You can visit Fort Christian, the 17th century Dutch stronghold; swim or snorkel in the calm blue waters of Magens Bay; hop a ferry to St. John; or just lie beside the pool with a daiquiri.
