Celebrity`s Caribbean Travel + Leisure`s Insider

Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
St. Johns,
Antigua
St. Johns,
Antigua
St. Johns,
Antigua
St. Johns,
Antigua
George Town,
Grand Cayman
George Town,
Grand Cayman
George Town,
Grand Cayman
Type
Must See
Must See
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
Must See
Location/ Activity
Content
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-footlong 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. John's Cathederal
The church has been destroyed at least twice by earthquakes since it was first constructed 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 destruction. Between Long and Newgate Streets; 268/462-4686.
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.
Woody's Seafood
Saloon
Satisfy your craving for conch fritters (and bottled beer) at Woody’s Seafood Saloon, 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.
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.
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 snorkeling. If you want to up the adventure quota, join a beach volleyball game or rent a
kayak or Jet Ski.
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 endangered 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.
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
George Town,
Grand Cayman
St. Georges,
Grenada
St. Georges,
Grenada
St. Georges,
Grenada
St. Georges,
Grenada
Cozumel,
Mexico
Cozumel,
Mexico
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
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 kitchen 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.
Must See
Grenada 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 See
Grenada 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 Empress 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.
Tip
Tikal 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.
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.
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.
Tip
Must See
Must See
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Cozumel,
Mexico
Cozumel,
Mexico
San Juan,
Puerto Rico
San Juan,
Puerto Rico
Type
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
Location/ Activity
Content
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; fashionsilveremporium.com.
Restaurant La Choza
"Hearty, authentic dishes, such as shrimp chiles rellenos and chicken in a mole poblano 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.
Castillo San Felipe
del Morro (El Morro)
This stone garrison is the second-oldest freestanding fort in the Americas. Built by Spanish 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.
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 picnic shelters.
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 perfect 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.
San Juan,
Puerto Rico
Must See
Puerto Rico
Museum of Art
San Juan,
Puerto Rico
Tip
Join the chorus of java fans who rave about this modest coffee shop near the museum,
Café Hacienda San Pedro where Puerto Rico–sourced beans are sold in burlap sacks. Bring your pressed sandwich 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.
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Basseterre,
St. Kitts
Basseterre,
St. Kitts
Basseterre,
St. Kitts
Castries,
St. Lucia
Castries,
St. Lucia
Castries,
St. Lucia
Castries,
St. Lucia
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
St. 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. Fortunately, 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; stkittsanglicanchurch.org.
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 tower 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.
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 watersports 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.
Rodney Bay Marina
Head here for cruises and sailing voyages around the island or further afield to Martinique 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.
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 aromatic spices. Notice how St. Lucian women tie their traditional cotton headdresses in
different ways to indicate their marital status. Jeremie Street.
Must See
Diamond Botanical
Garden and Waterfalls
A waterfall—brightly hued, courtesy of minerals such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium—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.
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; coalpotrestaurant.com.
Must See
Must See
Tip
Must See
Tip
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Philipsburg,
St. Maarten
Philipsburg,
St. Maarten
Philipsburg,
St. Maarten
Philipsburg,
St. Maarten
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
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.
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 varieties, 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.
Tip
Ocean 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.
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 gardens. 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.
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.
St. 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.
Must See
Must See
Charlotte Amalie,
Must See
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie,
Must See
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie,
Must See
St. Thomas
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Location/ Activity
Content
Charlotte Amalie,
Tip
St. Thomas
Carson 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
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 inBuck Island National Park
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.
Must See
St. 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.
Apothecary 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 Alexander Hamilton is said to have worked here. Corner of Company and Queen Cross
Streets; 340/772-0458; stcroixlandmarks.com.
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.
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 Theory, 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.
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 schoolteacher 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; stranahanhouse.org.
St. Croix, U.S.V.I
St. Croix, U.S.V.I
St. Croix, U.S.V.I
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida
Type
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida
Must See
Bonnet 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.
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida
Tip
The Floridian
The Floridian is a funky 24/7 diner that remains a shrine to kitsch, down to the Champagne 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.
Must See
Hemingway Home
& Museum
At Hemingway’s tropical hideaway, tours are led by fans of Papa. You’ll see descendants 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.
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 habitats, historic shipwrecks, marine life, and local weather patterns. There is also a replica of Aquarius, the only underwater ocean laboratory in the world. 35 E. Quay Rd.;
305/809-4750; floridakeys.noaa.gov.
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.
Tip
Kermit’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.
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.; 800/5973331; newworldcenter.com.
King’s Ice Cream
Along with refreshing shakes in tropical fruit flavors such as guanábana and mamey, 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.
Key West,
Florida
Key West,
Florida
Key West,
Florida
Key West,
Florida
Miami,
Florida
Miami,
Florida
Must See
Must See
Must See
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Miami,
Florida
Miami,
Florida
Oranjestad.
Aruba
Oranjestad.
Aruba
Oranjestad.
Aruba
Oranjestad.
Aruba
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Type
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
Must See
Tip
Must See
Location/ Activity
Content
Wolfsonian—Florida
International University
Part museum, part library, part research facility, this institution houses an eclectic collection 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.
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 garden, and an adjacent rooftop restaurant with expansive views of the city. 1111 Lincoln
Rd.; 305/538-9320; 1111lincolnroad.com.
Fort 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.
Arikok 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 paintings, gold-rush-era mines, and other historic sites. San Fuego 70; 297/585-1234; arubanationalpark.org.
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.
Smokey Joe’s
Hungry diners go to open-air Smokey Joe’s for ribs—and lots of them. Sticky baby-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 dessert. 87 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.; 297/586-2896; smokeyjoesaruba.com.
Carlisle Bay Marine Park
A sugary white beach sprinkled with sand dollars and gentle waters made for snorkeling 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.
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Belize City,
Belize
Belize City,
Belize
Belize City,
Belize
Belize City,
Belize
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
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.
Farley Hill National Park
This 30-acre park is built around the ruins of the Farley Hill house, a coral-stone mansion 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.
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; lobsteralive.net.
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.; 501/2224129; oldbelize.com.
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.
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 limestone stalactites and stalagmites; and a replica of a house that’s common in communities of Garifuna, who are West African descendants. 5 Western Hwy.; 501/2224286; oldbelize.com.
Tip
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
Smoky Mermaid Restaupopular for its relaxed garden setting (casual plastic seating) and Caribbean-accented
rant & Bar
food (cassava-crusted snapper; ecstasy-chocolate coconut pie). 13 Cork St.; 501/2234759; smokymermaid.com.
Must See
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Kralendijk,
Bonaire
Kralendijk,
Bonaire
Kralendijk,
Bonaire
Kralendijk,
Bonaire
Willemstad,
Curaçao
Willemstad,
Curaçao
Willemstad,
Curaçao
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
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.
Must See
Bonaire National
Marine Park
This park protects the coastlines of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire (the adjacent uninhabited island). The goal is to keep the sea grass, mangroves, and coral reef—which extends 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.
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; butterflygardenbonaire.com.
Rains Fishes
Stylish, blond Dutch waiters serve bowls of spicy curry soup and open-faced hamand-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.
National 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; christoffelpark.org.
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.
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.
Must See
Tip
Must See
Must See
Must See
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Willemstad,
Curaçao
Colón,
Panama
Colón,
Panama
Colón,
Panama
Type
Tip
Must See
Must See
Must See
Location/ Activity
Content
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; 599-9/4613526; curacaoliqueur.com.
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.
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 (silver, handbags, clothing, electronics). Note that purchases here have to be exported,
a process that can be cumbersome, but window-shopping in this whirlwind marketplace can be quite exciting. zonalibreinfo.com.
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 grandeur as you walk through the palm-tree-speckled gardens and the commanding columned entryway. Calle 2 and Avda. Bolivar; 507/441-7133.
Cartagena,
Colombia
Must See
Cartagena Cathedral
Behind 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.
Must See
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.
San Diego Neighborhood Most visitors tour the area in one of the romantic horse-drawn carriages that clipclop past the brightly colored houses and balconies with cascading blooms. Central
Cartagena.
Cartagena,
Colombia
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Celebrity’s Caribbean Travel + Leisure’s Insider Tips and Must Sees
City /Port
Type
Location/ Activity
Content
Cartagena,
Colombia
Must See
San 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.
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 plaster walls, exposed beams, and terra-cotta floors. 39-76 Calle del Torno, Centro; 575/660-1531; elsantisimo.com.
Cartagena,
Colombia
Tip
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