Welcome Home to the Caribbean
Blazing sunsets over Technicolor seas, teeming with nearly 700 species of fish flitting among 70 types of vivid coral. Trade winds that skim mountain peaks, breathing softly into lush rainforests. Palms rising out of sparkling white beaches. Ethereal cloud forests that float high above mangrove swamps, cactus scrublands, and vast savannahs scattered among 700 islets, reefs, cays.
Welcome to the islands of the Caribbean:
- ANGUILLA
- ARUBA
- BAHAMAS
- BARBADOS
- BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
- CURAÇAO
- DOMINICA
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
- GRAND CAYMAN
- GRENADA
- THE GRENADINES
- JAMAICA
- PUERTO RICO
- ST. BARTHÉLEMY
- ST. KITTS & NEVIS
- ST. LUCIA
- ST. MARTIN
- TURKS AND CAICOS
- U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The beauty of these paradisiacal destinations goes beyond stunning aesthetic; gorgeous landscapes and year-round sunshine are only the beginning of this region’s allure. To get a true picture of the Caribbean, look past what you see and tap into how you feel. Close your eyes and focus on the sound of steel drums and pounding feet as pulsing reggae, calypso, and other island rhythms echo through the night. Savor what cuisine spooned from a melting pot tastes like—a blend of African, Spanish, Asian, East Indian and European flavors creating a profile all its own.Let the joy and vibrancy of incredible festivals infuse your soul.
Escape to a time and place a world away, with elegant hospitality surrounded by colonial architecture on romantic estates, or resorts that provide modern luxury at its finest. Together, these are the true lasting impressions of the Caribbean—the beautiful, unforgettable moments embedded in your mind and heart forever; an indelible mark from the sweetest of escapes.
ANTIGUA, The Beach is Just the Beginning…
St. John’s is the capital city of Antigua, an English-speaking island filled with everything you love about the Caribbean and very easy to explore as it is only about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. With a unique beach for every day of the year, it’s not difficult to be wowed anew in the largest of the British Leeward Islands. A winding coastline sets the scene for sunsets made even more breathtaking after a 1,200-foot elevated hike or a ride on Fig Tree Drive through wild mango and almond tree canopies.
Come back down to earth in secret spots like Bryant Cave, and kayak among improbably whistling ducks and flying fish while rare fallow deer gaze curiously from the shores.
ARUBA, One Happy Island
Relaxation may be the prevalent theme at most Caribbean islands, but in Aruba, the focus of every day is to find the joy in each moment. Even the sun shines with a smile on “One Happy Island,” where light trade winds make 82 degrees the temperature of perfection. Although those light trade winds can make the island seem windy at times.
In addition to picture perfect beaches you will find deserts populated by cacti, curious iguanas, and ancient boulders, craggy limestone cliffs, towering sand dunes, and crashing breakers to the north inspire awe and a sense of freedom.
In the capital city of Oranjestad, refined Dutch colonial architecture steals the spotlight just minutes from the island’s fofoti trees and inquisitive marine life.
Highlights:
- Caves
- Natural Pool
- Arikok National Park
- Some of the Largest Casinos in the Caribbean
A fun splurge: hob aboard a beautiful catamaran for a sunset sail along the scenic coastline and enjoy an open bar with beer and snacks is included.
In Aruba you will find large resorts to more boutique options with both all-inclusive and those with al a carte pricing.
Two of our favorites:
RIU PALACE ANTILLA
This all-inclusive, adults-only sits on Palm Beach, an ideal place to relax. , Enjoy the sun while taking a swim or relaxing by the poolside bar, then experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at one of five themed-cuisine restaurants.
THE RITZ-CARLTON
This four-diamond luxury property also is located on the famed Palm Beach and offers an authentic island experience brimming with unique amenities and a wealth of recreational experiences. The resort boasts 320 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all with private balconies; five distinctive dining outlets, including BLT Steak; a luxurious, 13-treatment room spa, two swimming pools, a 24-hour casino, plus Ritz Kids.
BAHAMAS-It’s Better in the Bahamas
One of the closest destinations to the mainland, just 50 miles off the coast of Florida you will find a water paradise designed for a perfect vacation experience, from the bustling Paradise Island to less frequented out of the way gems. Over 700 islands and cays splay across 500 miles of clear turquoise waters.
With flamingos in the skies and pods of dolphins in the seas, it only takes a second to relax into the charm of its narrow streets, picket fences, and colorful clapboard houses. The only thing outnumbering these islands are the reasons travelers love them.
The Bahamas are home to one of the best places in the Caribbean to snorkel or dive with sharks!
Nassau is a cruise ship darling, its two-mile Cable Beach drawing crowds; its international airport is always bustling with visitors headed to nearby Paradise Island and the planet’s largest open-air marine habitat.
Grand Bahama Island, home of the Lucayan National Park and its six-mile-long mapped underwater cave system, is also where the archipelago’s most upscale golf courses are.
The Out Islands offer a more secluded, sheltered experience for vacationers who want to kick back and reset their clocks to island time.
On all the islands, you’ll find dockside restaurants serving delectable conch dishes, spectacular diving—including plunges to amazing blue holes—and snorkeling, incredible boating and more…all just steps away from boundless beaches. While there are a few all-inclusive options, most resorts are not offering you the option to dine among the locals or at private restaurants on property.
Atlantis, Paradise Islandis a unique, ocean-themed destination on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. A dynamic resort experience that launched 20 years ago as a first-of-its-kind modern marvel of nature and engineering, Atlantis has embarked on a new chapter tied to a meaningful connection with the ocean and the Bahamian culture. The resort is built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of lagoons, pools, and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals, including in The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis is also home to AQUAVENTURE, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high-intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable mammals.
For an amazing, adults only, out-island adventure we recommend one of our favorite Sandals Resorts – Sandals Emerald Bay located deep within the idyllic waters of the Exuma, a draw for those seeking more outdoor pursuits, including boating, swimming with the pigs, sport fishing and snorkeling. Explore this quintessential island paradise with an all-inclusive vacation in the Bahamas.
What is included?
- Luxury Accommodations
- Five-Star Service
- Gourmet Dining
- Top-Shelf Spirits
- PADI Diving
- Kayaks
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Sailboats
- Paddle Boards
- Golfing
BARBADOS, Come Long, Live Life
Gentle hills roll right down to rosy shores in Barbados, and a colonial past offers a host of historical attractions, from small villages rife with charm to old sugar mills and restored plantation estates that hark back to the 1600s. Get a taste of the UK with a cricket match, the national sport of the sovereign island country. Take in a leisurely afternoon tea, where tiers of pastries and finger sandwiches break the view of the tropical waters before you…or make time for “tee” instead with championship golfing under an average of 3,000 annual hours of sun. Next, take the white glove off and trade it in for your best jacket for dinner on the Platinum Coast—the 15-mile Millionaires’ Playground—before tossing it aside to dance with abandon to live reggae and calypso, even more lively during Crop Over.
Highlights:
- Bridgetown
- Huntes Gardens.
- Bathsheba .
- Morgan Lewis Windmill
- Cherry Tree Hill
- St. Nicholas Abbey
BONAIRE, Once a Visitor, Always a Friend
One of the more unique islands, due to the rapid decent off off shore and the rocky nature of island, you will not find miles of white sand beaches. You will find one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Bonaire is surrounded by glorious offshore reefs – Bonaire’s coast in its entirety is as a marine park, Drive-through dive stations line the island. You will likely not find as many turtles anywhere else in the Caribbean – and the fish and sea creatures are so accustomed to snorkelers and divers that they really are far less shy than any place I have had a chance to Scuba dive.
Kayaks are the transport of choice through Bonaire’s rare and pristine mangrove system. Island inhabitants comes in the form of darling donkeys or feathered friends at Gotomeer, where flamingos wing their way nightly to Venezuela. In Washington-Slagbaai National Park, prickly pears, guida cacti and startling rock formations are happy companions for a 13,000-acre park. Even the views from Sera Largu, are peaceful and solitary, with the ghosts of salt pans rising from purple “lakes” in the distance.
You can find a range of accommodations, although most are more modest, and the island does not have any 5 star options with a lots of condo-style resorts to choose from and a few all-inclusive options. Diving is the main attraction in Bonaire.
CAYMAN ISLANDS, Wherever You Find Your Smile, You’ll Find Ours
One glimpse of Seven Mile Beach’s silver sands may trigger a wave of déjà vu; its casuarina tree-fringed landscape is a postcard favorite. Known as a top diving destination, over 200 sites can be found within these three western islands, where visibility of shipwrecks, reefs, dramatic walls, and drop-offs reaches up to 100 feet. Too deep? Try Stingray City, where these gentle animals’ fins flutter peacefully against you in water only three feet deep and half a mile from shore.
Back on land, there’s still much to discover. The famous black limestone formations of “Hell” are striking, but the capital city of Georgetown is a cosmopolitan hub and busy cruise port, where duty-free shopping—from European fashion to Caymanite jewelry—is plentiful and diverse. The cuisine here is just as hard to resist. Local restaurants serve fresh conch, lobster, grouper, jerk chicken, and West Indian side dishes in grand style or casual comfort—both of which are also options for your stay.
Must-Do: Visit Stingray City
Grand Cayman is also home to MARGARITAVILLE BEACH RESORT GRAND – The ultimate island getaway inspired by the lyrics of singer Jimmy Buffett, this resort conveys warm, authentic Caymanian hospitality. With a coastal-inspired, laid-back vibe, it offers 285 guestrooms; four pools; live entertainment with lots for the kids to do, however it is not an all-inclusive resort.
Our pick to scoop up a bargain: located in the heart of the Seven Mile Beach area, Comfort Suites features 119 suites with a choice of kitchenettes or efficiency kitchens; a freshwater swimming pool and Jacuzzi®; access via a pathway to Seven Mile Beach with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas with complimentary full hot buffet breakfast. It is not fancy, but the location is dreamy.
CURAÇAO, The Water is Calling
Pronounced (Kera-Sow), located a short inexpensive flight from both Aruba and Bonaire it makes a great addition to your Southern Caribbean trip.
Multiple destinations trips? Yeah – We Do That!
The capital, Willemstad, has pastel-colored colonial architecture, floating Queen Emma Bridge and the sand-floored, 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue you will find the island a bit more city like than its neighbors until you leave Willemstad behind.
A blend of colonial Dutch design and West Indian whimsy, a stay at the “C” of the ABC Islands is as colorful as the façades of Willemstad. Floating craft and produce markets, modern art galleries, the Queen Emma Bridge, the largest African collection in the region at the Museum Kura Hulanda, relics at the Maritime Museum—these are surpassed in visual pleasure only by the island’s 35 beaches and unbelievable diving.
The Mushroom Forest and steep Curaçao Wall are musts, as are the anemones and scorpionfish of Klein Curaçao. Open-water dolphin and sea lion dives are also options, in case the Sea Aquarium wasn’t up-close enough. The island’s energy is equally vibrant. Art comes to life on the table; the dining in this polyglot destination is influenced from every corner of the earth. Carnival makes winter worth celebrating, and the North Sea Jazz Festival draws talent from around the world. Nightly, the Salinja district dances until dawn with the joy of simply being in Curaçao.
Dominican Republic Has it All
Second only to Mexico in terms of value for your vacation dollar with many all-inclusive options to fit almost any budget. And the first destination in the Caribbean to get special DIRECT flights! So you may consider this gem hidden no longer—leisure travelers have caught wind of this escapist’s dream.
Puerto Plata’s sunny beaches and affordable all-inclusives already have their share of loyal enthusiasts. Bavaro’s perched on Punta Cana’s edge boasts 20 miles of shoreline are hot on its heels. Dominican Republic is quickly building a reputation as a premier vacation spot. Nearby, La Romana’s quaint Altos de Chavon enclave is an exceptional work of livable art, with shops, boutiques, a gallery, restaurants, amphitheater and more perched high above golf courses, polo fields, tennis courts and a marina.
Not to be forgotten is Cap Cana, a luxurious community with an array of five-star hotels, and the capital, Santo Domingo, where modern hotels sit on the same cobblestoned streets conquistador Juan Ponce de León once strode. Of course, these towns only begin to scratch the reef-studded surface of this stunning island nation.
In addition to plenty of resort that cater to a wide variety of tastes, the choice of activities is almost limitless. No matter whether you are a water geek, sun seeker, or an adrenalin junky, Dominican Republic really does have it all.
From typical sailing and snorkeling options to ziplines to day trips that will fly you to Samana on the other side of the island for a mega adventure a vacation to Dominican Republic has much to offer couples, families as well as a great location for conventions.
JAMAICA, Home of All Right
Immortalized in song, legend, and the memories of the millions of visitors that are drawn to this diverse destination every year, this island means something different for everyone. For some, it’s the feeling of getting lost in hypnotizing reggae beats while barefoot in the sand. For others, it’s coming alive to sensory overload with the taste of jerk seasoning on your tongue, and adrenaline in your veins as you conquer the rainforest. For the rest, it’s that sensation of tangible decompression, with 12 golf courses and a long list of spectacular resorts designed to pamper. Six distinctive regions make it possible to experience every part of the vacation spectrum between Jamaica’s 146-mile-long borders. Montego Bay, the “Gulf of Good Weather,” as called by Christopher Columbus, is a top choice, with easy accessibility, a ”hip strip” of shops and restaurants, plethora of all-inclusive resorts, five championship golf courses, and medicinal springs. Half an hour away, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach and grotto-lined cliffs call out to water lovers, where snorkeling and cliff-diving are accompanied by a live music soundtrack.
To the north, Ocho Rios is a popular destination for all-inclusive resorts and stop for cruisers, who can climb the 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls; however, staying near Runaway Bay for a few days lets travelers explore the great shopping, gorgeous gardens, and birthplace of Bob Marley, or bobsled down Mystic Mountain or zip through the rainforest. Although Ocho Rios is called the centerpiece of Jamaica, the ”heartbeat” is in Kingston, the vibrant capital at the foot of the Blue Mountains, and the largest English-speaking city south of Miami. Here, a more sophisticated nightlife and cosmopolitan dining await those who are looking for a more up-tempo version of island time. However, just a day-trip eastward lies a secluded and rugged foil, with waterfalls, hidden caves, natural springs and hillside small hotels. Even further off the beaten path is the South Coast, with isolated beaches, 19th century sugar plantations, Georgian architecture, and jungle wetlands veined with rivers. Between them all are the experiences that make sure that ”you come back, mon.”
PUERTO RICO, Discover A Vibrant Culture
Passports are as optional as shoes in this domestic paradise, a U.S. territory that floats in the Caribbean Sea. The streets are always alive in Old San Juan, where explorer Juan Ponce de León’s statue continues to watch over the settlement he founded and its stunningly curated museums and colorful handicraft marketplaces. Not to be outdone, San Juan keeps its spirit young with stylish shopping and dance-heavy nightlife, plus creative fine dining that rivals the grand traditions of New York.Not far is El Yunque—the only tropical rainforest managed by the U.S. Forest Service, featuring three types of forests, two waterfalls, and 30 types of orchids—and Toro Verde Nature Park, home of the Caribbean’s largest zipline and an astounding adventure park. Twenty-three golf courses and billfish-rich seas round out open-air pursuits along with fabulous beaches like Isla Verde, Condado Beach, and Vieques. And as the sun goes down, other waterscapes on the island literally light up with wonder—Puerto Rico is known to have the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
ST. BARTHELEMY, The Art of Being an Island
Affectionately abbreviated as St. Barts, this secluded nook was originally named by Christopher Columbus for his brother. Today, the most notable association made of this eight-mile island is as a playground for the world’s elite, where luxe villas are hidden in steep hills and beachfront accommodations put snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, sailing, and fishing within steps. Impressive yachts line the harbor in Gustavia, and fabulous duty-free shopping for the finest in couture goods is never far.
Premier French dining meets fresh local seafood, and this European nation’s influence is apparent everywhere, with ingredients imported twice weekly. More than a dozen public and free beaches bring visitors back to a Caribbean state of mind, and the live music from spots like La Plage, Nikki Beach, and others exist to entice you to mingle with other international vacationers and VIPs.
ST. KITTS & NEVIS, Follow Your Heart
With over 25% of its land designated as a national park, this island is a treasure trove of wildlife. Untouched dive sites teem with fish of every stripe and color. Mongooses, frigate birds, cattle egrets, and actual cattle roam this rare American oceanic rainforest—one of the only growing rainforests in the world—as vervet monkeys chatter above. Hikes to petroglyphs, Sofa Rock on volcanic Mt. Liamuiga, and the Valley of Giants satisfy adventurers. For all, a 17.5-mile scenic, seasonal train route—the only one in the Caribbean outside of Cuba—over narrow-gauge tracks is unforgettable, and UNESCO-designated Brimstone Hill Fortress and eight others add even more character to the salt pond-specked landscape just minutes from the capital, Basseterre. With all of this, it’s a wonder visitors even make it to the swimmable golden and black beaches that make the island so alluring.
White coral and brown and black sands swirl together on the western and northern coastlines of this tiny island just two miles from St. Kitts. Like its sister destination, this too is an animal lover’s paradise. On the ground, shaggy donkeys wander with sheep, goats, and mongooses. En route to the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak, trekkers can encounter playful monkeys; at the top, they’re rewarded with a native egret’s-eye view of humpback whales breaking through Caribbean waves, under whose surface lie reefs, wrecks, and giant nesting sea turtles. For a little land, the historical footprint of Nevis is sizeable. Relics of the island’s sugar plantations provide a glimpse of its past, and the birthplace of American statesman Alexander Hamilton—now a museum—gives visitors a peek at where one of our country’s Founding Fathers.
St. Lucia, Simply Beautiful
Romance is written on every grain of sand on this most Bora Bora like island of the Caribbean. Imagine the majestic peaks of the Pitons reaching to the heavens, the splendor of lush rainforests, and the hypnotizing blue-green waters of the Caribbean. Here, the unique confluence of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions that will inspire. Folks here drive on the left, combined with an island of hairpin turns, renting a car is not for the feint of heart.
Waterfalls, lazy rivers, numerous beaches, and even a water park blend seamlessly with this Caribbean gem.
Not to miss: The town of Soufrière, home to the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano! Plus Sulphur Springs where you can get close to bubbling mud pools and take a dip in a muscle-soothing pool fed by the warm, mineral-rich springs.
St. Lucia Spurge:Take a transfer from the international airport by Helicopter!
One of our preferred partners for getting out is Island Routes, a Caribbean born and bred company that loves showcasing the best of the Caribbean to the world. If you are looking for an authentic, brag-worthy experiences look no further than Routes.
Top 5 Tours in St. Lucia for Thrill Seekers
Did you know that that Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island was filmed entirely in Saint Lucia? The film crew visited all the highlights including: Pigeon Island National Landmark, Tet Paul Nature Trail, and the Iconic Castries Market; at beaches, waterfalls and at the Anse La Raye and Gros Islet Street parties. St. Lucia is the perfect backdrop for destination weddings and has also won the award for the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards.
St. Lucia is home to some of the most remarkable resorts including Jade Mountain, and Ladera Resort there are also more moderate options available.
In addition to the many all-inclusive options we also offer Villas designed for the perfect family reunion, or wedding.
Whether on the beach in Barbados, in a cliffside setting in St. Barts, or on a plantation-style estate in St. Martin, our Caribbean villas cater to those who seek charming and tasteful accommodations in a private location.
Vacationing in a villa allows guests to have a holiday truly you to set your own schedule. Mealtimes and food preferences, pool and beach hours, as well as all other activities, are all on your schedule. Villas can range in size from one to 40 bedrooms.
Confused by all the islands? Not sure which would be the best for your next vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding? Bewildered by the choice of resorts and pretty online pictures? Call Midwest Travel Solutions, your local Kansas City based travel agency and we can help you navigate the pros and cons of the individual islands and help you plan your Caribbean dream trip.