The Caribbean represents one of the world’s best destinations for travel. Home to exotic islands and stunning scenery, the Caribbean and the Atlantic ooze luxury. Nowhere is this more obvious than in this year’s best of the best. From stunning scenery to friendly locals, peaceful relaxing atmospheres and fine dining, there’s no end to what makes the following destinations the best of the best in terms of travel and vacations in 2014.
The first of our winners is a group of islands called the Turks and Caicos. With the slogan beautiful by nature, the Turks and Caicos Islands truly are beautiful. Home to world-class hotels and spas in addition to 5 star restaurants, beautiful pristine beaches and unbelievably clear water, the Turks and Caicos are a tropical destination not to be missed. Part of the larger Antilles, these islands are home to only around 31,000 people. Situated just south east about 647 miles off the coast of Miami, these islands maybe small, only 170 square miles but what they lack in size, they make up for in opportunities.
Like most Caribbean islands, the history of the Turks and Caicos in terms of modern history, dates back to the early 1500’s. While the islands changed hands from Empire to empire throughout the generations, today the Turks and Caicos are a self-governing British overseas territory.
Although noted for many of the similar aspects other islands in the Caribbean have to offer, what truly makes the Turks and Caicos stand out in today’s world are their beauty in addition to their unspoiled natural surroundings. While many other areas find themselves paying the ultimate price in terms of water clarity and overall health of the ecology of their areas, the Turks and Caicos remain pristine and exquisite both above and below the surface. A growing destination for travel, the Turks and Caicos announced recently that over 1 million visitors arrived on its shores in 2013 alone. This represents over 10% increase in growth in terms of tourism in just one year. This growth while promising in terms of revenue, also means now is the time to get to this one-of-a-kind destination. A small area made up of only about 40 different islands, only eight inhabited, getting around is quite simple.
Island hopping is a great way to explore the island of the Turks and Caicos. Well Providenciales is the most well-known of the islands and obviously home to the widest range and restaurants, other cays and islands throughout the area offer unique experiences as well including Grand Turk and Salt Cay which offer a closer look into the Caribbean history as well as Bermudan style architecture. Middle Caicos in North Caicos are known for their pristine environment including on land and in the sea. There are still plenty of places to enjoy accommodations on this somewhat remote island destination. South Caicos is known for its fishing including lobster and conch exports. Quite small in size, it offers many secluded beaches. In addition, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay offer unique experiences in that they are exclusive resorts and privately owned.
Our second destination for travel in terms of luxury accommodations and destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Antigua. An island which is part of the West Indies, it is home to just over 31,000 residents. Reliant on tourism, this beautiful Leeward Island is famed for its south eastern coast and its long British history. Visitors to Antigua can enjoy this history during the months of April and May when Antigua celebrates with an annual world-class regatta welcoming sailing vessels from around the world. Actually part of an island group called Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and its recent history date back to the mid to late 1700’s when Admiral Horatio Nelson first made his way from Great Britain to this part of the Caribbean. Popular from the moment it was first sighted, the British set up harbors and towns throughout the island.
Famous for its shipwrecks, scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular around these islands in fact, Antigua has been named one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean for many years. Considered the largest the English-speaking Leeward Island, Antigua is only about 180 square miles in size and ranges from uninhabited to densely populated. From Shirley Heights Historic Site dating back hundreds of years to Sea Farm Village and the museum of Antigua and Barbuda, these are just a few of the many historic sites worth exploring . In addition, the coastline, beaches, harbors and dive sites represent a huge number of other destinations worth exploring as well both above and below the surface of the ocean. Accommodations range from hotels to villas to resorts and private houses, anything can be found on the beautiful island of Antigua.
While still an up-and-coming destination in terms of popularity in the Caribbean, St Lucia who refers to themselves as “simply beautiful”, is one destination you won’t want to miss in the near future. Situated not far from the popular island of Antigua, St Lucia offers award-winning resorts beautiful pristine beaches and plenty of opportunities for adventure and activities both inland and under the sea.
Island Trader Vacations hopes you have enjoyed this review of some of the Caribbean’s top island destinations for travel in 2014. We invite you to come back again and explore other unique, popular or relaxing destinations for travel with us. Travel more and be inspired to travel with Island Trader Vacations reviews.
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