Rarely does a single uttered word transport the listener to far flung climes quite so effortlessly. To golden sands, to crystal clear waters, to beach barbecues and bassy grooves…yep the ‘Caribbean’ is as evocative as it comes. But if you’re not satisfied with that imaginary flight of fancy to somewhere hot, and are intent on actually booking a trip to the Caribbean islands, then you may need a little guidance with your itinerary. If that’s true, then read on; our 5 IDEAL Caribbean tourist hotspots in 2022.
DUNN’S RIVER FALLS, JAMAICA
There is something for everyone in the Caribbean, and Dunn’s River Falls is ideal for those seeking to experience one of Jamaica’s national treasures. The Spaniards, during their occupation of the country, named the area Las Chorreras, which roughly translates as the ‘waterfalls’ or ‘springs’, and each of the four rivers are known for their fast-flowing water streams that go directly into the Caribbean Sea.
What makes this spot so unique is that aside from only being able to view the waterfalls from the surrounding land, swimming in the falls is permitted, meaning that tourists can get immersed in this iconic location physically as well as metaphorically. If memories aren’t enough, there’s also an on-site gift shop and several tours centred around Las Chorreras. Incidentally, the fast-flowing falls may be of particular interest to fans of the James Bond franchise as the 1962 film Dr. No featured the iconic Caribbean attraction.
ARUBA’S NIGHTLIFE
The Caribbean is certainly well known for its music and vibrant nightlife, and this is perhaps realised most completely on the island of Aruba, in the Southern Caribbean and close to Venezuela. It’s here that the poker discipline of Caribbean Stud was invented. Many of the island’s big name resorts, such as the Ritz-Carlton Aruba and the Hilton, boast entertainment complexes open 24 hours a day, where the drinks flow freely and there’s always a seat available at the table. Alternatively, you can spend the night sipping cocktails at the seaside bars on beachfront lounges in Oranjestad or try your luck at one of the many casinos that line Palm beach.
HAVANA’S PHOTOGENIC CHARM, CUBA
Havana…it’s so iconic, the name so rhythmic, that there must be a song in there somewhere…oh, forget it. Anyway, the Caribbean’s most famous city is an idyllic mix of beautiful beaches, cobbled streets and a hugely overlooked cuisine. With its 1950s American cars and peeling Spanish-style buildings, visiting is like being in a particularly hazy, extremely trendy Instagram shoot for your entire stay. Old Havana is a UNESCO-protected site, with 500 year old plazas, churches and winding streets just waiting to be explored. A must on any itinerary.
For the most typically Havanan aesthetic, it’s got to be that Havana Vieja or the Centro Havana neighbourhood, where all the boxes on your Cuban adventure are resoundingly ticked. That’s salsa, cars, sandwiches…the works. Go get it!
FALMOUTH’S RUM SCENE, JAMAICA
Though most visitors to the Caribbean’s premier island (perhaps, even, the world’s most famous island?) head straight for Kingston, or thriving Ocho Rios, it could be argued that historic Falmouth has just as much to offer the intrepid traveller.
In this painstakingly preserved Georgian city, you’ll find unique history, an interesting array of churches and Georgian architecture aplenty. The port area is where tourists most arrive (Falmouth is a popular cruise destination) and is recently renovated and a National Heritage site. As such, it’s one of the most well kept, well managed places to spend some time in the whole Caribbean, if organised rather than chaos is your thing.
Falmouth is also the focal point of the country’s rum and sugar cane trade. While you’re here, it’d be rude not to take a rum distillery tour, as the Hampden Estate is just half an hour from the port. And don’t leave without sampling the perfect amalgamation of the town’s most famous exports; the rum cake.
CAYE CAULKER’S LOBSTER, BELIZE
To say that Caribbean cuisine reaps the benefits of the ocean’s bounty would be something of an understatement, with much of the freshest, most flavourful food in this part of the world coming from the surrounding seas.
Nowhere is this more succinctly realised than Caye Caulker in Belize. During lobster season (spiny, and officially from June 15th of February 14th), this idyllic island just off mainland Belize, you’ll see these famously delicious crustacea slung on many, many beach barbies, the biggest of which celebrates the start of the season in early June. Though Lobsterfest is now a countrywide phenomenon, it started here in Caye Caulker, and it’s still the most affordable, most traditional of all the celebrations. In 2020, you too could be celebrating!