Islands of the Caribbean

Barbados is pretty much everyone’s idea of the Caribbean ideal: stunning beaches, wonderful climate, gentry swathed in linen supping fine wine. However, Barbados has moved on from this colonial stereotype of its past, and is the leading destination for European and American tourists, and has been since the early 1960s. Nonetheless, it is also an excellent property investment destination, with over 500,000 visitors per year and 70% of its foreign exchange earned by the tourism sector. Well known for its industrious people and stable government, property prices are higher than elsewhere in the region but come with wonderful advantages and excellent prospects for both capital return and high rental yields.

Intensely British, cricket and afternoon tea here are a way of life and local lilts are heavily tinged with a British accent. The architecture in the capital of Bridgetown and second largest town, Speightstown, and names such as Brighton beach also offer many reminders of links between the two nations. And yet Barbados manages to combine modernity with colonial tradition in the most charming way, development combining seamlessly with natural preservation, ensuring a less crowded lifestyle, reflected in the uniquely relaxed Bajan way of life that has attracted celebrities and tourists for years. Furthest east of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is close to Venezuela. Formed on coral between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the sea can be rough but offers gorgeous scenery. The island is known for its stable climate and medium rainfall, giving it its distinctive lush vegetation and rolling green fields. Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands. Political, economic and social stability have given it one of the highest standards of living in the developing world. It is a centre for financial services and has offshore reserves of oil and natural gas.

Barbados’ fortunes were built on sugar cane and the biggest annual event on the island celebrates this fact, the five week long Crop Over Festival a fiesta of parades and people in costume enjoying themselves to a background of music and fireworks. Open to all, you can hear the best music and eat the best food, including the national dish of Flyingfish and Cou-cou. The heritage of sugar cane can be experienced first hand as many of the grand plantation owners’ homes are open to the public and offer a distinct view into the island’s past. When evening comes, another Barbados comes alive, with waterfront restaurants, night-life, music and more than 1,000 rum shops to experience.

Quick Facts:

• Capital: Bridgetown
• Currency: The Barbados dollar (BD$), fixed to U.S. currency at a rate of $2(BD) = $1(USD)
• Area: 166 square miles. (430 sq km)
• Language: English
• Electricity: The electrical system is the same 110-volt AC system used in the U.S.
• Population: 268,000
• Religion: More than 70 denominations, the largest Anglican, with big groups of Methodists, Moravian Brethren, Roman Catholics and Jews
• Getting There: Grantley Adams International Airport. Flight availability is excellent, with many flights arriving daily from all over the world
• Health and Safety: Crime is virtually non-existent but use your common sense as you would anywhere unfamiliar. You can drink the water without worry, the naturally pure supply filtered through the coral rock base of the island
• Telecommunications: The international dialling code for Barbados is 1 246 followed by seven digits. On the island, use the seven digits alone
• Time: GMT-4

The Dominican Republic has been distinctly off-radar when it comes to Caribbean property investment but that looks set to be turned on its head. Official numbers show that tourist figures are rapidly rising as visitors take advantage of this beautiful formerly Spanish-controlled island and its position as a Caribbean island that offers value for money. Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola, or ‘Little Spain’. Situated amid Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, Hispaniola is often said to be the heart of the Caribbean archipelago. Formerly crippled by a reputation for civil unrest and crime, actions taken on the part of the island’s government have sought to quash the rumours once and for all – and they have worked. Tourism, and the Dominican Republic’s s free-trade zones, have become major employers and key sources of revenue. Sugar, coffee and tobacco are among the main exports. President Leonel Fernandez has made the economy his number one priority. Mindful of presidential elections which are set for May 2008, Fernandez has cut spending, restructured debt and secured IMF funds.

Home to the largest all-inclusive resort industry in the world, there is just as much to do for the more adventurous visitor. Its great variety of terrain – rain forests, lowlands, coastal swamps, desert and the highest mountains in the Caribbean, rising to more than 10,000ft (3,000m) as well as a stable climate mean you can take your pick of outdoor activities, including fantastic eco-tourism. Bahia de Samaná is a world-famous breeding ground, its animal visitors including 3,000 humpback whales, who come to mate, give birth and play with their young not far offshore. Nonetheless, the Dominican Republic is very tropical. August is the warmest month of the year, and January the coolest, although it is still usually warm enough to swim at this time.

Whether you are looking to relax on the beach or in the sea, party or explore the lush vegetation, the Dominican Republic has something for everyone. Its capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest city in the Americas, a cosmopolitan city with much of historic interest and a lively nightlife. A genuinely friendly nation, good manners are valued highly in the Dominican Republic. The island is baseball crazy and, interestingly, has one of the world’s largest reserves of amber – petrified sap from trees that grew there 50 million years ago. The largest piece of amber found there weighed 21lbs (9.5kg). The island’s most popular souvenirs are the local cigars, reckoned by aficionados to be the equal of Cubans.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Santo Domingo
• Currency: Dominican Peso (RD$)
• Area: 30,000 square miles
• Language: Spanish is the official language, but English and Creole are used widely
• Electricity: The US 110-volt system
• Population: 8,545,300
• Religion: Mainly Roman Catholic but some Protestant churches
• Getting There: 7 international airports, but the two main ones being Las Americas International Airport, located in Santo Domingo in the south and La Union International Airport, 23 miles east of Puerto Plata. Use La Union if at all possible as Las Americas can be crowded and chaotic.
• Health and Safety: Although the Dominican Republic is known for social unrest and crime, most of these problems are limited to the less visited areas of Santo Domingo. Exercise the same caution as you would when traveling anywhere unfamiliar. Additionally, it is advised to stick to bottled water and to avoid mosquito bites.
• Telecommunications: the international dialling code for the Dominican Republic is +1 809
• Time: GMT-4

Entry Requirements:

All visitors to the Dominican Republic, even those from within the Caribbean, need a valid passport and visa and, upon arrival, must purchase a tourist card for about $10(USD). Keep track of your passport and tourist card at all times. Although entry customs and immigration may be difficult, be tenacious; all the work is worth the end benefits.

The multi-island country of St Vincent and the Grenadines is quite possibly one of the most exquisite places on earth, a unique destination with the most magical of atmospheres. Untouched by mass tourism, its explosive and dramatic past has given way to idyllic, charming peace – this is not a place to come to if you are looking for heady nightlife and excitement. Yes, there are ample restaurants and amenities but instead, St Vincent’s excitement comes in the form of quite untouched natural beauty and the delight that comes from meeting people from all over the world who just happen to have arrived on this spot of paradise at the same time as you. One of the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by the Europeans and dominated by the 3,000ft (950m) active Soufrière volcano to the north, the island’s ashy soil has given birth to a riot of tropical vegetation. Wonderful botanical gardens near Kingstown (the oldest in the world) and nature trails through the lush Buccament Valley give a taste of the rainforest. The Trinity Falls, three falls dropping 100ft (30m) to a natural whirlpool, and the 60ft (18m) sheer Falls of Baleine are a must. And you can also take a restorative dip in the Owia Salt Pond.

Kingstown is the departure point for The Grenadines, a string of 30 tiny islands spreading south along a 45-mile (72 km) arc. Some are developed but discreet (Mustique, Palm Island and Union Island), others are little more than a quiet beach and a collection of houses. Together they all offer some of the best sailing in the world. Sail the islands and swim ashore for a sunset drink or enjoy the tropical seas – windsurfers, divers and snorkelers are served well by the challenging waters that include sheer walls and abundant coral. Due to trade winds, the Grenadines experience cooler weather than many Caribbean islands, the hottest month being July and the rainy season running from May to November.

Unlike elsewhere in the Caribbean, St Vincent and the Grenadines locals genuinely welcome visitors and are openly polite and extremely hospitable. Whilst British influences and attitudes prevail, look out for French and Indian characteristics as well as African cultural influences, since most of the island’s population is descended from African slaves. Efforts to diversify the island’s economy have been successful, tourism related earnings largely taking the place of the country’s former dependence on banana exports, although this still accounts for around a third of all export earnings.

Quick Facts:

• Capital: Kingstown, St Vincent
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean $
• Area: St. Vincent, 133 square miles (345 sq km). The Grenadines have an area of 17 square miles (44 sq km)
• Language: English, with French and Patois also spoken
• Electricity: 220 volts
• Population: 112,000
• Religion: Mainly Anglican with some Catholic churches
• Telecommunications: The international dialling code for St Vincent is +1 784 followed by seven digits. On the islands, use the seven digits only
• Time: GMT-4

Getting there:

Plan on arriving via air at St. Vincent’s E.T. Joshua Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada are almost never available and so you will arrive from other major Caribbean airports

Health and Safety:

The islands are very safe, Kingstown itself has a very low crime rate. Despite this, don’t forget to follow basic safety precautions. Bottled water is best for all visitors, as local water can cause upset stomachs. Kingstown General Hospital is the only major hospital