It is that time of year, the time when you drive to and from work when it is dark. The chilly fall winds provide a preview of a long cold winter ahead. You want to escape. You desperately NEED to escape. And then it hits you…the Caribbean!!! With highs in the low to mid-80s, and lows in the 70’s, now is the perfect time for a Caribbean Holiday Escape. Sound Good??? Let’s get it booked!!!
St. Lucia –
Located in the Eastern Caribbean is the island of St. Lucia. The coast is home to volcanic beaches and reefs. Like most Caribbean Islands it is surrounded by amazing azure waters. These waters are a playground for snorkeling, relaxing, or cruising around the island.
What separates St. Lucia from the other Caribbean islands are the Piton Mountains with its two stunning peaks. The interior is thick with forests that are crisscrossed with captivating trails. If you are an avid hiker then Gros Piton, (the smaller of the two peaks) provides a four-hour hike with some of the most stunning views, both land and sea.
photo credit - Tharun Gowda
For a less challenging trek, take the Ter Paul Nature Trail with its captivating views, or visit the Edmund Forest Reserve with over 180 tropical birds including the rare St. Lucia parrot. Or take a zipline tour through the forest. Our All Terrain Cargo Shorts, with pockets front and back, and two zipper-closure cargo pockets are a great option for these adventures.
photo credit - Project Expedition
We highly recommend one of Project Expedition's tours. Here, you will visit Caribbean's only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs and take a mud bath. After your mud bath, the tour takes you to the majestic Toraille Waterfall to clean off and enjoy the splendor of the cool waterfall. Complete your adventure at the Diamond Waterfall at the St. Lucia Botanical Gardens and the mineral baths below.
As night falls, it is time for some local cuisine, and fresh seafood is always an excellent choice. For fine dining try The Cliff at Cap Maison. It offers stunning views, creative menus, and world-class service. The Sugar Beach Restaurant at the luxurious Sugar Beach Resort serves gourmet Caribbean cuisine, with the Pitons as the backdrop. Dress in style in our Ernest Linen Accent Shirts for a refined tropical look.
Some 'must-try' dishes in St. Lucia are Callaloo soup, made from leafy greens, often served with smoked meat or seafood; Roti, a curry dish wrapped in flatbread (with a filling of curried goat, chicken, or vegetables); Accras, fried fish cakes. The locally grown mangos, bananas, and passion fruit are amazing.
Bonaire –
The island of Bonaire sits just east of the islands of Curacao and Aruba in the southern Caribbean. Its location is excellent since it is rarely affected by hurricanes. Bonaire is known for its commitment to marine conservation and sustainability.
For divers and snorkelers, Bonaire is the perfect Holiday Caribbean Escape, and is known as the “shore diving capital of the world.” Most dive sites are accessible directly from the shore making it incredibly convenient for divers, and “drive and dive” packages, allowing you to explore the reefs at your own pace.
Two of the many popular dive/snorkeling sites are…
- 1000 Steps – OK, it doesn’t have 1000 steps. You walk down and up (72 steps) but the dive is worth that little extra effort. It is a shallow dive starting with reefs at 10 feet. The main attraction here is the reefs with stunning corals. The marine life is diverse, with reef fish like surgeonfish, trumpetfish, and even a few turtles swimming by.
- Bari Reef – This location is perfect for beginners or to start your trip with light current and clear water. Here, the main draw is the marine life and vibrant coral. Check out the sea horses and octopuses that reside here along with angelfish, snappers, and tarpon.
For diving, we recommend a pair of our Sandbar Swim Trunks, and a UPF Suntek Shirt or Hoodie along with sunscreen to prevent a nasty sunburn. There are plenty of other things to check out after your underwater adventure. Flamingos are a highlight of the island. You can often spot some of the over 10,000 of them at Verschuren's Lagoon or Pink Beach.
Fish, lobster, and conch are featured on most menus here. Served as an appetizer in soups, and stews, and as the main dish in Caribbean spices along with intriguing side dishes. Funchi, a starchy side dish made from cornmeal, that is a staple in the Bonairean cuisine. Most restaurants are casual, so wear a Short Sleeve Linen Shirt, paired with our Linen Shorts for a true 'locals' look.
And if you like coffee, Bonaire has a heavy Dutch influence and serves strong Dutch coffee with fresh pastries at cafes in the morning. Explore the town centers for the cafes and small shops to get a feel for the culture. Bonaire offers a more laid-back, less commercialized atmosphere compared to other Caribbean islands, making it an ideal place for a more peaceful escape getaway.
Key West –
This tiny island off the coast of Florida is home to the Southernmost Point in the continental US. This island is for those who love nightlife, music, shopping, fishing, and adventure. Not to mention the home of Madda Fella!!! Key West wakes up early and goes to sleep late, with loads of activity and fun in between.
Home to an interesting collection of folks including writer Ernest Hemingway, songwriter Jimmy Buffet, and former President Harry Truman. The president often escaped to Key West into his Key West 'White House.' It is also home to the Key West chickens that roam freely across the island.
One of the main draws to Key West is the fishing. Half and full-day charters are available for all types of fishing expeditions, from offshore, to reef fishing, inshore and flats fishing.
Offshore fishing is for folks who want to go after the larger species like marlin, sailfish, and dorado (aka. mahi mahi). Offshore fishing will run out to the deeper waters in the Atlantic, taking an hour or two to get out to where these larger fish travel. Inshore and flats fishing is done close to shore and the species of fish is more numerous. Snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, barracuda, sea trout, and ladyfish are some of the prized catches.
If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, Key West offers plenty of other water sports adventures. Kayaking the mangroves is a great way to get up close and personal with the ecosystem that is Key West. Or simply head to Fort Zachary and chill on the beach under the swaying palm trees.Catch a stunning sunset at the Sunset Pier Tiki Bar, then gear up for a night of fun at the countless bars and restaurants the Conch Republic offers.
Walking down the famous Duval Street you will hear local musicians at almost every venue. Dress up? No need to. Throw on a pair of our solid Cross Dye Oxford Shorts, or show off your island vibes in one of the vibrant patterns of our Sun-Setter Oxford Shorts and enjoy the music.
For fine dining in Key West, we recommend Louie’s Backyard. A waterfront establishment that is a little more upscale, but not stuffy. Toss on a Catamaran Camp Shirt and some Oxford Cross Dye Pants and you will fit right in. And for laid-back dining and drinks day or night, stop in at Blue Heaven.
photo credit - Route 1 Views
Key West is teaming with music-filled legendary venues like the Green Parrot, Irish Kevin's, Sloppy Joe’s, and Willie T’s. You will surely make some new friends, and escape from the hectic grind of day-to-day living.
Jamaica –
Escaping with a family requires a little something for everyone, which, in this case, makes Jamaica the perfect choice. The island has adventure parks for the kids, lots of exploratory tours, beach time, a vibrant culture and of course, lots of water adventures.
One of Jamaica’s most popular attractions is the Dunn’s River Falls. This beautiful waterfall in Ocho Rios allows visitors to climb up the terraced falls and enjoy natural pools along the way. Dunn’s River Falls is a fantastic family destination. Kids often enjoy playing in the shallow pools at the base of the falls or on the nearby beach.
photo credit - Green Grotto Caves
Green Grotto Caves is another top spot for exploring the natural beauty of the island. With stalactites, stalagmites, an underground lake, and fascinating stories of pirates and rum runners, it is sure to please all ages. This tour is underground and the caves can be damp so take along a Dockside Slub Hoodie to keep the chill at bay.
In towns like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, local craft markets abound offering hand-carved wooden art, vibrant paintings, and souvenirs that showcase Jamaica's artistic heritage. Here is where you will find some of the best local foods including jerk cuisine. It is said that ‘jerk cooking' originated here in the area known as Boston Bay. Naturally Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork are staples here on Jamaica.
Looking for some real culinary treats? Then try a popular street food and snack, Jamaican patties. Made with a flaky crust and a spicy filling of ground beef, chicken, or vegetables. They are flavored with herbs and spices, and the crust is often tinted yellow from turmeric, and are a definite must-try!!
photo credit - Appleton Estates
Jamaica is also famous for its rum, and the island’s rum punch is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. There are many rum distilleries on the island, some of which you can tour, like Appleton Estate. After the kids have dozed off, enjoy a few of the local rums, and maybe bring back a bottle of your favorite. A great way to remember your Caribbean Family Escape.
Anguilla –
We just mentioned a great escape for families, now we set our eyes on a completely different escape. Sitting a few miles east of the British Virgin Islands lies the island of Anguilla. It is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Anguilla is one of the most exclusive and serene destinations in the Caribbean, offering a luxurious and laid-back holiday escape.
Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and upscale accommodations, the island provides an idyllic setting for those seeking relaxation and a high-end vacation experience. If you love to snorkel, then Turtle City is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The waters here are perfect vor viewing the sealife and, as the name suggests, Turtle City is known for its large population of sea turtles. These gentle creatures often swim in the area, offering an incredible opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
Besides sea turtles, the area is home to a variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and rays. The reef is teeming with vibrant coral formations, adding to the beauty of the underwater landscape. This holiday season is the perfect time to visit because the waters are calmer.
For total relaxation, here are two of the many beaches to unwind and escape all your worries. Shoal Bay East is ranked among the best beaches in the world; and Rendezvous Bay is a quieter, more peaceful stretch of sand, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil environment.
photo credit - Fountain Resort - Shoal Bay East
Another great way to relax in Anguilla is sailing. Travel to various cays near the island where you can stop and explore secluded beaches, go snorkeling or catch the sunset on the waters of the Caribbean. Tours can be done with a group or set up your own private sailing adventure.
The cuisine on the island is top-notch. Anguilla’s dining scene offers an exceptional array of restaurants catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for an upscale fine dining experience with stunning views, or a casual beachfront seafood feast, Anguilla delivers quality and fresh flavors with a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Dress to impress at any of the island’s first-class restaurants in our Cotton Dobby Shirt for a sophisticated, polished look.
A Caribbean Holiday Escape comes in all shapes and sizes. From hiking and zip-lining, to snorkeling and scuba diving, to exciting nightlife to family fun, to a peaceful getaway. These five escapes capture the essence of getting away this holiday season.
We hope this gets you in the mood to pack your bags and enjoy the excitement, beauty, and culture the Caribbean has to offer. Happy Holidays!!!
