Caribbean Living Lifestyle Blog - Caribbean

A to Z Caribbean : Barbados

nospam@example.com (Joanne Daubney - Contributor) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:00:25 -0600

Located 99 miles from it's nearest neighbour, and the most easterly of the windward islands, Barbados is a coral island that was created when two of the earth's plates pressed together and pushed it up out of the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point of this 166sq mile land mass is Mount Hillaby at 1089ft above sea level

The island comprises of large sugar cane estates, wide gently sloping pastures and fantastic white sand beaches that draw thousands of tourists every year from Europe and North America. The eastern side of the island is battered by the Atlantic waves and is rocky. Gullies and caves abound and pure drinking water can be found.

Bridgetown, the capital, is located in the south of the east coast with the 2nd largest town, Speightstown in the north on the east side. There are 11 parishes across this country that lies just outside the principal hurricane zone and does not usually have to contend with the storms that the other windward islands have to endure.

Ranked 3rd in the Americas after the US and Canada on the Human Development Index for it's life expectancy, education and standard of living, Barbados is ranked 5th globally for it's literacy rate. The population of 270,000 is made up of mostly afro-Caribbean people with some Indian, Chinese, Syrian, and English/Irish.
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A to Z Caribbean : Antigua

nospam@example.com (Joanne Daubney - Contributor) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:47:49 -0500

The country of Antigua & Barbuda, with a population of 83,000, is made up of 3 main islands; Antigua is just 108 square miles in size (14 miles long by 11 wide), however it is still the largest of the English speaking Leeward Islands. Barbuda is 30 miles to the north and just 68 square miles of coral island. Redonda is essentially just a large high rock uninhabited by humans, but with sea birds and wild goats in residence.

The main island of Antigua is mostly flat with the highest peak being Boggy Peak at 1320ft. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and there are many offlaying coral reefs that offer fantastic snorkelling and diving. The original inhabitants, the Amerindians, named it 'Wadadli' which means 'our own'. It was named 'Antigua' (meaning 'ancient') by Columbus after a church in Spain.

Tourism is the main economy of Antigua, with employment being mostly in tourism and government services. Agriculture is limited due to an insufficient supply of water on the island, with most of what is grown being consumed locally.

Antigua also have a large international airport that is used as a hub for many of the other islands of the Caribbean. VC Bird International Airport has over 1 million passengers passing through it's terminal each year. There are also two medical schools located on the island.

The reputed 365 white sand beaches are the foremost attraction for visitors to Antigua. Many hotels and all inclusive resorts offering sports and activities or just relaxation, line the shores. The myriad restaurants are varied in foods and cuisines.

During May / June each year, Antigua Sailing Week brings many world class professional and amateur sailors to the island. English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are the centre of yachting in Antigua for provisioning, docking and anchoring. English Harbour is also home to Nelson's Dockyard. Built in 1725, this was a maintenance dockyard for the British Royal Naval Warships as they protected their reign over the valuable sugar islands of the Caribbean. Remnants of the dockyard are still visible, including the boat house & sail loft, which has been roofless since a hurricane in 1871.

The beauty of Antigua has attracted many notable people to purchase a residence there including:

Oprah Winfrey
Richard Branson
Eric Clapton
Giorgio Armani
Silvio Berlosconi
Larry Flynt
Timothy Dalton

Antigua has direct airline access to Europe, US and Canada. It is a lovely spot to explore and discover whether you too could own a residence on this land of 365 beaches.

To view properties on our website click here, or contact us to discover other properties that we have for sale.

A to Z Caribbean : Anguilla

nospam@example.com (Joanne Daubney - Contributor) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:13:55 -0500

Anguilla is known as the 'flat island', for it's 35 square miles of mostly flat low laying topography. It is also known for it's spectacular bleached white powder sand beaches, which are some of the best in the Caribbean.

With approximately 12,000 citizens, Anguilla has a sleepy relaxed approach to life. An island construction rule of not building anything that is higher than a coconut tree (or 3 storeys) ensures the beauty of this pretty paradise. It does not have even one chain restaurant, nor the crowds that might travel to an island such as neighbouring St Maarten with it's package-deal holiday makers.

The island lies just 5 miles away from St Martin, where a ferry can be boarded to carry you to Anguilla in just 20 minutes. There are a variety of reasonably priced hotels as well as some luxury resorts, where celebrities may often be spotted.

All produce has to be shipped in, but with the availability of European and American food from St Martin, many of the restaurants have a varied menu which can also include locally caught lobster and crayfish.

It's possible to see the sea on both sides when exploring the 17 mile long by 3 mile wide isle. Much of the island is not inhabited and is very narrow at some points. Driving is on the left hand side, but you will come across both left and right hand drive vehicles.

The annual 'Tranquility Jazz Festival' in November and the 'Moonsplash' reggae festival are highlights in the Anguillan calendar.

The No. 1 sport is boat racing, which was born from the economic needs of the 1700s, when islanders travelled to Dominican Republic for work. The workers would race there and race back on boats with sails much bigger than the boat itself. Several competitions are regularly organised including a round the island race. The sails for these boats are often made in St Maarten, where participants insist on a huge sail, but once put into practice, in can often be too large, and a return to the sail makers is needed.

Anguilla is a tropical paradise to be seen and experienced, with it's unique culture, friendly people and gorgeous beaches.

8 Reasons to Retire to the Caribbean

nospam@example.com (Joanne Daubney - Contributor) — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:30:14 -0500

The Caribbean offers much to retirees, a warmer and sunnier climate, healthy produce and swimming at the beach every day. Some islands have great healthcare and you could even acquire a daily housekeeper for lower cost. Your children would have a holiday home in the sun that you can leave for them as an investment. There are plenty of reasons why you should retire to the Caribbean.....

1. More For Your Money
The economy in the Caribbean is generally going to give you more for your pension. You will have a lower food bill and utility bills are cheaper then in the UK. You won’t have high electricity or gas bills for heating, but the electricity bill may rise slightly in the summer, depending on whether you choose to use the fan more to keep cool.

2. Health Benefits
On some islands, there is an abundance of healthy produce for healthy eating, the air is cleaner as there is less traffic and you won’t be tempted to buy lots of donuts, because they aren’t easy to come by.

3. The Weather
It’s warmer, no more feeling cold to your bones in the winter. The sun shines more and anybody who has suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder will feel a lot better. If it looks like rain, it usually does rain, unlike Europe, where it can look like rain for days on end, but nothing happens to clear the skies to blue again.
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Bay of Islands, Honduras

nospam@example.com (Joanne Daubney - Contributor) — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:12:08 -0500

Located just over 1000 miles south west of Miami, the country of Honduras is an undiscovered gem on the Caribbean Sea. With the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the Caribbean Sea on the other, it is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest coral reef. 630 different types of orchids grow in its diverse tropical climates along with more than 700 different bird species. 80% of the interior is mountainous and has rainforests with scarlet macaws, tapirs, sloths and many other animals in residence.

Just 60 minutes on the high speed ferry, to the north of the Honduras mainland, is the region known as Bay of Islands. Roatan, Utila and Guanaja are the three main but very different islands that make up the Bay of Islands. Most people visit these islands to dive the reef.

Roatan is the largest of these, the most geared up towards tourists and has activities for both divers and non-divers. Butterfly farms, iguana parks, botanical gardens, wall and wreck diving are just a selection of what is on offer. Beautiful white powder sand beaches with clear turquoise water and coconut palms can be found on the West of the island. There is a mixture of places to stay ranging from budget to all inclusive. The island is 49sq miles in size with a mountainous spine, surrounded by coral reefs with excellent diving and fishing.

Utila, the very flat and small neighbour of Roatan, is renowned for being one of the least expensive places in the world to acquire certification as a diver. It is the closest island to the mainland at just 20 miles away. The accommodation is directed more for backpackers and there is quite a party culture for the younger set. Underwater life to encounter includes sea mountains, manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.
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Circumnavigation to St Lucia

nospam@example.com (Guest Contributor) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:54:00 -0500

Participants of the 2007-2008 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers who just didn’t want to go home have had the opportunity of continuing on around the world for another 14 months. On March 26th 2009, they will be approaching St Lucia again having circumnavigated the world.

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers provides sailors with the opportunity of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a sheltered environment by travelling as a group. There are usually over 200 yachts that start from the Canary Islands and complete the journey in St Lucia. The World Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is an event designed for those who just want to keep on going.

The route took the 37 vessels involved, from St Lucia last January through the Panama Canal to the Galapagos, across the Pacific via Fiji and Tahiti to Australia, then past the Maldives to South Africa and onto Brazil. Plenty of time was allowed to stop off at places of interest and to cruise independently off the “beaten track”.

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Silver Lining to Redundancy

nospam@example.com (Guest Contributor) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:57:00 -0600

It's impossible to shrug off the despondency that can seep in like a cold winters fog, over the days that follow getting the news that you have been made redundant. The redundancy letter, no matter how nicely worded and appreciative of your contributions to the company, is likely to immediately turn your whole life upside down. However for some there is a silver lining in the redundancy payout - as this may allow a major change in the direction of your life.

Many choose to invest their redundancy cash into starting up a small businesses, or into an extension for the home, whilst others disillusioned with being made redundant, the falling property prices and the general economic gloom this winter, have taken the decision to up sticks and head for a new life in the sun.

Where better than the Caribbean where property prices on most islands are still rising steadily and you are guaranteed sunshine nearly every day of the year. Choosing some of the cheaper islands as your new home, can give you a better lifestyle for less per month due to the significantly lower cost of living, and for a few dollars extra, also allow you to employ a maid and a gardener.
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Books on the Beach! – Going to University in the Caribbean

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:58:57 -0600

Studying for higher education is nearly always hard work but the burdens of exam stress can certainly be eased by having a relaxing environment and natural places to retreat to for some brain relief. Thus studying in the Caribbean can be a perfect place to reach for academic attainment whilst ensuring that life stays balanced and fulfilling.

One of the major institutions offering undergraduate and graduate level courses in the region is the University of the West Indies. UWI has been a fully independent University since 1962 and boasts of educating 8 Prime Ministers! The main campuses are found in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados and there are distance learning centers in twelve other Caribbean countries. UWI currently has a total enrolment of over 39,000 students so any new scholar will join a large and diverse community.

There are a large number of other universities in the region which are either locally founded or campuses from other international universities that have students attend for a portion of their overall course. These latter establishments are especially useful to give their students exposure to different types of lifestyle and facilitate cross cultural exchange. Many of them also offer scholarships for a selection of students in their host country.
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The Caribbean Celebrates Obama Election

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:35:00 -0600

Caribbean people in the region and in the diaspora are celebrating the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. A huge number of us on the various islands were glued to TV sets, radios and the Internet last night as the results came flooding in. In living rooms and bars, parties were held from Kingston, Jamaica right through to Georgetown, Guyana as the victory was announced.

Today the words of congratulations from the Caribbean poured in to Obama and the people of the United States, as everyone from the government leaders to the ordinary man on the street wants to express their delight. Caribbean nations are feeling a sense of pride, hope and dignity in the election of the first President of colour in the US. Many are hopeful that new government will create foreign policy agreements that are more favourable to the region.

In Antigua the joy has spread right to the top of their volcanic mountain Boggy Peak which will now be renamed Mount Obama! Prime Minister Baldwin Spender has informed Mr Obama of the decision in a congratulatory note and so maybe when Barack and his family need a holiday they will be visiting the Caribbean to walk on his mountain!
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The Caribbean Vibe - a Feeling of Belonging

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0500

There is a song by the Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage that says “Ya don’t haffi dread to be Rasta. It is not a dreadlock thing, Divine meditation of the heart.” What the song is expressing is that Rastafarianism is about more than just having locks as a hairstyle, it is a way of life, a belief system that anyone can have. I have some to realize the same can be said about being Caribbean. You don’t necessarily have to be Caribbean by birth to feel as though you are Caribbean, it’s more a feeling in the heart.

Despite being raised in England, when I first came to the Caribbean at the age of 21, I immediately felt as though I was home. As soon as I stepped off the plane, the warm air was like a homecoming blanket that gave me an instant feeling of belonging. I attributed it to the fact that I was raised closely with my paternal Grandparents who are Dominican, but I am discovering that some people just feel this way even without a biological connection to the region.

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Happy Anniversary - 25th Independence for St Kitts & Nevis

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:04:17 -0500

On Sept 19th the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis celebrate their 25th anniversary of independence. Various activities have been occurring throughout the year and are set to intensify further this month. A Ceremonial Parade in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee will be held at the Warner Park Stadium on Friday 19th September at 7:30 A.M. During this Parade, the Federation’s Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas will deliver the Silver Jubilee Independence Message.

I visited the twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis in 2005 for an agricultural training program and stayed in the capital city of Basseterre which is like a small town but is filled with bustling activity. The neatly designed streets were stamped with hallmarks of the islands colonial legacy and the country landscapes were a beautiful testament to the islands original Kalinago name "Liamuiga" which translates to mean ‘fertile lands’.

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On the Road - Driving in the Caribbean

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0500

I had my first experience of driving in Jamaica. It was a great introduction to the diversity of Caribbean roads as nicely paved highways transformed into bumpy dirt tracks in the matter of one left turn!

Driving in the Caribbean is a great adventure that varies from island to island. In Dominica most of the roads are either lined with thick vegetation or precariously placed next to a precipice or the sea. Many of theses roads are so narrow that some visitors have asked me if they are one-way streets! Rental cars have stickers on the dashboard reminding clients to stick to the left and blow their horn on the corners to warn oncoming traffic that may be out of sight around the sharp bends.

Keeping to the left is especially important to remember for those drivers who are used to driving on the right. I was a passenger in a car with an American driver who momentarily forgot this and we almost found ourselves off the road and in the depths of a valley - yikes. Unfortunately this accident does happen on an irregular basis so it’s always good to be extra vigilant.
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Pests in Paradise

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0500

Even in paradise it’s not always paradise. Last week my house was invaded in the evening by a massive swarm of mosquitoes. I’ve never really been troubled by them before but this battalion came on thick and fast and are the size of flies! They whine, they bite and they suck blood - all of which are offenses punishable by death.

Luckily, most of the mosquitoes in the Caribbean region are free from Malaria but cases of this disease have been reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. More frequently in the Eastern Caribbean, they do transmit Dengue fever which does not have any treatment and in rare cases can be deadly. Therefore it is important to protect yourself from these nasty critters.

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Celebrating Caribbean Olympic Success!

nospam@example.com (Terri Henry - Contributor) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:31:54 -0500

I imagine that the whole of Jamaica must be celebrating at the successes of their athletes in the Olympics. This week Usain Bolt got gold and broke the world records in both the 100m and 200m, whilst the Jamaican women scooped up all top three places in the 100m race and Melanie Walker won the 400m hurdles. I’m sure the Jamaicans that have made it to Beijing stood very proudly as their National Anthem has been repeatedly played in the stadium.

As I surveyed the finalist line-ups for the men’s 100m I was really impressed by the representation of the Caribbean athletes in these events. Only the United States had places, with all the other athletes hailing from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dutch Antilles. Locally, the success of Caribbean athletes is wryly explained by the saying “It’s the fastest that survives” with reference to the history of slavery and colonialism in the region. However for the present day their success is surely attributed to lots of hard work and training and I am certain that if further investment was made into supporting upcoming athletes from the smaller islands we would see much bigger Caribbean victories in future Olympics and indeed all sports events.
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Caribbean Real Estate

nospam@example.com (Stewart Andrews - Contributor) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:01:00 -0500

The worlds financial markets have all over recent months seen increasing volatility, due to a serious weakness in the sub prime lending sector. This has happened because financial institutions lent heavily to people with poor credit ratings over recent years, when money was in good supply and interest rates were low. It did not require a crystal ball to see that when interest rates finally rose from their all time lows, that there would be a high level of defaults from borrowers who could not repay their mortgages.

In America, the results of this financial crisis have been building for some time, with many areas of the housing market suffering a decline in real estate values and new house starts falling dramatically.

In the UK, the effects on the housing market have been far milder, partly due to more conservative lending policies and traditionally higher interest rates. In September, UK house prices were still climbing at 8.5% annually, with some areas seeing a significant rise in prices and other areas where prices have fallen slightly.

Several clients have asked me if the financial instability in the worlds mortgage markets will lead to a decline in Caribbean real estate values similar to America ? The simple answer is no, and anyone hoping that they can buy a Caribbean property cheaper next year than they can now, is unfortunately only likely to be deluding themselves.

The Caribbean real estate market is an international market driven for the most part by well healed foreign investors looking for second homes, investment and vacation properties. The number of people choosing to enter the second home market is continuing to grow, and last year more people in the UK chose to relocate abroad and buy a house in the sun, than ever before.

Mortgages have traditionally been difficult for ex patriots to obtain in the Caribbean and therefore Caribbean lending institutions are not exposed to any serious risk. Additionally, since Caribbean real estate prices are continuing to climb, properties repossessed by lenders can usually be sold quickly.

The final factor that helps underpin the continuing growth in the value of Caribbean real estate , is the limited physical land mass of the Caribbean islands. Land in the Caribbean, is very much a finite commodity.

For the above reasons, and unless there is a total meltdown of the worlds financial institutions, it is likely that real estate on the majority of Caribbean islands, will continue to show a year on year rise in property values for the foreseeable future.