Join us for the best of the Caribbean, the best food, music, beaches and more!
Best Music: Dune Preserve, Anguilla
Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve should be on every music lover’s bucket list. You can see Bankie himself, along with a number of other performers throughout the week, including Bankie’s son, Omari. And the view overlooking Rendezvous Bay toward St. martin/Ste. Maarten isn’t too bad either.
Best Beach: Low Bay, Barbuda
You’ll run out of energy before you run out of beach to walk, with only a few small establishments along the way. You will feel like you have the beach to yourself, and you may be right.
Best Beach (Runner Up): Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
A stretch of pink sand that seems to go on forever, with no high-rises or crowded resorts to spoil the view. The pink hue is attributable to single-celled marine organisms, foraminifera, having calcium carbonate shells which are red or pink in color. When the foraminafera die, the decomposed shells tint the sand pink.
Best Rum Punch: Sip Sip, Harbour Island, Bahamas
The Sip Sip Rum Punch adds a blend of pineapple, guava, and passion fruit juices to the traditional rum punch for the best in the islands.
Best Rum Punch (Runner Up): Killer Bee, Sunshine’s, Nevis
The fresh grating of nutmeg on top should not deceive you. This is a killer rum punch with a fierce sting. Have more than two at your own risk. You have been warned!
Best Local Food: Da Conch Shack, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
At Da Conch Shack, you will watch them pull the conch straight from the ocean and prepare the freshest meal around. The conch salad is a must. Add Jan’s Infamous Rum Punch for the ultimate island experience!
Best Local Food (Runner Up): Rodney’s Cuisine, Nevis
Rodney Elliott is a national treasure on Nevis, cooking up traditional dishes that make you want to call this island home. Try the johnnycakes and you won’t be disappointed!
Best Beach Bar: Sunshine’s, Nevis
Located on Pinney’s Beach, a short walk down the beach from the Four Seasons Nevis, Sunshine’s serves great food, a “Killer” signature cocktail, and a lively atmosphere, perfectly suited to the islands.
Best Beach Bar (Runner Up): Smokey’s at the Cove, Anguilla
If it’s Saturday, and we’re on Anguilla, you will find us at Smokey’s. Aside from great food and drink, and gorgeous views of Cove Bay looking toward St. Martin/Ste. Maarten, Smokey’s serves up live music weekly.
Best Caribbean Resort (Tie): Jumby Bay, Antigua
Luxury and service are paramount here on this private island sanctuary off the coast of Antigua, worthy of its AAA 5-Diamond status.
Best Caribbean Resort (Tie): Kamalame Cay, Andros, Bahamas
Kamalame Cay is the definition of barefoot luxury, with your own villa on a pristine beach, and a golf cart to explore the island.
Best Island Event: Friday Night Fish Fry, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera
Grab a “Rum Bubba,” the signature drink, order up your food and chat with locals and tourists alike in this weekly event in Governor’s Harbour.
Best Island Event (Runner Up): Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Held each November, the Conch Festival celebrates the queen conch, with dishes created by the island’s best chefs, boat races, and live music.
Best Island Shop: Aragorn’s Studio, Beef Island, BVI
When you fly into the British Virgin Islands via Beef Island (EIS), you are just a short trip from Aragorn’s Studio. Aragorn’s shop is filled with pottery, metal sculptures, woodcarvings and other artwork. Don’t miss the “fireballs” carved from recycled steel ocean buoys, and which are lit up at night.
Best Island Shop (Runner Up): Glass VI, Tortola, BVI
Glass VI is a non-profit organization recycling empty bottles into a wide variety of beautiful gifts, including paperweights, pendants, ornaments, and more. All proceeds go to green projects on the island.
Best View: Hog Heaven, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Set high atop the hills in Virgin Gorda, relax with a beer and take in the views of Necker Island, Mosquito Island, and Prickly Pear Island.
Best Island for History Lovers: Nevis
Explore historic sugar mills and follow the Nevis Heritage Trail to immerse yourself in the island’s history. Visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton and the site of the marriage of British Naval hero Horatio Nelson to local Fanny Nisbet.
Friendliest People (Tie): Eleuthera, Bahamas
Many times while on Eleuthera, local folks engaged us in conversation, interested in whether or not we were enjoying our stay. We felt so welcome!
Friendliest People (Tie): Nevis
We were very impressed by the friendliness of the people of Nevis. Local people loved to chat and personally welcomed us to their island!
Best Food: Anguilla
The hands-down winner of best food is the island of Anguilla. There really was no contest. From the exquisite French cuisine at Jacala, to the pasta at Dolce Vita, to the fresh fish at Straw Hat, you cannot go wrong. Anguilla is the best island for those who travel on their stomachs!
What are your favorites?