Your Caribbean Vacation

"I fell in love with the Caribbean on my first visit to Barbados and have returned many times since. Friendly people, excellent beaches, agreeable climate - the islands are a tropical paradise, perfect for winter getaways."

"I've also discovered some great places to stay on my three favourite islands, Barbados, Jamaica and St. Martin, which I'd like to share with you."

Barbados

"Barbados still has strong British ties so has a British feel, like Bermuda. There are many sugar cane plantations dotted around the island and wonderful panoramic views of the coastline."

"Resorts here are 50/50 all-inclusive and non inclusive. It is very popular with those who like to dine out and sample restaurants rather that always eating at their hotel."

"The St. Lawrence Gap in Christchurch is a lively community with lots of restaurants and bars and some night clubs. Accommodation includes self catering and hotel rooms. The Southern Palms which is on the site of an old sugar plantation has a wonderful character and an ambience that makes it feel more upscale, even though the rooms are quite basic. It is situated on a beautiful beach in the Gap, a great location."

"The Almond Beach Village is a good choice for families wanting an all-inclusive and is located North of Bridgetown on the west coast."

Jamaica

"To me Jamaica is the most beautiful of the three islands with its beautiful Blue Mountains and the lush flora and fauna. It is a year-round destination easily accessible and served from Canada by several airlines."

"I have enjoyed many stays here including attending a wedding at Strawberry Hill in the Blue Mountains, near Kingston. It was gorgeous!"

"Jamaica has many all-inclusive resorts. I have stayed at Beaches, Negril which is a nice experience for families or groups."

"The beautiful upscale Half Moon Resort has some special amenities worth mentioning. It is one of the few that allow dogs. It is not an all-inclusive but there is a Platinum Plan which includes meals. They also have a private airport pick up and, with early booking, you can be assured the same accommodation as the previous year."

St. Martin

"The island of St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch respectively. My favourite is the French side of St. Martin. The capital, Marigot has a very European feel to it. Here you'll find sidewalk cafes, high end duty free shopping and many fine restaurants. It is quieter than the Dutch side which is especially busy when the cruise ships dock in Philipsburg."

"St. Martin has resisted the all-inclusive resorts with very few being offered. The village of Grand Case on the French side is a quieter, more peaceful area and has become the culinary capitol of the Caribbean with outstanding French cuisine and wine. There are many restaurants and some shops on a beautiful, aquamarine bay. It is like going back 40 years to how the Caribbean used to be before mass tourism."

"The Grand Case Beach Club has been named Best Boutique Hotel in the Caribbean for the last few years, which makes the whole experience of staying there feel 5 star. This is a self catering property, popular with young families and with the over 50's. There's no volleyball on the beach here but there are water sports facilities. The Scooby Doo Catamaran can pick you up at the resort and take you to the islands of Anguilla,and St. Barts. The island of Saba is also accessible but by plane."

"Just outside of the village you may take a motor launch which takes you to Pinel Island for a day to relax on the spectacular beach, one of the best in the Caribbean."

Tips for the Caribbean

• St. Martin is served by Air Canada Vacations and Signature Vacations in the winter only however Air Transat and other scheduled airlines do fly here year round.
• For families, the one price all-inclusive resorts are very affordable as food, drinks and entertainment facilities are paid for along with your accommodation.
• While packages vacations with air, transfers and accommodation are well priced and include transfers, it is easy to book a flight and the special hotel or resort you want separately then take a taxi or rental car from the airport.
• Air Transat Club Class seating is a worthwhile add-on as the special service begins right at your airport check in where you have a dedicated counter. You'll be welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne and enjoy wider seats, more legroom and superior meals and service throughout the flight.

"Whichever island you decide to visit, you are sure to have an enjoyable time in the Caribbean where dreams really can come true."

By Susan Milne