Caribbean Living Summer 2016

Summer, summer, summer time…I know you’re already in the mood, but Jeff is going to make you really have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I had to Google it myself some months back. He’s all over Antigua and then bops over to Nevis, where I caught up with him. We had one brief meal together and then set out to tackle the island. The life of journalists can be quite hectic, even in paradise. If you follow Ava’s recommendations in Dates Not to Miss, you’ll be on the go from June through August. Not to fret, you can be rather selective and take it as easy as you’d like. Even threw in another Spa Uncommon to set the tone of a more laid-back escape. The possibilities are endless, from Latin…

ANDREW INNERARITY Director of Photography It’s all about triggering emotion via imagery. When I convey the very essence of a situation with a single photograph, then I am complete, because the viewer understands more than the moment, they know the situation. JORDAN SIMON Contributor Closing the bar down with the Lupis and co. over rhum vieux or rosé at The Hermitage. Savoring the world’s finest mango French toast at Ottley’s with a clutch of Keusches. Spa sojourning with Nature at the Four Seasons Nevis. That’s just one island nation: Vive la Caribbean! JEFF SOBEL Contributor For me the Caribbean is a lifestyle, best enjoyed with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other. LUIS JAIME Co-Creative Director We wish it would be island time all of…

JULY Antigua and Barbuda start their turtle watching season and it’s a perfect time of year to sink your teeth into a variety of flavorful fruit at Antigua and Barbuda Mango Festival facebook.com/ AnnualMangoFest. Jamaica kicks the month off with a bit of spice, as its trademark dish has taste buds wanting more. The heritage site location at Folly Estate in Portland is the ideal setting for the Portland Jerk Festival on July 1 Three days of casting, reeling and teaming up has expert fishermen strapped in for the exhilarating challenge to catch the most fish during the first leg of the Bermuda Triple Crown series, at the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship, July 3-7 bermudatriplecrown.com/bermudabillfish-blast As the name suggests, forget all worries and cares and get lost in a…

Dominican Republic Eden Roc at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in the country. The recently renovated resort is extravagant elegance elevated. With only 34 ultra-luxurious, free-standing guest suites, privacy is your prerogative. Whether staying in one of the Deluxe Suites or the four-bedroom specialty duplex suite with cascading waterfall and 24-hour butler service and personal chef, serenity in a well-appointed living space accommodates all getaway needs. After a plunge in your private pool, the day’s agenda should include the newly renovated Eden Roc Beach Club. Accessible only to resort guests, mind, body and soul are nourished here, whether on the sands and surf of Caletón Beach, while indulging in beach butler service, or rejuvenating in the new Solaya Fitness & Wellness Spa.…

The super exclusive, five-star Relais & Châteaux resort in Punta Cana suddenly became more affordable via Eden Roc at Cap Cana’s Endless Summer Four-Night Package. This summer, experience private airport transfers, a minimum of four-nights in a free-standing suite complete with private pool, outdoor shower and personal electric golf cart, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner AND a $200 credit to the Solaya Spa. Can we say upgrade? Bonus: Children 4 to 12 years-old stay and eat for free. Rates from $949.edenroccapcana.com Genius Pack 25’’ Hardside Spinner Upright —Pack it all in and escape to the tropics! When you leave the city behind, grab this crush-proof luggage. It’s infused with “genius” features and weighs only 8.2 pounds. The beauty spins 360 degrees with eight silent-gliding wheels. Interior panels are engineered with…

When I enter The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, civilized chaos reigns. Grinning bellmen dash to and fro, conventioneers mingle over welcome cocktails, families navigate the crowd trailing beach towels and toys. But down the corridor, the Hibiscus Spa is tranquil on the happy verge of tranquilizing. The sleek yet not slick decor conveys serenity: Muted tones predominate while splashes of Caribbean colors such as aqua and amber add focus to the space. Artwork, some sourced regionally, helps create an authentic sense of place. Water walls further reinforce the soothing sea ambience. Above me, an enormous blue circular slab – something retro-futuristic and Googie-inspired out of The Jetsons – hangs from the ceiling like a gigantic fascinator. Variegated quartzite and ceramic accents contrast with rattan and…