Star Collector – Bridgetown to Bridgetown

An infectiously happy island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. As a result of its successful sugar economy in the 17th- to 19th-centuries, you’ll find large manor estates full of fine Barbados mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted wooden frame houses– the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum rules in Barbados, and, over the centuries, cane plantations have divided the Bajan landscape into a pretty patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palms, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus trees.

The twin towers of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, mark St. Lucia, an island of lush green valleys, acres of banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. 24 miles of vibrant reef make St. Lucia a haven for divers and snorkelers. Pigeon Island National Park, a 40-acre island connected to the mainland by a causeway, was once a pirates’ hideaway. Today, impressive ruins of old English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches make this a fascinating place to explore.

The twin towers of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, mark St. Lucia, an island of lush green valleys, acres of banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. 24 miles of vibrant reef make St. Lucia a haven for divers and snorkelers. Pigeon Island National Park, a 40-acre island connected to the mainland by a causeway, was once a pirates’ hideaway. Today, impressive ruins of old English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches make this a fascinating place to explore.

Castries is the capital of the island nation of St. Lucia, in the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for palm-lined Vigie Beach and as a port of call for cruise lines, with duty-free shopping near the harbor. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with its colorful murals, sits by leafy Derek Walcott Square park. Lively Castries Market is nearby. In the south, Morne Fortune hill offers views of the city

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city center has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary’s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby.

In the north of Mayreau is Salt Whistle Bay, a perfect half moon beach, separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean side with a sand spit only 50 yards wide, fringed by palm trees. The windward side of Mayreau is one huge deserted beach; you could spend days picnicking, sunbathing and snorkeling in the underwater world of Mayreau Garden. The southwestern, leeward beach is Saline Bay, nearly a mile of white sand with calm, clear water – ideal to bring your family!

St. George’s is the capital city of the Caribbean island of Grenada. In the town center, the 18th-century Fort George offers panoramic views of the island and St. George’s Bay. Nearby, Fort Matthew was formerly a battleground and, later, an asylum, and has underground tunnels. The Grenada National Museum hosts exhibits about the history of the region, including the plantation economy and the whaling industry.

Life in Bequia revolves around the sea. Walk through the pretty town of Port Elizabeth, set on one of the loveliest and best-sheltered harbors in the Caribbean, and you’ll see fish nets drying in the sun. Boats are built on the beach in the shade of palm trees, and many yachtsmen have come here to have a fine schooner built by hand. (Or take home a model ship, perfect in detail.) Once an active whaling station, Bequia today is a favorite among Caribbean insiders and yachties for its unspoiled beauty and easy pace.

An infectiously happy island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. As a result of its successful sugar economy in the 17th- to 19th-centuries, you’ll find large manor estates full of fine Barbados mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted wooden frame houses– the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum rules in Barbados, and, over the centuries, cane plantations have divided the Bajan landscape into a pretty patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palms, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus trees.

Little Bay is a town under construction, intended to be the future capital of the Caribbean island of Montserrat. It is adjacent to Brades.

The Îles des Saintes, or Les Saintes, are dependency islands of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. The main island, Terre-de-Haut, is known for Pain de Sucre Beach’s coral-rich waters and palm-lined Les Saintes Bay. Overlooking the bay is 19th-century Fort Napoléon, with a museum and cactus garden. Trails cross the volcanic landscape of Terre-de-Bas Island, home to tranquil Grand Anse Beach.

Roseau is the capital of the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. It’s on the southwest coast and known for its 18th-century Creole architecture. Its cobblestone Old Market, formerly a slave auction site, sells crafts and fruit. It’s next to the Dominica Museum, with exhibits on the country’s natural and cultural history. The Dominica Botanic Gardens showcase tropical flora and native Sisserou parrots.

This is the Caribbean of days gone by – deep blue waters, quiet coves and tropical islands dotted with powdery beaches and lush green hillsides. Sail from the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia to little-known isles that are off the tourist radar. From colorful Bequia and Mayreau in St. Vincent & the Grenadines to the open-air markets of exotic St. George’s, you’ll discover a part of the Caribbean that remains authentic and unspoiled. This is everything that makes the Caribbean synonymous with paradise.

The twin towers of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, mark St. Lucia, an island of lush green valleys, acres of banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. 24 miles of vibrant reef make St. Lucia a haven for divers and snorkelers. Pigeon Island National Park, a 40-acre island connected to the mainland by a causeway, was once a pirates’ hideaway. Today, impressive ruins of old English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches make this a fascinating place to explore.

An infectiously happy island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. As a result of its successful sugar economy in the 17th- to 19th-centuries, you’ll find large manor estates full of fine Barbados mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted wooden frame houses– the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum rules in Barbados, and, over the centuries, cane plantations have divided the Bajan landscape into a pretty patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palms, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus trees.