As an avid traveler who loves family vacations, Naomi Loomis discusses her favorite Caribbean Islands to travel to.
The Caribbean region situated on the Caribbean Plate is known for its small islands, numbering around 700 and is off the Mexican Gulf. The Caribbean Islands are Geo-politically considered as a sub region of North America and includes the countries of Belize, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. The idyllic climate and the vast beaches make these islands a great vacation spot that Naomi Loomis and her family love to travel to every year. Here are the top Caribbean Islands Naomi Loomis recommends for an ideal vacation:
Punta Cana: This little island is situated at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, abutting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This island is famous for its thirty-odd kilometer stretch of clear water beaches. The Punta Cana, in combination with the Bavaro region forms the Coconut Coast or La Costa del Coco, known for the lavish resorts. Windsurfing, zip-lining, sailing and kayaking are the popular water sports of the area.
The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve is a privately owned, 1,500-acre plot that houses varied natural species such as the Ridgway’s Hawk. There are a number of golf courses as well, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Outdoor beach bars, multi-level clubs and the popular casinos are where the night life happens.
Saint Martin: This Island is a paradise consisting of resort beaches and isolated coves. Known for its fusion cuisine, it is popular for the vibrant nightlife as well as the duty-free stores that sell liquor and jewelry.
Situated in the Leeward Islands, Saint Martin includes two different countries- separated from the French side in the north and the Dutch in the South.
The French side, has a glitzy market in its capital, Marigot. The Orient Bay allows for shallow-water snorkeling while the tiny, Îlet de Pinel offers one a tropical beach. There are also the French and Creole restaurants on the beachfront.
The Dutch side is well-known for photo-ops and a cluster of resorts around the adjoining Simpson Bay. Philipsburg, the Dutch capital is where the main shopping takes place- on the Front Street. The party scene happens in the bars and the open-air restaurants.
Nassau: Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is situated on the New Providence Island. The adjoining Paradise Island is reachable over the Nassau Harbor bridges. Nassau, with its hilly landscape is well known for its beaches and also its offshore coral reefs. This beautiful place is also very popular for snorkeling and diving, a favorite Caribbean activity for Naomi Loomis.
Nassau’s Cable Beach is dotted with resorts and swank boutiques. Bay Street offers the main shopping area while Straw Market retails handcrafted stuff like jewelry made out of conch shells. Classy restaurants as well as surfside conch shacks are the main dining options here. The Paradise Island has large resorts and facilities such as casinos and water parks are aplenty. The Cabbage Beach to the north, which is about 3 kilometers in length is known for its white-sands and turquoise waters.
Montego Bay: The capital city of Saint James Parish on the north coast of Jamaica, Montego Bay is one of the main ports for cruise ships. Montego Bay has several beach resorts and numerous golf courses along its exterior core. The most popular beaches are Doctor’s Cave and Walter Fletcher. The latter is also home to a popular amusement park. Snorkeling as well as diving is possible at the coral reefs of the Montego Bay Marine Park.
There is a clutch of hotels in the Bayfront Gloucester Avenue which is more familiar by the name of “Hip Strip”. Many good shops too are available and so are parks and bars playing dancehall and reggae.
Another favorite island for Naomi Loomis, is Cancun just bordering the Caribbean Sea. To follow along with more travel adventures by Naomi Loomis, be sure to visit her social stream page: http://naomiloomis.com/social-stream/.