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CARIBBEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION

Off the Beaten Path Escapes in the Caribbean   by Jennifer Smith
 

The Caribbean is full of popular destinations where tourists flock to spend a few days soaking up the sunshine, but those looking to escape the crowds may have a slightly different destination in mind. The Caribbean is often said to have something for everyone, and in this case the claims are completely true. Vacationers don't need to stay on popular islands like Jamaica to enjoy a slice of Caribbean life, they can visit a number of islands that are "off the beaten path."

Little Bay, Philipsburg, St. MaartenMajor Caribbean destinations are filled with well-known spots where tourists flock from around the world, but even these islands can have some out-of-the-way areas. Still, those seeking to travel to someplace truly unique can find hidden and untouched Caribbean islands to be a great choice. Islands like tiny Saba or spicy Grenada offer up their own unique style.

Every island has its own personality, and even the smaller Caribbean islands can offer more than just seclusion. St. Martin, for example, is the smallest shared territory in the world: A little more than half of the island is French (Saint Martin), while the other portion is Dutch (Sint Maarten). Spend the day enjoying the shopping on the Dutch portion of the island, but dine in style with the French that evening. You'll also avoid the crowds you'll find in better-known islands.

Grenada, the Spice Island, is known for its fertile soil that has helped it become one of the world's top producers of nutmeg. Its lushness is certain to delight travelers who enjoy taking a trip into nature and French history also lends a bit of culture, though English is the official language of the island. This island also has beautiful beaches for travelers to enjoy. Another unusual aspect of Grenada is its true nature: Grenada is really three islands, though they are usually referred to by just the one name. Petit Martinique and Carriacou are the two tiny islands off Grenada's coast.

Saba, too, is unique. This small, rocky island is better known for its snorkeling than its beaches. In fact, it's said to have no beach at all, though there are a few spots where vacationers heart-set on sunbathing can find water meeting a small stretch of sand. And of course, its beautiful scenery both above and below the waves can certainly be worth a look.

Don't confuse this island with any other - Dominica is another oft-overlooked isle. Its raw beauty has earned it the nickname the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean and it has remained relatively untouched over the years. Adventurous travelers can certainly find an escape in this Eastern Caribbean island, where mountainous terrain provides the ideal setting for a variety of activities.

Though these are not your only travel options for something a little different in the Caribbean, they are certainly some of the most intriguing choices. Travelers planning a true escape to the islands can find it on these and other islands, all you have to do is take a look off the beaten track.

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About the Author

Jennifer Smith writes for Saba-Guide.info, Dominica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

FEATURED HOTELS IN CUPE COY BEACH
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Wyndham Sapphire Beach Club & Resort, Cupe Coy  ***
Commands panoramic views of the sea from its position on the southwest shore of St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. Princess Juliana International Airport is located less than four kilometers from the resort. American/French culinary delicacies lure diners to Sapphire Café, an open-air restaurant/bar that borders the pool. An internet room contains computers and laptop stations with high-speed internet access. A grocery and liquor store rents videotapes for use in suites'  vcrs. A beauty salon offers massages and facials while a small fitness center contains cardio machines and a universal gym. Complimentary activities include bingo, pool aerobics and a scuba-diving demonstration in the outdoor pool. The pool contains a rock-garden island and a shallow children's section. A four-person spa tub and pear-shaped children's pool are located near the main pool. Stairways lead down the hill to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea. The resort offers 180 guest suites in a nine-story building.
FEATURED HOTELS IN DAWN BEACH
Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Resort, Dawn Beach  ***1/2
Overlooking dawn beach on the eastern coast, the Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Resort is located on the Dutch side of beautiful St. Maarten. The resort is just over eleven kilometers from some of the Caribbean's best shopping and dining in Philipsburg. The island is the smallest territory in the world shared by two sovereign states, France and the Netherlands. Philipsburg is the Dutch capital and tends to be more frenzied and bustling with tourists than it's French counterpart, Marigot. Duty-free shopping has turned the island into a virtual mall and the lack of a local sales tax makes it even more appealing. Active pursuits include golfing, horseback riding, scuba diving, tennis and windsurfing.  Vacation Rental Condos
FEATURED HOTELS IN MAHO BEACH
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Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Maho Beach  ***
Newly redesigned Island Resort, set in 10 acres of lush beachfront property with 600 rooms ranging from casual elegance to upscale sophistication. We offer an array of fine restaurants to satisfy every culinary desire, 40 boutiques carrying brand.
PHILIPSBURG FEATURED HOTELS
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Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino, Philipsburg  ***
Fresh from a $10 million renovation, the Caribbean's Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino draws couples, recreational aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts by offering a tropical mix of sailing, snorkeling, tennis, stage shows and gaming action. This seven-story hotel is perched on the beach near Mt. Willem and sits five minutes from downtown Philipsburg's shopping and restaurants.  A little further away, travelers will discover a zoo, botanical gardens, parrot jungle, butterfly farm and scenic vistas of paradise peak.  Guests can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at la Cucina, dine indoors at the Molasses or overlook the turquoise Caribbean waters at the Bay View Restaurant.  The seven-story Great Bay Beach Resort features 262 guestrooms and suites with blond-wood furnishings, colorful fabrics, satellite television, in-room safes, refrigerators and balconies.
View the full list of St Martin/St Maarten Hotels

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