St Martin (sahn-mahr-TAHN) & Sint Maarten (sint-MAR-tin)

Sint Maarten Flag

"The Friendly Island"

Why visit St Martin (French Side)?

Ideal for the sophisticated traveler seeking boutiques, foodies delight, french vibe, horseback riding, less commercial developments, lush vegetation, nude sunbathing, outdoor markets, relaxation, volcanic mountains, white sand beaches, and yachting.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Border Monument & The Old House
• Popular Attractions: Amuseum Naturalis, Fort St Louis, Grand Case, Happy Bay Beach, Lady Liberty, Loterie Farm, Marigot, Minguet Art Gallery, Rotary Lookout Point, Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery, & The Butterfly Farm
• Special Events: (February) Carnival, Howl Night, (June) St Martin Billfish Tournament, (July) Bastille Day, Heritage Day (July), (November) round-the-Island Relay Race, Concordia Day, and (December) Christmas Lights Competition

Photo Credit:  Ramon Kagie/Unsplash

Why visit Sint Maarten (Dutch Side)?

Known for beautiful beaches, casinos, deep-sea fishing, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, jet ski, kayaking, kite surfing, lush vegetation, marine reserve, multi-cultural, native rum-based guava berry liquor cocktails, nightlife, sailing, shopping, surfing, volcanic mountains, wakeboarding, white sand beaches, windsurfing, and yachting.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Fort Amsterdam, Historic Old Street, Man on Chair Statue, Simpson Bay Bridge, Sint Maarten Courthouse, St Maarten National Flag Pole, & The Salt Pickers
• Museums: Parrotte Ville, Parrot Ville Bird Park, Sint Maarten Museum, & Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
• Popular Attractions: Back Street, Emilio Wilson Park, Front Street, Mary-Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Mullet Bay Beach, Pelican Peak St. Maarten, Rainforest Adventures St Maarten (Rockland Estate), Seaside Nature Park, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, & Wathey Square
• Special Events: (March) Carnival , St Maarten Heineken Regatta, (November) Around the Island Race, Concordia Day, and (December) Christmas Lights Competition

Photo Credit: Nadine Doerlé/Pixabay 

History

• In 1493, Christopher Columbus saw St Martin during his second voyage.
• During 1600, Dutch settlers arrived.
• In 1648, The Netherlands divided the islands by treaty.
• In 1816, boundaries was reaffirmed.
• In 2010,  Sint Maarten changed it's status from an island territory of the Netherlands Antilles to an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
  

Fun Facts

• The island is home to numerous salt ponds which was instrumental before refrigeration to preserve food. Also, to their exporting economy.
  

Good to Know

• One island shared by two countries: French (St Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten).
• Daylight savings time is not observed.
• The island has no rivers or streams.
• Nude and topless is permitted (St Martin).
• You may enjoy reading Portrait of an Island written by Madeleine Greery.

                                                                        Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: December - March
• Humid & Hottest: June - October
• Peak Season: Mid April - Mid December
  
• Shoulder Season: April - October

Well, are you ready to settle the debate on which side is best, whether it's the French or Dutch side?

Maho Beach,  Sint Maarten. Photo Credit: kendallpools/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Anguilla (ang-GWIHL-uh)

Anguilla Flag

Why visit Anguilla "Eel"?

Luxury travelers seeking beautiful beaches, beach bar dining, bird watching, caves, culture, fine dining, golf, relaxation, uncrowded, sailing, scuba diving, seclusion, snorkeling, upscale resorts, turquoise waters, views, walks,  and windsurfing. A ultra high end destination is known to be a getaway destination for celebrities and wealthy.

Photo Credit: ziggybobolo/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art pieces, glass blown pieces, hand carved model ships, liquor, needlework, pottery, sculpture items, stamps, straw goods, and wooden goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Callalloo (stew). Jonny Cakes (fried snack). Stewed Oxtail. Tamarind Balls (snack). 
• Local Drink to Try: Mauby (soft drink).

History

• During 1600-1700, under attack by the French.
• In 1967, was incorporated into British dependency, Saint Christopher Nevis Anguilla.
• In 1969, during island rebellion, the British paratroopers invaded. Greeted with British flags, flowers and smiles.
• In 1980, became a British Territory.
• In 1990, several ships were sunk to create an artificial reef system and five marine parks.

Fun Facts

• Island industry is insurance, off-shore banking and tourism.
• No capital gains, estate or profit tax for individuals or corporations.
• Christopher Columbus named it Anguilla (Italian for eel); however the locals referred to the island as Malliouhana ("Sea Serpent").
• Has thirty-three beaches.
• Until 2021, turtle hunting is banned.

Photo Credit: jaegeranna1/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Annual Flower & Garden Show, Bankie Banx's Reggae Festival, The Moonsplash Music Festival (March) Festival Del Mar, (April) Anguilla Lit Fest, Festival Del Mar, (May) Anguilla Yacht Regatta, Culinary Experience, (August) Carnival, & Summer Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, James Ronald Webster's Birthday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Anguilla Day, Monarch's Official Birthday, Emancipation Day, August Thursday, Constitution Day, National Heroes & Heroines Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• The island has no bus system, campsites, casinos, large shopping centers, mountains, rivers or streams.
• Nude nor topless sun bathing is illegal.
• Gambling is illegal.
• There are no Jet Ski rentals, it's illegal.
  
• You may enjoy reading Out of Crowded Vagueness, written by Brian Dyde.
• There is no citizenship of Anguilla, the island's natives are British citizens.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Ammunition and firearms require express consent from the British government. 
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika.
• Traffic moves on the left hand side of the road.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.

                               Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually between July - November.

• Coolest Season: December - February
• Humid & Hottest: August - September
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: May - November

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Big Spring National Park, Old Courthouse & Prison Ruins & Wallblake House
• Museums: Heritage Collection
• Popular Attractions: Captains Bay, Crocus Bay, Island Harbour Bay, Meads Bay, Maunday's Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Road Bay Beach, Shoal Bay & The Valley

Photo Credit: Juergen Striewski/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

British Virgin Islands Flag

The British Islands consists of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, over 50 smaller islands and cays.

Why visit BVI's?

A favorite destination for sailors, scuba divers, snorkelers, and luxury upscale resort lovers. Also, a known hideaway of the unpretentious rich and famous!

• Coolest Season: January - March, and December
• Humid & Hottest: August - September
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: November and June

Hurricane Season is June - November.

Photo Credit: Ronnie Frings/Pixabay 

History

• In 1493, Christopher Columbus was the first European visitor to the cluster of islands.
  
• During 1500, Spaniards from Puerto Rico mined for gold however only found copper.
  
• During 1700-1800, sugar and cotton plantations were the primary economics of Tortola.
  
• In 1840, St. Phillips Church is said to be the first church built for freed African slaves in the Western Hemisphere (Tortola).
  
• In 1867, the Rhone shipwrecked near Salt Island, southeast to Tortola.
• In 1968, Beef Island Airport (Tortola) sparked their tourism economy.
  
• In 1960, Laurence Rockefeller established a resort on Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda) to rebirth tourism. 
  
• In 2001, Tortola installed its first traffic light.

Photo Credit: Rhea Yaw Ching/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Anegada is different from all the other islands, as it's flat composed of limestone and coral.
• Tortola has been an International Financial Center since 1984 with half a million registered businesses on the island.
• Tortola offers the most accommodations of all the BVI's.
• Necker Island, the private home of Richard Branson is available for complete rental, sports vacations, and weddings. Accommodates approximately 30 adults and a bunkhouse for six children. All-Inclusive: activities, beverages, and food.
• Many yacht charter companies forbid Clients to sail Anegada in fear of running aground due to shallow reefs.
• The book, Treasure Island was written by Robert Louis Stevenson is said to be inspired by private caves on Norman Island. 
• In 2007, Google Co-founder, Larry Page married Lucy Southworth on Necker Island (privately owned by Richard Branson) and rented all of Virgin Gorda for their wedding guests.

Devil's Bay, Virgin Gorda (BVI). Photo Credit:  Joann/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Sailing Schools can be found on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
• Movies that may inspire your visit: Virgin Island (1995) and BVI's (2103).

British Virgin Islands (BVI). Photo Credit: Joann/Pixabay 

Why visit Tortola "Turtle Dove"?

Known for beautiful beaches, coral snorkeling,  lush mountains, relaxation, and seclusion.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Callwood Distillery, Fort Burt, Fort Recovery and The Church at Kingstown.
• Museums: Centre for the Applied Marine Studies, HM Prison Museum, Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, North Shore Shell Museum, Old Government House, The North Shore Shell Museum, Virgin Islands Folk Museum and Virgin Islands Maritime Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Cane Garden Bay, Josiah's Bay Plantation, J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, Long Bay, Mount Healthy National Park , Prospect Reef, Roadtown, Road Town, Royal Mail Steamer (RMS), Sage Mountain National Park, Shark Bay, Soldier's Hill, Sopers Hole, The Dungeon, Trellis Bay and William Thornton Estate.

British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 

Why visit Virgin Gorda "Fat Virgin"?

Known for white sand beaches, historical ruins, natural geologic formations, pristine water, and snorkeling.

Your Must-See & Do

• Popular Attractions: Copper Mine, Coppermine Point, Little Fort National Park, Oil Nut Bay, Prickly Pear Island, Spanish Town, The Baths, & Virgin Gorda National Park

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 

Why visit Anegada "Drowned Land"?

Known for beaches, premier bone fishing, clear springs bubbling, coral reefs, history, relaxation, sport fishing, seclusion, snorkeling, and wildlife.

Your Must-See & Do

• Popular Attractions: Bones Bight, Cow Wreck Bay, Flamingo Pond, Flash of Beauty, Loblolly Bay, & Windlass Bight.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay 

Why visit Jost Van Dyke "Little Jost"?

Popular bars, beach combing, bird sanctuary, dolphins, snorkeling, whale watching, and yacht anchorages.

Your Must-See & Do

• Popular Attractions: Bubbly Pool, Diamond Cay, Diamond Cay National Park, Great Harbour, Great Tobago Island and White Bay.

Photo Credit: patteybleecker/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Flag

The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three islands: St Croix, St John, and St Thomas.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: June - August
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: April - December

Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between September - October.

• A precious resource on the islands is water. Do your part to help conserve it during your visit!
• Don't take shells, coral, or other marine life from the water as they are part of a fragile, threatened ecosystem. Only pick up shells from the beach.

Villa Margarita St Croix Vacation Rentals, Christiansted, St Croix. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

History

• In 1916, the U.S. purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million with interest in a submarine base to protect Panama Canal interests.
• In 1927, became unincorporated U.S. territory.
  
• In 1493, Christopher Columbus was greeted Carib Tribe with shooting arrows. Upon his retreat, he named (St Croix) Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).
• Until 1671, St Thomas was largely uncolonized with only a few stopover pirates and settlers.
  
• In 1694, Denmark finally claimed St. John.
  
• In 1867, St Thomas was struck by an earthquake, a hurricane, and a 27-ft tsunami.
  
• In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller donated his land owned to the U.S. with the stipulation it must be protected from development.
  
• In 2000, the first casino opened Divi Carina Bay Resort (St Croix).

St John. Photo Credit:  TallGuyInc/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The islands are part of the Leeward Islands, Islands of the Lesser Antilles chain.
• Cruise ships visit St Thomas more than any other Caribbean Island. Averaging four to seven ships per day. There's no cruise ship dock on St John.
• While rum manufacturing is significant, Tourism remains its primary economic source.
• Christopher Columbus named the islands for Saint Ursula and her virgin followers.
• For hundreds of years Denmark-Norway, France, Great Britain, and The Netherlands have fought to rule the islands.
• St Croix is the largest and flattest terrain of the islands.
• Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) was named in honor of the wife of King Christian V of Denmark.
• Virgin Islands are citizens of the U.S.; however, they can't vote in our Presidential elections. As a U.S. territory, they have one delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
• In 1830, Camille Pissarro was born. An Impressionist Painter.
• The "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" is hosted on September 19th annually (originated by St Croix) and has evolved to a global affair.
  
• St John has no traffic lights.
  

St John. Photo Credit: inactionsolutions/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Trade winds keep both the humidity and temperatures moderate most of the year.
• The only USA jurisdiction to drive on the left side of the road.
• Danish influence can be seen in the island's architecture.
• These islands are prime sailing and yachting destinations.
• Generous American duty-free allowance on merchandise and liquor.
• You may be inspired to visit after watching: Four Season (1981) and The Big Blue (1988).
• You may wish to read: The Pelican Brief (written by John Grisham and Adrift (written by Rebecca Hale).
• Country music singer, Kenny Chesney has a home on St John.
  
• "Blue Bitch", refers to a local building stone.
  
• Coral World Ocean Park (St Thomas) has an underwater post-office box.
  
• USA Citizens are not required to present a passport.

Photo Credit: Scott S Bateman/Pixabay 

Why visit St Croix "Twin City"?

Known for beautiful beaches, casinos, culture, diversity, duty-free shopping, endangered sea turtles, history, scuba diving, snorkeling, and water-sports. A popular Honeymoon destination!

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Customs House, Fort Christianvaren, The Buck Island Reef National Monument, Government House & Steeple Building
• Museums: Apothecary Museum, Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts, Estate Whim Museum, Fort Frederik, Lawaetz Museum, Little La Grange Farm, Musée du Domaine Whim de Frederiksted, Myron G Danielson Post 85 & The House That Freedom Built
• Popular Attractions: Annaly Bay Tide Pools, Buck Island, Captain Morgan Visitors Center, Christiansted, Christiansted Harbor, Frederiksted, Cruzan Rum Distillery, Gallows Bay Dock, Mount Eagle, Point Udall, Reef Golf & Beach Resort, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge & St George Village Botanical Garden

St Thomas. Photo Credit: lhern03880/Pixabay 

Why visit St John "Love City"?

Ideal for affluent traveler seeking beautiful beaches, hiking, nature lovers, snorkeling, underwater nature trail, unspoiled landscapes, and tropical flora. Also, a popular honeymoon destination.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Annenberg Plantation & Catherineberg Ruins
• Popular Attractions: Bordeaux Mountain, Caneel, Cinnamon Bay, Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, Maho Bay, North Shore Road, Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park
  

St Thomas. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

 

Why visit St Thomas ("Rock City")?

One of the U.S. Virgin Island most developed offers beautiful beaches, culture, diving, duty-free shopping, golf, historical buildings, nightlife, and snorkeling. A cruise ship mega-hub with easy access to other surrounding Caribbean Islands.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Fort Christian & St Thomas Synagogue
• Museums: Fort Frederik, French Heritage Museum, Haagensen House Pirates Treasure Museum, Seven Arches Museum, St Thomas Historical Trust Museum, & The Virgin Islands Children's Museum
• Popular Attractions: Blackbeard's Castle, Charlotte Amalie, Coki Beach, Coral World Ocean Park, Crown Mountain, Drakes Seat, Magens Bay, Magens Bay Beach, Mahogony Run Golf Course & Mountain Top.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. Photo Credit: wolseleyrd/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.