CARIBBEAN GEMS Are you considering an idyllic Caribbean island for your next winter trip? We are too. Just thinking of the Caribbean conjures up memories of spectacular sunsets, pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, enticing resorts, tropical flowers and vibrant cultures. During numerous visits, we’ve enjoyed African, British, Dutch, French and Spanish influences in the islands’ foods, festivals, music and attractions. Here’s an alphabetical roundup of some of our favourite islands with two suggestions for don’t-miss activities on each one. Check tourist board websites for vaccination and Covid-19 protocols at the time you plan to visit. For Antigua’s best view, drive up to the 150-metre-high Shirley Heights Lookout. From the restored military fortifications, you’ll enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of the island, especially at sunset. A restaurant in a former military building serves a mouth-watering barbecue on Sunday evenings. Try the jerk chicken and ribs. Pending Covid-19 restrictions, the venue hosts Sunday evening parties with live steel band music and dancing enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Antigua is known for its 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. Especially pretty are the cameo-pink beaches on Barbuda, Antigua’s sister island. The best way to see these is on the twiceweekly day tours operated by Barbuda Express. They include the 90-minute ferry ride from Antigua and a visit to the western hemisphere’s largest frigatebird colony, where you can observe male frigates puffing up their crimson chest pouches to attract females. www.visitantiguabarbuda.com These sunny, warmweather getaways offer snowbirds plenty to see & do Story and photos © Barb & Ron Kroll Antigua & Barbuda 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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