A small island close to Anguilla, Antigua still bears traces of British influence. English and Creole are widely spoken there and Nelson's Dockyard National Park holds the world title for having the only Georgian dockyard. Although it consists of 365 beaches, among the most popular are the Carlisle Bay, Dickenson Bay, Five Island Peninsula, Half Moon Bay, Johnson's Point and Runaway.
When on vacation, people can relax in Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa in Dickenson Bay; Hermitage Bay Antigua, which is about 15 miles from the airport; and Curtain Bluff Resort. Some of the activities you can enjoy in Antigua are snorkeling and scuba diving.
Barbados is an island with year-round attractions, making it a favorite tourist destination. The local residents are among the region's most polite and educated. It is home to some of the finest boutiques and souvenirs in the Caribbean. The beaches, cuisine and local music scene are great for romantic getaways.
Popular Barbados beaches are Brandon's, Sandy Lane and Batts Rock. Activities include surfing, snorkeling and picnics and walks on the beach.
Located 480 miles south of Miami, the beaches in the Cayman Islands are the most beautiful in the Caribbean because of their powdery sand and crystal clear, blue waters. Among the beaches on the three sister islands --- Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman --- are Seven Mile, Cayman Kai and Rum Point.
Vacationing on the islands mean being able to choose from 10 beaches where you can enjoy such activities as parasailing, picnics, snorkelling, and swimming and other water sports. Other features include spas, shopping and such nightlife as jazz, folk, rock 'n' roll or reggae concerts; open-air restaurants; and wine or martini bars.
Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly and is known by the locals as "The Pearl of the French West Indies." Guadaloupe's northern wing, where the commercial center and seaport are located, is Pointe-a-Pitre. The southern wing, which has a botanical garden, a national park and a volcano overlooking waterfalls, is Basse-Terre.
Activities include the annual Fete de Cuisinieres, where female chefs cater a five-hour Creole banquet; Carnival, when dancers line the streets; Bastille Day, which is an arts festival; and All Saints, which honors the deceased. Guadeloupe is famous for its French food and wine as well as its coffee. Of course, vacationers can also enjoy the beaches, bistros, discos and bars.
