Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 64 THE CARIBBEAN: LESSER ANTILLES PART 1 BY NORMAN MAYERS The Caribbean Islands are a region of great beauty and diversity that extends from the coasts of Florida to the moun- tains of South America. The Lesser Antilles lie in the Southern region of the island chain, beginning just east of Puerto Rico. These islands are far enough away from the U.S to have retained much of their culture and many remain largely unaffected by the Western world at large. Pristine beaches and authentic experi- ences are common here. Let's take a look at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. The British Virgin Islands consists of 60 enchanted islands adrift on the stun- ning turquoise sea. From sandy cays to towering volcanic peaks, to coral reefs formed over centuries, the British Virgin Islands beguile visitors with their secret harbors, pristine beaches, lush vegetation and friendly people. Europeans, Africans and Indians have all played a part in the history of these islands, leaving their mark on the diverse cultural tapestry. Today each island is a world unto itself. Lodge at a beachside cottage or luxurious villa, an international hotel or a resort that's the last word in understated ele- gance. Snorkel with exotic fish on coral reefs. Scuba dive to the wrecks of sunken galleons. Relax in the unspoiled beauty of national parks and botanic gardens. Or simply spend the day on a deserted beach. Anguilla can be found just 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and nine miles north of St. Martin. The most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Anguilla has a flat landscape and some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. The tiny island is just 35 square miles, 16 miles long by three miles wide at its widest point. Anguilla is known for its stunning natural beauty, secluded beaches and exquisite resorts. Twelve miles of absolutely flawless white sand and coral beaches bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean grace Anguilla's coastline. Committed to achieving environmental sustainability, the island protects its natural beauty and resources by caring for its beaches, dunes, reefs, shorelines and coastal waters. Constant trade winds, coupled with an average temperature of 80 degrees and low humidity keep the beaches comfort- able year-round. Some of the island's best beaches include Shoal Bay West, Maun- days Bay, Cove Bay and Merrywing Bay. The dual island destination of St. Martin/St. Maarten is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in the Caribbean. Boasting a French side and a Dutch side, the island is home to some of the best beaches and dining experiences in all of the Caribbean. The true beauty of St. Maarten lies in its easy mixing of cul- tures and freewheeling spirit that is often missing from other Caribbean islands. English, French, Dutch, Spanish and more intermingle here. Visitors can feel comfortable drinking beer on the street, sunbathing topless, or gambling until the wee hours. In fact, from a cultural stand- point St. Maarten owes more to Amsterdam's open policy than it does to its island neighbors. As the only completely duty-free island in the Caribbean, St. Maarten offers some of the best shopping in the islands. Specialty items in the cap- ital, Philipsburg, include Swiss watch- es, French perfume, British cash- meres, Chinese embroidery, Japanese electronics, Italian leather goods and more. Phillipsburg's Front Street and Back Street provide long stretches of amazing deals that are sure to grab your attention. The French side of the island main- tains its own unique identity. Diversity is a part of the daily fare at the Marigot seafront market: tropical fruits, spices, punches, fish, lobsters, handicrafts, souvenirs, and a mixture of odors and colors. Fine cuisine remains the flagship of St. Martin's culture. At the hands of great chefs the island's dining options have been rein- vented to reflect the island's hybrid nature. The St. Martin of days gone by, with its traditional and colorful huts, has transformed itself over the cen- turies into the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, offering charming bistros and fine restaurants. Orient Bay owes its fame to its beachside restaurants, a meeting place for the jet set and show business personalities, CARIBBEAN REGION AREA GUIDES Dinner is served, lobster fisherman Photo Credit: British Virgin Islands Office of tourism

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