Top 5 Islands in The Caribbean for Destination Wedding
24 Jul
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If you're thinking of having your destination wedding in the Caribbean, you can't go wrong with any of the 5 islands listed below. The beautiful beaches with a sunny atmosphere, gorgeous backdrops and sand underneath your toes, what's not to love? Here's a list of top 5 islands in The Caribbean for Destination Wedding:
Antigua
Why: This idyllic island not only has a whopping 365 beautiful beaches, but it's also steeped in nautical history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Antigua was home to a huge British naval base and its harbor is still a popular yachting destination for the international jet-set. If you want to host your nuptials at a high-end all-inclusive resort, look no further -- many of the world's swankiest are here.
When to go: The high season runs from mid-December through April. After April, rates go down as much as 40 percent, but some places do close between August and October. The humidity and rainfall are low year-round, and hurricane season runs from June through November.
Guest activities: History buffs can tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park at historic English Harbor. Those up for some exercise can hike to the Megaliths of Greencastle Hill, with mysterious six-hundred-foot-high rock formations said to have been created by early inhabitants for better worshipping of the sun and moon. The uninhibited might want to hit the clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill. Even if you're camped at an all-inclusive, try to steal away for a few meals off property. Try some of the traditional West Indian dishes at the Home Restaurant in Gambles Terrace.
St Thomas
Why: Along with Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands may be one of the most hassle-free places to have a Caribbean destination wedding. There are lots of direct flights to St. Thomas (and St. John is a short ferry ride away), airfare is usually competitive, the US dollar is the official currency, and you should have great cell phone service. St. Thomas can sometimes feel a bit crowded, since it's a main stop on the itineraries of many cruise lines, and it's quite developed for the Caribbean. But it's nonetheless brimming over with natural beauty. St. John, while a bit harder to reach, is more rugged, unspoiled, and higher-end, with fewer big resorts.
When to go: Tourist season is at a high from mid-December through mid-April. Highs are in the mid-80s and lows are in the 70s year-round, though hurricane seasons runs from June through November.
Guest activities: In St. Thomas, visit the capital city of Charlotte Amalie to see historical sites such as For Christian, built in 1672, and for tons and tons of duty-free shopping. St. John is known for its plentiful and easily accessible snorkeling sites— especially Trunk Bay, which has underwater signs that identify the fish—as well as its national parks, which can be explored via one of the many hiking trails or by renting a jeep and driving through.
Anguilla
Why: Tiny Anguilla, just 16 miles long and three miles wide, is one of the most exclusive spots in the Caribbean, and it is peppered with upscale resorts, four-star restaurants, unspoiled scenery, and pristine white beaches (no cruise ships, high-rises, or casinos allowed). You won't get a direct flight from the States (you'll have to take a boat from St. Martin), but you and your guests will consider the destination well worth the extra travel time. As a bonus, native Anguillans are known for their hospitality, and the island is virtually crime-free.
When to go: While you should be aware of hurricane season, which runs from June through November, temperatures are perfectly pleasant (highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s) year-round.
Guest activities: Any Anguillan agenda should include swimming, snorkeling, and savoring the chance to wear shoes as infrequently as possible. Guests who are less beach-focused will enjoy exploring the island's archaeological and cultural sites, such as the Heritage Collection Museum in East End, and taking a guided bird-watching tour. The island is known for its delicious food (some of the best in the Caribbean) at both beach shacks and elegant restaurants such as Blanchard's, which may be its most famous. For first-rate nightlife, send guests to Elio's, a small but stylish Valley bar that offers a selection of high-end sipping rums and two hundred brands of cigars.
Turks & Caicos
Why: Less developed and more upscale than much of the Caribbean, this collection of 40 islands, eight of which are inhabited, has an intimate feel. Many of the islands are surrounded by a natural reef, making the turquoise waters just offshore clean, calm, and full of sea life. The islands are also relatively easy to reach, since you can fly direct from a number of US cities to Providenciales, the main island.
When to go: The climate is sunny and dry, with highs between 80 and 84 degrees from November to May. However, during the summer and early fall, daytime highs range from 85 to 90 degrees, sometimes reaching the mid-90s in late summer. Hurricane season also runs from June through November.
Guest activities: Snorkeling and scuba diving are great takes, since Turks and Caicos has some of the best underwater sightseeing around. Historic Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is also worth a visit for history buffs—some say it's the spot where Columbus first landed in 1492. Whale- and bird-watching are two other popular activities, and sunsets over Grace Bay are unforgettable.
The Bahamas
Why: This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste—enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a megaresort. Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. And since the Bahamas are just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests.
When to go: The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's best to avoid the area June through November.
Guest activities: Scuba dive around Andros Island (the third largest barrier reef in the world), stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of Nassau, and sip Goombay Smashes while snacking on conch fritters.
Antigua
Why: This idyllic island not only has a whopping 365 beautiful beaches, but it's also steeped in nautical history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Antigua was home to a huge British naval base and its harbor is still a popular yachting destination for the international jet-set. If you want to host your nuptials at a high-end all-inclusive resort, look no further -- many of the world's swankiest are here.
When to go: The high season runs from mid-December through April. After April, rates go down as much as 40 percent, but some places do close between August and October. The humidity and rainfall are low year-round, and hurricane season runs from June through November.
Guest activities: History buffs can tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park at historic English Harbor. Those up for some exercise can hike to the Megaliths of Greencastle Hill, with mysterious six-hundred-foot-high rock formations said to have been created by early inhabitants for better worshipping of the sun and moon. The uninhibited might want to hit the clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill. Even if you're camped at an all-inclusive, try to steal away for a few meals off property. Try some of the traditional West Indian dishes at the Home Restaurant in Gambles Terrace.
St Thomas
Why: Along with Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands may be one of the most hassle-free places to have a Caribbean destination wedding. There are lots of direct flights to St. Thomas (and St. John is a short ferry ride away), airfare is usually competitive, the US dollar is the official currency, and you should have great cell phone service. St. Thomas can sometimes feel a bit crowded, since it's a main stop on the itineraries of many cruise lines, and it's quite developed for the Caribbean. But it's nonetheless brimming over with natural beauty. St. John, while a bit harder to reach, is more rugged, unspoiled, and higher-end, with fewer big resorts.
When to go: Tourist season is at a high from mid-December through mid-April. Highs are in the mid-80s and lows are in the 70s year-round, though hurricane seasons runs from June through November.
Guest activities: In St. Thomas, visit the capital city of Charlotte Amalie to see historical sites such as For Christian, built in 1672, and for tons and tons of duty-free shopping. St. John is known for its plentiful and easily accessible snorkeling sites— especially Trunk Bay, which has underwater signs that identify the fish—as well as its national parks, which can be explored via one of the many hiking trails or by renting a jeep and driving through.
Anguilla
Why: Tiny Anguilla, just 16 miles long and three miles wide, is one of the most exclusive spots in the Caribbean, and it is peppered with upscale resorts, four-star restaurants, unspoiled scenery, and pristine white beaches (no cruise ships, high-rises, or casinos allowed). You won't get a direct flight from the States (you'll have to take a boat from St. Martin), but you and your guests will consider the destination well worth the extra travel time. As a bonus, native Anguillans are known for their hospitality, and the island is virtually crime-free.
When to go: While you should be aware of hurricane season, which runs from June through November, temperatures are perfectly pleasant (highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s) year-round.
Guest activities: Any Anguillan agenda should include swimming, snorkeling, and savoring the chance to wear shoes as infrequently as possible. Guests who are less beach-focused will enjoy exploring the island's archaeological and cultural sites, such as the Heritage Collection Museum in East End, and taking a guided bird-watching tour. The island is known for its delicious food (some of the best in the Caribbean) at both beach shacks and elegant restaurants such as Blanchard's, which may be its most famous. For first-rate nightlife, send guests to Elio's, a small but stylish Valley bar that offers a selection of high-end sipping rums and two hundred brands of cigars.
Turks & Caicos
Why: Less developed and more upscale than much of the Caribbean, this collection of 40 islands, eight of which are inhabited, has an intimate feel. Many of the islands are surrounded by a natural reef, making the turquoise waters just offshore clean, calm, and full of sea life. The islands are also relatively easy to reach, since you can fly direct from a number of US cities to Providenciales, the main island.
When to go: The climate is sunny and dry, with highs between 80 and 84 degrees from November to May. However, during the summer and early fall, daytime highs range from 85 to 90 degrees, sometimes reaching the mid-90s in late summer. Hurricane season also runs from June through November.
Guest activities: Snorkeling and scuba diving are great takes, since Turks and Caicos has some of the best underwater sightseeing around. Historic Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is also worth a visit for history buffs—some say it's the spot where Columbus first landed in 1492. Whale- and bird-watching are two other popular activities, and sunsets over Grace Bay are unforgettable.
The Bahamas
Why: This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste—enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a megaresort. Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. And since the Bahamas are just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests.
When to go: The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's best to avoid the area June through November.
Guest activities: Scuba dive around Andros Island (the third largest barrier reef in the world), stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of Nassau, and sip Goombay Smashes while snacking on conch fritters.