SPECIAL EDITION CARIBBEAN A–Z
H is for Hiking Trails that cling to steep
hillsides, muddy paths through mountains and gravelly walks that fall away into sand: hiking trails reveal the Caribbean’s rugged side. Dominica has the region’s only long-distance hike – the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail, split into sections that visitors can tackle on day hikes – while Saint Lucia (pictured) has the Gros Piton trail, which ascends 800 metres in just three miles. Sutanya McKenzie, a guide at the
Gis for Golf Cricket may be the region’s sport of choice but
golf is the big draw for holidaymakers, with resorts featuring world-class courses and views good enough to make up for any bogeys. Carrier has added Apes Hill in Barbados to its portfolio, home to a par-71 course that recently hosted The Legends Tour led by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam. However, the Dominican Republic is number one on golfers’ wish lists, with the Teeth of the Dog course (pictured) – which is being updated and regrassed this year – offering the ultimate test of skill for would-be Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroys.
I is for Indigenous experiences Events and tours led by the Caribbean’s Indigenous
population – descendants of the Carib and Arawak tribes – can offer a new perspective. In Dominica, the Kalinago Territory is the only designated Indigenous area in the Caribbean, and local provider Kalinago Tours has day trips, craft sessions and homestays led by Kalinago people. In Puerto Rico, Taíno culture is experiencing a revival.
Norymar Maldonado, a guide at Soraya Tours, says: “Clients can enjoy the oldest and biggest Indigenous Ceremonial Park in the Caribbean, Tibes, in the northern part of Ponce. There is a museum filled with artefacts, plus a forest leading to a ceremonial site that dates from 300BC. Puerto Rico has other spaces and festivals that honour and preserve our Indigenous roots, such as the Jayuya Indigenous Festival, celebrated each November in the Central Mountain Range.”
Robert Birtel (pictured), golf director at Casa de
Campo Resort & Villas, says: “The Caribbean remains a top winter-sun destination for golfers seeking a few rounds in the sun. Punta Cana, where we are based, is a hotspot due to the outstanding courses. The highlight is Teeth of the Dog, the top-rated course in the Caribbean and one of three Pete Dye-designed championship courses at Casa. Excitement for the reopening is building and we’re seeing increased demand for winter 2025-26. This offers agents a fantastic opportunity to invite golf lovers to be among the first to play on the pristine new fairways.”
Soufriere Foundation, which promotes sustainable development in Saint Lucia, says: “Hiking Gros Piton is an incredible experience. It’s a tough climb up and down, but offers stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush landscape of Saint Lucia. The hike takes you through dense tropical forest and you’ll spot a variety of plants, endemic birds and other wildlife.”
J is for Jerk The Caribbean’s food scene differs with each
island, from Asian-influenced curries in Trinidad to Oistins Fish Fry that brings Barbados to life on Friday nights. Jerk, a Jamaican cooking technique, enjoys international renown. It uses a seasoning with aromatic allspice and spicy Scotch bonnet chillies plus smoky oil barrel barbecues to flavour meat, best enjoyed at street stalls and family restaurants. Don’t eat meat? No problem. To taste plant- based ital cuisine, a tenet of Rastafarianism, suggest Stush in the Bush, a farm-to-table experience bookable through operators such as Elegant Resorts, If Only and Azure. Clients tour a farm in Jamaica’s mountainous interior, discovering how crops are used for medicinal and culinary purposes, then sit down to a delicious vegan meal.
¯ 40 28 AUGUST 2025
travelweekly.co.uk
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PICTURES: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas; Jamaica Tourist Board; Puerto Rico Tourism Company
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